Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Nutrigenetics

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) arises as a result of genetic predisposition in the context of a disease-promoting environment. While several risk factors have been identified for CVD, such as elevated serum lipid levels and hypertension, most of the genes identified thus far do not appear to involve such ‘conventional’ risk factors. Moreover, the interactions between genes and environment, such as a diet high in certain fats, adds another level of complexity to CVD and renders identification of the underlying genetic factors even more difficult. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as the ω–6 and ω–3 fatty acids, which have multiple roles in membrane structure, lipid metabolism, blood clotting, blood pressure, and, in particular, inflammation, have been linked to the reduction in CVD. Linoleic (ω–6) and α-linolenic acid (ω–3) are essential fatty acids that can be converted into long-chain PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), respectively. These long-chain PUFAs are metabolized by enzymatically catalyzed systems via cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. The 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)/leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis pathway has been biochemically and genetically associated with CVD traits in mice and humans, particularly in the context of dietary AA and EPA/DHA. In this review, we summarize the biochemical metabolism of ω–3 and ω–6 PUFAs, evaluate the evidence for genetic and nutrigenetic contributions of 5-LO pathway genes to CVD, and discuss the potential of future studies that could identify other gene-dietary interactions between PUFAs and CVD traits.
Genome Sequence of the Cellulolytic Gliding Bacterium Cytophaga hutchinsonii

ABSTRACT The complete DNA sequence of the aerobic cellulolytic soil bacterium Cytophaga hutchinsonii, which belongs to the phylum Bacteroidetes, is presented. The genome consists of a single, circular, 4.43-Mb chromosome containing 3,790 open reading frames, 1,986 of which have been assigned a tentative function. Two of the most striking characteristics of C. hutchinsonii are its rapid gliding motility over surfaces and its contact-dependent digestion of crystalline cellulose. The mechanism of C. hutchinsonii motility is not known, but its genome contains homologs for each of the gld genes that are required for gliding of the distantly related bacteroidete Flavobacterium johnsoniae. Cytophaga-Flavobacterium gliding appears to be novel and does not involve well-studied motility organelles such as flagella or type IV pili. Many genes thought to encode proteins involved in cellulose utilization were identified. These include candidate endo-β-1,4-glucanases and β-glucosidases. Surprisingly, obvious homologs of known cellobiohydrolases were not detected. Since such enzymes are needed for efficient cellulose digestion by well-studied cellulolytic bacteria, C. hutchinsonii either has novel cellobiohydrolases or has an unusual method of cellulose utilization. Genes encoding proteins with cohesin domains, which are characteristic of cellulosomes, were absent, but many proteins predicted to be involved in polysaccharide utilization had putative D5 domains, which are thought to be involved in anchoring proteins to the cell surface.
Loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 10 and 17 in clinically localized prostate carcinoma

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at chromosomal loci has been associated with the presence of tumor suppressor genes at the deleted loci. Twenty‐six clinically localized, Stage B prostate carcinomas were analyzed for LOH on chromosomes 10 and 17 using microsatellite markers. Two of 26 carcinomas showed LOH on 17p while one showed LOH on 17q. Chromosome 10 showed a complex pattern of LOH with monosomy (1 case), LOH on 10p (1 case), proximal 10q (1 case) and distal 10q (2 cases). Overall 29% of informative cases showed LOH on chromosome 10. These results are consistent with the presence of a tumor suppressor for prostate cancer on 17p and multiple tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 10. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Appendiceal Abscess: Immediate Operation or Percutaneous Drainage?

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the optimal treatment for abscess complicating acute appendicitis. The objective of this study is to compare immediate appendectomy (IMM APP) versus expectant management (EXP MAN) including percutaneous drainage with or without interval appendectomy to treat periappendiceal abscess. One hundred four patients with acute appendicitis complicated by periappendiceal abscess were identified. We compared 36 patients who underwent IMM APP with 68 patients who underwent EXP MAN. Outcome measures included morbidity and length of hospital stay. The groups were similar with regard to age (30.6 ± 12.3 vs. 34.8 ± 13.5 years), gender (61% vs. 62% males), admission WBC count (17.5 ± 5.1 x 103 vs. 17.0 ± 4.8 x 103 cells/dL), and admission temperature (37.9 ± 1.2 vs. 37.8 ± 0.9°F). IMM APP patients had a higher rate of complications than EXP MAN patients at initial hospitalization (58% vs. 15%, P < 0.001) and for all hospitalizations (67% vs. 24%, P < 0.001). The IMM APP group also had a longer initial (14.8 ± 16.1 vs. 9.0 ± 4.8 days, P = 0.01) and overall hospital stay (15.3 ± 16.2 vs. 10.7 ± 5.4 days, P = 0.04). We conclude that percutaneous drainage and interval appendectomy is preferable to immediate appendectomy for treatment of appendiceal abscess because it leads to a lower complication rate and a shorter hospital stay.
Rationalisation d'un comportement problématique : théorie radicale de la dissonance cognitive versus théorie de la gestion des impressions

L'objectif de cette recherche est double : (1) tester l'hypothese du caractere alternatif du processus de rationalisation (cognitive versus en acte); (2) confronter des interpretations divergentes (gestion des impressions versus rationalisation) de l'effet de dissonance. Les resultats obtenus militent en faveur d'une interpretation de l'effet de dissonance en termes de rationalisation (i.e. processus de rationalisation en acte, prenant le pas, lorsque la rationalisation cognitive est inhibee) au detriment d'une interpretation en termes de gestion des impressions (i.e. negation de la propriete motivationnelle de l'etat de dissonance)
Menschenbilder und Verhaltensmodelle in der wissenschaftlichen Politikberatung: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen interdisziplinärer Verständigung

Empfohlene Zitierung / Suggested Citation: Bizer, K. , Führ, M. , & Feindt, P.-H. (2004). Menschenbilder und Verhaltensmodelle in der wissenschaftlichen Politikberatung: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen interdisziplinärer Verständigung. Darmstadt: Hochschule Darmstadt, FB Gesellschaftswissenschaften und Soziale Arbeit, Sonderforschungsgruppe Institutionenanalyse (sofia). https://nbnresolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-349715
INTRARENAL BLOOD FLOW DISTRIBUTION 159 into the left ventricle or root of the aorta

Distribution of cortical blood flow was measured in the dog by a technique based on radionuclide-labeled microspheres. Initially it was necessary to test possible pitfalls of this technique. Completeness of trapping in the kidney, the effect on renal function, and the notion that microsphere distribution reflects blood flow distribution in the kidney cortex were studied. Renal vein blood contained less than 0.2% of the microspheres (16.8^t diameter) found in the renal artery after an aortic injection. No impairment of CrAH (control 167 ± 4; postinjection 179 ± 31 ml/min), CIn (control 39.3 ± 6; postinjection 37.6 ± 2 ml/min), and Tm glucose (control 90.8 ± 13; postinjection 102 ± 24) was found using doses adequate to measure renal blood flow (5 mg/injection X 4 injections). After 4 injections of 50 mg each significant impairment of renal function was observed. Intrarenal blood flow distribution was determined during hemorrhagic hypotension. 3(Yb-labeled microspheres were injected into the root of the aorta before, and Sr-labeled microspheres after, acute hemorrhage. Radioactivity was measured in the outer two thirds and inner one third of kidney slices. Tissue blood flow was calculated and expressed as the ratio of outer cortex to inner cortex counts. Renal blood flow was redistributed to the inner cortex after hemorrhage (ratio before, 3.00; after 1.30, P<0.01). Finally, the results of this technique were compared to a widely used method of measuring intrarenal blood flow distribution, Xe washout. The first component of the washout technique correlated fairly well with total cortical flow but it was not possible to match the second component with any single anatomical area of the kidney. Limitations of the Xe washout are discussed.
Analysis of the Effect of Source Voltage Fluctuations on the Power Factor in Three-Phase Controlled Rectifiers

The effect of source voltage fluctuations on the harmonics and the power factor is analyzed for a six-pulse line-commutated converter. Exact expressions are derived for currents in the filter network and the ac supply lines as a function of the size of a series inductor in the LC type low-pass filter connected to a resistive load. The harmonics are calculated according to a method which is unorthodox in power engineering and which is based on the convolution theorem. Switching functions required for the discontinuous conduction mode are derived from time-domain analysis. The method is applicable to a wide class of switching networks.
Instructive or Constructive Teaching Approaches in the Economic Education

Even if the polarizing discussion about instructive and constructive teaching approaches is widely overcome, some misapprehensions still seem to distort the discourse. Thereby thesis, like the future of teaching would only lie in self-directed, process-oriented, casuistic and interdisciplinary learning (predominantly constructivist paradigms) and instructed, product-oriented, systematic and discipline-oriented instructive teaching and learning would be replaced, emerge. This absoluteness is challenged in this article. Possibly the trend towards "moderate constructivism" alludes to which one of both approaches will succeed in future. Though hands-on and self-directed learning in complex problem situations plays a central role in constructivist theories, because it opens ranges of options and contributes to a holistic understanding of coherences, this type of learning still requires a certain amount of instructed knowledge. Self-directed learning therefore excludes a completely independent process of content and goal setting by learners in order that education does not get lost in arbitrariness. Here, instruction is not understood as decided tutorial for teaching and learning, but teacher-conducted stimuli that are supposed to assist the formation of significant knowledge and the process of gaining competencies.
Political and social/emotional competencies: new standards of mediator practice and professional development

The task of mediating is complex. It demands of the practitioner: knowledge about people’s behaviour in emotionally driven conflict situations; specific competencies to manage power relationships; and attributes which are conducive to handling stressful situations. This paper reports the findings from a qualitative and quantitative doctoral study which explored the stressors facing 43 Australian professional mediators and how they cope with role pressure and strain. The intrapersonal and interpersonal coping strategies and the social/emotional competencies reported by the mediators are discussed, as is another unexpected factor which emerged: the need for political competence. Mediators must be ‘powerful’ in managing the use of power, in order to achieve ‘empowerment’ of the disputants. Yet, the expertise of the mediator is demonstrated obliquely, and the influence is subtle, not overt. The paper discusses the implications for the selection, training, development and ongoing support of mediators. It presents a model which draws on the empirical evidence gleaned from the research project and which is line with the new standards.
Antimicrobial Proteins and Peptides in Early Life: Ontogeny and Translational Opportunities

While developing adaptive immune responses, young infants are especially vulnerable to serious infections, including sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (APPs) are key effectors that function as broad-spectrum anti-infectives. This review seeks to summarize the clinically relevant functional qualities of APPs and the increasing clinical trial evidence for their use to combat serious infections in infancy. Levels of APPs are relatively low in early life, especially in infants born preterm or with low birth weight (LBW). There are several rationales for the potential clinical utility of APPs in the prevention and treatment of infections in infants: (a) APPs may be most helpful in those with reduced levels; (b) during sepsis microbial products signal via pattern recognition receptors causing potentially harmful inflammation that APPs may counteract; and (c) in the era of antibiotic resistance, development of new anti-infective strategies is essential. Evidence supports the potential clinical utility of exogenous APPs to reduce infection-related morbidity in infancy. Further studies should characterize the ontogeny of antimicrobial activity in mucosal and systemic compartments, and examine the efficacy of exogenous-APP formulations to inform translational development of APPs for infant groups.
The validity of the Stanford Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall in young adults.

PURPOSE To evaluate the criterion validity of the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall (7D-PAR) and factors associated with reporting error, in a sample of moderately overweight, young adult men and women. METHODS Average total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) from the 7D-PAR were compared with the same parameters assessed by doubly labeled water in 17 men, age = 23.9 +/- 3.8 yr, and 29 women, age = 23.3 +/- 4.6 yr, who volunteered to participate in a 16-month supervised aerobic exercise trial. PAEE was estimated from the 7D-PAR and from DLW [0.9 * TDEE -resting metabolic rate (RMR) (indirect calorimetry)]. In addition, peak oxygen uptake and percent body fat were obtained. RESULTS No significant differences in TDEE (kJ.d-1) were noted between the 7D-PAR (11825 +/- 1779) and DLW (11922 +/- 2516) for the complete sample (N = 46) or for men (7D-PAR = 13198 +/- 1638, DLW = 13885 +/- 2754) or women (7D-PAR = 11018 +/- 1323, DLW = 10771 +/- 1457. The mean PAEE from the 7D-PAR was not different from DLW in the total sample (7D-PAR = 3286 +/- 502, DLW = 3508 +/- 1863) as well as in men (7D-PAR = 3650 +/- 490, DLW = 3989 +/- 2461) and women (3073 +/- 377, DLW = 3223 +/- 1360). In a regression model, PAEE, peak oxygen uptake, gender and percent fat accounted for 86% of the reporting error in total daily energy expenditure when using the 7D-PAR. CONCLUSION The 7D-PAR provided a reasonable estimate of both the mean TDEE and PAEE in this sample; however, estimates of energy expenditure on an individual basis using the PAR were subject to considerable error.
Transcranial brain stimulation

Basic Aspects Basic Principles and Methodological Aspects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Yiftach Roth and Abraham Zangen Physiological Basis of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation John C. Rothwell, Martin Sommer, and Vincenzo Di Lazzaro Cellular and Network Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Insights from Animal Models and Brain Slice Marom Bikson, Davide Reato, and Asif Rahman Physiological Basis and Methodological Aspects of Transcranial Electric Stimulation (tDCS, tACS, and tRNS) Walter Paulus, Andrea Antal, and Michael A. Nitsche Biophysical Foundations of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Electric Stimulation: From Electromagnetic Fields to Neural Response Timothy A. Wagner and Pedro Cavaleiro Miranda Patterned Protocols of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Stefan Jun Groiss, Yoshikazu Ugawa, Walter Paulus, and Ying-Zu Huang Motor Cortical and Corticospinal Measures in Health and Disease Massimo Cincotta, Angelo Quartarone, and Giovanni Abbruzzese Neurophysiological (Mainly Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Techniques to Test Functional Neuroanatomy of Cortico-Cortical Connectivity Paolo M. Rossini and Michael Charles Ridding Understanding Homeostatic Metaplasticity Anke Karabanov, Ulf Ziemann, Joseph Classen, and Hartwig Roman Siebner Methodological Aspects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Neuroimaging Hanna Maki and Risto J. Ilmoniemi Biology Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Stimulation Luisella Bocchio-Chiavetto, James T.H. Teo, and Binith Cheeran Imaging-Brain Mapping Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Neuroimaging: Novel Ways of Assessing Causal Relationships in Brain Networks Jacinta O'Shea, Gregor Thut, and Sven Bestmann Perception and Cognition Transcranial Magnetic and Electric Stimulation in Perception and Cognition Research Carlo Miniussi, Geza Gergely Ambrus, Maria Concetta Pellicciari, Vincent Walsh, and Andrea Antal Therapeutic Applications Therapeutic Applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Neurology Anli Liu, Felipe Fregni, Friedhelm C. Hummel, and Alvaro Pascual-Leone Safety Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: With a Note on Regulatory Aspects Simone Rossi
Interactions Between Leptin and the Human Sympathetic Nervous System

Abstract—Results from animal experimentation suggest a 2-way interaction between leptin and the sympathetic nervous system, with leptin causing sympathetic activation and conversely, with the sympathetic system exercising regulatory feedback inhibition over leptin release. We have now tested this hypothesis in humans. In the absence of results from leptin infusions, to test for sympathetic stimulation of leptin release, we sought a quantitative naturalistic linkage of sympathetic activity with leptin plasma concentration across a broad range of leptin values in men of widely differing adiposity. Renal norepinephrine spillover was correlated with plasma leptin (r =0.628, P <0.01), but other measures of sympathoadrenal function did not. To test for sympathetic and adrenomedullary inhibition of leptin release, we studied clinical models of high sympathetic tone, heart failure, and essential hypertension, in which lowered plasma leptin levels might have been expected but were not found; a model of low sympathetic activity, pure autonomic failure, in which plasma leptin level was normal (6.1±1.2 vs 12.8±3.1 ng/mL in healthy subjects); and a clinical model of reduced epinephrine secretion, healthy aging, in which plasma leptin level again was normal (5.7±1.1 ng/mL vs 4.0±0.9 ng/mL in men >60 years and <35 years, respectively). Paradoxically, leptin concentration was elevated in heart failure, caused entirely by reduced renal clearance of leptin release, 142.0±30.5 mL/min, compared with 56.9±18.9 mL/min (P <0.05). These results provide some support for the view that leptin stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, at least for renal sympathetic outflow, but do not confirm the concept of regulatory feedback inhibition of leptin release by the sympathetic nervous system.
Evaluation of Outage Restricted Distributed MIMO Multi-Hop Networks by the Improved Approximative Power Allocation

The concept of Virtual Antenna Array (VAA) is a promising approach to apply MIMO concepts in relaying systems. In order to fulfill a given Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirement while reducing the power consumption of the entire system, efficient resource allocation strategies have to be developed. The optimum power allocation solution corresponds to a convex optimization problem. To achieve an analytical solution, the approximative approach IAPA (Improved Approximative Power Allocation) has been proposed by the author. Within this paper this closed-form solution is further analyzed and analytical expressions for the power allocation in case of symmetric relaying networks are derived. Thereby, an approach for analyzing and optimizing different multi-hop scenarios is developed.
Manometric tests of anorectal function in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE:Although tests of anorectal function are useful in the assessment of defecation disorders, there is inadequate and inconsistent information regarding normative data. Also, there are discrepancies in manometric techniques and data interpretation. Our aim was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of anorectal function in healthy adults.METHODS:We used a 6-mm diameter probe containing six radially arrayed microtransducers, and a 4-cm-long latex balloon for performing anorectal manometry in 45 healthy subjects who were controlled for gender and age. Sequentially, subjects were asked to squeeze, bear down, or blow up a party balloon. Subsequently, rectal sensation, rectal compliance, and rectoanal reflexes were assessed simultaneously by performing intermittent phasic balloon distentions. Additionally, balloon defecation, pudendal nerve latency, and saline continence tests were performed.RESULTS:In men, the anal sphincter was longer (p < 0.05) and squeeze sphincter pressure and squeeze duration were higher (p < 0.01), but resting sphincter pressure was similar to that in women. When bearing down, although not significant, the defecation index was higher in men. Distinct thresholds for rectal sensation were identified but there was no gender difference. Likewise, rectal compliance and balloon expulsion time were similar. However, during saline infusion, the onset of first leak and total volume retained were higher (p < 0.001) and pudendal nerve latency was shorter (p < 0.05) in men. Overall, parity or age did not influence anorectal function.CONCLUSIONS:This study represents the most comprehensive age- and gender-controlled assessment of anorectal function using solid state technology. Gender influences some parameters of anorectal function. Our results could serve as a valuable resource of normative data.
Avian influenza A virus subtype H5N2 in a red-lored Amazon parrot.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-month-old red-lored Amazon parrot (Amazona autumnalis autumnalis) was evaluated for severe lethargy. CLINICAL FINDINGS Avian influenza virus hemagglutinin subtype H5N2 with low pathogenicity was characterized by virus isolation, real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay, chicken intravenous pathogenicity index, and reference sera. The virus was also determined to be closely related to a virus lineage that had been reported only in Mexico and Central America. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The chick was admitted to the hospital and placed in quarantine. Supportive care treatment was administered. Although detection of H5 avian influenza virus in birds in the United States typically results in euthanasia of infected birds, an alternative strategy with strict quarantine measures and repeated diagnostic testing was used. The chick recovered from the initial clinical signs after 4 days and was released from quarantine 9 weeks after initial evaluation after 2 consecutive negative virus isolation and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of H5N2 avian influenza A virus isolated from a psittacine bird and represents the first introduction of this virus into the United States, most likely by illegal importation of psittacine birds. Avian influenza A virus should be considered as a differential diagnosis for clinical signs of gastrointestinal tract disease in psittacine birds, especially in birds with an unknown history of origin. Although infection with avian influenza virus subtype H5 is reportable, destruction of birds is not always required.