Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Norcantharidin, a clinical used chemotherapeutic agent, acts as a powerful inhibitor by interfering with fibrinogen–integrin αII bβ3 binding in human platelets

During platelet activation, fibrinogen binds to its specific platelet receptor, integrin αIIbβ3, thus completing the final common pathway for platelet aggregation. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a promising anticancer agent in China from medicinal insect blister beetle. In this study, we provided the evidence to demonstrate NCTD (0.1–1.0 μM) possesses very powerful antiplatelet activity in human platelets; nevertheless, it had no effects on surface P‐selectin expression and only slight inhibition on ATP‐release reaction in activated platelets. Moreover, NCTD markedly hindered integrin αIIbβ3 activation by interfering with the binding of FITC‐labelled PAC‐1. It also markedly reduced the number of adherent platelets and the single platelet spreading area on immobilized fibrinogen as well as clot retraction. Additionally, NCTD attenuated phosphorylation of proteins such as integrin β3, Src and FAK in platelets spreading on immobilized fibrinogen. These results indicate that NCTD restricts integrin αIIbβ3‐mediated outside‐in signalling in human platelets. Besides, NCTD substantially prolonged the closure time in human whole blood and increased the occlusion time of thrombotic platelet plug formation and prolonged the bleeding time in mice. In conclusion, NCTD has dual activities, it can be a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment, and the other side it possesses powerful antiplatelet activity for treating thromboembolic disorders.
Genetic Diversity and Demographic History of Cajanus spp. Illustrated from Genome-Wide SNPs

Understanding genetic structure of Cajanus spp. is essential for achieving genetic improvement by quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping or association studies and use of selected markers through genomic assisted breeding and genomic selection. After developing a comprehensive set of 1,616 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and their conversion into cost effective KASPar assays for pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), we studied levels of genetic variability both within and between diverse set of Cajanus lines including 56 breeding lines, 21 landraces and 107 accessions from 18 wild species. These results revealed a high frequency of polymorphic SNPs and relatively high level of cross-species transferability. Indeed, 75.8% of successful SNP assays revealed polymorphism, and more than 95% of these assays could be successfully transferred to related wild species. To show regional patterns of variation, we used STRUCTURE and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) to partition variance among hierarchical sets of landraces and wild species at either the continental scale or within India. STRUCTURE separated most of the domesticated germplasm from wild ecotypes, and separates Australian and Asian wild species as has been found previously. Among Indian regions and states within regions, we found 36% of the variation between regions, and 64% within landraces or wilds within states. The highest level of polymorphism in wild relatives and landraces was found in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh provinces of India representing the centre of origin and domestication of pigeonpea respectively.
Clostridium difficile toxin B induces autophagic cell death in colonocytes

Toxin B (TcdB) is a major pathogenic factor of Clostridum difficile. However, the mechanism by which TcdB exerts its cytotoxic action in host cells is still not completely known. Herein, we report for the first time that TcdB induced autophagic cell death in cultured human colonocytes. The induction of autophagy was demonstrated by the increased levels of LC3‐II, formation of LC3+ autophagosomes, accumulation of acidic vesicular organelles and reduced levels of the autophagic substrate p62/SQSTM1. TcdB‐induced autophagy was also accompanied by the repression of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 activity. Functionally, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by wortmannin or chloroquine or knockdown of autophagy‐related genes Beclin 1, Atg5 and Atg7 attenuated TcdB‐induced cell death in colonocytes. Genetic ablation of Atg5, a gene required for autophagosome formation, also mitigated the cytotoxic effect of TcdB. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that autophagy serves as a pro‐death mechanism mediating the cytotoxic action of TcdB in colonocytes. This discovery suggested that blockade of autophagy might be a novel therapeutic strategy for C. difficile infection.
Response Time Adjustment in the Stop Signal Task: Development in Children and Adolescents.

Adjusting speed to maintain fast and accurate performance is critical to goal-directed behavior. This study examined development of response time adjustments in the stop signal task in 13,709 individuals aged 6-17 years (49.0% Caucasian) across four trial types: correct and incorrect go, successful (stop-inhibit), and failed (stop-respond) trials. People sped more after correct than incorrect go responses and slowed more after failed than successful stop trials. Greater slowing after stop-respond but less slowing after stop-inhibit trials was associated with better response inhibition. Response time adjustments were evident in children as young as age 6, developed throughout childhood, and plateaued by age 10. Results were consistent with the predictions of the error detection and shifting goal priority hypotheses for adjustments.
Assessment of the diet quality of US adults in the Lower Mississippi Delta.

BACKGROUND The Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) is a region at high risk of nutritionally related diseases. Assessing LMD diet quality is important in policy making, monitoring service outcomes, and designing sustainable research interventions. OBJECTIVE The purpose was to assess the diet quality of LMD adults by using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to 1) identify potential and needed interventions, 2) determine population subgroups needing special attention, and 3) compare regional intakes with national intakes. DESIGN Data were obtained from a representative cross-sectional telephone survey (n = 1699), Foods of our Delta Study 2000, by using the US Department of Agriculture's multiple-pass 24-h recall methodology and random-digital-assisted dialing with selection of one adult per household. The diet quality of LMD adults was compared with that of white and African American adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2000. RESULTS Age, race, and income of LMD adults affected overall diet quality. African Americans had lower grain, vegetable, milk, and variety scores than did whites. The consumption of grains and vegetables was associated with lower odds ratios for being overweight. The LMD adults had a lower HEI score than did the adults in NHANES 1999-2000 (60.1 compared with 63.4), and more LMD adults ate a poor diet (24.8% compared with 18.3%). CONCLUSION Low-income and young-adult households in the LMD are in need of nutrition interventions with an emphasis on increasing grain, fruit, and vegetable intakes. Because socioeconomic factors affect diet quality, a multimodal, longitudinal approach appears needed to improve nutritional health.
Study of Molecular Dynamics , NBO and QTAIM for inhibitors of ALK-5

Introduction: TGF-β Receptor Type 1 (TGF-β1), also known as activin kinase type 5 (ALK-5), is a biological target related to some types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Inhibition of this target is a strategy that has been studied as a way to treat cancer. In this way, the objective of this work is to use computational chemistry to evaluate the main interactions that occur between the main residues in the active site of ALK-5 (Tyr249, His283 and one structural water) and two inhibitors of this receptor [1, 2]. Materials and methods: To evaluate the interactions between the two molecules and the ALK-5 target, the following methodologies were used: molecular docking (GOLD 5.2), molecular dynamics (70 ns, force field ff99SB, AMBER12), QM/MM (ONIOM, B3LYP/cc-PVDZ:UFF, Gaussian 09), analysis of natural bond orbitals (NBO, B3LYP/cc-PVDZ, Gaussian 09) and topological analysis of electronic density of interactions by quantum theory atom in molecules (QTAIM) [3]. Results and discussion: Figure 1 shows the results obtained from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
1-24-2008 Cost-Effective Content Creation with Variabilization

Traditional intelligent tutoring systems have been successful at fostering learning, but very few systems have been built due to the high cost of creation. It has been reported that it takes between 100 to 1000 hours to produce a single hour of tutoring content. Our previous research reported a reduction in the cost of authoring content through the use of pseudo-tutors, constructs that mimic cognitive tutors but are limited in scope to a single problem. Although the extreme reduction in complexity allowed teachers with no background in intelligent tutoring systems to build effective tutoring content, building multiple questions within a particular skill set required significant repetition of content. In the current work, we add some complexity back into the system by allowing teachers to generalize pseudo-tutors through the use of variables that can alter the contextual and numerical data used in the problem. We report evidence that variabilization reduces the cost of authoring similar skill problems by a factor of two. Further, this factor increases linearly with the number of instances of the problem created. We also suggest that the additional complexity is not a hindrance to teachers adopting the system and some repetition of tutoring content is acceptable to students.
Effect of Surface Roughness on Wind Turbine Performance

Wind farm operators observe production deficits as machines age. Quantifying deterioration on individual components is difficult, but one potential explanation is accumulation of blade surface roughness. Historically, wind turbine airfoils were designed for lift to be insensitive to roughness by simulating roughness with trip strips. However, roughness was still shown to negatively affect performance. Furthermore, experiments illustrated distributed roughness is not properly simulated by trip strips. To understand how real-world roughness affects performance, field measurements of turbine-blade roughness were made and simulated on a NACA 633-418 airfoil in a wind tunnel. Insect roughness and paint chips were characterized and recreated as distributed roughness and a forward-facing step. Distributed roughness was tested in three heights and five density configurations. The model chord Reynolds number was varied between 0.8 to 4.8 10. Measurements of lift, drag, pitching moment, and boundary-layer transition were completed. Results indicate minimal effect from paint-chip roughness. As distributed roughness height and density increase, lift-curve slope, maximum lift, and lift-to-drag ratio decrease. As Reynolds number increases, bypass transition occurs earlier. The critical roughness Reynolds number varies between *The work described in this report was performed for Sandia National Laboratories under Contract No. 1209202
Pilates for low back pain

Study Design. Systematic review. Objective. To determine the effects of the Pilates method for patients with nonspecific acute, subacute, or chronic low back pain. Summary of Background Data. The Pilates method is one of the most common forms of intervention based on exercise used for treating patients with low back pain. However, its effectiveness is not well established. Methods. We conducted searches on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus up to March 2014. We included randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of Pilates in patients with acute, subacute, or chronic nonspecific low back pain. The outcomes evaluated were pain, disability, function, and global impression of recovery. Two independent reviewers screened for potentially eligible studies, assessed risk of bias, and extracted the data. We evaluated the overall quality of evidence using the GRADE approach and treatment effect sizes were described using mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Results. Searches retrieved 126 trials, of which 10 were included in the review (n = 510 participants). Seven studies were considered to have low risk of bias, and three were considered at high risk of bias. When compared to minimal intervention, Pilates reduces pain at short and intermediate term with low- to moderate-quality evidence and medium effect sizes. For disability, there is also a significant difference in favor to Pilates with low- to moderate-quality evidence and small effect size for short term and medium effect size for intermediate term compared with minimal intervention. It is unclear whether Pilates is better than other exercises for short-term pain, but there is low-quality evidence that Pilates reduces pain at intermediate term. For disability, there is moderate-quality evidence that there is no significant difference between Pilates and other exercises in either the short term or the intermediate term. Conclusion. There is low- to moderate-quality evidence that Pilates is more effective than minimal intervention with most of the effect sizes being considered medium. However, there is no conclusive evidence that Pilates is superior to other forms of exercises. Level of Evidence: 1
The saponin DT-13 Attenuates Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-induced Vascular Inflammation Associated with Src/NF-кB/MAPK Pathway Modulation

This study aimed to explore the effect of DT-13 (25(R,S)-ruscogenin- 1-O- [β-d-glucopyranosyl- (1→2)][β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β -d- fucopyranoside) on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced vascular inflammation and the potential molecular mechanisms. In vitro, DT-13 suppressed TNF-α-induced adhesion and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by inhibiting the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). DT-13 markedly suppressed NF-кB p65 phosphorylation, and when NF-кB p65 was over-expressed, the inhibitory effect of DT-13 on adhesion molecular decreased. DT-13 also suppressed TNF-α induced luciferase activities of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 promoter containing NF-κB binding sites. Furthermore, DT-13 markedly suppressed p38 phosphorylation and Src degradation induced by TNF-α, whereas had no significant effect on ERK and JNK activation. In vivo, DT-13 at 4 mg/kg prevented vascular inflammation and the expression of adhesion molecules induced by TNF-α in mice. These findings suggest that DT-13 abrogates vascular inflammation by down-regulating adhesion molecules associated with modulating the NF-кB, p38MAPK, Src signaling pathways, and NF-κB binding site is at least one of the targets of DT-13. This study provides novel information regarding the mechanism by which DT-13 exerts its effects on vascular inflammation, which is important for the onset and progression of various diseases.
Expenditure Patterns Post-Welfare Reform in the UK: are Low-Income Families Starting to Catch Up?

In this paper we provide evidence on how the UK government's welfare reforms since 1998 have affected the material well-being of children in low-income families. We examine changes in expenditure patterns and ownership of durable goods for low- and higher-income families between the pre-reform period (1995-1998) and the post-reform period (2000-2003), using data from the Family Expenditure Survey. The methodological approach is a difference-in-difference-in-difference analysis that exploits the fact that age variation in the reforms favoured low-income families over higher-income ones and families with children age under 11 over those with older children. We find that low-income families with children are catching up to more affluent families, in their expenditures and their possession of durable goods. Moreover, expenditures on child-related items are increasing faster than expenditures on other items.
Pharamcognostic evaluation of Acorus calamus L.

Abstract Introduction:Acorus calamus L. is a semi aquatic medicinal plant, commonly used in traditional medicinal systems of Asian and European countries. Rhizomes are used as therapeutic agent for various diseases. The present study focuses on pharmacognostic evaluation of the rhizomes. Methods: Pharmacognostic evaluation was carried out by organoleptic evaluation, anatomical studies, powder microscopic analysis and ash valve studies. Results and Conclusions: Organoleptic studies showed presence of characteristic triangular leaf scars and the anatomical studies showed the presence of aerenchyma and amphivasal vascular bundles. Presence of tannins was also observed
Effects of 3 diets with various calcium contents on 24-h energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and adipose tissue message RNA expression of lipid metabolism-related proteins.

BACKGROUND Evidence from molecular and animal research and epidemiologic investigations indicates that calcium intake may be inversely related to body weight, possibly through alterations in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] metabolism. OBJECTIVE We tested whether energy and substrate metabolism and adipose tissue enzyme messenger RNA (mRNA) expression can be altered by dietary calcium intake in healthy, nonobese, human volunteers consuming an isocaloric diet. DESIGN Twelve healthy men [age: 28 +/- 2 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)): 25.2 +/- 06] received 3 isocaloric diets [high calcium (1259 +/- 9 mg/d), high dairy (high/high); high calcium (1259 +/- 9 mg/d), low dairy (high/low); and low calcium (349 +/- 8 mg/d), low dairy (low/low)] in a randomized crossover design. At the end of the 7-d dietary periods, 24-h energy expenditure and substrate metabolism were measured, and fat biopsy specimens were obtained to determine mRNA expression in genes involved in the lipolytic and lipogenic pathways. RESULTS The 24-h energy expenditure was 11.8 +/- 0.3, 11.6 +/- 0.3, and 11.7 +/- 0.3 MJ/24 h in the high/high, high/low, and low/low conditions, respectively. Fat oxidation in these conditions was 108 +/- 7, 105 +/- 9, and 100 +/- 6 g/24 h. These differences were not statistically significant. mRNA concentrations of UCP2, FAS, GPDH2, HSL, and PPARG did not differ significantly. Serum 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentrations changed from 175 +/- 16 to 138 +/- 15, 181 +/- 23 to 159 +/- 19, and 164 +/- 13 to 198 +/- 19 pmol/L in the high/high, high/low, and low/low conditions, respectively, and was significantly different between the high/high and low/low conditions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Altering the dietary calcium content for 7 d does not influence substrate metabolism, energy metabolism, or gene expression in proteins related to fat metabolism, despite significant changes in 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentrations.
An estimation of selenium requirements for New Zealanders.

BACKGROUND Current US dietary recommendations for selenium are based on maximization of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity according to data from one study of Chinese men. OBJECTIVE The effect of various amounts of supplemental selenium on GSHPx activities in blood of New Zealand adults was investigated to calculate a selenium requirement for New Zealanders. The effect on plasma selenoprotein P and thyroid hormones was also investigated. DESIGN Fifty-two adults with low blood selenium concentrations ingested a placebo or 10, 20, 30, or 40 microgram Se as L-selenomethionine daily for 20 wk. RESULTS Plasma and whole-blood GSHPx activities increased in all supplemented groups but reached a plateau only in the group receiving 40 microgram Se, as determined by statistical analysis. Increases in selenoprotein P were greater than those for selenium and GSHPx at all supplement intakes. Thyroxine concentrations decreased in supplemented groups but the decrease was significantly different from that in the control group only for the 10-microgram group and for all supplemented groups combined. CONCLUSIONS An upper estimated requirement of 90 microgram Se/d was calculated as the intake necessary for maximization of plasma GSHPx activity, as used in the derivation of the US recommended daily allowance. Our lower estimated requirement of 39 microgram Se/d was the intake necessary to reach two-thirds of maximal GSHPx activity, as was used in calculating the World Health Organization normative requirement. The lower estimate is a realistic goal for New Zealand but the upper estimate could be achieved only with regular inclusion of high-selenium foods.
The Reserpine Production and Callus Growth of Indian Snake Root ( Rauvolfia serpentina ( L . ) Benth . Ex Kurz ) Culture

The objectives of this research were to study the effects of Cu addition on the reserpine production and callus growth from in vitro culture indian snake root (Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. Ex Kurz). This research frame work was based on the potency of snake root which was many exploited as anti-hypertension. The addition of elicitor Cu in the form of CuCl2 would influence the ion transport of cell and changed of cytoplasm pH, and also has effects on synthesis and activity of enzymes which role in reserpine production and callus growth. The research was conducted in two steps, using Completely Randomized Design. The first step was the callus initiation to promote callus growth. Second step was the treatment to induce reserpine production. The callus was divided into five groups: 0; 5; 10; 20; 40; and 80 μM. Morphology, wet weight, dry weight, growth rate, and reserpine content of callus were determined after 15 treatment day. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and continued by DMRT 5%. The result showed that reserpine production increased in addition of 5 μM and 10 μM Cu in callus culture of R. serpentina and reduced in addition of Cu more than 10 μM. The callus growth significantly decreased by increasing concentration of Cu. © 2008 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS Surakarta
Direct Familiarity Does Not Alter Mating Preference for Sisters in Male Pelvicachromis taeniatus (Cichlidae)

In social species, individuals who grew up together are usually relatives. Therefore, direct familiarity is normally a reliable kin recognition mechanism that is used in many species to discriminate kin from non-kin. It has been shown in animals and in humans that familiar individuals are rejected as mating partners in order to circumvent potential costs of inbreeding. Here, we tested whether direct familiarity also leads to inbreeding avoidance behaviour in male Pelvicachromis taeniatus, a small socially monogamous cichlid with biparental brood care. In mate choice experiments, reproductively active males were given the choice between familiar sisters and unfamiliar, unrelated females. In a previous study, both sexes of P. taeniatus had preferred unfamiliar full-sibs over unfamiliar unrelated individuals as mating partners. Here, we show that direct familiarity does not alter the male preference for closely related females. This result is in accordance with theoretical predictions, that inbreeding can be advantageous under certain conditions, and confirms previous findings, that active inbreeding is an adaptive strategy in P. taeniatus.