Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathology of Nerve Terminal Degeneration in the Skin

To characterize the pathology of epidermal nerve degeneration and regeneration, we investigated temporal and spatial changes in skin innervation of the mouse footpad. Within 24 hours after sciatic nerve axotomy, terminals of epidermal nerves appeared swollen and there was a mild reduction in epidermal nerve density (5.7 ± 2.8 vs 12.7 ± 2.2 fibers/mm, p < 0.04). Epidermal nerves completely disappeared by 48 hours (0.2 ± 0.2 vs 14.2 ± 0.9 fibers/mm, p < 0.001). Concomitant with the disappearance of epidermal nerves, the immunocytochemical pattern of the subepidermal nerve plexus became fragmented. At the electron microscopic level, the axoplasm of degenerating dermal nerves was distended with organelles and later became amorphous. Beginning from day 28 after axotomy, collateral sprouts from the adjacent saphenous nerve territory extended into the denervated area with a beaded appearance. They never penetrated the epidermal-dermal junction to innervate the epidermis. In contrast, 3 months after nerve crushing, the epidermis on the surgery side resumed a normal innervation pattern as the epidermis on the control side (10.3 ± 3.9 vs 10.6 ± 1.5 fibers/mm, p = 0.1). This study demonstrates the characteristics of degenerating and regenerating nerves, and suggests that successful reinnervation mainly originates from regenerating nerves of the original nerve trunks. All these findings provide qualitative and quantitative information for interpreting the pathology of cutaneous nerves.
A Global Perspective on Extreme Currency Linkages

We apply new methods of extreme value analysis to discuss the size and likelihood of extreme currency returns and particularly of extreme co-movements between currencies. The sample covers the four main industrial country currencies and 10 emerging market currencies from altogether 4 continents between 1980 and 2001. The univariate analysis conÞrms the conventional wisdom that emerging market country currencies clearly exhibit larger and more frequent extreme returns than the industrial country currencies. However, the bivariate analysis suggests that once a crisis has struck, the breadth of it across currencies is not more severe among emerging markets than among industrial countries. Hence, somewhat surprisingly these results imply that currency contagion is not more severe for emerging economies than for industrial economies, although crisis situations as such are more frequent in the latter group. We also Þnd extreme negative co-movements among East Asian currencies to be much more pronounced than among South Amerian currencies. Finally, we do not Þnd evidence in favour of frequent extreme negative spillovers between industrial country and emerging market currencies.
Reconstitution of Enhancer Function in Paternal Pronuclei of One-Cell Mouse Embryos

ABSTRACT How chromatin-mediated transcription regulates the beginning of mammalian development is currently unknown. Factors responsible for promoter repression and enhancer-mediated relief of this repression are not present in the paternal pronuclei of one-cell mouse embryos but are present in the zygotic nuclei of two-cell embryos. Here we show that coinjection of purified histones and a plasmid-encoded reporter gene into the paternal pronuclei of one-cell embryos at a specific histone-DNA concentration could recreate the behavior observed in two-cell embryos: acquisition of promoter repression and subsequent relief of this repression either by functional enhancers or by histone deacetylase inhibitors. Furthermore, the extent of enhancer-mediated stimulation in one-cell embryos depended on the acetylation status of the injected histones, on the treatment of embryos with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and on the developmentally regulated appearance of enhancer-specific coactivator activity. The coinjected plasmids in one-cell embryos also exhibited chromatin assembly, as determined by a supercoiling assay. Thus, injection of histones into one-cell embryos faithfully reproduced the chromatin-mediated transcription observed in two-cell embryos. These results suggest that the need for enhancers to stimulate promoters through relief of chromatin-mediated repression occurs once the parental genomes are organized into chromatin. Furthermore, we present a model mammalian system in which the role of individual histones, and particular domains within the histones that are targeted in enhancer function, can be examined using purified mutant histones.
National and International Developments in Risk Reporting: May the German Accounting Standard 5 Lead the Way Internationally?

In this journal, Buchheim and Beiersdorf discussed recent changes in the regulation of the management report (Lagebericht) in Germany. The German Commercial Code (HGB – Handelsgesetzbuch) requires a management report by individual entities classified as companies with limited liability in § 289 and by groups in § 315. The reporting requirements of the latter are specified by the German Accounting Standard GAS 15 on Management Reporting. The authors award the German regulation to potentially lead the way internationally.
ATTRACTION-AVOIDANCE RESPONSE OF MOUND-BUILDING MOUSE, MUS SPICILEGUS IN AGROECOSYSTEMS TO CONSPECIFIC AND HETEROSPECIFIC ODOURS

SIMEONOVSKA-NIKOLOVA, D. , 2016. Attraction-avoidance response of mound-building mouse, Mus spicilegus in agroecosystems to conspecifi c and heterospecifi c odours. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 22: 740–744 The behavioral responses of male mound-building mice Mus spicilegus to odours from males of their own species and odors from males of another species – house mouse Mus musculus musculus and yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis were studied in an attraction–avoidance test in order to clarify the role of odour in their relationships in wild populations in agricultural land. The experiments were carried out in the breeding season. M. spicilegus males showed attraction to conspecific odours from the same sex, but indifference to heterospecific odours of male M. m. musculus, and avoidance to odours of male A. fl avicollis. The behavioural responses to conspecifi c and heterospecifi c odours are discussed in terms of attractiveness of odour cues, according to their signifi cance in social relationships and spacing behaviour.
Association of HLA-B alleles with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in the Yi ethnic group in Sichuan province.

OBJECTIVE To determine the distribution of HLA-B alleles in the Chinese Yi ethnic group and its association with HIV infection. METHODS One hundred and six unrelated healthy HIV negative and 73 HIV positive Chinese Yi ethnic individuals were typed by PCR-SSP. RESULTS The frequency of alleles B*07, Bx 35, and B*46 were increased in HIV-1-positive subjects, whereas the alleles B*55, B*44 and B*78 were absent in the HIV-infected persons studied. The B*46 allele was present in a significantly higher gene frequency among HIV-1-positive individuals (P=0.02, OR=3.32, 95% CI=1.13-9.78) compared with control subjects. CONCLUSION HLA-B*46 may be associated with its susceptibility to HIV-1 infections.
An immunohistochemical study of human fetal liver in the Meckel‐Gruber syndrome

Aims: The ductal plate abnormality of the liver in fetuses with the Meckel‐Gruber syndrome has been well characterised, but its aetiology remains unknown. We have analysed liver structure in six fetuses with this syndrome, using routine histology, immunocytochemistry, and electron microscopy. Methods: Liver tissue from six fetuses of 11–27 weeks gestational age was examined by immunoperoxidase staining with antigens to cyokeratin (AE1/3) and polyclonal CEA. We also examined the ultrastructure of the syndromic fetal liver. The findings were compared with livers of control fetuses obtained from miscarriages, of similar size and gestational age but without dysmorphic features or developmental anomalies. Results: The ductal plate abnormality was present in all the fetuses with the Meckel‐Gruber syndrome. There were abnormalities of biliary excretion in all syndromic fetuses. Ultrastructural studies of the portal tract revealed abnormal collagen bundles in the Meckel‐Gruber syndrome. Conclusions: Our findings, in conjunction with other reports in the literature, suggest that the ductal plate abnormality may be caused by failure of anastomosis of the intra‐ and extrahepatic biliary systems, perhaps in association with abnormalities of the portal tract stroma and biliary excretion.
Students' perceptions of, and performance in, online learning : an examination of the community inquiry model

Students' Perceptions and Performance in Online Learning: An Examination of the Community of Inquiry Model Ming Fai CHOI The Community of Inquiry model (Garrison, Anderson & Archer 2000) argues that learning through online conferencing occurs within an online community through the interaction of cognitive, social, and teaching presences. The model is considered "noteworthy" in the recent development of theory in distance education (Gibson 2003: 156) but empirical studies investigating the influence of the three presences are rare. The main purpose of the study is to examine and evaluate the explanatory power of the Community of Inquiry model and explore the interrelationship of the various presences. The objects of the study were students in the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) and students' perception in the use of online conferencing in the OUHK was also investigated. Data were collected from an online survey. Questionnaire items were constructed based on modification of the content analysis frameworks by Garrison and Anderson (2003), and the reliability and validity of the scales were verified in a pilot study. Students from 34 courses in the OUHK were invited to participate in the main survey and there were 162 valid respondents. Correlations and ANOVA indicate that the three presences of the model are positively correlated to students' satisfaction and perceived attainment, but not to students' participation in the online conference. The postulation suggested by Garrison et al. (2000) that teaching presence and social presence both support cognitive presence is also supported by a series of multiple regression analyses. The use and students' perception of online conferencing in the OUHK were also reviewed. The general participation rate of the conference was low and students were expecting more active participation from their tutors and fellows. Recommendations for better utilizing the online conference in the OUNK are then proposed. The result of this empirical study of the Community of Inquiry model in Hong Kong confirmed the explanatory power of the model and the interrelation of the three presences. The new instrument developed in this study can also facilitate more sophisticated studies in the future. Table of content Abstract . i Table of content . i i List of tables . iv List of figures . vi Declaration . vii Acknowledgements . viii Chapter 1Introduction to the study . 1 1.
West Virginia agricultural education teachers' perceptions on involving students with exceptionalities in agricultural classrooms and laboratories

West Virginia Agricultural Education Teachers Perceptions on Involving Students with Exceptionalities in Agricultural Classrooms and Laboratories Ashley D. Watts The purpose of this study was to examine West Virginia Agricultural Education Teachers perceptions on involving students with exceptionalities in agricultural classrooms and laboratories. This study examined whether teachers felt confident, wellprepared, and if other students interact well with students with exceptionalities. This study also sought to determine if agricultural teachers felt they had adequate training to work with students with exceptionalities or if additional training was needed. The majority of teachers agreed that including students with exceptionalities in the classroom fosters understanding for diverse populations. A majority of teachers have seen an increase in students with exceptionalities in their classrooms. Agricultural teachers feel confident and well-prepared to work with students with exceptionalities; however, they did not feel confident or well-prepared to work with students with exceptionalities when they first started teaching agriculture. A majority of teachers feel classes/trainings should be required to prepare teachers to work with students with exceptionalities.
Perceived discrimination in those at clinical high risk for psychosis

There is evidence to suggest that perceived discrimination may be associated with psychosis. Less is known about its potential impact on those at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of perceived discrimination in a CHR sample and its possible relationship to attenuated positive symptoms and negative self‐beliefs.
Key Contributions to the Cross Section of NAND Flash Memories Irradiated With Heavy Ions

Heavy-ion irradiation of NAND flash memories under operating conditions leads to errors with complex, data-dependent signatures. We present upsets due to hits in the floating gate array and in the peripheral circuitry, discussing their peculiarities in terms of pattern dependence and annealing. We also illustrate single event functional interruptions, which lead to errors during erase and program operations. To account for all the phenomena we observe during and after irradiation, we propose an ldquoeffective cross section,rdquo which takes into account the array and peripheral circuitry contributions to the SEU sensitivity, as well as the operating conditions.
An examination of self-identified reasons for student departure at a small liberal education institution in Canada

This study explored the self-reported reasons why students, who were registered as first year students at a small, primarily undergraduate liberal arts institution, left after only one year of study. Data collection involved a mixed methods approach and the results were analyzed using a phenomenological approach, examining variables; social and academic integration, residential living, family commitments and finances. This study's findings confirmed there are a variety of reasons that students leave an institution after one year of study. The major findings revealed the reasons that the students self-reported for leaving were the inability to meet new friends, lack of career planning, unavailable program options and the cost to attend the institution. Because purposive sampling was used in the study, results cannot be generalized to the wider population but are consistent with the literature on student persistence. Based on the findings, the study did identify several recommendations that would be helpful in assisting with an institution's student persistence plans.
[In vitro study of biological characteristics of new retrograde filling materials iRoot].

OBJECTIVE To study the biological characteristics of new retrograde filling materials iRoot BP plus and iRoot FS. METHODS (1) The roots were cut into 3 mm in length, and the root canals were prepared to 1 mm in diameter, followed by being filled with iRoot BP plus, iRoot FS, or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). The ability of mineralization in vitro was detected through three studies. First, the mineralization of specimens was analyzed through scanning electron microscope observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Then, the pH of SBF was monitored using pH meter. (2) The extracts were gained by immersing blocks of iRoot BP plus, iRoot FS, and MTA (8 mm diameter and 2 mm height) into dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM). The effects of the extracts on proliferation of MG63 cells were detected through MTT assay. The gene expression level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and the expression of ALP activity was observed by ALP activity staining. RESULTS (1) The formation of minerals could be observed on the surfaces of iRoot BP plus, iRoot FS, and MTA at the end of 24 h, and there were more amounts of apatite aggregated after 14 days. The values of Ca/P ratios of apatites were 1.43, 1.39, and 1.51, respectively. (2) The pH of SBF could be raised to 8.09±0.07, 7.91±0.06, and 8.11±0.06, respectively, significantly higher than the blank. (3) The extracts of iRoot BP plus, iRoot FS, and MTA of dilutions of 1:5 and 1:10 presented no effect of proliferation of MG63 cells. (4) iRoot BP plus and iRoot FS could significantly up-regulated the levels of ALP messenger RNA expression, while there was no obvious difference in ALP staining among the iRoot BP plus, iRoot FS, MTA, and the blank. CONCLUSION The present study shows that iRoot has displayed good mineralization capability in vitro and capability to promote differentiation and mineralization of MG63 cells, inferring that iRoot may have good bioactivity.
The Middle East Subordinate System and Its Impact on Israel's Foreign Policy

A subordinate state system, as suggested elsewhere, requires six conditions for its existence: (1) delimited scope, with primary stress on a geographic region; (2) at least three actors; (3) objective recognition by most other actors as constituting a distinctive community, region, or segment of the global system; (4) selfidentification as such; (5) units of power relatively inferior to units in the dominant system, using a sliding scale of power in both; and (6) more intensive and influential penetration of the subordinate system by the dominant system than the reverse. Measured by these criteria the Middle East is certainly one of the few developed subordinate systems in contemporary international politics. '
Are Patients With Cancer Less Willing to Share Their Health Information? Privacy, Sensitivity, and Social Purpose.

PURPOSE Growing use of electronic health information increases opportunities to build population cancer databases for research and care delivery. Understanding patient views on reuse of health information is essential to shape privacy policies and build trust in these initiatives. METHODS We randomly assigned nationally representative participants (N = 3,336) with and without prior cancer to six of 18 scenarios describing different uses of electronic health information. The scenarios varied the user, use, and sensitivity of the information. Participants rated each scenario on a scale of 1 to 10 assessing their willingness to share their electronic health information. We used conjoint analysis to measure the relative importance of each attribute (ie, use, user, and sensitivity). RESULTS Participants with and without a prior diagnosis of cancer had a similar willingness to share health information (0.27; P = .42). Both cancer and noncancer participants rated the purpose of information use as the most important factor (importance weights, 67.1% and 45.6%, respectively). For cancer participants, the sensitivity of the information was more important (importance weights, 29.8% v 1.2%). However, cancer participants were more willing to share their health information when the information included more sensitive genetic information (0.48; P = .015). Cancer and noncancer respondents rated uses and users similarly. CONCLUSION The information sharing preferences of participants with and without a prior diagnosis of cancer were driven mainly by the purpose of information reuse. Although conventional thinking suggests patients with cancer might be less willing to share their health information, we found participants with cancer were more willing to share their inherited genetic information.
Effects of exhaustive training with L-arginine consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in young bodybuilders

Background & Aims: The acute exercise causes induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Considering antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of L-arginine, in this study we have investigated effects of L-arginine consumption on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers following exhaustive training in young bodybuilders. Materials & Methods: In an interventional study, 30 young bodybuilders were divided into two equal groups, placebo (consuming Larginine) and supplementation (consuming dextrose). Each individual received 3 g/day of L-arginine or dextrose for one week. During the supplementation, all participants performed one week exhaustive training according the specific protocol. Blood samples were collected before (at baseline) and immediately after first training session (for evaluating acute effects) and also after one week training. Finally serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL6), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in all samples by ELISA. Results: The results showed that exhaustive training caused a significantly increase in levels of CRP, MDA and IL6 (p<0.05). Our results revealed that the L-arginine consumption could prevent exercise-induced increasing in concentration of these factors following trainings. Also, positive correlations were observed between CRP with IL6, CRP with MDA and IL6 with MDA before the training. Conclusions: Performing acute and chronic exhaustive training even in athlete causes increasing in inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers and consumption of L-arginine could modulate chronic and acute exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
Investigation of the Fracture Resistance of Hot-Mix Asphalt Concrete Using a Disk-Shaped Compact Tension Test

In recent years the transportation materials research community has focused a great deal of attention on the development of testing and analysis methods to shed light on fracture development in asphalt pavements. Recently it has been shown that crack initiation and propagation in asphalt materials can be realistically modeled with cutting-edge computational fracture mechanics tools. However, much more progress is needed toward the development of practical laboratory fracture tests to support these new modeling approaches. The goal of this paper is twofold: (a) to present a disk-shaped compact tension [DC(T)] test, which appears to be a practical method for determining low-temperature fracture properties of cylindrically shaped asphalt concrete test specimens, and (b) to illustrate how the DC(T) test can be used to obtain fracture properties of asphalt concrete specimens obtained from field cores following dynamic modulus and creep compliance tests performed on the same specimens. Testing four mixtures with varied composition demonstrated that the DC(T) test could detect the transition from quasi-brittle to brittle fracture by testing at several low temperatures selected to span across the glass transition temperatures of the asphalt binder used. The tendency toward brittle fracture with increasing loading rate was also detected. Finally, the DC(T) test was used in a forensic study to investigate premature reflective cracking of an isolated portion of pavement in Rochester, New York. One benefit of the DC(T) test demonstrated during testing of field samples was the ability to obtain mixture fracture properties as part of an efficient suite of tests performed on cylindrical specimens.