Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of Actin and Tubulin in Human Sperm Nuclear Matrix‐intermediate Filament Whole Mounts—A New Paradigm

Sperm is a highly differentiated cell streamlined for fertilization. The function is thus heavily dependent on the cytoskeletal organization. Conventional methods limit the appreciation and correlation of this intricate cytoskeletal filament network in the context of an entire sperm. Our recent successful localization of nonmuscle myosin IIA on sperm nuclear matrix‐intermediate filament (NM‐IF) preparations from fertile men by embedment‐free electron microscopy (EF‐EM), prompted us to investigate the antigenic distribution of two major cytoskeletal proteins—actin and tubulin. The NM‐IF preparations were subjected to a cocktail of buffered paraformaldehyde (2%) with a low concentration of glutaraldehyde (0.05%). These proteins were localized by indirect immunogold technique using EF‐EM on sperm NM‐IF whole mounts. Ultrastructure analysis revealed well preserved centrioles, outer dense fibers, axonemal filaments, and submitochondrial reticulum in the sperm NM‐IF. Immunoreactive actin was localized along the length of the sperm whereas β‐tubulin was present in the axoneme alone. The spatial distribution of actin and tubulin in normal human sperm NM‐IF reported here together with that of myosin on whole mount offers a powerful technique to understand sperm cytoskeletal supramolecular structure. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Governments, Partisanship, and Foreign Policy: The Case of Dispute Duration

Do variations in partisanship and political outcomes among democratic states affect the duration of militarized interstate disputes? To answer this question, the author develops a model of partisan competition derived from the government failure literature. The author argues factors associated with government failure determine the ability of governments to contend with the domestic political costs of militarized disputes, specifically the duration of those disputes. The author tests his expectations using hazard analysis on a dataset of 20 democratic governments and militarized disputes between 1945 and 1992. The results suggest the outcome of party competition in the form of a government’s sensitivity to the potential political costs of conflict is an important part of the conflict process. The author concludes that differences in domestic political outcomes influence the duration of militarized interstate disputes. Governments that are politically more secure in their tenure engage in longer disputes. Alternatively, governments that are more vulnerable have significantly shorter disputes. In addition, because government partisanship contributes to vulnerability, it also affects dispute duration, with governments of the left engaging in shorter disputes, while governments of the right fight longer disputes.
Channel measurements and characteristics for cooperative positioning applications

We have conducted an indoor channel measurement campaign to characterize the propagation channel for the development of cooperative positioning algorithms. The campaign focused particularly on the characteristics of multi-link channels with applications to positioning. In this contribution we present the measurement campaign and preliminary results on correlation characteristics of the received power. It is observed that the link-pair log power is uncorrelated. Moreover, the received log power can be modeled by realizations of independent Gaussian distributions for each link, based on the measured results.
Poisoned food : Cultural resistance to the contaminants discourse in Nunavik

The discourse on contaminants in arctic communities, at first glance, appears to be specifically grounded in the scientific assessment of external threats to a traditional way of life. Scientific research suggests that traditional foods harvested by the Inuit, although contaminated, continue to provide nutritional value, but require ongoing monitoring and, if need be, limits on what can be consumed. This discursive formation is what we call a form of contaminant bio-power; that is, it limits the total understanding of risks and benefits of Inuit country food to the purview of science alone. Thus, Inuit perceptions of risks and benefits generated by traditional knowledge have been excluded. This paper illustrates the Inuit discourse on poisoned food, which they use to resist the totalizing effects of scientific discourse. Our analysis suggests that environmental health risk communication strategies cannot be grounded in a public health system strictly dominated by scientific discourses. Counter-knowledge, as a form of resistance, will eventually minimize or exclude any risk communication activity that causes a person to worry too much or creates problems over which one has no control. Informants from three Inuit villages in Nunavik, Quebec (Canada) participated in a risk perception study which forms one component of a much larger contaminants project conducted in the Canadian Eastern Arctic.
Effects of transporting horses facing either forwards or backwards on their behaviour and heart rate

The effects of transporting horses facing either forwards or backwards were compared by transporting six thoroughbred horses in pairs in a lorry on one journey facing in the direction of travel, and on another journey facing away from the direction of travel, over a standard one-hour route. Heart rate monitors were used to record their heart rate before, during and after the journey and the horses' behaviour was recorded by scan sampling each horse every other minute. The average heart rate was significantly lower (P<0.05) when the horses were transported facing backwards, and they also tended to rest on their rumps more (P=0.059). In the forward-facing position, the horses moved more frequently (P<0.05) and tended to hold their necks in a higher than normal position and to vocalise more frequently (P=0.059). During loading the average peak heart rate was 38 bpm lower (P<0.05) when the horses were backed into the horse box for rear-facing transport than when they were loaded facing forwards. However, there was no difference between transport facing forwards or backwards in terms of the peak unloading heart rate, or the average heart rate during loading or unloading. The horses seemed to find being transported less physically stressful when they were facing backwards than when they were facing forwards.
Lowering effect of dietary milk-whey protein v. casein on plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations in rats

The effect of dietary whey protein v. casein on plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations was investigated in female, weanling rats. Balanced, purified diets containing either whey protein or casein, or the amino acid mixtures simulating these proteins, were used. The high-cholesterol diets (10 g cholesterol/kg feed) had either 150 or 300 g protein or amino acids/kg feed. The diets were fed for 3 weeks. At the low dietary protein level, whey protein v. casein did not affect plasma total cholesterol, but lowered the concentration of liver cholesterol. At the high dietary protein level, whey protein significantly lowered plasma and liver cholesterol and also plasma triacylglycerols. The hypocholesterolaemic effect of whey protein was associated with a decrease in very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. At the high dietary protein concentration, whey protein reduced the faecal excretion of bile acids when compared with casein. The effects of intact whey protein v. casein were not reproduced by the amino acid mixtures simulating these proteins. It is suggested tentatively that the cholesterol-lowering effect of whey protein in rats is caused by inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis.
Make it challenging : motivation through goal setting

We study a principal agent model where agents derive a sense of pride when accomplishing production goals. As in classical models, the principal offers a pay-per-performance wage to the agent, determining the agent’s extrinsic incentives. However, in our setting, the principal does also want to set goals that affect the agents’ intrinsic motivation to work. Agents differ in their personal standard which determines what becomes challenging and rewarding to them, and hence the intensity of their intrinsic motivation to achieve goals. We show that, at the optimal contract, the agents’ production, as well as the goals set by the principal, increase with the agents’ personal standards. Thus, although goal setting is payoff irrelevant, since it does not directly affect agents’ wage, it increases agents’ achievement and hence the principal’s profits. Moreover, we show that a mediocre standard agent could end up being the most satisfied one
IMPACT OF CELLULAR METABOLISM ON THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BENZO[A]PYRENE AND RELATED HYDROCARBONS†

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are ubiquitous contaminants in the environment. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a prototypical member of this class of chemicals, has been extensively studied for its toxic effects in laboratory animals and human populations. BaP toxicity is often mediated by oxidative metabolism to reactive intermediates that interact with macromolecules leading to alterations in target cell structure and function. More recent evidence suggests that disruption of cellular signaling pathways involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation contribute significantly to the toxicity of BaP and its metabolites. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of biological mechanisms of BaP toxicity at the molecular level, and the role of metabolic intermediates in carcinogenesis, atherogenesis, and teratogenesis.
In vitro antimicrobial and anti-proliferative activities of plant extracts from Spathodea campanulata, Ficus bubu, and Carica papaya

Abstract Context African medicinal plants represent a prominent source of new active substances. In this context, three plants were selected for biological investigations based on their traditional uses. Objective The antimicrobial and anti-proliferative features of three plants used for medicinal purpose were evaluated. Materials and methods The antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts of Ficus bubu Warb. (Moraceae) stem bark and leaves, of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) flowers, as well as those of Carica papaya Linn. (Caricaceae) latex, were determined using the microbroth dilution method against a set of bacteria and fungi pathogens including: Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus, S. epidermididis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhimurium, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton rubrum. The tested concentrations of extracts ranged from 2500.0 to 2.4 μg/mL and MIC values were evaluated after 24 h incubation at 37 °C. Subsequently, MTT assay was used to estimate anti-proliferative activity of these methanol extracts and of F. bubu latex on three human cancer cell lines (U373 glioblastoma, A549 NSCLC, and SKMEL-28 melanoma). Results The methanol extract of F. bubu stem bark exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against C. albicans with a MIC value of 9.8 μg/mL, while the F. bubu latex and the methanol extract of F. bubu leaves induced significant anti-proliferative activity against lung (IC50 values of 10 and 14 μg/mL, respectively) and glioma (IC50 values of 13 and 16 μg/mL, respectively) cancer cells. Conclusion These results indicate that effective drugs could be derived from the three studied plants.
SLC1A1 Gene Variants and Normal Tension Glaucoma: An Association Study

Abstract Background: It has been hypothesized that dysfunction of the solute carrier family 1, member1 gene (SLC1A1), which encodes the glutamate aspartate transporter, may play a role in normal tension glaucoma. In this study we investigate whether SLC1A1 is associated with normal tension glaucoma in Japanese patients. Methods: A total of 292 Japanese patients with normal tension glaucoma and 500 healthy control subjects were recruited. We genotyped 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in SLC1A1. We also performed an imputation analysis to evaluate the potential association of un-genotyped SLC1A1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and 165 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were imputed. Results: We observed an increased frequency of the G allele of rs10739062 in patients compared to controls (p = 0.043, OR = 1.25). The rs10739062 polymorphism exhibited a dominant effect: individuals with genotype GG and GC showed a 1.91-fold increase in risk compared to genotype CC (p = 0.0082). However, the statistical significance disappeared after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (pc > 0.05). We did not find any significant association between any of the remaining 176 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and disease risk. Conclusions: Our study showed a lack of association between SLC1A1 variants and normal tension glaucoma in Japanese patients, suggesting that the SLC1A1 gene does not play a critical role in the development of the disorder in this patient population. However, further genetic studies with larger sample sizes are needed to clarify whether SLC1A1 may make some contribution that affects the risk of developing normal tension glaucoma.
Hospital charges for stroke patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stroke is a common disease with a yearly cost in the United States of approximately $30 billion. The increasing prevalence of managed care and cost-containment measures may affect the delivery of stroke care now and in the future. This study was performed to determine (1) hospital charges and test utilization for stroke patients and (2) the effectiveness of educational efforts in modifying test utilization and related hospital charges. METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of stroke who were discharged from either the neurology service or another service of the Department of Medicine (DOM) were identified. Data on test utilization and hospital charges were collected and analyzed. Following this analysis, educational sessions were held in an effort to reduce the use of specific diagnostic tests. The effectiveness of these methods was studied in a second group of stroke patients. RESULTS In the baseline period there were 303 stroke patients, of which 262 (86%) were discharged from the neurology service and 41 (14%) were discharged from other services of the DOM. Patients on the neurology service had a lower mean length of stay than patients on the other services of the DOM (9.2 days versus 10.5 days) and lower mean total charges per case ($13,149 versus $15,727), although the respective differences were not statistically significant. Patient on the neurology service were more likely to have both brain CT and MRI performed (82 of 262 patients, 31.3%) than patients on the other services of the DOM (4 of 41, 9.8%, P = .005). In addition, patients on the neurology service were more likely to undergo a transthoracic echocardiogram than patients on the other services of the DOM (71.8% versus 53.7%, P = .025). After educational sessions, the percentage of stroke patients on the neurology service having both CT and MRI fell from 31.3% to 17.7% (P = .005), and the number of stroke patients having a transthoracic echocardiogram fell from 71.8% to 60.3% (P = .025). However, the overall charges for stroke patients on the neurology services did not decrease. CONCLUSIONS Education can be successful in reducing the utilization of and associated charges for specific diagnostic tests for some stroke patients. A multidisciplinary approach to case management, using tools such as care maps, may be necessary to realize significant cost savings in certain groups of stroke patients.
Structure and Functions of Lectins in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System

There is increasing evidence that lectins are widely distributed in mammalian tissues, including the nervous tissue. Based on histochemical techniques using neoglycoproteins, different lectin activities specific for different monosaccharides or glycans have been identified (fucose, galactose, mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid and heparin). Most of them showed a cellular specificity and developmental regulation in the central nervous system. Several lectins isolated from the nervous tissue seem to play an essential role during ontogenetic processes, especially as far as cell adhesion and cell recognition mechanisms are concerned (axonal growth and fasciculation, neuron migration, synaptogenesis, myelination). But some of them seem to be involved in signaling events both intracellularly (nuclear lectins) or at the cell surface by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. This review discusses the structure and the identified functions of these important constituents of the nervous tissue.
The Influence of Occupational and Non-Occupational Factors on the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Complaints in Users of Portable Computers

Introduction. Portable computers are becoming an increasingly common main work tool; however, they are not properly adapted to the workstation. Musculoskeletal complaints are a very frequent complaint reported by workers who use computers in their work. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of pain in the musculoskeletal system in workers who regularly use a portable computer in their work and to determine the influence of working conditions and duration of work with a portable computer. Material and methods. The study covered 300 workers. Musculoskeletal complaints were assessed with the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire complemented with a visual analogue scale. Working conditions was assessed with a questionnaire developed as part of the study. Results and conclusions. The most prevalent faults in the organization of workstations were lack of a computer desk with an adjustable keyboard tray/ drawer, no adjustment of chair armrests and no possibility to use an additional keyboard. The most frequent complaints among computer operators were headaches, low-back pain and neck pain. The use of an additional keyboard reduced the intensity of shoulder pain.
Corporate Governance and Risk Management: The Role of Risk Management and Compensation Committees

This paper examines the role of compensation and risk committees in managing and monitoring the risk behaviour of Australian financial firms in the period leading up to the global financial crisis (2006–2008). This empirical study of 711 observations of financial sector firms demonstrates how the coordination of risk management and compensation committees reduces information asymmetry. The study shows that the composition of the risk and compensation committees is positively associated with risk, which, in turn, is associated with firm performance. More importantly, information asymmetry is reduced when a director is a member of both the risk and compensation committees which moderate the negative association between risk and firm performance for firms with high risk.
Safety and Efficacy of Anti-TNFα Treatment in Crohn's Disease Patients with Abdominal Abscesses.

BACKGROUND/AIMS It is estimated that up to 30% of CD patients develop abdominal abscesses; the management of active luminal CD in such patients represents a clinical challenge. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of biologics in patients with Crohn's disease and abdominal abscesses treated with percutaneous drainage and/or broad-spectrum antibiotics. METHODOLOGY We performed a retrospective review of the clinical charts of consecutive Crohn's disease patients with abdominal abscesses treated with anti-TNFα therapy attended in our institution. RESULTS 12 patients were finally included in the study. All were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotic and biological therapy (anti-TNF); indication of anti-TNFα therapy was moderate to severe activity of CD in all of them. Percutaneous drainage of the abscess was performed in 7 of the 12 patients. No complications were observed during a mean follow-up of 37,8 (16-71) months, including abscess volume increase, enterocutaneous fistula, soft tissue infections, bacteraemia, or need for emergency surgery. CONCLUSIONS In addition to conventional treatment, the use of anti-TNFα therapy in Crohn's disease patients with abdominal abscesses seems to be safe. Usefulness of this approach has to be validated in larger cohorts.
Healthy Habits: The Connection between Diet, Exercise, and Locus of Control

This paper analyzes the relationship between individuals' locus of control and their decisions to exercise regularly, eat well, drink moderately, and avoid tobacco. Our primary goal is to assess the relative importance of the alternative pathways that potentially link locus of control to healthy habits. We find that individuals with an internal locus of control are more likely to eat well and exercise regularly. This link cannot be explained by the extent to which they are future-orientated and value their health, however. There are important gender differences in explaining the link between perceptions of control and healthy habits. Men with an internal locus of control expect to have higher health returns to their investments in diet and exercise. In contrast, women with an internal locus of control maintain healthy habits because they derive greater satisfaction from those activities than women with external control tendencies.
Multidrug Resistant Mycobacterium leprae from Patients with Leprosy

ABSTRACT Sequences of the folP1, rpoB, and gyrA genes were analyzed for 88 isolates ofMycobacterium leprae from leprosy patients in Japan, Haiti, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Thirteen isolates (14.8%) showed representative mutations in more than two genes, suggesting the emergence of multidrug-resistant M. leprae.