Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generation of Viable Male and Female Mice from Two Fathers1

In sexual species, fertilization of oocytes produces individuals with alleles derived from both parents. Here we use pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells to combine the haploid genomes from two males to produce viable sons and daughters. Male (XY) mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (Father #1) were used to isolate subclones that had spontaneously lost the Y chromosome to become genetically female (XO). These male-derived XO stem cells were used to generate female chimeras that were bred with genetically distinct males (Father #2), yielding progeny possessing genetic information that was equally derived from both fathers. Thus, functional oocytes can be generated from male somatic cells after reprogramming and spontaneous sex reversal. These findings have novel implications for mammalian reproduction and assisted reproductive technology.
Suppression of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis by intraventricular administration of interferon‐gamma in Lewis rats

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which causes paralysis. Several studies have reported the involvement of Ia antigen‐expressing cells in the pathogenesis of EAE. Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) can induce Ia antigen expression on a wide range of cells. We examined the effect of IFN‐γ on EAE in Lewis rats. Systemically administered IFN‐γ did not change the disease course of EAE, whereas IFN‐γ applied locally into the ventricular system of the CNS resulted in complete suppression of clinical signs. Furthermore, we found that systemic administration of anti‐IFN‐γ just prior to the onset of clinical symptoms resulted in a more severe disease course. We conclude that IFN‐γ is capable of exerting a suppressive action in EAE, possibly through induction of Ia antigen expression or through the induction of suppressive mechanisms locally in the CNS.
Cesarean section in the sow: A retrospective analysis of litter size and stillbirth rate.

The purpose of this study was to examine the litter size and stillbirth rate associated with cesarean-derived litters and to examine the relationship between the number of previous cesarean sections a sow had experienced and litter size. The records of 856 cesarean sections during a ten-year period from 1978 to 1988 were examined. The mean litter size was 10.6 +/- 3.2 and the mean number of stillborn pigs per litter was 0.2 +/- 0.8. The low level of stillbirth observed in this study provides supportive evidence to many earlier publications suggesting that the majority of stillborn pigs die during the birth process itself.A negative correlation between the number of previous cesarean sections a sow had experienced and litter size (r(2) = 0.015, p < 0.001) was observed. The slope of the regression line was -0.55, suggesting that litter size is reduced by approximately one-half a piglet for each cesarean section the sow has previously experienced. There are many factors which influence the variation in litter size. The small correlation coefficient (r(2) = 0.015) observed in this study indicates that only 1.5% of the variation in litter size can be explained by the number of previous cesarean sections that the sow has experienced.
FIXED POINT THEOREMS VIA VARIOUS CYCLIC CONTRACTIVE CONDITIONS IN PARTIAL METRIC SPACES

We present some fixed point results for mappings which satisfy Hardy-Rogers rational type, quasicontraction type, weak contraction type and generalized f type cyclic conditions in 0-complete partial metric spaces. Pre- sented results generalize or improve many existing fixed point theorems in the literature. To demonstrate our results, we give throughout the paper some examples. One of the possible applications of our results to well-posed and limit shadowing property of fixed point problems is also presented.
Endothelin‐1 Increases the Pulmonary Microvascular Pressure and Causes Pulmonary Edema in Salt Solution but not Blood‐Perfused Rat Lungs

Summary: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoactive peptide that has been reported to cause lung edema. This study tested if the edemagenic effect of ET-1 is due to preferential venoconstriction and, if so, whether the site of resistance is similar with salt solution (PSS) and more physiologic blood perfusate. ET-1 caused concentration-dependent contraction of pulmonary arterial and venous rings, with an EC50 of 1.3 nM in artery and 0.6 nM in vein (p < 0.05). In PSS-perfused lungs, 5 nM ET-1 caused a 7.0 ± 0.8 torr pressor response that was associated with a 5.0 ± 0.3 torr increase in microvascular pressure and a 530 ± 20 mg increase in lung weight within 10 min. In contrast, KCl-treated lungs had an equivalent pressor response (7.4 ±1.1 torr), yet the microvascular pressure increased by only 2.5 ± 0.4 torr (p < 0.05 from ET-1) and the lung weight was unchanged. Meclofenamate did not prevent the effect of ET-1 on microvascular pressure or lung weight. In blood-perfused lungs, ET-1 caused a 7.3 ± 0.1 torr pressor response but only a 2.0 ± 0.5 torr increase in microvascular pressure and no increase in lung weight. ET-1 had no effect on permeability either of cultured endothelial cell monolayers or in the pulmonary microvasculature in vivo. We conclude that the edemagenic effect of ET-1 in PSS-perfused lungs is mediated through venoconstriction and an increase in microvascular pressure. The physiological significance of this increase is uncertain, as blood perfusate appears to shift the principal site of vasoconstriction from post- to precapillary vessels, thus preventing the increase in microvascular pressure and edema.
An exogenous retrovirus isolated from koalas with malignant neoplasias in a US zoo

Leukemia and lymphoma account for more than 60% of deaths in captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in northeastern Australia. Although the endogenizing gammaretrovirus koala endogenous retrovirus (KoRV) was isolated from these koalas, KoRV has not been definitively associated with leukemogenesis. We performed KoRV screening in koalas from the San Diego Zoo, maintained for more than 45 y with very limited outbreeding, and the Los Angeles Zoo, maintained by continuously assimilating captive-born Australian koalas. San Diego Zoo koalas are currently free of malignant neoplasias and were infected with only endogenous KoRV, which we now term subtype “KoRV-A,” whereas Los Angeles Zoo koalas with lymphomas/leukemias are infected in addition to KoRV-A by a unique KoRV we term subtype “KoRV-B. ” KoRV-B is most divergent in the envelope protein and uses a host receptor distinct from KoRV-A. KoRV-B also has duplicated enhancer regions in the LTR associated with increased pathology in gammaretroviruses. Whereas KoRV-A uses the sodium-dependent phosphate transporter 1 (PiT1) as a receptor, KoRV-B employs a different receptor, the thiamine transporter 1 (THTR1), to infect cells. KoRV-B is transmitted from dam to offspring through de novo infection, rather than via genetic inheritance like KoRV-A. Detection of KoRV-B in native Australian koalas should provide a history, and a mode for remediation, of leukemia/lymphoma currently endemic in this population.
Bravo (wireless) ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring: how do day 1 and day 2 results compare?

AIM To investigate if differences exist for patients' gastroesophageal reflux as measured by the Bravo ambulatory esophageal pH system between d 1 and d 2. METHODS A retrospective study of 27 consecutive adult patients who underwent Bravo esophageal pH monitoring was performed. Patients underwent EGD under IV conscious sedation prior to Bravo placement. Acid reflux variables and symptom scores for d 1 were compared to d 2. RESULTS The mean doses of fentanyl and midazolam were 90.4 microg and 7.2 mg, respectively. D 1 results were significantly more elevated than d 2 with respect to total time pH < 4, upright position reflux, and mean number of long refluxes. No statistical difference was noted between the two days for supine position reflux, number of refluxes, duration of longest reflux, episodes of heartburn, and symptom score. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing Bravo esophageal pH monitoring in association with EGD and moderate conscious sedation experience significantly more acid reflux on d 1 compared to d 2. The IV sedation may be responsible for the increased reflux on d 1. Performed this way, 48-h Bravo results may not be entirely representative of the patients' true GE reflux profile.
Aggressive periodontitis among young Israeli army personnel.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of aggressive periodontitis among young Israeli army recruits and to evaluate its association with smoking habits and ethnic origin. METHODS The study population consisted of 642 young army recruits (562 men [87.5%] and 80 women [12.5%]), aged 18 to 30 years (average: 19.6 +/- 1.6 years), who arrived at a military dental clinic for dental examinations between January and December 2004. Subjects filled out a questionnaire regarding their ethnic origin and family periodontal history, followed by radiographs and a clinical periodontal examination of four first molars and eight incisors. RESULTS Aggressive periodontitis was found in 5.9% of the subjects (4.3% localized and 1.6% generalized). At least one site with a probing depth > or =5 mm was found in 20.1% of the subjects. A radiographic distance between crestal bone height and the cemento-enamel junction >3 mm was found in 43 (6.7%) subjects. Current smokers (39.9%) (P = 0.03) and subjects of North African origin (P <0.0001) correlated with a high prevalence of aggressive periodontitis. CONCLUSION A relatively high prevalence of aggressive periodontitis was found in young Israeli army recruits, which was particularly associated with smoking and ethnic origin.
Chlorpyrifos Resistance in Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus

Abstract Two mosquito strains of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, MAmCq and HAmCq, were collected from Mobile and Huntsville, AL, respectively, after the control of mosquitoes with insecticides proved difficult. A synergism study showed that resistance to chlorpyrifos in MAmCq and HAmCq was not suppressed by piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and S,S,S,-tributylphosphorotrithioate (DEF), suggesting that P450 monooxygenase- and hydrolase-mediated detoxication does not contribute to chlorpyrifos resistance in either strain. Diethyl maleate (DEM) did not cause any significant change in the level of chlorpyrifos toxicity to HAmCq. However, DEM enhanced toxicity of chlorpyrifos to MAmCq 2.5-fold, indicating that glutathione S-transferase (GST)-mediated detoxication may play a minor role in the resistance of MAmCq. An inhibition study of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by chlorpyrifos showed that bimolecular rate constants (Ki) of chlorpyrifos for the inhibition of AChE in adults and larvae of the susceptible S-Lab strain were 2.2- and 1.9-fold higher, respectively, than in the HAmCq strain and 3.4- and 3.8-fold higher than in the MAmCq strain. The single mutation, G119S, resulting from a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), G to A, in ace-1 acetylcholinesterase gene was present in HAmCq and MAmCq mosquitoes. The frequency of the heterozygote for the G119S mutant allele in the HAmCq and MAmCq mosquito populations was 0.25 and 0.45, respectively, and no individuals in either of these mosquito strains were homozygous for the A allele. It thus seems likely that the presence of heterozygous individuals for the G119S allele in HAmCq and MAmCq populations may be a response to the insensitivity of AChE observed in these two mosquito strains.
Analysis of computer security incidents using fuzzy logic

The work proposes and justifies a processing algorithm of computer security incidents based on the author's signatures of cyberattacks. Attention is also paid to the design pattern SOPKA based on the Russian ViPNet technology. Recommendations are made regarding the establishment of the corporate segment SOPKA, which meets the requirements of Presidential Decree of January 15, 2013 number 31c “On the establishment of the state system of detection, prevention and elimination of the consequences of cyber-attacks on information resources of the Russian Federation” and “Concept of the state system of detection, prevention and elimination of the consequences of cyber-attacks on information resources of the Russian Federation” approved by the President of the Russian Federation on December 12, 2014, No K 1274.
OSCAR: an architecture for weak-consistency replication

An architecture for providing weak-consistency replication for databases in an internetwork is presented. It is designed to make the databases highly available and to operate reliably under difficult conditions, such as unreliable communication, low-bandwidth communication, network partitions, and host failures. Updates are stored in logs until they have been propagated to all database sites and properly delivered to the databases. A novel approach called mediation is used to provide integrated support for reliable replication and log purging. Other interesting features include requiring minimal support from database management systems, support of multiple weak-consistency methods, and easy tuning of the architecture's basic algorithms to particular environments. <<ETX>>
The experience and impact of contacting a cancer information service.

Our objective was to review the quality of service delivered by a national cancer information service--the British Association of Cancer United Patients (BACUP)--and to consider the implications for future policy and practice. We used a sample of callers over a 10-day period, responding to a structured postal questionnaire. The sample included patients, relatives, friends, and general public who called the service with any concern relating to cancer. Of the 406 invited to take part, 282 responded (69%). The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the callers' perceptions of the information they received, their perceptions of the nurse's communication skills, the emotional impact of the call, and their overall satisfaction with the service. The results indicate that over 90% of callers evaluated the information they received and the nurse's communication skills positively, and there was no difference between the two major groups of callers, i.e. patients and relatives/friends. Both groups reported that the call had a positive emotional impact on them and that they were satisfied with the service. Emotional impact was predicted by quality of information for patients and nurse's communication skills for friends/relatives; overall satisfaction was predicted by nurse's communication skills for patients and both measures for relatives/friends. We conclude that the telephone is an effective medium for conveying information about cancer, and BACUP is meeting its needs. The needs of patients and relatives/friends are different--principally information for patients and support for relatives/friends--and it may be possible to improve training still further by focusing on those differences. The main challenge for cancer information services is to meet the ever-increasing demand.
Functional Foods Enriched with Marine Microalga Nannochloropsis oculata as a Source of ω-3 Fatty Acids

Summary The demand for functional food incorporated with -3 fatty acids is increasing over the years due to their added health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, ocular diseases, arthritis, etc. This study mainly aims to develop functional cookies and pasta enriched with -3 fatty acids. Nannochloropsis oculata was used because of its relatively high growth rate, high lipid content, resistance to mixing and contamination together with high nutritional values. The effect of the incorporation of Nannochloropsis oculata biomass on colour, firmness, fatty acid profile and sensory characteristics of cookies and pasta were evaluated. The colour values were found to be stable for two months of storage and the firmness increased with the addition of microalgal biomass. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) of 98 mg per 100 g and 63 mg per 100 g were observed in cookies and pasta, respectively, enriched wit h1%o fNannochloropsis oculata biomass. Sensory evaluation showed that the addition of up to 2 an d3%o fmicroalgal biomass was positively evaluated and accepted for cookies and pasta, respectively. This study confirms that the cookies and pasta enriched with Nannochloropsis oculata biomass might be used as a potential source of -3 fatty acids.
Gain more insight from your PLS-SEM results: The importance-performance map analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) and explain how to use it in the context of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). A case study, drawing on the IPMA module implemented in the SmartPLS 3 software, illustrates the results generation and interpretation. Design/methodology/approach The explications first address the principles of the IPMA and introduce a systematic procedure for its use, followed by a detailed discussion of each step. Finally, a case study on the use of technology shows how to apply the IPMA in empirical PLS-SEM studies. Findings The IPMA gives researchers the opportunity to enrich their PLS-SEM analysis and, thereby, gain additional results and findings. More specifically, instead of only analyzing the path coefficients (i.e. the importance dimension), the IPMA also considers the average value of the latent variables and their indicators (i.e. performance dimension). Research limitations/implications An IPMA is tied to certain requirements, which relate to the measurement scales, variable coding, and indicator weights estimates. Moreover, the IPMA presumes linear relationships. This research does not address the computation and interpretation of non-linear dependencies. Practical implications The IPMA is particularly useful for generating additional findings and conclusions by combining the analysis of the importance and performance dimensions in practical PLS-SEM applications. Thereby, the IPMA allows for prioritizing constructs to improve a certain target construct. Expanding the analysis to the indicator level facilitates identifying the most important areas of specific actions. These results are, for example, particularly important in practical studies identifying the differing impacts that certain construct dimensions have on phenomena such as technology acceptance, corporate reputation, or customer satisfaction. Originality/value This paper is the first to offer researchers a tutorial and annotated example of an IPMA. Based on a state-of-the-art review of the technique and a detailed explanation of the method, this paper introduces a systematic procedure for running an IPMA. A case study illustrates the analysis, using the SmartPLS 3 software.
Post stimulus effects of high frequency biphasic electrical current on a fibre's conductibility in isolated frog nerves

Objective. High frequency biphasic (HFB) electrical currents are widely used in nerve blocking studies. Their safety margins largely remain unknown and need to be investigated. Approach. This study, exploring the post stimulus effects of HFB electrical currents on a nerve's conductibility, was performed on bullfrog sciatic nerves. Both compound action potentials (CAPs) and differential CAPs (DCAPs, i.e. control CAPs subtracted by CAPs following HFB currents) were obtained, and N1 and N2 components, which were the first and second upward components of DCAPs, were used for analyses of the effects introduced by HFB electrical stimulation. Main results. First, HFB currents of 10 kHz at a completely blocking threshold were applied for 5 s. The maximum amplitudes and conducting velocities of the CAPs were significantly (P < 0.02) decreased within the observed period (60 s) following HFB currents. The DCAPs displayed clear N1 and N2 components, demonstrating respectively the losses of the fibres' normal conductibility and the appearances of new delayed conductions. Decreases of N1 amplitudes along time, regarded as the recovery of the nerve's conductibility, exhibited two distinct phases: a fast one lasting several seconds and a slow one lasting longer than 5 min. Further tests showed a linear relationship between the HFB stimulation durations and recovering periods of N1 amplitudes. Supra-threshold blocking did not cause higher N1 amplitudes. Significance. This study indicates that HFB electrical currents lead to long lasting post stimulus reduction of a nerve's conductibility, which might relate to potential nerve injuries. A possible mechanism, focusing on changes in intracellular and periaxonal ionic concentrations, was proposed to underlie the reduction of the nerve's conductibility and potential nerve injuries. Greater caution and stimulation protocols with greater safety margins should be explored when utilizing HFB electrical current to block nerve conductions.
Sedation and immobilization of wild dogs Lycaon pictus using medetomidine or a medetomidine-ketamine hydrochloride combination

Captive wild dogs Lycaon pictus (n = 10) were treated with either medetomidine or a medetomidine-ketamine hydrochloride combination at dosages ranging from 43-121 µg / kg and 2,6-3 mg / kg respectively. Blood chemical, haematological, hormonal and electrocardiograpbic parameters as well as rectal temperatures, pulse and respiratory rates were determined in immobilized animals, Nine wild dogs were sedated and partially or completely immobilized for periods ranging from 25 min to 6 h 27 min. Full anaesthesia was not achieved, Bradycardia, a drop in respiratory rate as well as in rectal temperature were recorded in all immobilized experimental subjects. The most marked changes in clinical laboratory parameters in eight wild dogs included low serum concentrations of cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and insulin as well as raised plasma glucose concentrations, Electrocardiographic findings included brady-arrhythmias and ventricular escape beats. Medetomidine was found to be an effective sedative in wild dogs but should preferably be used in combination with ketamine to achieve effective immobilization, analgesia and anaesthesia. Wildehonde Lycaon pictus (n = 10) in gevangenskap is behandel met medetomidien of 'n medetomidienketamienhidrokloriedkombinasic teen dosisse van onderskeidelik 43-121 µg / kg en 2,6-3 mg / kg. Bloedchemiese, hematologiese, hormonale en elektrokardiografiese parameters sowel as die rektale temperatuur, pols- en asemhalingstempo's is bepaal in geimmobiliseerde diere. Nege wilde honde is gesedeer en gedeeltelik of totaal geimmobiliseer vir tydperke wat gevarieer het van 25 min tot 6 h 27 min. Die diere is nie ten volle verdoof nie. Bradikardie asook 'n daling in asemhalingstempo en rektale temperatuur is waargeneem in alle geimmobiliseerde eksperimentele diere. Die mees opvallende veranderinge in laboratoriumparameters in agt diere was 'n lae serumkonsentrasie van kortisol, adrenalien, noradrenalien, dopamien en insulien asook 'n verhoging in die konsentrasie van plasmaglukose. Elektrokardiografiese bevindings het 'n bradie-aritmie asook ventrikulere ontsnappings-sametrekkkings ingesluit. Medetomidien is as 'n effektiewe sedeermiddel in wilde honde bevind maar moet verkieslik met ketamien gebruik word ten einde doeltreffende immobilisasie, pynstilling en verdowing teweeg te bring.