Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The ontogeny of Pseudis platensis (Anura, Hylidae): Heterochrony and the effects of larval development on postmetamorphic life

Recent studies have described the giant tadpole, delayed metamorphic transformations, and absence of postmetamorphic growth of the skeleton of Pseudis Platensis. These features address questions about derived patterns of life cycles and the role of the heterochrony during the metamorphosis in anurans. Using anatomical methods, we provide new data on the development of reproductive, digestive and integument systems, and age inference obtained from ontogenetic series of Pseudis platensis. Our results indicate that at the end of metamorphosis, the adult skin is completely differentiated, including the calcified dermal layer; the testis has seminiferous tubules with spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids; ovarian sacs present previtellogenic ova; and the adult digestive tract is fully formed. The froglets differ from adults only in being unable to reproduce. The entire life cycle of P. platensis can occur in 4 years. In the first year, larval development, growth to adult size, and gonad differentiation are completed. Long larval development rather than size of the tadpoles seems to be involved in the absence of juvenile stages. J. Morphol. , 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mathematical Model of Platelet Deposition under Flow Conditions

Platelet deposition in resting blood is well researched and understood. However, the influence of hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear rate is less clear. Clinical experience and experiments show an interaction between flow and platelet deposition. But a complete understanding of the flow influence and hence a quantification has not yet been achieved. A well defined experiment of flow dependant platelet depositions is the stagnation point flow. This kind of flow is ubiquitous in the circulatory system, to be found in every bifurcation and recirculation region. These are the areas where thrombus formations are likely to occur if other conditions are also met. First, experiments were performed in a stagnation point flow chamber. A simplified blood model, platelet rich plasma, was used as a test fluid. With a microscope the platelet deposition was observed and recorded. Platelets deposit in a characteristic pattern showing the influence of the flow. An analysis of this pattern is the objective of this study and is achieved with the help of a numerical model, which is based on a convective diffusive transport. The model results in a platelet deposition pattern, which in its shape and temporal development is very similar to experimental results. Hence it is concluded that the assumed transport processes are causal for platelet depositions and thrombus formation.
Mice lacking the Obox6 homeobox gene undergo normal early embryonic development and are fertile

Obox6 is a member of the Obox (oocyte‐specific homeobox) gene family. The Obox6 gene was isolated from the mouse two‐cell embryonic cDNA library. Using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, we found Obox6 is expressed exclusively in early embryonic stages and exhibits an elevated expression from the two‐cell stage to the morula stage. The gene is thought to be involved in early embryogenesis. To study the function of Obox6 in early embryogenesis, we generated Obox6 mutant mice using a gene targeting strategy. Obox6 mutant mice with genetic background of C57BL/6J inbred were born according to Mendelian rules without apparent defects. The mutant mice grew without morphological abnormalities and with normal fertility. The lack of an obvious phenotype in Obox6‐null mice and altered RNA levels of some Obox genes raise the possibility that other members of the Obox gene family can compensate for Obox6 function during embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 236:2636–2642, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative surgical rehearsal using cadaveric fresh tissue surgical simulation increases resident operative confidence.

BACKGROUND Rehearsal is an essential part of mastering any technical skill. The efficacy of surgical rehearsal is currently limited by low fidelity simulation models. Fresh cadaver models, however, offer maximal surgical simulation. We hypothesize that preoperative surgical rehearsal using fresh tissue surgical simulation will improve resident confidence and serve as an important adjunct to current training methods. METHODS Preoperative rehearsal of surgical procedures was performed by plastic surgery residents using fresh cadavers in a simulated operative environment. Rehearsal was designed to mimic the clinical operation, complete with a surgical technician to assist. A retrospective, web-based survey was used to assess resident perception of pre- and post-procedure confidence, preparation, technique, speed, safety, and anatomical knowledge on a 5-point scale (1= not confident, 5= very confident). RESULTS Twenty-six rehearsals were performed by 9 residents (PGY 1-7) an average of 4.7±2.1 days prior to performance of the scheduled operation. Surveys demonstrated a median pre-simulation confidence score of 2 and a post-rehearsal score of 4 (P<0.01). The perceived improvement in confidence and performance was greatest when simulation was performed within 3 days of the scheduled case. All residents felt that cadaveric simulation was better than standard preparation methods of self-directed reading or discussion with other surgeons. All residents believed that their technique, speed, safety, and anatomical knowledge improved as a result of simulation. CONCLUSIONS Fresh tissue-based preoperative surgical rehearsal was effectively implemented in the residency program. Resident confidence and perception of technique improved. Survey results suggest that cadaveric simulation is beneficial for all levels of residents. We believe that implementation of preoperative surgical rehearsal is an effective adjunct to surgical training at all skill levels in the current environment of decreased work hours.
The Impact of Carsharing on Public Transit and Non-Motorized Travel: An Exploration of North American Carsharing Survey Data

By July 2011, North American carsharing had grown to an industry of nearly 640,000 members since its inception on the continent more than 15 years ago. Carsharing engenders changes in member travel patterns both towards and away from public transit and non-motorized modes. This study, which builds on the work of two previous studies, evaluates this shift in travel based on a 6281 respondent survey completed in late-2008 by members of major North American carsharing organizations. Across the entire sample, the results showed an overall decline in public transit use that was statistically significant, as 589 carsharing members reduced rail use and 828 reduced bus use, while 494 increased rail use and 732 increased bus use. Thus for every five members that use rail less, four members use rail more, and for every 10 members that ride a bus less, almost nine members ride the bus more. The people increasing and decreasing their transit use are fundamentally different in terms of how carsharing impacts their travel environment. This reduction, however, is also not uniform across all organizations; it is primarily driven by a minority (three of eleven) of participating organizations. At the same time, members exhibited a statistically significant increase in travel by walking, bicycling, and carpooling. Across the sample, 756 members increased walking versus a 568 decrease, 628 increased bicycling versus a 235 decrease, and 289 increased carpooling versus a decrease of 99 study participants. The authors found that 970 members reduced their auto commuting to work, while 234 increased it. Interestingly, when these shifts are combined across modes, more people increased their overall public transit and non-motorized modal use after joining carsharing than decreased it. Data collected on the commute distance of respondents found that carsharing members tend to have shorter commutes than most people living in the same zip code. The analysis also evaluates the distribution of residential population density of members and its association with average changes in driving. The analysis finds that average driving reductions are consistent across population densities up to 10,000 persons/square kilometer but become more varied at higher densities.
Withdrawal from a single exposure to cocaine increases 5-HT2A receptor and G protein function

We previously reported that withdrawal from chronic cocaine produces supersensitivity of serotonin 2A receptors. We report here the minimum cocaine exposure necessary to produce withdrawal-associated increases in serotonin 2A receptor signaling in the frontal cortex. Rats withdrawn from cocaine treatments of 1, 3 or 7 days exhibited increases in G protein-stimulated and serotonin 2A receptor-stimulated phospholipase C activity in the frontal cortex. A single cocaine injection produced withdrawal-induced changes comparable to that produced by repeated exposure. None of these cocaine treatment paradigms are associated with changes in the levels of serotonin 2A receptors, G&agr;q or G&agr;11 proteins. These data demonstrate that only a single exposure to cocaine can produce unique withdrawal-associated neuroadaptations in serotonin 2A receptor signaling in the frontal cortex, which may be clinically relevant with respect to drug relapse.
[Household availability of ready-to-consume food and drink products in Chile: impact on nutritional quality of the diet].

BACKGROUND Processed foodstuff may have a lower nutritional value than natural products. AIM To analyze the impact of ready-to-consume products on diet quality of Chilean households. MATERIAL AND METHODS A national representative sample of 10,096 households, based on the 6th Survey on Household Budget and Expenses (VI Encuesta de Presupuestos y Gastos Familiares, 2006-2007), was studied. Foodstuffs were classified as follows: 1) Unprocessed foods or minimally processed foods (G1); 2) Processed culinary ingredients (G2); and 3) Ready-to-consume products (G3). Calorie contribution and energy availability of each household food group, was calculated. The nutritional profile of the national food basket was calculated and compared with two simulated baskets (G3 vs G1+G2), based on international nutritional recommendations. RESULTS Overall energy availability was of 1,885 kcal per capita/ day; 24% derived from unprocessed foods (G1), 21% from processed culinary ingredients (G2) and 55% from ready-to-consume products (G3), whose proportion increased along with income level. The 2007 national food basket contained an excess of total fat (34% vs 30%), free sugars (16% vs 10%), energy density (2.1 vs 1.3 kcal/gram) and a low amount of fiber (8.4 vs 12.5 g/1,000 kcal). The basket consisting in ready-to-consume products (G3) had a higher percentage of carbohydrates (61% vs 46%) than the basket consisting in unprocessed foods and ingredients (G1+G2). It also had a higher percentage of free sugars (17% vs 15%), less dietary fiber (7 vs. 10 g/1,000 kcal) and, above all, a higher energy density (2.6 vs 1.6 kcal/g). CONCLUSIONS The Chilean dietary pattern, based on ready-to-consume products (G3), is affecting the nutritional quality of the diet.
Effects of Long-Term High-Altitude Hypoxia on Ioslated Fetal Ovine Coronary Arteries

Objective: To examine the effects of long-term high-altitude hypoxia on the contractile properties of isolated fetal coronary arteries. Methods: Maximal contractile responses (Tmax) to 90 mmol/L KCl and the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 were measured in proximal (PLCx) and distal left circumflex (DLCx), left anterior descending (LAD), and right coronary arterial (RCA) rings from high-altitude and control fetuses. Paired studies were conducted with and without nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, Nω-nitro-L-arginine and Nω-nitro-L-arginine ester. Results: In high-altitude fetuses, 90 mmol/L KCl Tmax responses in both intact and NOS-blocked rings decreased by ∼62% in PLCx, ∼59% in DLCx, ∼57% in LAD, and ∼47% in RCA (n = 9-18/group; P < .05). High-altitude vessels also exhibited decreased sensitivity to U46619. NOS blockade potentiated Tmax to U46619 in the high-altitude RCA segments and augmented Tmax to U46619 in high-altitude RCA compared with its treated control counterpart (P < .05). Conclusion: These results suggest that nitric oxide influences the pharmacologic responsiveness of the RCA to U46619. Furthermore, long-term high-altitude hypoxia significantly alters the contractile capabilities of fetal coronary arteries. These observations may partiall explain the maintained redistribution of cardiac output to the fetal heart during exposure to long-term high-altitude hypoxia.
Depression: a major public health problem in need of a multi-sectoral response

Many international investigations have identified depression as a significant contributor to the burden of disease1. Its high life-time prevalence, associated disability, chronic course and recurrence have been highlighted. Its frequent association with other common chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, angina, asthma, arthritis, etc.) and the incremental worsening of their outcomes have been documented2. Its contribution to suicide is widely recognised. Depression is acknowledged as a major public health problem by many national governments and international agencies.
Comparison of Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty and Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Salzmann Nodular Degeneration

Purpose The aim was to compare the outcomes of automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) and phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND). Methods The records of patients undergoing PTK and ALK for SND at the Cornea services of our tertiary care center from were evaluated retrospectively. Results Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients underwent ALK, and 28 eyes of 28 patients underwent PTK. The distribution of age, pachymetry, and pretreatment corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was similar in both groups. In the PTK group, the mean ablation was 60.71±14.3 &mgr;m, the CDVA improved from 0.09 preoperatively to 0.21 at 6 months. None of the cases demonstrated significant scarring or any evidence of infection. In the ALK group, the mean host cut was 8.5±0.41 mm, and the donor cut was 8.64±0.45 mm, donor thickness 350 &mgr;m, and host cut 250 &mgr;m. The mean CDVA improved from 0.09 preoperatively to 0.24 at 6 months. At 6 months, 2 patients demonstrated persistently high astigmatism (>8 D), and 2 had graft interface infection. The CDVA at 6 months and the overall change in the CDVA in both the groups was similar (P=0.06 and 0.07, respectively, Mann–Whitney U test). However, the epithelialization time was significantly longer in the ALK group. Conclusions The PTK for SND achieved equivalent visual results compared with ALK and may have an important keratoplasty sparing role. The incidence of complications was lesser in PTK in our study cohort.
Management of posterior laryngeal and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts.

OBJECTIVE To review the clinical features, associated congenital abnormalities, management, and morbidity of infants presenting with posterior laryngeal and laryngotracheal clefts. DESIGN Case series. SETTING Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children NHS Trust, London, England. PATIENTS Consecutive sample of 44 patients presenting with posterior laryngeal and laryngotracheal clefts between December 10, 1979, and January 30, 1992. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical features, incidence of surgery, and associated morbidity and mortality related to different types of airway cleft. RESULTS The main presenting features were stridor and aspiration, which were more evident with the more extensive clefts. Twenty-five patients (56%) had associated congenital abnormalities. Fourteen patients (32%) were treated conservatively. Sixteen patients (36%) underwent primary endoscopic surgical repair. Eight patients (18%) underwent primary repair via an anterior laryngofissure; and six patients (14%) underwent primary repair via a lateral pharyngotomy. Eight patients (18%) required revision surgery, two (4%) of them on more than one occasion. Ten patients (23%) required fundoplication to control gastroesophageal reflux. Six patients (14%) died. CONCLUSIONS The identification of an airway cleft requires a high index of suspicion. Morbidity and mortality are reduced by securing the airway, controlling gastroesophageal reflux, and using a multidisciplinary pediatric team. We recommend the anterior laryngofissure because of the ease of surgical access.
Acute respiratory effects of endotoxin-contaminated machining fluid aerosols in guinea pigs.

Exposure to machining fluid aerosols in the automotive industry is associated with a variety of respiratory symptoms including cross-shift changes in pulmonary function, cough, asthma, and phlegm. Lubricating and cooling fluids used in machining operations are predominantly water and thus are susceptible to microbial growth. In the present study, the role of endotoxin in the acute pulmonary injury produced by machining fluid aerosols was examined in guinea pigs. Animals were exposed to nebulized water, unused machining fluid, or used machining fluid. At the end of a 3-hr exposure, specific airway conductance (SGaw) was not affected by exposure to the vehicle water, but was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by exposure to aerosols of the used machining fluid. SGaw decreased from preexposure baseline values by 0, 7, and 40% in animals exposed to 1, 10, and 100 mg/m3 used machining fluid, respectively. These exposure levels also produced acute lung injury as evidenced by changes in cellular and biochemical indices in lavage fluid. These adverse respiratory effects may have been due to microbial contamination of the used machining fluid as the aerosol exposures were associated with airborne endotoxin concentrations of 0.3, 1.9, and 5.3 micrograms/m3, respectively. Animals exposed to aerosols of the endotoxin-free unused machining fluid had no statistically significant adverse functional, cellular, or biochemical effects except for a fourfold increase in neutrophils at 100 mg/m3. These results suggest that contamination of machining fluid during use or storage may lead to the adverse respiratory effects of aerosolized machining fluids. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Decline in lumbar extensor muscle strength in the older adults : association with age , gender and spine morphology

Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Martin Bailey , Raymond Lee 1 Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Ph.D., Faculty of Health Sciences, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz, UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia, 51100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (devinderkas@gmail.com, devinderk@medic.ukm.my) 2 Martin Bailey, Ph.D., Chelsea School, University of Brighton. Hillbrow, Denton Road, Eastbourne BN20 7SR. (Martin Bailey@brighton.ac.uk) 3 Raymond Lee, Ph.D., Roehampton University, Roehampton Lane, London. SW15 5PU. (R.Lee@roehampton.ac.uk)
The Relations between the Fractal Properties of the River Networks and the River Flow Time Series

All the geophysical phenomena including river networks and flow time series are fractal events inherently and fractal patterns can be investigated through their behaviors. A non-linear system like a river basin can well be analyzed by a non-linear measure such as the fractal analysis. A bilateral study is held on the fractal properties of the river network and the river flow time series. A moving window technique is utilized to scan the fractal properties of them. Results depict both events follow the same strategy regarding to the fractal properties. Both the river network and the time series fractal dimension tend to saturate in a distinct value. Keywords—river flow time series, fractal, river networks
Interleukin‐1β enhances capsaicin‐induced neurogenic vasodilatation in the rat skin

1 This study examined the effect of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) on the capsaicin‐induced increase in cutaneous blood flow of anaesthetized rats as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. 2 The substances were administered by intraplantar subcutaneous injection of 10 μl‐volumes, saline being injected into one hindpaw and IL‐1β into the other. 3 IL‐1β (0.5–500 pg) was without effect on blood flow on its own but dose‐dependently enhanced the hyperaemic response to intraplantar capsaicin (0.3 μg) up to 180% (P < 0.05) of the response seen in saline‐treated paws. 4 Il‐1β‐(163–171), a fragment devoid of proinflammatory activity, failed to enhance capsaicin‐induced hyperaemia when given at a dose of 50 pg. 5 Indomethacin (10 mg kg−1, i.p.) did not alter the capsaicin‐induced vasodilatation but prevented IL‐1β (50 pg) from augmenting the hyperaemic response to capsaicin. 6 The hyperaemia evoked by intraplantar calcitonin gene‐related peptide (0.038–3.8 ng) was not altered by IL‐1β (50 pg). 7 These data indicate that IL‐1β enhances the cutaneous hyperaemic response to afferent nerve stimulation with capsaicin in a prostaglandin‐dependent manner. This proinflammatory action of the cytokine appears to arise from sensitization of afferent nerve endings.
Impact of Corporate Governance on Corporate Performance

Taking listing A-share companies as an example,this paper analyzes impact of corporate governance on corporate performance.Using 6856 samples from 2005 to 2009,by regression method,we find that liquid share proportion has negative impact on corporate performance,block share proportion has positive impact on corporate performance,and institutional share proportion has positive impact on corporate performance.
Typical Hairy‐Cell Leukaemia with IgGk Paraproteinaemia

Summary. A case of hairy‐cell leukaemia (HCL) with IgG(k) paraprotein is described. The typical clinico‐pathological features of the patient are stressed, and it is shown that the hairy cells (HCs) were producing and secreting IgGk. The case is placed in a more general context by the demonstration that HCs from other typical cases of HCL produce and secrete IgG. These findings conclusively demonstrate that HCL is a B‐cell disease.
Specific Detection of Aspergillus Species in Blood and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples of Immunocompromised Patients by Two-Step PCR

ABSTRACT The increasing incidence of aspergillosis, a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients, emphasizes the need to improve the currently limited diagnostic tools. We developed a two-step PCR assay that specifically amplifies a region of the 18S rRNA gene that is highly conserved in Aspergillus species. A number of primers with the least homology to equivalent human orCandida gene sequences were screened for the pairs that gave the highest sensitivity and specificity. No cross-reaction with the wide range of fungal and bacterial pathogens so far tested was observed. This assay allows direct and rapid detection of down to 10 fg of Aspergillus DNA corresponding to 1 to 5 CFU per ml of blood. A total of 315 blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 140 subjects, including 93 patients at risk for invasive fungal disease, were screened. The result was a 100% correlation between positive histology, culture, or high-resolution computed tomography findings and PCR results. The test specificity was 89%. Our data point to the considerable potential clinical value of this simple, specific, rapid, and inexpensive PCR assay for improving the means of early diagnosis of systemic aspergillosis in high-risk patients.