Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphology of the reproductive tract and acquisition of sexual maturity in males of Potamotrygon magdalenae (Elasmobranchii: Potamotrygonidae)

The purpose of this study was to describe the structure of the reproductive tract of males of Potamotrygon magdalenae before, during, and after they acquire sexual maturity, and to establish the first maturity scale for males within the family Potamotrygonidae. The male reproductive tract of P. magdalenae is composed of testes, efferent ducts, epididymides, deferent ducts, seminal vesicles, Leydig, alkaline, and clasper glands, and claspers, all of which are paired and functional. Four sexual maturity stages were established: immature, maturing, reproductively active, and resting. The degree of claspers calcification is also a good indicator of sexual maturity in this species. The testes are lobulated, each lobe contains numerous spermatocysts which are organized in zones and are displaced radially from germinal papillae to the spermatozoa zone where individual spermatozoa are conveyed to the efferent ducts. The epididymis can be regionalized in head, body, and tail; these regions are distinguished by external pigmentation and by the epithelium lining configuration. The tail of the epididymis is connected with the deferent duct and this, in turn, with the seminal vesicle. The spermatozoa are organized in spermatozeugmata which begin to form in the deferent duct; this latter organ is attached laterally at the Leydig gland that is composed by simple glandular units. Irregular and vesicular secretions can be found in the genital ducts. These secretions might be associated with the maturation of the spermatozoa and formation of spermatozeugmata. The male reproductive tract of P. magdalenae is similar to other elasmobranchs; however, two types of primary spermatogonia, an epididymis internally regionalized, and the presence and structure of spermatozeugmata are specific features not yet described in freshwater stingrays. Most of the year, the males were reproductively active, however, few resting adult males occurred during one of the months of the lowest waters. J. Morphol. 276:273–289, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mu opioid receptors in GABAergic neurons of the forebrain promote alcohol reward and drinking

Mu opioid receptors (MORs) are widely distributed throughout brain reward circuits and their role in drug and social reward is well established. Substantial evidence has implicated MOR and the endogenous opioid system in alcohol reward, but circuit mechanisms of MOR‐mediated alcohol reward and intake behavior remain elusive, and have not been investigated by genetic approaches. We recently created conditional knockout (KO) mice targeting the Oprm1 gene in GABAergic forebrain neurons. These mice (Dlx‐MOR KO) show a major MOR deletion in the striatum, whereas receptors in midbrain (including the Ventral Tegmental Area or VTA) and hindbrain are intact. Here, we compared alcohol‐drinking behavior and rewarding effects in total (MOR KO) and conditional KO mice. Concordant with our previous work, MOR KO mice drank less alcohol in continuous and intermittent two‐bottle choice protocols. Remarkably, Dlx‐MOR KO mice showed reduced drinking similar to MOR KO mice, demonstrating that MOR in the forebrain is responsible for the observed phenotype. Further, alcohol‐induced conditioned place preference was detected in control but not MOR KO mice, indicating that MOR is essential for alcohol reward and again, Dlx‐MOR KO recapitulated the MOR KO phenotype. Taste preference and blood alcohol levels were otherwise unchanged in mutant lines. Together, our data demonstrate that MOR expressed in forebrain GABAergic neurons is essential for alcohol reward‐driven behaviors, including drinking and place conditioning. Challenging the prevailing VTA‐centric hypothesis, this study reveals another mechanism of MOR‐mediated alcohol reward and consumption, which does not necessarily require local VTA MORs but rather engages striatal MOR‐dependent mechanisms.
Determinants of regional variations in the rate ofl profit. An empirical analysis for Austrian manufacturing 1972-1992

The rate of profit represents a central concept in economics and is commonly seen as one of the most accurate indicators for economic vitality of firms, industries, and regions. The level of profit rates is supposed to guide investment shifts between sectors and over space, the speed and direction of technological change, and the development of economic activity in the long run. Differentiales in regional profit rates may therefore be a major source for differences in regional economic development and regional competitiveness. While neoclassical regional economic theory postulates a tendency towards an equalisation in regional rates of profit, empirical studies show considerable and persistent regional differences in profitability. The aim of the paper is to analyse the pattern of profitability over time and space for Austrian manufacturing on a highly disaggregated regional level for the time period 1972-1992. An eclectic model is employed in order to analyse major sources for regional variations in profit rates. The model distinguishes four groups of determinants: production technology, capital-labour-relations, market competition, and spatial variables such as transport costs and agglomeration economies.
Polygenic risk score analysis of pathologically confirmed Alzheimer disease

Previous estimates of the utility of polygenic risk score analysis for the prediction of Alzheimer disease have given area under the curve (AUC) estimates of <80%. However, these have been based on the genetic analysis of clinical case–control series. Here, we apply the same analytic approaches to a pathological case–control series and show a predictive AUC of 84%. We suggest that this analysis has clinical utility and that there is limited room for further improvement using genetic data. Ann Neurol 2017;82:311–314.
Alloimmune T cells in transplantation

Alloimmune T cells are central mediators of rejection and graft-versus-host disease in both solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Unique among immune responses in terms of its strength and diversity, the T cell alloresponse reflects extensive genetic polymorphisms between allogeneic donors and recipients, most prominently within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which encodes human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) in humans. The repertoire of alloreactive T cell clones is distinct for every donor-recipient pair and includes potentially thousands of unique HLA/peptide specificities. The extraordinary magnitude of the primary alloresponse and diversity of the T cell population mediating it have presented technical challenges to its study in humans. High-throughput T cell receptor sequencing approaches have opened up new possibilities for tackling many fundamental questions about this important immunologic phenomenon.
Regenerative Braking for an Electric Vehicle Using Ultracapacitors and a Buck-Boost Converter

An ultracapacitor bank control system for an Electric Vehicle has been simulated. The purpose of this device is to allow higher accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle with minimal loss of energy, and minimal degradation of the main battery pack. The system uses an IGBT Buck-Boost converter, which is connected to the ultracapacitor bank at the Boost side, and to the main battery at the Buck side. The control of the system measures the battery voltage, the battery state-of-charge, the car speed, the instantaneous currents in both the terminals (load and ultracapacitor), and the actual voltage of the ultracapacitor. This last indication allows to know the amount of energy stored in the ultracapacitor. A microcomputer control manipulates all the variables and generates the PWM switching pattern of the IGBTs. When the car runs at high speeds, the control keeps the capacitor discharged. If the car is not running, the capacitor bank remains charged at full voltage. Medium speeds keep the ultracapacitors at medium voltages, to allow future accelerations or decelerations. The battery voltage is an indication of the car instantaneous situation. When the vehicle is accelerating, the battery voltage goes down, which is an indication for the control to take energy from the ultracapacitor. In the opposite situation (regenerative braking), the battery voltage goes up, and then the control needs to activate the Buck converter to store the kinetic energy of the vehicle inside the ultracapacitor. The measurement of the currents in both sides allows to keep the current levels inside maximum ratings. The battery state-of-charge is used to change the voltage level of the ultracapacitor at particular values. If the battery is fully charged, the voltage level of the capacitors is kept at lower levels than when the battery is partially discharged. The converter also has an IGBT controlled power resistor, which allows to drop energy when in some extreme situations cannot be accepted neither for the ultracapacitors nor for the battery pack. The car that will be used for future implementation of this experiment is a Chevrolet LUV truck, similar in shape and size to a Chevrolet S-10. This vehicle was already converted to an electric car at the Catholic University of Chile.
Global Markets and Financial Crises in Asia: Towards a Theory for the 21st Century

The Mangled Miracle and the Alchemy of Finance The Beginning of the Crisis: Thailand The Crisis Spreads: Indonesia The End of the South Korean Miracle Finance in a Complex Capitalist Economy: Failures of Global Markets and Developmental States Corporate Governance: A New Theory and Reform of the Family-based Corporate Governance System in Asia Asian Banks: Can They Learn to Assess Risks Better? Towards a New Global Financial Architecture General Conclusions: From Crisis to a Global Political Economy of Freedom
Dependency on Smartphone Use and its Association with Anxiety in Korea

Objective. South Korea has the highest rate of smartphone ownership worldwide, which is a potential concern given that smartphone dependency may have deleterious effects on health. We investigated the relationship between smartphone dependency and anxiety. Methods. Participants included 1,236 smartphone-using students (725 men and 511 women) from six universities in Suwon, South Korea. Participants completed measures of smartphone use, smartphone dependency, anxiety, and general characteristics (i.e., demographic, health-related, and socioeconomic characteristics). To measure smartphone dependency and anxiety, we used questionnaires of Yang's test developed from Young's Internet Addiction Test and Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the association between smartphone dependency and anxiety after adjusting for relevant factors. Results. On a scale from 25 to 100, with higher scores on the smartphone dependency test indicating greater dependency, women were significantly more dependent on smartphones than were men (mean smartphone dependency score: 50.7 vs. 56.0 for men and women, respectively, p<0.001). However, the amount of time spent using smartphones and the purpose of smartphone use affected smartphone dependency in both men and women. Particularly, when daily use time increased, smartphone dependency showed an increasing trend. Compared with times of use <2 hours vs. ≥6 hours, men scored 46.2 and 56.0 on the smartphone dependency test, while women scored 48.0 and 60.4, respectively (p<0.001). Finally, for both men and women, increases in smartphone dependency were associated with increased anxiety scores. With each one-point increase in smartphone dependency score, the risk of abnormal anxiety in men and women increased by 10.1% and 9.2%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion. Among this group of university students in South Korea, smartphone dependency appeared to be associated with increased anxiety. Standards for smartphone use might help prevent deleterious health effects.
Market Models: A Guide to Financial Data Analysis

Market Models provides an authoritative and up–to–date treatment of the use of market data to develop models for financial analysis. Written by a leading figure in the field of financial data analysis, this book is the first of its kind to address the vital techniques required for model selection and development. Model developers are faced with many decisions, about the pricing, the data, the statistical methodology and the calibration and testing of the model prior to implementation. It is important to make the right choices and Carol Alexander′s clear exposition provides valuable insights at every stage. In each of the 13 Chapters, Market Models presents real world illustrations to motivate theoretical developments. The accompanying CD contains spreadsheets with data and programs; this enables you to implement and adapt many of the examples. The pricing of options using normal mixture density functions to model returns; the use of Monte Carlo simulation to calculate the VaR of an options portfolio; modifying the covariance VaR to allow for fat–tailed PL the calculation of implied, EWMA and ′historic′ volatilities; GARCH volatility term structure forecasting; principal components analysis; and many more are all included. Carol Alexander brings many new insights to the pricing and hedging of options with her understanding of volatility and correlation, and the uncertainty which surrounds these key determinants of option portfolio risk. Modelling the market risk of portfolios is covered where the main focus is on a linear algebraic approach; the covariance matrix and principal component analysis are developed as key tools for the analysis of financial systems. The traditional time series econometric approach is also explained with coverage ranging from the application cointegration to long–short equity hedge funds, to high–frequency data prediction using neural networks and nearest neighbour algorithms. Throughout this text the emphasis is on understanding concepts and implementing solutions. It has been designed to be accessible to a very wide audience: the coverage is comprehensive and complete and the technical appendix makes the book largely self–contained. Market Models: A Guide to Financial Data Analysis is the ideal reference for all those involved in market risk measurement, quantitative trading and investment analysis.
Cardiac-related Hospitalization and/or Death Associated With Immune Dysregulation and Symptoms of Depression in Heart Failure Patients

Objective: Congestive heart failure (CHF) patients with depressive symptoms have a greater risk of morbidity and mortality. Immune activity such as inflammation is increasingly implicated as underlying this relationship. However, it is unknown whether there is a broader spectrum of immune dysregulation beyond inflammatory activity. This study examined in CHF patients the relationship of depressive symptoms with cellular immune activity measured by Th1/Th2 ratios and cardiac rehospitalization and/or death. Method: Eighteen patients with CHF (mean age = 62, NYHA classes II–IV) were enrolled and depressive symptoms were measured with interviewer ratings using the Hamilton Rating Scale-Depression. For the determination of Th1/Th2 ratios, intracellular cytokine expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) CD4+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Plasma interleukin-6 levels were measured to ascertain circulating inflammatory cytokine activity. Patient records were examined for cardiac related rehospitalization or cardiac related death over a two-year period after baseline depression and immune measures were taken. Results: Higher depression scores were associated with a prospective increase in incidence of cardiac related hospitalizations and/or death (p = .037). Lesser IFN-gamma/IL-10 expressing CD4+ T cell ratios were related to higher depressive symptom scores at baseline (p = .005) and a prospective increased incidence of cardiac related hospitalization or death over a two-year period (p = .05). Conclusions: A shift in the Th1/Th2 ratio may play a role in the association between depressive symptoms and morbidity and mortality in CHF patients, suggesting broader immune dysregulation than previously considered. CHF = congestive heart failure; IFN = interferon; IL = interleukin; NYHA = New York Heart Association; BNP = B-type natriuretic peptide; HAM-D = Hamilton Depression Scale; EF = ejection fraction; BMI = body mass index.
A World-Class Education: Learning from International Models of Excellence and Innovation

Searching for the majority of offered publication or reading source worldwide? We give them all in layout type as word, txt, kindle, pdf, zip, rar as well as ppt. one of them is this professional a world class education learning from international models of excellence and innovation that has been composed by Still puzzled how to get it? Well, merely read online or download by registering in our site right here. Click them.
Donor Origin of BK Virus in Renal Transplantation and Role of HLA C7 in Susceptibility to Sustained BK Viremia

In a previous study, we performed serial BK virus (BKV), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and detected active BKV infection in 70 (35.4%) of 198 renal transplant recipients. In the current study, pre‐transplant donor and recipient samples were analyzed for BKV antibody titer and HLA alleles. Donor antibody titer was inversely proportional to onset of viruria, p < 0.001, directly proportional to duration of viruria, p = 0.014 and directly proportional to peak urine viral titer p = 0.005. Recipient pairs receiving kidneys from the same donor were concordant for BKV infection, p = 0.017, and had matched sequences of segments of the NCCR and VP1 genes that tended to vary among recipients of kidneys from different donors. We did not see an association of HLA A, B, or DR, HLA allele mismatches or total HLA mismatches and BK infection. However, all 11 recipients with sustained BK viremia received kidneys from donors lacking HLA C7, and 10 recipients also lacked C7. These findings derive from the largest and most comprehensive prospective study of BKV infection in renal transplant recipients performed to date. Our data support donor origin for early BKV infection in kidney transplant recipients, and suggest that a specific HLA C locus may be associated with failure to control BKV infection.
Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitors Therapies with Mainly Anti-Angiogenic Activity in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Value of PET/CT in Response Evaluation

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most frequent renal tumor and the majority of patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Tumor angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of RCC together with hypoxia and glucose metabolism. These three pathways are strictly connected to the cell growth and proliferation, like a loop that is self-feeding. Over the last few years, the ever-deeper knowledge of its contribution in metastatic RCC led to the discovery of numerous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting pro-angiogenic receptors at different levels such as sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, axitinib, tivozanib, and dovitinib. As anti-angiogenic agents, TKIs interfere the loop, being able to inhibit tumor proliferation. TKIs are now available treatments for advanced RCC, which demonstrated to improve overall survival and/or progression free survival. Their effects can be detectable early on Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) by change in 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake, the main radiotracer used to date, as a strong indicator of biological response. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated an ability to predict and monitor disease progression, allowing an early and reliable identification of responders, and could be used for image-guided optimization and “personalization” of anti-angiogenic regimens. New radiotracers for biometabolic imaging are currently under investigation, which exploit the other pathways involved in the cancer process, including cellular proliferation, aerobic metabolism, cell membrane synthesis, hypoxia and amino acid transport, as well as the angiogenic process, but they require further studies.
Plasma Vitamins B2, B6, and B12, and Related Genetic Variants as Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Risk

Background: B-vitamins are essential for one-carbon metabolism and have been linked to colorectal cancer. Although associations with folate have frequently been studied, studies on other plasma vitamins B2, B6, and B12 and colorectal cancer are scarce or inconclusive. Methods: We carried out a nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, including 1,365 incident colorectal cancer cases and 2,319 controls matched for study center, age, and sex. We measured the sum of B2 species riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide, and the sum of B6 species pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, pyridoxal, and 4-pyridoxic acid as indicators for vitamin B2 and B6 status, as well as vitamin B12 in plasma samples collected at baseline. In addition, we determined eight polymorphisms related to one-carbon metabolism. Relative risks for colorectal cancer were estimated using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for smoking, education, physical activity, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and intakes of fiber and red and processed meat. Results: The relative risks comparing highest to lowest quintile were 0.71 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.56-0.91; Ptrend = 0.02] for vitamin B2, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.53-0.87; Ptrend <0.001) for vitamin B6, and 1.02 (95% CI, 0.80-1.29; Ptrend = 0.19) for vitamin B12. The associations for vitamin B6 were stronger in males who consumed ≥30 g alcohol/day. The polymorphisms were not associated with colorectal cancer. Conclusions: Higher plasma concentrations of vitamins B2 and B6 are associated with a lower colorectal cancer risk. Impact: This European population-based study is the first to indicate that vitamin B2 is inversely associated with colorectal cancer, and is in agreement with previously suggested inverse associations of vitamin B6 with colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(10); 2549–61. ©2010 AACR.
A two-limit tobit model of suburban land-use zoning

The impact of local land-use controls on the location of economic activity is an important issue in need of further research. The purposes of this paper are to provide a clear descriptive analysis of the zoning pattern in a portion of the suburban area of metropolitan Chicago, and to examine the changes in zoning that took place in the period 1960-80. The paper shows that zoning does change, and that zoning changes are at least partially systematic. The study is motivated by the relative lack of microanalytic studies of the zoning process and the need to predict land use for purposes of urban housing and transportation modeling or analyses of demand for utilities and public infrastructure. The basic working hypothesis is that local zoning officials tend to respond to market forces in a way that attempts to anticipate potential conflicts in land use.
Case Management: A Team Approach

Abstract:When establishing a case management program, patient populations were identified; goals and measures defined; and a case manager role developed. A registered nurse and a social worker team manage the patients in the program. After 9 months, a pilot study shows a total savings of $94,159 using case management [Nurs Managa 1998:29(1):28–31]