Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecballium Elaterium for Gastrointestinal Cancer

Dear EditorI read with great interest the article by Jafargholizadeh et al., (2016) for the possible cytotoxic effects of Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Richard fruit on gastric cancer cells due to its cucurbitacins. Although this toxicherb has been known since antiquity and was mentioned by ancient writers (as Hippocrates, Theophrastus Pliny,Dioscorides, Avicenna and others), Hippocrates was the first who suggested the administration of Ecballiumelaterium for the management of gastrointestinal cancer. Particularly, in the Book of Epidemics II, Hippocratesof Kos (c. 460 - c. 370 BC) wrote the following: “Ἀπό γαστρός ταραχῆς ἤ ἀπό βηχός καρκίνου γινομένου, τόστόμα πικραίνeται∙ διδόναι δέ πίνeιν ἐλατήριον δίς ἤ τρίς, ἤν μή ψιλός ᾖ” (If you develop cancer after a digestivedisorder or a cough, your mouth becomes bitter. The patient is given elaterium two or three times, unless thepatient is thin) (6,22). The administration of elaterium in this text was probably related to its laxative properties. Itis worth mentioning that the name Ecballium elaterium originates from the Greek words “ἐκβάλλω” (ekvallo)which means discharge and “ἐλατήριον” (elatirion) which means spring, because of a specific characteristic of theseeds of the plant, which are ejected like springs, even by the lightest touch of the surface of the fruit, when it is ripe.
Effects of the 1,4‐Dihydropyridine‐Sensitive L‐Type Calcium Channel Antagonist Nimodipine and Calcium Channel Activator Bay K 8644 on Local Cerebral Glucose Utilization in the Rat

The quantitative [14C]-2-deoxy-D-glucose autoradiographic method was used to compare the acute effects of the Ca2+ channel antagonist nimodipine (10 mg/kg) and the Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644 (1.25 mg/kg) on local cerebral glucose utilization of rat brain after single, intraperitoneal application. Nimodipine reduced glucose metabolism significantly in 23 of the 49 brain regions evaluated. Bay K 8644 decreased the local cerebral glucose utilization to an even greater extent in all regions studied. The anatomic localization of those regions with the largest decrease of glucose utilization was almost identical for both drugs (globus pallidus, hippocampus, geniculate body, substantia nigra, and entorhinal cortex). No increase in glucose metabolism was measured in any of the brain areas evaluated. (Stroke 1990;21(suppl 1V):IV-126-IV-129)
Low reproductive isolation and highly variable levels of gene flow reveal limited progress towards speciation between European river and brook lampreys

Ecologically based divergent selection is a factor that could drive reproductive isolation even in the presence of gene flow. Population pairs arrayed along a continuum of divergence provide a good opportunity to address this issue. Here, we used a combination of mating trials, experimental crosses and population genetic analyses to investigate the evolution of reproductive isolation between two closely related species of lampreys with distinct life histories. We used microsatellite markers to genotype over 1000 individuals of the migratory parasitic river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and freshwater‐resident nonparasitic brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) distributed in 10 sympatric and parapatric population pairs in France. Mating trials, parentage analyses and artificial fertilizations demonstrated a low level of reproductive isolation between species even though size‐assortative mating may contribute to isolation. Most parapatric population pairs were strongly differentiated due to the joint effects of geographic distance and barriers to migration. In contrast, we found variable levels of gene flow between sympatric populations ranging from panmixia to moderate differentiation, which indicates a gradient of divergence with some population pairs that may correspond to alternative morphs or ecotypes of a single species and others that remain partially isolated. Ecologically based divergent selection may explain these variable levels of divergence among sympatric population pairs, but incomplete genome swamping following secondary contact could have also played a role. Overall, this study illustrates how highly differentiated phenotypes can be maintained despite high levels of gene flow that limit the progress towards speciation.
Genetic analysis of a meningococcal population based on polymorphism of the pilA-pilB locus: a molecular approach for meningococcal epidemiology

The genetic relationships between 88 meningococcal strains were analyzed by using the polymorphism of the pilA gene and the multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. While a good agreement was observed, correlation with antigenic formula (serogroup, serotype, and serosubtype) was incomplete. The inadequacy of serological classification alone in outbreak surveillance may be overcome by DNA-based approaches.
Lack of association between 5HT2A receptor gene haplotype, bipolar disorder and its clinical subtypes in a West European sample

Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is a complex psychiatric disorder with a major genetic contribution. Abnormalities in serotonergic function have been implicated in its aetiology. The 5HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) gene is a strong candidate gene for involvement in BPAD, but previous association studies have reported conflicting results. These data are difficult to interpret because most negative results were obtained with small samples. The aim of this study was to test the association between the 5HT2AR gene and BPAD in a large West European sample. We studied the −1438G/A and the His452Tyr polymorphisms, for haplotype analysis to increase both informativity and the likelihood of detecting an association between BPAD and the 5HT2AR gene. We analysed the genotype, allele and haplotype distributions of two 5HT2AR gene variants in a population of 356 BPAD patients, which we compared with 208 healthy controls. We also carried out exploratory analysis in clinical subgroups of patients defined according to personal history of mood disorders, suicidal behaviour, comorbid psychiatric disorders and family history of affective disorders. We found no difference between BPAD patients and controls for allele, genotype and haplotype distributions. Exploratory analysis in subgroups of BPAD patients showed only a marginal difference in haplotype distribution between controls and BPAD patients with antidepressant‐induced mania (P = 0.018). This difference was not significant after correction for multiple testing. Our study suggests that the 5HT2AR gene is unlikely to be involved in genetic susceptibility to BPAD but should be further investigated in a pharmacogenetic study. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Large Swing, 40-Gb/s SiGe BiCMOS Driver With Adjustable Pre-Emphasis for Data Transmission Over 75  $\Omega$ Coaxial Cable

A fully differential 40-Gb/s cable driver with adjustable pre-emphasis is presented. The circuit is fabricated in a production 0.18 mum SiGe BiCMOS technology. A distributed limiting architecture is used for the driver employing high-speed HBTs in the lower voltage predriver, and a high-breakdown MOS-HV-HBT cascode, consisting of a 0.18 mum n-channel MOSFET and a high-voltage HBT (HV-HBT), for the high voltage output stages. The circuit delivers up to 3.6 V peak-to-peak per side into a 75 Omega load with variable pre-emphasis ranging from 0 to 400%. S-parameter measurements show 42 dB differential small-signal gain, a 3-dB bandwidth of 22 GHz, gain peaking control up to 25 dB at 20 GHz and input and output reflection coefficients better than -10 dB up to 40 GHz. Additional features of the driver include output amplitude control (from 1 Vpp to 3.6 Vpp per side), pulse-width control (35% to 65%) and an adjustable input dc level (1.1 V to 1.8 V) allowing the circuit to interface with a SiGe BiCMOS or MOS-CML SERDES. The transmitter is able to generate an eye opening at 38 Gb/s after 10 m of Belden 1694 A coaxial cable which introduces 22 dB of loss at 19 GHz. Measurement results also demonstrate that the transmitter IC operates as a standalone equalizer for 10-Gb/s data transmission over 40 m of Belden cable without the need for receiver equalization.
Detection of Static Air-Gap Eccentricity in Three Phase induction Motor by Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

This paper presents the effect of the static air-gap eccentricity on the performance of a three phase induction motor . The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach has been used to detect this fault . This technique depends upon the amplitude of the positive and negative harmonics of the frequency. Two motors of (2.2 Kw) have been used to achieve the actual fault and desirable data at no-load, half-load and full-load conditions. Motor Current Signature analysis (MCSA) based on stator current has been used to detect eccentricity fault. Feed forward neural network and error back propagation training algorithms are used to perform the motor fault detection. The inputs of artificial neural network are the amplitudes of the positive and negative harmonics and the speed, and the output is the type of fault. The training of neural network is achieved by data through the experiments test on healthy and faulty motor and the diagnostic system can discriminate between “healthy” and “faulty” machine.
Design of railway bogies in compliance with new EN 13749 European standard

As a consequence of the standardization process developing i n Europe, on April 2005 the new European standard EN 13749 was issued by the European standardization body CEN. The aim of the norm is to define the complete design pr ocess of new railway bogies . It includes design procedure s, assessment methods, verificat ion and manufacturing quality requirements. In the paper all the main aspects of the norm are described focusing the acceptance process of new railway bogies. The EN13749 norm codifies static and fatigue load assumptions, as well as calculations and test methods to verify the static and fatigue resistance of the bogie frames. An item not deepened in the norm is the methodology to eva luate the fatigue strength by means of calculations. In the paper fatigue analysis is investigate d comparing two different approaches (endurance limit and Goodman diagram) and different calculation methodologies . Finally, the procedure to validate the design process is described comparing the results of fatigue calculations and fatigue tests for a Hembot bogie.
The Relationship Between Sexual Satisfaction and Education Levels in Women

Objective: Mental health professionals believe sexual satisfaction is one of the most important factors affecting women wellbeing and quality of life. Family consistency and marriage durability are dominantly dependent upon sexual life satisfaction. Different factors may affect sexual interest. To investigate significant relationship between sexual satisfaction and educational levels in women. Material and Methods: subjects were 270 married women in the age range of 18-45 years old. Sexual satisfaction, sexual function indexes and demographic data have evaluated by formal known questioners: Sexual Satisfaction Scale for women (SSS-W) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Result: There was not a lineal relation between sexual satisfaction and formal education level in participant women. Under diploma and doctorate education groups have had more sexual dysfunction and lower sexual satisfaction in comparison to other groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Higher formal education level necessarily does not bring better sexual function or sexual life satisfaction.
Pathogenic role of the eight probably/possibly carcinogenic HPV types 26, 53, 66, 67, 68, 70, 73 and 82 in cervical cancer

Eight HPV types (HPV26, 53, 66, 67, 68, 70, 73 and 82) that are phylogenetically closely related to 12 WHO‐defined high‐risk (HR) HPV have been rarely but consistently identified as single HPV infections in about 3% of cervical cancer (CxCa) tissues. Due to lack of biological data, these types are referred to as probable/possible (p) HR‐HPV. To analyse their biological activity in direct comparison to HR‐HPV types, we selected 55 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) CxCa tissues harbouring single pHR‐HPV infections (2–13 cases per type) and 266 tissues harbouring single HR‐HPV (7–40 cases per type) from a worldwide, retrospective, cross‐sectional study. Single HPV infection was verified by two genotyping methods. Presence of type‐specific spliced E6*I mRNA transcripts and expression of cellular proteins indicative of HPV transformation were assessed in all cases. In 55 CxCa tissues with pHR‐HPV, E6*I mRNA expression was 100%; high p16INK4a, 98%; low pRb, 96%; low CyD1, 93%; and low p53, 84%. Compared to HPV16 tissues as a reference, individual frequencies of these five markers did not differ significantly, either for any of the eight pHR‐HPV and the 11 other HR types individually or for the groups of pHR and HR types without HPV16. We conclude that the eight pHR‐HPV types, when present as a single infection in CxCa, are biologically active and affect the same cellular pathways as any of the fully recognized carcinogenic HR‐HPV types. Therefore we have provided molecular evidence of carcinogenicity for types currently classified as probably/possibly carcinogenic. Although this evidence is crucial for HPV‐type carcinogenicity classification, per se it is not sufficient for inclusion of these HPV types into population‐wide primary and secondary prevention programmes. Such decisions have to include careful estimation of effectiveness and cost–benefit analyses. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
3D drop deformation and breakup in simple shear flow considering the effect of insoluble surfactant

We have developed a multi-phase SPH method to simulate arbitrary interfaces containing surface active agents (surfactants) that locally change the properties of the int erface, such the surface tension coefficient [1]. Our method incorpo rates the effects of surface diffusion, transport of surfactant from/to the bulk phase to/from the interface and diffusion in the bulk phase. Neglecting transport mechanisms, we use this method to study the impact of insoluble surfactants on drop deformati on and breakup in simple shear flow.
The in Vitro Effects of The Antimalarial Drug Primaquine, on The Activities of Some Enzymes in Human Erythrocyte Lyzates

The effect of primaquine on the enzymatic antioxidant defence mechanisms of erythrocytes were determined by measuring the activities of the below enzymes, before and after 30 minutes of incubation of hemolyzates with 1 mM primaquine at 37°C. Among the enzymes studied glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase seemed the most sensitive enzyme; 57 % and 78 % inhibition at zero (due to the binding of primaquine to NADP binding site) and 30 minutes of incubation (due to the reactive oxygen species), respectively. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase were less sensitive to primaquine-derived reactive oxygen species: 33, 11, and 0 % inhibition at the time zero and 39, 27, and 4 %, at the end of 30 minutes of incubation. Glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were resistant to primaquine- derived reactive oxygen species. The Primaquine-mediated toxicity, in vivo, due to the primaquine-NAD(P)H or/and primaquine-glucose-6-phosphate dehydroge- nase interaction, will cause damage and the degree of the damage will depend on: i. concentration of the drug, PQ; ii. incubation period and; iii. the type of the system affected. The study of the interaction of reactive oxygen species with these enzymes, will help to better understand the role of protective enzyme systems in erythrocytes to oxidative stress.
Nosocomial Bacteremia in Perspective: A Community-Wide Study

Abstract Prospective surveillance of 1,527 episodes of bacteremia in the four major hospitals serving a community of 300,000 revealed striking differences among the hospitals. The rate of community-acquired bacteremia ranged from 1.9 to 6.8 per 1000 discharges; the rate of nosocomial bacteremia ranged from 0.9 to 9.8 per 1000 discharges. Death rates attributed to nosocomial bacteremias varied among the hospitals by as much as 40-fold. Nosocomial bacteremias were less frequent at two community non-teaching hospitals than at two teaching hospitals. Although fewer blood cultures were obtained at the nonteaching hospitals, the ratio of blood cultures obtained to deaths attributed to bacteremic infection was highest at these hospitals, suggesting that physicians recognized the importance of obtaining blood cultures in critically ill patients. The potential usefulness of bacteremia surveillance is reviewed. It is suggested that hospitals serving a single community might constitute an appropriate unit for such surveillance [Infect Control 1981: 2(3):219-226. ]
Model Predictive Decoupled Active and Reactive Power Control for High-Power Grid-Connected Four-Level Diode-Clamped Inverters

In this paper, a model predictive scheme is proposed to control the grid-connected high-power four-level diode-clamped inverter. To predict the future behavior of active and reactive grid power values and dc link capacitor voltages, a discrete-time model of the inverter is developed in synchronous reference frame. The controller uses all the possible switching states of the inverter for the prediction and evaluates them using a cost function. The switching state, which minimizes the cost function, is then chosen and applied at the next sampling interval. The switching frequency minimization is also achieved by including an extra constraint in the cost function. A simplified extrapolation method with reduced computational burden is proposed to safeguard the semiconductor devices during the dynamic changes in reference power values. The performance of the proposed method is investigated with the perturbations in the grid filter and dc link parameters. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified through simulation and experimental results, showing good dynamic and steady-state performance.
Comparison of Farmed and Wild Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio ): Seasonal Variations in Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile

Yeganeh S. , Shabanpour B. , Hosseini H. , Imanpour M.R. , Shabani A. (2012): Comparison of farmed and wild common carp (Cyprinus carpio): Seasonal variations in chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Czech J. Food Sci., 30: 503–511. Chemical composition and fatty acid profile of fillets from farmed and wild common carp were assessed in the course of four seasons. Ten wild and ten0 farmed fish were collected in the middle month of each season (except summer due to unavailability of wild fish) during the year. Lipid and protein contents of the samples decreased from summer to spring (protein: 17.6 ± 0.3–15.9 ± 1.6; 18.2 ± 0.1–17.9 ± 1.4%, in the farmed and wild carp samples, lipid (5.1 ± 0.2–1.5 ± 0.5; 3.8 ± 0.6–2.8 ± 0.9%, respectively; p > 0.05), moisture content of both samples increased in this period (76.7 ± 1.4–81.4 ± 0.4, 75.5 ± 0.6–78.5 ± 0.2 in the farmed and wild carp, respectively). Protein content of wild carp fillet was higher (17.7 ± 0.8% protein vs. and 16.2 ± 1.2%) and moisture content was lower than those of the farmed counterparts (77.65 ± 0.6 vs. and 79.3 ± 0.1, p < 0.05). In all seasons, MUFA were higher than SFA and also the PUFA. In the wild carp fillet, PUFA was higher than SFA in winter and spring but in the farmed carp it was higher in all seasons except the spring. Palmitic, oleic, and DHA were the major SFA, MUFA, and PUFA in the wild carp fillet, respectively. In the farmed carp fillet, the major SFA and MUFA were similar to those in the wild one but linoleic acid was the major PUFA in all seasons. ω-3/ω-6 PUFA ratios in the wild carp fillet were higher than in the farmed counterparts.
Cell Metabolism of Acyclovir Phosphonate Derivatives and Antiherpesvirus Activity of their Combinations with α2‐Interferon

The combinational use of acyclovir (ACV) phosphonate esters and α2‐interferon was shown to produce a synergistic effect on inhibition of HSV‐1 replication in Vero cell cultures. Unlike other acyclovir phosphonate derivatives studied earlier, ACV H‐phosphonate is not an ACV prodrug. On penetrating into the cells, it may be directly converted into ACV monophosphate escaping dephosphonylation–phosphorylation steps.
Functional in Vitro Analysis of the ERO1 Protein and Protein-disulfide Isomerase Pathway*

Oxidative protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum is supported by efficient electron relays driven by enzymatic reactions centering on the ERO1-protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) pathway. A controlled in vitro oxygen consumption assay was carried out to analyze the ERO1-PDI reaction. The results showed the pH-dependent oxidation of PDI by ERO1α. Among several possible disulfide bonds regulating ERO1α activity, Cys94–Cys131 and Cys99–Cys104 disulfide bonds are dominant regulators by excluding the involvement of the Cys85–Cys391 disulfide in the regulation. The fine-tuned species specificity of the ERO1-PDI pathway was demonstrated by functional in vitro complementation assays using yeast and mammalian oxidoreductases. Finally, the results provide experimental evidence for the intramolecular electron transfer from the a domain to the a′ domain within PDI during its oxidation by ERO1α.
Block Regional Interpolation Scheme for k‐Space (BRISK): A Rapid Cardiac Imaging Technique

We introduce an acquisition method, “block regional interpolation scheme for k‐space” (BRISK), to reduce the acquisition time for cardiac imaging. The method exploits the high degree of correlation that exists between time‐resolved cardiac images. For representative k‐space data sets, Fourier analysis was applied along the cardiac phase dimension to reveal that different regions of k‐space can be effectively sampled at different rates. A reduced sampling strategy was implemented, and unsampled points were generated by Fourier interpolation. Time savings of up to 75% are quite feasible and 25% BRISK scans compare well with 100% scans. Simulations and acquisitions using a normal volunteer and patients are presented.
Long‐term cryopreserved amniocytes retain proliferative capacity and differentiate to ectodermal and mesodermal derivatives in vitro

Putative stem cells have recently been isolated from several extra‐embryonic tissues, including Wharton's Jelly and umbilical cord blood. Relevant studies have focused on primary cultures established from freshly isolated tissues. In this report, we examine the plasticity of 472 cells, a cryopreserved human amniocyte cell line originally isolated in 1974. Under conditions conducive for proliferation, the amniocytes displayed fibroblast‐like morphologies and expressed Oct4 and Rex1, genes associated with pluripotency. Perhaps indicative of inherent plasticity, 472 cells simultaneously expressed ectodermal β‐III‐tubulin and mesodermal fibronectin. When cultured under conditions that promote neural differentiation, the cells adopted neuronal morphologies and expressed neuronal genes, including Gap‐43, NF‐M, tau, and synaptophysin. Exposure to culture conditions that encourage osteogenic differentiation resulted in increased expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the deposition of mineralized matrix, established markers of bone cell differentiation. In sum, this population of human amniocytes appears to be multipotent, capable of in vitro differentiation to ectodermal and mesodermal cell types. Retention of this plasticity through decades of cryopreservation suggests that amniocytes might be candidates for future cell‐based therapies. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 1463–1472, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.