Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variability in hematology of white-spotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) in different living environments.

Elasmobranch hematology continues to reveal new peculiarities within this specialized field. This report compares total hematologic values from the same white-spotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) housed in different environments. We compared the hemograms one year apart, using a standardized Natt-Herrick's technique. The total white blood cell (WBC) counts of the sharks were statistically different between the two time points (initial median total WBC count = 18,920 leukocytes/μl, SD = 8,108; 1 year later total WBC count = 1,815 leukocytes/μl, SD = 1,309). The packed cell volumes were additionally found to be statistically different (19%, SD = 2.9 vs. 22%, SD = 2.0). Analysis revealed the only differences between the time points were the temperature and stocking densities at which these sharks were housed. This report emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of the husbandry of an elasmobranch prior to interpretation of a hemogram and suggests that reference intervals should be created for each environment.
Reticular nucleus-specific changes in α3 subunit protein at GABA synapses in genetically epilepsy-prone rats

Differential composition of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunits underlies the variability of fast inhibitory synaptic transmission; alteration of specific GABAAR subunits in localized brain regions may contribute to abnormal brain states such as absence epilepsy. We combined immunocytochemistry and high-resolution ImmunoGold electron microscopy to study cellular and subcellular localization of GABAAR α1, α3, and β2/β3 subunits in ventral posterior nucleus (VP) and reticular nucleus (RTN) of control rats and WAG/Rij rats, a genetic model of absence epilepsy. In control rats, α1 subunits were prominent at inhibitory synapses in VP and much less prominent in RTN; in contrast, the α3 subunit was highly evident at inhibitory synapses in RTN. β2/β3 subunits were evenly distributed at inhibitory synapses in both VP and RTN. ImmunoGold particles representing all subunits were concentrated at postsynaptic densities with no extrasynaptic localization. Calculated mean number of particles for α1 subunit per postsynaptic density in nonepileptic VP was 6.1 ± 3.7, for α3 subunit in RTN it was 6.6 ± 3.4, and for β2/β3 subunits in VP and RTN the mean numbers were 3.7 ± 1.3 and 3.5 ± 1.2, respectively. In WAG/Rij rats, there was a specific loss of α3 subunit immunoreactivity at inhibitory synapses in RTN, without reduction in α3 subunit mRNA or significant change in immunostaining for other markers of RTN cell identity such as GABA or parvalbumin. α3 immunostaining in cortex was unchanged. Subtle, localized changes in GABAAR expression acting at highly specific points in the interconnected thalamocortical network lie at the heart of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Transaction Cost on the Implementation of E-Invoices in Micro and Small Enterprises

E-invoice is one of the tax administration modernization program created to reduce the tax compliance costs in order to improve the tax compliance. This paper aims to prove that e-invoice as a form of institutional change can actually change or lower the tax compliance costs. Using a qualitative approach case study method and supported by evidence of calculation of the cost of compliance. The results showed that e-invoice cannot directly reduce the tax compliance costs, because e-invoice is a new program and the taxpayers bear big the amount of time cost for the process of adjustment (adapt). Tax compliance costs will increase temporarily during the adaptation process; the total compliance cost in the six months after the e-invoice increased 3.4 percent from the six months before. Then, the results of tax compliance costs estimated at one year after the e-invoice applied showed that the compliance costs decrease 31 percent from the cost of compliance without e-invoice. DOI: 10.15408/sjie.v6i1. 4866
Feature Interaction Verification Using Unbounded Model Checking with Interpolation

In this paper, we propose an unbounded model checking method for feature interaction verification for telecommunication systems. Unbounded model checking is a SAT-based verification method and has attracted recent attention as a powerful approach. The interpolation-based approach is one of the most promising unbounded model checking methods and has been proven to be effective for hardware verification. However, the application of unbounded model checking to asynchronous systems, such as telecommunication systems, has rarely been practiced. This is because, with the conventional encoding, the behavior of an asynchronous system can only be represented as a large propositional formula, thus resulting in large computational cost. To overcome this problem we propose to use a new scheme for encoding the behavior of the system and adapt the unbounded model checking algorithm to this encoding. By exploiting the concurrency of an asynchronous system, this encoding scheme allows a very concise formula to represent system's behavior. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we conduct experiments where 21 pairs of telecommunication services are verified using several methods including ours. The results show that our approach exhibits significant speed-up over unbounded model checking using the traditional encoding.
Exploration of Nuclear DNA Markers for Population Structure Assessment in the Desmid Micrasterias rotata (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta)

Freshwater green microalgae are diverse and widely distributed across the globe, yet the population structuring of these organisms is poorly understood. We assessed the degree of genetic diversity and differentiation of the desmid species, Micrasterias rotata. First, we compared the sequences of four nuclear regions (actin, gapC1, gapC2, and oee1) in 25 strains and selected the gapC1 and actin regions as the most appropriate markers for population structure assessment in this species. Population genetic structure was subsequently analyzed, based on seven populations from the Czech Republic and Ireland. Hudson's Snn statistics indicated that nearest‐neighbor sequences occurred significantly more frequently within geographical populations than within the wider panmictic population. Moreover, Irish populations consistently showed higher genetic diversity than the Czech samples. These results are in accordance with the unbalanced distribution of alleles in many land plant species; however, the large genetic diversity in M. rotata differs from levels of genetic diversity found in most land plants.
Complications of plate fixation in metacarpal fractures.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to assess the complications after open reduction and plate fixation of extra-articular metacarpal fractures. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic records of 129 consecutive patients with 157 metacarpal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plates between 1993 and 1999. Intra-articular fractures and fractures of the thumb metacarpal were excluded. Eighty-one patients (64 men and 17 women) with 104 fractures were available for review, at an average follow-up of 13.6 months (range, 6-27 months). RESULTS Twenty-eight patients (35%) and 33 fractures (32%) had one or more complications, including difficulty with fracture healing (12 patients [15%]), stiffness (eight patients [10%]), plate loosening or breakage (seven patients [8%]), complex regional pain syndrome (two patients), and one patient who developed a deep infection. CONCLUSION Despite technical advances in implant material, design, and instrumentation, plate fixation of metacarpal fractures remains fraught with complications and unsatisfactory results.
HHV‐6 infects human aortic and heart microvascular endothelial cells, increasing their ability to secrete proinflammatory chemokines

Endothelial cells are important targets for herpesvirus infection. To evaluate the biological effects of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) infection, adult heart microvascular and aortic endothelial cells were examined for in vitro susceptibility to HHV‐6 and for the alterations induced by viral infection on the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8). Analysis by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and by in situ polymerase chain reaction showed that HHV‐6 replicates in endothelium in the absence of cytopathic effects, and that viral sequences were present in 20% umbilical vein and in 10% aortic and 1% microvascular endothelium. HHV‐6 infection upregulated the production of MCP‐1 and IL‐8, with differences observed between aortic and microvascular endothelium. These findings demonstrate that endothelial cells represent a potential reservoir for HHV‐6 infection, and the altered pattern of chemokine production can lead to attraction of immunocompetent cells and to the development of inflammatory processes. J. Med. Virol. 67:528–533, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signals That Instruct Somite and Myotome Formation Persist in Xenopus laevis Early Tailbud Stage Embryos

Somite formation is a lengthy process that begins at gastrulation and continues through tailbud stages to form approximately 50 pairs of somites in the frog, Xenopus laevis. In Xenopus, the somite primarily gives rise to myotome. We sought to determine whether the formation of somites and myotome requires a transient signal active during gastrulation or a constitutive signal active throughout development to instruct dorsal mesodermal cells to form the posterior somites. Previous work from our lab revealed that cells from the neural ectoderm are capable of responding to mesoderm-inducing signals [Domingo and Keller: Dev Biol 2000;225:226–240]. Thus, to test for the presence of somite-inducing signals, we performed a series of grafting experiments in which we used gastrula cells from the anterior neural ectoderm (ANE). Fluorescently labeled ANE cells were grafted to the posterior paraxial mesoderm of progressively older host embryos between stages 11 (mid gastrula) and 23 (early tailbud). Our results showed that signals within the paraxial mesoderm can instruct prospective ANE cells, which normally give rise to head structures, to instead differentiate into myotome cells. We found that the grafted cells adopted the local paraxial mesoderm cell behaviors, which consists of mediolateral intercalation, segmentation, somite cell rotation, and differentiation to myotome. In addition, we show that the grafted ANE cells that adopt a myotome morphology also express the muscle-specific marker, 12/101. Through a series of heterochronic grafts, we determined that the duration of somite-inducing signals extends from the early gastrula (stage 11) through the early tailbud (stage 23) stage embryos. These results demonstrate that somite induction is not a transient event that occurs during gastrulation, but that it is instead a continuous event that can occur as new somites are added to the posterior axis.
Prenatal and Early Postnatal Odorant Exposure Heightens Odor-Evoked Mitral Cell Responses in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

Abstract Early sensory experience shapes the anatomy and function of sensory circuits. In the mouse olfactory bulb (OB), prenatal and early postnatal odorant exposure through odorized food (food/odorant pairing) not only increases the volume of activated glomeruli but also increases the number of mitral and tufted cells (M/TCs) connected to activated glomeruli. Given the importance of M/TCs in OB output and in mediating lateral inhibitory networks, increasing the number of M/TCs connected to a single glomerulus may significantly change odorant representation by increasing the total output of that glomerulus and/or by increasing the strength of lateral inhibition mediated by cells connected to the affected glomerulus. Here, we seek to understand the functional impact of this long-term odorant exposure paradigm on the population activity of mitral cells (MCs). We use viral expression of GCaMP6s to examine odor-evoked responses of MCs following prenatal and early postnatal odorant exposure to two dissimilar odorants, methyl salicylate (MS) and hexanal, which are both strong activators of glomeruli on the dorsal OB surface. Previous work suggests that odor familiarity may decrease odor-evoked MC response in rodents. However, we find that early food-based odorant exposure significantly changes MC responses in an unexpected way, resulting in broad increases in the amplitude, number, and reliability of excitatory MC responses across the dorsal OB.
HOUSEHOLD ENERGY CONSUMPTION ANALYSIS IN INDONESIA 2008-2011

The goal of the study is to analyze the pattern and the change of household energy consumption and determinant factors in Indonesia in 2008-2011 by using National Economic Survey (SUSENAS) data of household budget survey. The concept of energy ladder and fuel stacking (multi fuel) are used to make a model of household energy consumption. The result of study shows that there was an increase in energy consumption, both for modern and traditional energy in the period of 2008-2011. Income elasticity of energy consumption is positive, meaning that there was an increase in consumption of modern energy together with traditional energy in line with the income growth. Household income is the main determinant factor of energy consumption along with others non-economic factors.
MR cholangiography and CT cholangiography of pediatric patients with choledochal cysts.

OBJECTIVE We report our experience using MR cholangiography and CT cholangiography in pediatric patients with choledochal cysts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fourteen patients (two boys, 12 girls; mean age, 7.8 years) with either a preoperative diagnosis of choledochal cyst or a surgical finding of choledochal cyst underwent non-breath-hold MR cholangiography using T2-weighted fat-suppressed fast spin-echo sequences with a 1.5-T magnet, and CT cholangiography with IV infusion of meglumine iodoxamic acid. Radiologic findings were correlated with findings from surgery, operative cholangiography, or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. RESULTS The biliary tree was visualized in all 14 patients with MR cholangiography and in 13 patients (92.9%) with CT cholangiography. In the 11 preoperative cases of choledochal cyst, MR cholangiography correctly showed all cysts and CT cholangiography showed 10 cysts (90.9%). The quality of images on CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography was comparable. The sensitivity of CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography in revealing intrahepatic stones was 83.3% and 66.7%, respectively; the specificity for both techniques was 100%. The rate of detecting the pancreatic duct and the common channel by CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography was 63.6% and 45.5% respectively. After surgery, CT cholangiography was superior to MR cholangiography in revealing the location of biliary-enteric anastomosis and the extent of anastomotic narrowing. CONCLUSION Because non-breath-hold MR cholangiography is not invasive and does not use ionizing radiation and potentially toxic contrast agents, it is recommended as the imaging technique of choice in children with choledochal cysts. CT cholangiography can be considered as an adjunct after surgery and in patients in whom MR cholangiography is unsatisfactory.
Genome‐wide gene expression analysis of mucosal colonic biopsies and isolated colonocytes suggests a continuous inflammatory state in the lamina propria of patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis

Background: Genome‐wide gene expression (GWGE) profiles of mucosal colonic biopsies have suggested the existence of a continuous inflammatory state in quiescent ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to use DNA microarray‐based GWGE profiling of mucosal colonic biopsies and isolated colonocytes from UC patients and controls in order to identify the cell types responsible for the continuous inflammatory state. Methods: Adjacent mucosal colonic biopsies were obtained endoscopically from the descending colon in patients with active UC (n = 8), quiescent UC (n = 9), and with irritable bowel syndrome (controls, n = 10). After isolation of colonocytes and subsequent extraction of total RNA, GWGE data were acquired using Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip Array (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Data analysis was carried out by principal component analysis and projection to latent structure‐discriminant analysis using the SIMCA‐P 11 software (Umetrics, Umeå, Sweden). Results: A clear separation between active UC, quiescent UC, and control biopsies were found, whereas the model for the colonocytes was unable to distinguish between quiescent UC and controls. The differentiation between quiescent UC and control biopsies was governed by unique profiles containing gene expressions with significant fold changes. These primarily belonged to the family of homeostatic chemokines, revealing a plausible explanation for the abnormal regulated innate immune response seen in patients with UC. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the presence of a continuous inflammatory state in quiescent UC, which seems to reflect an altered gene expression profile of lamina propria cells. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009
Optimal stimulation frequency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on people with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE This is a double blind study that examined the optimal stimulation frequency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in reducing pain due to knee osteoarthritis. SUBJECTS Thirty-four subjects were randomly allocated into 4 groups receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at either: (i) 2 Hz; (ii) 100 Hz; (iii) an alternating frequency of 2 Hz and 100 Hz (2/100 Hz); or (iv) a placebo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. METHODS Treatment was administered 5 days a week for 2 weeks. The outcome measures included: (i) a visual analogue scale; (ii) a timed up-and-go test; and (iii) a range of knee motion. RESULTS The 3 active transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation groups (2 Hz, 100 Hz, 2/100 Hz), but not the placebo group, significantly reduced osteoarthritic knee pain across treatment sessions. However, no significant between-group difference was found. Similarly, the 3 active transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation groups, but not the placebo group, produced significant reductions in the amount of time required to perform the timed up-and-go test, and an increase in the maximum passive knee range of motion. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that 2 weeks of repeated applications of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at 2 Hz, 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz produced similar treatment effects for people suffering from osteoarthritic knee.
Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Oxidative DNA Damage in an Experimental Model of Lead-Induced Hypertension

Aims: Chronic exposure to lead results in sustained hypertension in humans and experimental animals. We investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their impact on DNA damage in lead-induced hypertension. Further the effect of short-term supplementation of vitamin C is also demonstrated. Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated with either lead acetate (100 ppm) alone or lead acetate plus vitamin C (20 mg/rat/day). The control rats were fed regular rat chow. Blood pressure, antioxidants, total antioxidant status as measured by ferric-reducing antioxidant power, nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine were determined after 0, 1, 2 and 3 months. Results: The lead-exposed group showed a significant rise in blood pressure, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and a substantial oxidative damage to the DNA. A significant fall in NO metabolites, total antioxidant levels and ferric-reducing antioxidant power was also observed in this group. Concomitant administration of vitamin C ameliorated hypertension, normalized NO levels and abrogated lipid peroxidation. Also, it completely prevented oxidative damage to the DNA. Conclusions: These findings point to enhanced ROS-mediated inactivation and sequestration of NO which can potentially contribute to hypertension, lipid peroxidation, reduced antioxidant status and oxidative DNA damage. The beneficial effects of vitamin C on these parameters support the role of increased ROS activity in the pathogenesis of these abnormalities in this model.
A Systematic Review (Meta-Analysis) of the Accuracy of the Mallampati Tests to Predict the Difficult Airway

The original and modified Mallampati tests are commonly used to predict the difficult airway, but there is controversy regarding their accuracy. We searched MEDLINE and other databases for prospective studies of patients undergoing general anesthesia in which the results of a preoperative Mallampati test were compared with the subsequent rate of difficult airway (difficult laryngoscopy, difficult intubation, or difficult ventilation as reference tests). Forty-two studies enrolling 34,513 patients were included. The definitions of the reference tests varied widely. For predicting difficult laryngoscopy, both versions of the Mallampati test had good accuracy (area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve = 0.89 ± 0.05 and 0.78 ± 0.05, respectively). For predicting difficult intubation, the modified Mallampati test had good accuracy (area under the sROC curve = 0.83 ± 0.03) whereas the original Mallampati test was poor (area under the sROC curve = 0.58 ± 0.12). The Mallampati tests were poor at identifying difficult mask ventilation. Publication bias was not detected. Used alone, the Mallampati tests have limited accuracy for predicting the difficult airway and thus are not useful screening tests.
Author response: is increased choroidal thickness associated with primary‐angle closure?

Editor, W e appreciate the opportunity to respond to Kaya et al. (2014), whom we thank for their interest in our article (Zhou et al. 2014). Their comments focused on factors that influence the thickness of the choroid, an approach with which we agree. There are several studies that have reported many factors that might affect choroidal thickness (Falcao et al. 2012; Sizmaz et al. 2013; Vural et al. 2014). In our studies, we adjusted for the most common factors influencing the choroidal thickness. However, even after controlling for identifiable factors, the choroidal thickness may still be influenced by many unknown factors that may differ among individuals. In this correspondence, we would like to provide further clarification in response to several specific points raised by Kaya et al. (2014). Changes in choroidal thickness resulting from the use of sildenafil, or from behaviour such as smoking and coffee drinking, have been found in several studies (Kim et al. 2013; Sizmaz et al. 2013; Vural et al. 2014). Still, the choroidal thickness may be influenced by many unknown factors, as we mentioned above. Although several patients in our study reported a history of cigarette smoking, we do not believe that these patients would have impacted our results. Kaya and colleagues mentioned the diurnal variation of subfoveal choroidal thickness (Brown et al. 2009; Chakraborty et al. 2011). We entirely agree with what they said. The notion that choroidal thickness undergoes diurnal variation has been known for decades, and we had taken note of this when we designed the study. All subjects were evaluated using enhanced depth optical coherence tomography at 10 AM. However, the gonioscopic examination and EDI-OCT examinations were conducted at different times. Finally, we did not perform ocular massage when the primary-angle closure patients underwent the treatment.