Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Performance and Mortality Rate in Local and Dorper × Local Crossbred Sheep Following Controlled Breeding in Ethiopia

The reproductive and lamb mortality data (n = 187) of the Local and crosses of Dorper × Local ewes following natural controlled breeding in Ethiopia were analysed. Data were collected during 2009-2011 at Sirinka breeding, evaluation and distribution site, eastern Amhara region of Ethiopia. Breed, lamb sex, birth season, birth year, birth type and ewes’ parity were considered as fixed effects. Data analyses were performed using general linear model procedures. Breed was a significant source of variation: the local sheep attained faster the age at first lambing than the crossbred ewe lambs (469 ± 8.45 vs. 555 ± 6.25 days, p < 0.0001), whereas the crossbred ewes weighed more than the local sheep ewes at the age of first lambing (32.7 ± 0.63 vs. 22.8 ± 0.43 kg, p < 0.0001). Birth year had also important influence on the age and weight at first lambing of ewes. Ewes showed better performance during the later study years, differences attributed due to the improved management advantages in later years. The crossbred and local ewes were comparable in their litter size, despite the fact that the lambing interval of crossbred ewes was longer than the local ewes (306 ± 4.62 vs. 287 ± 2.38 days). Additionally, there was no significant difference in mortality rate between the two breeds. This study confirms that the local ewes had higher annual reproductive rate than that of the crossbred sheep ewes (1.49 ± 0.02 vs. 1.37 ± 0.01 lambs) under the same environmental conditions. The present results suggested that better management and breeding program probably will increase the productivity of the local sheep.
Functional mechanisms of apoptosis‐related proteins in neonatal rat cerebellum are differentially influenced by ethanol at postnatal days 4 and 7

Exposure of the developing nervous system to ethanol (EtOH) produces neurological aberrations associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. During a well‐defined period, cerebellar neurons are highly susceptible to EtOH‐induced death, primarily through apoptosis. Neonatal rodent cerebellum is exquisitely sensitive to EtOH on postnatal days 4–6 (P4–6); however, at slightly later developmental ages (P7 and later), EtOH effects are minimal. We have previously shown that EtOH differentially influences expression of apoptosis‐related proteins of the Bcl‐2 survival‐regulatory gene family in P4 and P7 cerebellum. In the present study, the effects of EtOH on multiple functional mechanisms of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, and Bax were investigated to characterize further the processes underlying these disparate EtOH sensitivities. For these analyses, we addressed the following questions, by using P4 and P7 cerebellar tissue following in vivo exposure: 1) Are there differential patterns of expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 or proapoptotic Bax in EtOH‐vulnerable Purkinje cells that could contribute to the different degrees of temporal EtOH vulnerability? 2) How does EtOH affect intracellular localization of apoptosis‐related proteins? 3) Does cleavage of Bax contribute to EtOH sensitivity? 4) Does EtOH differentially modulate cerebellar protein–protein interactions of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, and Bax at the vulnerable vs. the resistant ages? Overall, we show that, at P4, the EtOH‐mediated effects on Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, and Bax favor a prodeath response, whereas most of the intracellular responses to EtOH exposure at P7 promote survival. Such differential responsiveness likely plays a major role in the disparate ethanol vulnerability at these two postnatal ages. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Am5‐HT7: molecular and pharmacological characterization of the first serotonin receptor of the honeybee (Apis mellifera)

The biogenic amine serotonin (5‐HT) plays a key role in the regulation and modulation of many physiological and behavioural processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. These functions are mediated through the binding of serotonin to its receptors, of which 13 subtypes have been characterized in vertebrates. We have isolated a cDNA from the honeybee Apis mellifera (Am5‐ht7) sharing high similarity to members of the 5‐HT7 receptor family. Expression of the Am5‐HT7 receptor in HEK293 cells results in an increase in basal cAMP levels, suggesting that Am5‐HT7 is expressed as a constitutively active receptor. Serotonin application to Am5‐ht7‐transfected cells elevates cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) levels in a dose‐dependent manner (EC50 = 1.1–1.8 nm). The Am5‐HT7 receptor is also activated by 5‐carboxamidotryptamine, whereas methiothepin acts as an inverse agonist. Receptor expression has been investigated by RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization, and western blotting experiments. Receptor mRNA is expressed in the perikarya of various brain neuropils, including intrinsic mushroom body neurons, and in peripheral organs. This study marks the first comprehensive characterization of a serotonin receptor in the honeybee and should facilitate further analysis of the role(s) of the receptor in mediating the various central and peripheral effects of 5‐HT.
The posteriorly based platysma flap in oral and facial reconstruction: A case series.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and use of the posteriorly based platysma flap for oral and facial reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS This case series consists of 7 patients who were reconstructed with a posteriorly based platysma flap for various tumor resection defects of the oral and facial region. The flaps were monitored for complications, including skin loss and ischemia in the postoperative period. RESULTS Three of the patients (43%) in this study had no complications. Three patients (43%) had some skin sloughing, but the underlying muscle remained viable and mucosalized normally. One patient (14%) had 40% flap loss of the distal end, possibly due to vascular compromise that occurred during a concomitant neck dissection. CONCLUSION The posteriorly based platysma flap is a reliable reconstruction option for defects in the facial and oral region. If skin sloughing occurs, it is usually inconsequential for intraoral reconstruction as the underlying muscle remains viable and undergoes epithelialization.
Scope of distraction osteogenesis in dentistry - a mini review

1 Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College and Hospital (H.P.G.D.C.) Shimla-H.P., India. 2 Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry, India. Abstract Distraction osteogenesis has emerged as an effective treatment modality for the correction of bone anomalies and abnormalities which are either pathological or developmental in origin. Earlier it was predominantly used in orthopaedics for the correction of axial skeleton. Its use in the field of dentistry began in the late twentieth century. Successful results from the initial clinical trials prompted more and more researchers to explore this field. Its use in dentistry involves the correction of craniofacial anomalies, alveolar ridge for the prosthetic rehabilitation and recently for the regeneration of lost periodontium.
Secondary damage caused by CD11b+ microglia following diffuse axonal injury in rats

BACKGROUND Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most common and important pathologic features of human traumatic brain injury, accounting for high mortality and the development of persistent posttraumatic neurologic sequelae. Secondary damage resulting, e.g., from mass compressive effects through edema or inflammation can exacerbate morphologic changes in injured axons. METHODS In this study, DAI was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by subjecting the animals to a midline closed-skull strike. Experimental rats and control animals subjected to sham operation were killed at 0 hour, 1 hour, 3 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour, 72 hour, 5 days, or 7 days later. Brains were harvested and paraffin-embedded sections of brain tissue (5 &mgr;m thick) were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Bielschowsky silver staining, cresyl violet staining of Nissl bodies, Weil staining of myelin sheaths, or TUNEL assay to verify neuronal changes. Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the expression of &bgr;-amyloid precursor protein, CD11b, and interleukin (IL)-6. RESULTS CD11b/IL-6 expression was higher at 6 hour and peaked at 12 hour after injury. Pathologic changes in neurons were greater at 24 and 48 hour after injury. The results indicate that DAI can induce activation of microglia to express IL-6 in the early stages after injury. CONCLUSIONS This suggests that microglia play an important role in secondary pathologic changes in brain tissue that are mediated, at least in part, by IL-6.
Active Robust Control of a Smart Plate

This paper presents the development of robust controllers for piezoelectric actuated plates, in the well known framework of Riccati equations. The treatment of the modeling uncertainties is based on two approaches: robust H∞ synthesis and LQG/LTR synthesis. The basic laboratory architecture for control laws validation is presented, with a cantilevered plate equipped with MFC actuators and strain gage sensors serving as paradigm of the smart structures. The experimental results are finally shown to testify the effect of the active control.
The Corrosion Effects of Sulfate- and Ferric-Reducing Bacterial Consortia on Steel

Fourteen thermotolerant and thermophilic bacterial isolates from a hot spring in Guanajuato State, Mexico, were tested for their ability to induce the corrosion of carbon steel in monocultures and, in selected cases, in mixed cultures and co-culture with a sulfate-reducing strain, SRB-M. Characterization by 16S rDNA showed that three of the thermophilic isolates (G9a, G9c, and G11) belong to the genus Bacillus , one (G2) showed homology with Bacillus as well as Geobacillus , and the SRB-M strain is closely related to Desulfotomaculum sp. Ten of the fourteen thermophilic and thermotolerant isolates promoted significantly more corrosion than the sterile controls. Under microaerobic batch-culture conditions at 55°C, SRB-M in monoculture did not show a corrosive effect measured as weight loss; in a mixed culture with G2, G9a, and G11, however, the final corrosion was enhanced 3.6 times when compared to sterile controls. Co-cultures of "G" isolates with SRB-M showed various effects on the final corrosion, ranging from 1.4 to m 1.2 times the control rates. Interestingly, G2, the only isolate able to reduce ferric ion, had the largest effect on microbial induced corrosion in mixed culture. Two different models of thermophilic bacterial communities, reconstructed with ferric- and sulfate-reducing isolates, had corrosion rates 4.8 and 5.0 times higher than the sterile controls. Our data show that bacterial strains with hydrogenase activity are not necessarily corrosive and that corrosion induction can be modified substantially by the metabolic background provided by the larger bacterial community, especially its ferric-reducing members.
Antioxidant biomarkers in freshwater bivalves, Unio tumidus, in response to different contamination profiles of aquatic sediments.

Antioxidant systems were studied in the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus transplanted from a control site to four different contaminated areas, in order to study the biological response according to the contamination characteristics. Reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH, GSSG), the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as selenium-dependent and non-selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases (SeGPx and non-SeGPx), and glutathione reductase (GRd) were measured in the gills and the digestive gland of the mussels after 15 days of exposure at different sites. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was evaluated by means of malondialdehyde measurements (MDA). The four sites investigated were located in the valleys of Fensch (F), Moselle (M), Lot et Garonne (LG), and Sarthe (S). At each site, the bivalves were placed upstream (Up) from an identified pollution source (a cokery, a laundry, or a foundry) and downstream (Do), close to the effluent outfall (Do(1)) or farther (Do(2)). The goal was to study the antioxidant response in relation to the pollution gradient. Metals and congeners of PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorinated pesticides were analyzed in the river sediments of each station. The exposure of the bivalves at the most highly polluted sites or close to the pollution source led to a sharp depletion in some antioxidant parameters, namely GRd, SeGPx, and GSH. The decrease in enzyme activities could reach 80% for GRd and 70% for SeGPx, while GSH depletion could yield 70%, leading then in an induction of lipid peroxidation, either in the digestive gland or in the gills. The higher the MDA concentrations, the lower the activity of these three antioxidant parameters, suggesting that they could be biomarkers for toxicity. Yet, a depletion in these parameters was sometimes insufficient for cytotoxicity to be induced, since lipid peroxidation failed to appear in some cases where antioxidant depletion was clear, although not so severe. The response of the gills and the digestive gland was not always paralleled, which can be explained by differences in the bioavailability of pollutants. In some cases, a relationship was not found between the antioxidant response and the degree and the type of contamination in sediments, suggesting that the effects could result from nonidentified pollutants or/and be indicators of bio-availability.
A new scheme of conical-wedge-shaped fiber endface for coupling between high-power laser diodes and single-mode fibers

A new scheme for the lensed fiber employing a conical-wedge-shaped fiber endface (CWSFE) for coupling between the high-powered 980-nm laser diodes and single-mode fibers (SMFs) is proposed. The CWSFE was fabricated by following grinding and polishing techniques and then through heating in a fusing splicer to form an elliptical microlens endface. A coupling efficiency of 84% has been demonstrated. The higher coupling efficiency of the CWSFE lensed fiber was attributed to the better matching of both the elliptical Gaussian field distribution and the aspect ratio between the laser source and the fiber. In comparison to other fabrication techniques of lensed fiber used in high-power diode lasers, the advantages of this novel CWSFE structure are the ability to control over two axial curvatures and a small fiber offset through grinding and polishing processes to form a good elliptical endface. The results of this study have led to the development of a simple and reproducible fabrication process for achieving a high-yield and high-coupling CWSFE structure that is suitable for use in commercial high-power pump laser modules.
Knowledge Transfer, Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Barriers - Three Blurry Terms in KM

In the knowledge management world there are many different terms flying around. Some are more important and frequently used than others. In this paper, we present and discuss the development and views of three terms: knowledge transfer, knowledge sharing and knowledge barriers. Knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing are sometimes used synonymously or have overlapping content. Several authors have pointed out this confusion while other authors have attempted to clarify the differences and define the terms. Knowledge barriers in themselves seem to have a more obvious content although the borders between knowledge barriers and connecting terms, such as 'barriers to knowledge sharing', seem to blur discussions and views. Our aim is to make a contribution to finding appropriate demarcations between these concepts. After reviewing Knowledge Management literature, we can state that the three terms, knowledge transfer, knowledge sharing and knowledge barriers, are somewhat blurred. For knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing, the blurriness is linked mainly to the fact that the analytical level each term is related to has come and gone and come back again. For knowledge barriers, the blurriness comes from the development of the term. The mere existence of the many different categorizations of knowledge barriers implies that the concept itself is blurry. The concept seems clear cut and focuses on knowledge although it is also broad and later sources have included much more than knowledge. This paper concludes by highlighting the effects on the terms when two different knowledge perspectives, knowledge as an object (or the K-O view) and knowledge as a subjective contextual construction (or the K-SCC view) are applied. The clarifications are supported by examples from companies in different industries (such as Cargotec and IKEA) and the public sector (police, fire brigade, ambulance and other emergency services).
Interpersonal violence and traumatic brain injuries among Native Americans and women

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to assess the odds of experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of interpersonal violence (IPV) among Native Americans compared to other races controlling for gender, age, socioeconomic status, rurality and intoxication at the time of the injury. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the Arizona Trauma Database consisting of 18 944 cases of TBI between 2008–2010 throughout the state of Arizona was conducted. There were 312 patients who experienced injuries caused by IPV in the sample. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, bivariate analyses and a logistic regression model were used for analyses. Results: The logistic regression model found that Native Americans (OR = 1.15), patients from the other race category (OR = 1.18), females (OR = 1.35) and those who were insured (OR = 1.26) had higher odds of experiencing a TBI as a result of IPV. Rurality and intoxication were mediators of the correlation between Native American race and TBI as a result of IPV. Conclusions: Native Americans are more likely than Whites and females are more likely than males to experience TBIs as a result of IPV.
Association between time of admission to the ICU and mortality: a systematic review and metaanalysis.

BACKGROUND The organizational and staffing structure of an ICU influences the outcome of critically ill and injured patients. A change in the ICU staffing structure frequently occurs at nighttime and on weekends (off-hours). We postulated that patients who are admitted to an ICU during off hours may be at an increased risk of death. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess whether admission to an ICU during off-hours is associated with an increased mortality. We selected studies that evaluated the association between time of admission to the ICU and mortality, with adjustment for severity of disease. We excluded studies that included pediatric and non-ICU patients. Study characteristics extracted included date of publication, study design, country where study was done, study population, time factor (weekend or night shift), severity adjustment tool, and outcome. RESULTS Ten cohort studies met our inclusion criteria; eight of these studies evaluated nighttime admissions, whereas six studies evaluated weekend admissions. The pooled analysis demonstrated that nighttime admission was not associated with an increased mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.0 [95% CI, 0.87-1.17]; P = .956); however, patients admitted over the weekend had a significant increase in the adjusted risk of death (OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.04-1.13]; P < .001). Significant heterogeneity was found in the studies that evaluated nighttime admissions. CONCLUSIONS Whereas patients admitted to an ICU over the weekend appear to be at an increased risk of death, nighttime admissions were not associated with an increased mortality. The lower level of staffing and intensity of care provided by many hospitals over the weekend may account for this finding. The heterogeneity noted between studies evaluating nighttime admissions likely reflects the diverse organizational structure of the hospitals and ICUs where these studies were carried out.
Detection and Identification of Mycobacterium Species Isolates by DNA Microarray

ABSTRACT Rapid identification of Mycobacterium species isolates is necessary for the effective management of tuberculosis. Recently, analysis of DNA gyrase B subunit (gyrB) genes has been identified as a suitable means for the identification of bacterial species. We describe a microarray assay based on gyrB gene sequences that can be used for the identification of Mycobacteria species. Primers specific for a gyrB gene region common to all mycobacteria were synthesized and used for PCR amplification of DNA purified from clinical samples. A set of oligonucleotide probes for specific gyrB gene regions was developed for the identification of 14 Mycobacterium species. Each probe was spotted onto a silylated glass slide with an arrayer and used for hybridization with fluorescently labeled RNA derived from amplified sample DNA to yield a pattern of positive spots. This microarray produced unique hybridization patterns for each species of mycobacteria and could differentiate closely related bacterial species. Moreover, the results corresponded well with those obtained by the conventional culture method for the detection of mycobacteria. We conclude that a gyrB-based microarray can rapidly detect and identify closely related mycobacterial species and may be useful in the diagnosis and effective management of tuberculosis.
Molecular and Serological Studies on Detection of Brucella Species in Cattle and Buffaloes

Brucellosis is one of the most important diseases affecting both human and animal in most of the developing countries. It causes important economic losses Rapid and accurate diagnosis is fundamental for control and eradication of brucellosis. A total of 150 milk samples (three samples from each animal included in the study) and 50 blood samples were collected from 32 cows and 18 buffaloes suspected to be infected or had a history of brucellosis from villages and cities of Sohag, Beni-Suef and Giza governorates in Egypt. All tested animals gave a negative reactions to all serological test that included Buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPAT), Rose bengal plate test (RBPT), Tube agglutination test (TAT) and Rivanol test (Riv.T). Bacteriological and molecular examination of milk samples revealed detection of Brucella organisms in 40.6% and 53.1% from the cow's samples by the two examinations respectively and in 38.9% and 55.6% from the buffaloe's samples by the two examinations respectively. All the isolated brucella organisms were B. melitensis.
The highs and lows of programmed cardiovascular disease by developmental hypoxia: studies in the chicken embryo

It is now established that adverse conditions during pregnancy can trigger a fetal origin of cardiovascular dysfunction and/or increase the risk of heart disease in later life. Suboptimal environmental conditions during early life that may promote the development of cardiovascular dysfunction in the offspring include alterations in fetal oxygenation and nutrition as well as fetal exposure to stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids. There has been growing interest in identifying the partial contributions of each of these stressors to programming of cardiovascular dysfunction. However, in humans and in many animal models this is difficult, as the challenges cannot be disentangled. By using the chicken embryo as an animal model, science has been able to circumvent a number of problems. In contrast to mammals, in the chicken embryo the effects on the developing cardiovascular system of changes in oxygenation, nutrition or stress hormones can be isolated and determined directly, independent of changes in the maternal or placental physiology. In this review, we summarise studies that have exploited the chicken embryo model to determine the effects on prenatal growth, cardiovascular development and pituitary–adrenal function of isolated chronic developmental hypoxia.