Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consequences of In Vivo Development and Subsequent Culture on Apoptosis, Cell Number, and Blastocyst Formation in Bovine Embryos1

Abstract Bovine embryos produced in vitro differ considerably in quality from embryos developed in vivo. The in vitro production system profoundly affects the competence to form blastocysts, the number of cells of the total embryo and of the inner cell mass (ICM), and the incidence of apoptosis. To our knowledge, the effects of different postfertilization regimens before and after completion of the fourth embryonic cell cycle on these aspects have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we assessed the blastulation rate by stereomicroscopy and the cell number of the total embryo, of the ICM, and of the cells with apoptotic changes by confocal laser-scanning microscopy after staining with propidium iodide and TUNEL. Two groups of embryos were developed in heifers, after superovulation, until 45 or 100 h postovulation (po) and, after collection on slaughter, were further cultured in vitro until Day 7 po. A third and fourth group comprised embryos that were produced entirely in vitro or in vivo. The results indicate that passage in vivo of the fourth cell cycle does not prevent acceleration of the formation of the blastocoele in vitro but may be the critical factor contributing to a higher cell number in the total blastocyst and its ICM. The lower quality of in vitro-produced embryos can be attributed to the ICM having less viable cells because of a lower number of cells and a higher incidence of apoptosis that appears to be determined before completion of the fourth cell cycle.
Experience-dependent changes in cerebellar contributions to motor sequence learning

Studies in experimental animals and humans have stressed the role of the cerebellum in motor skill learning. Yet, the relative importance of the cerebellar cortex and deep nuclei, as well as the nature of the dynamic functional changes occurring between these and other motor-related structures during learning, remains in dispute. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and a motor sequence learning paradigm in humans, we found evidence of an experience-dependent shift of activation from the cerebellar cortex to the dentate nucleus during early learning, and from a cerebellar–cortical to a striatal–cortical network with extended practice. The results indicate that intrinsic modulation within the cerebellum, in concert with activation of motor-related cortical regions, serves to set up a procedurally acquired sequence of movements that is then maintained elsewhere in the brain.
A decision rule based on goal programming and one-stage models for uncertain multi-criteria mixed decision making and games against nature

This paper is concerned with games against nature and multi-criteria decision making under uncertainty along with scenario planning. We focus on decision problems where a deterministic evaluation of criteria is not possible. The procedure we propose is based on weighted goal programming and may be applied when seeking a mixed strategy. A mixed strategy allows the decision maker to select and perform a weighted combination of several accessible alternatives. The new method takes into consideration the decision maker’s preference structure (importance of particular goals) and nature (pessimistic, moderate or optimistic attitude towards a given problem). It is designed for one-shot decisions made under uncertainty with unknown probabilities (frequencies), i.e for decision making under complete uncertainty or decision making under strategic uncertainty. The procedure refers to one-stage models, i.e. models considering combinations of scenarios and criteria (scenario-criterion pairs) as distinct meta-attributes, which means that the novel approach can be used in the case of totally independent payoff matrices for particular targets. The algorithm does not require any information about frequencies, which is especially desirable for new decision problems. It can be successfully applied by passive decision makers, as only criteria weights and the coefficient of optimism have to be declared.
THE MANAGER AS COACH

In the current economic climate, companies are increasingly realizing that their management style has to change. “Downsizing” has resulted in less opportunities for promotion and managers must be able to motivate their staff and enable them to develop in their jobs. The existing management paradigm focuses heavily on control, order and compliance, with the consequence that people become objectified, measured and expended. Looks at the manager as coach and explores the importance and benefits of creating a strong relationship between manager and employee, what makes a good manager and the cultural changes necessary within an organization to bring this about successfully. The importance of staff empowerment is discussed and the argument put forward by experts Evered and Selman that coaching skills are not just part of the range of tools that a manager must have at his or her disposal, but are more important than any other management skills.
Morfologia Comparativa do Estômago do Primeiro e Último Estágios Zoea e Juvenil de Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1897) (Decapoda: Palaemonidae)

As estruturas dos estomagos da primeira e ultima larva e primeiro juvenil de Macrobrachium rosenbergii sao descritas em detalhes e comparadas em relacao a morfologia funcional. A primeira larva apresenta um estomago simples, porem aparentemente funcional, tornando-se mais complexo ao longo do desenvolvimento larval. Incremento de cerdas e especializacao do filter press e observado no ultimo estagio. Uma drastica mudanca no estomago ocorre durante a metamorfose de larva para primeiro juvenil.
A doubling in snow accumulation in the western Antarctic Peninsula since 1850

We present results from a new medium depth (136 metres) ice core drilled in a high accumulation site (73.59°S, 70.36°W) on the south‐western Antarctic Peninsula during 2007. The Gomez record reveals a doubling of accumulation since the 1850s, from a decadal average of 0.49 mweq y−1 in 1855–1864 to 1.10 mweq y−1 in 1997–2006, with acceleration in recent decades. Comparison with published accumulation records indicates that this rapid increase is the largest observed across the region. Evaluation of the relationships between Gomez accumulation and the primary modes of atmospheric circulation variability reveals a strong, temporally stable and positive relationship with the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Furthermore, the SAM is demonstrated to be a primary factor in governing decadal variability of accumulation at the core site (r = 0.66). The association between Gomez accumulation and ENSO is complex: while sometimes statistically significant, the relationship is not temporally stable. Thus, at decadal scales we can utilise the Gomez accumulation as a suitable proxy for SAM variability but not for ENSO.
Alteration in the expression of cdk4 and cdk6 proteins in oral cancer and premalignant lesions.

BACKGROUND Cdk4 and cdk6, key players in G1 phase, have been shown to play an important role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study investigated the expression of these two proteins in OSCC and premalignant lesions including oral leukoplakia (OL) with and without dysplasia and determined if alterations in the expression of these two proteins could be used as markers of malignant transformation. METHODS Expressions of cdk4 and cdk6 were evaluated in 61 samples including OSCC, OL with and without dysplasia and normal oral mucosa using immunohistochemistry method. Nuclear staining of the keratinocytes was considered positive and the percentage of positive cells was calculated. RESULTS Expression of cdk4 was found in 11/15 (73.33%) OSCC, 13/14 (92.85%) OL with dysplasia, 13/20 (65%) OL without dysplasia and 3/12 (25%) normal mucosa. Expression of cdk6 was detected in 9/15 (60%) OSCC, 3/14 (21.43%) OL with dysplasia, 5/20 (25%) OL without dysplasia and 1/12 (8.33%) normal mucosa. In cdk4 stained specimens, the frequency of positive cases and the percentage of positive cells in normal mucosa was significantly lower than OL with dysplasia and OSCC. For cdk6 staining, the prevalence of positive cases and the percentage of positive cells in normal mucosa were significantly lower than OSCC. CONCLUSIONS Overexpressions of cdk4 and cdk6 were observed in OSCC, indicating that these two proteins play a crucial role in OSCC. The aberrant expression of cdk4 was found in OL with dysplasia, suggesting that cdk4 may be involved in the early event of carcinogenesis.
Single-centre experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy: Impact of learning curve on outcome

Aim: To present our experience of laparoscopic nephrectomies done for benign and malignant conditions; and the impact of learning curve on outcome. Settings and Design: Retrospective study. Materials and Methods: Between January 2000 and September 2006, 396 laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed at our institute for various benign and malignant conditions. These included 250 simple nephrectomies, 48 nephroureterectomies, 95 radical nephrectomies, two partial nephrectomies and one hemi-nephrectomy. For the purpose of self-evaluation, we have divided our experience into two groups. Group 1 (learning phase) comprised the first 100 cases; Group 2 (consolidation phase) comprised cases performed after the initial learning phase. Retrospective evaluation of the case records was done to evaluate the differences in the operative and postoperative outcome. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's ‘t’ test using SPSS 14.0 software. Results: Demographic profile of the patients and relative indications of procedures performed were similar in the two groups. Mean operative time in Group 1 was 262 ± 37 min, which reduced to 184 ± 44 min in Group 2 (P<0.001). Mean operative blood loss was 310 ± 58 ml and 198 ± 88 ml (P<0.001); and blood transfusion was required in 38% and 13.5% of patients (P<0.001) of Group 1 and Group 2 respectively. There was a significant reduction in the intraoperative and postoperative complications from 16% in Group 1 to 3.4% in Group 2 (P<0.001). Similarly, conversion to an open procedure was required in 17% cases of Group 1 and 5.4% cases of Group 2 (P<0.01). Conclusions: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a viable option which can be performed safely with increasing experience.
Diversity analysis of selected coffee genotypes using microsatellites and random amplified polymorphic DNA in Kenya

Two molecular marker systems, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) were used to identify genetic relationship among 24 coffee accessions in Kenya at Coffee Research Institute. The amplification fragments were scored for presence (1) and absence (0) and the data subjected to analysis using STATSTICA software version 8. A total of 79 bands were detected by 10 RAPD and 50 bands were detected by 13 SSR primers. The polymorphism detected by both markers ranged from 33 to 100% for SSR and 50 to 100% for RAPD with average polymorphism of 65 and 81%, respectively. The genetic dissimilarity index among the genotypes ranged from 0.06 to 1 for both SSR and RAPD primers. Using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) analysis, RAPD and SSR markers clustered the genotypes according to the three different species namely; C. eugenioides, C. canephora and C. arabica. This study confirmed the low genetic diversity in Arabica coffee genotypes evaluated with average dissimilarity index of 0.5. The study also widened the information on genetic diversity of coffee germplasm available for breeding programmes in Kenya unlike previous work which focused on commercial cultivars and donors of resistance to diseases.
Family quality of life in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND The limited literature that exists about intellectual disabilities (ID) in Nigeria suggests that perceptions of ID may be shaped by social and cultural beliefs, and that socio-economic factors have prevented the development of policy and services. The present study sought to explore these suggestions in more detail by administering the Family Quality of Life Survey, an instrument used extensively throughout the world to collect comprehensive data on family quality of life. Its specific purposes were: (1) to describe the family quality of life of Nigerian families that have a son or daughter with ID and (2) to provide some initial ideas about the relationship between the families' life experiences and government policy and provision of services. METHOD Eighty main caregivers from 80 families that received services for their sons and daughters with ID from two community agencies volunteered to participate. Two trained assistants administered the Family Quality of Life Survey in accordance with the administration methods set out by the Survey authors. Quantitative data and explanatory comments were also collected. RESULTS Regarding the first study purpose, all nine life domains of the Family Quality of Life Survey were rated as important. The two main outcome measures, Attainment and Satisfaction, showed that three domains (Family relationships, Influence of values and Health) were sources of quality for families, but that three domains (Support from services, Support from others and Leisure) detracted from family quality of life. Measures of Opportunities, Initiative and Stability were somewhat related to one another, and with the two main outcome measures. Participants' explanatory comments suggested that the main caregivers perceived some domains to make their lives better and others did not. Regarding the second study purpose, it was only possible with the data available to make suggestions, but it seemed that there is a strong need for the development of government policy and services, and for education and training. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that some areas of family life contribute to quality of life for Nigerian families and other areas of life are problematic for families. Although this study is not representative of all Nigerian families that have a son or daughter with ID, it provides important initial information on the family experience with disability in Nigeria.
Effects of nutritional status on the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in platelets from hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Malnutrition is a common feature in chronic renal failure and adversely affects patient morbidity and mortality. We here investigate the effects of nutritional status on the L-arginine-nitric oxide signaling pathway and platelet function in chronic renal failure patients on regular hemodialysis. METHODS Platelet aggregation was correlated with plasma amino acid profiles, L-arginine transport, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity determined by conversion of L-[(3)H]-arginine to L-[(3)H]-citrulline and accumulation of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophospate (cGMP) in platelets from malnourished and well-nourished chronic renal failure patients on regular hemodialysis (N = 78). RESULTS Transport of L-arginine (pmol/10(9)cells/min) via y(+) L system was increased in well-nourished (104 +/- 15) compared to controls (57 +/- 11) or malnourished chronic renal failure patients (55 +/- 13). Basal NOS activity (pmol/10(8)cells) was enhanced in well-nourished chronic renal failure patients (0.51 +/- 0.01) compared to controls (0.18 +/- 0.01) or malnourished chronic renal failure patients (0.08 +/- 0.03). In addition, basal cGMP levels are elevated in platelets from well-nourished chronic renal failure compared to malnourished uremic patients. Platelet aggregation induced by collagen is impaired in well-nourished chronic renal failure patients compared to malnourished patients and controls. Plasma L-arginine levels are reduced in chronic renal failure patients and even lower in malnourished patients. CONCLUSION Our findings provide the first evidence that L-arginine transport via the high affinity system y(+) L and nitric oxide synthesis are only stimulated in platelets from well-nourished chronic renal failure patients, leading to impaired platelet aggregation. The absence of this adaptive response in the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in platelets from malnourished chronic renal failure patients may account for the enhanced occurrence of thrombotic events in these patients.
THE RELATIONSHIPS OF DOG HIPPOCAMPUS TO SEX AND PAW PREFERENCE

Previous studies have described paw preference and asymmetry in dog brains. Electrical activity of the dorsal hippocampus also indicated the existence of hippocampal asymmetry in dogs. In the present study, the possible paw and sex-related asymmetries and right-left differences in dog hippocampus were investigated. The hippocampus was dissected and weighed. Each hippocampus was cut into slices by the slicing apparatus placed horizontally on the tissues. The volumetric measurements were performed using the formula modified from the Cavalieri principle. The present study indicated the significant sex and paw differences and no right-left asymmetry in dog hippocampi. The morphological asymmetries in normal subjects might be related to functional hippocampal asymmetries in memory or in cognitive skills.
Noise exposure, awareness, attitudes and use of hearing protection in a steel rolling mill in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES To study exposure to noise, the attitudes and knowledge towards noise-induced hearing loss and the actual use of hearing protection in a steel rolling mill in Nigeria. METHODS A structured questionnaire was administered to 116 randomly selected workers to collect information relating to their knowledge and attitudes towards hazardous occupational noise and preventative measures. Noise mapping of the factory was also carried out. RESULTS Time weighted average noise levels were: administrative area 49 dBA, mechanic/maintenance workshop 72 dBA, mill floor 86 dBA and finishing stage 93 dBA. There was high awareness of the hazard of noise to hearing (93%) and of methods of prevention (92%) but only 27% possessed hearing protectors and only 28% of these stated that they used them all the time. CONCLUSION While noise is recognized as a hazard, initiatives are required to increase use of effective preventative measures.
Application of error control codes (ECC) in ultra-low power RF transceivers

Wireless sensor networks provide the ability to gather and communicate critical environmental, industrial or security information to enable rapid responses to potential problems. The limited embedded battery life time requires ultra low power sensing, processing and communication systems. To achieve this goal, new approaches at the device, circuit, system and network level need to be pursued (Roundy et al., 2003). Adoption of error control codes (ECC) reduces the required transmit power for reliable communication, while increasing the processing energy of the encoding and decoding operations. This paper discusses the above trade off for systems with and without standard ECC, such as convolutional and Reed Solomon codes. The comparison of the required energy per bit, based on several implemented decoders, shows that the adoption of an ECC with simple decoding structures (such as Reed Solomon) is quite energy efficient. This has specially been observed for long distances.
Pyogenic arthritis in adults.

Septic arthritis has shown no change in incidence, and despite advances in antimicrobial therapy is often responsible for residual functional impairment and for a high mortality rate among debilitated patients. Risk factors include older age, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, immunodeficiency, and a preexisting joint disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) to which the symptoms of septic arthritis are sometimes ascribed. Staphylococcus aureus contributes over two-thirds of identified organisms; a range of streptococci and gram-negative bacilli are next in frequency. The most common site is the knee, followed by the hip and shoulder. Over 10% of patients have polyarticular involvement reflecting bacteremia and diminished resistance to infection; (over 50% of polyarticular forms occur in rheumatoid arthritis patients). Prosthetic joint infection is becoming increasingly common; chronic forms due to intraoperative contamination and resulting in septic loosening should be distinguished from acute hematogenous infection in which emergency treatment can allow to salvage the prosthesis. Demonstration of the organism in the joint is the key to the diagnosis. Joint aspiration should be performed on an emergency basis, if needed after identification of radiographic landmarks or under ultrasonographic guidance. Seeding the fluid on blood culture flasks immediately after aspiration increases the yield. Antibiotics should be started as soon as the microbiological specimens have been collected. When aspiration is difficult (hip) or inadequate, arthroscopic drainage usually makes arthrotomy unnecessary. Early antiinflammatory therapy (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, systemic or local glucocorticoids, anticytokines, and antiinflammatory cytokines) are being considered as tools for limiting joint damage; their efficacy and safety will first have to be established in animal studies.
Betriebs- und volkswirtschaftliche Effekte einer großflächigen Bewirtschaftung nach den Prinzipien des Ökologischen Landbaus, dargestellt am Beispiel der Milchproduktionin der Region Mostviertel-Eisenwurzen (NÖ)

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die betriebs- und volkswirtschaftlichen Effekte einer grosflachigen Bewirtschaftung nach den Prinzipien des Okologischen Landbaus am Beispiel der Milchproduktion in der Region Mostviertel-Eisenwurzen (A) diskutiert. Der Vergleich zwischen biologischer und konventioneller Produktionsweise erfolgt anhand sechs verschiedener Betriebsmodelle (Betriebstypen Milchkuhhaltung bzw. Milch- und Mutterkuhhaltung mit jeweils einem extensiven, mittelintensiven, intensiven Modellbetrieb). Mittels Linearer Planungsrechnung werden der Gesamt- sowie der Vergleichsdeckungsbeitrag, der systembedingte Mehrkosten im Biobetrieb (Verbands- und Kontrollkosten, Investitionen, Mehrarbeit) zusatzlich berucksichtigt, errechnet. Anschliesend werden fur die Betriebsmodelle Bilanzen der Treibhausgasemissionen erstellt, die monetar bewertet werden. Die Berechnungen dieser Arbeit zeigen, dass in biologisch wirtschaftenden Milchviehbetrieben bei entsprechend hoheren Marktpreisen fur Milch und Rindfleisch bessere Gesamtdeckungsbeitrage erzielt werde konnen, als in vergleichbaren konventionellen Betrieben. Selbst bei Annahme eines konventionellen Preisniveaus liegt der Gesamtdeckungsbeitrag (mit Ausnahme des intensivsten der sechs Betriebsmodelle) in allen Betrieben uber dem konventionellen Ausgangswert. Der Vergleichsdeckungsbeitrag ist bei Bezahlung von Biopreisen zwar in allen Bio-Modellbetrieben gleich hoch oder hoher als im konventionellen Referenzbetrieb, ohne Premiumpreise sinkt er jedoch (mit Ausnahme des intensiven Milch-Mutterkuhbetriebes) unter den Vergleichsdeckungsbeitrag bei konventioneller Wirtschaftsweise ab. Bezogen auf MJ Output, sinkt der Vergleichsdeckungsbeitrag/MJ in beiden Betriebstypen bei zunehmender Bewirtschaftungsintensitat ab (extensiv > mittelintensiv > intensiv). Die externen Kosten nehmen bei biologischer Bewirtschaftung v.a. durch den Verzicht auf leichtlosliche mineralische Stickstoffdunger und geringere zugekaufte Mengen an Kraftfutter um 28 % in den Milchkuh-, um 24 % in den Milch-Mutterkuh-Betrieben ab. Bezieht man die externen Kosten auf den Output des Betriebes (kg Milch bzw. MJ Output), so liegen auch hier die von den Biobetrieben verursachten Kosten unter jenen der konventionellen. Niedrigere externe Kosten bei okologischer Wirtschaftsweise unterstutzen somit die Forderung nach einer vermehrten Forderung des Biolandbaus sowie einer Verbesserung der Vermarktungs- und Absatzbedingungen biologischer Produkte zur Sicherung von Bio-Premiumpreisen und damit der betriebswirtschaftlichen Rentabilitat der biologischen Landwirtschaft.