Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of alloimmunization and heteroimmunization with zonae pellucidae on fertility in rabbits.

The effect of active immunization with porcine or rabbit zonae pellucidae on the fertility of rabbits was studied. A total of 28 rabbits in groups of four were immunized with 1) intact, 2) heatsolubiized or 3) detergent-dissociated (SDS-sodium sulfite-solubilized) porcine or rabbit zonae, or 4) complete Freund’s adjuvant. Serum antibodies to zona antigens were monitored by immunoelectrophoresis and by radioimmunoassay methods. All of the animals in the groups which were heteroimmunized with intact or with heat-solubilized porcine zonae were infertile in both term pregnancy studies or in 4-8-cell embryo recovery studies. Normal ovarian function was interrupted in these animals, since normal ova were not ovulated after hCG treatment. Ovulation appeared normal in animals immunized with detergent-dissociated porcine zonae or with rabbit zonae in any form. Although fertility was reduced in these latter groups, some animals had normal offspring or normal cleaving embryos even though antibodies to zonae were present in their serum. These studies demonstrate that 1) heteroimmunization of rabbits with porcine zonae is more effective in reducing fertility than alloimmuntzation with rabbit zonae; 2) the reduction of fertility by immunization with zonae is dependent on the state of solubilization of zonae prior to immunization; 3) serum antibodies to some zona antigens can be present which do not inhibit fertilization; and 4) the reason(s) for infertility by active immunization with zona antigens may be other than (or in addition to) the blockage of sperm binding to the zonae or penetration of the zonae. We conclude that the rabbit is an excellent model for the comparison of the effects on fertility of
Bidirectional changes in synapsin I phosphorylation at MAP kinase‐dependent sites by acute neuronal excitation in vivo

Synapsin I is a synaptic vesicle‐associated protein which is phosphorylated at multiple sites by various kinases. It has been proposed to play a role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release and the organization of cytoskeletal architecture in the presynaptic terminal. To better understand the physiological regulation of its phosphorylation in vivo, we induced acute, reversible neuronal excitation by electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) in rats, and studied its effects on synapsin I phosphorylation at sites 3, 4/5 and 6 by immunoblot analyses of homogenates from hippocampus and parietal cortex using phospho‐site‐specific antibodies. A decrease in phosphorylation at all sites was observed soon after the electrical stimulation, followed by a large increase in phosphorylation at site 4/5 peaking at 5 min and a moderate increase in phosphorylation at site 6 peaking at 20 min. Systemic injection of SL327, a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor, prior to ECT, suppressed the increase in phospho‐site 4/5 level, as well as that in MAPK activity, but not that in phospho‐site 6 level. Thus, phosphorylation at site 4/5 of synapsin I has been shown to be regulated by MAPK in vivo.
Use of age and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity to assess passive transfer status in lambs.

OBJECTIVE To develop an algorithm for predicting passive transfer status of lambs of various ages, using the lamb's age and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 51 Suffolk, Columbia, and crossbred lambs from 1 to 16 days old. PROCEDURE Serum was obtained from all lambs. Serum GGT activity was measured, using a commercially available kit. Serum IgG concentration was determined by use of radial immunodiffusion. Day-1 serum IgG concentration was estimated from sample IgG concentration, lamb age, and the published 14-day half-life of IgG in lambs. Stepwise multivariate regression models were developed to estimate day-1 serum IgG concentration as a function of the natural logarithm of serum GGT activity (In[GGT]) and natural logarithm of lamb age (In[age]) at the time of sampling. These regression models were then used to calculate serum GGT activities that were equivalent to various day-1 IgG concentrations in lambs of various ages. RESULTS In(GGT) and In(age) were significantly associated with estimated day-1 IgG concentration. Day-1 serum IgG concentration could be predicted using the formula: IgG = -7,686 + 1,366(In[GGT]) + 1,199(In[age]). The model was moderately accurate in predicting serum IgG concentration (R2 = 0.52). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Serum GGT activity can be used to assess passive transfer status of lambs.
The Acute Effect of a Caffeine-Containing Energy Drink on Mood State, Readiness to Invest Effort, and Resistance Exercise to Failure

Abstract Duncan, MJ, Smith, M, Cook, K, and James, RS. The acute effect of a caffeine-containing energy drink on mood state, readiness to invest effort, and resistance exercise to failure. J Strength Cond Res 26(10): 2858–2865, 2012—The efficacy of caffeine ingestion in enhancing aerobic performance is well established. The evidence for caffeine's effects on resistance exercise is mixed and has not fully examined the associated psychological and psychophysiological changes. This study examined acute effects of ingesting a caffeine-containing energy drink on repetitions to failure, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and the readiness to invest physical effort (RTIPE) and mental effort during resistance exercise to failure. Thirteen resistance-trained men took part in this double-blind, randomized cross-over experimental study whereby they ingested a caffeinated (179 mg) energy drink or placebo solution 60 minutes before completing a bout of resistance exercise comprising bench press, deadlift, prone row, and back squat exercise to failure at an intensity of 60% 1-repetition maximum. Experimental conditions were separated by at least 48 hours. Participants completed significantly greater repetitions to failure, irrespective of exercise, in the energy drink condition (p = 0.015). Rating of perceived exertion was significantly higher in the placebo condition (p = 0.02) and was significantly higher during lower-body exercises compared with upper-body exercises irrespective of the substance ingested (p = 0.0001). Readiness to invest mental effort was greater with the energy drink condition (p = 0.04), irrespective of time. A significant time × substance interaction (p = 0.036) for RTIPE indicated that RTIPE increased for both placebo and energy drink conditions preingestion to pre-exercise, but the magnitude of increase was greater with the energy drink condition compared with placebo. This resulted in higher RTIPE postexercise for the energy drink condition. These results suggest that acute ingestion of a caffeine-containing energy drink can enhance resistance exercise performance to failure and positively enhance psychophysiological factors related to exertion in trained men.
Elective reconstruction of the ascending aorta for aneurysmal disease restores normal life expectancy. An analysis of risk factors for early and late mortality.

OBJECTIVE We investigated the survival of patients who had undergone elective reconstruction of the ascending aorta for degenerative aneurysms. The long-term survival was compared to an age- and sex-matched case-control population. An analysis of risk factors, influencing survival was made. METHODS AND RESULTS From May 1998 to January 2012, 72 patients underwent elective reconstruction of the ascending aorta for degenerative disease at the department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of the Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium. Sixty patients were treated with Bentall procedures, whereas 12 received valve-sparing procedures. The average age of the patient group was 65.5 years (range 24-80), with 64% males. Thirty-day mortality was 9.7% (consistent with calculated Euroscore II: 9.2%). The long-term survival was 80.9% at 3, 5 and 10 years. No deaths occurred between 3 and 10 years postoperatively. In an age- and sex case-matched Belgian population, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival were 95.7%, 94.7% and 85.2%, respectively. Long-term survival was not significantly different between both groups. Poor NYHA class at the time of surgery (P = 0.041) and COPD (P = 0.028) had a significant impact on global survival. Valve-sparing operations provide similar long-term survival, avoiding thrombo-embolic complications. CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction of the ascending aorta for degenerative aneurysmal disease restores normal life expectancy, compared with an age- and sex-matched case-control population. Early mortality is consistent with the Euroscore II risk calculation. Whereas late survival progressively declines in the average population, it remains constant in the treated group after 3 years. COPD and poor functional class significantly impair survival. Valve-sparing procedures confer a similar long-term survival as valve replacement.
Measurement of the biomass concentration from a bioprocess by image processing techniques

This paper deals with the measurement of the biomass concentration in a bioprocess, with a final purpose of building an on-line concentration transducer, for the control of a continuous bioprocess. The proposed method is based on processing the images of the target population, captured by a camera under a regular bright field microscope. The image processing algorithm for this method was developed and experimentally validated, in the case of the species Sacharomices cerevisiae. Its main properties are: no human operation required, fast computing (less than 10 sec.), low error level.
Interação entre conversores chaveados com baixa ondulação e células de combustível

Esta dissertacao discute a interacao entre as celulas de combustivel e o conversor de potencia conectado aos seus terminais. Para isto e apresentado um algoritmo modificado para a modelagem dinâmica de conversores chaveados tanto quanto um estudo sobre os efeitos das ondulacoes de corrente sobre as celulas. Celulas do tipo PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) sao estudadas, obtendo-se um modelo razoavel para analise das caracteristicas eletroquimicas e eletricas dos fenomenos envolvidos na geracao de energia eletrica com celulas de combustivel. Como interface utiliza-se um conversor CC-CC associado a um filtro do tipo T . Este conversor tem a funcao de evitar a grande ondulacao de corrente absorvida pela celula bem como, manter constante o fluxo de potencia entre a FC e o barramento CC evitando-se assim, possiveis transitorios nos terminais da celula. O projeto do conversor de potencia preve a conexao a rede da concessionaria atraves de um conversor CC-CA trifasico para injetar ou absorver corrente da rede com reduzida distorcao harmonica e estabilizacao da tensao do barramento CC. Foram projetados controladores para a corrente CC, a tensao CC e a corrente CA. Como formas de validacao foram realizadas simulacoes para avaliar o comportamento dos sistemas de controle para a pilha e para a injecao e/ou absorcao de energia. Tambem foram comparados os resultados teoricos com os dados praticos de uma pilha submetida a variacao de carga em seus terminais.
Enabling internet banking adoption: An empirical examination with an augmented technology acceptance model (TAM)

Purpose The integration of relevant antecedents into TAM would lead to better understanding of the decision factors which act as enablers for the adoption of internet banking. The purpose of the paper is to determine the influence of the antecedents subjective norm, image, banks initiative, internet banking self-efficacy, internet usage efficacy, trust, perceived risk, trialability and government support on the existing constructs of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and to test measurement invariance and the moderating effect of the demographic variables on the relationship between the latent constructs used in this augmented TAM. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was administered on internet banking users and a total of 300 responses were collected. A two-step approach suggested by Hair et al. (2006) and Schumacker and Lomax (2004) was used in this study. The proposed model was assessed using the confirmatory factor analysis approach. The structural model was then tested in order to establish nomological validity. The data based on four demographic dimensions gender, age, income, education were divided into two groups for each of these demographic dimensions. The invariance test was first performed on the measurement model and then on the structural model. The measurement model and structural model were subjected to tests of equivalence of parameters across groups. Findings To a large extent the results of the study supports the proposed model and thereby contributes to understand the influence of subjective norm, image, banks initiative, internet banking self-efficacy, internet usage efficacy, trust, perceived risk and government support on internet banking adoption. The predictor variables in the augmented TAM were able to explain 29.9 per cent of the variance in the actual usage of internet banking as compared to the TAM which was able to explain only 26.5 per cent variance in the actual usage of internet banking. A significant difference in the relationship between the different constructs of the model was observed when the model was subjected to multi-group invariance testing. Research limitations/implications The study suffers from the same limitations as most other studies involving TAM. In this study self-reported measures about the usage were taken as the actual usage. The findings of the study can be of use to marketers for target-specific marketing by customizing the marketing campaign focussing on the factors that were found to be strong influencers leading to the usage of internet banking for each target audience. Originality/value The main challenge in this study was to develop the conceptual model for the internet banking adoption by extending the TAM and to get a robust theoretical support from the extant literature for the relevant factors along with their relationship to uncover new insights about factors responsible for the internet banking adoption. The augmented model had an improved predictive capability and explanatory utility.
Meiotic analysis of interspecific hybrids between Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum chinense

Abstract: The aim of this study was to observe the genetic relationship between C. frutescens (UENF 1636) and C. chinense (UENF 1785) based on the meiotic behavior, on the meiotic index, and on pollen viability of their F 1 hybrids. For meiotic analysis and meiotic index, flower buds were collected and fixed for 24 hours in ethanol: acetic acid (3:1), and then transferred to 70% ethanol, and stored in a freezer. Slides preparation for meiosis, meiotic index and pollen vi - ability was carried out according to the laboratory’s protocol. Hybrid meiosis was regular, and 12 pairs of chromosomes were observed in diakinesis, as well as a few anomalies. The MI of 88.16%, as well as the pollen viability of 72.5%, were satisfactory. Given the results, it was confirmed the genetic proximity of these species, which are classified in the Capsicum annuum gene complex. Key words : Pepper, chromosomes, cytogenetics. Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology17: 159-163, 2017Brazilian Society of Plant Breeding.Printed in Brazilhttp://dx.doi. org/10.1590/1984-70332017v17n2n23
Prenatal diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 9

Mosaic trisomy 9 was detected in an amniotic fluid cell culture from a 40‐year‐old woman evaluated because of advanced maternal age. After counselling, parents elected to terminate the pregnancy. On autopsy the fetus was found to have hydrocephalus and a single kidney. The diagnosis of trisomy 9 mosaicism was confirmed in cultured skin fibroblasts. This is the third reported case of trisomy 9 mosaicism diagnosed prenatally.
Attenuated form of Lysosomal Storage Disease in a Medieval Skeleton from Austria

Introduction: Forty years ago, a medieval skeleton from the 9th century was found near Pitten, Austria. The skeleton ́s burial position at the edge of the cemetery, the presence of multiple skeletal changes typical of mucopolysaccharidosis and its similarity to a painting by Virchow R 200 years ago have previously been interpreted to indicate Pfaundler-Hurler disease, the early name for mucopolysaccharidosis type I. Materials and methods: These previous findings were re-evaluated and compared with those for another medieval male skull without lysosomal storage disease but with syphilitic changes. Of special interest was the shape of the skull and face, as well as the typical bony lesions observed in dysostosis multiplex. X-rays of the tibial bones revealed the so-called Harris lines similar to those observed in Morquio syndrome in early reports by Morquio L. Results: Many parts of the skeleton showed signs consistent with dysostosis multiplex: mid-face hypoplasia with a broad nasal bridge, prominent jaw, osteosclerosis of the skull with scaphoid form, elongated sella turcica, signs of premature synostosis of the coronary suture, kyphoscoliosis, platyspondyly with ovoid-like vertebrae and more severe changes in the thoraco-lumbar region, broad iliac wings, severe joint changes in the hypoplastic acetabulae and markedly flat heads of the femoral bones in the varus-position, and shortening of the long bones, thus resulting in a moderate, short stature. Discussion: On the basis of the individual ́s age and current knowledge of lysosomal storage diseases, this young man most probably had an attenuated form of one disease of this group of disorders. The burial of a disabled individual may indicate intellectual disability, as well as severe deficit in vision, hearing or immobility, which are observed in untreated adult patients with mucopolysaccharidoses or several other lysosomal storage disorders.
The role of previous hepatitis B virus infection and heavy smoking in hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE Worldwide epidemiological studies have demonstrated that hepatitis C virus (HCV) probably is a causative agent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are no available reports that clearly identify the risk factors for the development of HCC in HCV-related chronic liver disease (CLD). The aim of the present study is to explore the risk factors for hepatocarcinogenesis in HCV-related CLD. METHODS We prospectively observed 412 patients with anti-HCV-positive CLD but without co-infection of hepatitis B virus (232 patients with chronic hepatitis and 180 with liver cirrhosis) for between 0.5 and 15.8 yr (median: 4.9 yr). Risk factors for hepatocarcinogenesis were identified with a Cox proportional-hazard model. RESULTS Sixty-three patients (15.3%) developed HCC during the observation period; the cumulative occurrence rates at the end of the 5th, 10th, and 15th yr was 3.7%, 12.1%, and 12.1%, respectively, for chronic hepatitis patients and 23.3%, 49.4%, and 90.7%, respectively, for 180 cirrhotic patients. The Cox proportional-hazard model showed that the risk of hepatocarcinogenesis increased almost 5-fold in cirrhotic patients (risk ratio, 5.14; 95% confidence interval, 2.52-10.46, p = 0.0001), 2-fold in patients with positive antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen and/or antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (risk ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-4.07, p = 0.0201), and 2.5-fold in heavy smokers (risk ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-5.49, p = 0.0276). CONCLUSION These epidemiological results indicate that previous infection with hepatitis B virus and heavy smoking (in addition to liver cirrhosis, a known risk factor) play important roles as risk factors for carcinogenesis in HCV-related CLD.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: summary of five years results

In the Republic of Macedonia, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been introduced early. In GOB 8 September, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been in 1993. During the last decade, from September 2009 to October 2014, 1352 operations were performed. In 49 cases (3,62 %) surgeons decided on conversion procedure. 40 (82 %) of these conversions were so called elective and on the other hand, 9 (18 %) of them were caused by complications. Complications were found in 75 (5,54 %) cases. They have been classified in four groups, and have been analyzed by the period in which they occurred: period A, 274 patients until 2010, period B, 551 patients until 2012, and period C, 527 patients until 2014. There was a significant decrease of complications rate (p 0,05) in all four groups (kinds) of complications. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides many advantages in comparison to other procedures treating cholecystolythiasis, however, it is characterized by some limited possibilities and complications, some of which closely related to the laparoscopic procedure.
Reservoir Competence of the Vole, Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae, for Borrelia garinii or Borrelia afzelii

In autumn of 1994 and spring of 1995, we examined Borrelia infection among Microtinae voles, Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae, in Hokkaido, Japan. In BSK culturing of the earlobe tissues of 45 C. rufocanus bedfordiae captured, twelve rodents were positive for Borrelia. Eight isolates were used for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. According to the results, these isolates were classified into B. garinii or B. afzelii. It is considered that a common vole, C. rufocanus bedfordiae, plays a significant role in the transmission and maintenance of B. garinii and B. afzelii, similar to the role of Apodemus speciosus mice.
Sabin monovalent oral polio vaccines: review of past experiences and their potential use after polio eradication.

After global eradication of polio is achieved, there will be a need for stockpiles of vaccine to combat potential outbreaks of poliomyelitis caused by (1) unforeseen release of polioviruses, (2) continued circulation of vaccine-derived strains, or (3) prolonged replication of polioviruses in immunodeficient persons. We conducted a review of the literature to document the immunogenicity and safety of monovalent Sabin vaccines, considered ideal candidates for these situations. The National Library of Medicine archives were searched for the keywords "polio," "monovalent," and "vaccine. " Seroconversion rates for monovalent Sabin type 1 ranged from 53% to 100% (median, 95%); for type 2, 77%-100% (median, 93%); and for type 3, 52%-100% (median, 85%). The risk of vaccine-associated poliomyelitis per million persons vaccinated ranged from.05 to 0.99 (type 1), 0-0.65 (type 2), and 1.18-8.91 (type 3). Single-dose monovalent Sabin vaccines are highly immunogenic and safe and should be considered for stockpiles of vaccine to provide an effective response to potential outbreaks of poliomyelitis in the post-eradication period.
Inherited thrombophilia and gestational venous thromboembolism

Rainer B Zotz1,2†, Andrea Gerhardt2 & Rüdiger E Scharf2 †Author for correspondence 1Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Institut für Hämostaseologie und Transfusionsmedizin, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany Tel. : +49 0211 811 7344; Fax: +49 0211 811 6221; E-mail: zotz@med.uniduesseldorf. de 2Heinrich Heine University, Department of Hemostasis and Transfusion Medicine, Medical Center, Düsseldorf, Germany
Stability of uncertain networked control systems with communication constraints

This paper investigates the robust stabilization problem for stochastic uncertain systems with random time delay, where a digital communication channel with limited data rates connects the sensors and controllers. A sufficient condition for stabilization of such stochastic uncertain systems with random channel propagation delay, is derived. It is shown that there exists a quantization and control scheme to stabilize the unstable plant if the data rate of the channel is greater than the lower bound to be proposed in our result. Simulation results show the validity of the proposed scheme.