Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mu‐opioid receptor is located on the plasma membrane of dendrites that receive asymmetric synapses from axon terminals containing leucine‐enkephalin in the rat nucleus locus coeruleus

We have recently shown, by using immunoelectron microscopy, that the mu‐opioid receptor (μOR) is prominently distributed within noradrenergic perikarya and dendrites of the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC), many of which receive excitatory‐type (i.e., asymmetric) synaptic contacts from unlabeled axon terminals. To characterize further the neurotransmitter present in these afferent terminals, we examined in the present study the ultrastructural localization of an antipeptide sequence unique to the μOR in sections that were also dually labeled for the opioid peptide leucine‐enkephalin (L‐ENK). Immunogold‐silver labeling for μOR was localized to extrasynaptic portions of the plasma membranes of perikarya and dendrites. The μOR‐labeled dendrites were usually postsynaptic to axon terminals containing heterogeneous types of synaptic vesicles and forming asymmetric synaptic specializations characteristic of excitatory‐type synapses. The majority of these were immunolabeled for the endogenous opioid peptide L‐ENK. Some μOR‐labeled dendrites received synaptic contacts from unlabeled axon terminals in fields containing L‐ENK immunoreactivity. In such cases, the μOR‐labeled dendrites were in proximity to L‐ENK axon terminals that contained intense peroxidase labeling within large dense core vesicles along the perimeter of the axoplasm. These results indicate that L‐ENK may be released by exocytosis from the dense core vesicles and diffuse within the extracellular space to reach μOR sites on the postsynaptic dendrite or dendrites of other neighboring neurons. The present study also reveals that unlabeled terminals apposed to μOR‐labeled dendrites may contain other opioid peptides, such as methionine‐enkephalin. These data demonstrate several sites where endogenous opioid peptides may interact with μOR receptive sites in the LC and may provide an anatomical substrate for the LC's involvement in mechanisms of opiate dependence and withdrawal. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outsourcing in public health: a case study of contract failure and its aftermath.

PURPOSE Outsourcing has been used in Australia as part of the new public management agenda with the aim of increasing efficiency and decreasing costs. In the public health sector its use has been problematic and the purpose of this paper is to explore the largest Australian health contract at the time; investigating the reasons, the processes and the outcomes. Specifically, it investigates why the contract failed and the lessons to be learned from its subsequent awarding. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The paper uses a case study approach to investigate in depth the outsourcing decision. FINDINGS Alongside savings in costs, changes to work practices and reduction in union power, it was found that the outsourcing contract produced problems with service quality, sharing of culture, relationships between contract and internal staff, and in managing the contract and staff; and reductions in trust and morale of both internal and contract staff. Inadequate contract specifications and subsequent under pricing was the cause of contract termination, poor quality, and difficulties in contract management. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The paper provides important lessons for decision makers when outsourcing in public health. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The paper investigates the largest outsourcing contract in public health in Australia in the 1990s. It investigates the failure of the initial contract and its subsequent awarding to another vendor. The case study approach provides an in-depth analysis of this decision.
Transient prenatal expression of NPY‐Y1 receptor in trigeminal axons innervating the mystacial vibrissae

Using immunohistochemistry in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy, we studied the ontogeny of neuropeptide Y‐Y1 receptor (Y1‐R) expression in the trigeminal system of the rat. The study was limited to the nerve fibers innervating the mystacial pad and the trigeminal ganglia . In the trigeminal ganglia , Y1‐R‐immunoreactive (IR) neurons were first observed at E16.5. At this same stage some nerve fibers in the trigeminal ganglia also exhibited Y1‐R‐like immunoreactivity (LI). Strongly Y1‐R‐IR nerve fibers innervating the follicles of the mystacial vibrissae were first observed at E18. After double labeling, the Y1‐R‐LI was found to be colocalized with the neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5. At P1 only weak labeling for the Y1‐R was found around the vibrissae follicles, whereas the neurons in the trigeminal ganglia were intensely labeled. The same was true for the adult rat, but at this stage no Y1‐R labeling at all was observed in nerve fibers around the vibrissal follicles. These results strongly support an axonal localization of the Y1‐R at this developmental stage. The transient expression of the Y1‐R during prenatal mystacial pad development suggests a role for the Y1‐R in the functional development of the vibrissae. J. Comp. Neurol. 429:183–191, 2001. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for a rolling‐circle mechanism of phage DNA synthesis from both replicative and integrated forms of CTXφ

The genes encoding cholera toxin, the principal virulence factor of Vibrio cholerae, are part of the circular single‐stranded DNA genome of CTXφ. In toxigenic V. cholerae strains, the CTXφ genome is typically found in integrated arrays of tandemly arranged CTX prophages. Infected cells that lack a chromosomal integration site harbour the CTXφ genome as a plasmid (pCTX). We studied the replication of pCTX and found several indications that this plasmid replicates via a rolling‐circle (RC) mechanism. The initiation and termination sites for pCTX plus‐strand DNA synthesis were mapped to a 22 bp sequence that contains inverted repeats and a nonanucleotide motif found in the plus‐strand origins of several RC replicons. Furthermore, similar to other RC replicons, replication of plasmids containing duplicated pCTX origins resulted in the deletion of sequences between the two origins and the formation of a single chimeric origin. Our previous work revealed that CTX prophage arrays give rise to hybrid CTX virions that contain sequences derived from two adjacent prophages. We now report that the boundaries between the sequences contributed to virions by the upstream and the downstream prophages in an array correspond to the site at which synthesis of plus‐strand pCTX DNA is initiated and terminated. These data support the model that plus‐strand CTXφ DNA is generated from chromosomal prophages via a novel process analogous to RC replication.
PREDICTION OF FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN™ PERFORMANCE FROM LOWER EXTREMITY RANGE OF MOTION AND CORE TESTS.

BACKGROUND There are varied reports in the literature regarding the association of the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) with injury. The FMS™ has been correlated with hamstring range of motion and plank hold times; however, limited research is available on the predictability of lower extremity range of motion (ROM) and core function on FMS™ performance. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESES The purpose of this study was to examine whether active lower extremity ROM measurements and core functional tests predict FMS™ performance. The authors hypothesized that lower extremity ROM and core functional tests would predict FMS™ composite score (CS) and performance on individual FMS™ fundamental movement patterns. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive cohort study. METHODS Forty recreationally active participants had active lower extremity ROM measured, performed two core functional tests, the single leg wall sit hold (SLWS) and the repetitive single leg squat (RSLS), and performed the FMS™. Independent t tests were used to assess differences between right and left limb ROM measures and outcomes of core functional tests. Linear and ordinal logistic regressions were used to determine the best predictors of FMS™ CS and fundamental movement patterns, respectively. RESULTS On the left side, reduced DF and SLWS significantly predicted lower FMS™ CS. On the right side only reduced DF significantly predicted lower FMS™ CS. Ordinal logistic regression models for the fundamental movement patterns demonstrated that reduced DF ROM was significantly associated with lower performance on deep squat. Reduced left knee extension was significantly associated with better performance in left straight leg raise; while reduced right hip flexion was significantly associated with reduced right straight leg raise. Lower SLWS was associated with reduced trunk stability performance. CONCLUSIONS FMS™ movement patterns were affected by lower extremity ROM and core function. Researchers should consider lower FMS™ performance as indicative of underlying issues in ROM and core function. Clinicians may consider ROM interventions and core training strategies to improve FMS™ CS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 2B.
Management and results of proximal anastomotic leaks in a series of 1114 total gastrectomies for gastric carcinoma.

AIMS The management of anastomotic leakage of the oesophago-jejunostomy after total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma was evaluated in a retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Over a 30-year period, a total of 1114 oesophago-jejunostomies were performed during total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. In 83 cases (7.5%) a leak of the oesophago-jejunostomy was diagnosed. RESULTS Frequency of anastomotic leakage was independent of the type of reconstruction and of surgical radicality. Therapeutic management was conservative in 58 cases (69.9%), with placement of a naso-jejunal tube along the anastomoses and with percutaneous drainage of intraabdominal abscesses. In 25 patients re-operation with resuturing of the anastomoses or surgical drainage of an abscess was performed. Mortality was 11/58 (19%) after conservative treatment of the anastomotic leakage and 16/25 (64%) after re-operation. CONCLUSION Conservative management with a naso-intestinal tube and percutaneous drainage of intraabdominal abscesses is realistic for anastomotic leaks. Re-operation results in a high morbidity and should only be considered when conservative management is not successful.
Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum Metal Combination for Modular Hip Prostheses

The development of a metal combination for modular hip systems was motivated by the following observations: (1) wear particles from polyethylene acetabular components can lead to a foreign body reaction and late aseptic loosening and (2) well designed all metal hip prostheses had very low wear rates, usually causing no osteolytic problems. The following challenges had to be met: (1) metal alloy with the maximum wear resistance; (2) the optimal clearance (difference in diameter) between 28-mm ball head and acetabular component; and (3) equipping modern, modular hip systems with metal combinations while maintaining compatibility with existing components. The realization of a metal combination consisted of the stable anchoring of a standard metal lining in a polyethylene insert that, combined, is intended to provide adequate load transfer and fit to either the bone cement bed or the titanium shell. The metal lining is manufactured from a carbide containing cobalt chromium molybdenum wrought alloy (Protasul-21WF). From 1988 to 1995, approximately 40,000 metal combinations (Metasul) were implanted. From these, 44 single components, with a maximum time in situ of 5.5 years, were retrieved and examined. The total linear wear rate averaged 2 to 5 μm per year per component after the initial conditioning phase. Under these conditions, particle induced late aseptic loosening is not to be expected.
Ontogeny of ovarian follicle development in Booroola sheep fetuses that are homozygous carriers or non-carriers of the FecB gene.

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of the Booroola FecB gene on ovarian development and reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and inhibin) at days 90, 100, 120 and 135 of gestation (term = 147 days). The effects of litter size were eliminated by transferring equal numbers of homozygous BB and control (++) embryos to recipient ewes. The ovary, but not the body, pituitary, adrenal, kidney or thymus, was heavier (P < 0.05) in BB compared with ++ fetuses at day 90 but not thereafter. In the ovary, gene-specific differences were observed in the total number of germ cells present at days 90 (P < 0.01) and 135 (P < 0.05) with the same tendency being noted at day 100 (P < 0.07); at all of these ages the mean numbers of germ cells in the BB genotype exceeded those in ++ animals. Gene-specific differences were observed in the numbers of oogonia and isolated oocytes at day 90 (i.e. BB > ++), in the number of primordial follicles at days 100 (BB > ++) and 135 (BB > ++), and also in the number of primary or secondary follicles (++ > BB) at day 135. At each gestational age examined no differences were noted with respect to the plasma concentrations of FSH, LH or inhibin between the BB and ++ fetuses. However, the highest mean plasma concentrations of FSH and LH occurred at days 90 and 100 of gestation, which coincided with the first developing primary follicles. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High prevalence of anti‐hepatitis E virus antibodies in blood donors from South West France

Cases of autochthonous acute hepatitis E occur in most industrialized countries and are frequent in the South West of France. The prevalence of anti‐hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgG antibodies in blood donors in this area was determined. A total of 529 samples from rural and urban blood donors were tested. The overall prevalence was 16.6%, 19.1% of rural donors and 14.2% of urban donors had anti‐HEV antibodies (P = 0.13). The antibodies were widely distributed among all age groups and the sex ratio of the anti‐HEV positive blood donors was 1.12 (P = 0.57). Hunting was the only pastime or profession associated with a high prevalence of anti‐HEV antibodies (P = 0.038). The frequency of anti‐HEV antibodies in blood donors could reflect active autochthonous transmission in this area of France. As the risk factors for HEV infection in industrialized countries are still unknown, further studies are needed to clarify the epidemiology of HEV infection in the Midi‐Pyrénées region. J. Med. Virol. 80:289–293, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonlinear-optical processes in the near-resonant two-photon excitation of xenon by femtosecond KrF-excimer-laser pulses.

The nonlinear response of xenon gas due to a near-resonant two-photon excitation at the 5${\mathit{p}}^{6}$ $^{1}$${\mathit{S}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p[1/2${]}_{0}$ transition with a femtosecond KrF-excimer-laser system is investigated for the intensity range ${10}^{10}$\char21{}${10}^{15}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Stimulated hyper-Raman scattering and amplified spontaneous emission of atomic xenon are observed at wavelengths around 823 and 828 nm. These emissions are superimposed by four-wave parametric-oscillation processes leading to strong ultrashort continuum radiation in the visible and near-infrared (650\char21{}850 nm), uv (185\char21{}400 nm), and vacuum ultraviolet (147\char21{}155 nm) spectral ranges with output powers up to 100 MW. From difference-frequency-mixing experiments microscopic nonlinear susceptibilities in the range of \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}^{(3)}$\ensuremath{\Vert}=${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}48}$ to ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}50}$ ${\mathrm{m}}^{5}$/${\mathrm{V}}^{2}$ have been determined, which are in good agreement with calculations.
The role of the renin‐angiotensin system in the renal response to moderate hypoxia in the rat.

1. In two groups of Saffan‐anaesthetized rats, we studied the role of the renin‐angiotensin system in mediating the antidiuresis and antinatriuresis induced by moderate systemic hypoxia. 2. In both groups, a first period of hypoxia (breathing 12% O2 for 20 min) induced a fall in arterial partial pressure of O2 (Pa,O2; to 42 mmHg), a fall in mean arterial pressure (MABP), no change in renal blood flow (RBF) due to an increase in renal vascular conductance (RVC = RBF/MABP) and falls in urine flow and absolute sodium excretion (UNaV). Concomitantly, plasma renin activity increased from 3.08 +/‐ 0.68 (mean +/‐ S.E.M.) to 8.36 +/‐ 1.8 ng ml‐1 hr‐1. 3. In group 1 (n = 11), Losartan (10 mg kg‐1, I.V.), the angiotensin (AII) AT1 receptor antagonist, induced a fall in MABP (115 +/‐ 3 to 90 +/‐ 3 mmHg), an increase in RVC such that RBF was unchanged, and falls in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine flow and UNaV. However, hypoxia induced qualitatively similar changes to those seen before Losartan treatment. 4. In group 2 (n = 9), we occluded the aorta distal to the renal artery to prevent basal MABP and renal perfusion pressure (RPP) from falling after addition of Losartan and to keep the hypoxia‐induced fall in MABP the same as before Losartan treatment. Nevertheless, Losartan induced an increase in basal RVC, RBF, urine flow and UNaV whilst hypoxia induced falls in urine flow and UNaV that were proportionately similar to those seen prior to addition of Losartan. 5. These results indicate that in the Saffan‐anaesthetized rat, AII exerts tonic, renal vasoconstrictor and consequent antidiuretic and antinatriuretic influences in normoxia, but does not contribute to the hypoxia‐induced antidiuresis and antinatriuresis. We propose that renin secretion is increased by the hypoxia‐induced fall in RPP rather than by an increase in renal sympathetic activity. Thus, the AII generated cannot produce antidiuresis and antinatriuresis by its known facilitatory influence on the actions of an increase in sympathetic activity on the renal tubules and is insufficient to produce these effects by direct actions. Rather, these results support the view that the antidiuresis and antinatriuresis of moderate hypoxia is predominantly due to the fall in RPP.
Histological Grading of Chronic Pancreas Allograft Rejection/Graft Sclerosis

Chronic rejection (CR) of pancreas allografts needs to be accurately defined and diagnosed. We propose a grading scheme designed for percutaneous needle biopsies (C0–CIII). Grading is based on the semi‐quantitative determination of fibrosis and corresponding proportional loss of exocrine parenchyma. Pancreas biopsies (n = 141) from 46 patients were studied. Twenty‐six patients lost graft function after a mean time of 25.5 months, whereas 20 patients retained good graft function during a mean follow‐up of 67.7 months. Sequential biopsies showed gradual progression of CR over time (p = 0.0001), and good correlation was found between the CR grade and the time elapsed from transplantation (p = 0.0001). The CR grade was predictive of the remaining time of graft function (54.3 months for C0, 24.6 months for CI, 9.7 months for CII and 1.6 months for CIII p = 0.00001). Preceding episodes of acute rejection (AR) were more frequent and more severe, and often occurred late in patients with graft loss due to CR (p = 0.04). Reproducibility among pathologists from different institutions was excellent for grades C0 (Kappa 0.9) and CIII (0.87), substantial for Grade CII (0.61) and moderate for Grade CI (0.59). The proposed grading scheme provides a reliable and reproducible tool for the assessment of CR in percutaneous needle biopsies, with definite prognostic significance.
How does the prevalence of specific morbidities compare with measures of socio-economic status at small area level?

BACKGROUND Evidence from other studies has show large, systematic differences between the health of social groups. It is not clear whether this relationship applies equally to all areas of health need. We assess whether a variety of areas of ill health show positive correlations with increasing socioeconomic disadvantage, and whether there are indicators of socio-economic disadvantage that are better than others at predicting the prevalence of specific morbidities at a population level. METHODS The prevalence of a range of common morbidities was determined by a postal questionnaire sent to 16,750 subjects (response rate 79 per cent), and compared with socio-economic information obtained from the 1991 Census. RESULTS There was substantial variation in the degree to which the various morbidities were related to the socioeconomic variables. When compared with socio-economic variables, long-term limiting illness, respiratory conditions and depression had high correlations of +0.8 or more. Cardiovascular conditions were less related (r = +0.60 to +0.79). None of the disorders of the gastrointestinal system showed a high correlation with socio-economic variables. There was also substantial variation in the degree of correlation of the socio-economic measures with each area of morbidity. The measures that showed the highest correlations were in respect of household characteristics such as car ownership and single parent households. Variables describing household amenities such as lacking a bath or central heating were least related to the morbidity measures. CONCLUSIONS Some areas of morbidity show strong associations with socio-economic disadvantage, but others show only modest or no relationship. The optimum choice of socio-economic variable as a proxy for health need depends on the area of illness being considered.
Sperm competition and sexually size dimorphic brains in birds

Natural selection may favour sexually similar brain size owing to similar selection pressures in males and females, while sexual selection may lead to sexually dimorphic brains. For example, sperm competition involves clear–cut sex differences in behaviour, as males display, mate guard and copulate with females, while females choose among males, and solicit or reject copulations. These behaviours may require fundamentally different neural government in the two sexes leading to sex–dependent brain evolution. Using two phylogenetic approaches in a comparative study, we tested for roles of both natural and sexual–selection pressures on brain size evolution of birds. In accordance with the natural–selection theory, relative brain size of males coevolved with that of females, which may be the result of adaptation to similar environmental constraints such as feeding innovation. However, the mode of brain size evolution differed between the sexes, and factors associated with sperm competition as reflected by extra–pair paternity may give rise to sexually size dimorphic brains. Specifically, species in which females have larger brains than males were found to have a higher degree of extra–pair paternity independently of potentially confounding factors, whereas species in which males have relatively larger brains than females appeared to have lower rates of extra–pair paternity. Hence, the evolution of sperm competition may select for complex behaviours together with the associated neural substrates in the sex that has a higher potential to control extra–pair copulations at the observed levels. Brain function may thus be affected differently in males and females by sexual selection.