Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MATERNAL EXPOSURE TO SECOND-HAND SMOKE AND SUPER OVULATION OUTCOME FOR ASSISTED REPRODUCTION

The effect of smoking cigarettes is followed by diverse effects on ovaries and developing follicles but the effect of passive smoking on ovarian function is unknown. On the other hand, the ovarian response to induction is a very important step in assisted reproduction. The aim of this study is to compare ovarian response in passive smokers and non-passive smokers in an assisted reproductive program.In a cohort study at the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, there were 72 women in the passive smoker group and 72 women in the non-passive smoker group who underwent an assisted reproductive technology (ART) program. The follicle number at administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), number of gonadotropin ampoules and duration of super ovulation induction were compared.Statistical analyses indicated that the number of mature follicles in the passive smoker group was not different from the control group; but the number of unresponsive cycles to super ovulation in the passive smoker group (33.3%) was significantly higher than the control group (12.5%). Duration of induction and number of gonadotropin ampoules were not different between the two groups.The results of this study show that exposure to second-hand smoke increases the chance of unresponsiveness to ovulation induction. This condition may be due to the result of decline in ovarian reserve in second-hand smokers. The duration of induction and number of gonadotropin ampules is similar in the two groups. Furthermore, the results show that exposure to cigarette smoke does not clinically impact women with good ovarian reserve.
The effect of muscle stimulation during resistive training on performance parameters

This study compared changes in movement velocity, force, and work from bilateral quadriceps muscle stim ulation during resistive squatting exercise to identical exercise without stimulation. Both the group undergo ing resistive training over 24 sessions (N = 9) and the group receiving the same treatment in conjunction with stimulation during the last 12 sessions (N = 9) showed significant improvements in measures of movement velocity, force, total work, power, sprint time, and ver tical jump distance when compared to a control group receiving no treatment (N = 9). All subjects were base line tested and tested at 3, 6, and 7 week intervals. Both experimental groups improved significantly for all measures, but the electrical stimulation group did not produce more significant changes overall than those with resistive training alone. However, when compared to control measures, the effect of electrical stimulation- augmented responses among some measures was more pronounced than the effect of resistive training alone.
Two types of cone bipolar cells express voltage-gated Na+ channels in the rat retina

Abstract Two groups of retinal cone bipolar cells (CBCs) in rats were found to express voltage-gated Na+ channels. The axon terminals of the first group stratify in sublamina 2 of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and partially overlap with the OFF-cholinergic band. This group was identified as type 3 CBCs. The axon terminals of the second group stratify in sublamina 3 of the IPL, slightly distal to the ON-cholinergic band. Cells of this second group resemble type 5 CBCs. In addition, we observed another group of ON-type CBCs with terminal stratification similar to that of the second group. However, this latter group did not show any Na+ current, instead exhibiting a large hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation current, suggesting the existence of two subclasses of physiologically distinct type 5 CBCs. Both groups of Na+-expressing bipolar cells were capable of generating a rapid tetrodotoxin-sensitive action potential as revealed by current injection. Multiple spike-like potentials were also observed in some of these cells. Results of this study provide valuable insights into the function of voltage-gated Na+ channels of retinal bipolar cells in retinal processing.
A qualitative study of attachment relationships in ASD during middle childhood

ABSTRACT Although research has indicated that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display normative attachment behaviours, to date there has been limited qualitative research exploring these relationships. This study aimed to describe qualitative features of the child–caregiver attachment relationship in children with ASD. Primary caregivers to 26 children with ASD (aged 7–14 years) and 23 typically developing children (aged 7–13 years) were administered the Disturbances of Attachment Interview (Smyke & Zeanah, 1999) to elicit descriptions of children’s attachment behaviours. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts indicated that while children with ASD demonstrated a range of normative attachment behaviours, they displayed impairments in the use of the caregiver as a secure base and co-regulating agent. ASD-associated impairments in emotion processing, sharing/reciprocity, and emotion co-regulation, as well as the caregiver’s experience, were important in understanding attachment relationships in ASD. Findings highlight the need to consider the bidirectional nature of the attachment relationship in ASD.
Chromosomal and protein evolution in morphologically similar species of Praomys sensu lato (Rodentia, Muridae).

Evidence of extensive chromosomal evolution in a biologically and economically important group of African murids of the Praomys/Mastomys complex was provided by examination of G- and C-band chromosomal data on P. coucha (2n = 32), P. fumatus (2n = 38), P. hildebrandti (2n = 32), P. jacksoni (2n = 28), P. misonnei (2n = 36), and P. cf. tullbergi (2n = 35). A coding system was developed for the chromosomal characters, and analyses were performed by a computer program to find the shortest tree with a minimum of 35 autosomal rearrangements (pericentric inversions, complex translocations, centric fusions, centric fissions, tandem fusions, euchromatic additions, and heterochromatic additions). The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis differs from traditionally accepted hypotheses regarding this complex group of rodents. The cytogenetic data show that 1) there is no support for the dichotomy of Mastomys/Praomys previously based on morphology, 2) the 2n = 32 species from eastern Africa (P. hildebrandti) is distinct from the 2n = 32 species from southern Africa (P. natalensis), and 3) there is a close association between P. jacksoni and P. cf. tullbergi. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of liver membrane proteins demonstrated few differences in protein mobilities between species and even fewer between individuals of the same species taken from different habitats and localities in Kenya. Monoclonal antibodies produced against liver proteins of one species and tested for reactivity to other species confirmed the evolutionary similarity of species of this complex. This immunologic approach may provide a robust data set for future phylogenetic studies of muroid rodents. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Numerical modeling of melt-wave erosion in 2D block armatures

The majority of published work on the transition to arcing contact in solid-armature railguns has focused on modeling the current melt wave, a localized front of molten material that erodes the perimeter of the armature. The most frequently cited models are based on two-dimensional (2D) analytical formulations in which the dominant source of current concentration is due to the velocity skin effect (VSE). This paper compares the predictions of three such models with a 2D numerical simulation that includes the effects of VSE, melting, and loss of molten material.
Associations of Physical Activity, Sports Participation and Active Commuting on Mathematic Performance and Inhibitory Control in Adolescents

Objectives To examine objectively measured physical activity level, organized sports participation and active commuting to school in relation to mathematic performance and inhibitory control in adolescents. Methods The design was cross-sectional. A convenient sample of 869 sixth and seventh grade students (12–14 years) was invited to participate in the study. A total of 568 students fulfilled the inclusion criteria and comprised the final sample for this study. Mathematic performance was assessed by a customized test and inhibitory control was assessed by a modified Eriksen flanker task. Physical activity was assessed with GT3X and GT3X+ accelerometers presented in sex-specific quartiles of mean counts per minute and mean minutes per day in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Active commuting and sports participation was self-reported. Mixed model regression was applied. Total physical activity level was stratified by bicycling status in order to bypass measurement error subject to the accelerometer. Results Non-cyclists in the 2nd quartile of counts per minute displayed a higher mathematic score, so did cyclists in the 2nd and 3rd quartile of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to the least active quartile. Non-cyclists in the 3rd quartile of counts per minute had an improved reaction time and cyclists in the 2nd quartile of counts per minute and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity displayed an improved accuracy, whereas non-cyclists in the 2nd quartile of counts per minute showed an inferior accuracy relative to the least active quartile. Bicycling to school and organized sports participation were positively associated with mathematic performance. Conclusions Sports participation and bicycling were positively associated with mathematic performance. Results regarding objectively measured physical activity were mixed. Although, no linear nor dose-response relationship was observed there was no indication of a higher activity level impairing the scholastic or cognitive performance.
Filtering out the other side? Cross-cutting and like-minded discussions on social networking sites

Disagreement persists as to whether social networking sites (SNSs) are used more frequently to facilitate cross-cutting or like-minded discussions. We examine the relationship between the use of SNSs and involvement in discussions with politically similar and dissimilar others among a sample of US Democrats and Republicans. Affective polarization is negatively related to involvement in cross-cutting discussions, suggesting that individuals extend their dislike of the opposing political party to out-party members within their online social networks. Moreover, political discussion with one’s friends on SNSs plays a mediating role in involvement in both cross-cutting and like-minded discussions. Finally, party identification moderates the relationship between SNS use and involvement in cross-cutting discussions, indicating that Republicans participate more frequently than Democrats in cross-cutting exchanges on SNSs. In the light of these findings, we discuss the contribution of SNSs to the ideals of deliberative democracy.
Prevalence of enteric zoonotic organisms in cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine prevalence of enteric zoonotic organisms in cats in north-central Colorado. DESIGN Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION Serum and fecal samples from 87 cats with diarrhea, 106 cats without diarrhea, and 12 cats for which fecal consistency was unknown. PROCEDURES Samples were obtained from client-owned cats and cats at a humane society shelter. Serum was assayed for feline leukemia virus antigen and antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus, IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, and IgG antibodies against T gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Microscopic examination of unstained feces was performed after centrifugation in a zinc sulfate solution, thin fecal smears were stained with acid fast stain and examined for C parvum, and bacteriologic culture of feces was used to detect aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. RESULTS Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces from 27 of 206 (13.1%) cats and included C parvum (5.4%), Giardia spp (2.4%). Toxocara cati (3.9%), Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (1.0%), and Campylobacter jejuni (1.0%); each organism was detected in samples from cats with and without diarrhea. Although differences between groups were not significant, a higher proportion of shelter cats (18.2%) had enteric zoonotic organisms than client-owned cats (10.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces of 13.1% of cats, suggesting that cats, particularly those in homes of immunocompromised humans, should be evaluated for enteric zoonotic organisms.
Transmission of ring chromosome 13 from a mother to daughter with both having a 46,XX, r(13)(p13q34) karyotype

Ring chromosomes are thought to be the result of breakage in both arms of a chromosome, with fusion of the points of fracture and loss of the distal fragments. Another mechanism of ring formation is believed to be the simple fusion of chromosome ends with preservation of telomeric and subtelomeric sequences. Ring chromosome 13 was first described in 1968 and its incidence estimated at 1 in 58,000 live births. Severe phenotypes associated with large deletions of 13q have been described as “ring chromosome 13 syndrome. ” Features of the “ring chromosome 13 syndrome” include mental retardation (often severe), growth retardation, microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, and hand, foot or toe abnormalities. We report on a case of a mother and daughter with r(13) and mild phenotypes. Our patient, IA, had chromosome analysis performed at about 4½ years of age due to some developmental delay. This revealed 46,XX, r(13)(p13q34) karyotype with no loss of any chromosomal band. Her mother, EA, was subsequently found to have the same ring 13. IA's maternal grandmother had a normal karyotype while her maternal grandfather was unavailable for testing. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed loss of a specific subtelomeric 13q region in r(13) in the mother. Clinically, IA had macular hyperpigmentation on the chin and mild delay in speech and fine motor skills. EA, 22 years of age, had mild short stature and borderline mental retardation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of familial transmission of r(13). We compare phenotypes of our cases with those from other reported cases of r(13) and discuss the possible mechanism of formation of this ring chromosome. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of natural rubber latex allergen levels in medical gloves by allergen‐specific IgE‐ELISA inhibition, RAST inhibition, and skin prick test

Exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) medical gloves poses risks to patients sensitized to NRL and to users of protective gloves. Previous studies have shown that extractable allergen levels of the gloves vary widely. Since most of the available laboratory methods of NRL allergen measurement lack adequate validation, we wanted to evaluate the performance of a recently developed competitive IgE‐ELISA‐inhibition method in relation to the skin prick test (SPT) and RAST inhibition, as well as to extractable protein quantification and an immunochemical latex antigen assay (LEAP). Twenty samples of surgical (n = l4) and examination gloves (n=6), covering >90% of medical gloves marketed in Finland in 1994–5. were collected by the Finnish National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, coded, extracted, and analyzed by the five methods. The IgE‐ELISA inhibition correlated highly significantly with SPT (r=0.94) and RAST inhibition (r=0.96). Likewise, ELISA inhibition and RAST inhibition showed highly significant correlation (P=0.96, P<0.0001 in all three instances). Protein quantification by a modified Lowry method also correlated highly significantly with SPT (r=0.80). RAST inhibition (r=0.82), and ELISA inhibition (r=0.81. P100 AU/ml) in seven of the 20 glove brands analyzed. In conclusion, the results of a novel IgE‐ELISA‐inhibition method of measuring NRL allergen levels in medical gloves correlated highly significantly with those of SPT TTie ELISA method was found to be sensitive, reproducible, technically easy, inexpensive, and suitable for the analysis of large numbers of NRL products. The results of extensive market surveys in 1994 and 1995, communicated to the medical community in Finland, appear to have had a clear effect in moving glove purchasing policies toward the use of low‐allergen gloves.
Direct active and reactive power control of DFIG for wind energy generation

This paper presents a new direct power control (DPC) strategy for a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind energy generation system. The strategy is based on the direct control of stator active and reactive power by selecting appropriate voltage vectors on the rotor side. It is found that the initial rotor flux has no impact on the changes of the stator active and reactive power. The proposed method only utilizes the estimated stator flux so as to remove the difficulties associated with rotor flux estimation. The principles of this method are described in detail in this paper. The only machine parameter required by the proposed DPC method is the stator resistance whose impact on the system performance is found to be negligible. Simulation results on a 2 MW DFIG system are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy during variations of active and reactive power, rotor speed, machine parameters, and converter dc link voltage
Comparison of the Volatile Constituents of Elsholtzia fruiticosa Extracted by Hydrodistillation, Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Head Space Analysis †

Volatile constituents of Elsholtzia fruiticosa (D. Don) Rehder were studied by two different extraction techniques, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and hydrodistillation (HD), and the results were compared with head space analysis (HS). Thirty-five constituents were identified in both the SFE and HD oils and fourteen in the HS, accounting for 94.2%, 97.7% and 96.9% of the total identifications, respectively. A distinctive feature of the results was the very high content of non-terpenes (59.8%) in the HS, the high content of oxygenated monoterpenes (41.1%) in the HD oil and the high content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (21.8%) in the SFE oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were represented in HS (13.6%), HD (19.4%) and SFE (4.3%). In SFE sesquiterpene hydrocarbons formed 21.8% of the total, as compared to 6.6% in the HD and 1.1% in the HS Oxygenated sesquiterpenes represented 3.0% in SFE, 0.8% in HD and were absent in HS. Diterpenes were only present in the SFE oil (3.4%). Non-terpenes were represented by 24.5% in the SFE oil and 29.8% in the HD oil.
Spinal cord stimulation evoked potentials during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.

Although monitoring of somatosensory evoked potentials elicited from stimulation of lower extremity peripheral nerves has been suggested as a method for assessing neural function during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, this technique has been reported to yield a large number of false positives. It was believed that direct stimulation of the spinal cord would eliminate some of the problems associated with peripheral evoked potentials. The present study compared in 18 patients the use of scalp recorded evoked potential following stimulation of either the posterior tibial nerve via percutaneous needles or the spinal cord via an epidural electrode previously placed fluoroscopically. In 10 patients in whom distal bypass or shunt was not used, peripheral evoked potentials totally disappeared within 5-30 min of aortic clamping. Spinal cord stimulation evoked potentials disappeared permanently in 2 patients shortly after aortic cross-clamping; 1 died shortly after the procedure, and the other awoke densely paraplegic and died the next day. When distal perfusion was maintained by shunt or bypass, the disappearance of both peripheral and spinal evoked potentials accurately predicted the neurologic outcome of 1 paralyzed patient. Loss of spinal cord stimulation evoked potentials was found to be correlated with adverse neurologic outcome. Over the period of aortic clamping a gradual decrease in mean amplitude (50% at 45 min [P less than 0.05]) and a 20% increase in mean latency time were observed. Maintenance of adequate distal perfusion may permit the use of peripheral evoked potentials in the assessment of spinal cord ischemia during aortic cross-clamping. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Functionally Defective High Density Lipoprotein is Pro-Oxidant: a Deviation from Normal Atheroprotective Character

High-density lipoprotein is a potential life saving antiatherogenic molecule. However, not all HDL is function-ally similar, it can become dysfunctional and may increase atherosclerotic risk. At present, it is unknown, which structural alterations of HDL are essential accounting for its defective functionality and the precise pro-atherogenic mechanisms of action. This study is aimed at identification of the possible prevalence of dysfunctional HDL in subjects and its composi-tional and functional characterization in comparison to that of functional HDL. HDL was isolated from serum by ultracentrifugation and subjected to functional assays. HDL from majority of healthy subjects showed remarkable antioxidant property by inhibiting LDL oxidation. However, in those healthy subjects with systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory response as well as in those with known coronary heart disease, HDL was dysfunctional and promoted LDL oxidation. Dysfunctional HDL was truly pro-oxidant as it induced intracellular reactive oxygen species formation in cultured monocytes/macrophages. Functional deficiency in HDL did not show any association with HDL-cholesterol content. However, its characterization showed an enrichment of triglycerides, phospholipids, lipid peroxides, and diminished activity of paraoxonase-1, compared to functional HDL, which might render the particle dysfunctional and pro-oxidant.This study demonstrates the prevalence of dysfunctional HDL even among healthy subjects, despite normal HDL-C level, and in majority of subjects with known CHD, which is pro-oxidant in nature that might promote vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. The functional assay of HDL could lead to improved predictive accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk associated with circulating HDL.
Prevention of organ dysfunction in septic shock: still looking for an effective treatment.

Severe sepsis and septic shock are currently a major medical issue all over the world. Sepsis has a worldwide estimated incidence of up to 19 million per year (1) and accounts for more than one third of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (2). Furthermore, reported incidence of sepsis has continuously risen in recent years (3). Despite improvement in patients’ care, mortality remains high (2-4), accounting for 5.3 million of deaths every year (5), even if a decrease in mortality rates is evident throughout the last years (3). As a consequence, identifying treatment strategies aimed at improving survival of septic patients is a primary goal of research in the field critical care medicine.
Stiffness of the Healing Medial Collateral Ligament of the Mouse

The knee joints of mice can serve as a model for studying knee ligament properties. The goal of our study was to measure the structural stiffness of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the murine knee. A tensile test was developed for this purpose. First 84 femur-MCL-tibia complexes of 11-week-old C57Black6 mice were tested. Of four groups (n = 14 per group) the right MCL was ruptured. The mice were sacrificed at 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 weeks after the operation. The other two groups served as controls at 0 and 9 weeks after the operation. Absolute values of the structural stiffness of the healed MCLs at 1.5 weeks were initially significantly lower than their unoperated controls, but were not different from normal values at three, six, and nine weeks of healing. The structural stiffness of the unoperated controls increased by 11% at 20 weeks compared to 11 weeks of age.