Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant flavonoids as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in regulation of hypertension

Background : Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a key component in the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) which regulates blood pressure. As the over expression of RAAS is associated with vascular hypertension, ACE inhibition has become a major target control for hypertension. The research on potential ACE inhibitors is expanding broadly and most are focused on natural product derivatives such as peptides, polyphenolics, and terpenes. Plant polyphenolics are antioxidant molecules with various beneficial pharmacological properties. The current study is focused on investigating and reviewing the ACE inhibitory property of fruit flavonoids. An apple skin extract (ASE) rich in flavonoids, the major constituents of the extract and their selected metabolites were assessed for the ACE inhibitory property in vitro . It is important to investigate the metabolites along with the flavonoids as they are the constituents active inside the human body. Objective : To investigate whether flavonoids, flavonoid rich apple extracts and their metabolites could inhibit ACE in vitro . Method : The samples were incubated with sodium borate buffer (30 µL, pH 8.3), 150 µL of substrate (Hip-His-Liu) and ACE (30 µL) at 37 oC for 1 h. The reaction was stopped by addition of 150 µL of 0.3M NaOH. The enzyme cleaved substrate was detected by making a fluorimetric adduct by adding 100 µL of o-phthaladehyde for 10 min at room temperature. Reaction was stopped by adding 50 µL of 3M HCl. Fluorescence was measured by using a FluoStar Optima plate reader at excitation of 350 nm and emission of 500 nm. Results : The extract and the compounds showed a concentration dependant enzyme inhibition. Increasing concentrations from 0.001 ppm to 100 ppm of ASE showed an increment of 29% to 64% ACE inhibition. The IC50 (concentration of test compound which gives 50% enzyme inhibition) values of ASE, quercetin, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-galactoside were 49 µg/mL, 151 µM, 71 µM, 180 µM, 206 µM, respectively. The major constituents of the ASE that were tested separately showed effective ACE inhibition. From the three metabolites tested, only quercetin-3-glucuronic acid showed concentration dependant ACE inhibition. The ACE inhibition of 0.001 ppm to 100 ppm of quercetin-3-glucuronic was in the range of 43% and 75% and the IC50 value was 27 µM. Conclusion : The results demonstrated that flavonoids have a potential to inhibit ACE in vitro and the inhibitory property varies according to type of sugar moiety attached at C-3 position. The results also revealed that the major contributing compounds of ASE for ACE inhibition belong to flavonoids. Among the tested compounds, the lowest IC50 value is associated with the quercetin-3-glucuronic acid, a major in vivo metabolites of quercetin and its glycosides. The results suggest that certain dietary flavonoids may possess properties of blood pressure regulation. Key words : Hypertension, renin angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), flavonoids, apple
Emerging Adults' Experiences of Grandparent Death

This qualitative study examined the experience of grandparent death among 74 emerging adults enrolled in college. Guided by the life course perspective, the authors specifically explored (a) participant responses to the death, (b) how family systems were influenced by the loss of the grandparent, and (c) how grandparent death motivated life course transitions for emerging adults. The findings suggest that the death trajectory, level of attachment, the role the grandchild played in the family, as well as the coping style utilized affected participants' grief processes. This study underscores the importance of the grandchild–grandparent tie, how new death experiences create meaning and ritual, and how life course transitions are motivated when an older family member dies. Implications for providing support on college campuses when emerging adults experience grandparent death are highlighted.
The influence of sex and of chelation therapy on erythrocyte protoporphyrin and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid in lead-exposed workers.

A study was undertaken to compare the susceptibility to lead of the heme biosynthetic pathway (blood lead concentration up to 60 .mu.g/100 ml) of male and of female lead workers. At exposures of similar duration and intensity, adult non-pregnant women were more susceptible than men to some biological effects of lead as reflected by an earlier and larger increase of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALAU) levels at comparable blood lead concentrations (PbB). Preliminary results provided suggestive evidence that plasma lead concentration might be higher in lead-exposed women than in lead-exposed men. The second part of the paper reports a study of male lead workers, the majority of whom had had several courses of CaNa/sub 2/-EDTA therapy in recent years. Comparison of the workers who had undergone chelation therapy and of untreated workers from the same plant demonstrated clearly that chelation therapy markedly altered the interrelationships of PbB, PbU, FEP, and ALAU.
Antigens derived from lung-stage larvae of Schistosoma mansoni are efficient stimulators of proliferation and gamma interferon secretion by lymphocytes from mice vaccinated with attenuated larvae

Protective immunity in C57BL/6 mice exposed to optimally irradiated larvae of Schistosoma mansoni operates against challenge parasites in the lungs and is dependent upon T-helper 1 (Th1) lymphocytes which secrete abundant gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). As an initial step in the identification of the molecules which mediate this immunity, antigenic materials released by larvae at various times during in vitro culture were compared for the ability to induce proliferation of lymph node cells recovered from mice 4 to 6 days after exposure to attenuated parasites. Cells from mice vaccinated with cercariae proliferated most strongly to larval antigens released soon after transformation. In contrast, cells from mice immunized with lung-stage schistosomula responded poorly to these early secretions but proliferated vigorously to antigens released by older larvae. In further studies on the cytokine profile of the responding lymphocytes, it was observed that the balance between IFN-gamma and interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion depended on the source of antigen used for restimulation. Thus, material released between days 6 and 8 by in vitro-cultured larvae, and the soluble extracts of whole lung-stage larvae, induced abundant IFN-gamma but little IL-4. This finding implies that an overwhelming proportion of the lymphocytes responsive to lung-stage antigens had the Th1 phenotype. In contrast, antigens from cercariae and skin-stage larvae induced the lowest levels of IFN-gamma but higher levels of IL-4. It appears that a proportion of the cells with specificities for early antigens had the Th2 or Th0 phenotype. Our results emphasize that antigens from lung-stage larvae are an important source of potentially protective molecules.
Temporary agency work in Europe

Chapter 9 by Michon provides an overview of nonstandard work in Europe and discusses one institutional response—the growth of tem-18 Gleasonporary help fi rms (also called temporary work agencies [TWAs]). As the need for more fl exible labor markets has become evident, temporary work agencies have emerged as institutions that facilitate fl exibility.However, like Japan, a number of European countries previously have prohibited or severely limited temporary employment agencies as part of their national policies to support full employment; the notable exception is France. Consequently, these relatively new labor market institutions still are evolving within each country as well as in the context of the European Union (EU). The EU is working toward common approaches to regulating employment policies and labor markets andinstitutions such as temporary work agencies to facilitate greater labor market integration.16Michon provides an overview of temporary agency work (TAW) in the member nations of the EU. He discusses the diffi culties of comparative analysis across countries because there is no common defi nition of TAW or common method of regulating TAW through laws and collective bargaining.17 The heterogeneity of national differences in the regulation of TAW has resulted in differing workforce characteristics. For example, in Germany TAW is primarily used in the industrial sector and employs male manual laborers, while in Denmark it is found primarily in the service sector employing white-collar females.The chapter provides an overview of the complexities of the various national approaches to regulating TAW and the activities of the "social partners" (employers and unions). While employers have created national TWA employer organizations, unions typically have not reatedcomparable associations due to their hostility to TAW. Michon discusses the ways in which the differences in perspectives on public policy of the employer organizations and unions are being negotiated in somecountries, and he reviews the attention being given in varying degrees to protections of TAW workers in the member nations. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the challenges of developing within the EU a more standardized approach to regulating temporary agency work.
A genetic polymorphism in the promoter region of DRD4 associated with expression and schizophrenia.

The human dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) is an important candidate gene for schizophrenia. We identified a novel -521C>T polymorphism in the 5'-promoter region of DRD4. A transient expression method revealed that the T allele of this polymorphism reduces the transcriptional efficiency by 40% compared with the C allele. This polymorphism is of interest because of reported elevation of D4-like sites and DRD4 mRNA in the postmortem schizophrenic brain. The C allele frequency was significantly higher in 252 Japanese schizophrenics (0.48) than in 269 Japanese controls (0.41) (p = 0. 02) [odds ratio = 1.35 (95% confidence interval 1.05 - 1.72)]. Although the association is weak and should be considered tentative until other studies replicate it, this polymorphism provides a tool with the potential to examine whether DRD4 is related to susceptibility to and neuroleptic response in schizophrenia.
Epidemiology of Campylobacter diarrhoea

Campylobacter diarrhoea was diagnosed bacteriologically in 535 patients. Most of these patients required hospitalization, but no fatalities were recorded. The age‐specific incidence of Campylobacter enteritis showed a trimodal distribution. Overseas travel was a factor in 14% of all cases. Food, including “fast food”, may be an important source of infection. Campylobacter enteritis was more prevalent during summer than winter. Campylobacter bacteraemia was detected in only four cases. Biotyping was performed on 285 of the strains that were isolated. Biotype analysis showed that there was a clustering of cases of certain biotypes, even though community‐wide outbreaks were not recognized in the period of review.
Social Media, Organizational Changes and Added Value in Knowledge-Based Industries

This paper presents the significance of the new and innovative economy to organizational development, adopting to the business environmental changes and managing. The concept is based on a theoretical view of the innovative new economy, knowledge management and the impact of Web "20" and social media on value creation. Methodology is based on analyse of the factors that increase the role of social media (SM) and their influence to changes in the value added in the organization. Social media leads to the fact that, we are not talking about knowledge management, but about enabling access to knowledge. It influences on the formation of chain supply and consequently to the value added in the enterprises in innovative economy.
Investigate of the Relationship Independent Directors,Ownership Concentration,Institutional Ownership,Auditor Type and Free Floating Shares with Firm Value in Tehran Stock Exchange

the present study seeks to examine the Relationship independent directors, ownership concentration, institutional ownership, auditor type and free floating shares with firm value in companies listed at Tehran Stock Exchange. Independent variables used in this study are consisted of the comprises independent directors, ownership concentration, institutional ownership, auditor type and free floating shares.Corporate value is our dependent variable measured by Tobin-Q index. Also,control variables such as firm size, leverage, and growth opportunity are used. The study is an applied research with correlative, post-event methodology. Population of the study includes 200 companies listed at Tehran Stock Exchange during 2006 to 2014 using screening method. Normal least squares regression model is used for testing hypotheses. The research results show that in Throughout the entire Companies, Concentration of ownership and institutional ownership Positive and significant correlations and Free floating shares Negative and significant correlations have with firm vlue and independent directors and auditor type No correlation with the with firm vlue. Key words: independent directors, ownership concentration, institutional ownership, auditor type , free floating shares , firm value
A direct main olfactory bulb projection to the ‘vomeronasal’ amygdala in female mice selectively responds to volatile pheromones from males

The main olfactory system, like the accessory olfactory system, responds to pheromones involved in social communication. Whereas pheromones detected by the accessory system are transmitted to the hypothalamus via the medial (‘vomeronasal’) amygdala, the pathway by which pheromones are detected and transmitted by the main system is not well understood. We examined in female mice whether a direct projection from mitral/tufted (M/T) cells in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) to the medial amygdala exists, and whether medial amygdala‐projecting M/T cells are activated by volatile urinary odors from conspecifics or a predator (cat). Simultaneous anterograde tracing using Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin and Fluoro‐Ruby placed in the MOB and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), respectively, revealed that axons of MOB M/T cells projected to superficial laminae of layer Ia in anterior and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala, whereas projection neurons from the AOB sent axons to non‐overlapping, deeper layer Ia laminae of the same subdivisions. Placement of the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B into the medial amygdala labeled M/T cells that were concentrated in the ventral MOB. Urinary volatiles from male mice, but not from female conspecifics or cat, induced Fos in medial amygdala‐projecting MOB M/T cells of female subjects, suggesting that information about male odors is transmitted directly from the MOB to the ‘vomeronasal’ amygdala. The presence of a direct MOB‐to‐medial amygdala pathway in mice and other mammals could enable volatile, opposite‐sex pheromones to gain privileged access to diencephalic structures that control mate recognition and reproduction.
Improvement of Bacillus sphaericus toxicity against dipteran larvae by integration, via homologous recombination, of the Cry11A toxin gene from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis

Integrative plasmids were constructed to enable integration of foreign DNA into the chromosome of Bacillus sphaericus 2297 by in vivo recombination. Integration of the aphA3 kanamycin resistance gene by a two-step procedure demonstrated that this strategy was applicable with antibiotic resistance selection. Hybridization experiments evidenced two copies of the operon encoding the binary toxin from B. sphaericus in the recipient strain. The Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis cry11Aal gene (referred to as cry11A), encoding a delta-endotoxin with toxicity against Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles larvae, was integrated either by a single crossover event [strain 2297 (::pHT5601), harboring the entire recombinant plasmid] or by two successive crossover events [strain 2297 (::cry11A)]. The level of the Cry11A production in B. sphaericus was high; two crystalline inclusions were produced in strain 2297 (::pHT5601). Synthesis of the Cry11A toxin conferred toxicity to the recombinant strains against Aedes aegypti larvae, for which the parental strain was not toxic. Interestingly, the level of larvicidal activity of strain 2297 (::pHT5601) against Anopheles stephensi was as high as that of B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and suggested synergy between the B. thuringiensis and B. sphaericus toxins. The toxicities of parental and recombinant B. sphaericus strains against Culex quinquefasciatus were similar, but the recombinant strains killed the larvae more rapidly. The production of the Cry11A toxin in B. sphaericus also partially restored toxicity for C. quinquefasciatus larvae from a population resistant to B. sphaericus 1593. In vivo recombination therefore appears to be a promising approach to the creation of new B. sphaericus strains for vector control.
The small intestine as a model for evaluating adult tissue stem cell drug targets 1

Abstract. Adult tissue stem cells are defined and some current controversies are discussed. These crucial cells are responsible for all cell production in renewing tissues, and play a vital role in tissue regeneration. Although reliable stem cell markers are generally unavailable for adult epithelial tissues, the small intestinal crypts are an excellent in vivo model system to study stem cells. Within this tissue, the stem cells have a very well‐defined cell position, allowing accurate definition of stem cell specific events. Clonal regeneration assays for the small intestine allow stem cell survival and functional competence to be studied. The ultimate lineage ancestor stem cells are extremely efficiently protected from genetic damage, which accounts for the low cancer incidence in this tissue. Some of the regulatory networks governing stem and transit cell behaviour are beginning to be understood and it is postulated that p53 plays a crucial role in these processes.
On the vascular inotropic action of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3.

Previous work from our laboratory showed that injection of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1,25-vitD) into the rat over a 3-day period increases force generating capacity of subsequently isolated resistance arteries. To better understand the mechanism of this vascular inotropic action, we examined the time course of its development and Ca(2+)-associated mechanism of action. Mesenteric resistance arteries were isolated from 12-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) 6 and 24 h after a single injection and 24 h after three and seven consecutive days of injection of 1,25-vitD (20 ng/100 g) or vehicle. Serum 1,25-vitD was increased nearly threefold at 6 h, but not at later times. Serum total and ionized Ca2+ were not affected at any time point. No changes in contractile force generation were detected at 6 and 24 h, but a significant increase in the active stress response to norepinephrine and arginine vasopressin was observed after both 3 and 7 days of 1,25-vitD treatment. No effect on sensitivity to either agonist was observed at any time point. To determine whether the vascular inotropic effects of 1,25-vitD might translate into changes in blood pressure, 11-week-old male Wistar rats were given daily injections of 1,25-vitD (20 ng/100 g) over a 4-week period, and blood pressure and body weight were measured. While body weight did not differ at any time point in the two groups, systolic blood pressure was elevated in the 1,25-vitD group v control by 7 days, and continued to be elevated over the period of observation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Microbubbles as ultrasound contrast agents for molecular imaging: preparation and application.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to describe trends in microbubble application in molecular imaging. CONCLUSION Microbubbles are used for contrast ultrasound imaging as blood-pool agents in cardiology and radiology. Their promise as targeted agents for molecular imaging is now being recognized. Microbubbles can be functionalized with ligand molecules that bind to molecular markers of disease. Potential clinical applications of molecular imaging with microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents are in the monitoring of the biomarker status of vascular endothelium, visualizing tumor vasculature, and imaging inflammation and ischemia-reperfusion injury zones and thrombi.
Understanding Soliton Spectral Tunneling as a Spectral Coupling Effect

Soliton eigenstate is found corresponding to a dispersive phase profile under which the soliton phase changes induced by the dispersion and nonlinearity are instantaneously counterbalanced. Much like a waveguide coupler relying on a spatial refractive index profile that supports mode coupling between channels, here we suggest that the soliton spectral tunneling effect can be understood supported by a spectral phase coupler. The dispersive wave number in the spectral domain must have a coupler-like symmetric profile for soliton spectral tunneling to occur. We show that such a spectral coupler exactly implies phase as well as group-velocity matching between the input soliton and tunneled soliton, namely a soliton phase matching condition. Examples in realistic photonic crystal fibers are also presented.
Extending Producer Responsibility: An Evaluation Framework for Product Take-Back Policies

Manufacturers are increasingly being required to adhere to product take-back regulations that require them to manage their products at the end of life. Such regulations seek to internalize products' entire life cycle costs into market prices, with the ultimate objective of reducing their environmental burden. This article provides a framework to evaluate the potential for take-back regulations to actually lead to reduced environmental impacts and to stimulate product design changes. It describes trade-offs associated with several major policy decisions, including whether to hold firms physically or financially responsible for the recovery of their products, when to impose recycling fees, whether to include disposal and hazardous substance bans, and whether to mandate product design features to foster reuse and recycling of components and materials. The framework also addresses policy elements that can significantly affect the cost efficiency and occupational safety hazards of end-of-life product recovery operations. The evaluation framework is illustrated with examples drawn from take-back regulations promulgated in Europe, Japan, and the United States governing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
A Technology Fusion Approach for Augmented Reality Applications

Technology fusion through the integration of multiple sensors and data sources is a common feature of current spatial information applications. Augmented reality is one such example. Augmented reality is a technology that overlays views of the real world with digital information. It provides an innovative application of spatial databases and can be applied in both real‐time and non‐real‐time applications. In order to correctly align digital (augmented) data with views of the real world, position and attitude determination is required. This paper describes the development of an augmented reality prototype, which includes the design and implementation of a position and attitude determination component. The prototype relies on spatial information to improve the accuracy of position and attitude determination. Successful field tests of the prototype are carried out in Melbourne, Australia. The field tests are focused around a case study that uses the prototype to enable drivers to ‘see’ the road and surrounding vehicles despite heavy fog, rain, snow or other low visibility situations.