Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Pharmacology and toxicology of Guatteria gaumeri and alpha-asarone].

Guatteria gaumeri Greenman (Annonacease) has been used as bark infusion in the traditional mexican medicine for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cholelithiasis. The main component is alpha-asarone which has been isolated by different extraction procedures and subsequently synthetized, as well as 16 analogs, derivatives of 4-propenyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzenes 5-substituted. After daily dosing per os of 80 mg/kg of alpha-asarone and the amino and metoxi analogs for seven days to hypercholesterolemic male rats, cholesterol decreased 57.3, 37.5 and 46.9% and triglycerides diminished 42.5, 67.6 and 17.2% respectively. Some of the other analogs showed also important hypolipidemic activity. Similarly alpha-asarone decreased 80.6% the weight of gallstones in hamsters. Studies using adult rat hepatocytes suggest that at least part of the hypolipidemic effect of alpha-asarone could be due to a decrease in the secretion of lipids. Alpha-asarone did not produce any toxic effect after oral administration to rats of 10 or 50 mg/kg for 28 days, or genotoxicity by the dominant lethal test. However long-term exposure of cultivated hepatocytes to micromolar concentrations produced morphologic and ultrastructural alterations, triacylglycerol accumulation and inhibition of protein synthesis and secretion. At the same time both the Ames and sister-chromatid exchange tests showed genotoxic effect. No teratogenicity was observed in pregnant rats during organogenesis but in mice slight fetal toxicity was manifested by hydrocephaly, skeletal defects and fetal weight retardation. There are no data on the possible exposure levels in humans consuming the bark extract, but the toxic effects of alpha-asarone in animals suggest caution in the use of this plant. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Effects of Flow on Airway Pressure During Nasal High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

BACKGROUND: Nasal high-flow oxygen therapy increases the mean nasopharyngeal airway pressure in adults, but the relationship between flow and pressure is not well defined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between flow and pressure with the Optiflow nasal high-flow oxygen therapy system. METHODS: We invited patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery to participate. Measurements were performed with nasal high-flow oxygen at flows of 30, 40, and 50 L/min, with the patient's mouth both open and closed. Pressures were recorded over one minute of breathing, and average flows were calculated via simple averaging. RESULTS: With the mouth closed, the mean ± SD airway pressures at 30, 40, and 50 L/min were 1.93 ± 1.25 cm H2O, 2.58 ± 1.54 cm H2O, and 3.31 ± 1.05 cm H2O, respectively. There was a positive linear relationship between flow and pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The mean nasopharyngeal pressure during nasal high-flow oxygen increases as flow increases. (Australian Clinical Trials Registry http://www.adhb.govt.nz/achicu/hot_2_airway_pressure.htm)
Comparative Study Between Extracavity and Intracavity Frequency-Doubled Laser at 532 nm: Application for the Deep Ultraviolet Generation at 266 nm

We construct a reliable actively Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser to comparatively investigate the output performance of the second harmonic generation between the extracavity and intracavity configurations under a similar operated condition. It is experimentally found that the peak power at 532 nm obtained with the extracavity second harmonic generation is remarkably higher than that obtained with the intracavity configuration, even though the higher output power and larger pulse energy can be acquired with the intracavity second harmonic generation. We further perform the extracavity fourth harmonic generation to verify that the extracavity second harmonic generation is more advantageous in generating deep ultraviolet laser at 266 nm than the intracavity one, where the conversion efficiencies from 532 to 266 nm for each case are 37.1% and 7.2%, respectively. Moreover, under an incident pump power of 26 W at 808 nm and a pulse repetition rate of 40 kHz, the output power at 266 nm as high as 1.67 W is effectually generated with the combination of the extracavity second and fourth harmonic generations, corresponding to the conversion efficiency from 808 to 266 nm up to 6.4%.
Integration of Cache Partitioning and Preemption Threshold Scheduling to Improve Schedulability of Hard Real-Time Systems

For preemptive scheduling with shared cache, different tasks may cause interference in the shared cache, leading to Cache-Related Preemption Overhead (CRPD). Cache partitioning is a well-known technique for mitigating unpredictable cache interference in preemptive scheduling, but it reduces cache space available to each task, causing an increase in task execution time. Non-preemptive scheduling algorithms do not incur CRPD, but they generally have poor schedulability. Preemption Threshold Scheduling (PTS) is an effective approach to strike a balance between preemptive and non-preemptive scheduling. We propose integration of cache partitioning and PTS to optimize schedulability on a uniprocessor. We force each subset of tasks assigned the same cache partition to be a non-preemptive group, by assigning the same PT to all tasks in the subset that is equal to or higher than the highest priority of the tasks in that subset. This eliminates CRPD within each cache partition, and helps to improve schedulability. We present an ILP formulation as well as an efficient heuristic algorithm.
Biotechnical multichannel neuro-electrostimulation system for improving cognitive skills in the learning process

The article proposes a biotechnical multichannel neuro-electrostimulation system to enhance cognitive skills in the learning task. The basic elements of the system are described. The results of the application of this system to improve working memory and attention received during the study are also given. As a result of the study, the possibilities and effectiveness of the developed biotechnical system for solving the task was shown.
Diencephalic placement of estradiol and sexual receptivity in the female rat.

Behavioral receptivity, as indicated by the presence of the lordosis reflex, could be elicited from spayed rats after implantation of estradiol in the medial-basal preoptic and anterior hypothalamic regions. Hormone implants elsewhere in the hypothalamus or blank tubing implants throughout the hypothalamus did not produce this effect. Subcutaneous implants were equally ineffective for producing behavioral receptivity.
A PowerAmplifier Module with Fully Embedded Passive components in a LTCC Substrate for K-PCS Band Mobile Phone

Use Accurate circuit models for embedded RF passive components in LTCC(Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) provide a way to efficiently design high performance RFmodules. In this study, in order to increase the accuracy of circuit models, the library of components was developed and the parasitic components were extracted. And with the circuit model, the PAM(Power Amplifier Module) was developed using LTCC process. The module was fabricated with fully embedded passive components within a compact 6x6x1.2 mm3 size, and it exhibited power performance sufficient forK-PCS bandmobile phone.
Comparative Assessment of Single Piece and Fir-Tree-Based Spoke Type Rotor Designs for Low-Cost Electric Vehicle Application

Permanent magnet motors with ferrite magnets may be applicable to demanding electric vehicle applications, provided that designs with high power density and efficiency, as well as high resistance to demagnetization are developed. One rotor topology that allows meeting those challenges is a design with a so-called spoke arrangement of the magnet poles. Although, a spoke type rotor topology is widely known, the influences of the rotor mechanical design on the electromagnetic performance have largely been overlooked, while a comparison of different feasible design solutions has not been provided to date. In this paper, a novel spoke type traction motor using ferrite magnets and based on a single piece rotor topology has been presented. The design is based on a coupled structural-electromagnetic optimization, where the key design features influencing the structural stress and the electromagnetic torque density have been explained. This design is, further, compared against a previously disclosed fir-tree spoke type rotor solution, which has been designed for the same set of geometrical and output requirements. Through the comparisons, and for the first time, it is shown that the two alternative spoke type designs show significant differences in performance, including torque density, efficiency, and demagnetization.
From Bench to Cageside: Risk Assessment for Rodent Pathogen Contamination of Cells and Biologics

Abstract Many newly developed animal models involve the transfer of cells, serum, or other tissue-derived products into live rodents. These biologics can serve as repositories for adventitious rodent pathogens that, when used in animal studies, can alter research outcomes and result in endemic outbreaks. This review includes a description of some of the biologics that have inadvertently introduced infectious agents into in vivo studies and/or resulted in endemic outbreaks. I also discuss the points of potential exposure of specific biologics to adventitious rodent pathogens as well as the importance of acquiring a complete developmental and testing history of each biologic introduced into a barrier facility. There are descriptions of specific cases of mycoplasma and lactate dehydrogenase–elevating virus (LDHV), two of the most common organisms that contaminate cells and cell byproducts. The information in this article should help investigators and animal resource program personnel to perform an appropriate risk assessment of biologics before their use in in vivo studies that involve rodents.
Complex Interactions between Epidermal POU Domain and Activator Protein 1 Transcription Factors Regulate the Expression of the Profilaggrin Gene in Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes*

The human profilaggrin gene is expressed in the granular layer during the late stages of the epidermal differentiation. The proximal promoter region of the gene confers high levels of keratinocyte-specific transcription via interactions with c-Jun/c-Fos heterodimers. Here we provide evidence for another level of complexity in the regulation of the profilaggrin promoter activity. The POU domain proteins Oct1, Skn1a/i, and Oct6, which are abundantly expressed in the epidermal cells, act to both stimulate and repress transcription in a general and a cell type-specific mode. While binding to specific recognition elements within the promoter region, they exert their effects by either stimulating or antagonizing the c-Jun-dependent activity of the promoter. The response of the promoter to forced expression of the POU domain proteins reflects the effect of these transcription factors on the endogenous profilaggrin mRNA synthesis and suggests that the latter requires a fine balance in the amounts and the activities of the individual activator protein 1 and POU domain proteins.
Heterologous immunity revisited

Heterologous immunity, or protection by one invading organism against another across phylogenetic divides, has been recognised for decades. It was initially thought to operate largely through enhancement of phagocytosis, but this explanation became untenable when it was realised it worked extremely well against intraerythrocytic protozoa and killed them while they were free in the circulation. Clearly a soluble mediator was called for. This review summarises the logic that arose from this observation, which led to a wider appreciation of the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and then nitric oxide, in the host's response against invaders, as well as the ability of these mediators to harm the host itself if they are generated too enthusiastically. This has led to a discernable pattern across heterologous immunity as a whole, and its lessons influence a range of areas, including vaccine development.
Hospital admissions and chemical composition of fine particle air pollution.

RATIONALE There are unexplained geographical and seasonal differences in the short-term effects of fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) on human health. The hypothesis has been advanced to include the possibility that such differences might be due to variations in the PM(2.5) chemical composition, but evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. OBJECTIVES To examine whether variation in the relative risks (RR) of hospitalization associated with ambient exposure to PM(2.5) total mass reflects differences in PM(2.5) chemical composition. METHODS We linked two national datasets by county and by season: (1) long-term average concentrations of PM(2.5) chemical components for 2000-2005 and (2) RRs of cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations for persons 65 years or older associated with a 10-microg/m(3) increase in PM(2.5) total mass on the same day for 106 U.S. counties for 1999 through 2005. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We found a positive and statistically significant association between county-specific estimates of the short-term effects of PM(2.5) on cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations and county-specific levels of vanadium, elemental carbon, or nickel PM(2.5) content. CONCLUSIONS Communities with higher PM(2.5) content of nickel, vanadium, and elemental carbon and/or their related sources were found to have higher risk of hospitalizations associated with short-term exposure to PM(2.5).
Treatment and Long-Term Prognosis of Myoclonic-Astatic Epilepsy of Early Childhood

PURPOSE We retrospectively studied patients with myoclonic-astatic epilepsy of early childhood (MAE) to investigate the most effective treatment and long-term seizure and intellectual prognosis. SUBJECTS Eighty-one patients with MAE were recruited from among 3600 patients with childhood epilepsy according to the ILAE criteria of MAE. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics and ultimate prognosis of the patients with MAE from the medical records. The effects of various antiepileptic drugs, ketogenic diet and ACTH treatments on myoclonic-astatic seizures (MS/AS), apparently a hallmark of this unique epileptic syndrome, were also studied. RESULTS MS/AS in 89 % of the patients disappeared within 1 to 3 years despite initial resistance, but generalized tonic-clonic or clonic seizures [G(T)CS] tended to continue. The most effective treatment for the MS/AS was ketogenic diet, followed by ACTH and ESM. At the last follow-up, 55 patients or 68 % of all the patients had remission of epilepsy, 11 patients or 14 % experienced a recurrence of GTCS after a long remission period but easily regained control, and the remaining 15 patients or 18 % continued to have seizures and intellectual outcomes were poor. In one half of these patients with poor outcomes, repeated minor epileptic status and nocturnal generalized tonic seizures persisted. A family history of epilepsy and a combination of minor epileptic status are risk factors for poor outcomes. CONCLUSION MAE is considered to form a clinical spectrum ranging in its main seizure type from myoclonic to atonic, and in seizure and intellectual outcomes from benign to malignant. The overall prognosis, despite initial resistance to treatment, appears to be much better than originally thought when ILAE definitions excluding SME are followed.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever in Cuba, 1981: rapid diagnosis of the etiologic agent.

The 1981 outbreak of dengue-2 in Cuba, which produced cases of hemorrhagic fever, shock syndrome, and death,. prompted quick action by Cuban health authorities to diagnose the problem and isolate the responsible disease agent. This article describes that work and its results. It is expected that data relating to the epidemic, derivedfrom this work and other sources, willprovide valuable infomation about dengue etiopatholopy.
High-Capacity Data-Hiding Scheme on Synthesized Pitches Using Amplitude Enhancement - A New Vision of Non-Blind Audio Steganography

This work proposes a new and non-blind steganographic scheme for synthesized pitches. Synthesized music is popularly used to demonstrate early versions of compositions conveniently and at low-cost. They can also be utilized to pass secrets or obtain digital rights. The method consists of two procedures, of which the first is the realistic simulation of synthesized pitches using a computer and the second is the hiding of secrets during the generated simulated pitches. The first part of this paper reviews attempts to discover the fundamental patterns of synthesized pitches and to develop a strategy for generating approximate pitches using a computer. The component frequencies are used to generate a pitch in which to hide secrets. Legal receivers receive the referenced composition and frequencies, enabling them to generate the synthesized pitches according to the main frequencies of the referenced composition. Finally, the generated and received pitches are compared to identify the secret bits. As more frequencies are used to hide secret bits, more secret bits can be embedded in the synthesized pitches. The use of more frequencies makes synthesized pitches more realistic compared to real ones. The performance of the proposed method is also compared with that of competing methods and under common attacks.
Representing Schizotypal Thinking With Dimensional Traits: A Case for the Five Factor Schizotypal Inventory

Building on support for the five-factor model (FFM) of personality disorder, the Five Factor Schizotypal Inventory (FFSI) was developed to assess maladaptive traits relevant to schizotypal personality disorder. While the development of the FFSI supports a continuity between schizotypal thinking and perception (STAP) and the FFM domain of Openness to Experience, other studies show inconsistent findings concerning the strength of this relationship. The current study evaluates these relationships by investigating specific components of a short-form of the FFSI (e.g., the FFSI-SF) and 2 other measures of maladaptive traits with the lower order components within commonly employed measures of Openness to Experience. Nomological network similarities were evaluated for the relation of these scales with a series of conceptually relevant variables including intelligence, creativity, and positive schizotypy in a sample of 403 undergraduates, including 102 that were prescreened for elevated symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder (PD). These analyses revealed strong relations across the 3 measures of traits relevant to STAP, supporting the validity of the FFSI-SF. Most notably, 2 specific scales— Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) Absorption and Openness to Fantasy appeared to best capture the core variance across these measures. Furthermore, a nuanced pattern of relations suggested that specific components of STAP (e.g., oddity and fantasy proneness) matched closely with components of Openness to Experience. The results provide additional support for view that schizotypal thinking can be well-captured by personality dimensions that run continuously across normal and pathological levels.
Development of 4-GHz flip-chip VCO module

This paper deals with the design issues for 4-GHz VCO implemented using flip-chip technique. A high quality passive integrated device chip is combined with a low-cost CMOS die. Two VCO topologies are selected and eight circuit variants designed. Various MOS varactor structures are compared and a loss modeling method is presented. Integrated passive device technology is presented and inductor modeling is carried out using EM-simulations. Experimental results are given for some of the measured inductors and varactors, and for the eight types of VCO modules. As an example, one circuit candidate covers 3.6-4.2 GHz with phase noise of -125 dBc/Hz@1MHz offset, provides 0 dBm output power and the core oscillator draws 5 mA from a 2-V supply.
A new kind of homelessness for individuals with serious mental illness? The need for a "mental health home".

Individuals with serious mental illness often are unable to access consumer- and family-oriented community care, resulting in repeated hospitalizations, incarceration, and homelessness. The "medical home" concept was developed in primary care to provide accessible and accountable services for individuals with chronic medical conditions. Building on the work done in primary care, the authors propose a "mental health home. " The model of care incorporates medical home characteristics, such as access to and coordination of services, integration of primary and preventive care, adoption of recovery orientation and evidence-based practices, and family and community outreach. Barriers to and strategies for implementation of mental health homes are discussed.
Worth the Risk? Muddled Relationships in Community-Based Participatory Research

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative research approach that has two purposes: (a) to generate knowledge about and (b) to take action to improve the lives of people facing health, social, economic, political, and environmental inequities. The foundation of all CBPR projects is its partnership—its cooperative relationship between community members, service providers, program planners, policy makers, and academics. It is with people—and through relationships—that partnerships are built and sustained. Although relationships between academics and community members are critical to creating knowledge and change, they are overlooked in the literature. We often hear about CBPR “gone wrong,” when tensions and conflicts arise because relationship boundaries become blurred. Our purpose is to expose the muddled relationships that can be created between academics and community members in CBPR projects. Drawing upon our experiences presented in a series of vignettes, we consider the nature of these relationships. We explore whether we conduct, in CBPR, good research at the expense of muddling relationships. Despite the potential for muddled relationships, we believe that CBPR is the best approach for research aimed at achieving a more equitable and just society.
SPTpol: an instrument for CMB polarization measurements with the South Pole Telescope

SPTpol is a dual-frequency polarization-sensitive camera that was deployed on the 10-meter South Pole Telescope in January 2012. SPTpol will measure the polarization anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) on angular scales spanning an arcminute to several degrees. The polarization sensitivity of SPTpol will enable a detection of the CMB “B-mode” polarization from the detection of the gravitational lensing of the CMB by large scale structure, and a detection or improved upper limit on a primordial signal due to inationary gravity waves. The two measurements can be used to constrain the sum of the neutrino masses and the energy scale of ination. These science goals can be achieved through the polarization sensitivity of the SPTpol camera and careful control of systematics. The SPTpol camera consists of 768 pixels, each containing two transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers coupled to orthogonal polarizations, and a total of 1536 bolometers. The pixels are sensitive to light in one of two frequency bands centered at 90 and 150 GHz, with 180 pixels at 90 GHz and 588 pixels at 150 GHz. The SPTpol design has several features designed to control polarization systematics, including: singlemoded feedhorns with low cross-polarization, bolometer pairs well-matched to dfference atmospheric signals, an improved ground shield design based on far-sidelobe measurements of the SPT, and a small beam to reduce temperature to polarization leakage. We present an overview of the SPTpol instrument design, project status, and science projections.