Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strain Differences in the Dose-Response Curves of Adrenalectomized, Starved-Refed Rats to Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 1

Abstract The effects of adrenalectomy and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) doses (0, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg/day ip) on hepatic enzyme activity and lipid content and on the amount of epididymal fat pad lipid were studied in starved-refed BHE and Sprague-Dawley rats. BHE rats had significantly greater relative liver size, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and malic enzyme (ME) activities, and percentage liver lipid but less epididymal fat pad lipid than Sprague-Dawley rats. Adrenalectomized (ADX) rats consumed significantly less food, gained less weight per day, and had less lipid in their livers and fat pads than intact rats. As the level of DHEA increased from 0 to 240 mg/kg/day there was a significant linear decrease in average daily weight gain, food intake, G6PD activity, and percentage liver lipid. At the 15 mg/kg/day dose, G6PD activity was significantly reduced without reductions in the other parameters measured. At the 120 mg/kg/day dose, however, weight gain, food intake, G6PD activity, and percentage liver lipid were significantly lower than that of the controls. At this dose DHEA treatment reduced food intake by 17% whereas it diminished average daily weight gain and G6PD activity by 30 and 56%, respectively. The 240 mg/kg/day dose of DHEA significantly reduced food intake, weight gain, liver lipid, G6PD activity, and ME activity. Intact and ADX BHE rats reduced their G6PD activity and liver lipid more rapidly than Sprague-Dawley rats as the level of DHEA administered increased. ADX Sprague-Dawley rats receiving DHEA had greater liver lipid content and enzyme activity than their intact counterparts whereas the reverse situation was true in BHE rats. These data indicate that the effect of DHEA on body weight gain, food intake, and hepatic and peripheral adiposity are dependent on the strain of rat, the adrenal status, and the DHEA dose.
Association of polymorphism in the alpha-1-antitrypsin gene with milk production traits in Holstein dairy cows

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) as a strong protease inhibitor plays a major role in the protection of tissues against proteolytic destruction by neutrophil elastase. Existence of this protein in the mammary gland may increase the survival of milk proteins such as lactoferrin and lysozyme. The biological role of A1AT in tissues such as the mammary gland and results from previous quantitative trait loci (QTL) studies have provoked an investigation of A1AT as a candidate gene influencing milk production traits. The present study assessed the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 5504 of the A1AT gene with 305-day milk yield, milk fat and protein percentage and somatic cell score (SCS) in 408 Iranian Holstein cows. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used for genotyping. The effect of the genotype on the traits of interest was analysed using the general linear models (GLM) procedure of SAS software. The frequencies of alleles A and B were 0.633 and 0.367, respectively, and genotypes showed a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which can be a result of selection for milk production traits. Results of association analysis showed a significant relationship between the SNP in the A1AT gene, and fat and protein percentage. Cows of genotype AB had higher milk fat percentage than those of genotype AA. Cows with genotype AA showed a lower milk protein percentage than those carrying genotype AB. When the association of this polymorphism with fat and protein percentage is considered, the SNP could be implemented as a marker in breeding programmes for these traits. Keywords : A1AT gene; candidate gene; mammary gland; PCR-RFLP
Planar Integrated Waveguide Diplexer for Low-Loss Millimeter-Wave Applications

Low-loss H-plane waveguide filters for planar integrated assemblies are described showing high attenuation near the pass-band due to a special modification of the outer inverter circuits. The outer irises are replaced by short-circuited T-junctions resulting in at least one pole above or below the pass-band. Such filters favorably can be combined to low-loss diplexer circuits for mm-wave applications. Examples of a single filter as well as of diplexers in the 28 GHz and 38 GHz frequency range are given.
Investigation of heavy metal effects on immobilized paraoxanase by glutaraldehyde

Serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) was purified from bovine serum using hydrophobic interaction chromotography on Sepharose 4B-coupled l-tyrosine 1-naphthylamine gel, and monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Paraoxonase enzyme was immobilized using different ratios of glutaraldehyde and the maximum activity was observed with 7% glutaraldehyde. The effects of inhibition by Mn+2, Co+2 and Cu+2 heavy metals on the immobilized and free enzyme activities were studied. At the optimum pH and temperature, the Km and Vmax kinetic values for bovine serum paraoxonase and immobilized paraoxonase towards paraoxon substrate were determined as 0.296 × 10−3 M & 37.04 EU vs. 0.727–10−3 M & 36.36 EU, respectively.
Fulminant metanephric apoptosis and abnormal kidney development in bcl-2-deficient mice.

Apoptosis of the developing metanephric kidney plays an important role in renal organogenesis. The bcl-2 is an oncogene that inhibits apoptotic cell death in a variety of settings. The bcl-2 (-/-) mice complete embryonic development but, in contrast to bcl-2 (+/-) and bcl-2 (+/+) littermates, manifest growth retardation, hypopigmentation of hair, lymphoid apoptosis, abnormal kidney morphology, and renal failure postnatally. To provide insight into the mechanism for the latter abnormalities, we examined metanephric kidneys from bcl-2 (-/-), bcl-2 (+/-), and bcl-2 (+/+) mice, as well as embryonic day 12 (E12) mouse embryos, and compared growth and development of metanephroi in vitro. Kidneys from bcl-2 (+/-) mice developed normally. In contrast, development of kidneys from bcl-2 (-/-) mice was abnormal as reflected by a marked reduction of renal size in newborns compared with kidneys of bcl-2 (+/-) littermates. In addition, kidneys from bcl-2 (-/-) mice contained far fewer nephrons and had smaller nephrogenic zones. Although metanephroi obtained from E12 bcl-2 (+/-) and bcl-2 (-/-) mouse embryos were comparable in size, apoptosis of cells within metanephric blastemas of metanephroi from E12 bcl-2 (-/-) embryos was strikingly enhanced compared with that in blastemas of metanephroi from bcl-2 (+/-) embryos. During 3 days in culture, growth and development of metanephroi from bcl-2 (-/-) embryos were visibly reduced compared with those from bcl-2 (+/-) embryos. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Translational neuropharmacology: the use of human isolated gastrointestinal tissues

Translational sciences increasingly emphasize the measurement of functions in native human tissues. However, such studies must confront variations in patient age, gender, genetic background and disease. Here, these are discussed with reference to neuromuscular and neurosecretory functions of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Tissues are obtained after informed consent, in collaboration with surgeons (surgical techniques help minimize variables) and pathologists. Given the difficulties of directly recording from human myenteric neurones (embedded between muscle layers), enteric motor nerve functions are studied by measuring muscle contractions/relaxations evoked by electrical stimulation of intrinsic nerves; responses are regionally dependent, often involving cholinergic and nitrergic phenotypes. Enteric sensory functions can be studied by evoking the peristaltic reflex, involving enteric sensory and motor nerves, but this has rarely been achieved. As submucosal neurones are more accessible (after removing the mucosa), direct neuronal recordings are possible. Neurosecretory functions are studied by measuring changes in short‐circuit current across the mucosa. For all experiments, basic questions must be addressed. Because tissues are from patients, what are the controls and the influence of disease? How long does it take before function fully recovers? What is the impact of age‐ and gender‐related differences? What is the optimal sample size? Addressing these and other questions minimizes variability and raises the scientific credibility of human tissue research. Such studies also reduce animal use. Further, the many differences between animal and human GI functions also means that human tissue research must question the ethical validity of using strains of animals with unproved translational significance.
Magnetic resonance imaging-documented extravasation as an indicator of acute hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECT The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-documented extravasation as an indicator of continued hemorrhage in patients with acute hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS The authors studied 108 patients with acute hyperintensive ICH. Imaging modalities included noncontrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scanning, gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging, and conventional cerebral angiography obtained within 6 hours after the onset of hemorrhage. A repeated CT scan was obtained within 48 hours to evaluate enlargement of the hematoma. Findings on MR imaging indicating extravasation, including any high-intensity signals on T1-weighted postcontrast images, were observed in 39 patients, and 17 of these also showed evidence of extravasation on cerebral angiography. The presence of extravasation on MR imaging was closely correlated with evidence of hematoma enlargement on follow-up CT scans (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Evidence of extravasation documented on MR imaging indicates persistent hemorrhage and correlates with enlargement of the hematoma.
Barrierefreiheit betriebswirtschaftlicher Anwendungen - Diskussion spezieller Anforderungen und Lösungsansätze

Die Barrierefreiheit betriebswirtschaftlicher Software ist in vielen Berufsfeldern eine zentrale Voraussetzung für die erfolgreiche Integration behinderter Menschen in den ersten Arbeitsmarkt. Hinsichtlich der barrierefreien Gestaltung von Web-Seiten gibt es bereits eine Reihe etablierter Richtlinien, die für das Design herangezogen werden können. Allerdings unterscheiden sich betriebswirtschaftliche Anwendungen in Bezug auf Nutzungsintensität, Komplexität der Inhalte und Interaktivität stark von eher statischen Web-Seiten. Aus diesen Besonderheiten ergeben sich in Bezug auf Barrierefreiheit weitere Anforderungen, die zum Teil in den gängigen Richtlinien noch nicht vollständig adressiert sind. Wir wollen am Beispiel einer Webbasierten Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Anwendung spezielle Probleme und gewählte Lösungsansätze zur barrierefreien Gestaltung der Benutzerschnittstelle vorstellen. Hierbei werden wir darauf eingehen, welche Gruppen von behinderten Nutzern beim Design zu berücksichtigen sind, wie man eine effiziente Bedienung für alle relevanten Nutzergruppen sicherstellen und quantifizieren kann und welche speziellen Design-Probleme sich aus der hohen Informationsdichte und Interaktivität betriebswirtschaftlicher Software ergeben. Weiterhin werden organisatorische Aspekte und positive Seiteneffekte von Barrierefreiheit auf die Usability einer Anwendung beschrieben.
Dynamical modeling for series-parallel resonant converter under optimized modulation

The series-parallel resonant converter is one of the most popular topologies among resonant converters. In order to achieve a further reduction of transistor switching losses, an optimized modulation strategy was proposed and implemented full digitally. This yields zero-current switching on one full bridge leg and zero-voltage switching on the other leg. Costs of the optimized modulation are the increased complexities in modeling and controller design, because the state-of-the-art extended describing function method is not suitable anymore. In this contribution a novel dynamical modeling for series-parallel resonant converters under optimized modulation is presented, which is based on the sampled-data method. The dynamic interaction between power circuit and the digital optimized modulation control unit is considered properly. Duty-ratio-to-output-voltage small-signal behaviors predicted by the proposed model are verified by circuit simulation and experimental results.
Stress generates emotional memories and retrograde amnesia by inducing an endogenous form of hippocampal LTP

Models of the neurobiology of memory have been based on the idea that information is stored as distributed patterns of altered synaptic weights in neuronal networks. Accordingly, studies have shown that post‐training treatments that alter synaptic weights, such as the induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP), can interfere with retrieval. In these studies, LTP induction has been relegated to the status of a methodological procedure that serves the sole purpose of disturbing synaptic activity in order to impair memory. This perspective has been expressed, for example, by Martin and Morris (2002: Hippocampus 12:609–636), who noted that post‐training LTP impairs memory by adding “behaviorally meaningless” noise to hippocampal neural networks. However, if LTP truly is a memory storage mechanism, its induction should represent more than just a means with which to disrupt memory. Since LTP induction produces retrograde amnesia, the formation of a new memory should also produce retrograde amnesia. In the present report, we suggest that one type of learning experience, the storage of fear‐related (i.e., stressful) memories, is consistent with this prediction. Studies have shown that stress produces potent effects on hippocampal physiology, generates long‐lasting memories, and induces retrograde amnesia, all through mechanisms in common with LTP. Based on these findings, we have developed the hypothesis that a stressful experience generates an endogenous form of hippocampal LTP that substitutes a new memory representation for preexisting representations. In summary, our hypothesis implicates the induction of endogenous synaptic plasticity by stress in the formation of emotional memories and in retrograde amnesia. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular analysis and expression of a Borrelia burgdorferi gene encoding a 22kDa protein (pC) in Escherichia coli

We describe the cloning and expression of the pc gene which encodes a major immunodominant protein of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis. The pC protein was purified from lysates of B. burgdorferi strain PKo. After tryptic digestion of the pC protein the resulting oligopeptides were applied to a gas‐phase sequenator. Thus partial amino acid sequences were obtained. The deduced oligonucleotides were used as hybridization probes. After Southern blotting a reactive band in the 3 kb range of PstI‐digested genomic DNA was detected. The insertion of these fragments into pUC vectors finally resulted in pc‐positive Escherichia coli clones. The gene (encoding a protein with 212 amino acids) was expressed in E. coli with varying deletions at the 5′ end. A sequence comparison with other outer membrane proteins of B. burgdorferi indicates a processing of pC that is similar to that of lipoproteins.
Quantification of Hyphomicrobium Populations in Activated Sludge from an Industrial Wastewater Treatment System as Determined by 16S rRNA Analysis

ABSTRACT The bacterial community structure of the activated sludge from a 25 million-gal-per-day industrial wastewater treatment plant was investigated using rRNA analysis. 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) libraries were created from three sludge samples taken on different dates. Partial rRNA gene sequences were obtained for 46 rDNA clones, and nearly complete 16S rRNA sequences were obtained for 18 clones. Seventeen of these clones were members of the beta subdivision, and their sequences showed high homology to sequences of known bacterial species as well as published 16S rDNA sequences from other activated sludge sources. Sixteen clones belonged to the alpha subdivision, 7 of which showed similarity to Hyphomicrobium species. This cluster was chosen for further studies due to earlier work onHyphomicrobium sp. strain M3 isolated from this treatment plant. A nearly full-length 16S rDNA sequence was obtained fromHyphomicrobium sp. strain M3. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Hyphomicrobium sp. strain M3 was 99% similar to Hyphomicrobium denitrificans DSM 1869T inHyphomicrobium cluster II. Three of the cloned sequences from the activated sludge samples also grouped with those ofHyphomicrobium cluster II, with a 96% sequence similarity to that of Hyphomicrobium sp. strain M3. The other four cloned sequences from the activated sludge sample were more closely related to those of the Hyphomicrobium cluster I organisms (95 to 97% similarity). Whole-cell fluorescence hybridization of microorganisms in the activated sludge with genus-specificHyphomicrobium probe S-G-Hypho-1241-a-A-19 enhanced the visualization of Hyphomicrobium and revealed thatHyphomicrobium appears to be abundant both on the outside of flocs and within the floc structure. Dot blot hybridization of activated sludge samples from 1995 with probes designed forHyphomicrobium cluster I and Hyphomicrobiumcluster II indicated that Hyphomicrobium cluster II-positive 16S rRNA dominated over Hyphomicrobium cluster I-positive 16S rRNA by 3- to 12-fold. Hyphomicrobium 16S rRNA comprised approximately 5% of the 16S rRNA in the activated sludge.
Dissociation of the Protein Primer and DNA Polymerase after Initiation of Adenovirus DNA Replication*

Initiation of adenovirus DNA replication occurs by a jumping back mechanism in which the precursor terminal priming protein (pTP) forms a pTP·trinucleotide complex (pTP·CAT) catalyzed by the viral DNA polymerase (pol). This covalent complex subsequently jumps back 3 bases to permit the start of chain elongation. Before initiation, pTP and pol form a tight heterodimer. We investigated the fate of this pTP·pol complex during the various steps in replication. Employing in vitro initiation and elongation on both natural viral templates and synthetic oligonucleotides followed by glycerol gradient separation of the reaction products, we established that pTP and pol are separated during elongation. Whereas pTP·C and pTP·CA were still bound to the polymerase, after the formation of pTP·CAT 60% of the pTP·pol complex had dissociated. Dissociation coincides with a change in sensitivity to inhibitors and inK m for dNTPs, suggesting a conformational change in the polymerase, both in the active site and in the pTP interaction domain. In agreement with this, the polymerase becomes a more efficient enzyme after release of the pTP primer. We also investigated whether the synthesis of a pTP initiation intermediate is confined to three nucleotides. Employing synthetic oligonucleotide templates with a sequence repeat of two nucleotides (GAGAGAGA … instead of the natural GTAGTA … ) we show that G5 rather than G3 is used to start, leading to a pTP·tetranucleotide (CTCT) intermediate that subsequently jumps back. This indicates flexibility in the use of the start site with a preference for the synthesis of three or four nucleotides during initiation rather than two.
Review: Pathogenesis and treatment of immune-mediated neuropathies

Immune-mediated neuropathies represent a heterogeneous spectrum of peripheral nerve disorders that can be classified according to time course, predominant involvement of motor/sensory fibers, distribution of deficits and paraclinical parameters such as electrophysiology and serum antibodies. In the last few years, significant advances have been achieved in elucidating underlying pathomechanisms, which made it possible to identify potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the latest development in pathogenesis and treatment of immune-mediated neuropathies.
Neoangiogenesis in cervical cancer: focus on CD34 assessment.

UNLABELLED Despite recent advances in understanding the immune mechanisms of cervical cancer (CC), relapse remains still an actual issue and recognition of new predictive biomarkers is essential. AIM The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate neo-angiogenesis in CC and its possible utility as prognostic biomarker. MATERIAL AND METHODS Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 61 consecutive women with CC were immunostained for CD34 and E-cadherin. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS-12 software, p<0.05. RESULTS Statistically significant differences between CD34 distribution among three interest tumor regions: micro-vessels density increase from central to peripheral area (chi(2), p<0.05); statistically significant correlation between CD34 expression, particularly in stromal and peripheral sites, E-cadherin (Spearman r1=-0.321) and lymphatic invasion (Spearman r2=0.455) (p<0.05) were reported. Overall five-year survival is clearly dependent on level and distribution of tumor angiogenesis among defined area of interest as suggested by Kaplan-Meier analysis. CONCLUSIONS Angiogenesis is essential for guiding CC evolution and prognosis, particularly in squamous invasive types.
Corticosteroid Use in Special Circumstances: Preterm Ruptured Membranes, Hypertension, Fetal Growth Restriction, Multiple Fetuses

On the basis of previous observations that corticosteroids administered to the pregnant ewe accelerated lung maturation in the preterm fetus, Liggins and Howie performed a randomized study to evaluate the effects of maternally administered betamethasone (12 mg intramuscularly in two doses, 24 hours apart) to prevent respiratory distress in the subsequently delivered preterm infant. They found that infants born before 34 weeks’ gestation had a significantly lower incidence of respiratory distress and neonatal mortality from hyaline membrane disease if birth was delayed for at least 24 hours after completion of 24 hours of betamethasone given to the mother. This benefit appeared to persist for up to 7 days after completion of the steroid therapy. This study served to stimulate more than 20 years of research on fetal maturation, which culminated in 1995 with the following position statement on the use of corticosteroids for fetal therapy by the National Institutes of Health (NIH): “Antenatal corticosteroid therapy is indicated for women at risk for premature delivery with few exceptions and will result in a substanCorrespondence: Steven L. Bloom, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390–9032. E-mail: Steven.Bloom@ utsouthwestern.edu CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Volume 46, Number 1, 150–160 © 2003, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.