Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal expression patterns of FGF receptor genes type 1 and type 2 in the developing chick retina.

Fibroblast growth factors are known to influence the growth and differentiation of cultured cells derived from the chick retina. The fibroblast growth factors can interact with a family of at least four closely related receptor kinases. To find a correlation between the presence of fibroblast growth factor receptors and eye development, the patterns of expression of transcripts encoding the type 1 (FGF-R1) and type 2 (FGF-R2) receptors in the developing chick retina have been studied. Northern blot analysis of RNA of the whole retina was used to observe that FGF-R1 transcripts are abundant at embryonic day 4 and then decrease until day 11. After this stage, the level of expression of FGF-R1 increases and its peak of expression at embryonic day 18 is concomitant with the detection of the opsin transcript. FGF-R2 transcript is also detected by Northern blots of RNA of the whole retina until embryonic day 6. However, the re-expression after embryonic day 11 of FGF-R2 could only be demonstrated by PCR studies. The same pattern of expression is observed with in situ hybridization of sagittal sections. The two genes are coexpressed in the pigmented epithelium and in the neural retina during embryonic development. The expression follows the retinal layering according to a gradient from the vitreous humor to the choroid. Quantification of the in situ hybridization signals demonstrates that the pattern of expression of both receptors diverges after embryonic day 6 between the pigmented epithelium and the neuronal cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness

Abstract The non-proteinic amino acid L-theanine and caffeine, a methylxanthine derivative, are naturally occurring ingredients in tea. The present study investigated the effect of a combination of 97 mg L-theanine and 40 mg caffeine as compared to placebo treatment on cognitive performance, alertness, blood pressure, and heart rate in a sample of young adults (n = 44). Cognitive performance, self-reported mood, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured before L-theanine and caffeine administration (i.e. at baseline) and 20 min and 70 min thereafter. The combination of moderate levels of L-theanine and caffeine significantly improved accuracy during task switching and self-reported alertness (both P < 0.01) and reduced self-reported tiredness (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects on other cognitive tasks, such as visual search, choice reaction times, or mental rotation. The present results suggest that 97 mg of L-theanine in combination with 40 mg of caffeine helps to focus attention during a demanding cognitive task.
Mouse model of airway remodeling: strain differences.

We found that continuous eosinophilic inflammation after repeated antigen instillation into the nose was observed only in A/J mice, not in three other strains. Histologic analysis of tissues from A/J mice revealed features typical of airway remodeling, i.e., airway wall thickening and increased collagen depositions were observed after 12 weeks' antigen exposure. Persistent airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was observed in chronically antigen-exposed A/J mice. Eosinophilic inflammation, collagen deposition, and airway wall thickening were all less marked in BALB/c mice than in A/J mice, and no AHR was observed in the former strain. In C57BL/6 and C3H/HeJ mice, eosinophilic inflammation, airway wall thickening, and AHR were not observed at all, although slightly increased collagen deposition was observed. Thus, we found that these changes were strain-dependent. On the other hand, in A/J mice inhalational antigen challenge after ovalbumin/alum immunization led only to a transient increase in eosinophils and to less airway wall thickening, indicating the importance of the protocol used. Use of A/J mice and giving antigen by instillation via the nose is to be recommended for studies of the mechanisms underlying asthma. In particular, useful qualitative and quantitative information relating to the structural and histologic changes in the lungs may be obtainable using this model.
Synthesis of BSCCO Single Crystal Whiskers for Terahertz EM Wave Oscillators

We prepared Bi<sub>2</sub>Sr<sub>2</sub>CaCu<sub>2</sub>O<sub>8+δ</sub> (BSCCO, Bi2212) and Bi<sub>2-x</sub>Pb<sub>x</sub> Sr<sub>2</sub>CaCu<sub>2</sub>O<sub>y</sub> (BPSCCO) single crystal whiskers from Bi<sub>2+x</sub>Sr<sub>2-x</sub>Ca<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>0.5</sub>O<sub>y</sub> and Bi<sub>2-x</sub>Pb<sub>x</sub>Sr<sub>2</sub> Ca<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>0.5</sub>O<sub>y</sub> precursors using a tellurium-doped method, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the resulting whiskers showed a single crystalline Bi2212 phase. Although the temperature dependence of the resistance in the <i>ab</i>-plane showed a superconducting transition at <i>T</i> = 84 K and 107 K, a transition along the <i>c</i>-axis was observed only at <i>T</i> = 84 K. This indicates the intergrowth of the Bi<sub>2</sub>Sr<sub>2</sub>Ca<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>O<sub>10+δ</sub> (Bi2223) phase. The Pb- and Te-dual doping method suppresses the crystal growth of the BPSCCO whisker, and the superconductivity of the BPSCCO whisker is easily destroyed by annealing at 450°C in air. A mesa-type BSCCO intrinsic Josephson junction (IJJ) oscillator was fabricated with a single crystalline whisker. The current-voltage ( <i>I</i>-<i>V</i>) characteristics of the fabricated oscillator show a multibranch structure. The critical current is 14 mA at 4.2 K for a mesa structure ~ 300 μm in length and ~20 μm in width, which is higher than that previously reported for a whisker-based IJJ structure. Furthermore, a negative differential resistance in the <i>I</i>-<i>V</i> characteristics was observed below 40 K. A BSCCO whisker might be a potential candidate material for constructing an IJJ terahertz electromagnetic wave oscillator.
Outage effective capacity of buffer-aided diamond relay systems using HARQ-IR

In this paper, transmission over buffer-aided diamond relay systems under statistical quality of service (QoS) constraints is studied. The statistical QoS constraints are imposed as limitations on delay violation probabilities. In the absence of channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter, truncated hybrid automatic repeat request-incremental redundancy (HARQ-IR) is incorporated to make better use of the wireless channel and the resources for each communication link. The packets that cannot be successfully received upon the maximum number of transmissions will be removed from buffer, i.e., outage occurs. The outage effective capacity is defined as the maximum constant arrival rate to the source that can be supported by the goodput departure processes, i.e., the departure that can be successfully received by the receiver. The outage effective capacity for the buffer-aided diamond relay system is obtained for HARQ-IR incorporated transmission strategy under the end-to-end delay constraints. In comparison with the decode-and-forward (DF) protocol with perfect CSI at the transmitters, it is shown that HARQ-IR can achieve better performance when the delay constraints are stringent.
Increasing net primary production in China from 1982 to 1999

We used a simple process model and satellite data to explore trends in China’s terrestrial net primary production (NPP). We found that the country’s terrestrial NPP increased by 18.7% from 1982 to 1999. Evidence for this major increase also came from crop yields and forest inventory surveys, and much of it appeared to be the result of a lengthening of the growing season. Plant growth also increased during the middle of the growing season, but to a lesser extent. Historical NPP trends indicate a great deal of spatial heterogeneity, increasing significantly over an area covering 30.8% of China during the past 18 years, but decreasing in areas undergoing rapid urbanization.
99mTc-Labeled Duramycin as a Novel Phosphatidylethanolamine-Binding Molecular Probe

With only 19 amino acids, duramycin is the smallest known polypeptide that has a defined 3-dimensional binding structure. Duramycin binds phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdE) at a 1:1 ratio with high affinity and exclusive specificity. As an abundant binding target, PtdE is a major phospholipid and accounts for about 20% of the phospholipid content in mammalian cellular membranes. PtdE is externalized to the surface of apoptotic cells and also becomes accessible in necrotic cells because of compromised plasma membrane integrity. Given the unique physicochemical properties of duramycin and the availability of PtdE in acute cell death, the goal of this study was to develop and evaluate 99mTc-duramycin as a novel molecular probe for imaging PtdE. Methods: Duramycin is covalently modified with succinimidyl 6-hydrazinonicotinate acetone hydrazone (HYNIC) and labeled with 99mTc using a coordination chemistry involving tricine-phosphine coligands. The retention of PtdE-binding activities was confirmed using competition assays with PtdE-containing liposomes. The blood clearance, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of 99mTc-duramycin were measured in rats. Finally, 99mTc-duramycin binding to acute cell death in vivo was demonstrated using a rat model of acute myocardial infarction induced by ischemia and reperfusion and confirmed using autoradiography and histology. Results: HYNIC-derivatized duramycin with 1:1 stoicheometry was synthesized and confirmed by mass spectrometry. The radiolabeling efficiency was 80%–85%, radiochemical purity was 78%–89%, and specific activity was 54 GBq. The radiotracer was purified with high-performance liquid chromatography radiodetection before use. The specific uptake of 99mTc-duramycin in apoptotic cells, compared with that in viable control cells, was enhanced by more than 30-fold. This binding was competitively diminished in the presence of PtdE-containing liposomes but not by liposomes consisting of other phospholipid species. Intravenously injected 99mTc-duramycin has favorable pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles: it quickly clears from the circulation via the renal system, with a blood half-life of less than 4 min in rats. The hepatic and gastrointestinal uptake were very low. 99mTc-duramycin is completely unmetabolized in vivo, and the intact agent is recovered from the urine. Combined with a fast clearance and low hepatic background, the avid binding of 99mTc-duramycin to the infarcted myocardium quickly becomes conspicuous shortly after injection. The uptake of radioactivity in infarcted tissues was confirmed by autoradiography and histology. Conclusion: 99mTc-duramycin is a stable, low-molecular-weight PtdE-binding radiopharmaceutical, with favorable in vivo imaging profiles. It is a strong candidate as a molecular probe for PtdE imaging and warrants further development and characterization.
Risedronate for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Risedronate sodium is an N-containing bisphosphonate that has been approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. An increase in the rate of bone remodelling is a regular feature of oestrogen withdrawal during the menopausal transition, but excessive remodelling leads to bone fragility. Risedronate and similar compounds reduce the rate of bone remodelling by suppressing the action of osteoclasts. The antifracture efficacy of risedronate is impressive. In large clinical trials of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis-related fracture(s) at entry, the risk of incident vertebral and non-vertebral fractures was reduced by ~ 40%. In older women at risk for hip fracture, incident hip fractures were also reduced by ~ 40%. Antifracture efficacy develops within the first 6months, and treatment has been followed for as long as 5 years without deleterious effects on bone. We await reports of experience with risedronate in ‘real-world’ cases of greater complexity (i.e., in patients with co-morbidities and medications that would have excluded them from published clinical trials).
Credit card debt and consumption: evidence from household-level data

This research investigates the relationship between credit card debt and consumption using household level data. This is a departure from the previous studies which have used aggregate measures of consumption and general debt such as the Debt Service Ratio or total revolving credit. We use a detailed monthly survey of credit card use to impute credit card debt to respondents from the Consumer Expenditure Survey sample. In contrast to some earlier studies using aggregate data, we find a negative relationship between debt and consumption growth. Our work shows that a $1000 increase in credit card debt results in a decrease in quarterly consumption growth of almost 2%. Investigations are also made into effects of debt within different age categories and into the impact of expected income growth on the debt–consumption relationship.
Genome-wide analysis of abdominal and pleural malignant mesothelioma with DNA arrays reveals both common and distinct regions of copy number alteration

ABSTRACT Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive tumor arising from mesothelial linings of the serosal cavities. Pleural space is the most common site, accounting for about 80% of cases, while peritoneum makes up the majority of the remaining 20%. While histologically similar, tumors from these sites are epidemiologically and clinically distinct and their attribution to asbestos exposure differs. We compared DNA array-based findings from 48 epithelioid peritoneal MMs and 41 epithelioid pleural MMs to identify similarities and differences in copy number alterations (CNAs). Losses in 3p (BAP1 gene), 9p (CDKN2A) and 22q (NF2) were seen in tumors from both tumor sites, although CDKN2A and NF2 losses were seen at a higher rate in pleural disease (p<0.01). Overall, regions of copy number gain were more common in peritoneal MM, whereas losses were more common in pleural MM, with regions of loss containing known tumor suppressor genes and regions of gain encompassing genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinase pathway members. Cases with known asbestos causation (n = 32 ) were compared with those linked to radiation exposure (n = 9 ). Deletions in 6q, 14q, 17p and 22q, and gain of 17q were seen in asbestos-associated but not radiation-related cases. As reported in post-radiation sarcoma, gains outnumbered losses in radiation-associated MM. The patterns of genomic imbalances suggest overlapping and distinct molecular pathways in MM of the pleura and peritoneum, and that differences in causation (i.e., asbestos vs. radiation) may account for some of these site-dependent differences
Epidemiology of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea in a Danish population, age 30–60

SUMMARY Several epidemiological studies have estimated the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). As many of those suffering from sleep apnoea may be asymptomatic, the occurrence of sleep apnoea may be underestimated. The epidemiology of self‐reported snoring, sleep apnoea and OSAS, and their relationships with various symptoms, were evaluated in 1504 randomly selected males and females, aged 30, 40, 50 and 60 years. Nocturnal respiration was determined in 748 participants using inductive plethysmography.
Biogeography of the cosmopolitan sedges (Cyperaceae) and the area‐richness correlation in plants

Across angiosperm families, the area occupied by a family is strongly correlated with its richness. We explore the causes of this area‐richness correlation using the cosmopolitan family, Cyperaceae Juss. , as a model. We test the hypothesis that, despite a proposed tropical origin, temperate lineages in the family diversified at elevated rates. We test the hypothesis that the area‐richness correlation is maintained within intrafamilial clades, and that this relationship could be described as a function of niche space. We also test the hypothesis that the partitioning of geographical and ecological space, not the extent of this space, is the factor most closely associated with clade richness.
Evaluation of Clinical, Serum Biochemical and Oxidant-antioxidant Profiles in Dairy Cows with Left Abomasal Displacement

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory metabolic alterations in left displaced abomasum cattle with particular emphasis on the oxidative effects. Methodology: Cows with left displaced abomasum were confirmed on the basis of clinical symptoms. Blood samples were collected from 12 diseased cows during 4-6 weeks after parturition and were assayed for the selected biochemical parameters. Another 10 healthy cows were selected from similar environmental conditions and served as control. Results: The results showed that serum values of glucose, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and amylase were significantly increased in the left displaced abomasum cows whereas, a significant decrease was found in serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and chloride. Metabolic alkalosis was evidenced by the significant elevation in blood bicarbonate concentrations plus pH. Oxidant-antioxidant study revealed a significant increase in the levels of hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in the diseased group while, serum enzymatic activities of catalase and glutathione reductase demonstrated a significant decrease. Conclusion: It was concluded that oxidative stress appeared to contribute in the pathogenesis of abomasal displacement in cattle and thus using of anti-oxidant therapies is recommended both to prevent and treat the disease.
Intracapsular fractures of the neck of the femur. Factors influencing non-union and ischaemic necrosis.

This study attempts to establish the factors on which the prognosis of an intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck depends, and to draw attention to certain causes of non-union and ischaemic necrosis. These factors are of two kinds: those inherent in the fracture, and those produced by the surgeon. The prognosis depends largely on the nature of the fracture. Original displacement and comminution are the factors which have most influence. Fractures of Type IV with severe comminution have mainly contributed to the bad reputation of intracapsular fractures. Accurate reduction and firm fixation are necessary if the best results for the type of fracture are to be expected. Accurate reduction does not mean merely accurate apposition of the fragments. Fixation of the fracture in certain rotational malpositions such as valgus of over 20 degrees and rotation round the long axis of the neck may occlude the only remaining source of blood supply, the vessels of the ligamentum teres. If these vessels remain open they may produce revascularisation in a femoral head deprived of its blood supply. The degree of valgus can easily be measured but it is impossible to detect rotation round the long axis of the neck. In this analysis only two methods of fixation were studied. It is clear that rigid fixation is of great significance, and a nail-plate, though it may not be the ideal method of fixation, is greatly superior to a Smith-Petersen nail introduced in the usual way. From the results of this survey there is no justification for continuing the use of this method except perhaps in Type II fractures. The greater the risk of non-union the more important is the fixation, and this is true of all fractures. This study also has a bearing on the indications for primary prosthetic replacement. If the nature of the fracture and the result of the reduction make it likely that replacement by a prosthesis is going to be the ultimate solution, and if the patient is over seventy years old, it is wiser to do it as a primary measure. Finally it was shown that condensation and collapse of the femoral head are not the only radiological signs of ischaemic necrosis. An earlier sign is flattening of the weight-bearing area, which appears on an average six and a half months after injury, as compared to condensation, which may not be apparent until eighteen months after injury.
The Merger Paradox and Why Aspiration Levels Let it Fail in the Laboratory

We study the merger paradox, a relative of Harsanyi's bargaining paradox, in an experiment. We examine bilateral mergers in experimental Cournot markets with initially three or four firms. Standard Cournot-Nash equilibrium predicts total outputs well. However, merged firms produce significantly more output than their competitors. As a result, mergers are not unprofitable. By analysing control treatments, we provide an explanation for these results based on the notion of aspiration levels, and show that the same logic also operates when a new firm enters a market. These results have some general consequences for adaptive play in changing environments. © 2007 The Author(s). Journal compilation Royal Economic Society 2007. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Study on the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in and around Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and type of common Fasciola species in cattle was conducted in and around Bahir Dar from November 2008- March 2009. The study was based on post-mortem inspection of livers of slaughtered animals at Bahir Dar municipality abattoir and coprological examination using sedimentation technique on fecal samples collected from animals of Bahir Dar and surrounding areas. Out of 413 livers inspected, 165 (39.95%) were positive for Fasciola species. F. hepatica was found to be the most prevalent species in cattle of the study area (89.70%). About 3.63% were positive for F. gigantica and 6.67% were harboring mixed infections. Likewise, out of 384 fecal samples examined 141 (36.72) were positive for the presence of Fasciola eggs. Risk factors such as locality, body condition and sex didn’t show any effect on the prevalence of infections (P>0.05). However, breed and age group revealed significant disparity (P<0.05) as greater magnitude of infections were detected in exotic breed and young age group, respectively. In view of the current result, fasciolosis could be considered as a major problem in Bahir Dar and surrounding areas as the ecological factors and management conditions are suitable both for the snail intermediate host and the parasite to be maintained. Strategic treatments need to be implemented at appropriate timing with the aim of reducing worm burden from infected animals and preclude pasture contamination. Integrated control approaches involving livestock owners has to be implemented in reducing the population and activity of snail intermediate hosts to enable maximization of long-term returns from such endemic areas. Key words : Abattoir, Bovine, Bahir Dar, Coprology, Fasciola , Prevalence.
inermis-Genus Mitragyna : Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological studies

Mitragyna genus, belongs to Rubiaceae family, distributed in Africa and Asia. Many species in Mitragyna genus have a history of use as a medicinal plant. Traditionally, it has been used to treat fever, malaria, diarrhea, muscle pain, inflammation and hypertension. Phytochemical research has showed that alkaloids, triterpenoids and flavonoids were main compounds in Mitragyna genus. Pharmacology investigation demonstrated that plant of Mitragyna possess wide pharmacological effects, in antitumor, cardiovascular disease and antibacterial activity. This review aims to update information on its pharmacological effects.