Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological Aspects of the Capybara Stomach (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris): Gross and Microscopic Structure

The digestive system of the capybara has been investigated because of its coprofagia habits, important for their absorptive activity. These species present differences in terms of gastrointestinal morphological characters when compared with other rodents. Macroscopiclly, the stomach of the capybara is constituted of the following parts: cardiac, pyloric, body, fundic and gastric diverticulum. It presents two curvatures, one big and another small. Externally, the presence of gastric bands (tenias) is observed. With regards to the volumetric view, the gastric capacity varies from 850 to 2010 ml, with an average of 1498.57 ml. So, the stomach of this animal can be classified as a simple stomach, in the format of a curved sack and similar to an inverted letter ‘J’. The gastric mucous membrane presents a surface filled by numerous tortuous gastric folds and longitudinally distributed along all its extension. The mucous tunic also possesses recesses located among the successive gastric folds, which were denoted as gastric parts with numerous openings described as gastric pits. In the cardiac part, a glandular epithelium with cardiac glands is noticed containing a lot of parietal and mucous neck cells. The fundic part, body and gastric diverticulum contain proper gastric glands with main, parietal and mucous neck cells. Finally, the pyloric part has pyloric glands with two cellular types, mucous neck and parietal cells.
Impact of Health Insurance Status on Vaccination Coverage in Children 19–35 Months Old, United States, 1993–1996

Objectives. To show how health insurance (privately and publicly insured, insured and uninsured) relates to vaccination coverage in children 19–35 months old, and how this can be used to better target public health interventions. Methods. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) gathers information on the health and health care of the U.S. non-institutionalized population through household interviews. The authors combined immunization and health insurance supplements from the 1993 through 1996 NHIS, and classified children 19–35 months old by their immunization and insurance status. Results were compared using both bivariate and multivariate analyses, and the backwards stepwise selection method was used to build multivariate logistic regression models. Results. Uninsured children tended to have lower vaccination coverage than those who had insurance, either private or public. Among those with insurance, publicly insured children had lower vaccination coverage than privately insured children. Backwards stepwise regression retained insurance status, metropolitan statistical area, and education of responsible adult family member as major predictors of immunization. Factors considered but not retained in the final model included child race/ethnicity, family poverty index, and region of country. Conclusions. Insurance status was a critical predictor of vaccination coverage for children ages 19–35 months. After controlling for confounders, the uninsured were about 24% less likely to receive all recommended shots than the insured and, among the insured, those with public insurance were about 24% less likely to receive all recommended vaccines than those with private insurance.
Neurotoxic Mechanisms Caused by the Alzheimer's Disease-linked Swedish Amyloid Precursor Protein Mutation

Autosomal dominant forms of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) are caused by mutations of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and by mutations of the genes encoding for presenilin 1 or presenilin 2. Simultaneously, evidence is provided that increased oxidative stress might play a crucial role in the rapid progression of the Swedish FAD. Here we investigated the effect of the Swedish double mutation (K670M/N671L) in the β-amyloid precursor protein on oxidative stress-induced cell death mechanisms in PC12 cells. Western blot analysis and cleavage studies of caspase substrates revealed an elevated activity of the executor caspase 3 after treatment with hydrogen peroxide in cells containing the Swedish APP mutation. This elevated activity is the result of the enhanced activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, including activation of caspase 2 and caspase 8. Furthermore, we observed an enhanced activation of JNK pathway and an attenuation of apoptosis by SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, through protection of mitochondrial dysfunction and reduction of caspase 9 activity. Our findings provide evidence that the massive neurodegeneration in early age of FAD patients could be a result of an increased vulnerability of neurons through activation of different apoptotic pathways as a consequence of elevated levels of oxidative stress.
Do we necessarily need local anaesthetics for venous cannulation? A comparison of different cannula sizes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This randomized, prospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a subcutaneous local anaesthetic infiltration prior to venepuncture using different cannula sizes. METHODS Three-hundred-and-one patients were included in the study, 150 received mepivacaine 1% (0.25 mL) subcutaneously, 151 were cannulated without local analgesia. Patients were further allocated to one of five cannula size groups (standard wire gauge (G)): 20-, 18-, 17-, 16- and 14-G. They were asked to quantify the pain experienced using a four-point rating scale. RESULTS In the group without local anaesthetics, 28.8% complained about pain compared to 12% receiving local analgesia. The incidence of pain for 14-G (10%) and 16-G (12.9%) cannulae was significantly reduced in the local analgesia group (P < 0.01) compared to no local analgesia (77.4% and 45.1%). Other cannula sizes showed no difference in pain whether using local analgesia or not. CONCLUSIONS Patients profit from a subcutaneous infiltration with mepivacaine 1% prior to intravenous cathetherization only when cannulae of size > or = 16-G are inserted.
Strategic alliances and dynamic capabilities: a systematic review

Purpose Organizations need to find ways to survive in unpredictable, dynamic and rapidly changing environments. The development of organizational capabilities, such as relational, is a dynamic process of adaptation, which seeks to adjust to an unstable environment. Within this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyze, through a systematic review (SR), 36 articles, which discuss the influence of strategic alliances on the dynamic capabilities (DCs) process. Design/methodology/approach Through this systematic literature review, articles published in international journals were categorized in terms of their objectives, thematic axes and the research methodologies applied and evidences, to explore their methodological, theoretical and organizational practice contributions. Findings The results clarified the antecedents, implications and relevance of the relationship between strategic alliances in different countries and their DCs. The findings make it possible to determine directions for new studies that may support the advancement of this field of research. Research limitations/implications Studies from this SR point out that alliance is: a flexible vehicle of learning; a way to transfer effective knowledge in partner firms and to generate combinations of resources; and a superior means of access to technological capabilities and other complex capabilities. Those aspects would be difficult to be developed in the firms without the help of partnerships. This can encourage the reconfiguration of existing resources and capabilities. These reconfigurations can lead to deliberate evolutionary adaptations in these firms, which will build relational DCs. Practical implications As managerial implications, an alliance allows for the development of capabilities to detect new opportunities, and for the development of the reconfiguration or expansion of the existing resource base in the firm. Thus, alliances, once properly managed and with well-defined structure and purpose, can help firms achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Alliances can serve as a type of strategic choice or an alternative that can enable companies to cope with unstable, global and competitive environments permeated by (new) threats and opportunities. Originality/value This SR paper highlighted, in a specific and consistent topic, the suggestions for future research related to the process of DCs and its relationship with strategic alliances, motivating new research works.
Global genetic diversity of Aedes aegypti

Mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, are becoming important models for studying invasion biology. We characterized genetic variation at 12 microsatellite loci in 79 populations of Ae. aegypti from 30 countries in six continents, and used them to infer historical and modern patterns of invasion. Our results support the two subspecies Ae. aegypti formosus and Ae. aegypti aegypti as genetically distinct units. Ae. aegypti aegypti populations outside Africa are derived from ancestral African populations and are monophyletic. The two subspecies co‐occur in both East Africa (Kenya) and West Africa (Senegal). In rural/forest settings (Rabai District of Kenya), the two subspecies remain genetically distinct, whereas in urban settings, they introgress freely. Populations outside Africa are highly genetically structured likely due to a combination of recent founder effects, discrete discontinuous habitats and low migration rates. Ancestral populations in sub‐Saharan Africa are less genetically structured, as are the populations in Asia. Introduction of Ae. aegypti to the New World coinciding with trans‐Atlantic shipping in the 16th to 18th centuries was followed by its introduction to Asia in the late 19th century from the New World or from now extinct populations in the Mediterranean Basin. Aedes mascarensis is a genetically distinct sister species to Ae. aegypti s.l. This study provides a reference database of genetic diversity that can be used to determine the likely origin of new introductions that occur regularly for this invasive species. The genetic uniqueness of many populations and regions has important implications for attempts to control Ae. aegypti, especially for the methods using genetic modification of populations.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Serological Results in Cases of Suspected Primary Syphilis Infection

Background Reverse sequence screening for syphilis, in which an automatable treponemal assay (enzyme immunoassay [EIA]/chemiluminescence assay [CIA]) is performed first and followed by a nontreponemal test for reactive specimens, has been used increasingly in the United States. The EIA is objective, efficient, and believed to be more sensitive than the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) because treponemal antibodies appear before nontreponemal antibodies. We sought to compare the sensitivity of a commonly used EIA, the Trep-Sure EIA (TS-EIA), to the RPR in cases of suspected primary syphilis infection in our clinic. Methods A retrospective medical record review of patients with sexually transmitted infection clinic visits from January 2009 to December 2011 was conducted, and 52 patients met the following inclusion criteria: suspected primary syphilis symptoms, at least 1 positive syphilis test result at visit, and no history of syphilis. Sensitivity analyses compared the TS-EIA and RPR, using the reference standard of concordantly positive/reactive TS-EIA/RPR or positive fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS) result. We considered equivocal TS-EIA results to be positive for sensitivity calculations because such results typically reflex to additional testing and therefore may still result in identifying new infections. Results Twenty-eight (53.8%) of the 52 patients had a positive or equivocal TS-EIA. Twenty-five (89.3%) of those were RPR reactive; the remaining 3 (10.7%) were RPR nonreactive, FTA-ABS positive. Forty patients (76.9%) had a positive RPR, including 15 patients (37.5%) with negative TS-EIA results; all 15 were FTA-ABS positive. Nine additional patients were TS-EIA negative and RPR nonreactive but had a positive FTA-ABS result. The RPR was significantly more sensitive than the EIA (76.9% vs. 53.8%, P = 0.005). Trep-Sure EIA positivity was also significantly associated with higher median RPR titer (P = 0.011). Conclusions Use of the TS-EIA may result in underdetection of primary syphilis compared with the RPR. Further evaluation of the sensitivity of the TS-EIA in high-morbidity settings is warranted before the adoption of reverse sequence screening algorithms.
The effects of fractional CO2 laser, Nano-hydroxyapatite and MI paste on mechanical properties of bovine enamel after bleaching

Background This study investigated the effect of post bleaching treatments to the change of enamel elastic modulus and microhardness after dental bleaching in- vitro. Material and Methods Fifty bovine incisor slab were randomly assigned into five groups (n=10). The samples were bleached for three times; 20 minutes each time, by 40% hydrogen peroxide. Next it was applied fractional CO2 laser for two minutes, Nano- hydroxy apatite (N-HA) and MI-paste for 7 days and 2 minutes per day. The sound enamel and bleached teeth without post treatment remained as control groups. The elastic modulus and microhardness were measured at three times; 24 hours, 1 and 2 months. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance with 95% confidence level. Results Different methods of enamel treatment caused a significant increase in elastic modulus compared to bleached group (P<0.05). Modulus was significantly increased in 1 and 2 months (P<0/001: bleach, P= 0/015: laser, P= 0/008: NHA, P=0/010: MI paste) but there were no significantly difference between 1 and 2 months (P>0.05). There was any significance difference for hardness among treated and control groups, but hardness increased significantly by increasing storage time (P<0.05). Conclusions The use of the protective tested agents can be useful in clinical practice to reduce negative changes of enamel surface after whitening procedures. Key words:Bleaching enamel, CO2 laser, MI pastes, Nano-hydroxy apatite, Microhardness, Elastic modulus.
An experiential attitude change: social work students and homosexuality.

This paper describes and analyzes an attitude change among third year undergraduate social work students in a major university in Israel. The subject of attitudes towards homosexuality, while receiving extensive theoretical attention, lacks documentation of actual change in attitudes. This paper is an attempt to fill the gap by using a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design evaluation of the impact of an elective course on homosexuality on students' attitudes. The experimental group was comprised of 31 students who enrolled in an elective course, entitled "Individual, familial, and social aspects of homosexuality. " The course combined theoretical as well as experiential frameworks. The control group was comprised of 56 third-year social work students who did not enroll in the course. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed in comparing the two groups prior to and following the intervention. Specifically, a 25-item questionnaire was used to measure homophobia attitudes, and an open-ended question was used to qualitatively explore the students' associations with the term "homosexuality. " Findings are discussed within the frameworks of the current literature regarding attitudes towards homosexuality, attitude change, social work education, and the unique situation in Israel.
Faecal S100A12 as a non-invasive marker distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome

Objective: S100A12 is a pro-inflammatory protein that is secreted by granulocytes. S100A12 serum levels increase during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We performed the first study analysing faecal S100A12 in adults with signs of intestinal inflammation. Methods: Faecal S100A12 was determined by ELISA in faecal specimens of 171 consecutive patients and 24 healthy controls. Patients either suffered from infectious gastroenteritis confirmed by stool analysis (65 bacterial, 23 viral) or underwent endoscopic and histological investigation (32 with Crohn’s disease, 27 with ulcerative colitis, and 24 with irritable bowel syndrome; IBS). Intestinal S100A12 expression was analysed in biopsies obtained from all patients. Faecal calprotectin was used as an additional non-invasive surrogate marker. Results: Faecal S100A12 was significantly higher in patients with active IBD (2.45 ± 1.15 mg/kg) compared with healthy controls (0.006 ± 0.03 mg/kg; p<0.001) or patients with IBS (0.05 ± 0.11 mg/kg; p<0.001). Faecal S100A12 distinguished active IBD from healthy controls with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 100%. We also found excellent sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 96% for distinguishing IBD from IBS. Faecal S100A12 was also elevated in bacterial enteritis but not in viral gastroenteritis. Faecal S100A12 correlated better with intestinal inflammation than faecal calprotectin or other biomarkers. Conclusions: Faecal S100A12 is a novel non-invasive marker distinguishing IBD from IBS or healthy individuals with a high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, S100A12 reflects inflammatory activity of chronic IBD. As a marker for neutrophil activation, faecal S100A12 may significantly improve our arsenal of non-invasive biomarkers of intestinal inflammation.
Functions of defense‐related proteins and dehydrogenases in resistance response induced by salicylic acid in sweet cherry fruits at different maturity stages

We report here a comparative analysis of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) fruits proteome induced by salicylic acid (SA) at different maturity stages. The results demonstrated that SA enhanced the resistance of sweet cherry fruits against Penicillium expansum, resulting in lower disease incidences and smaller lesion diameters, especially at earlier maturity stage. Based on proteomics analysis, 13 and 28 proteins were identified after SA treatment at earlier (A) and later (B) maturity stage, respectively. Seven antioxidant proteins and three pathogenesis related‐proteins were identified at both A and B stages, while five heat shock proteins and four dehydrogenases were only detected at B stage. SA treatment also stimulated higher transcript levels of peroxidase, but repressed that of catalase. Moreover, some proteins regulated by SA at B maturity stage were identified as enzymes involved in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle. These findings indicated that younger sweet cherry fruits showed stronger resistance against pathogen invasion after SA treatment. It further indicated that antioxidant proteins were involved in the resistance response of fruits at every maturity stage, while heat shock proteins and dehydrogenases might potentially act as factors only at later maturity stages.
Experimental investigation of the impact of LWR on sub-100-nm device performance

Argon Fluoride (ArF) lithography is essential to develop a sub-100-nm device, however, line edge roughness (LER) and line width roughness (LWR) is playing a critical role due to the immaturity of photoresist and the lack of etch resistance. Researchers are trying to improve LER and LWR properties by optimizing photoresist materials and process conditions. In this paper, experiment results are presented to study the impact of LER and LWR to device performance so that the reasonable control range of LER and LWR can be defined. To implement the experiment, a 80-nm node of single negative-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors were fabricated, which had various ranges of gate length, width, LER, and LWR. The amount of LER and LWR could be successfully controlled by applying different resist materials, defocus, and overetch time. Experimental results show that leakage current is significantly increased as LWR increases when the gate length is less than 85 nm. The main degradation is standard deviation of off-current (I/sub off/), and LWR is better representation to characterize a device performance.
Short-term habituation and dishabituation of the mismatch negativity of the ERP.

Standard tones of 1000 Hz and deviant tones of 1250 Hz were presented in random order, 1 stimulus/second. The probabilities of the standards and deviants were 90% and 10%, respectively. In one condition the subject counted the deviant stimuli and in the other condition he/she read a comic book. ERPs were separately averaged to 1) the standard preceding the deviant, 2) the “first deviant” preceded by at least 4 standards, 3) the “second deviant” (an occasional deviant immediately following the “first deviant”), 4) the first and 5) the second standard following the “first deviant,” 6) the first and 7) the second standard following the “second deviant. ” It was found that the mismatch negativity evoked in both conditions by the first deviant was considerably larger than to the second deviant. Also the first standard following the first deviant evoked the mismatch negativity. The results are discussed in terms of parallel neuronal models of the stimuli as reflected by the mismatch negativity.
Understanding PPP Tendering Periods in Canada: A Duration Analysis

Abstract Public-private partnerships (PPPs) often require lengthy tendering periods that can deter bidders, reduce competition for contracts, and undermine the overall social benefits of PPP procurement. PPP tendering periods in Canada are notably shorter than in other countries with mature PPP markets such as those of the United Kingdom and Ireland. We explore Canadian PPP procurement by using data on 160 PPP projects. By using duration analysis, we find that higher PPP contract values and greater risk transfer are associated with longer tendering periods. In addition, we find significant variation in tendering periods across sectors. We support our analysis with a review of the extant literature on Canadian PPPs and interviews with PPP professionals. This identified other important factors such as securing necessary approvals before commencing procurement, creating specialized PPP procurement agencies, contract standardization, lower information and design requirements, avoidance of additional bid stages, and the use of substantial completion payments.