Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor-Gated Intracellular Ca2+ Store Is Involved in Regulating Sperm Hyperactivated Motility1

Abstract Hyperactivated motility, a swimming pattern displayed by mammalian sperm in the oviduct around the time of ovulation, is essential to fertilization. Ca2+ has been shown to be crucial for the initiation and maintenance of hyperactivated motility. Nevertheless, how Ca2+ reaches the axoneme in the core of the flagellum to switch on hyperactivation is unknown. Ca2+-releasing agents were used to determine whether an intracellular store provides Ca2+ to the axoneme. Hyperactivation was induced immediately in bull sperm by thapsigargin, caffeine, and thimerosal. The responses were dose-dependent and were induced in both capacitated and uncapacitated sperm. When external Ca2+ was buffered below 50 nM with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-NNN′,N′-tetraacetic acid, the response to caffeine was significantly reduced; however, the responses to thapsigargin and thimerosal were not affected. This indicates caffeine-induced hyperactivation depends on external Ca2+ influx, whereas hyperactivation by thapsigargin and thimerosal do not. Acrosome reactions were not induced by these treatments; therefore, an acrosomal store was probably not involved. Indirect immunofluorescence labeling showed type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) in the acrosome and neck region, but no ryanodine receptors (RyR) were found using anti-RyR antibodies or BODIPY FL-X ryanodine. These data indicate that there is an IP3R-gated Ca2+ store in the neck region of sperm that regulates hyperactivated motility.
Increased fibrinogen levels and acquired hypofibrinolysis in young adults with ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Elevated fibrinogen levels and abnormalities in the fibrinolytic system are related to the occurrence of cardiovascular events. However, the role of these factors in the evolution of cerebrovascular disease has received less attention, in particular in young stroke patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible abnormalities in plasma fibrinogen levels and the state of the fibrinolytic system in young adults with a first-ever ischemic stroke. METHODS This study is based on 102 consecutive patients aged 18 to 44 years admitted between January 1991 and May 1996 as a result of a first ischemic stroke. Forty-one healthy controls were recruited. Evaluations of anthropometric/metabolic variables, plasma fibrinogen levels, and the fibrinolytic system were undertaken >/=3 months (mean, 5.4+/-2.0 months) after admission. RESULTS Patients had lower tissue plasminogen activator activity and increased plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 activity at baseline, as well as increased tissue plasminogen activator mass concentration both at baseline and after a venous occlusion test. Overall, there were no significant differences between the main etiologic subgroups regarding plasma fibrinogen levels and fibrinolytic variables. Baseline fibrinolytic variables were strongly correlated with body mass index, serum triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. After adjustments in multivariate models, fibrinogen levels and tissue plasminogen activator mass concentration both at baseline and after venous occlusion test remained significantly increased in patients. Logistic multiple regression analyses indicated that plasma fibrinogen was a strong predictor of ischemic stroke (odds ratio, 11.25; 95% CI, 3.27 to 38. 69). CONCLUSIONS Increased fibrinogen levels and tissue plasminogen activator mass concentration are independently associated with ischemic stroke in young adults. Metabolic perturbations are closely interrelated with aberrations in tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 activity in these patients, findings consistent with an acquired hypofibrinolysis.
Cytogenetic and mutagenic effects of Alvidar and thyroid hormones on female mice and embryos

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the most common problems that develop in the thyroid gland which can be happened to females during pregnancy causing many diseases to the pregnant females and their expecting embryos. The two thyroid hormones levothyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ) are synthetic hormones used in the treatment of (hypothyroidism). Also another newly herbal medication called, Alvidar is used for the treatment of hypothyroidism which composed of herbal that help in improving the function of thyroid gland without any chemicals or hormones. In fact no adequate studies were been done in the human and animals concerning the mutagenicity of Alvidar, levothyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ) especially during pregnancy. Aim of the study is to evaluate the cytogenetic and mutagenic effect of Alvidar, (T 4 ) and (T 3 ) on the pregnant females and their embryos. Materials and Methods : Pregnant female mice were administrated orally with a doses (1.3, 0.13) and 0.07 mg/kg/day of Alvidar, T4 and (T 3 ) respectively from day (1 to day 17 of gestation. Cesarean section were completed on (18) day of gestation, cytogenetic analysis micronuclei formation and developmental toxicity were examined. The results showed that Alvidar and triiodothyronine T 3 caused a significant increase in the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations fetal toxicity micronuclei formation and fetal toxicity in the pregnant females and their embryos and these toxicity were highly increased in the (T 3 ) group than Alvidar group compared with controls. While in the thyroxine (T 4 ) group no mutagenic or embryo toxic effects were observed in the mothers and their embryos compared with control group. Conclusion: These results indicate that triiodothyronine (T 3 ) hormone and Alvidar (herbal medication) had a cytogenetic and embryotoxic effects when administered orally during pregnancy. While levothyroxine (T 4 ) hormone had no cytogenetic or embryotoxic effects during pregnancy. [Report and Opinion 2010;2(4):62-70]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
Beliefs, Choice Structure, and Human Capital Investment

The decision to pursue a college education has extensive economic implications, and economists have studied this decision for decades. However, the current economic approach to educational choice oversimplifies the decision, and cannot adequately explain student behavior. I relax several standard assumptions of educational choice models to allow for a more realistic approach to student beliefs and a more flexible approach to the structure of the choice. First, using a novel survey data set, I demonstrate that observed labor market conditions are a poor proxy for student perceptions of labor market payoffs to education. Then, using those student perceptions, I estimate student demand for education. I show that, contrary to common assumption, financial reward plays only a small part in educational choice, and consumption value is more central in driving student plans. Finally, I model college choice more realistically as a two-agent bargaining problem between parent and student. Using a choice experiment, I show that parent and student preferences differ, and demonstrate the implications of this difference on choice and the construction of effective education policy.
Management Of Strategic Change At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University Of Science And Technology, Kenya

iv ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS . viii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.1.1 Concept of Strategic Change . 2 1.1.2 Management of Strategic Change . 4 1.1.3 Higher Education Sector in Kenya . 5 1.1.4 Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology . 7 1.2 Research Problem . 8 1.3 Research Objectives . 11 1.4 Value of the Study . 11 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 13 2.
High Glucose Variability in Hospitalized Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND Glucose variability (GV) has been increasingly (or more extensively) studied in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the ambulatory setting; limited data exist on GV in hospitalized patients with T1D. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective single center cohort study, we analyzed in-hospital glucose measurements to assess GV in 736 hospitalized patients in different units over a consecutive 5-year period of time. GV was assessed by mean blood glucose (BG), Average daily risk range (ADRR), high BG index, and low BG index. To place our findings in context, we conducted a systematic review using Cochrane collaboration methodology to critically analyze current published literature on GV in hospitalized T1D patients. RESULTS Overall, glycemic control was suboptimal with mean BG 183 ± 51.5 mg/dL and mean ADRR 35 with only 16% patients being categorized as low risk (ADRR <20) for hypo or hyperglycemia. Patients admitted in medical units had mean BG of 194.4 ± 42.8 mg/dL (95% CI = 101.2-346.6) and ADRR of 39.4 ± 16 (95% CI = 1.3-118.7), which were higher than the patients admitted in the surgical units (mean BG 168.1 ± 35.7 (95% CI = 74.8-301.8) and mean ADRR (28.8 ± 13.1 [95% CI = 0.3-93.1]). For the systematic review, initial search yielded 2336 studies for screening, however, none of them had data specific for T1D. CONCLUSION GV is high in hospitalized T1D patients admitted at our tertiary care center. Review of the literature shows paucity of data regarding GV in hospitalized patients with T1D.
Application of Cardiac Autonomous Indices in the Study of Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction

A research area of increasing interest consists of studying the benefits of using spectral analysis to screen neurogenic erectile dysfunctions. Our hypothesis is that spectral analysis consists of a non-invasive and simple procedure to investigate such patients. Subjects were allocated into two groups: control, no erectile dysfunction (n = 17), and patients with erectile dysfunction (n = 15). RR intervals (RRI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and baroreflex sensitivity recordings were performed continuously in the supine position, followed by the seated position, and finally standing position. In the supine position, the control group had a higher RRI and a lower diastolic blood pressure. For frequency domain analyses of RRI in the supine position, the erectile dysfunction group had a higher normalized low-frequency (LF) index and low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio while showing a lower normalized HF index. In the seated position, the erectile dysfunction group presented a higher LF/HF ratio. Regarding systolic blood pressure, the erectile dysfunction group showed lower normalized LF and higher normalized HF indices only in the supine position. The α index in HF was lower in the erectile dysfunction group in the three positions. Spectral analyses of cardiac sympathovagal drive constitute a fruitful non-invasive approach to evaluate alterations in cardiovascular autonomic modulation in neurogenic erectile dysfunction patients.
MET Amplification Leads to Gefitinib Resistance in Lung Cancer by Activating ERBB3 Signaling

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib are effective treatments for lung cancers with EGFR activating mutations, but these tumors invariably develop drug resistance. Here, we describe a gefitinib-sensitive lung cancer cell line that developed resistance to gefitinib as a result of focal amplification of the MET proto-oncogene. inhibition of MET signaling in these cells restored their sensitivity to gefitinib. MET amplification was detected in 4 of 18 (22%) lung cancer specimens that had developed resistance to gefitinib or erlotinib. We find that amplification of MET causes gefitinib resistance by driving ERBB3 (HER3)–dependent activation of PI3K, a pathway thought to be specific to EGFR/ERBB family receptors. Thus, we propose that MET amplification may promote drug resistance in other ERBB-driven cancers as well.
Testing the Existence of Cobb-Douglas and CES Production Functions in Nigeria

Following the numerous arguments for and against the production functions, this research work tries to find out if the production functions, particularly the Cobb-Douglas and Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) production functions holds for Nigeria using an annual time series data from 1970-2012. The Cobb-Douglas and CES production functions which are originally non-linear were linearized and the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) methodology was used. This study also carried out Error Correction Models for each of the production functions in order to know how disequilibrium in output adjusts in the short run for both production functions. It was discovered that both production functions are suitable for the Nigeria economy. The Cobb-Douglas as well as constant elasticity of substitution production function exhibit increasing returns to scale. The results also showed that labour contributes more to output than capital does. Again, for both production functions their error correction models showed that a greater fraction of disequilibrium in output is adjusted in the short run. For the error correction model for Cobb-Douglas it was shown that 87% of disequilibrium in output is adjusted in a year while that for constant elasticity of substitution production function showed 88% of disequilibrium in output is adjusted in a year. The study therefore concludes that the Cobb-Douglas and constant elasticity of substitution production functions are appropriate for the Nigerian economy. The study recommends that both production functions can be used to make forecast in Nigeria.
Patterns of Memory Performance in Children with Controlled Epilepsy on the CVLT-C

Decreased memory skills have been reported in children with epilepsy. However, standardized instruments to evaluate learning and memory in children have been unavailable until recently. The present study was designed to assess memory patterns in children with epilepsy based on the California Verbal Learning Test-Children's Version (CVLT-C). The test was administered to 44 children with complex partial seizures and 21 children with generalized seizures between 8 and 13 years of age. Children in the study had been treated for epilepsy for at least 6 months, had well-controlled seizures on monotherapy, and had no evidence of anticonvulsant toxicity. Children with head injuries, learning disabilities, or hyperactivity were excluded. Test results did not reflect differences in memory performance based on seizure type. Scores for the entire sample indicated intact new learning, decreased intrusions and perseverative responses, and better short-term than long-term delayed recall. Recognition skills were stronger than long-term delayed recall skills and suggested that memory performance may be improved for these children when a multiple-choice format is available in academic settings.
Exploitation and Exploration in International Joint Ventures: Moderating Effects of Partner Control Imbalance and Product Similarity

International joint ventures (IJVs) need to exploit their existing resources as well as explore new capabilities to capture the potential in emerging markets. This study develops a contingent view, arguing that the efficacy of exploitation and exploration depends on the levels of control imbalance and product similarity between an IJV's foreign and local partners. A sample of 198 IJVs in China reveals that partner control imbalance has a U-shaped moderating effect on the relationship between exploitation and IJV new product performance but has an inverted U-shaped moderating effect on the effectiveness of exploration. Exploitation relates more strongly to IJV new product performance when partner product similarity is high, whereas exploration has a stronger impact on IJV new product performance at low levels of partner product similarity. These findings provide novel insights for IJVs to better manage exploitation and exploration in their new product development.
1H chemical shift imaging of the human brain at age 60–90 years reveals metabolic differences between women and men

1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to compare brain metabolism in 540 elderly persons, stratified by sex and age (60–90 years old). An 8 × 8 × 2 cm3 supraventricular brain volume, a transverse plane parallel to the canthomeatal line, was examined by automated 1H chemical shift imaging [point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS), TE of 35 msec]. Regional choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) peak areas in the 518 successful examinations (96%) were studied by division through the total area of the particular metabolite in each spectral map. This procedure eliminated intersubject variance, maximized intervoxel variance (26 ≤ F ≤ 149, P < 0.0001) and reduced the standard deviations in the voxel metabolite signals threefold. Normalized signals in women (n = 257) and men (n = 261) differed in 9 (Cho/ΣCho), 8 (Cr/ΣCr), and 10 (NAA/ΣNAA) of 36 voxels examined (P ≤ 0.001). In the cingulate gyrus Cho/ΣCho, Cr/ΣCr, and NAA/ΣNAA were reduced in men compared with women. These findings are consistent with a sex‐related reduction of glucose metabolism in the same brain lobe revealed by positron emission tomography. Magn Reson Med 42:24–31, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebrovascular disorders caused by hyperfibrinogenaemia

Hyperfibrinogenaemia (HFg) results in vascular remodelling, and fibrinogen (Fg) and amyloid β (Aβ) complex formation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. However, the interconnection of these effects, their mechanisms and implications in cerebrovascular diseases are not known. Using a mouse model of HFg, we showed that at an elevated blood level, Fg increases cerebrovascular permeability via mainly caveolar protein transcytosis. This enhances deposition of Fg in subendothelial matrix and interstitium making the immobilized Fg a readily accessible substrate for binding Aβ and cellular prion protein (PrPC), the protein that is thought to have a greater effect on memory than Aβ. We showed that enhanced formation of Fg–Aβ and Fg–PrPC complexes are associated with reduction in short‐term memory. The present study delineates a new mechanistic pathway for vasculo‐neuronal dysfunctions found in inflammatory cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases associated with an elevated blood level of Fg.
Protein and Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis during Germination of Uredospores.

Existing evidence suggests that there is no net synthesis of protein during germination of spores of some obligate parasites. The problem was reinvestigated with enzymatic hydrolysis, rather than acid hydrolysis or solubility properties, to estimate changes in protein and RNA. Procedures are detailed for the use of uniformly labeled (14)C-uredospores for the isolation and quantitative assay of amino acids and nucleosides resulting from hydrolysis.During early stages of germination in the absence of exogenous substrates, nucleosides derived enzymatically from RNA do not increase nor does the base composition vary. The bases of the free nucleotide pool, although varying in concentration from the RNA bases, also remain constant during this time. After 16 or 24 hours, bases from both sources decrease appreciably, and the decline is correlated with leakages to the external medium.In contrast to previous reports, amino acids released by proteases increased 20 to 25% during the first 3 to 5 hours of germination but decreased after 16 to 24 hours. The results suggest that spores of obligate parasites have a functional protein synthetic system which is involved in germination. Previous negative findings may have resulted from a lack of specificity in the analytic procedures employed, coupled with the possibility that protein or amino acid is associated with the walls of spores and the walls of germ tubes.
The Mammalian Proteins MMS19, MIP18, and ANT2 Are Involved in Cytoplasmic Iron-Sulfur Cluster Protein Assembly*

Background: MMS19 was recently identified as part of the cytosolic iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly (CIA) machinery. Results: MMS19 and MIP18 both interact with CIA and Fe-S proteins, and ANT2 binds to this complex. Conclusion: MMS19, MIP18, and ANT2 facilitate Fe-S cluster insertion into cytosolic Fe-S proteins. Significance: Identification of proteins in the CIA complex elucidates aspects of cytoplasmic iron-sulfur cluster assembly. Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are essential cofactors of proteins with a wide range of biological functions. A dedicated cytosolic Fe-S cluster assembly (CIA) system is required to assemble Fe-S clusters into cytosolic and nuclear proteins. Here, we show that the mammalian nucleotide excision repair protein homolog MMS19 can simultaneously bind probable cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly protein CIAO1 and Fe-S proteins, confirming that MMS19 is a central protein of the CIA machinery that brings Fe-S cluster donor proteins and the receiving apoproteins into proximity. In addition, we show that mitotic spindle-associated MMXD complex subunit MIP18 also interacts with both CIAO1 and Fe-S proteins. Specifically, it binds the Fe-S cluster coordinating regions in Fe-S proteins. Furthermore, we show that ADP/ATP translocase 2 (ANT2) interacts with Fe-S apoproteins and MMS19 in the CIA complex but not with the individual proteins. Together, these results elucidate the composition and interactions within the late CIA complex.
Synthetic food colours in saffron solutions, saffron rice and saffron chicken from restaurants in Tehran, Iran

Saffron solutions, saffron rice and saffron chicken samples were considered for synthetic colours as additives, which are forbidden according to Iranian national standards. Samples were taken from restaurants of three locations and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the total 573 samples, 52% were positive for at least one colour. The most prevalent colours were Tartrazine, Quinoline Yellow and Sunset Yellow, with 44%, 9.1% and 8.4% of the samples testing positive for these colours, respectively. Carmoisine and Ponceau were both detected only in 0.5% of the positive samples and found only in saffron solution. In conclusion, synthetic food colours, especially Tartrazine should be regarded as a potential risk in saffron and its related food. Therefore, new attempts for food safety and quality should be undertaken to eliminate the use of these colours in restaurants.
Treatment of anal human papillomavirus-associated disease: a long term outcome study

Summary Treatment for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal canal disease has been unsatisfactory. The objective of our study was to determine the treatment outcome in our cohort with anal HPV disease. Overall, 181 patients were evaluated over a median period of 19.1 months (range = 2.8–125.5). Eighty-eight patients (48.6%) with high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and 82 patients (45.3%) with low-grade AIN underwent treatment. One hundred and forty-one patients (77.9%) received laser ablative treatment as an outpatient procedure. The treatment yielded cure, defined as a disease-free state at 12 months after treatment, in 63.0% (114/181). Median time to cure for the cohort was 31.5 months (95% confidence interval: 23.0–40.0). Treatment outcome showed no evidence of being affected by age, sexual preference, history of smoking or presence of high-grade disease. Median time to cure was significantly affected by a positive HIV status (P = 0.02) and the extent (volume) of the disease (P = 0.01). Contrary to the current view that treatment of HPV-related anal disease is difficult, unrewarding due to recurrences and may lead to substantial morbidity, we demonstrate that effective treatment is possible for both low- and high-grade AIN. These findings should help with the general desire to introduce screening for AIN for at-risk groups.