Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of melatonin in gonadal maturation of underyearling precocious male masu salmon.

Testicular maturation of underyearling precocious male masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) is affected by photoperiod. It is accelerated by a short photoperiod (light-dark cycles of 8:16 h; LD 8:16) and delayed by a long photoperiod (LD 16:8). Circulating melatonin levels are high during the night and low during the day:the duration of the nocturnal elevation is longer under a short than under a long photoperiod, suggesting mediation of photoperiodic signals by melatonin. This study examined whether melatonin administration mimics short photoperiodic effects and whether it accelerates the testicular development of underyearling male masu salmon reared under a long photoperiod. Fish were randomly selected in June and were divided into two groups. They were reared under LD 16:8 (lights on 04:00-20:00 h) and fed pellets sprayed with melatonin (0.5 mg melatonin/kg body weight/day) or vehicle once a day at 11:00 h until October. The plasma melatonin profile of the melatonin-treated group was similar to that expected under a short photoperiod. Melatonin treatment had a stimulatory effect on the gonadosomatic index and pituitary gonadotropin (GTH) I contents. Plasma testosterone levels were significantly higher in the melatonin-treated group than in the control group in August. However, spermiation was observed in October in both groups and no significant differences were observed in GTH II contents in the pituitary in the two groups throughout the experiment. These results suggest that mimicking a short photoperiod by melatonin administration stimulated testicular development but did not completely activate the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis in precocious male masu salmon. Thus, melatonin is suggested to be one of the factors that mediates the transduction of photoperiodic information to the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Open Archive Toulouse Archive Ouverte

ABSTRACT Graph aggregation is the process of computing a single output graph that constitutes a good compromise between several input graphs, each provided by a different source. One needs to perform graph aggregation in a wide variety of situations, e.g., when apply-ing a voting rule (graphs as preference orders), when consolidating conflicting views regarding the relationships between arguments in a debate (graphs as abstract argumentation frameworks), or when computing a consensus between several alternative clusterings of a given dataset (graphs as equivalence relations). Other potential applications include belief merging, data integration, and social network analysis. In this short paper, we review a recently introduced formal framework for graph aggregation that is grounded in social choice theory. Our focus is on understanding which properties shared by the individual input graphs will transfer to the output graph returned by a given aggregation rule. Our main result is a powerful impossibility theorem that generalises Arrow’s seminal result regarding the aggregation of preference orders to a large collection of different types of graphs. We also provide a discussion of existing and potential applications of graph aggregation.
Distinct tumor protein p53 mutants in breast cancer subgroups

Tumor protein p53 (TP53) is mutated in approximately 30% of breast cancers, but this frequency fluctuates widely between subclasses. We investigated the p53 mutation status in 572 breast tumors, classified into luminal, basal and molecular apocrine subgroups. As expected, the lowest mutation frequency was observed in luminal (26%), and the highest in basal (88%) tumors. Luminal tumors showed significantly higher frequency of substitutions (82 vs. 65%), notably A/T to G/C transitions (31 vs. 15%), whereas molecular apocrine and basal tumors presented much higher frequencies of complex mutations (deletions/insertions) (36 and 33%, respectively, vs. 18%). Accordingly, missense mutations were significantly more frequent in luminal tumors (75 vs. 54%), whereas basal tumors displayed significantly increased rates of TP53 truncations (43 vs. 25%), resulting in loss of function and/or expression. Interestingly, as basal tumors, molecular apocrine tumors presented with a high rate of complex mutations, but paradoxically, these were not associated with increased frequency of p53 truncation. As in luminal tumors, this could reflect a selective pressure for p53 gain of function, possibly through P63/P73 inactivation. Collectively, these observations point not only to different mechanisms of TP53 alterations, but also to different functional consequences in the different breast cancer subtypes.
Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Estimation of Altered Capillary Permeability in Experimental Mammary Carcinomas After X-Irradiation

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES.Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhanced with a macromolecular contrast medium, albumin-(Gd-DTPA)35, was used to detect changes in microvascular characteristics in R3230 mammary adenocarcinomas induced by x-irradiation. METHODS.Tumors were implanted in either flank in nine rats. One of the tumors was exposed to single-dose x-irradiation (30 Gy) 3 days before MRI. The contralateral control tumor was shielded from irradiation. RESULTS.Capillary permeability to macromolecular contrast medium in irradiated tumors was elevated significantly (P<.05) compared to the control nonirradiated tumors. The mean estimated permeability surface area product for the irradiated tumors increased more than three-fold; 0.511 ± . 046 mL hr-1 cm-3 compared with 0.121 ± . 011 mL hr-1 cm-3 for the nonirradiated tumors. This radiation-induced increase in permeability was corroborated using a macromolecular Evans blue-protein complex measured in the same tumors using an invasive spectrophotometric technique. CONCLUSIONS.Dynamic MRI-enhanced with macromolecular contrast medium permits noninvasive quantitative estimates of capillary permeability in tumors, with and without xirradiation. Because the transendothelial permeability for macromolecular solutes likely influences tumoral accumulation of macromolecular chemotherapeutic agents, this noninvasive technique may prove to be clinically useful in tailoring tumor treatment programs which combine radiation and chemotherapy.
Expenditures in caring for patients with dementia who live at home.

OBJECTIVES Given the national interest in progressive dementia, we estimated expenditures incurred in caring for dementia patients who live at home. METHODS Primary caregivers of 264 patients from a university-based memory disorders clinic were interviewed at baseline and asked to keep service use diaries for 6 months; 141 caregivers who returned the diaries are the focus of this report. We examined both formal and informal services (distinguished by whether money was exchanged) and associated expenditures. RESULTS Neither caregivers returning diaries nor their patients differed at baseline from those not returning diaries and their patients. Expenditures incurred over 6 months were extensive for both formal ($6986) and informal ($786) services. Out-of-pocket expenditures were high (e.g., in-home companion or sitter, adult day care, visiting nurse). Multivariable analyses indicated that patients with more severe symptoms of dementia and families with higher incomes reported significantly higher expenditures. CONCLUSIONS The expense of caring for patients with progressive dementia living at home may be higher than previously estimated and frequently involves expenses paid directly by patients and their families.
Thoughts on the aetiology of vitamin D deficiency in Asians.

Following the virtual elimination of vitamin D deficiency in Britain earlier this century, rickets and osteomalacia began to be recognized with increasing frequency in the early sixties (Dunnigan et al., 1962). The disease was almost entirely restricted to Asian subjects and was subsequently reported in all cities having a significant Asian population. The purpose of this review is to point out that most current theories not only fail to explain the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency in Asians, but also cannot adequately explain the deficiency occurring in liver and gastrointestinal disorders. A theory is put forward that more completely encompasses the known facts.
CD34 progenitor cell subset analyses in normal human bone marrow and marrow harvested after intermediate-dose chemotherapy.

Previous attempts to characterize harvested marrow and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) in order to predict time to and quality of engraftment post autologous bone marrow transplant (autoBMT) have included use of in vitro colony forming unit (CFU) assays. These assays are hampered by interlaboratory variability and are not uniformly predictive. CD34 quantification by flow cytometric technique has also been used to assess the quality of harvested marrow and PBSC. However, a lack of standardization has hampered direct comparison of published reports. We sought to characterize these early lineage-committed CD34+ progenitor cells from non-ficolled harvested marrow with six progenitor cell (PC) panels containing CD34 antibody plus two additional early lineage markers, using multiparameter flow cytometry. The specific gating technique including simultaneous CD34-PE vs. side scatter and forward vs. side scatter, was verified using morphologic analyses of sorted CD34+ cells. An ungated file was initially acquired to assess total CD34+ content. A second file using a CD34 threshold was then acquired to resolve lineage-committed subsets. The % CD34+ cells as well as cells/microliter of bone marrow was calculated using cell counts at the time of marrow harvest. Bone marrow (mean total cell dose = 3.8 x 10(5)/kg), obtained from 42 normal donors for allogeneic transplantation was first analyzed. CD34+ cells comprised a mean 1.3% of non-ficolled marrow, with 328 CD34+ cells/microliter, and mean CD34+ cells collected was 4.8 x 10(6)/kg. While no significant differences in total cells harvested nor proportion of CD34+ cells was found, a significant decrease in CD34 cells/microliter (= 233, P = .0012) was found in cancer patients. The percentage of CD19+ and CD38+ progenitor cells was significantly increased, while CD5+ and CD71+ cells were decreased. The proportions of all other early lineage-committed CD34 subsets were not different. Measurement of lineage-committed CD34 progenitor cells is a useful technique to characterize harvested marrow and PBSC, and may be applied to predict time and quality of engraftment post ablative conditioning regimens.
The Issue of Ethnicity in Pakistan : Historical Background

This article envisages the theoretical parameters of ethnicity. This study seeks to analyze the meaning of ethnicity, discuss its structural basis and its evolution as a political concept. Ethnicity implies the sense of belonging together as a cultural group in a given society. It is a complex combination of racial, cultural and historical characteristics by which people differentiate themselves from other groups. The term ‘ethnicity’ may be defined as ‘the self-consciousness of a group of people united by shared experiences’ i.e. language common religion, economic and political interests etc. The problems of ethnicity in a heterogeneous society are investigated in this study. This article also examines the concept of ethno-nationalism from a historical and analytical perspective. This article envisages the historical analysis of ethno-national movements in Pakistan.
COMPARISON OF ETORPHINE–DETOMIDINE AND MEDETOMIDINE–KETAMINE ANESTHESIA IN CAPTIVE ADDAX (ADDAX NASOMACULATUS)

Abstract Thirty-five anesthetic events involving 15 captive addax (Addax nasomaculatus) were performed between August 1998 and February 2002 using a combination of etorphine (33.7 ± 7.9 μg/kg) and detomidine (21.9 ± 4.6 μg/kg) or a combination of medetomidine (57.4 ± 8.6 μg/kg) and ketamine (1.22 ± 0.3 μg/kg), with or without supplemental injectable or inhalant anesthetic agents. Etorphine–detomidine anesthesia was antagonized with diprenorphine (107.1 ± 16.4 μg/kg) and atipamezole (100.9 ± 42.4 μg/kg). Medetomidine–ketamine anesthesia was antagonized with atipamezole (245.3 ± 63.4 μg/kg). Animals became recumbent within 5 min when the combination of etorphine and detomidine was used and within 11 min when the combination of medetomidine and ketamine was used. Both drug combinations were suitable for use as primary immobilizing agents producing short-duration restraint and analgesia. Bradycardia was noted with both combinations. Further investigation of the cardiopulmonary effects of both combinations is warranted.
Enhancement of Free Vortex Filament Method for Aerodynamic Loads on Rotor Blades

The aerodynamics of a wind turbine is governed by the flow around the rotor, where the prediction of air loads on rotor blades in different operational conditions and its relation to rotor structural dynamics is one of the most important challenges in wind turbine rotor blade design. Because of the unsteady flow field around wind turbine blades, prediction of aerodynamic loads with high level of accuracy is difficult and increases the uncertainty of load calculations. A free vortex wake method, based on the potential, inviscid and irrotational flow, is developed to study the aerodynamic loads. Since it is based on the potential, inviscid and irrotational flow, it cannot be used to predict viscous phenomena such as drag and boundary layer separation. Therefore it must be coupled to the tabulated airfoil data to take the viscosity effects into account. The results are compared with the Blade Element Momentum (BEM) method and the GENUVP code.
Formant Correlates in Greek Fricative-Vowel Sequences

The present study examined F1 and F2 onset, as well as locus equations in Greek fricative – vowel sequences as distinctive cues for the fricative place of articulation. The effects of voicing, speaker‟s gender and post-fricative vowel on both formants‟ onset values and locus equations were also investigated. The results showed that F2 onset values distinguished fricatives in terms of place of articulation, except for the labiodental and dental ones. F1 onset values differentiated voiceless from voiced fricatives with voiceless having significantly higher values than voiced ones. The locus equation coefficients i.e. slope and yintercept, also distinguished voiced from voiceless fricatives. Moreover, palatal fricatives were clearly differentiated from the other places of articulation in terms of the y-intercept. A discriminant analysis using slope and y-intercept as predictors successfully categorized Greek palatal fricatives with 83.8% accuracy, while the overall percent correct classification was 54.3%.
Maternal diclofenac sodium ingestion and severe neonatal pulmonary hypertension

Abstract: We describe a case of severe pulmonary hypertension and transient right‐sided hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a neonate, caused by premature closure of ductus arteriosus after short‐term maternal use of diclofenac sodium (Voltaren). In view of this associated complication, diclofenac sodium should be avoided during pregnancy. In addition, maternal diclofenac sodium ingestion should be suspected if a newborn develops severe pulmonary hypertension and/or right‐sided hypertrophic cardiomyoptathy with closed ductus arteriosus.
A Robust and Practical Method to Separate Periodic Signals from MEG Data using Second Order Statistics

The analyses of recordings of magnetoencephalography (MEG) and other imaging techniques may require the separation of periodic signals from the observed signals. Blind source separation (BSS) is widely used for the separation of specific signals these days. Though several algorithms based on the BSS scheme for the separation of periodic signals have been proposed, they usually assume the system to be well-posed, satisfactory results often cannot be obtained for practical recordings. In this study, we show that a method based on the joint approximate diagonalization of correlation matrices with several time delays (JADCM) is robust and good results can be obtained by choosing the time delays carefully, especially in practical illposed situations such as signal separation from MEG recordings. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of Periodic BSS and JADCM using the conventional parameter set.
Comparison of different sperm cryopreservation procedures on post-thaw quality and heterologous in vitro fertilisation success in the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis).

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa from free-living ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) could benefit their conservation by facilitating gene flow between in situ and ex situ populations without requiring removal of additional cats from the wild. The objective of this study was to investigate three different methods of ocelot sperm cryopreservation to identify the most appropriate technique for use in a field environment. Male ocelots (n = 10), housed in North American zoos, were anaesthetised with tiletamine-zolazepam (7 mg kg(-1) bodyweight; i.m. ) and subjected to a regimented electroejaculation procedure. Recovered semen was evaluated for sperm concentration, motility and morphology and processed for cryopreservation by three methods: (1) pelleting on dry ice, (2) freezing in straws over liquid nitrogen vapour; and (3) freezing in straws in a dry shipper. Frozen samples were thawed and assessed for post-thaw acrosome status, viability, motility over time and ability to fertilize viable domestic cat oocytes. Although several post-thaw sperm parameters varied (P < 0.05) among freezing methods, frozen-thawed ocelot spermatozoa from all treatments showed a similar (P > 0.05) capacity to bind, penetrate and fertilize viable domestic cat oocytes. These findings suggest that spermatozoa collected from male ocelots under field conditions may be frozen in straws either using liquid nitrogen alone or in a charged dry shipper to retain adequate functional competence after thawing for use with assisted reproductive procedures.
The Myostatin Propeptide and the Follistatin-related Gene Are Inhibitory Binding Proteins of Myostatin in Normal Serum*

Myostatin, also known as growth and differentiation factor 8, is a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily that negatively regulates skeletal muscle mass (1). Recent experiments have shown that myostatin activity is detected in serum by a reporter gene assay only after activation by acid, suggesting that native myostatin circulates as a latent complex (2). We have used a monoclonal myostatin antibody, JA16, to isolate the native myostatin complex from normal mouse and human serum. Analysis by mass spectrometry and Western blot shows that circulating myostatin is bound to at least two major proteins, the myostatin propeptide and the follistatin-related gene (FLRG). The myostatin propeptide is known to bind and inhibit myostatin in vitro (3). Here we show that this interaction is relevant in vivo, with a majority (>70%) of myostatin in serum bound to its propeptide. Studies with recombinant V5-His-tagged FLRG protein confirm a direct interaction between mature myostatin and FLRG. Functional studies show that FLRG inhibits myostatin activity in a reporter gene assay. These experiments suggest that the myostatin propeptide and FLRG are major negative regulators of myostatin in vivo.
Semidefinite Representations of Noncompact Convex Sets

We consider the problem of the semidefinite representation of a class of noncompact basic semialgebraic sets. We introduce the conditions of pointedness and closedness at infinity of a semialgebraic set and show that under these conditions our modified hierarchies of nested theta bodies and Lasserre's relaxations converge to the closure of the convex hull of $S$. Moreover, if the Putinar-Prestel's Bounded Degree Representation (PP-BDR) property is satisfied, our theta body and Lasserre's relaxation are exact when the order is large enough; if the PP-BDR property does not hold, our hierarchies converge uniformly to the closure of the convex hull of $S$ restricted to every fixed ball centered at the origin. We illustrate through a set of examples that the conditions of pointedness and closedness are essential to ensure the convergence. Finally, we provide some strategies to deal with cases where the conditions of pointedness and closedness are violated.
Evaluating lexical resources using SENSEVAL

The aim of our paper is twofold: to introduce some general reflections on the task of lexical semantic annotation and the adequacy of existing lexical-semantic reference resources, while giving an overall description of the Italian lexical sample task for the SENSEVAL-2 experiment. We suggest how the SENSEVAL exercise (and comparison between the two editions of the experiment) can be employed to evaluate the lexical reference resources used for annotation. We conclude with a few general remarks on the gap between the lexicon, a partially decontextualised object, and the corpus, where context plays a significant role.
Neuropsychological function in nonpsychotic unipolar major depression.

OBJECTIVE To examine neuropsychological deficits in unmedicated patients with a nonpsychotic unipolar major depressive disorder. BACKGROUND Although cognitive deficits in depression have been reported in several studies, most previous studies have concentrated on a few areas of cognition in more or less heterogenous groups of depressives. METHOD Twenty-two nonhospitalized patients with a DSM-III-R defined nonpsychotic unipolar major depressive disorder were compared with 30 healthy controls. Neuropsychological tests were organized in the following functions: motor function, selective attention, mental flexibility, visuomotor tracking, working memory, short-term memory, verbal long-term memory, nonverbal long-term memory, verbal fluency, and visuospatial function. RESULTS There emerged an overall group difference in neuropsychological test performance, with patients scoring significantly lower than controls. Bonferroni corrected univariate analyses of variance showed that patients performed significantly below controls in the following areas: selective attention, working memory, verbal long-term memory, and verbal fluency. Two functions were areas of differential deficits in the depressed group: selective attention and working memory. Impaired verbal long-term memory seemed to reflect an underlying working memory deficit. CONCLUSIONS Nonhospitalized patients with a nonpsychotic unipolar major depressive disorder exhibited an overall neuropsychological deficit and they performed disproportionately worse in the two domains of selective attention and working memory. The neurobiological implications of the present results are in accordance with the hypothesis that there is a global-diffuse impairment of brain function with particular involvement of the frontal lobes in nonpsychotic unipolar major depressive disorder.