Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OVARIAN PHYSIOLOGY: FOLLICLE DEVELOPMENT, OOCYTE AND HORMONE RELATIONSHIPS

The ovarian follicle is the fundamental unit of the ovary. It contains the oocyte that may eventually ovulate, undergo fertilization and form an embryo. It also provides the steroid and protein hormones required for maintenance of the ovarian cycle, the secondary sex characteristics and preparation of the uterus for implantation. Follicle formation and folliculogenesis have been well documented for many mammalian species. However, the control of follicular reserves and entry of follicles into the growth path towards atresia or ovulation are not well understood. We have investigated several aspects of follicle formation and folliculogenesis by (a) using unbiased assumption-free stereological methods to accurately count follicles, particularly primordial follicles in the follicular reserve, (b) testing the effects of members of the transforming growth factor-β family on folliculogenesis and follicle function, and (c) examining the role of estrogen in folliculogenesis using the aromatase knock-out mouse model. These studies are summarized and reviewed.
CYCLIC SHEAR BEHAVIOR CHARACTERISTICS OF MARINE SILTY SAND

Owing to the high demand for energy supply, the use of offshore wind turbines as a renewable and environment-friendly energy source has been remarkably increased. After installation in the ocean, the offshore structure foundations and soil that support them are subjected to cyclic loading from wind and waves. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the shear behavior characteristics of the marine soil subjected to cyclic loading. Utilizing a cyclic direct simple shear (CDSS) test apparatus, the undrained shear failure behavior of marine silty sand was investigated. The results show that the cyclic behavior and permanent shear strain were different depending on the average shear stress ratio. Failure criteria were proposed by analyzing the failure behaviors corresponding to various cyclic loadings. The proposed failure criteria may be used for the preliminary design of offshore structure foundations.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Changes in B-Lymphocyte Gene Expression

ABSTRACT To elucidate the mechanisms by which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency III gene expression transforms primary B lymphocytes to lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), the associated alterations in cell gene expression were assessed by using 4,146 cellular cDNAs arrayed on nitrocellulose filters and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). A total of 1,405 of the 4,146 cDNAs were detected using cDNA probes from poly(A)+ RNA of IB4 LCLs, a non-EBV-infected Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell line, BL41, or EBV latency III-converted BL41 cells (BL41EBV). Thirty-eight RNAs were consistently twofold more abundant in the IB4 LCL and BL41EBV than in BL41 by microarray analysis. Ten of these are known to be EBV induced. A total of 23 of 28 newly identified EBV-induced genes were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. In addition, nine newly identified genes and CD10 were EBV repressed. These EBV-regulated genes encode proteins involved in signal transduction, transcription, protein biosynthesis and degradation, and cell motility, shape, or adhesion. Seven of seven newly identified EBV-induced RNAs were more abundant in newly established LCLs than in resting B lymphocytes. Surveys of eight promoters of newly identified genes implicate NF-κB or PU.1 as potentially important mediators of EBV-induced effects through LMP1 or EBNA2, respectively. Thus, examination of the transcriptional effects of EBV infection can elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which EBV latency III alters B lymphocytes.
Speech perception in children with speech sound disorder

This paper describes preliminary results from an ongoing study designed to characterize acoustic-phonetic traits in children with speech delay (SD) of unknown origin. Here we present data on 13 SD children and their siblings (26 children in all) from two speech perception tasks: a two-alternative forced choice categorical perception (ID) task, and an error monitoring (EM) task. In the ID task, minimally differing words (e.g., cage – gauge) were used to create 9-step synthetic continua. For the EM task, children heard both correctly and incorrectly articulated words and indicated whether the word was correct or not. Some word tokens in this task were produced by the SD children identified as probands in this study. On both tasks, SD children performed more poorly than their non-SD siblings, showing more gradual slopes in their ID functions, and less accuracy in identifying correct versus error productions.
Discovery of Omeisaurus (Dinosauria: Sauropoda) in the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao Formation of Yunyang, Chongqing, China

A cervical vertebra recovered from the Middle Jurassic Lower Member of the Shaximiao Formation in Town of Puan, Yunyang County, Chongqing is assigned to an species undeterminata of the sauropod dinosaur Omeisaurus based on morphological and comparative study. The centrum of this mid-cervical is much hollower than solider with extremely developed fossa/foramen complex and has a high ratio (5.05) of its anteroposterior length excluding the articular ball divided by the mean value of the posterior articular surface mediolateral width and dorsoventral height. Additional features of this cervical include central length about twice the total vertebral height, a prominent midline keel on the central ventral surface, deep and long cavities bounded by centroprezygapophyseal lamina/ intraprezygapophyseal lamina and centropostzygapophyseal lamina/intrapostzygapophyseal lamina, respectively, a coel on the dorsal half of the postzygapophyseal centrodiapophyseal fossa, long prone epipophysis extending beyond the postzygapophysis facet, anteroposteriorly length of the neural spine about half the length of the centrum, and concavities on the anterior one third lateral surface of the neural spine. Therefore, this discovery reveals new morphological information on Omeisaurus , and this Omeisaurus -bearing Puan dinosaur quarry represents the easternmost occurrence of this genus.
Severity of Lightning Return Strokes : Simulation Study and Review Notes

The literature on lightning stroke severity indicat es that the magnitude of the electric field peak du e to the firstreturn-stroke is nearly twice that of the field pea k due to the subsequent return stroke. These report s are based on the data collected by lightning detection, and information a d field measurement systems. In this paper, field r sults from the literature are summarised. These are then compared with the results obtained through simulation. Elect romagnetic fields generated due to “typical” first (FS) and subsequen t (SS) lightning return strokes have been computed sing the “Modified Transmission Line with Linear current decay” (MTLL) model. These simulation results are discussed, kee ping in view, the field data reported in several recent studies, whic h compare the severity of first and subsequent-retu rn-strokes. The MTLL based engineering model is adopted to compare the s ev rity of lightning return strokes (FS/SS) as a fu nction of radial distance. The effect of worst-case-ground-conductiv ity on this ratio is reported. An MTLL model based comparison on emfield FS/SS ratio for both perfect and worst-case-g round conditions is also reported. These simulation results are compared with those from the “Modified Transmission Line wit h Exponential current decay” (MTLE) model. In gener al, the present simulation results not only substantiate the fact t hat the FS/SS ratio is nearly two times, but also a sess a few parameters responsible for low FS/SS ratio (reported in some c ases). The present simulation analysis shows that t errain electrical conductivity affects the FS/SS ratio. This may expl ain the cause for the low FS/SS ratios.
PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF ASEEL CHICKEN UNDER FREE RANGE , SEMI-INTENSIVE AND CONFINEMENT REARING SYSTEMS

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of 3 different rearing systems [free range (FR), semi-intensive (SI), and confinement (CF)] on productive production performance in 4 varieties of Aseel chicken [Lakha (LK), Mushki (MS), Peshawari (PW), and Sindhi (SN)]. A total of 168 adult hens were assigned to 12 treatment groups, 3 (rearing systems) × 4 (Aseel varieties) factorial arrangement in 7 randomized complete blocks, replicated 14 times with individual hen in each (42 hens from each variety; 56 hens in each rearing system). Data regarding body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), uniformity (UF), and livability (LB) were collected fortnightly whereas egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), and egg mass (EM) were recorded on daily basis. The data were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA technique under factorial arrangement. The results manifested the highest (P<0.05) BW (2419.11±30.23), EP (35.90±0.56), EM (202.08±3.66), and LB (98.81±0.93) in CF whereas BWG was found to be the highest in SI (729.82±30.06) system. Among different Aseel varieties, SN hens demonstrated enhanced BW (2433.81±30.46), UF (87.50±5.59), EW (46.60±0.40), EM (208.96±3.20), and better EP (35.91±0.50) than MS and LK whereas PW revealed the highest EP (36.04±0.97) with better UF (79.17±7.68) than MS. Interaction of rearing systems and Aseel varieties showed differences (P<0.05) among means except LB (P>0.05), portraying enhanced BWG in LK (768.57±63.63); improved EP in PW (38.00±1.94); better EW (46.80±0.75), EM (214.12±4.52) in SN under SI whereas only SN showed the highest BW under CF (2566.43±53.20) and maximum UF under FR (100.00±0).
Patterns of MHC‐dependent mate selection in humans and nonhuman primates: a meta‐analysis

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in vertebrates are integral for effective adaptive immune response and are associated with sexual selection. Evidence from a range of vertebrates supports MHC‐based preference for diverse and dissimilar mating partners, but evidence from human mate choice studies has been disparate and controversial. Methodologies and sampling peculiarities specific to human studies make it difficult to know whether wide discrepancies in results among human populations are real or artefact. To better understand what processes may affect MHC‐mediated mate choice across humans and nonhuman primates, we performed phylogenetically controlled meta‐analyses using 58 effect sizes from 30 studies across seven primate species. Primates showed a general trend favouring more MHC‐diverse mates, which was statistically significant for humans. In contrast, there was no tendency for MHC‐dissimilar mate choice, and for humans, we observed effect sizes indicating selection of both MHC‐dissimilar and MHC‐similar mates. Focusing on MHC‐similar effect sizes only, we found evidence that preference for MHC similarity was an artefact of population ethnic heterogeneity in observational studies but not among experimental studies with more control over sociocultural biases. This suggests that human assortative mating biases may be responsible for some patterns of MHC‐based mate choice. Additionally, the overall effect sizes of primate MHC‐based mating preferences are relatively weak (Fisher's Z correlation coefficient for dissimilarity Zr = 0.044, diversity Zr = 0.153), calling for careful sampling design in future studies. Overall, our results indicate that preference for more MHC‐diverse mates is significant for humans and likely conserved across primates.
Clinico-pathological alterations in simple indigestion in buffaloes

The present study was conducted in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex and Instructional Dairy Farm, C.V. A.Sc. , GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar (Uttarakhand, India). A total of 30 buffaloes were included in the study out of which 24 were suffering from simple indigestion whereas 6 healthy buffaloes were chosen to serve as healthy control. In the buffaloes suffering from indigestion, rumen motility significantly reduced, pH of rumen liquor was slightly acidic and rumen liquor examination revealed reduced microbial count and activity, which was indicated by reduced total protozoal count, protozoal motility, bacterial count and amount of Total Volatile Fatty Acids and increase in time values for Methylene Blue Reduction Test (MBRT), Sedimentation Activity Test (SAT) and Nitrate reduction test. Hemogram with leukocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia was suggestive of stress like condition. Alterations in biochemical parameters included significant (P≤0.05) increase in serum Alaninie Amino Transferase (ALT), Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) concentrations and reduced serum glucose levels.
Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa, Hypericum perforatum and Agnus castus in the treatment of climacteric complaints: a systematic review

Objective: The systematic review examines whether Cimicifuga racemosa (CR), Hypericum perforatum (HP), Agnus castus, vitamins and minerals, either as monotherapy or in combination, have an evidence-based impact on vasomotor, genital and psychological climacteric complaints. Data sources and methods of study selection: We searched in the databases EMBASE, OVID and PubMed using the keywords “vasomotor symptoms, hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, psychological problems, endometrium, sleep, concentration, cognition in combination with vitamins, multivitamins, minerals, multiminerals, black cohosh, Cimicifuga, Agnus castus, chasteberry, chaste tree, monk’s pepper and menopause” for randomized controlled trials (RCT). Relevant studies were reviewed by four independent reviewers qualitatively. Results: Most of the studies with a comparison of CR vs. placebo do not show an evidence-based significant effect of CR on climacteric symptoms. The combination of CR and HP shows an improvement of climacteric complaints in comparison to placebo. In some RCTs, there was no significant difference between CR and hormone-replacement therapy. The combination of HP and Agnus castus showed no significant difference in the treatment of climacteric complaints. Conclusion: CR monotherapy as well as HP and Agnus castus showed no better effect than placebo. The combination of CR with HP demonstrated a positive effect on climacteric complaints.
The β5-Loop and Lid Domain Contribute to the Substrate Specificity of Pancreatic Lipase-related Protein 2 (PNLIPRP2)*

Background: Two pancreatic lipases differ in substrate specificities. Results: Substitution of specific surface loops from one lipase into the other decreases activity against triglycerides and galactolipids. Conclusion: The β5-loop and lid domain influence lipase substrate specificity. Significance: Defining the relationship of structure to lipase function is crucial for understanding lipolysis and developing reagents to modulate lipase activity. Pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PNLIP) is essential for dietary fat digestion in children and adults, whereas a homolog, pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PNLIPRP2), is critical in newborns. The two lipases are structurally similar, yet they have different substrate specificities. PNLIP only cleaves neutral fats. PNLIPRP2 cleaves neutral and polar fats. To test the hypothesis that the differences in activity between PNLIP and PNLIPRP2 are governed by surface loops around the active site, we created multiple chimeras of both lipases by exchanging the surface loops singly or in combination. The chimeras were expressed, purified, and tested for activity against various substrates. The structural determinants of PNLIPRP2 galactolipase activity were contained in the N-terminal domain. Of the surface loops tested, the lid domain and the β5-loop influenced activity against triglycerides and galactolipids. Any chimera on PNLIP with the PNLIPRP2 lid domain or β5-loop had decreased triglyceride lipase activity similar to that of PNLIPRP2. The corresponding chimeras of PNLIPRP2 did not increase activity against neutral lipids. Galactolipase activity was abolished by the PNLIP β5-loop and decreased by the PNLIP lid domain. The source of the β9-loop had minimal effect on activity. We conclude that the lid domain and β5-loop contribute to substrate specificity but do not completely account for the differing activities of PNLIP and PNLIPRP2. Other regions in the N-terminal domain must contribute to the galactolipase activity of PNLIPRP2 through direct interactions with the substrate or by altering the conformation of the residues surrounding the hydrophilic cavity in PNLIPRP2.
The Variation of Health Effects Based on the Scenarios Considering Release Parameters and Meteorological Data

The variation of health effects resulting from the severe accidents of the YGN 3&4 nuclear power plants was examined based on scenarios considering the release parameters and meteorological data. The release parameters and meteorological data considered in making basic scenarios are release height, heat content, release time, warning time, wind speed, rainfall rate, and atmospheric stability class. The seasonal scenarios were also made in order to estimate the seasonal variation of health effects by considering seasonal characteristics of Korea. According to the results, there are large differences in consequence analysis from scenario to scenario although an equal amount of radioactive materials is released to the atmosphere. Also, there are large differences in health effects from season to season due to distinct seasonal characteristics of Korea. Therefore, it is necessary to consider seasonal characteristics in developing optimum emergency response strategies.
Evidence on analysts ’ interpretation of earnings news during earnings announcements

This study empirically examines how analysts’ forecasts at the time of earnings announcement affect the market responses to earnings announcements. The frequency of earnings announcements that are accompanied with other information such as analyst forecasts and management forecasts has increased over time. Although analytical studies suggest that additional information generated by analysts during earnings announcements affects investor responses to the earnings announcements (Kim and Verrecchia 1994, 1997), empirical evidence on this issue is limited. Our results show greater market responses to earnings announcement when analysts issue reinforcing forecasts (i.e., positive (negative) unexpected earnings and consensus analyst forecast for next year earnings higher (lower) than current year earnings) than contradicting forecasts (i.e., positive (negative) unexpected earnings but consensus analyst forecasts is lower (higher) than current year earnings). Similarly, we find greater market responses to earnings announcements when management forecasts convey reinforcing news than contradicting news. However, we find greater market response to management (analyst) reinforcing forecasts only when analyst (management) issue reinforcing forecast. Empirical evidence suggests that analysts’ forecasts at the time of earnings announcement provide information regarding future earnings in addition to earnings announcement. JEL classification: D82; G29; M41
On Rationality Conditions for Epistemic Probabilities in Abstract Argumentation

Epistemic probabilities in argumentation frameworks are meant to represent subjective degrees of belief in the acceptance of arguments. As such, they are subject to some rationality conditions, taking into account the attack relation between arguments. This paper provides an advancement with respect to the previous literature on this matter by casting epistemic probabilities in the context of de Finetti’s theory of subjective probability and by analyzing and revising the relevant rationality properties in relation with de Finetti’s notion of coherence. Further, we consider the extension to Walley’s theory of imprecise probabilities and carry out a preliminary analysis about rationality conditions in this more general context.
Early Viscosupplementation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely used to treat osteoarthritis given its biological and mechanical properties. Because HA is an “intra-articular” treatment approach that affects the joints, it could be used in the management of acute conditions, such as during the early postsurgical phase, to reduce inflammatory stress and improve articular function. Purpose: The aim of the present double-blind, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate pain control and functional recovery provided by a single injection of HA performed the day after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: The study enrolled 60 patients affected by primary, chronic, and symptomatic ACL tear requiring surgical reconstruction. All patients were treated with the same reconstructive technique and rehabilitation protocol. Exclusion criteria were (1) concurrent articular lesion requiring surgical treatment, (2) axial malalignment in the index limb, and (3) functional limitation or pain in the contralateral knee. The day after the procedure, the patients were randomized to receive a single injection of 3 mL HA or 3 mL saline solution after surgical drains were removed. All patients were evaluated at baseline and at 15, 30, 60, and 180 days and 12 months after surgery by use of the following tools: Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, VAS for general health status, and Tegner score. At each follow-up evaluation, the transpatellar circumference and active and passive range of motion (ROM) of both knees were recorded. Results: No severe adverse events were documented after early viscosupplementation. A significant improvement was documented in both treatment groups. Significant differences were documented in the transpatellar circumference at 60 days and in active ROM at 30 days postoperatively; patients who received HA had better values compared with the placebo group (P = .022 and .027, respectively). No statistically relevant intergroup differences were found in the clinical scores. Conclusion: The study documented no adverse events and had some positive findings in terms of active ROM recovery and transpatellar circumference reduction. However, the early postoperative application of viscosupplementation did not lead to significant improvement in clinical scores after ACL reconstruction. Registration: NCT02630407 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier),
Incidence of Central Venous Catheter-Related Infection and Risk Factors in Critically Ill Post-Operative Cancer Patients: A Randomized Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Cancer patients are susceptive to infection. Catheter-related bloodstream infections are the first cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections in intensive care units. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the type of central intravenous catheter and bloodstream infection in post-operative cancer surgery patients at surgery intensive care units (ICU). Methods: In a randomized, non-blind study, 66 cancer surgery patients were studied. The primary aim was rate of central venous catheter-related infection by type of catheter. The patients were enrolled in three groups: simple catheter (n = 23) (without antimi- crobial), impregnated catheter in the internal part (n = 28), and AGB + catheter (n = 15) (impregnated catheter in external and internal part); all catheters were triple lumen, polyurethane (arrow, chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine, USA). Insertion of catheters was done in full sterile conditions based on the center for disease control (CDC) guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter- related infection. Catheter related infection was confirmed by positive blood culture of blood samples of central catheter. The chi square or Fisher's exact test was used to compare base values and dierence in rate of colonization and bloodstream catheter-related