Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A microarray system for Y chromosomal and mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphism analysis in chimpanzee populations

Chimpanzee populations are diminishing as a consequence of human activities, and as a result this species is now endangered. In the context of conservation programmes, genetic data can add vital information, for instance on the genetic diversity and structure of threatened populations. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are biallelic markers that are widely used in human molecular studies and can be implemented in efficient microarray systems. This technology offers the potential of robust, multiplexed SNP genotyping at low reagent cost in other organisms than humans, but it is not commonly used yet in wild population studies. Here, we describe the characterization of new SNPs in Y‐chromosomal intronic regions in chimpanzees and also identify SNPs from mitochondrial genes, with the aim of developing a microarray system that permits the simultaneous study of both paternal and maternal lineages. Our system consists of 42 SNPs for the Y chromosome and 45 SNPs for the mitochondrial genome. We demonstrate the applicability of this microarray in a captive population where genotypes accurately reflected its large pedigree. Two wild‐living populations were also analysed and the results show that the microarray will be a useful tool alongside microsatellite markers, since it supplies complementary information about population structure and ecology. SNP genotyping using microarray technology, therefore, is a promising approach and may become an essential tool in conservation genetics to help in the management and study of captive and wild‐living populations. Moreover, microarrays that combine SNPs from different genomic regions could replace microsatellite typing in the future.
Localized Mechanical Compression as a Technique for the Modification of Biological Tissue Optical Properties

Tissue optical clearing aims to increase the penetration depth of near-collimated light in biological tissue to enhance optical diagnostic, therapeutic, and cosmetic procedures. Previous studies have shown the effects of chemical optical clearing on tissue optical properties. Drawbacks associated with chemical clearing include the introduction of potentially toxic exogenous chemicals into the tissue, poor site targeting, as well as slow transport of the chemicals through tissue. Thus, alternative clearing methods have been investigated. Mechanical compression is one such alternative tissue optical clearing technique. The mechanisms of action of mechanical compression may be similar to those of chemical clearing, though they have yet to be investigated systematically. This research describes the design and execution of a number of procedures useful for the quantification of the tissue optical clearing effects of localized mechanical compression. The first experimental chapter presents the effects of compression on image resolution and contrast of a target imaged through ex vivo biological tissue. It was found that mechanical optical clearing allowed recovery of smaller targets at higher contrast sensitivity when compared to chemical clearing. Also, thickness-independent tissue clearing effects were observed. In the second experimental chapter, dynamic changes in tissue optical properties, namely scattering and absorption coefficients (μs’ and μa, respectively) were monitored during a controlled compression protocol using different indentation geometries. A reduction in μs’ and μa was evident for all indentation geometries, with greater changes occurring with smaller surface area. Results indicate that localized mechanical compression may be harnessed as a minimallyinvasive tissue optical clearing technique.
Flavocoxid (Limbrel ) manages osteoarthritis through modification of multiple inflammatory pathways: a review

Limbrel (flavocoxid) is marketed as an FDA-regulated medical food for the clinical dietary management of osteoarthritis (OA) to be used under physician supervision. Flavocoxid is composed of a >90% mixture of baicalin and catechin and represents a non-targeted antiinflammatory which works differently than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that bind to and only inhibit the cyclooxygenase moieties of COX-1 and COX-2. Flavocoxid binds to and weakly modulates the peroxidase activity of the COX enzymes permitting low level expression of prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (TxA2). In addition, flavocoxid weakly inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) as well as increases IBα and prevents nuclear factor kappa B (NFB) activation/induction of inflammatory genes such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), IL-6, COX-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and 5-LOX. In clinical studies, flavocoxid shows equivalent efficacy to naproxen with statistically fewer renal (edema) and upper gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, does not affect platelet function and bleeding times, does not change international normalized ratio (INR) in warfarinized patients, is well-tolerated in patients with previous NSAID-induced GI side effects, and decreases or eliminates the use of gastroprotective medications in patients who previously required them to tolerate NSAIDs. With its broad, non-targeted and multiple weak activities which result in fewer side effects compared to NSAIDs, flavocoxid represents a different way managing OA by working on the underlying and multiple causes of cartilage degradation as well as joint inflammation.
Ten-million-year history of a thrust sheet

The final, deformed state of a fold-and-thrust belt may be reached by an infinite number of kinematic paths. Two end-member kinematic paths are due to continuous or discontinuous rates of deformation. We have used a new magnetostratigraphic section from the Spanish Pyrenees to calibrate the emplacement history, over ≈10 m.y. , of a major thrust sheet (the Sierras Marginales thrust sheet) and the deformation of both its hanging wall and footwall. Six time windows from before 36.5 Ma until after 24.7 Ma were recognized on the basis of structural and stratigraphic relationships between syntectonic strata and major structures. Footwall deformation of the Sierras Marginales thrust sheet occurred continuously on a detachment within the foreland-basin sequence (4.5 km net shortening; shortening rates steadily increased from 0.14 to 1.5 mm/yr with time). Although the detachments at the base of the foreland and the detachment at the base of the Sierras Marginales thrust sheet were active coevally, the rate of displacement on the Sierras Marginales detachment decayed with time and shows considerable variability. Emplacement of the thrust sheet may be divided into three distinct periods: a rapid 13.8 km translation from 37.0 to 36.5 Ma (27.6 mm/yr), a gradual climb of the toe of the thrust sheet up a 4.3-km-long ramp across the foreland-basin succession from 36.5 to 32.0 Ma (0.95 mm/yr), and a final 8.9 km translation from 32.0 to 29.5 Ma (3.56 mm/yr). Internal deformation of the thrust sheet occurred only after it reached its present position at some time before 29.5 Ma. Shortening rates steadily decreased from 0.6 mm/yr between 29.5 and 27.8 Ma to 0.26 mm/yr from 27.8 until after 24.7 Ma. Only ≈1 km of shortening accumulated during each of the two periods; the last shortening localized on the most northerly thrust in the study area. Folding and subsequent faulting above the detachment beneath the foreland suggest that slip was transmitted to its tip point continuously throughout the deformation. In contrast, translation followed by internal deformation on the hinterland side of the toe of the Sierras Marginales thrust sheet indicates a successive deactivation of the southern parts of the detachment with time. Rate of deformation on both detachments was discontinuous and shows substantial variability about the mean. In general, the spatial and temporal pattern of deformation was distributed and continuous. In detail, however, shortening was spatially and temporally discontinuous above each detachment, and structures related to each one display distinctly different deformational patterns, rates, and styles.
Comparison between the dynamic and initial creep response of porcine and human lumbar intervertebral discs

The study of mechanical properties of intervertebral disc (IVD) is important for the evaluation of disc implants. To determine these properties, several animal spine models were used. The goal of this work is to determine and compare the dynamic stiffness coefficient (Kd) and initial creep behavior of porcine intervertebral disc with the human ones. Porcine lumbar “motion segments” were subjected to 1200 cycles of axial compressive loading at 1 Hz, and a mean load of 500 N. The results were fitted with a mathematical model. The Kd values are in same magnitude as the previously reported for human. The model showed a good adjust to the initial creep behavior and the obtained parameters present the same magnitude as the human discs, with exception of time constant. This work revealed that porcine MS is an interesting model to study both the dynamic behavior and initial creep response of human disc.
The effects of egg white powder addition with tapioca and sago flours on physicochemical and sensory properties of duck sausage.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of using tapioca and sago flours with or without egg white powder (EWP) on the physicochemical and sensory properties of duck sausages. There was significant increase (P<0.05) in protein content, folding test, cooking yield, water holding capacity (WHC), lightness, moisture retention and fat retention in duck sausages prepared using flours combined with EWP. However, the ash and carbohydrate contents of duck sausages prepared using flours and EWP decrease significantly compared to their counterparts without EWP. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in hardness and cohesiveness attributes among all the samples examined but significant differences (P<0.05) occurred in springiness, chewiness and gumminess attributes. Overall acceptability was higher for duck sausages prepared using sago flour and EWP compared to duck sausages prepared with tapioca flour and EWP.
An advanced design of pattern reconfigurable antenna for Wi-Fi and WiMAX base station

In this article, a design of pattern reconfigurable patch antenna and its simulation using CST-MW simulator is presented. The designed patch antenna has four waveguide ports which are the active elements of this antenna. This reconfigurable antenna not only can reconfigure the radiation pattern but also the frequency can be reconfigured. The two ports from the four are used for Wi-Fi application and the other two are used for WiMAX. Both the Wi-Fi and WiMAX systems can be useful for single channel base station on the basis of bandwidth. The proposed design has the advantage that it is a directive antenna and can cover the whole 360 degrees with the two ports of each system and it's small VSWR and compactness make this antenna more effective for Wi-Fi and WiMAX systems. This antenna has offered to use both Wi-Fi and WiMAX systems at a same time.
The development and testing of a nursing model of morbidity in patients with cancer.

Although oncology nurses are concerned about patient morbidity associated with cancer and its treatment, a comprehensive morbidity model from the perspective of nursing has yet to be developed. The purpose of this study was to begin to develop a morbidity model relevant to patients with cancer receiving treatment in the ambulatory care setting. The model was empirically tested with a sample of 100 patients with cancer beginning chemotherapy. Three domains emerged from the model: physiologic/pathophysiologic, functional, and psychological. Indices of morbidity within each domain were tested to establish beginning reliability and validity of the model. The results that were obtained indicate significant correlations among many of the indices within each domain (e.g., performance status, mood disturbance, patients' ratings of their current health); other indices did not contribute significantly to the model (e.g., type of cancer, history of recurrent disease, and patients' assessments of their health prior to developing cancer). Although further testing and refinement of the model is indicated, these preliminary findings reflect the model's potential for significant clinical relevance. By using this model, nurses could more readily profile patients at risk for increased morbidity and target their interventions accordingly.
The DNA content and nuclear size in normal, dysplastic and carcinomatous laryngeal epithelium. A spectrophotometric study.

The aim of the present study was to obtain a more objective evaluation of nuclear hyperchromasia and polymorphism in laryngeal epithelium. The method is based on a photometric assay of nuclear size and DNA content in Feulgen stained slides. The DNA content of hyperchromatic nuclei should exceed the mean for nuclei of normal epithelium by more than twice the standard deviation. In comparison with lymphocytes (2N) the DNA content in hyperchromatic nuclei corresponds to 3.3 N. The mean DNA contents of normal, dysplastic and carcinomatous laryngeal nuclei were 69, 71 and 118 A.U. The mean nuclear area for normal, dysplastic and carcinomatous epithelial cells were 48, 41 and 73 micrometer2. The higher the degree of atypia displayed by the cells the greater was the variability of the DNA content and the nuclear size. The investigation shows that the method may provide a more objective basis for evaluating hyperchromasia and polymorphism.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in European children: the IDEFICS study

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in European children, and to evaluate the relationship between media availability in personal space and physical activity in relation to total screen time. Design Data from the baseline IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of dietary- and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants) cross-sectional survey. Information on hours of television/digital video disk/video viewing and computer/games-console use (weekday and weekend days), media device availability in personal space, sports club membership, hours of active organized play and commuting (to and from school) were assessed via a self-reported parental questionnaire. Total screen time was defined as the sum of daily media use and subsequently dichotomized into meeting or not meeting the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Setting Eight survey centres (Italy, Estonia, Cyprus, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Hungary and Spain). Subjects Children (n 15 330; 51 % males) aged 2–10 years. Results Percentage of children engaged in total screen time for >2 h/d was higher on weekend days (52 % v. 20 % on weekdays) and in the older group (71 % in males; 57 % in females), varying by country. Children with a television set in their bedroom were more likely not to meet the screen time recommendations (OR = 1·54; 95 % CI 1·60, 1·74). Conclusions Approximately a third of the children failed to meet current screen time recommendations. Availability of a television set in personal space increased the risk of excess total screen time. This information could be used to identify potential targets for public health promotion actions of young population groups.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Effects of Giving Testimony and Learning Yogic Breathing Techniques on Battered Women's Feelings of Depression

Researchers have shown that mood and sense of control over one's life are significantly affected by testimony and other forms of disclosure and that learning to control breathing has positive effects on mood and anxiety. This preliminary experiment tests whether African American and European American abused women who give testimony about their experiences of intimate partner violence and learn how to use yogic breathing techniques have reduced feelings of depression. Results indicate that learning yogic breathing techniques alone and combined with giving testimony significantly reduces feelings of depression. Recasting women as authorities on domestic violence and teaching them how to calm their minds by focusing on yogic breathing may be simple and effective ways to help women take control over their bodies and lives.
A Self-Directed in Learning among Undergraduate Nursing Students’ in School of Nursing and Midwifery, TUMS, Tehran, Iran

Back ground: Teaching-learning contributes to the development of professional values, attitudes and behavior through a partnership of accountability between teacher and learner. Objective: To determine self-directed in learning among undergraduate nursing students’ in School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Method: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from Jan, 2013 up to March, 2014 at school of nursing and midwifery of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. A total of 232 undergraduate nursing students’ were involved in the study. Data was collected from selected students through an anonymous self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two sections including (a) demographic profile and (b) Fisher’s Self-Directed in Learning Readiness questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out by using the latest version of the statistical software package SPSS (Version-21). Descriptive and analytical statistical test were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 232 participated in study of determination of self-directed in learning among undergraduate nursing students’ in School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. One hundred forty-three participants were female (61.6%), and 89(38.4%) of participants were male. The majority (60.8%) of participants were in the age group of 20 -25 years. The majority (90.52%) of subjects self-directed in learning readiness were in the level of Self-Control (Score >150). The mean score of self-management, desired for learning, Self-control and the overall SDLR were similar in a student’s (31.84± 6.174; 31.83 ±6.177). Conclusion: Not all students are self-directed, and this study suggests that mature students are more self-directed than that entering nurse education direct from high school.
The effects of carotid artery compression in man with special reference to changes in vascular resistance in the limbs

Though a fall in blood pressure at the carotid sinus causes an increase in heart rate and arterial pressure, the contribution of peripheral resistance and cardiac output to the arterial pressure changes is still a matter of controversy (Kenny, Neil & Schweitzer, 1951; Aviado & Schmidt, 1955; Brind, Bianchine & Levy, 1956). In this paper evidence is presented that there is no increase in resistance to blood flow in the limbs during the pressor response when the common carotid arteries in man are compressed.
Cytokines Associated with Amyloid Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Stimulate Human Glial and Neuronal Cell Cultures to Secrete Early Complement Proteins, But Not C1-Inhibitor

Complement activation products C1q, C4c/d, and C3c/d in amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease probably result from direct binding and activation of C1 by amyloid beta peptides. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization studies have shown that several complement factors are produced in the brain parenchyma. In the present study, cytokines that can be detected in amyloid plaques (i.e., interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha) were found to differentially stimulate the expression of C1 subcomponents, C1-Inhibitor (C1-Inh), C4, and C3, by astrocyte and microglial cell cultures derived from postmortem adult, human brain specimens and by neuroblastoma cell lines in culture. C1r and C1s were secreted at low levels by astrocytes and neuroblastoma cell lines. Exposure of cells to IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and to a far lesser extent IL-6, markedly upregulated C1r, C1s, and C3 production. C4 synthesis increased in response to interferon (IFN)-gamma and IL-6, whereas that of C1-Inh could be stimulated only by IFN-gamma. Thus, C1-Inh production is refractory to stimulation by plaque-associated cytokines, whereas these cytokines do stimulate C1r, C1s, and also C4 and C3 secretion by astrocytes and neuronal cells in culture. In contrast to the amyloid plaque associated cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha, and TNF-alpha, the amyloid peptide A beta 1-42 itself did not stimulate C1r and C1s synthesis by astrocytes, microglial cells, or neuroblastoma cell lines. Microglial cells were the only cell type that constitutively expressed C1q. The ability of C1q to reassociate with newly formed C1r and C1s upon activation of C1 and subsequent inactivation by C1-Inh, may enable ongoing complement activation at sites of amyloid deposition, especially when C1-Inh is consumed and not replaced.
Language learning in a wiki: Student contributions in a web based learning environment

Emerging social writing platforms offer possibilities for language learners to collaborate around joint assignments. One such environment is the wiki, generally hosting two prominent modes of usage, web pages and discussion forums. This study investigates software engineering students’ use of a wiki as an integrated tool within the frames of a language course. The purpose of the case study was to investigate the student interaction in a student driven design setting and what the implications are for language learning in such an environment. The findings show that the two modes of interaction host primarily three types of activity, contributing and writing together, evaluating and peer reviewing, and arguing and discussing. These three activities convey different ways of collaborating and sharing text online. Once a group had chosen a mode for their collaboration, they tend to stay with it throughout their work.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism in TP53 may be a genetic risk factor for Iranian patients with idiopathic male infertility

Male infertility is a heterogeneous disorder that contributes to the impairment of spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to assess whether tumour suppressor p53 gene (Tp53) polymorphism is associated with idiopathic male infertility in the Iranian population. The prevalence of G→C substitution at codon 72 in exon 4 was determined in 110 idiopathic infertile azoo‐/oligospermic patients and 180 fertile healthy control men. PCR‐restriction fragment polymorphism analysis was employed to determine the genotypes. PCR amplicons were subjected to restriction digestion with Bstu1 and separated by gel electrophoresis. The Arg/Arg genotype was found more frequently among men with idiopathic infertility (32.7%) than among controls (17.7%). No significant difference was observed between Pro/Pro genotype and Arg/Arg + Arg/Pro genotypes among men with idiopathic infertility and controls (P = 0.11; OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.36–1.10). In contrast, a significant difference was observed in the comparison of the Arg/Arg genotype and Arg/Pro + Pro/Pro genotypes among patients and controls (P = 0.004; OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.29–3.90). Allele frequency evaluation suggested a significantly higher incidence of the Arg allele among infertile men compared with controls (56% versus 44%; OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.92–2.80). In conclusion, arginine allele appears to be at greater risk of developing idiopathic infertility in Iranian men.