Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concentrations of trace elements in Great Lakes fishes. ANL-7615.

The concentration of 15 trace elements was determined by activation analysis of samples of whole fish and fish livers from three of the Great Lakes: Michigan, Superior, and Erie. The average concentrations of 7 elements in 19 whole fish from 3 species were as follows: uranium, 3 ppb (parts per billion); thorium, 6 ppb; cobalt, 28 ppb; cadmium, 94 ppb; arsenic, 16 ppb; chromium, 1 ppm; and copper, 1.3 ppm. The average concentrations of 8 elements in 40 liver samples from 10 species of fish were as follows: uranium, −2 ppb; thorium, ≤ 2 ppb; cobalt, 40 ppb; copper, 9 ppm; zinc, 30 ppm; bromine, 0.4 ppm; arsenic, 30 ppb; and cadmium, 0.4 ppm. Other elements observed in most of the samples were: antimony, 5–100 ppb; gold, 2–5 ppb; lanthanum, 1–20 ppb; rhenium, 0.5–5 ppb; rubidium, 0.06–4 ppm; and selenium, 0.1–2 ppb.Trace element concentrations varied with species and lake. Uranium and thorium varied with species, but not for the same species from different lakes. The levels of copper, cobalt, zinc, and bromi.
Development and Content Validation of a "Hyperdimensional" Taxonomy of Managerial Competence

In light of repeated prescriptions for theory-driven prediction of job performance (Guion & Gottier, 1965; Tett, Jackson, Rothstein, & Reddon, 1999), the complexity of the manager's role calls for a comprehensive performance taxonomy more detailed than those offered previously. Review of recent discussion of the fidelity-bandwidth tradeoff (e.g., Hogan & Roberts, 1996; Ones & Viswesvaran, 1996) and the need for greater articulation of job performance (Campbell, 1994; Murphy & Shiarella, 1997) raise important issues regarding construct specificity in considering managerial behavior. None of 12 earlier managerial performance taxonomies (e.g., Borman & Brush, 1993; Tornow & Pinto, 1976; Yukl & Lepsinger, 1992) offers adequate specificity for meeting key research challenges. A "hyperdimensional" taxonomy of managerial competencies, derived from the earlier models and developed using unique methods, was subjected to content validation by expert review in 3 studies. In the first 2, a total of 110 Academy of Management members sorted 141 behavioral elements into 47 competencies with average hit rates of 68% and 85%, respectively. Results directed model refinements, including addition of 6 competencies. In Study 3, 118 subject matter experts sorted behaviors into targeted competencies in a more rigorous task with an average hit rate of 88.5%. Findings support the model's content validity, its continued development, and most importantly, the pursuit of specificity in understanding and predicting managerial behavior.
An Amorphous-Silicon Operational Amplifier and Its Application to a 4-Bit Digital-to-Analog Converter

A circuit topology suitable for the implementation of operational amplifiers (OPAMPs) in an amorphous-silicon (a-Si) thin-film-transistor (TFT) technology is presented in this paper. Due to the use of a positive feedback in the input differential pair, the gain of the OPAMP is effectively boosted, facilitating analog circuit designs for system-on-panel (SoP) applications. Based on the proposed technique, a 4-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) prototype, which consists of a resistor string and a unity-gain buffer, is developed. The DAC is implemented by using an 8-¿m a-Si NTFT process. Operated at a supply voltage of 25 V, the fabricated circuit consumes a dc power of 3.68 mW. For an output voltage range from 9.5 to 12.5 V, the measurement results indicate a differential non-linearity (DNL) of ±0.216 LSB and an integral non-linearity (INL) of ±0.667 LSB. With a settling time less than 1.1 ms, the DAC circuit can operate at a maximum conversion rate of 0.9 kS/s.
Isolation of Digital Dermatitis Treponemes from Hoof Lesions in Wild North American Elk (Cervus elaphus) in Washington State, USA

ABSTRACT Since 2008, a large increase in the numbers of cases of lameness have been seen in wild North American elk (Cervus elaphus) from Washington State, USA. The most recent cases manifested as foot lesions similar both clinically and pathologically to those seen in digital dermatitis (DD) in cattle and sheep, a disease with a bacterial etiopathogenesis. To determine whether the same bacteria considered responsible for DD are associated with elk lameness, lesion samples were subjected to bacterial isolation studies and PCR assays for three phylogroups of relevant DD treponemes. The DD treponemes were isolated from lesional tissues but not from control feet or other areas of the diseased foot (including the coronary band or interdigital space), suggesting that the bacteria are strongly associated with DD lesions and may therefore be causal. In addition, PCR analysis revealed that all three unique DD treponeme phylotypes were found in elk hoof disease, and in 23% of samples, all 3 DD-associated treponemes were present in lesions. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the elk lesion treponemes were phylogenetically almost identical to those isolated from cattle and sheep DD lesions. The isolates were particularly similar to two of the three culturable DD treponeme phylotypes: specifically, the Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like and Treponema phagedenis-like DD spirochetes. The third treponeme culturable phylogroup (Treponema pedis), although detected by PCR, was not isolated. This is the first report describing isolation of DD treponemes from a wildlife host, suggesting that the disease may be evolving to include a wider spectrum of cloven-hoofed animals.
Allons Nous ? Accidents Are Inevitable

If I were to say to you, “I’m your perfusionist and I’ll be running the heart lung machine for your operation tomorrow. After you go to sleep. the surgeon is going to put a couple of tubes into your heart about the diameter of a garden hose. Blood arriving at your heart, instead of going to your lungs, will do a detour down that tube to the heart lung machine. I’ll pump that blood through an artificial lung and some filters back to the aorta—the artery downstream from your heart. I’ll be taking over the function of your heart and lungs with the machine while we stop your heart and turn off your lungs for an hour or two so the surgeon can sort out those blocked coronaries and fix up that valve. In essence I’ll be your heart and lungs while you’re sleep. ” What would be your likely thought process? Perhaps avoidance of a disaster would figure high on the list. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an exacting discipline (1). It is a planned life support intervention using an artificial circuit controlled by the perfusionist to replicate the function of the heart during a prolonged period of induced cardiac and respiratory arrest. This is not free of immediate significant risk to the patient.
Nutrient Physiology , Metabolism , and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions The Effects of Oral Quercetin Supplementation on Splanchnic Glucose Metabolism in 1-Week-Old Calves Depend on Diet after Birth 1 – 3

Background: Inadequate colostrum supply results in insufficient intake of macronutrients and bioactive factors, thereby impairing gastrointestinal development and the maturation of glucose metabolism in neonatal calves. The flavonoid quercetin has been shown to have health-promoting properties, including effects in diabetic animals. However, quercetin interacts with intestinal glucose absorption and might therefore exert negative effects in neonates. Objective:We evaluated the interaction between neonatal diet and quercetin feeding on splanchnic glucose metabolism
The Virginia Twin-Family Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development: assessing sample biases in demographic correlates of psychopathology

Synopsis The Virginia Twin-Family Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development (VTSABD) is a current longitudinal study of psychopathology in 1412 pairs of 8–16-year-old Caucasian twins and their parents. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate family–genetic and environmental risk factors for major domains of psychopathology in families representative of the Virginia Caucassian population. In this report, we utilize census-derived indices of neighbourhood income and urban residence to identify departures from population representation arising at the time of family enrolment in the twin registry and family participation in a psychiatric interview. Furthermore, we consider whether demographic sample biases influenced prevalence rates of adult psychopathology (including major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence, phobias, and panic disorder) in the VTSABD. Results indicated that families that enrolled in the twin registry (83% of those identified by Virginia schools) and that participated in the home interview (75% of those targeted) resided in urban and rural communities with a range of per capita income levels representative of the Virginia population. However, participation biases operated throughout the study and were primarily characterized by losses of families living in low income, urban communities. There was also a smaller number of families living in high income neighbourhoods that did not enrol in the twin registry or that indefinitely postponed the psychiatric interview. These biases had small effects on prevalence rates of adult psychopathology in the VTSABD sample, even though neighbourhood income was significantly related to a subset of adult diagnoses. We emphasize the usefulness of the census methodology in evaluating sample biases in population based psychiatric genetic studies.
Clinical relevance of hepsin and hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 2 expression in renal cell carcinoma

Cell surface proteolysis is important for the generation of bioactive proteins mediating tumor progression. Recent studies suggest that the membrane‐anchored cell surface proteinases matriptase and hepsin have significant roles in tumors. We analyzed the expression and clinical relevance of matriptase and hepsin, and their inhibitors hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI‐1) and type 2 (HAI‐2) in 66 cases of conventional renal cell carcinomas (RCC). The mRNA level was evaluated in paired samples from tumor and non‐tumorous renal tissues by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. As matriptase and hepsin potently activate the proform of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the expression of HGF and its receptor, c‐Met, was also analyzed. Although upregulation of matriptase was observed occasionally in RCC, the expression level was not associated with prognostic parameters. Hepsin was downregulated in RCC, particularly in early stage disease, but upregulated in advanced stages. There was a trend of higher hepsin expression in RCC with distant metastasis, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that high hepsin expression was associated with reduced overall survival (P < 0.01, log‐rank test). Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated that hepsin was an independent prognostic factor. Overexpression of HGF or c‐Met also showed reduced overall survival. We also observed a tendency of low HAI‐2 expression with reduced overall survival and a statistical association between high hepsin and low HAI‐2 level. No associations were observed between matriptase and HAI‐1 and HAI‐2. Our findings suggest that the balance between hepsin and its inhibitor, HAI‐2, may have prognostic value in RCC. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 491–498)
Phase Transformations in NiTi Endodontic Files and Fatigue Resistance

NiTi endodontic files allow for clinical enlargement of harshly curved root canals. However, files rotated under severe flexion might fracture unexpectedly, remain inside teeth and thus, hinder treatment outcome. ProFile . 06(35) are among the most commonly used rotary files. In the present study, 10 of these brand new instruments were used to perform DSC on their cutting regions and determine the amount of R-phase present at 10, 20, 37, and 65oC, both during cooling and heating programmed cycles. Another 48 new ProFile . 06(35) instruments underwent rotation/flexion assays at 300 rpm and 10 mm radius of curvature. Files were divided into four groups of 12 instruments each. Each group was tested at 10, 20, 37, and 65oC. The number of cycles to fracture (Nf) and the length
Proposed Explanation of the Phi Phenomenon from a Basic Neural Viewpoint

A first principle representation of integrated quantum thermal correlations of autaptic neurons associated with conscious brain mechanisms is proposed – the former termed the retinoid system by Trehub. Within this formulation, one descends on a set of unitary transformations yielding generic symmetries of the reduced neuronal dynamics illustrating the projection of the abstract degrees of freedom onto 3D space. The actual spatio-temporal symmetry suggests a general mirroring interpretation of the autapse as given by the structure of the neuronal network. The theory prompts a motif for the abundance of chemical synapses from a neuron onto itself and provides a simple explanation of the phi phenomenon and the Necker cube optical illusion.
Ocular manifestations of seronegative spondyloarthropathies

Purpose of review This article reviews recent advances in the understanding of the ocular manifestations of seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Recent findings Ocular inflammatory disorders are common and important disease manifestations in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathy, with anterior uveitis being the most common. There is a strong association between affected patients and the human leukocyte antigen B27. Local corticosteroid treatment is usually effective, but chronic or refractory uveitis responds well to immunosuppressive drugs that are effective for arthritis. Recent studies have highlighted the possible benefits of a number of biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors in such patients. Summary Uveitis is the most common ocular manifestation in patients affected by seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its pathogenesis. As it tends to affect the young adult population, it carries a significant personal and population burden. Immunomodulatory therapy that also acts as a corticosteroid sparing therapy can be effective in controlling chronic uveitis in patients with spondyloarthropathy.
Characterization and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides from Spirogyra neglecta (Hassall) Kützing

Sulfated polysaccharides (SP) isolated from freshwater green algae, Spirogyra neglecta (Hassall) Kützing, and fractionated SPs were examined to investigate their molecular characteristics and immunomodulatory activity. The crude and fractionated SPs (F1, F2, and F3) consisted mostly of carbohydrates (68.5–85.3%), uronic acids (3.2–4.9%), and sulfates (2.2–12.2%) with various amounts of proteins (2.6–17.1%). d-galactose (23.5–27.3%), d-glucose (11.5–24.8%), l-fucose (19.0–26.7%), and l-rhamnose (16.4–18.3%) were the major monosaccharide units of these SPs with different levels of l-arabinose (3.0–9.4%), d-xylose (4.6–9.8%), and d-mannose (0.4–2.3%). The SPs contained two sub-fractions with molecular weights (Mw) ranging from 164 × 103 to 1460 × 103 g/mol. The crude and fractionated SPs strongly stimulated murine macrophages, producing considerable amounts of nitric oxide and various cytokines via up-regulation of their mRNA expression by activation of nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways. The main backbone of the most immunoenhancing SP was (1→3)-l-Fucopyranoside, (1→4,6)-d-Glucopyranoside, and (1→4)-d-Galactopyranoside. The SPs stimulated RAW264.7 cells, producing of NO and cytokines via up-regulation of their mRNA expression by activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways.
Isolation, characterization and study of enhancing effects on nasal absorption of insulin in rat of the total saponin from Acanthophyllum squarrosum.

OBJECTIVE Isolation of the total saponins from Acanthophyllum squarrosum Boiss. and investigation of its surface activity, haemolytic effects on human erythrocytes as well as enhancing potentials on intranasal insulin absorption in rat in comparison with two other enhancers i.e. Quillaja total saponin (QTS) and sodium cholate (SC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The decrease in blood glucose levels in five fasting rats following nasal administration of regular insulin solutions in the presence or absence of enhancers was determined by glucometric strips and used as an indication of insulin absorption. RESULTS The results showed that ATS decreased surface tension of water to about 50 dyne.cm(-1) and caused complete haemolysis of human RBCs at a concentration of 250 microg.ml(-1). Following the instillation of solutions containing insulin and different absorption enhancers into the right nostril of rats, the percentage decrease in initial blood glucose was as follows: 72.46% (+/- 2.39%) for ATS, 63.22 % (+/-11.06%) for QTS and 60.06% (+/-14.93%) for SC. Percentage lowering in initial blood glucose concentrations against time showed that ATS exhibits a stronger effect than the two other enhancers although the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION ATS has a considerable absorption enhancing effect and can possibly be used to increase insulin bioavailability via nasal route. However the potential toxic effects of this saponin on nasal mucosa should be further evaluated.
l‐selectin expression on thymic emigrants defines two distinct tissue‐migration pathways

We have studied the appearance and phenotype of recent thymic emigrants in blood, spleen and lymph nodes (LN) of neonatal lambs. Using in situ labelling of thymocytes with fluoroscein isothiocyanate (FITC), we examined the expression of the LN homing receptor l‐selectin on αβ and γδ subsets of recent thymic emigrants 24 hr after labelling. There were marked differences in the proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and γδ T‐cell receptor (TCR+) cells exported from the thymus to spleen compared to lymph nodes. Spleen was enriched in CD8+ and γδ TCR+ emigrants while LN were enriched in CD4+ emigrants. There were also marked differences in the expression of l‐selectin by emigrants homing to spleen compared with those homing to lymph nodes. While the majority of thymic emigrants in LN expressed l‐selectin, considerably fewer emigrants in spleen were l‐selectin+. The presence of large numbers of CD8+ l‐selectin– and γδ TCR+ l‐selectin– thymic emigrants homing to spleen raises the possibility that unique homing receptor specificities underpin the migration of T cells to spleen as distinct from lymph nodes.
Effects of Subchronic Treatment of Some Plant Growth Regulators on Serum Enzyme Levels in Rats

The effects of a sublethal concentration of three plant growth regulators (PRGs) on serum enzymes in rats were investigated under laboratory conditions. 100-ppm of PRGs, indoleacetic acid (IAA), indolebutiric acid (IBA) and kinetin were administered orally to 8 rats ad libitum for 3 weeks. The hormon treatments caused different effects on the level of serum alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), amylase and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in comparison to those of control rats. According to the results, while the levels of LDH and CPK were increased significantly by IBA, the levels of AST, LDH and CPK were increased significantly by IAA. In addition, the levels of AST, LDH and CPK were increased significantly by kinetin. In conclusion, these chemicals have toxicological effects on the animals in subchronic treatment. Ozet: Baz› bitki buyume duzenleyicilerinin subletal konsantrasyonda laboratuar flartlar›nda s›canlar›n serum enzim duzeyleri uzerine etkileri araflt›r›ld›. Sekiz adet difli s›candan oluflan gruplar deneme boyunca icebildiince 100 ppm'lik IAA, IBA ve kinetin uygulamas›na uc hafta maruz b›rak›ld›. Sonuclar gosterdi ki; bu buyume duzenleyicileri serumun alanin aminotransferaz (ALT), aspartate aminotransferaz (AST), lactate dehidrogenaz (LDH), amilaz ve kreatine fosfokinaz (CPK) enzim seviyeleri uzerine farkl› etkilere sahip olduklar› gozlendi. Sonuclara gore; LDH ve CPK'n›n duzeyleri IBA taraf›ndan onemli derecede artt›rl›rken, AST, LDH and CPK duzeyleri IAA taraf›ndan onemli derecede artt›r›ld›. Keza, AST, LDH ve CPK seviyeleri kinetin tarf›ndan onemli derecede artt›r›ld›. Sonuc olarak; bu kimyasallar subkronik uygulamalarda toksik etkilere sahip olduklar› goruldu.
Early-onset parkinsonism associated with PINK1 mutations: Frequency, genotypes, and phenotypes

Fabry disease is associated with increased risk of premature stroke and presumptive ischemic cerebral lesions. In 57 consecutive patients, 35% of whom had lesions on brain MRI, the authors found that genotypes of polymorphisms G-174C of interleukin-6, G894T of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, factor V G1691A mutation, and the A-13G and G79A of protein Z were all significantly associated with cerebral lesions. These findings suggest that these proteins modulate Fabry cerebral vasculopathy.
Reduced school dropout rates among adolescent mothers receiving school-based prenatal care.

BACKGROUND Adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased school dropout rates. Dropping out amplifies the probability of persistent social and economic disadvantage. Whether school-based health centers might help reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates in this group has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of school-based prenatal services on school attendance and dropout rates. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, using school rosters from an alternative school, we identified adolescents aged 18 years or younger who delivered a baby between July 1, 1995, and August 30, 1997, in Baltimore, Md. We linked school records spanning 3 years with medical records and birth certificates. School variables such as attendance and dropout rates were examined in relation to the teen's year of pregnancy and prenatal care setting (school-based vs non-school-based). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine effects of school-based prenatal care on dropout and promotion or graduation rates, with adjustment for baseline group differences. RESULTS We identified 431 predominantly African American, low-income adolescents who attended the alternative school in their pregnancy school year. In the year prior to pregnancy, most performed poorly in school and had significant absenteeism. During their pregnancy school year, teens receiving school-based prenatal care were absent 12 fewer days, as compared with those receiving non-school-based care (P =.001), and their dropout rate was half that of those receiving non-school-based care (6% vs 15%; P =.02). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses, with adjustment for baseline prepregnancy differences, demonstrated that teens receiving school-based prenatal care were less likely to drop out of school during the pregnancy year (adjusted odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.99; P =.048). CONCLUSIONS Absenteeism and dropout rates were reduced for pregnant adolescents receiving prenatal care at a school-based health center in an urban alternative school. Findings underscore the importance of funding and evaluating school-based health centers and other interventions that may ameliorate negative outcomes among childbearing adolescents.