Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of mutations in BMP15 and GDF9 genes associated with prolificacy of Markhoz goats

Abstract The Markhoz is a local goat breed in the Kurdistan region of Iran. The mohair obtained from these animals plays an important cultural role and is used for making local clothes in the Kurdistan region. This breed is a low-fecundity local goat, and searching for genes associated with fertility of these goats is important for their breeding. Moreover, this research is complementary to prior studies of candidate genes associated with fertility. The growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are attractive candidates expressed by the oocyte and are associated with increased ovulation rate in sheep. However, there are no reports on single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with fertility of Markhoz goats. Hence, we studied these candidate genes and found two novel mutations (g.233C>A and g.755T>G) in GDF9 exon I and in BMP15 exon II, respectively. Furthermore, we investigated their association with prolificacy. These nucleotide changes are detectable with the PCR-RFLP method and can be used in the screening for highly fecund goats. Both of the mutations significantly increased litter size in heterozygote form for BMP15 and homozygote form for GDF9 in this goat breed. Homozygote females for the BMP15 mutation were not identified in the Markhoz breed, which is similar to the situation found in Belclare sheep, small-tailed Han sheep, and Jining Grey goats.
The relationship between corporate governance and voluntary disclosure on key financial performance indicators: An empirical analysis on Italian listed companies

The aim of the paper is to empirically analyse how different corporate governance mechanisms impact on the level of voluntary disclosure on key financial performance indicators (KFPIs) released by firms. We investigate ownership concentration, board independence, role duality, board meetings and board size, and we hypothesize a relation with voluntary disclosure on KFPIs for each variable analysed. Using an OLS regression model, our results show that there is both a negative relationship between ownership concentration and KFPIs disclosure, and a positive association between board independence and role duality and the level of voluntary financial disclosure
A comparison of drought information in early North American colonial documentary records and a high-resolution tree-ring-based reconstruction

Abstract. Historical documentary records contain valuable information on climate, weather, and their societal impacts during the pre-instrumental period, but it may be difficult to assess the objectivity and reliability of this information, particularly where the documentary record is incomplete or the reliability of the information it contains is uncertain. This article presents a comprehensive review of information relating to drought found in original written records concerning all early European expeditions (1510–1610 CE) into the present-day US and Canada, and compares this information with maps and time series of drought generated from the tree-ring-based North American Drought Atlas (NADA). The two sources mostly agree in the timing and location of droughts. This correspondence suggests that much of the information in these early colonial historical records is probably objective and reliable, and that tree-ring-based drought atlases can provide information relevant to local and regional human historical events, at least in locations where their reconstruction skill is particularly high. This review of drought information from written sources and tree-ring-based reconstructions also highlights the extraordinary challenges faced by early European explorers and colonists in North America due to climatic variability in an already unfamiliar and challenging environment.
Comparison of Rhodanese Activity and Distribution in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) Plant Parts and its Physicochemical Characterization

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) which belongs to the family Solanaceae is one of the most important vegetable grown and consumed worldwide. Rhodanese activity distribution in the stem, leaf, green unripe fruit, yellow ripening fruit, and red ripe fruit tomato plant parts of tomato plant were compared. The yellow ripening fruit had the highest activity followed by the leaf then the stem then green unripe fruit, while the least activity was shown by the red ripe fruit. The activity difference between the red ripe fruit and those of the stem, leaf and yellow ripening fruit was statistically significant. Also, the activity difference between yellow ripening fruit and red ripe fruit was statistically significant. The purified rhodanese from the almond nuts had a specific activity of 4.45 RU/mg with yield of 0.2%. A Km value of 46.34 mM with Vmax 2.10 RU/ml/min were obtained from KCN while a Km value of 26.34 mM with Vmax of 1.52 RU/ml/min was obtained from N
Menstrual Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Mice Model of Acute Liver Failure: Does Gender of Recipient Affect the Outcome?

Background: There exists a dramatic rise in liver failure and numerous patients undergo liver transplant for life-saving reasons annually. Introducing alternatives to allo-graft transplantation is necessary due to present limitations. Recently, a noninvasive stem cell population from Menstrual blood-derived Stem Cells (MenSCs) has been identified. There is an increasing interest in the application of MenSCs in tissue engineering; however, the fact that these gender-specific stem cells are safe for use in male sex is still not well defined. Methods: In this research, a model of acute liver failure was created in male and female immunocompetent Balb-C mice through intraperitoneal injection of Carbon tetrachlo-ride (CCl4 ) and MenSCs were transplanted intravenously 48 hrs after induction of liver injury to evaluate their therapeutic potential. All mice were sacrificed on days 1, 7, and 30 post-transplantation to examine biochemical and molecular markers and pathological appearances. Results: Results showed the liver engraftment of MenSCs by immunofluorescence staining using anti-human mitochondrial antibody in both male and female treated groups. The restoration of serum markers of liver injury, aspartate aminotransferase and ala-nine aminotransferase, as well as expression levels of liver-specific genes, tyrosine aminotransferase and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, were more significant in the female treated group compared with the male treated group on day 7 (p<0.05); however, after 30 days, there were no significant differences. Furthermore, hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining of liver sections demonstrated the considerable liver regeneration post cell therapy in both groups. Notably, data has shown that MenSCs could engraft into injured liver tissues and result in the same effect in the regeneration of liver function in both genders. Conclusion: Results of this study introduce MenSCs therapy as an attractive alternative approach for liver repairing and regeneration which has no gender constraints.
Pharmacist intervention in the management of Parkinson's disease: evaluating the pharmacist's intervention at a movement disorders outpatient clinic

Objectives To develop and implement a pharmacist intervention plan in the management of patients with Parkinson's disease in an outpatient setting. Methods Thirty-five patients (19 men, 16 women) with Parkinson's disease were recruited from the Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic at Zammit Clapp Hospital. An intervention plan was carried out during the first visit followed by evaluation during the second visit after 8 weeks. Intervention tools included a treatment medication chart, two patient leaflets and a pharmacist-run discussion with patients and their caregivers. Outcomes were measured using a Compliance Questionnaire, the PDQ-39 Quality of Life Questionnaire and an Intervention Evaluation Sheet. Data collected were entered into a spreadsheet for analysis of descriptive statistics and correlation studies. Results All participants were Maltese with a mean age of 74 years. During the second visit, a statistically significant improvement was seen in patients' compliance with treatment compared with the first visit (p=0.000). The average domain dimension scores of the PDQ-39 questionnaire showed an overall improvement in the patients' quality of life with Mobility (p=0.038), Activities of Daily Living (p=0.006) and Social Support (p=0.01) showing a statistically significant improvement following the pharmacist's intervention. Fifteen patients were in favour of always having a pharmacist intervening. Conclusions The inclusion of the hospital pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals significantly improves patient and caregiver well-being through better medication compliance and improved health status.
Applying participatory health research elements in rural end-of-life research: reflections on conducting in-depth Interviews with participants on sensitive topics

The "Living Loving Dying" research project aimed to improve end of life and bereavement care for people caring and dying in rural areas. The data were provided by people who had experienced caring for someone until his/her death, while living in an area of low population and geographical isolation. Undertaking data collection on such a sensitive topic, from people still vulnerable from the impacts of death and grief, requires the use of particularly sensitive research methods. It is also important that participants feel their voices are heard and that they are contributing to positive change for others. In view of this we positioned people to participate as community-partners and utilized a descriptive qualitative design with participatory elements in the data collection method of in-depth, semi structured interviewing. The non-hierarchical relationship between researchers and community-partners were key influences for using participatory elements in this research with a vulnerable population. In this article we reflect on the pragmatic and ethical considerations that the application of this method has for rural end-of-life research.
Growth literature and policies for the developing countries

This paper examines a recent view of Pritchett (2006) that there is a wide gap between growth literature and the policy needs of the developing countries. Growth literature has focussed on the long term growth outcomes but policy makers of the developing countries need rapid improvements in the growth rate in the short to medium terms. We take the view that this gap can be reduced if attention is given to the dynamic effects of policies. With data on Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand we argue that an extended version of the Solow (1956) model is well suited for this purpose. We found that the short to medium term growth effects of investment rate are much higher than its long run effects. Dynamic simulations for Singapore showed that these short run growth effects are significantly higher than the steady state growth rate for up to 10 years.
Injury incidence, characteristics and timing in amateur male rugby union: A prospective cohort study

Rugby union has a high incidence of match injuries. However, there is limited information regarding the incidence and characteristics of match injuries in male amateur players. In particular, there is a lack of information regarding injury rates per match quarter. Investigating this may inform injury prevention strategies. The aim is to determine whether the rate and characteristics of injury vary with match quarter in male amateur rugby union players, regardless of whether the injury resulted in time loss from play. This prospective cohort study recorded and examined the number and characteristics of injuries during match quarters across a season of amateur rugby union. Team match exposure was recorded. Injuries were recorded by a team physiotherapist consistent with Rugby Injury Consensus Group guidelines. Matches were divided into quarters for data analysis, and statistical significance was determined using Chi-square analysis. 127 players sustained 207 injuries across 18 games. The injury incidence was 164 injuries/1000 match hours. There was a significant (p < .001) difference in the number of injuries between match quarters, with the greatest number in the fourth, followed by the second, third, and first quarter. Forwards had a statistically significant higher rate of injury between quarters. Injury incidence in amateur rugby is higher than previously reported. Injury rates in amateur male rugby increase at the end of each match half, peaking in the fourth quarter. These findings contribute to the understanding of the aetiology of injury in amateur rugby union.
HMER_A_213397 109..129

Carlos G Moscoso 1 Clifford J Steer 1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 2Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA Abstract: Cirrhosis is characterized by extensive hepatic fibrosis, and it is the 14th leading cause of death worldwide. Numerous contributing conditions have been implicated in its development, including infectious etiologies, medication overdose or adverse effects, ingestible toxins, autoimmunity, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease and primary biliary cholangitis to list a few. It is associated with portal hypertension and its stigmata (varices, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, combined coagulopathy and thrombophilia), and it is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation has been the only curative modality to treat cirrhosis, and the scarcity of donors results in many people waiting years for a transplant. Identification of novel targets for pharmacologic therapy through elucidation of key mechanistic components to induce fibrosis reversal is the subject of intense research. Development of robust models of hepatic fibrosis to faithfully characterize the interplay between activated hepatic stellate cells (the principal fibrogenic contributor to fibrosis initiation and perpetuation), hepatocytes and extracellular matrix components has the potential to identify critical components and mechanisms that can be exploited for targeted treatment. In this review, we will highlight key cellular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of fibrosis from extracellular ligands, effectors and receptors, to nuclear receptors, epigenetic mechanisms, energy homeostasis and cytokines. Further, molecular pathways of hepatic stellate cell deactivation are discussed, including apoptosis, senescence and reversal or transdifferentiation to an inactivated state resembling quiescence. Lastly, clinical evidence of fibrosis reversal induced by biologics and small molecules is summarized, current compounds under clinical trials are described and efforts for treatment of hepatic fibrosis with mesenchymal stem cells are highlighted. An enhanced understanding of the rich tapestry of cellular processes identified in the initiation, perpetuation and resolution of hepatic fibrosis, driven principally through phenotypic switching of hepatic stellate cells, should lead to a breakthrough in potential therapeutic modalities.
Geothermal Exploration North of Mount St. Helens: Washington State Play-Fairway Project

Active seismicity within a broad zone in proximity to volcanism in the St. Helens Seismic Zone north of Washington State’s Mount Saint Helens provide key ingredients for hydrothermal circulation at depth. This seismicity extends well north of the volcanic edifice below where several faults and associated fractures in outcrop record repeated slip, dilation and alteration indicative of localized fluid flow. Candidate reservoir rocks include marine metasediments overlain by extrusive volcanics. This study characterizes the faults and fractures in the extrusives which are available in outcrop and sampled along well TGH17-24 and Plate Boundary Observatory strainmeter borehole, B201. Outcrop mapping and borehole image log analysis down to 250 m document abundant volcaniclastic deposits and basalt flows that are highly fractured, although intervening ash layers truncate the vertical extent of many of these structures. However, strike slip faults with well-developed gouge zones and adjacent localized high fracture density provide potential for vertically extensive fracture flow paths. Where these rocks are altered by intrusion, they develop high fracture density that can support heat transfer. Borehole image logs further record breakout that indicate the azimuth of SHmax in the shear zone is approximately 054/234°±23.6°, consistent with seismically active strike slip faults in the seismic zone, faults mapped in outcrop and evident in the borehole image logs, and with of plate convergence data. Temperature profiles in two wells indicate isothermal conditions at average groundwater temperatures, consistent with rapidly flowing water localized within fractures.
The Effect of Macro-level Factors on Premiums in Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions.

Extent literature has been developed describing how M&A premiums are influenced. Various factors have been identified to explain such premiums at the deal level, mostly from target and acquiring company characteristics. However, little research to date has incorporated multiple macroeconomic factors into a model in order to explain premiums. In limited research macroeconomic factors are considered when looking at flows of M&A across borders, to explain volumes. This research combines findings on the effect of macro-level factors on M&A volume, with earlier findings of deal level effects on premiums, to create a more complete model of what makes up acquisition premiums. This will help fill a gap in the literature regarding macro-level data and M&A premiums. A more practical aim is to improve efficiency for future cross-border M&A acquirers, targets and other parties involved in determining the price of such deals. The findings of this research show that inflation, along with investor protection and accounting standards influence M&A premiums. The conclusion is that not just acquirer and target company characteristics are influential in determining premiums, but also the characteristics of the country in which a target is located is of importance. Author: Bas Beekwilder Student ID: 3041344 Supervisor: prof. dr. S.M. Zeisberger Date of publication: 16/08/2017 Place of publication: Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Effect of Different Hormonal Treatments for Synchronizing Estrus on Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows

This research was designed to study the effectiveness of applying three Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI) protocols on reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian lactating dairy cows. A group of 173 cows received an injection of GnRH on day 44 postpartum (pp) and PGF2α 7 d later, and then assigned into three treatments: (1) CO-72 (n = 65), received GnRH injection and TAI on day 54 pp; (2) MOVS (n = 42), received GnRH injection at 56 h after PGF2α followed by TAI 16 h later; (3) OVS-CO (n = 66), received two GnRH injections on day 54 and 61 followed by PGF2α injection on day 68 before another GnRH injection with TAI on day 71 pp. Pregnancy rates to first AI for cows in both MOVS and OVS-CO treatments tended to be greater (P < 0.1) than those for cows in the CO-72 treatment while the overall pregnancy rates for cows in the MOVS treatment tended to be greater (P < 0.1) than those for cows in the other two treatments. Pregnancy losses for cows in the OVS-CO treatment were lower (P < 0.05) than those for cows in the CO-72 treatment. Number of services per conception for cows in the MOVS treatment were lower (P < 0.05) than those for cows in the CO-72 treatment. Cows calved through November, December had greater (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates to first AI, and lower (P < 0.05) number of services per conception than those cows calved through September and October. Cows in the CO-72 treatment had higher (P < 0.05) average daily milk yield during the first 5 months pp than for cows in both MOVS and OVS-CO treatments. In contrast, parity had no effect on any of reproductive performance measurements. In conclusion, cows in the MOVS treatment and those calved during November and December had better pregnancy rates than those cows in both CO-72 and OVS-CO treatments and those calved during September and October, respectively.
Characterizing The SINR in Poisson Network Using Factorial Moment

Usually, cellular networks are modeled by placing each tier (e.g macro, pico and relay nodes) deterministically on a grid. When calculating the metric performances such as coverage probability, these networks are idealized for not considering the interference. Overcoming such limitation by realistic models is much appreciated. This paper considered two- tier two-hop cellular network, each tier is consisting of two-hop relay transmission, relay nodes are relaying the message to the users that are in the cell edge. In addition, the locations of the relays, base stations (BSs), and users nodes are modeled as a point process on the plane to study the two hop downlink performance. Then, we obtain a tractable model for the k-coverage probability for the heterogeneous network consisting of the two-tier network. Stochastic geometry and point process theory have deployed to investigate the proposed two-hop scheme. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness and analytical tractability to study the heterogeneous performance.
DDDT_A_200679 1739..1749

Junling Li Wei Li Xiaojian Dai Dafang Zhong Yaping Ding Xiaoyan Chen 1College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China Background and objective: Paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension (nab-paclitaxel) showed many advantages in safety, effectiveness, and convenience. Different from conventional formulations, the bioequivalence evaluation of nab-paclitaxel formulations requires to determine the total amount of paclitaxel in plasma and the unbound paclitaxel to reflect their in vivo disposition. This study aimed to develop an analytical method to quantify the total and unbound paclitaxel in plasma and evaluate the bioequivalence of two formulations of nab-paclitaxel in patients with breast cancer. Materials and methods: An open-label, randomized, two-period crossover study was completed among 24 Chinese patients with breast cancer. The patients were randomized to receive either the test formulation on cycle 1 day 1 and after 21 days in cycle 2 day 1 by the reference formulation (Abraxane®), or vice versa. Rapid equilibrium dialysis was adopted to separate the unbound paclitaxel in human plasma. Total and unbound paclitaxel concentrations were measured by the validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods over the range of 5.00–15,000 and 0.200–200 ng/mL, respectively. The bioequivalence of the test formulation to the reference formulation was assessed using the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency guidelines. Results: All the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios fell within the predetermined acceptance range. The 90% CIs for the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from 0 h to 72 h (AUC0–t), AUC from time zero to infinity (AUC0–∞), and peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) for total paclitaxel were 92.03%–98.05%, 91.98%–99.37%, and 91.37%–99.36%, respectively. The 90% CIs of AUC0–t, AUC0–∞, and Cmax for unbound paclitaxel were 86.77%–97.88%, 86.81%–97.88%, and 87.70%–98.86%, respectively. Conclusion: Bioequivalence between the two nab-paclitaxel formulations was confirmed for total and unbound paclitaxel at the studied dose regimen.