Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Male Germ Cell Apoptosis in the Rat1

Abstract Programmed germ cell death is critical for functional spermatogenesis. Increased germ cell apoptosis can be triggered by various regulatory stimuli, including testicular hyperthermia or deprivation of gonadotropins and intratesticular testosterone. We have previously shown the involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 14 in apoptotic signaling of male germ cells across species after hormone deprivation. This study investigates the role of MAPK14 in germ cell apoptosis in rats triggered by testicular hyperthermia. The contributions of the MAPK1/3 and the MAPK8 to male germ cell death were also examined after this intervention. We show that 1) testicular hyperthermia results in induction of both MAPK1/3 and MAPK14 but not MAPK8; 2) inhibition of MAPK1/3 has no effect on the incidence of heat-induced germ cell apoptosis, suggesting that MAPK1/3 signaling may be dispensable for heat-induced male germ cell apoptosis; and 3) activation of MAPK14 and BCL2 phosphorylation are critical for heat-induced male germ cell apoptosis in rats. Thus, unlike the hormone deprivation model, heat stress through activation of the MAPK14 signaling promotes germ cell apoptosis by provoking BCL2 phosphorylation, leading to its inactivation and the subsequent activation of the mitochondria-dependent death pathway. These novel findings point to a critical role of MAPK14 in stage- and cell-specific activation of male germ cell apoptosis triggered by hormone deprivation or heat stress.
Exploration of the Risk Factors of Generalized and Central Obesity among Adolescents in North Lebanon

Adolescents' obesity is an emerging public health problem globally and in the Arab countries. Alarming rates of overweight/obesity have been rising progressively in Lebanon. However, the risk factors for the development of adolescents' obesity have not yet been thoroughly explored in North Lebanon. To determine the dietary and lifestyle risk factors associated with generalized and central obesity among adolescents living in Tripoli, a cross-sectional survey was conducted including a representative sample of 311 students aged 11–16 years from both sexes chosen from public and private schools in Tripoli. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire to determine sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Body mass index (BMI) was evaluated using the Center for Disease Control BMI for age percentiles. Central obesity was assessed using both waist-to-height ratio and gender-specific waist circumference for age indices. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that skipping breakfast and physical inactivity were the most significant independent risk factors associated with both generalized and central obesity. In addition, higher screen time and male gender were associated with increased risk for generalized and central obesity, respectively. Intervention strategies to prevent the development of obesity should be implemented among adolescent students to encourage regular breakfast intake and adopting healthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors.
Performance evaluation of a stratified chilled-water thermal storage system

— In countries with hot climates, air-conditioning forms a large proportion of annual peak electrical demand, requiring expansion of power plants to meet the peak demand, which goes unused most of the time. Use of well-designed cool storage can offset the peak demand to a large extent. In this study, an air conditioning system with naturally stratified storage tank was designed, constructed and tested. A new type of diffuser was designed and used in this study. Factors that influence the performance of chilled water storage tanks were investigated. The results indicated that stratified storage tank consistently stratified well without any physical barrier. Investigation also showed that storage efficiency decreased with increasing flow rate due to increased mixing of warm and chilled water. Diffuser design and layout primarily affected the mixing near the inlet diffuser and the extent of this mixing had primary influence on the shape of the thermocline. The heat conduction through tank walls and through the thermocline caused widening of mixed volume. Thermal efficiency of stratified storage tanks was as high as 90 percent, which indicates that stratified tanks can effectively be used as a load management technique.
Observability analysis and optimal sensor placement in stereo radar odometry

Localization is the key perceptual process closing the loop of autonomous navigation, allowing self-driving vehicles to operate in a deliberate way. To ensure robust localization, autonomous vehicles have to implement redundant estimation processes, ideally independent in terms of the underlying physics behind sensing principles. This paper presents a stereo radar odometry system, which can be used as such a redundant system, complementary to other odometry estimation processes, providing robustness for long-term operability. The presented work is novel with respect to previously published methods in that it contains: (i) a detailed formulation of the Doppler error and its associated uncertainty; (ii) an observability analysis that gives the minimal conditions to infer a 2D twist from radar readings; and (iii) a numerical analysis for optimal vehicle sensor placement. Experimental results are also detailed that validate the theoretical insights.
Development of a portable robot and graphical user interface for haptic rehabilitation exercise

This paper presents progress in the development of a robotic system for post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation. It is a portable, lower cost, actuated upper limb robotic rehabilitation device, which is being developed to meet the needs of stroke therapists and their patients. The developed system provides force feedback for haptic rehabilitation, applying both resistive and assistive forces for more targeted exercises for post-stroke patients. The proposed system includes a graphical user interface with both manual and automatic control of the robotic device for upper limb exercise. The automatic control makes use of artificially intelligent systems to adapt the treatment with minimal interventions of therapists. It also provides virtual rehabilitation games for stroke patients. A focus group study with therapists was conducted to assess the developed system. Additionally, individual therapist sessions are in progress to further develop the graphical user interface and virtual reality games. These and other planned studies will offer valuable insights of therapists and stroke survivors for the further development and commercialization of the robotic system.
What ‘Gujarat Model’?—Growth without Development—and with Socio-Political Polarisation

As chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi claimed that his state was a ‘model’ of development. While his government achieved a remarkable growth rate, his public policies as well as his politics have been on par with growing inequalities. The collaboration between the state and the corporate sector—an old tradition in Gujarat—gained momentum under Modi, businessmen benefitting from low wages, acquiring land more quickly and at a better price, and obtaining more tax breaks, etc. Simultaneously, Gujarat spent less than most of the other states of India on education and health. Even though the ‘Gujarat model’ cultivates social polarisation, Narendra Modi was able to win elections three times in the state for two major reasons. First, the main casualties of this political economy have been Muslims, Dalits and Adivasis, who do not represent more than 30 percent of society. Second, the beneficiaries of this ‘model’ were not only the middle class, but also a ‘neo-middle class’ made up of those who have begun to be part of the urban economy or who hope to benefit from it—the ‘neo-middle class’ is primarily aspirational. These groups were numerous enough to allow Modi's BJP to win successive elections in Gujarat. The BJP got more than 50 percent of the votes only once, in 2002, but the main party can get an absolute majority with less in a first-past-the-post system. While the BJP is known for its expertise in religious polarisation, this is clearly a case of social polarisation in which the ethno-religious identity quest of the middle and neo-middle classes continues to play a role.
An inventory of Canadian trauma systems: opportunities for improving access to trauma care.

OBJECTIVE Despite evidence that patients suffering major traumatic injuries have improved outcomes when cared for within an organized system, the extent of trauma system development in Canada is limited. We sought to compile a detailed inventory of trauma systems in Canada as a first step toward identifying opportunities for improving access to trauma care. METHODS We distributed a nationwide online and mail survey to stakeholders intended to evaluate the extent of implementation of specific trauma system components. Targeted stakeholders included emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, trauma program medical directors and program managers, prehospital providers, and decision makers at the regional and provincial levels. A "snowball" approach was used to expand the sample base of the survey. Descriptive statistics were generated to quantify the nature and extent of trauma system development by region. RESULTS The overall response rate was 38.7%, and all levels of stakeholders and all provinces/territories were represented. All provinces were found to have designated trauma centres; however, only 60% were found to have been accredited within the past 10 years. Components present in 50% or fewer provinces included an inclusive trauma system model, interfacility transfer agreements, and a mechanism to track bed availability within the system. CONCLUSION There is significant variability in the extent of trauma system development in Canada. Although all provinces have designated trauma centres, opportunities exist in many systems to implement additional components to improve the inclusiveness of care. In future work, we intend to quantify the strength of the relationship between different trauma system components and access to definitive trauma care.
Psychopathic traits in females and males across the globe.

The current study examined the prevalence and structure of psychopathic traits in females and males using a very large world sample (N = 33,016, females = 19,183). Psychopathic traits were assessed with the Self-Report Psychopathy (SRP) scale, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the four-factor model of psychopathy (interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, antisocial) both in the total sample and in the separate samples of females and males. Multi-sample confirmatory factor analysis was used to test for invariance of model parameters across sex as well as across females from different world regions. Inferential statistics were used to examine how the mean-level average of the four SRP facets varied as a function of culture and sex. Finally, the SRP data were linked to objective world health data (e.g., mortality, fertility, gross domestic product) from relevant world regions. The results indicated good support for the four-factor model, as well as invariance across sex and reasonably good evidence of invariance across females from different world regions. Variation in the elevation of SRP facet scores across major world regions suggested that cultural factors moderated the expression of the level of psychopathic propensities and that these traits were strongly correlated with the world health data.
Pancreatitis in wild zinc-poisoned waterfowl

Four waterfowl were collected in the Tri-State Mining District (Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, USA), an area known to be contaminated with lead, cadmium and zinc (Zn). They were part of a larger group of 20 waterfowl collected to determine the exposure of birds to metal contamination at the site. The four waterfowl (three Branta canadensis, one Anas platyrhynchos) had mild to severe degenerative abnormalities of the exocrine pancreas, as well as tissue (pancreas, liver) concentrations of Zn that were considered toxic. The mildest condition was characterized by generalized atrophy of exocrine cells that exhibited cytoplasmic vacuoles and a relative lack of zymogen. The most severe condition was characterized by acini with distended lumens and hyperplastic exocrine tissue that completely lacked zymogen; these acini were widely separated by immature fibrous tissue. Because the lesions were nearly identical to the lesions reported in chickens and captive waterfowl that had been poisoned with ingested Zn, and because the concentrations of Zn in the pancreas and liver of the four birds were consistent with the concentrations measured in Zn-poisoned birds, we concluded that these waterfowl were poisoned by Zn. This may be the first reported case of zinc poisoning in free-ranging wild birds poisoned by environmental Zn.
Dental implants are a viable alternative for compensating oligodontia in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES To clinically and radiographically evaluate dental implant treatment in adolescents with extensive oligodontia. METHODS Patients with more than nine permanent teeth congenitally missing and implant treatment before the age of 16 years were included. Clinical follow-ups involved bleeding on probing, plaque index and peri-implant probing value. The peri-implant bone level was analysed on panoramic radiographs at time of implant treatment and at follow-up. Characteristics of the dental implants and patients were retrieved. RESULTS This study involved 18 patients (nine males, nine females) having 71 dental implants. The lower left premolar was predominantly missing. The mean age at the time of dental implant treatment was 12.5 (± 2.6) years. The bleeding on probing value was determined negative on 44%. The mean pocket depth was 3.6 (± 1.1) mm. The peri-implant bone level correlated significantly negative with the age at time of implant placement (r = -0.346, P = 0.004). The region of implant habits had no influence on peri-implant bone level. Dental implant treatment in adolescents resulted in a survival rate of 89% (63/71) and a mean loading time of 11.0 (± 4.1) years. The implant crowns to be renewed resulted in 54% (9 of 18 patients, 38 of 71 crowns) after a period of 7.8 ± 4.5 years. CONCLUSION Dental implant treatment in maturing adolescents with extensive oligodontia before is supported by the data of the present study. Providing that other treatment options are considered, the areas of skeletal growth are respected and the patients are well informed. To enhance quality of life of growing children with oligodontia clinicians are asked to evaluate their long-term outcome on dental implant treatment in adolescents.
Association of oral manifestations with ulcerative colitis

Aim The study aims to document the oral lesions in patients with UC. Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is comprised of two chronic, tissue-destructive and clinical entities including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), both of which are immunologically based. Patients and methods The population of the study includes fifty patients with UC, as the experimental group, and fifty patients without gastrointestinal disease as the control group. All patients had an oral examination and completed the relevant questionnaire. Results There was a significant statistical relationship among tongue coating (<0.0001), halitosis (<0.0001), and oral ulceration (0.001) in patients suffering from severe UC compared to the control group. Also there was a higher prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with moderate UC compared to that of control group; but taste change (0.001) was the only significant factor. Acidic taste and taste change were among the symptoms more commonly found in patients suffering from pancolitis (40% each). Conclusion The results of the present study show that patients with UC had more oral signs and symptoms than the patients in the normal group. Further researches on oral lesions in UC are also recommended so that these diseases can be better understood.
The Small RNA RteR Inhibits Transfer of the Bacteroides Conjugative Transposon CTnDOT

ABSTRACT CTnDOT is a 65-kb conjugative transposon present in Bacteroides spp. that confers resistance to erythromycin [erm(F)] and tetracycline [tet(Q)]. An interesting feature of CTnDOT is that both excision from the chromosome and transfer of CTnDOT are stimulated by exposure to tetracycline. However, when no tetracycline is present, transfer of CTnDOT is not detectable. Previous studies suggested that a region containing a small RNA, RteR, appeared to mediate repression of CTnDOT transfer; however, virtually nothing was known about RteR. We have demonstrated that RteR is a 90-nucleotide transcript that is not further processed. RteR inhibits conjugative transfer of CTnDOT by targeting the transfer region, a 13-kb operon that encodes the tra genes required to assemble the mating apparatus. We report here that RteR interacts with the region downstream of traA. Levels of the downstream tra mRNA are dramatically reduced when RteR is present. Further, RteR does not appear to decrease the half-life of the tra mRNA transcript, suggesting that RteR does not bind to the transcript to initiate RNase-dependent decay, similar to other trans-acting small RNAs. We predict that RteR may act to enhance termination of the tra operon within traB, which could account for the decreased abundance of the tra transcript downstream of traA and explain why the tra mRNA has the same half-life whether or not RteR is present. RteR is the only small RNA that has been characterized so far within the Bacteroidetes phylum.
An autopsy-based study of death due to road traffic accidents in metropolis of Karachi.

OBJECTIVE To study the demographic distribution of the victims of road traffic accidents that were presented for medico-legal autopsy in Karachi, identify fatal injuries, the identity of road users autopsied and the month-wise variation in performing autopsies. METHODS Descriptive cross-sectional study of autopsies conducted at the mortuaries of Civil Hospital Karachi, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital between March 1,2008 and February 28, 2009. Bodies brought in by police for partial/external autopsy were excluded. Data was collected on pre-designed proformas and was statistically analysed using SPSS 15. RESULTS Of the total 2090 autopsies performed in Karachi, 581 (27.8%) cases were victims of RTA. Of these RTA victims, 324 (55.8%) autopsies were of those between the ages of 19 and 40 years. There were 510 (87.8%) males and 71 (12.2%) females with a ratio of male: female being 7:1.This ratio was 4.2:1 for those aged 0-18 years and 11:1 for those aged 19-40 years (p = 0.05). Death was due to injury to the head in 386 (66.4%) victims, to the chest in 84 (14.5%) cases, multiple traumatic injuries in 50 (8.6%) and pelvis in 17 (2.9%) cases. The majority of the victims on whom autopsy was performed were pedestrians (n = 389, 67%) followed by motorcyclists (n = 122, 21%). On an average 48.4 +/- 7.46 autopsies were performed every month, and there was no statistically significant variation in autopsies on this count. CONCLUSION There was a male preponderance, but the significant differences in two age groups need to be correlated with the incidence of RTAs in each sex in that age group and the compliance levels of getting females autopsied.
Word-Frequency Cueing Effects: Recognition and Encoding Interference Factors

An encoding interference explanation and a recognition explanation of the superior cueing power of low frequency nouns were tested in an experiment using the recognition-recall method. An unexpected cued recall test followed the anticipated recognition test of the elements of the 32 reversible subject-verb-object sentences studied. Consistent with the recognition explanation were the findings of a rare-noun cueing superiority for complete sentence recall and for noun partial-recall, which was eliminated when recall was conditionalized on recognition of the probes. However, the encoding interference explanation was supported by the finding that the cueing superiority of the rare nouns for verb partial-recall was significant whether or not recall was conditionalized on probe recognition. These results are interpreted as demonstrating that the superior cueing power of rare nouns is a function of both their superior recognizability and their greater probability of being encoded as a part of new associations. The recognition results confirmed the advantage of rare over common nouns and showed that subject nouns are recognized more easily than object nouns are recognized. The finding of a subject-noun cueing superiority for verb partial-recall suggests that the subject-verb associative link receives emphasis in the encoding of subject-verb-object sentences.
Integrating Theoretical Climate and Fire Effects on Savanna and Forest Systems

The role of fire and climate in determining savanna and forest distributions requires comprehensive theoretical reevaluation. Empirical studies show that climate constrains maximum tree cover and that fire feedbacks can reduce tree cover substantially, but neither the stability nor the dynamics of these systems are well understood. A theoretical integration of rainfall effects with fire processes in particular is lacking. We use simple, well-supported assumptions about the percolation dynamics of fire spread and the demographic effects of climate and fire on trees to build a dynamic model examining the stability of tree cover in savannas and forests. Fire results in the potential for one or possibly two stable equilibria, while the effects of increasing rainfall on tree demography result in (discontinuous) increases in tree cover and in forest tree dominance. As rainfall increases, the system moves from (1) stable low tree cover to (2) bistability of low and high tree cover to (3) stable high tree cover. Thus, theory suggests that tree cover uniquely determined by climate at low and high rainfall but determined by fire feedbacks at intermediate rainfall—as empirical studies suggest—may be a universal feature of systems where fire has strong effects on tree demography.
Design and Control of a New Double-Stator Cup-Rotor Permanent-Magnet Machine for Wind Power Generation

In this paper, a new double-stator cup-rotor permanent-magnet machine is proposed and implemented for wind power generation. The design of unique double-stator configuration can improve the power density for easy installation, while the control of its winding connections can provide a constant output voltage over a wide range of wind speeds. The circuit-field-torque coupled time-stepping finite element method is utilized to analyze the proposed machine. Both analysis and experimental results are given to confirm the validity of the proposed machine