Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell surface area regulation in neurons in hippocampal slice cultures is resistant to oxygen-glucose deprivation

Correspondence: Linda r Mills 11-430 Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, On, Canada, M5T 2S8 Tel +1 416 603 5420 email linda@uhnres.utoronto. ca or lrmills@gmail.com Background: Neurons swell in response to a variety of insults. The capacity to recover, ie, to shrink, is critical for neuronal function and survival. Studies on dissociated neurons have shown that during swelling and shrinking, neurons reorganize their plasma membrane; as neurons swell, in response to hypo-osmotic media, the bilayer area increases. Upon restoration of normo-osmotic media, neurons shrink, forming transient invaginations of the plasma membrane known as vacuole-like dilations (VLDs), to accommodate the decrease in the bilayer. Methods: Here we used confocal microscopy to monitor neuronal swelling and shrinking in the three-dimensional (3D) environment of post-natal rat hippocampal slice cultures. To label neurons, we used biolistic transfection, to introduce enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) targeted to the cytoplasm; and a membrane targeted GFP (lckGFP), targeted to the plasma membrane. Results: Neurons in slice cultures swelled and shrank in response to hypo-osmotic to normoosmotic media changes. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) caused sustained neuronal swelling; after reperfusion, some neurons recovered but in others, VLD recovery was stalled. OGD did not impair neuronal capacity to recover from a subsequent osmotic challenge. Conclusion: These results suggest cell surface area regulation (SAR) is an intrinsic property of neurons, and that neuronal capacity for SAR may play an important role in the brain’s response to ischemic insults.
"Oasification": a forest solution to many problems of desertification

Desertification is a widespread process worldwide, particularly acute on deforested sloping lands under arid, semiarid or dry sub-humid conditions. To counteract this environmental threat, we have opted for an approach promoting the opposite process, which has been termed oasification. It entails the building of small earth structures to collect and infiltrate as much precipitation and runoff as possible by modifying a slope’s physiography in a convenient and non-aggressive manner. As a result, better soil moisture conditions will prevail and the chances of the establishment and growth of woody vegetation will be markedly improved, thus redressing the dangerous process of desertification. Since ancient times, many water harvesting strategies (microcatchments, ridging, terracing, etc.) have been successfully employed to check, collect and infiltrate surface runoff in those regions of the world where precipitation is scarce. All these structures can be currently designed according to enlightened hydrologic criteria based on sound knowledge of water economy, water requirements, soil erosion, building costs and landscape impacts. These criteria should help land managers and technicians in deciding the appropriate planting densities and micropond sizes that will yield the best seedling survival rates with minimal disturbance to the original physiography of the slope.
Investigating the Potential Effectiveness of Two Therapeutic Targets, Utrophin and HSP70, in the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an incurable, genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive, severe muscle wasting in young men and eventually leads to early death. The disease is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin, which leads to stress induced sarcolemmal tearing. Abnormally high levels of intracellular Ca2+ in muscle cells is a main feature of the disorder as it triggers many secondary effects that are detrimental to the proper functioning of skeletal muscle. Both utrophin and HSP70 have been suggested to have potential therapeutic potential as a result of their preferential expression in the relatively damage-resistant slow, oxidative fibres. In my studies, I found that by forcing transgenic expression of the Ca2+ chelator parvalbumin in slow fibres, utrophin expression in slow fibres was blunted without altering HSP70 expression. In this case, the slow fibres showed increased signs of stress and damage therefore suggesting that endogenous HSP70 alone may not spare dystrophin deficient muscle fibres. These results indicate that utrophin (but not HSP70) is a potential therapeutic target that will prevent muscle degeneration in patients with DMD.
The Impact of Senior Management Competencies on the Voluntary Adoption of an Innovative Technology

ABSTRACT: The adoption of innovative technologies holds both promise and risk. We focus on the voluntary adoption of innovative financial reporting and disclosure technologies (IFRDTs) using the voluntary adoption of XBRL as an exemplar for our study. In particular, since IFRDTs have both financial reporting (FR) and information technology aspects (IT), we examine the impact of IT and FR competencies possessed by members of the top management team (CEOs and CFOs) on the voluntary adoption of XBRL beyond the impact of environmental, organizational, technological, and financial characteristics of their firms. We find that the voluntary adoption of XBRL was positively associated with higher levels of IT competencies; but, surprisingly, voluntary adoption of this innovation was negatively associated with higher levels of FR competencies, regardless of the functional role played by the executive. These results extend the literature on the influence of management characteristics on corporate decisions and can b.
Longer heating duration increases localized doxorubicin deposition and therapeutic index in Vx2 tumors using MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia and thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin

Abstract Thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (LTSL-Dox) combined with mild hyperthermia enhances the localized delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) within a heated region. The optimal heating duration and the impact of extended heating on systemic drug distribution are unknown. Here we evaluated local and systemic Dox delivery with two different mild hyperthermia durations (42 °C for 10 or 40 minutes) in a Vx2 rabbit tumor model. We hypothesized that longer duration of hyperthermia would increase Dox concentration in heated tumors without increasing systemic exposure. Temporally and spatially accurate controlled hyperthermia was achieved using a clinical MR-HIFU system for the prescribed heating durations. Forty-minutes of heating resulted in a nearly 6-fold increase in doxorubicin concentration in heated vs unheated tumors in the same animals. Therapeutic ratio, defined as the ratio of Dox delivered into the heated tumor vs the heart, increased from 1.9-fold with 10 minutes heating to 4.4-fold with 40 minutes heating. MR-HIFU can be used to guide, deliver and monitor mild hyperthermia of a Vx2 tumor model in a rabbit model, and an increased duration of heating leads to higher Dox deposition from LTSL-Dox in a target tumor without a concomitant increase in systemic exposure. Results from this preclinical study can be used to help establish clinical treatment protocols for hyperthermia mediated drug delivery.
Theory of composable latency-insensitive refinements

Simulation of a synchronous system on a hardware platform, for example an FPGA, can be performed using a hardware prototype of the system. But the prototype may not meet the resource and timing constraints of that platform. One way to meet the constraints is to partition the prototype hierarchically into modules, and to refine the individual modules while preserving the overall behavior of the system. In this thesis we formalize the notion of a refinement that preserves the behavior of the original modules we call such refinements latency-insensitive refinements. We show that if these latency-insensitive refinements of the modules obey certain conditions, then these refinements can be composed together hierarchically in order to obtain the latency-insensitive refinement of the original system. We call the latency-insensitive refinements that obey these conditions as composable latency-insensitive refinements. We also give a procedure to automatically transform a module to a latency-insensitive refinement while obeying the conditions that enable it to be composed hierarchically. The transformation serves as a starting point for making further refinements and optimizations, and thus, gives a methodology to design hardware simulators for synchronous systems. Thesis Supervisor: Arvind Title: Professor
Gravitational lensing in a non-uniform plasma

We develop a model of gravitational lensing in a non-uniform plasma. When a gravitating body is surrounded by a plasma, the lensing angle depends on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, due to the dispersion properties of the plasma, in the presence of a plasma inhomogeneity, and of gravity. The second effect leads, even in a uniform plasma, to a difference of the gravitational photon deflection angle from the vacuum case, and to its dependence on the photon frequency. We take into account both effects, and derive the expression for the lensing angle in the case of a strongly non-uniform plasma in the presence of gravitation. The dependence of the lensing angle on the photon frequency in a homogeneous plasma resembles the properties of a refractive prism spectrometer, the strongest action of which is for very long radio waves. We discuss the observational appearance of this effect for the gravitational lens with a Schwarzschild metric, surrounded by a uniform plasma. We obtain formulae for the lensing angle and the magnification factors in this case and discuss the possibility of observation of this effect by the planned very long baseline interferometry space project RadioAstron. We also consider models with a non-uniform plasma distribution. For different gravitational lens models we compare the corrections to the vacuum lensing due to the gravitational effect in the plasma, and due to the plasma inhomogeneity. We show that the gravitational effect could be detected in the case of a hot gas in the gravitational field of a galaxy cluster.
ROLE OF METFORMIN IN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Objective: To assess the role of Metformin in Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methodology: This interventional, quasi-experimental study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics &Gynaecology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from October 2004 to October 2006. A total of 35 patientswith PCOS were included fulfilling Rotterdam Criteria. Metformin was given in a dose of 850 mg twice aday. Patients' reassessment was done clinically on a three monthly basis while laboratory investigationsand Transvaginal scan was done after two years. Data was analysed using SPSS v. 16. Results: The mean age of the sample was 27+5.2 years. Out of 35, 29(82.8%) had primary infertility while6(17.2%) had secondary and only 7(20%) of those conceived. Menstrual irregularities were present in30(85.7%) patients, 27(55.5%) with oligomenorrhea, 2(5.7%) with amenorrhea and 1(2.86%) withpolymenorrhea. Out of these 15, 2 and 1 showed improvement, respectively. Regarding hyperandrogenism,22(62.8%) patients were with hirsutism, 3(9.4%) had acne and 10(28.5%) had hair loss. Out of these 0, 2and 3 improved, respectively. Transvaginal scan showed polycystic ovaries in all patients at baseline whilethe cysts dissolved in 15(42.8%) patients. Biochemical investigations like Leutinizing Hormone:FollicleStimulating Hormone(LH:FSH), Serum Testosterone, Serum Prolactin, Random Blood Sugar(RBS) andSerum Insulin was raised in 32(91.4%), 24(68.5%), 9(25.7%), 3(8.5%) and 10(28.5%) patients respectivelyand 17(53.1%), 13(54.2%), 4(44.4%), 1(33.3%) and 4(40%) patients improved respectively. Conclusion: Metformin is an effective drug to improve the menstrual irregularities, LH:FSH and serumtestosterone but it does not show improvement in clinical signs and symptoms of hyperandrogensim.
Multilateral approaches to market access negotiations

Market access negotiations in merchandise trade at the multilateral level cover tariffs and non-tariff measures (NTMs). While tariffs have been substantially reduced in earlier rounds, they remain high in certain areas and further reductions involve a number of complex technical issues. Some formulae approaches, not used in the Uruguay Round, seem more favourable to developing countries. Elimination or phased reductions of NTMs in agriculture is one of the main areas for further market access negotiations in trade in goods. However, most NTMs are now the subject to negotiations on the rules under which they may be applied, e.g. in the areas of contingency protection and technical barriers to trade.
Widespread co-occurrence of multiple ploidy levels in fragile ferns (Cystopteris fragilis complex; Cystopteridaceae) probably stems from similar ecology of cytotypes, their efficient dispersal and inter-ploidy hybridization.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Polyploidy has played an important role in the evolution of ferns. However, the dearth of data on cytotype diversity, cytotype distribution patterns and ecology in ferns is striking in comparison with angiosperms and prevents an assessment of whether cytotype coexistence and its mechanisms show similar patterns in both plant groups. Here, an attempt to fill this gap was made using the ploidy-variable and widely distributed Cystopteris fragilis complex. METHODS Flow cytometry was used to assess DNA ploidy level and monoploid genome size (Cx value) of 5518 C. fragilis individuals from 449 populations collected over most of the species' global distributional range, supplemented with data from 405 individuals representing other related species from the complex. Ecological preferences of C. fragilis tetraploids and hexaploids were compared using field-recorded parameters and database-extracted climate data. KEY RESULTS Altogether, five different ploidy levels (2x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 8x) were detected and three species exhibited intraspecific ploidy-level variation: C. fragilis, C. alpina and C. diaphana. Two predominant C. fragilis cytotypes, tetraploids and hexaploids, co-occur over most of Europe in a diffuse, mosaic-like pattern. Within this contact zone, 40 % of populations were mixed-ploidy and most also contained pentaploid hybrids. Environmental conditions had only a limited effect on the distribution of cytotypes. Differences were found in the Cx value of tetraploids and hexaploids: between-cytotype divergence was higher in uniform-ploidy than in mixed-ploidy populations. CONCLUSIONS High ploidy-level diversity and widespread cytotype coexistence in the C. fragilis complex match the well-documented patterns in some angiosperms. While ploidy coexistence in C. fragilis is not driven by environmental factors, it could be facilitated by the perennial life-form of the species, its reproductive modes and efficient wind dispersal of spores. Independent origins of hexaploids and/or inter-ploidy gene flow may be expected in mixed-ploidy populations according to Cx value comparisons.
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN UNIFORM LONGSHORE CURRENT MEASUREMENTS AND CALCULATIONS

A description is given of laboratory experiments on uniform longshore currents and the comparison of the data with longshore current profiles predicted by a mathematical model. For the mathematical model it is assumed that longshore current generation takes place between the plunge line and the shoreline (instead of shoreward of the breaker line) and Battjes' (2,3) lateral friction model is applied. Good agreement between theory and laboratory data is achieved with realistic values of the bottom roughness.
The role of information management in project management success: Narratives from entrepreneurs operating within the South African construction industry

Background: The South African construction industry is noted to be one of the most popular industries heavily dependent on projects. Calls exist for research that ascertains not just how entrepreneurs act as project managers but also the evaluation of project success and the role information management plays in all this. Objectives: The aim of this study was to understand the views and experiences of entrepreneurs in how: (1) project management success is conceptualised, and (2) the role that information management played to this within a South African construction industry space. Method: The study adopts a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews to generate narratives and themes around how: (1) project management success is conceptualised, and (2) the role that information management played to this. A sample of 15 entrepreneurs working within the construction industry was used for this study. Results: Based on the analysis of the narratives of the 15 entrepreneurs, project success was conceptualised mainly along three themes. Firstly, project success was about keeping the customer happy. Secondly, project success in the construction industry meant meeting the set targets, especially those of a financial nature. Finally, project success was about channelling internal synergies to realise external gains. Further, the 15 entrepreneurs espoused one main sub-theme around the role of information management to this conceptualisation of project success. This posits the role of information management to be a currency in effective decision-making. Conclusion: The study concluded by focusing on the implications and recommendations based on the identified themes.
Corporate risk reporting practices in annual reports of Japanese companies

113 This paper attempts to find out the corporate risk disclosure practices of Japanese companies. 90 non-financial companies have been selected randomly from companies enlisted with Tokyo Stock Exchange as the study sample. Their published annual reports have been used for content analysis. The findings show that in absence of any regulatory guidance Japanese companies are voluntarily reporting risk information in the annual reports. Study findings evidence that the company size and the number of risk disclosure are significantly positively correlated i.e.,larger companies are disclosing more risk information than smaller companies which is consistent with the findings of previous studies. On the other hand,no significant relation exists between number of risk disclosure and level of risk, relative profitability, and ownership distribution pattern. The study also reveals that companies are used to disclose more past information and reluctant to disclose future risk information which is treated as more useful for the stakeholders for their economic decisions. In addition to that,most of the companies are disclosing descriptive risk information and are reluctant to quantify the risk either because of unavailability of reliable measurement tools or to avoid potential legal complicacies.Although companies are reporting risk information they do not disclose risk identification and measurement system they used. Furthermore,most of the companies do not disclose any information regarding risk prioritization. 国際会計研究学会年報2005年度
Radio continuum observations of LMC SNR J0550-6823

We report on new Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) supernova remnant (SNR) J0550-6823 (DEM L328). This object is a typical horseshoe SNR with a diameter of 373 ′′ ×282 ′′ ±4 ′′ (90×68±1 pc), making it one of the largest known SNRs in the Local Group. We estimate a relatively steep radio spectral index of � = 0.79 ± 0.27. However, its stronger than expected polarisation of 50% ± 10% is atypical for older and more evolved SNRs. We also note a strong correlation between [O III] and radio images, classifying this SNR as oxygen dominant.
Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria Ministry of Higher Education

The existence of MSA as a means of instruction on the one hand and AA, the mother tongue of the Algerian learner, on the other, makes the process of learning an arduous one. This thesis examines the classroom discourse in primary school. Describing first, how primary school teachers and learners have co constructed the classroom talk. It then considers lesson description by exploring teachers’ knowledge, understanding of, and attitudes towards, languages and diglossia. The study scrutinizes primary teachers’ attitudes visà-vis the introduction of dual variety education in Algerian classroom. The data are discussed in terms of education and second language acquisition theory and Algerian education and language policies. The results indicate that the teachers lack awareness about this linguistic issue which overwhelm the Algerian classroom. They all recognize that a lack of exposure to MSA is the primary cause of language problems for learners and that AA, the mother tongue is a downgraded variety and does not need to be maintained or promoted in the school. However, they do accept the introduction of dual language education as strategy to help learners learning MSA in an early age. The thesis concludes that shortcomings in training and information encourage these two assumptions to take root and that the implementation of three-year kindergarten institution in which the instruction will be in both AA and MSA is necessary.
Lifelines: Marian Engel's Writings

Lines of enquiry - "The tattooed woman" between the lines - Marian Engel's notebooks scratching around - early writings and unpublished work the texture of women - "Sarah Bastard's notebook" and "The honeymoon festival" instincts and lessons - "Monodromus" transformations - "Bear" translated without transubstantiation - "The glassy sea" ambivalence towards completion - "Lunatic villas" in the Golden City - conclusion.
Energy embodiment in Brazilian agriculture: an overview of 23 crops

The amount of energy required to produce a commodity or to supply a service varies from one production system to another and consequently giving rise to differing levels of environmental efficiency. Moreover, since energy prices have been continuously increasing over time, this energy amount may be a factor that has economic worth. Biomass production has a variety of end-products such as food, energy, and fiber; thus, taking into account the similarity in end-product of different crops (e.g.: sunflower, peanuts, or soybean for oil) it is possible to evaluate which crops require less energy per functional unit, such as starch, oil, and protein. This information can be used in decision-making about policies for food safety or bioenergy. In this study, 23 crops were evaluated allowing for a comparison in terms of energy embodied per functional unit. Crops were grouped as follows: starch, oil, horticultural, perennial and fiber, to provide for a deeper analysis of alternatives for the groups, and subsidize further studies comparing conventional and alternative production systems such as organic or genetically modified organisms, in terms of energy. The best energy balance observed was whole sugarcane (juice, bagasse and straw) with a surplus of 268 GJ ha−1 yr−1; palm shows the highest energy return on investment with a ratio of approximately 30:1. For carbohydrates and protein production, cassava and soybean, respectively, emerged as the crops offering the greatest energy savings in the production of these functional foods.