Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
S115 The effects of hypoxia on neutrophil-mediated tissue damage in the lung

Sites of infection and inflammation are profoundly hypoxic, requiring neutrophils to function under low oxygen tensions. Although neutrophils are well adapted and can rely on glycolytic metabolism, hypoxia still impairs the neutrophil oxidative burst, reduces bacterial killing and delays apoptosis.1 As neutrophil proteases have been implicated in lung diseases such as COPD, we hypothesised that hypoxia might also promote neutrophil degranulation, with an enhanced potential for neutrophil-mediated tissue injury. Neutrophils isolated from healthy volunteers were subjected to normoxia (20 kPa) or hypoxia (3 kPa) and subsequently activated with GM-CSF (10 ng/ml) and the bacterial tri-peptide fMLP (100 nM). A549 cells and ciliated human primary bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were exposed to neutrophil supernatants, the extent of cellular damage was determined by MTT assay (A549 cells), EM ultrastructure and cleaved caspase 3 staining. Ciliary function was also investigated using video microscopy in the ciliated NHBE cells. Hypoxic incubation for 4 hours resulted in a 3–5 fold increase in neutrophil degranulation; this was evident for active elastase, MPO, MMP-9 and lactoferrin and hence occurred from all granule sub-types. Supernatants from hypoxic neutrophils induced 50% more cell death in A549 cells compared to supernatants from normoxic neutrophils. NHBE cells exposed to supernatants from hypoxic versus normoxic neutrophils suffered more cellular damage (EM; images were scored for cytoplasmic blebbing, vacuole formation and dead cells), an increase in LDH activity (from 35.7 ± 6 to 50.2 ± 0.7 nmol/min/ml, was indicative of cell death), increased cleaved caspase 3 staining was shown to be an indicator of apoptosis and there was a substantial increase in the proportion of dyskinetic and immotile cilia. In conclusion; hypoxia induced a destructive neutrophil phenotype with delayed apoptosis, impaired bacterial killing and increased release of histo-cytotoxic proteases. This phenotype may be important for understanding the mechanisms of chronic inflammatory diseases like COPD. Funded by the British Lung Foundation and NIHR Cambridge BRC. References McGovern, N. N. et al. Hypoxia selectively inhibits respiratory burst activity and killing of Staphylococcus aureus in human neutrophils. J. Immunol. Baltim. Md 1950 186, 453–463 (2011).
Vibration and Acoustic Analysis of a Refrigerator Cabinet Base Plate

VIBRATION AND ACOUSTIC ANALYSIS OF A REFRIGERATOR CABINET BASE PLATE This research study deals with the vibration and acoustics analysis of a refrigerator cabinet base plate by using Theoretical Modal Analysis by Finite Element Method and Experimental Modal Analysis. In this study, a cabinet base plate is considered to investigate the titled problem. This cabinet base plate has several non-uniform geometrical properties such as holes, stiffeners and mounting places. Due to the aforementioned non-uniformity, numerical methods are used to find the vibration and acoustics properties such components. The aim of the first important part of this thesis is to provide the theoretical background to the readers. Other parts of this thesis are presented for theoretical modal analysis of cabinet base plate which is carried out by using solid element in ABAQUS and experimental modal analysis that is accomplished by using dB4-1 Mobil Analyser and its connections. The modal parameters found from both numerical and experimental methods are compared and good agreement is found. After determining the agreement, the proper modification has been done for the system which generates undesired sound due to the natural frequency.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN DURING MENOPAUSE

The loss of female sex hormones after menopause contributes to the striking increase in the incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The present study was designed to evaluate some of the artherosclerotic risk factors: LDL-C, HDL-C and factor VII of coagulation, in women during menopause. The study comprised a number of 77 women divided into three groups. The control group included 25 healthy women in their reproductive period. The perimenopausal group consisted of 27 women, with FSH level under 25mU/ml, and with anamnestic data of irregularity of menstrual cycle. The postmenopausal group encompassed 25 women regarding lack of cycle for more than 12 months. Hormone level was determined with RIA method. Lipid level was determined with standard colorimetric-spectrophotometric method and the concentration of f. VII was determined by method of plasma deficiency. Statistical analysis has shown that there was a significant increase of LDL-C and factor VII in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal examines in comparison with the control group (p<0,001). This study favours the view that decrease in estradiol level and associated increase in LDL-CH and factor VII seen in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women may be responsible for the increased risk of atherosclerotic thromboemembolic complications in women during the most vulnerable period of their life.
Analysis of Wind-Diesel Hybrid Power System Integration in an Autonomous Grid

The electrical energy is often produced with the help of diesel generators in isolated areas in the Saharan region. While the latter requiring relatively little investment because is generally expensive to exploit due to the transportation to remote areas adds extra cost, significant fuel consumption and relatively high maintenance cost, etc. Moreover, the electricity production by the diesel is ineffective, presents significant environmental risks. But these isolated areas have significant wind energy potential; which is good position for the exploitation of clean and sustainable wind energy. The use of wind-diesel power system is widely recommended especially to reduce fuel consumption and in this way to reduce system operating costs and environmental impact.The subject of this paper is to present the simulation of a wind-diesel power system. This system has a high control strategy for the management of different power sources (wind, diesel, battery) that depending to weather conditions, especially wind speed values and the power demanded by the consumer load.
Mechanisms Mediating Modulation Of The Cardiopulmonary Chemoreflex Control Of Regional Sympathetic Outputs By Adenosine A1 And A2a Receptors In The Nts

MECHANISMS MEDIATING MODULATION OF CARDIOPULMONARY CHEMOREFLEX CONTROL OF REGIONAL SYMPATHETIC ACTIVITY BY ADENOSINE A1 and A2a RECEPTORS LOCATED IN THE NTS by ZELJKA MINIC August 2013 Advisor: Dr. Tadeusz J. Scislo Major: Physiology Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Adenosine is an important neuromodulator of cardiovascular control at the level of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) where cardiovascular and other autonomic reflexes are primarily integrated. Levels of adenosine increase in the NTS during life threatening hypotension, ischemia and hypoxia. Adenosine may modulate cardiovascular reflexes to correct hemodynamic imbalance, acting via A1 and A2a receptors which inhibit and facilitate neurotransmitter release, respectively. Previous studies from our laboratory showed that NTS A1 adenosine receptors inhibit the arterial baroreflex whereas A2a receptors do not reset baroreflex control of regional sympathetic outputs, although stimulation of these receptors decreases renal (RSNA) increases preganglionic adrenal (pre-ASNA) and does not alter lumbar (LSNA) sympathetic nerve activity. Cardiopulmonary chemoreflex (CCR), also known as Bezold-Jarisch reflex, triggered by various chemicals inhaled or released during myocardial ischemia, may have beneficial effects when it decreases afterload and heart rate thus decreasing oxygen demand. However, strong activation of the CCR may cause severe bradycardia and hypotension leading to hypoperfusion of vital organs, fainting and even death.
High-performance approximate half and full adder cells using NAND logic gate

In this letter, NAND-based approximate half adder (NHAx) and full adder (NFAx) cells are proposed for low power approximate adders. NHAx and NFAx architectures are built using NAND logic gate which has a minimal normalized gate delay among all the CMOS based integrated circuit digital logic family; therefore, an improvement of 29% in the critical path delay is achieved. For the performance evaluation, 8-bit ripple carry adder (RCA) is then built using proposed cells. RCA-NFAx shows a good power-e ﬃ ciency trade-o ﬀ when both power delay product and error metric NMED are considered with reference to the previous approximate 1-bit FA based RCA designs.
Heart Rate Variability analysis of chronotropic response to exercise in rickshaw-pullers

Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects a healthy autonomic nervous system and is increased with endurance physical training. This study aimed to quantify the cardiovascular system regulation in terms of heart rate variability under a physiological stress-acute graded and controlled exercise in chronic rickshaw pullers. Primary focus of the study was on the recovery of HRV parameters after the exercise. Forty healthy male subjects were included in the study. Twenty of them were rickshaw-pullers, who had been engaged in active cycling for more than 10 years and they constituted the aerobic training model or experimental group. Twenty other healthy male sedentary male constituted the control group. After 15 min supine rest standard limb lead I was used for recording entire epoch of ECG for HRV. ECG was recorded at rest, during exercise and immediately after termination of exercise in supine position for 6 min at spontaneous respiration. Acute exercise testing was done by automated bicycle ergometer in supine position for 6 minutes. It had automated load increment program. Initial load was 25W and at every 2-min of intervals it was increased by 25W and finally reached up to 100W. Constant frequency of paddling was maintained during the period of six minutes exercise. Along with continuous ECG recording simultaneously blood pressure and heart rate were also measured at every 2 min of intervals. The ECG and respiratory signals were recorded at the sample rate of 4000 Hz for each signal. The ectopic beats or artefacts of ECG were excluded by visual inspection of entire recording. Recovery of SDNN was less in rickshaw pullers than in the controls (p<0.05). Both the groups showed significant difference in power (nu) of HF, when compared the resting vs exercise vs recovery (p<0.001) Significant difference were observed in power (nu) of HF, when compared the exercise-resting vs recovery- exercise vs recovery-resting (p<0.001) From this study it was concluded that the rickshaw pullers were found to be physically well trained as evidenced by faster recovery in heart rate and heart rate variability (LF and HF). The normalised units of LF or HF are found to be better indicator of recovery from exercise than the SDNN.
Investigation and quantification of prevalent risk factors for the introduction of avian influenza in European poultry farms

The following review aims to gain more insight into farm management in European poultry farms, to identify prevalent risk factors for the introduction of avian influenza (AI) and to develop a procedure to assess a farms risk status. Data on farm management were gathered by using questionnaires and visitor books in 343 farms in Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands. In addition, the farmers documented private and production related visitors for 30 days in a logbook. To evaluate the results, an international expert panel defined and weighted the most important risk factors for AI introduction at farm level within a three-stage Delphi study. Based on this evaluation, all farms were assigned to three classes of risk. To communicate the results to the farmers as comprehensible as possible, a traffic-light scheme was used. The highest risk class represented poultry farms with a high potential for AIV introduction.
THE INACTIVATION OF RIBONUCLEIC ACID FROM TOBACCO MOSAIC VIRUS BY ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION AT DIFFERENT WAVE‐LENGTHS

Abstract— Although both thymine and uracil can form similar dimers, exposing RNA of tobacco mosaic virus lo ultraviolet radiation of different wavelengths did not reproduce any of the phenomena that implicate dimerization of thymine residues as a major cause of the inactivation of a bacterial transforming DNA. If uracil residues dimerize at all in the irradiated RNA, such dimerization either does not affect infectivity or is not photoreversible in the same way as dirnerization of thymine residues in DNA. Unlike inactivation of the transforming DNA, inactivation of the virus‐RNA seems to be a function of the amount of absorbed radiation energy, irrespective of the wave‐length within the range 285 to 230 mμ and irrespective of a change in the wave‐length during irradiation.
INVERTEBRATE PREDATION ON PATCHY AND MOBILE PREY IN STREAMS

SUMMARY (1) A series of field experiments with predatory net-spinning larvae of the caddisfly Plectrocnemia conspersa (Curtis) were carried out in a small fishless stream to determine any impact of this predator on the abundance of its prey. Densities of fifth instar caddisfly larvae were manipulated in enclosures permeable to most other invertebrates in the stream. (2) Three experiments were carried out (spring, summer and winter), each with a 2-week preliminary colonization period to establish prey assemblages inside enclosures. Then zero, one or four predators were introduced per cage (low, ambient or high predator densities). Significant predator impacts were observed in winter only, and results varied with prey taxon. These observations could be attributed either to largely trivial effects of predation, or to technical difficulties in its detection. (3) Two subsequent experiments (A and B) were designed to assess how the detection of predator impact in enclosures is influenced by the patchy microdistribution of lotic invertebrates, and by the continuous exchange of mobile prey with the benthos. (4) In experiment A, prey exchange rates were manipulated by wrapping some cages with fine mesh after the initial colonization period. The evidence that exchange rate influenced the detection of impact by predators was equivocal and may have been obscured by the natural, spatial variability of lotic invertebrates. (5) In experiment B, exchange rates were again altered by manipulating the mesh size of enclosures but, in addition, initial variability in the number of prey per cage was reduced by stocking rather than by allowing colonization. The abundance of total prey and of individual prey groups was reduced significantly in predator treatments compared with controls. Predator impacts were most pronounced at low exchange rates, and were less distinct at high exchange. The effect of mesh size on prey exchange varied among taxa in relation to species-specific morphology and dispersal behaviour. The experimental detection of predator impacts therefore appears to be highly dependent on both prey mobility and spatial heterogeneity.
Laying chickens response to various levels of palm kernel cake in diets

The response of 120 Lohmann Brown laying hens which were fed on graded levels of palm kernel cake (PKC) meal was studied. Four dietary treatments incorporating 0, 5, 10 and 15% of PKC meals were used and the birds were randomly assigned in equal members in a completely randomized design. The diets were isocaloric and iso-nitrogenenous and were fed ad libitum. Water was also provided free choice. The study revealed that inclusion of PKC at 15% reduced (P>0.05) daily body weight gain (DBG) by about 400% when compared with control while, lower inclusion levels of PKC (5 and 10%) reduced (P<0.05) DBG by about 8.6 and 13.6% respectively. Feeding PKC at 15% adversely affected egg production though feed intake was not significantly affected. Additionally, PKC had no significant effect on hematological parameters assessed except mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The results indicated that inclusion of PKC can reduce the cost of feed. It was also revealed that PKC, if included up to 15% of the diet of laying hens could reduce egg production. Key words: Palm kernel cake, laying hens’, production performance, hematology.
Control of phosphate transport across the plasma membrane of Chara corallina

This paper examines the control of phosphate uptake into Chara corallina. Influxes of inorganic phosphate (Pi) into isolated single internodal cells were measured with 32 Pi. Pretreatment of cells without Pi for up to 10 d increased Pi influx. However, during this starvation the concentrations of Pi in both the cytoplasm and the vacuole remained quite constant. When cells were pre-treated with 0.1 mM Pi, the subsequent influx of Pi was low. Under these conditions the Pi concentration in the cytoplasm was almost the same as that of Pi-starved cells, but vacuolar Pi increased with time. Transfer of cells from medium containing 0.1 mM Pi to Pi-free medium induced an increase of Pi influx within 3 d irrespective of the concentration of Pi in the vacuole. During Pi starvation, neither the membrane potential nor the cytoplasmic pH changed. Manipulation of the cytoplasmic pH by weak acids or ammonium decreased the Pi influx slightly. Pi efflux was also measured, using cells loaded with 32 Pi. Addition of a low concentration of Pi in the rinsing medium rapidly and temporarily induced an increase in the efflux. The results show that Pi influx is controlled by factors other than simple feedback from cytoplasmic or vacuolar Pi concentrations or thermodynamic driving forces for H + -coupled Pi uptake. It is suggested that uptake of Pi is controlled via the concentration of Pi in the external medium, through induction or repression of two types of plasma membrane Pi transporters.
Proanthocyanidins and tannin‐like compounds – nature, occurrence, dietary intake and effects on nutrition and health

Proanthocyanidins (syn condensed tannins) are complex flavonoid polymers naturally present in cereals, legume seeds and particularly abundant in some fruits and fruit juices. They share some common structural features—phenolic nature and high molecular weight—with phenolic polymers found in black tea and red wine (called here tannin-like compounds). The polymeric nature of proanthocyanidins makes their analysis and estimation in food difficult. For this reason, little is known about their consumption, although they likely contribute a large part of the daily polyphenol intake. They also share common physicochemical properties: they form stable complexes with metal ions and with proteins and are, like other polyphenols, good reducing agents. Many of their biological effects of nutritional interest derive from these properties. As metal ion chelators, they influence the bioavailability of several minerals. The nutritional significance of the non-specific complexation of proteins is less clear. As reducing agents, they may participate in the prevention of cancers, both of the digestive tract and inner organs. They may also protect LDLs against oxidation and inhibit platelet aggregation and therefore prevent cardiovascular diseases. In vitro, animal and human studies on the prevention of these chronic diseases are reviewed with particular attention to wine and tea polyphenols. The lack of data on their bioavailability and the paucity of human studies are emphasised. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Interventions for infantile haemangiomas of the skin

Infantile haemangiomas are a type of birthmark. They are soft, raised swellings on the skin, often with a bright‐red surface caused by a non‐cancerous overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin. The majority of these lesions are uncomplicated and will shrink on their own by age seven; however, some require treatment if they occur in high‐risk areas or cause psychological distress. This article summarises the major findings of a Cochrane Review, which aimed to assess the benefits and harms of treatments for haemangiomas of the skin in infants and children, collecting evidence up to February 2017. The review included 28 studies (1728 children), which assessed lasers, beta‐blockers, steroids and radiation therapy, among other treatments. When compared with placebo treatment, propranolol taken by mouth at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day is probably more beneficial in terms of complete or almost‐complete clearance of swelling and reduction in volume of the haemangioma (moderate‐quality evidence). In addition, timolol maleate 0.5%‐gel applied topically (to the skin) twice daily may reduce redness when assessed against placebo (low‐quality evidence). Short‐ or long‐term serious cardiovascular events were not reported in either group. Likewise, there was no evidence of a difference between propranolol taken by mouth (via a tablet once per day, at a 1.0 mg/kg/dose) and topical timolol maleate (0.5% eye drops applied twice daily) in terms of their effect on reducing haemangioma size by 50% or more (low‐quality evidence). Oral propranolol is currently the standard treatment for this condition, and we did not find evidence to contest this treatment in terms of efficacy and safety. High‐quality future research should assess the effects of propranolol and timolol maleate, as well as other alternative medications, on outcomes that are important to patients, including adverse‐related events (unwanted side effects), parents’/children's opinions of improvement, and cosmetic appearance.
Effectiveness of unknown growth factors, antibiotic, and animal fat in turkey poult rations.

ABSTRACT IN MEAT production phases of the poultry industry, it is usually considered essential to adhere to feeding programs which call for a rapid rate of early growth. Feeding formulas are frequently based upon the liberal use of corn and soybean oil meal, and nutritionists are faced with the problem of adequate economical supplementation to produce maximum gains. Scott and Jensen (1952) reported that the turkey requires two unidentified growth factors, the first present in fish meal and meat scraps and the second in casein, brewers yeast, skimmilk, and grass juice. Antibiotic supplementation “spared” the requirement for the second factor. Atkinson et al. (1955) indicated that whey products, brewers yeast and fish solubles contained unidentified factors for turkey growth later in the hatching season, suggesting that a depletion of unknown factors may be required prior to the occurrence of definite responses. Kohler and Graham (1952) observed that maternal reserves regulated the .
Changes in polyphosphoinositide metabolism in Globodera rostochiensis following stimulation to hatch by potato root diffusate

Eggs of Globodera rostochiensis were incubated for 2.5 h in 13.3 mM myo-[2- 3 H] inositol to allow incorporation of the labelled compound into phosphoinositides. The subsequent in vivo metabolism of these phospholipids released the water soluble products glycerophosphoinositol, (GPIns), inositol 1-phosphate (IP1); inositol 1,4-biphosphate (IP2) and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) which were separated by ion exchange chromatography before the radiolabel incorporated into each was quantified using a scintillation counter. Exposure of eggs to labelled myo-inositol in either active or heat-inactivated hatching factor in potato root diffusate resulted in a significantly higher recovery of the three inositol phosphates from individuals receiving the stimulus to hatch. The results substantiate earlier work indicating a rapid initial action of hatching factor on unhatched juveniles of G. rostochiensis.