Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of follicular dynamics, superovulatory response, and embryo recovery between estradiol based and conventional superstimulation protocol in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Aim: To evaluate the follicular dynamics, superovulatory response, and embryo recovery following superstimulatory treatment initiated at estradiol-17β induced follicular wave emergence and its comparison with conventional superstimulatory protocol in buffaloes. Materials and Methods: Six normal cycling pluriparous buffaloes, lactating, 90-180 days post-partum, and weighing between 500 and 660 kg were superstimulated twice with a withdrawal period of 35 days in between two treatments. In superstimulation protocol-1 (estradiol group) buffaloes were administered estradiol-17β (2 mg, i.m.) and eazibreed controlled internal drug release (CIDR) was inserted intravaginally (day=0) at the random stage of the estrous cycle. On the day 4, buffaloes were superstimulated using follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) 400 mg, divided into 10 tapering doses given at 12 hourly intervals. Prostaglandin F2α analogs (PGF2α) was administered at day 7.5 and day 8, and CIDR was removed with the second PGF2α injection. In superstimulation protocol - 2 (conventional group) buffaloes were superstimulated on the 10th day of the estrous cycle with same FSH dose regimen and similar timings for PGF2α injections. In both groups, half of the buffaloes were treated with luteinizing hormone (LH) 25 mg and other half with 100 ug buserelin; gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog at 12 h after the end of FSH treatment. All buffaloes in both protocols were inseminated twice at 12 and 24 h of LH/GnRH treatment. Daily ultrasonography was performed to record the size and number of follicles and superovulatory response. Results: Significantly higher number of small follicles (<8 mm) was present at the time of initiation of superstimulatory treatment in the estradiol group compared to the conventional group (12.5±0.80 vs. 7.3±1.21, respectively, p=0.019), however, the number of ovulatory size follicles (≥8 mm) did not differ significantly between the respective groups (15.5±1.24 vs. 12.2±1.30; p=0.054). Total embryos and transferable embryos recovered were non-significantly higher in the estradiol group compared to the conventional group (5.83±0.86 vs. 4.67±1.16, p=0.328, and 3.67±0.93 vs. 2.67±0.68, p=0.437, respectively). The significant higher proportion of transferable embryos were recovered in buffaloes treated with LH compared to GnRH (73.3% vs. 48.5%; p=0.044). Conclusion: The average number of ovulatory size follicles (>8 mm), corpora lutea, and transferable embryos was higher in buffaloes superstimulated at estradiol-induced follicular wave compared to the conventional protocol: Further the percentage of transferable embryos was significantly higher in buffaloes administered with LH compared to GnRH.
Automatic effects of processing fluency in semantic coherence judgments and the role of transient and tonic affective states

Recent literature reported that judgments of semantic coherence are influenced by a positive affective response due to increased fluency of processing. The presented paper investigates whether fluency of processing can be modified by affective responses to the coherent stimuli as well as an automaticity of processes involved in semantic coherence judgments. The studies employed the dyads of triads task in which participants are shown two word triads and asked to solve a semantically coherent one or indicate which of the two is semantically coherent. Across two studies in a dualtask paradigm we show that a) attentional resources moderate insight into semantically coherent word triads, whereas b) judgments of semantic coherence judgments are independent of attentional resources. We discuss implications of our findings for how people might form intuitive judgments of semantic coherence.
Track to track fusion: PACsim data set

This paper presents a track to track fusion technique motivated by recent work in sparse subspace clustering (SSC). This technique was first tested on a synthetic dataset and then on the Passive-Active Contact Simulator (PACsim) data. The PACsim dataset is a multistatic simulation designed to approximate real-life data. In this paper, we apply the subspace clustering technique to the track to track fusion problem. Results demonstrate that this technique improves overall tracking performance. Specifically, we demonstrate that the SSC algorithm is robust to noisy data and perfectly clusters track fragments from the PACsim dataset.
Conformational analysis of the blue-light sensing protein YtvA reveals a competitive interface for LOV—LOV dimerization and interdomain interactions

The Bacillus subtilis protein YtvA is related to plant phototropins in that it senses UVA—blue-light by means of the flavin binding LOV domain, linked to a nucleotide-binding STAS domain. The structural basis for interdomain interactions and functional regulation are not known. Here we report the conformational analysis of three YtvA constructs, by means of size exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking simulations. The isolated YtvA-LOV domain (YLOV, aa 25–126) has a strong tendency to dimerize, prevented in full-length YtvA, but still observed in YLOV carrying the N-terminal extension (N-YLOV, aa 1–126). The analysis of CD data shows that both the N-terminal cap and the linker region (aa 127–147) between the LOV and the STAS domain are helical and that the central β-scaffold is distorted in the LOV domains dimers. The involvement of the central β-scaffold in dimerization is supported by docking simulation of the YLOV dimer and the importance of this region is highlighted by light-induced conformational changes, emerging from the CD data analysis. In YtvA, the β-strand fraction is notably less distorted and distinct light-driven changes in the loops/turn fraction are detected. The data uncover a common surface for LOV–LOV and intraprotein interaction, involving the central β-scaffold, and offer hints to investigate the molecular basis of light-activation and regulation in LOV proteins.
Reaction Times of down Syndrome and other Mentally Retarded Individuals

MacKay and Bankhead (1983) reported that the reaction times (RTs) of Down syndrome subjects were not significantly slower than those of epileptic and undifferentiated individuals. In an almost identical study carried out contemporaneously, we recorded the RTs of 36 subjects on three tasks in which pre-response complexity varied. The first task (simple RT) followed the classical paradigm (Baumeister & Kellas, 1968); on the second task (simple-fixed RT) the subject fixated a point midway in a horizontal array of four light reaction signals but knew before each trial (60 trials in each of these two tasks) which light was to operate as a signal. On the third task (complex RT) the subject fixated the same point but was unaware which signal was to operate on any given one of 81 trials. Signal onset probabilities in the complex task varied between 11 and 44%. The sequence throughout all tasks was the same (sound warning signal-light reaction signal) as was the response requirement (the release of a single key). Warning intervals of 1, 3 and 5 sec. were used in irregular fashion. The mean RTs (log .001 sec. x 10) of the Down syndrome group (n = 12), epileptic (n = 12) and undifferentiated (n = 12) groups matched on CA (M: 19.5 yr., SD: 4.5) and MA (M: 4.9, SD: 0.9) on the simple task were 18.49 (SD: 1.67), 19.75 (SD: 1.41) and 18.70 (SD: 1.36), respectively. O n the simple-fixed task RTs were 18.97 (SD: 1.64), 20.13 (SD: 1.26), and 18.71 (SD: 1.45), respectively, and on the complex task RTs were 19.00 (SD: 1.75), 20.00 (SD: 1.47), and 18.80 (SD: 1.42), respectively. F ratios from the analyses of variance between clinical categories for the simple, simple-fixed, and complex tasks (df = 2/33 in each case) were 2.57, 2.16, and 2.55 ( p > .05). These findings tally with those of MacKay and Bankhead (1983) and contradict the report by Johnson and Olley (197 1).
Observation of a hybrid random ping‐pong mechanism of catalysis for NodST: A mass spectrometry approach

An efficient enzyme kinetics assay using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) was initially applied to the catalytic mechanism investigation of a carbohydrate sulfotransferase, NodST. Herein, the recombinant NodST was overexpressed with a His6‐tag and purified via Ni‐NTA metal‐affinity chromatography. In this bisubstrate enzymatic system, an internal standard similar in structure and ionization efficiency to the product was chosen in the ESI‐MS assay, and a single point normalization factor was determined and used to quantify the product concentration. The catalytic mechanism of NodST was rapidly determined by fitting the MS kinetic data into a nonlinear regression analysis program. The initial rate kinetics analysis and product inhibition study described support a hybrid double‐displacement, two‐site ping‐pong mechanism of NodST with formation of a sulfated NodST intermediate. This covalent intermediate was further isolated and detected via trypsin digestion and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. To our knowledge, these are the first mechanistic data reported for the bacterial sulfotransferase, NodST, which demonstrated the power of mass spectrometry in elucidating the reaction pathway and catalytic mechanism of promising enzymatic systems.
Weight Training in Youth-Growth, Maturation, and Safety: An Evidence-Based Review

Objective: To review the effects of resistance training programs on pre- and early-pubertal youth in the context of response, potential influence on growth and maturation, and occurrence of injury. Design: Evidence-based review. Methods: Twenty-two reports dealing with experimental resistance training protocols, excluding isometric programs, in pre- and early-pubertal youth, were reviewed in the context of subject characteristics, training protocol, responses, and occurrence of injury. Results: Experimental programs most often used isotonic machines and free weights, 2- and 3-day protocols, and 8- and 12-week durations, with significant improvements in muscular strength during childhood and early adolescence. Strength gains were lost during detraining. Experimental resistance training programs did not influence growth in height and weight of pre- and early-adolescent youth, and changes in estimates of body composition were variable and quite small. Only 10 studies systematically monitored injuries, and only three injuries were reported. Estimated injury rates were 0.176, 0.053, and 0.055 per 100 participant-hours in the respective programs. Conclusion: Experimental training protocols with weights and resistance machines and with supervision and low instructor/participant ratios are relatively safe and do not negatively impact growth and maturation of pre- and early-pubertal youth.
Impact of preoperative chronic renal failure on liver transplantation: a population-based cohort study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess whether preoperative chronic renal failure (CRF) affects the rates of postoperative complications and survival after liver transplantation. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study included 2,931 recipients of liver transplantation performed between 1998 and 2012, enrolled from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients were divided into two groups, based on the presence or absence of preoperative CRF. Results The overall estimated survival rate of liver transplantation recipients (LTRs) with preoperative CRF was significantly lower than that of patients without preoperative CRF (P=0.0085). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of duration of intensive care unit stay, total hospital stay, bacteremia, postoperative bleeding, and pneumonia during hospitalization. Long-term adverse effects, including cerebrovascular disease and coronary heart disease, were not different between patients with versus without CRF. Conclusion These findings suggest that LTRs with preoperative CRF have a higher rate of mortality.
Changes in expression of the chloride homeostasis-regulating genes, KCC2 and NKCC1, in the blood of cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neuropsychiatric abnormality that commonly accompanies cirrhosis of the liver, is often difficult to treat and manage. Changes in chloride homeostasis are involved in the generation of a number of brain disorders. In this study, we considered whether chloride homeostasis is associated with HE. The mRNA levels of the Cl− extrusion system (KCC2) and the Cl− intrusion system (NKCC1) were detected by real-time RT-PCR in the plasma of 29 cirrhotic patients with HE of grade I-II, 36 cirrhotic patients with HE of grade III–IV, 20 cirrhotic patients without HE and 15 healthy controls. The mRNA levels of KCC2 in cirrhotic patients with mild and severe HE were significantly lower compared to those in cirrhotic patients without HE or in the healthy controls. However, NKCC1 mRNA levels did not differ between the different groups. In addition, for cirrhotic patients with HE, there were significant negative correlations between KCC2 levels and the levels of blood ammonia and hepatic function scores (Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease scores); there was also a significant positive correlation between KCC2 levels and neurological status (Glasgow scores). In conclusion, our study indicates that an imbalance of KCC2 and NKCC1 may be a novel biomarker for detecting HE and for monitoring disease development.
Being a Mother With Cancer: Achieving a Sense of Balance in the Transition Process

For women with cancer and with children living at home, the demands of being a good mother while undergoing treatments and recovering from illness have been described as a difficult life process. The aim of this study was to further examine the transition process with focus on women's experience of their responsibility toward their children. Interviews from 2 previous studies investigating the transition process of women with cancer were gathered and were subjected to a qualitative secondary analysis, an analytic expansion of the transition process. The 3 phases in the transition process were used in an interpretive description: ending an earlier life situation, in-between, and new beginning. A main theme that integrated these phases was constructed: "the desire to manage ones responsibility as a parent," within the context of mothering. The women expressed moral concern about not being able to function as "good" mothers yet attempted to find a balance between experiences of exhaustion and other experiences that made it difficult to maintain their responsibility as parents. All of the women included in this study expressed the need for professional support to help them endure treatment procedures as well as to sustain their moral responsibility as good mothers.
Nature of Predation Risk Cues in Container Systems: Mosquito Responses to Solid Residues from Predation

ABSTRACT In aquatic systems, prey animals associate predation risk with cues that originate either from the predator or from injured conspecifics. Sources and benefits of these cues have received considerable attention in river, lake, and pond ecosystems but are less well understood in small container ecosystems that can hold less than a liter of water. Mosquitoes Aedes triseriatus (Say) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) encounter predatory Corethrella appendiculata (Grabham) and Toxorhynchites rutilus (Coquillett) in small containers and show antipredatory behavioral responses. We investigated the sources of the predation cues to which these prey larvae respond. We tested whether Ae. albopictus larvae show behavioral responses to cues emanating from the predator or from damage to prey caused by the act of predation. We also tested whether Ae. triseriatus respond to cues present in fluid or solid residues from predator activity. Ae. albopictus showed behavioral modifications only in response to waterborne cues from a feeding predator and not to cues from a starving predator, indicating that Ae. albopictus respond to cues created by the act of predation, which could include substances derived from damaged prey or substances in predator feces. Ae. triseriatus showed behavioral responses to solid residues from predation but not to fluid without those solids, indicating that the cues to which they respond originate in predator feces or uneaten prey body parts. Our results suggest that cues in this system may be primarily chemicals that are detected upon contact with solid residues that are products of the feeding processes of these predators.
Achievement Motivation and the End-Effect

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between achievement motivation and the phenomenon referred to as the “end-effect. ” 40 undergraduate students were assigned to either a High or a Low need for achievement (nAch) group on the basis of scores on the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, Achievement subscale. Performance on a 30-min. reaction time task was assessed in terms of decision time and movement time and a significant end-effect was found only for movement times for high need achievers. Based on movement and decision time data, it is proposed that the end-effect observed in these subjects resulted from increased effort during the final task period producing an increase in arousal.
Inflammasome polymorphisms confer susceptibility to sporadic malignant melanoma

Genetic variants of NLRP3 and NLRP1 are known to modulate levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐1β. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of NLRP3/NLRP1 polymorphisms with susceptibility and clinical features of malignant melanoma in a Swedish case–control study. Common variants in NLRP3/NLRP1 were investigated in sporadic malignant melanoma patients and healthy controls followed by analysis using logistic regression. NLRP3 variant (rs35829419) was significantly more common in male patients than in controls (OR, 2.22; CI, 1.27–3.86). Upon stratification, significant association with nodular melanoma was observed (OR, 2.89; CI, 1.33–6.30), which intensified in male patients (OR 4.03, CI 1.40–11.59). The NLRP1 variant (rs12150220) was significantly more common in fair‐skinned female patients (OR, 1.85; CI, 1.04–3.33) and showed strong associations with nodular melanoma (OR, 6.03; CI, 1.33–25). Our data suggest that NLRP3/NLRP1 polymorphisms are associated with melanoma susceptibility; these findings warrant validation in other independent populations.
Mechanism of the Synergistic Effect of Amiodarone and Fluconazole in Candida albicans

ABSTRACT The antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone has been found to have fungicidal activity. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, its antifungal activity is mediated by calcium overload stress, which leads to a rapid nuclear accumulation of the calcineurin-regulated transcription factor CRZ1. In addition, low doses of amiodarone have been reported to be synergistic with fluconazole in fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. To establish its mechanism of toxicity in C. albicans, we used expression profiling of key pathway genes to examine cellular responses to amiodarone alone and in combination with fluconazole. Gene expression profiling of 59 genes was done in five C. albicans strains (three fluconazole-susceptible strains and two fluconazole-resistant strains) after amiodarone and/or fluconazole exposure. Of the 59 genes, 27 analyzed showed a significant change (>2-fold) in expression levels after amiodarone exposure. The up- or downregulated genes included genes involved in Ca2+ homeostasis, cell wall synthesis, vacuolar/lysosomal transport, diverse pathway regulation, stress response, and pseudohyphal morphogenesis. As expected, fluconazole induces an increase in ergosterol pathway genes expression levels. The combination treatment significantly dampened the transcriptional response to either drug, suggesting that synergism was due to an inhibition of compensatory response pathways. This dampening resulted in a decrease in total ergosterol levels and decreased pseudohyphal formation, a finding consistent with decreased virulence in a murine candidiasis model.
Empathy and Conversational Enjoyment in Younger and Older Adults

Background/Study Context: Investigations of empathy across adulthood have yielded mixed findings, yet its contribution to successful social interactions is clear. Methods: Here, the authors investigate the relationship between empathy and self-reported conversation enjoyment in 144 young adults (M age = 19.50) and 120 older adults (M age = 68.75). Participants completed three empathy-related measures (Interpersonal Reactivity Index [IRI], Toronto Empathy Questionnaire [TEQ], and Affect Intensity Measure [AIM]), and rated their enjoyment of recalled conversations with diverse targets. Results: On the IRI, older adults had higher scores than younger adults on Empathic Concern, but lower scores on the Personal Distress and Fantasy subscales. For younger adults, conversations with same-age acquaintances were most enjoyable and conversations with children and older adults were least enjoyable. Older adults reported similar enjoyment across all groups. However, the links between conversation enjoyment and empathy were stronger for older adults. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of a multidimensional view of empathy, and the possibility that empathy influences conversational interactions differentially across the life span.
Extracellular Matrix Survival Signals Transduced by Focal Adhesion Kinase Suppress p53-mediated Apoptosis

In many malignant cells, both the anchorage requirement for survival and the function of the p53 tumor suppressor gene are subverted. These effects are consistent with the hypothesis that survival signals from extracellular matrix (ECM) suppress a p53-regulated cell death pathway. We report that survival signals from fibronectin are transduced by the focal adhesion kinase (FAK). If FAK or the correct ECM is absent, cells enter apoptosis through a p53-dependent pathway activated by protein kinase C λ/ι and cytosolic phospholipase A2. This pathway is suppressible by dominant-negative p53 and Bcl2 but not CrmA. Upon inactivation of p53, cells survive even if they lack matrix signals or FAK. This is the first report that p53 monitors survival signals from ECM/FAK in anchorage- dependent cells.
How job crafting relates to task performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between extending and reducing job crafting behavior, cognitive crafting and task performance. Design/methodology/approach – Hierarchical regression analyses of data from 131 employee-supervisor pairs were conducted to analyze the differential relations of five job crafting dimensions to self- and supervisor-rated task performance. Findings – The present study shows that reduction behavior is rated as counterproductive, and extension behavior is rated as productive in terms of task performance by employees themselves. Supervisors rated task performance higher when employees extended their tasks, and lower when they reduced relationships. Research limitations/implications – Future research should test the hypotheses in a longitudinal setting and should focus processes that moderate the differential job crafting-task performance relationships. Originality/value – By distinguishing extending and reducing task and relational boundaries and cog.