Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators controlling the hypoxic respiratory response in anaesthetized cats

1 The contributions of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators to the responses of the respiratory network to acute hypoxia were analysed in anaesthetized cats. 2 Samples of extracellular fluid were collected at 1–1.5 min time intervals by microdialysis in the medullary region of ventral respiratory group neurones and analysed for their content of glutamate, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin and adenosine by high performance liquid chromatography. Phrenic nerve activity was correlated with these measurements. 3 Levels of glutamate and GABA increased transiently during early periods of hypoxia, coinciding with augmented phrenic nerve activity and then fell below control during central apnoea. Serotonin and adenosine increased slowly and steadily with onset of hypoxic depression of phrenic nerve activity. 4 The possibility that serotonin contributes to hypoxic respiratory depression was tested by microinjecting the 5‐HT‐1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT into the medullary region that is important for rhythmogenesis. Hypoxic activation of respiratory neurones and phrenic nerve activity were suppressed. Microinjections of NAN‐190, a 5‐HT‐1A receptor blocker, enhanced hypoxic augmentation resulting in apneustic prolongation of inspiratory bursts. 5 The results reveal a temporal sequence in the release of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and suggest a specific role for each of them in the sequential development of hypoxic respiratory disturbances.
Agile HRM practices of SMEs

ABSTRACT There have lately been rising interest relating to human resources (HR) in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). This study focuses on agile and innovative human resource management (HRM) practices in 100 Finnish SMEs. Chief executive officers, HR directors, supervisors, and shop stewards were asked what kinds of agile/innovative HRM practices are present in their company. There are great expectations of SMEs in Finland because the country’s economic growth relies on them. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the more agile, innovative, and productive HRM practices that can nurture profitability and growth among SMEs.
Difficulty and independence in shopping among older Americans: more than just leaving the house

Abstract Background: The built, social and economic environments are associated with disability, but knowledge of how these environmental characteristics simultaneously influence older adults’ ability to shop independently is limited. Objective: We investigated cross-sectional associations between the outdoor home, local neighborhood and macrosocioeconomic levels of the environment and shopping difficulty and interactions between environmental factors and shopping difficulty. Methods: Using nationally representative data from a study of Medicare-eligible adults, we conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis to examine associations between the environment and difficulty shopping (N = 5504). Results: Sidewalk conditions, broken steps, neighborhood social cohesion and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage were associated with more difficulty shopping, although health factors partially accounted for associations between broken steps and disadvantage and shopping difficulty. The association between social cohesion and shopping difficulty also depended on the degree of socioeconomic disadvantage in the neighborhood. Conclusions: Overall, results suggest that factors in the outdoor and local neighborhood environment influence the ability to shop independently for older adults, but that it also may depend on the socioeconomic context of the neighborhood. Interventions aimed at improving the built environment directly outside of older adults’ homes and helping increase social cohesion among neighbors, has the potential to reduce difficulty in carrying out this important activity. Implications for rehabilitation Built features of the outdoor home environment including sidewalks and broken steps influence whether older adults are able to safely leave their home to conduct daily activities such as shopping, so it is important that clinicians and rehabilitation professionals are aware of these challenges when helping their patients resume daily activities such as shopping. The physical condition and safety of the immediate outdoor home and neighborhood environment is critical for maintaining independence and well-being for older adults, which is critical for physical rehabilitation as well as maintenance of essential activities such as shopping. Living in more socially cohesive neighborhoods may aid in physical rehabilitation efforts by helping older adults feel more comfortable and able to shop independently in neighborhoods with social and economic disadvantages.
Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia During Pregnancy

Management of the pregnant patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a challenge. Immediate treatment of APL is critical, as it is an oncologic emergency, with a high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. However, administration of chemotherapy and differentiating agents in pregnancy is controversial because of potential teratogenic effects. In addition, complications associated with APL, including retinoic acid syndrome, add to the complexity of management. To better understand how to manage this complex patient care situation, we searched the PubMed database (January 1972‐May 2008) for English‐language articles about maternal and fetal outcomes resulting from APL treatment during pregnancy. A total of 42 cases from 35 articles were identified: 12 first‐trimester, 21 second‐trimester, and 9 third‐trimester cases. The most commonly administered agents were all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA), anthracyclines, and antimetabolites. Complete remission was reported in 35 (83%) of 42 patients. Administration of ATRA or chemotherapy in the first trimester was associated with an increased risk of fetal malformations and spontaneous abortion, whereas administration in the second and third trimesters was associated with relatively favorable fetal outcomes. The overall treatment of the pregnant patient with APL should include a discussion about pregnancy termination, especially if APL is diagnosed in the first trimester. If the pregnancy is to continue, then the appropriate chemotherapy regimen needs to be determined. Frequent fetal monitoring, along with aggressive management of potential APL‐related complications, is necessary to allow for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
Granulocyte oxygen radicals as potential suppressors of hemopoiesis: potentiating roles of lactoferrin and elastase; inhibitory role of oxygen radical scavengers.

In vitro studies suggest intact endothelial cells and their released growth factors are required for optimal growth and differentiation of hematopoietic cells in culture. Conversely, processes that damage endothelium might, therefore, suppress hematopoiesis. We have studied mechanisms by which stimulated inflammatory cells, particularly granulocytes, damage endothelium and suggest these studies may provide new insights into the hematopoietic suppression of inflammatory diseases. We demonstrate that the granulocyte lysosomal constituent, lactoferrin, which has independently been shown to inhibit in-vitro hematopoiesis, may act by amplifying granulocyte-mediated toxic oxidant damage to endothelium. Its deleterious effects are twofold: 1) it releases iron that catalyses the Haber-Weiss reaction, thereby producing highly toxic hydroxyl radicals; and 2) its highly positive charge facilitates its absorption to target membranes that traffics oxygen-radical damage directly to endothelium. In addition, we demonstrate that another granulocyte lysosomal component, elastase, also perturbs endothelium--not so much by direct lytic effect, but by proteolysing matrix proteins that serve to attach endothelium to its substratum. Thus, elastase promotes endothelial lift-off. Plasma alpha-1-antiproteinase, a potent antielastase, should be protective, but is inactivated by the same granulocyte oxidants that directly lyse endothelial cells. However, antielastase activity can be preserved by antioxidants and a novel, innocuous one--methionine--is described. It is oxidized as a surrogate for the critical-site methionine of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, preserving in the process antielastase activity. Our results suggest that strategies to reduce production of inflammatory cell toxic oxygen radicals with reagents such as antilactoferrin antibody or iron chelators might be useful adjuncts in maintaining in vitro hematopoiesis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Genetic and environmental influences on the growth of early reading skills.

BACKGROUND Studies have suggested genetic and environmental influences on overall level of early reading whereas the larger reading literature has shown environmental influences on the rate of growth of early reading skills. This study is the first to examine the genetic and environmental influences on both initial level of performance and rate of subsequent growth in early reading. METHODS Participants were drawn from the Western Reserve Reading Project, a study of 314 twin pairs based in Ohio. Twins were assessed via three annual home visits during early elementary school. Assessments included word identification, letter identification, pseudoword decoding, expressive vocabulary, phoneme awareness, and rapid naming. Measures were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. RESULTS The heritability of initial performance (latent intercept) ranged from h(2) = . 38 for word identification to h(2) = . 72 for rapid naming. Shared environment ranged from c(2) = . 11 for rapid naming to c(2) = . 62 for word identification. The heritability of the rate of subsequent growth (latent slope) was statistically significant for rapid naming h(2) = . 58 and phoneme awareness h(2) = . 20. Shared environment accounted for nearly 100% of variance in rate of growth for word identification, letter identification and pseudoword decoding, and was statistically significant and large for phoneme awareness (c(2) = . 80). Genetic variance for rapid naming and phoneme awareness latent slopes overlapped entirely with genetic variance on the intercepts. In contrast, one-third to two-thirds of the shared environmental variance on the slope was independent from the shared environmental variance on the intercept. CONCLUSIONS Genetic influences were related primarily to those already present at the initial level of performance. In contrast, shared environmental influences affecting rate of growth were both predicted by and independent from initial levels of performance. Results suggested that growth in early reading skills is amenable to family, school, or other environmental influences as reading skills develop.
A novel maximum entropy approach to hybrid monetary-physical supply-chain modelling and its application to biodiversity impacts of palm oil embodied in consumption

The environmental and social consequences of clearing tropical forests for palm oil and soybean monoculture have been analyzed in a number of studies and are widely recognized. Some initiatives and studies have examined portions of the supply chain from the perspective of individual companies and stages in the supply chain. We complement this work by providing a consistent, detailed, global trade-linked analysis of the four major vegetable oils, connecting land use for production and its biodiversity impact, through global supply chains, to final consumers. To this end, we develop a global model by fully integrating FAO’s physical supply-utilization accounts into the environmentally extended multiregional input–output model EXIOBASE. Global supply chains are linked with the life-cycle impact assessment model LC-Impact to assess biodiversity impact of land use via global maps of oil crop cultivation. For the period 2000–2010, we find significant substitution of domestically produced oils with relatively low biodiversity impacts with Indonesian palm oil and Brazilian soybean oil for the major consuming countries, China, Europe and the US. Whereas soybean oil remains the vegetable oil with the largest impact on biodiversity at a global scale, biodiversity footprints of palm oil have grown substantially larger in the period 2000–2010, driven by demand from Europe and China. Our results suggest that demand-side policies focused on specific oils, such as palm oil, might lead to switching oils and unintended shifts of environmental impacts.
Differential Expression of Candidate Defense Genes of Poplars in Response to Aphid Feeding

ABSTRACT Species belonging to the genus Populus (poplars) produce a series of defensive proteins in response to insect damage. Proteinase inhibitors, polyphenol oxidases, and chitinases are the most relevant and intensively studied proteins. Most of the knowledge about the relation between these proteins and herbivores has been obtained from studies with chewing insects. Nothing is known about whether phloem-feeder insects such as aphids are able to trigger a comparable response. In the current study, the expression of genes encoding a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor 3 (KTI3), a polyphenol oxidase 1 (PPO1), and a class I chitinase (CHI) was characterized in two poplar hybrids (one resistant hybrid and one susceptible hybrid, to aphids) attacked by the aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas Koch. The expression pattern was analyzed using a semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction approach. The expression of KTI3 was increased by aphids only in the aphid-susceptible hybrid. Differently, PPO1 expression was increased by aphids in the aphid-resistant hybrid. The expression of CHI was down-regulated by aphids in the susceptible hybrid. This is the first study to report the differential expression of poplar defense genes in response to phloem-feeder insects such as aphids. The findings from the current study suggest that the expression levels of defensive proteins are affected by poplar genotype and by aphid infestation.
Electrophysiologic Characteristics of Large Neurons in Dorsal Root Ganglia during Development and after Hind Paw Incision in the Rat

Background:Withdrawal thresholds in the paw are lower in younger animals, and incision further reduces these thresholds. The authors hypothesized that these differences result in part from changes in intrinsic electrophysiologic properties of large neurons. Methods:Using isolated whole dorsal root ganglion, current clamping was performed to determine the electrophysiologic properties of large neurons before and after incision in animals aged 1 and 4 weeks. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds were used to follow paw sensitivity. Results:After paw incision, withdrawal thresholds decreased to a similar degree at both ages, but returned to control threshold at 72 h only in the 1-week-old animals. The resting membrane potential was less negative and the rheobase and the resistance of the membrane were lower at baseline in the 1-week-old animals (P < 0.05). After incision, the membrane potential became more depolarized and the rheobase was less in both ages. These changes remained 72 h after the incision in both ages. Conclusion:These findings suggest that lower mechanical thresholds in the younger animals may be partially attributed to the intrinsic electrophysiologic properties of the larger-diameter afferent neurons. The lack of resolution of the electrophysiologic changes in the young despite the resolution of the withdrawal response suggests that continued input from large fibers into the central nervous system may occur at this age despite the apparent resolution of behavioral changes. Further studies are needed to determine the etiology of these differences, their impact in the central nervous system, and whether theses changes can be prevented.
The effect of three types of saponin on iron and zinc absorption from a single meal in the rat

1. Iron and zinc retentions in young male rats, given 3 g starch–sucrose paste containing 120 μg Fe as FeSO4 or 139 μg Zn as ZnC12 (extrinsically labelled with 59Fe or 65Zn) and increasing amounts of Gypsophila saponins, were measured by whole-body counting. The results were compared with whole-body Fe and Zn retention from a meal containing crude or purified saponin fractions. In a separate experiment Fe retention from a meal containing Gypsophila saponins, soyasaponin I, or saponins extracted from lucerne (Medicago sativa) plant tops, was measured in older rats. 2. Results indicated that Fe absorption decreased with increasing concentration of Gypsophila saponins. This was significant at a saponin: Fe molar value of approximately 1, with maximum effect occurring at molar ratios of 4 and above, when Fe absorption was reduced by approximately 17%. Gypsophila saponins had no effect on Zn absorption from a test meal. 3. Fe absorption was similar in groups given purified or crude Gypsophila saponins at the same saponin: mineral molar value of 8, demonstrating that the ‘non-saponin’ fraction of the commercial preparation does not affect the absorption of this mineral. 4. Saponins extracted from lucerne plant tops, fed at a saponin:Fe value of approximately 8, also reduced Fe absorption from a single meal. Fe absorption from a meal containing a similar amount of soyasaponin I was not significantly different from controls. 5. These results indicate that some dietary saponins may reduce Fe absorption and hence have an adverse effect on Fe status in man and simple-stomached animals.
Selection for biparental inheritance of mitochondria under hybridization and mitonuclear fitness interactions

Uniparental inheritance (UPI) of mitochondria predominates over biparental inheritance (BPI) in most eukaryotes. However, examples of BPI of mitochondria, or paternal leakage, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Most reported cases of BPI occur in hybrids of distantly related sub-populations. It is thought that BPI in these cases is maladaptive; caused by a failure of female or zygotic autophagy machinery to recognize divergent male-mitochondrial DNA ‘tags’. Yet recent theory has put forward examples in which BPI can evolve under adaptive selection, and empirical studies across numerous metazoan taxa have demonstrated outbreeding depression in hybrids attributable to disruption of population-specific mitochondrial and nuclear genotypes (mitonuclear mismatch). Based on these developments, we hypothesize that BPI may be favoured by selection in hybridizing populations when fitness is shaped by mitonuclear interactions. We test this idea using a deterministic, simulation-based population genetic model and demonstrate that BPI is favoured over strict UPI under moderate levels of gene flow typical of hybridizing populations. Our model suggests that BPI may be stable, rather than a transient phenomenon, in hybridizing populations.
A Family of Robust M-Shaped Error Weighted Least Mean Square Algorithms: Performance Analysis and Echo Cancellation Application

Due to the good filter performance for the non-Gaussian noise, the adaptive filters with error nonlinearities have received increasing attention recently. From the viewpoint of the weighted function, in this paper, the existing least mean square (LMS)-based adaptive algorithms with error nonlinearities are divided into three types, i.e., V-shaped, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Lambda $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-shaped, and M-shaped algorithms. Then, to obtain the merits of the V-shaped and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Lambda $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-shaped algorithms, a new family of robust M-shaped error weighted LMS algorithms is proposed. Their steady-state mean square deviation (MSD) analyses are made, which reveal the learning abilities of error nonlinearities: 1) for the V-shaped algorithm, it can achieve smaller steady state MSD for sub-Gaussian noise than that for super-Gaussian noise; 2) the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Lambda $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-shaped algorithm can be used more effectively for super-Gaussian noise than that for sub-Gaussian noise; and 3) the M-shaped algorithm combines the characteristics of the V-shaped and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Lambda $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-shaped algorithms. Furthermore, based on the proposed robust M-shaped function, a proportionate normalized robust M-shaped algorithm is presented for echo cancellation application. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to verify the theoretical results and to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms in different environments.
First order correction for T2*‐relaxation in determining contrast agent concentration from spoiled gradient echo pulse sequence signal intensity

To investigate the accuracy of a method neglecting T2*‐relaxation, for the conversion of spoiled gradient echo pulse sequence signal intensity to contrast agent (CA) concentration, in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI studies. In addition a new closed form conversion expression is proposed that accounts for a first order approximation of T2*‐relaxation.
Preparation and crystallization of a cross‐linked complex of bovine adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase

Bovine adrenodoxin was cross‐linked to adrenodoxin reductase with 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethyl‐aminopropyl) carbodiimide. Mass spectrometry showed the reaction product to be a 1:1 complex of the two proteins with Mr = 64,790 ± 50. The cross‐linked complex showed cytochrome c reductase activity and could be crystallized by hanging‐drop vapor diffusion. Crystals of the adrenodoxin‐adrenodoxin reductase complex are hexagonal, space group P6122 or P6522, with a = 93.26 Å and c= 612.20 Å and diffract to 2.9 Å resolution at 100 K. Assuming two cross‐linked complexes per asymmetric unit yields a reasonable VM of 2.97 Å3/Da. Proteins 28:289–292, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
A Fully-Integrated UHF Receiver with Multi-Resolution Spectrum-Sensing (MRSS) Functionality for IEEE 802.22 Cognitive-Radio Applications

Recently, cognitive radio (CR) technology has been proposed as a way of increasing spectrum utilization efficiency. A CR system seeks to use the unoccupied spectrum segments by sensing the spectrum before transmitting to preserve the rights of privileged primary users (Haykin, 2006). IEEE 802.22 is the working group on wireless regional area network (WRAN) for the license-exempt use of the U.S. TV broadcasting band. Such use requires that new transceivers possess CR functionality. A fully-integrated CMOS receiver is presented with a CR spectrum-sensing functionality of arbitrary detection bandwidth over the UHF band. This capability is called multi-resolution spectrum sensing (MRSS).
Infection of a yellow baboon with simian immunodeficiency virus from African green monkeys: evidence for cross-species transmission in the wild

Many African primates are known to be naturally infected with simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs), but only a fraction of these viruses has been molecularly characterized. One primate species for which only serological evidence of SIV infection has been reported is the yellow baboon (Papio hamadryas cynocephalus). Two wild-living baboons with strong SIVAGM seroreactivity were previously identified in a Tanzanian national park where baboons and African green monkeys shared the same habitat (T. Kodama, D. P. Silva, M. D. Daniel, J. E. Phillips-Conroy, C. J. Jolly, J. Rogers, and R. C. Desrosiers, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 5:337-343, 1989). To determine the genetic identity of the viruses infecting these animals, we used PCR to examine SIV sequences directly in uncultured leukocyte DNA. Targeting two different, nonoverlapping genomic regions, we amplified and sequenced a 673-bp gag gene fragment and a 908-bp env gene fragment from one of the two baboons. Phylo-genetic analyses revealed that this baboon was infected with an SIVAGM strain of the vervet subtype. These results provide the first direct evidence for simian-to-simian cross-species transmission of SIV in the wild.