Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subdivisions of the turtle Pseudemys scripta subpallium based on the expression of regulatory genes and neuronal markers

The patterns of distribution of a set of conserved brain developmental regulatory transcription factors and neuronal markers were analyzed in the subpallium of the juvenile turtle, Pseudemys scripta. Immunohistochemical techniques were used with a combination of primary antibodies for the identification of the main boundaries and subdivisions in the basal telencephalon. In the basal ganglia, the combinatorial expression on Pax6, Nkx2.1, and GABA was a powerful tool for the identification of the nucleus accumbens, the dorsal portion of the striatum, and the pallidal regions. It was also possible to suggest migratory streams of neurons from the pallidum into the striatal regions. On the basis of GABA, Pax6, Tbr1, tyrosine hydroxylase, Darpp32, and Nkx2.1 combinatorial expression patterns, the boundaries of the septal subdivisions and their embryological origin were assessed. In particular, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis was identified. Within the amygdaloid complex, the striatal central amygdala was characterized by Pax6 expression, whereas Orthopedia gene expression highlighted, at least, a subdivision of the medial amygdala. A newly identified preoptic commissural area and the boundaries of the preoptic area were assessed, mainly by the localization of Nkx2.1 expression. Finally, additional data were obtained by combining immunohistochemistry and tracing techniques on the interneuronal nature of the cholinerginergic, nitrergic, and Nkx2.1‐positive striatal cells. Taken together, all the results of the present study allowed recognizing main features in the organization of the subpallium in reptiles that, in most cases, are shared with other amniotes and amphibians. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4877–4902, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A family with hereditary thrombocythaemia and normal genes for thrombopoietin and c‐Mpl

Hereditary thrombocythaemia (HT) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder. Recent studies reported six different mutations, four within the thrombopoietin (TPO) gene and two within c‐Mpl (TPO receptor) gene in six unrelated families with HT. This study investigated the molecular basis of hereditary thrombocythaemia in an Israeli‐Jewish family. We screened the genes for TPO and c‐Mpl by amplification and sequencing of all the corresponding exons including exon/intron boundaries and promoters. In addition, plasma levels of TPO and erythropoietin (EPO) were measured. No abnormality in the TPO/c‐Mpl genes has been identified in affected HT family members. Plasma TPO and EPO levels were found to be normal/low or normal respectively in the individuals affected. In conclusion, lack of a molecular lesion within either TPO or cMpl genes indicate that HT may be caused by factors other than TPO‐cMpl axis in this family.
Phase-wise analysis of dynamic relationship among gold, crude oil, US dollar and stock market

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamic relationship among Gold, Crude oil, Indian Rupee-US Dollar and Stock market-Sensex (gold, oil, dollar and stock market (GODS)) in the pre-crisis, the crisis and the post-crisis periods in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach The authors use Johansen’s cointegration technique, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), Vector Auto Regression, VEC Granger Causality/Block Exogeneity Wald Test, and Granger Causality and Toda Yamamoto modified Granger causality to study long-run relationship and causality. Findings Johansen’s cointegration test results indicate that there is a long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables in the pre-crisis and the crisis periods but not in post-crisis period. VECM results report that none of four models of the variables show long-run causality in the pre-crisis period. During the crisis period, both crude oil and Sensex models show long-run causality. However, in some cases, results indicate short-run causality. The authors find one-way causality from USD and Sensex to crude oil, and from gold and Sensex to USD. Thus, the authors conclude that the relationship among GODS is dynamic across global financial crisis. Practical implications The research findings of this study are vital to the large group of stakeholders and participants of gold, crude oil, US dollar and stock market in emerging economies like India. The results are useful to importers, exporters, government, policy makers, corporate houses, retail investors, portfolio managers, commodity traders, treasury and fund managers, other commercial traders, etc. Originality/value This study is one of its kinds as it investigates the relationship among GODS in India in different sub-periods like before, during and after the global financial crisis of 2008. None of the studies compare phase-wise relationship among GODS in the Indian context. The study contributes to the economic theory and the body of knowledge. It highlights the need to revisit the economic theory to explain the interplay mechanism among GODS.
Natural Genetic Variation in Cuticular Hydrocarbon Expression in Male and Female Drosophila melanogaster

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) act as contact pheromones in Drosophila melanogaster and are an important component of several ecological traits. Segregating genetic variation in the expression of CHCs at the population level in D. melanogaster is likely to be important for mate choice and climatic adaptation; however, this variation has never been characterized. Using a panel of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a natural population, we found significant between-line variation for nearly all CHCs in both sexes. We identified 25 QTL in females and 15 QTL in males that pleiotropically influence CHC expression. There was no evidence of colocalization of QTL for homologous traits across the sexes, indicating that sexual dimorphism and low intersex genetic correlations between homologous CHCs are a consequence of largely independent genetic control. This is consistent with a pattern of divergent sexual and natural selection between the sexes.
Cytology applications of p63 and TTF‐1 immunostaining in differential diagnosis of lung cancers

The pathologic distinction of small cell from non‐small cell‐lung carcinoma is of considerable therapeutic significance. In particular, the ability to distinguish poorly differentiated non‐small‐cell lung cancer from small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is at times difficult based upon morphology alone; available immunohistochemical markers such as neuroendocrine markers are of limited utility. We have demonstrated the role of p63 and thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) in the differential diagnosis of poorly differentiated squamous‐cell carcinoma (PDSCC) versus SCLC, mostly in biopsy samples ( Wu et al., American Journal of Clinical Pathology 2003;119:696–702 ). Here, we examine further the utility of this panel in cytologic cell‐block samples of lung cancers including both primary and metastatic cancers of pulmonary origin, and cases of nonpulmonary cancers metastatic to lung in which differential diagnoses included a lung primary.
BREAST CANCER MANAGEMENT DELAY - TIME FOR IMPROVEMENT: A REFLECTION FROM THE EASTERN PROVINCE OF SAUDI ARABIA

Objective: Breast cancer is the commonest international malignancy among women. Its increased prevalence over recent years in our part of the world has prompted women to randomly seek medical advice. Many patients are delayed for weeks to months prior to receiving medical treatment. This review explores the causes of delay and proposes possible solutions. Materials and Methods: This review was undertaken at King Fahd Hospital of the University, a tertiary care center with the capacity of 420 beds. It accommodates a large number of referrals from the Eastern Province, other regions of the Kingdom, in addition to many walk-in patients. Most of the patients referred with breast cancer are directed to the breast clinic for treatment. There was random re-tracing of patients’ steps from the discovery of the suspicious breast mass to the delivery of care. Results: The total number of diagnosed breast cancer cases at this center between 1997-2007 was 303, with a total number of 975 registered visits. Random retracing of these patients’ records identified three points of delay: community related, primary heath care and tertiary care. It was found that the patients spent 6-15 weeks and around 32-38 hand offs before receiving the final care. Conclusion: This unnecessary delay creates anxiety and mistrust of the operating health system leading patients to seek alternative medicine or treatment abroad. A multidisciplinary one-stop breast oncology clinic may be the solution to the above problem. It may allow the fast tracking of breast cancer patients through a highly specialized and welltrained multidisciplinary team that offers the highest quality of care, thereby optimizing the chances of cure with the least delay and possible morbidity.
Stable or improved health status in the population 65 years and older in Stockholm, Sweden – an 8-year follow-up of self-reported health items

Background: Previous studies have reached different conclusions about whether health is improving in the ageing population. More studies with narrow age groups analyzed separately for men and women will contribute to the literature. Aim: To describe trends in self-reported indicators of health and health-related quality of life between 2002 and 2010, focusing on differences between gender and age groups. A population-based survey of individuals 65+ in the Stockholm County was used. Results: Prevalence of health problems increased with age both among men and women. Men generally reported having no health problems to a larger extent than women, but the proportions reporting severe problems were similar. The larger picture is one of stability in health-related quality of life, even if several items developed for the better, especially among women. While the proportions reporting no health/functional problems increased for many items, the proportions reporting severe problems remained unchanged among men and improved only for two items among women. Conclusions: Overall, improvements were seen in many of the health-related quality of life items as well as for self-rated health among women. The proportions reporting long-term illness or persistent health problems increased, but fewer seem to be limited in their daily activities by these problems. The stable proportions of poor self-rated health indicates that while health and functioning seem to be improving for the majority of the older population, some groups may be lagging behind. Future studies should pay attention to changes both in the upper and lower ends of the health spectrum.
PCR‐based ELISA technique for malaria diagnosis of specimens from Thailand

We performed a field evaluation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based enzyme‐linked immuno‐sorbent assays (ELISA) for the diagnosis of malaria. A commercially available PCR–ELISA microplate hybridization (MPH) assay was used. Blood specimens were collected from 300 volunteers seeking care at malaria clinics in Thailand. Examination of 200 high power fields by Giemsa‐stained thick and thin smear (GTTS) revealed 51 P. falciparum (Pf), 45 P. vivax (Pv), seven mixed Pf–Pv infections. These plus a random sample of 48 GTTS‐negative specimens were selected for this study. All 151 specimens were processed for parasite DNA extraction and assayed by PCR‐MPH. The target DNA sequence of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA) gene was amplified by PCR and hybridized with species‐specific probes for Pf, Pv, P. malariae (Pm) and P. ovale (Po) immobilized in the wells of the microtiter plate and detected by colorimetric assay. Colour development was assessed at an optical density (OD) of 405 nm. An absorbance reading of ≥ 0.1 was used as a positive cut‐off. In comparison with GTTS results, PCR‐MPH sensitivity was 91.4% (53/58, 95% CI 84.2–98.6) for Pf, 94.2% (49/52, 87.9–100) for Pv and specificity was 95.8% (46/48, 95% CI 90.2–100). There was statistically significant positive correlation between parasite densities ≤ 7000/μl blood and absorbance reading, suggestive of PCR‐MPH being semiquantitative. PCR‐MPH also detected additional Pf and Pv cases as well as Pm and Po.
Fate of the Adult Revision Spinal Deformity Patient: A Single Institution Experience

Study Design. Retrospective case series. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the revision rates for all revision spinal deformity (SD) surgical procedures performed at a single center and to investigate the changes in measures of HRQL in these patients. Summary of Background Data. Reported revision rates for primary adult spinal fusion surgical procedures have been in the range of 9% to 45%, but to our knowledge, the revision rate after revision SD surgery has not been reported. The reported improvements in health-related quality of life measures after revision SD surgery have also been quite modest. Methods. Four hundred fifty-five consecutive adult revision SD surgical procedures (1995–2008) were identified and the records were reviewed to determine the reason for and timing to any additional operation(s). Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Outcome scores were recorded at the first visit and at planned follow-up visits. Results. Ninety-four of 455 patients underwent further surgical procedures for a revision rate of 21%. Two-year follow-up was available for 74 (78%) of these patients (mean follow-up, 6.0 yr; range, 2.4–12.6; sex: F = 61, M = 13; mean age, 53 yr; range, 21–78). The most common causes of revision surgery were pseudarthrosis (N = 23, 31%), implant prominence/pain (N = 15, 20%), adjacent segment disease (N = 14, 19%), and infection (N = 10, 14%). Twenty-five (27%) patients underwent more than one revision procedure. SRS outcome scores were available for 50 (68%) patients, at an average follow-up of 4.9 years (range, 2–11.4). The mean improvements in the SRS outcome measures were as follows: pain, 0.74 (P < 0.001); self-image, 0.8 (P < 0.001); function, 0.5 (P < 0.001); satisfaction, 1.2 (P < 0.001); and mental health, 0.3 (P = 0.012). Conclusion. The rate of revision after revision SD surgery was 21%, most commonly due to pseudarthrosis, adjacent segment disease, infection, and implant prominence/pain. However, significant improvements in SRS outcome scores were still observed in those patients requiring additional revision procedures. Level of Evidence: 4
Economic Evaluation of the National Immunization Program of Rotavirus Vaccination for Children in Korea

The authors assessed the cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination to develop an evidence-based national immunization program in Korea. A Markov model was constructed to compare the costs and clinical outcomes of vaccination versus no vaccination. The birth cohort of 493189 infants in 2007 was followed until the age of 5 years. Korea-specific data for epidemiological characteristics and economic burden of rotavirus diarrhea were used for the modeled estimation. Efficacy of RotaTeq® was based on a recent clinical trial. Rotavirus vaccination would prevent 181238 symptomatic cases (reduction rate = 63.2%) over 5 years after birth. From the societal perspective, at a vaccination cost of 100000 Korean won (KW; 1 US$ ≈ 1200 KW) per dose, universal vaccination would cost 375 620 KW per case averted. The breakeven price of vaccine was 56061 KW. Rotavirus vaccination would reduce the burden of the disease substantially and be a cost-effective strategy to prevent rotavirus diarrhea in Korea.
Transmission channels matter: Identifying spillovers from FDI

ABSTRACT The empirical literature on the spillovers of foreign direct investment (FDI) has so far not analysed the well-established theoretical transmission channels through which FDI impacts on domestic firms. This paper shows how channels of transmission matter for productivity spillovers from FDI by providing more fuller and nuanced picture of the effects. We analyse a panel of eight sub-Saharan Africa countries spanning the period 2006–2014 and demonstrate the empirical relevance of distinguishing three channels – demonstration, labour mobility, and competition. We provide measures of these effects and also show that the size, significance, and sign of spillover effects depend on the local absorptive capacity, technology levels, geographical proximity, and foreign ownership structure. Overall, results suggest that demonstration spillovers are large and economically significant, whereas the patterns of labour mobility and competition spillovers are not stable across the various specifications and measures. Finally, the analysis involves several measures of further investigations and robustness checks. Results are robust to the construction of spillover and outcome variables, the introduction of additional explanatory variables and an alternative estimation method.
The Laminin-Induced Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm Is Mediated by Src Kinases and the Proteasome1

The aim of this work was to determine whether laminin (Ln), an extracellular matrix protein, induces the intracellular events that may be involved in producing the acrosome reaction in human sperm. To this end, we evaluated the effect of Ln on tyrosine phosphorylation, intracellular calcium concentration, proteasome activity, and phosphorylation in human sperm. Aliquots of highly motile sperm selected with a Percoll gradient, were incubated with different concentrations of Ln (0–20 μg/ml) for different periods (0–18 h). The percentage of viable acrosome-reacted sperm was evaluated using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Pisum sativum agglutinin and Hoechst 33258 DNA dye. Tyrosine phosphorylation was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome was evaluated with a fluorogenic peptide, and intracellular calcium concentration was measured with fura-2. The results indicate that Ln stimulated the acrosome reaction of human sperm in a dose-dependent manner. This increase was drastically inhibited in the presence of herbimycin A, SU6656, and epoxomicin. In addition, Ln increased proteasome activity and phosphorylation; both events were inhibited by herbimycin A and SU6656. Finally, Ln induced an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, which was inhibited by SU6656 and epoxomicin. These results suggest that Ln is able to induce the acrosome reaction. This effect may be mediated by Src kinase and the proteasome, with the consequent induction of a calcium influx.
Age-related differences in outcomes following childhood brain insults: An introduction and overview

Despite considerable sparing of function following some forms of early brain disease, neural plasticity is far from complete. Many children with early brain insults, including those who sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI), are susceptible to both immediate and long-term neurobehavioral impairments. To introduce this symposium, the present article reviews existing research on the effects of 3 age-related factors on outcomes: age at injury, time since injury, and age at testing. Research findings support the hypothesis that development is more adversely affected the younger the child at the time of brain insult. Although we know less about how outcomes are related to the other developmental factors, there is little evidence that sequelae resolve with age. Potential brain mechanisms responsible for age-related differences are explored and methodological problems are considered. Emphasis is placed on the importance of prospective designs, measurement of developmental change, comprehensive assessments of outcome, and evaluation of factors contributing to variability in outcomes, such as premorbid status, type of brain injury, and environmental influences. Papers in this series demonstrate the utility of these methods and shed new light on developmental processes associated with childhood brain insults. (JINS, 1997, 3, 555–567.)
Trimethylation of Histone H3 Lysine 4 by Set1 in the Lytic Infection of Human Herpes Simplex Virus 1

ABSTRACT Human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a double-stranded DNA virus that causes facial, ocular, and encephalitic disease in humans. Previous work showed that the genome of HSV-1 is associated with acetylated and methylated histones during lytic infection. However, the physiological role of histone modifications in lytic infection of HSV-1 is unclear. We examined the role of protein methylation in lytic infection of HSV-1 using a protein methylation inhibitor, 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine (MTA). We found that MTA strongly reduces the transcription and replication of HSV-1. Moreover, MTA treatment decreases the level of trimethylation of lysine 4 in histone H3 (H3K4me3) on the HSV-1 genome. These results suggest that protein methylation, and in particular, histone methylation, is involved in the lytic infection of HSV-1. To delineate the underlying mechanism, we investigated the role of two H3K4 methyltransferases, Set1 and Set7/9, in the lytic infection of HSV-1. Using small interference RNA, we found that the reduction of Set1, but not Set7/9, reduces the transcription and replication of HSV-1 and specifically decreases H3K4me3 on the virus genome. These results indicate that H3K4me3 mediated by Set1 is required for optimal gene expression and replication of HSV-1 during lytic infection and suggest that this pathway could be a potential point of pharmacological intervention during HSV-1 infection.
The origin of volatiles in the Earth's mantle

The Earth's deep interior contains significant reservoirs of volatiles such as H, C, and N. Due to the incompatible nature of these volatile species, it has been difficult to reconcile their storage in the residual mantle immediately following crystallization of the terrestrial magma ocean (MO). As the magma ocean freezes, it is commonly assumed that very small amounts of melt are retained in the residual mantle, limiting the trapped volatile concentration in the primordial mantle. In this article, we show that inefficient melt drainage out of the freezing front can retain large amounts of volatiles hosted in the trapped melt in the residual mantle while creating a thick early atmosphere. Using a two‐phase flow model, we demonstrate that compaction within the moving freezing front is inefficient over time scales characteristic of magma ocean solidification. We employ a scaling relation between the trapped melt fraction, the rate of compaction, and the rate of freezing in our magma ocean evolution model. For cosmochemically plausible fractions of volatiles delivered during the later stages of accretion, our calculations suggest that up to 77% of total H2O and 12% of CO2 could have been trapped in the mantle during magma ocean crystallization. The assumption of a constant trapped melt fraction underestimates the mass of volatiles in the residual mantle by more than an order of magnitude.
Independent Cellular Processes for Hippocampal Memory Consolidation and Reconsolidation

The idea that new memories undergo a time-dependent consolidation process after acquisition has received considerable experimental support. More controversial has been the demonstration that established memories, once recalled, become labile and sensitive to disruption, requiring “reconsolidation” to become permanent. By infusing antisense oligodeoxynucleotides into the hippocampus of rats, we show that consolidation and reconsolidation are doubly dissociable component processes of memory. Consolidation involves brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) but not the transcription factor Zif268, whereas reconsolidation recruits Zif268 but not BDNF. These findings confirm a requirement for BDNF specifically in memory consolidation and also resolve the role of Zif268 in brain plasticity, learning, and memory.