Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase mosaicism: utilization in the study of hair follicle variegation

Mosaic cell systems arising early in development may be used to investigate various developmental problems. The basic methodology involves observations of variegation within and variation among mosaics. The extent of variegation of a tissue is indicative of the degree of coherent clonal growth of that tissue and a comparison of the variegation of multiple tissues within mosaic individuals can yield information about cell lineage relationships. On the other hand, variations among mosaic individuals for particular tissues may be related to embryonic cell pool sizes. For optimal utilization of mosaic systems differences between cell types should be cell autonomous and detectable a t the cellular level. It is equally important that the differences between the cell types making up the mosaic should not lead to selective problems involving overgrowth of one cell type by another. Mammalian X-chromosome inactivation-derived mosaic systems approach these requirements : the initial X-chromosomal differentiative event occurs a t about the time of implantation and leads to permanent somatic clones with either the maternal or paternal X-chromosome active ; the mosaic populations differ only with respect to X-linked heterozygous loci (Lyon, 1968) ; and in humans the polymorphic X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) system is available for such studies and represents a cell autonomous system which can be detected in very small amounts of material (Davidson, Nitowsky & Childs, 1963; Nance, 1964; Gartler & Linder, 1964). We have utilized the G-6-PD mosaic system in man to explore various normal and abnormal developmental phenomena, including a recent paper on a study of hairfollicle development (Linder & Gartler, 1965; Gandini et al. 1968; Gartler et al. 1969). I n this report we extend our work to a study of variegation in hair follicles of the scalp and some further observations on hair-follicle development. Variegation results from any tendency of daughter cells to remain adjacent; such daughter cells form a patch, and the degree to which related cells remain adjacent (coherent clonal growth) determines the size of the patch or the extent of variegation. Patch size may be estimated directly by determining the area populated by like cells, and indirectly in a more general rnanncr from the proportion of samples of a tissue consisting of both cell types. A tissue sample will consist of both cell types only when it is taken at the junction of patches of different cell types. Consequently, the larger the patch size relative to the sample, the lower the proportion of samples containing both cell types. Utilizing this simple relationship of patch and sample size and limited direct observations, we have estimated the scalp hair-follicle patch size and coilsidered some aspects of follicle development.
A PROPOSED METHOD TO ASSESS PHYSICAL INJURY TO FISHES FROM UNDERWATER SOUND PRODUCED DURING PILE DRIVING

Recent observations in the United States have documented fishes being killed during exposure to the underwater sound pressure waves produced while driving steel-pipe piles with impact hammers. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), in its administration of the federal Endangered Species Act and the essential fish habitat (EFH) provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, is cooperating with several federal and state agencies to develop protocols for assessing the risk to fishes from this activity. The lack of directed study has resulted in great uncertainty regarding the appropriate sound metric for assessing these risks as well as the threshold for onset of injury. Previous assessments by the NMFS have relied on peak pressure to estimate the onset of physical injury from pile driving. However, peak pressure alone is not considered an adequate measure of the potential to injure fishes (Hastings & Popper 2005). The NMFS proposes an interim method for assessing the risk of physical injury to fishes from pile driving and recognizes that as the state of the science evolves, so will the assessment methods.
Primary production enhancement by artificial upwelling in a western Norwegian fjord

To enhance primary production rate for shellfish cultivation in fjords, a large-scale artificial upwelling experiment was carried out in a western Norwegian fjord during the summers of 2004 and 2005. Pumping 2 m3 s–1 brackish surface water to a depth of 30 m created an artificial upwelling of nutrient-rich deeper water. The entrainment of deeper water into the buoyant brackish plume resulted in a transport of about 450 kg d–1 nitrate, 760 kg d–1 silicate and 75 kg d–1 phosphate to an intrusion depth of 8 to 10 m. The artificial upwelling approximately tripled mean chlorophyll a (chl a) concentration and related primary production rate during the summer within an influence area of 10 km2 near the head of the fjord. The size of the area of influence and the relative increase of the algae biomass within it depend on both the water exchange and the photosynthetic effectiveness. The relatively high silicate content of the deeper water stimulated diatom growth inside the area influenced by the artificial upwelling. A higher stable level of phytoplankton biomass, dominated by nontoxic species, would probably increase the carrying capacity of seston-feeding shellfish and could form the basis of more predictable mussel cultivation in fjords.
In vivo dynamic light scattering characterization of a human lens: Cataract index

Purpose. To characterize the cataractous state of the living lens by a single parameter, derived from in vivo dynamic light scattering measurements. Methods. Dynamic light scattering, in conjunction, with a fiber optic transmitter/receiver, was used for measuring the intensity autocorrelation of the light scattered in the backward direction from the living human lens. The fiber optic transreceiver provided a rapid means for active positioning and collection of the back scattered light from any point inside the lens. Intensity autocorrelation, spanning seven decades of delay time, was acquired, in vivo, from the lenses of volunteers ranging in age from 10 to 85. The number weighted size distribution, recovered from the autocorrelation data, was found to be a consistent means of characterizing the aging living lens. Results. The cataract index, representing the average of the number weighted size distribution, varied from five, for clinically clear lenses, to 10,000 for cataractous lenses. Repeated measurements, over a period of two years, on the lens of the same subject established the efficacy of the measurement. In the precataractous stage a single point measurement in the nuclear region of the lens was sufficient to characterize the state of the whole lens. Conclusion. The cataract index is a quantitative measure of the cataractous state of any small volume element (50 × 250 µm) inside the human lens. This index is useful for characterizing lenses at any stage of development, that is, from infancy through visual impairment.
Intracellular signalling mechanisms regulating glucose transport in insulin-sensitive tissues

The rate of glucose transport into cells is of fundamental importance in whole body homeostasis and adaptation to metabolic stresses, and this review examines the signalling mechanisms controlling this process. The events that mediate the action of insulin on glucose transport, which is by far the best characterized paradigm for glucose transport regulation, are discussed. There are several excellent reviews on various aspects of this subject, which are referred to while highlighting very recent developments in the field, including the recently described CAP pathway, and emerging mechanisms for feedback regulation of insulin signalling. The manner in which hormonal signalling is modulated by stimuli such as oxidative and osmotic stress is then discussed. The second major physiological event where glucose transport regulation is critical is the contraction of skeletal muscle, due to the large metabolic demands of this activity. The mechanism of this regulation is distinct from that initiated by insulin, and recent developments will be examined that have begun to clarify how contraction stimulates glucose transport in skeletal muscle, including the roles performed by AMP-activated protein kinase and nitric oxide synthase.
Renewal of burrows by the common vole as the indicator of its numbers

It was attempted to find out whether a correlation exists between the number of renewed burrows and number of the common vole Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1779) since this criterion is used as a relative method of estimaing vole numbers. During two years 6 sampling trials, each lasting one month, were carried out on one hectare lucerne plots. The renewal of burrows was determined in one and two days after covering them up, and the number of voles was estimated by the CMR method. It was found that when all burrows are covered up on a definite plot a correlation exists between the number of renewed openings and number of voles. The accuracy of this relative method of estimating numbers based on the process of burrows renewal depends on the area of the sample and time left for the renewal: with the increase of sampling area the value of correlation coefficients increases, and after two days higher coefficients were found that after one day. The values of correlation coefficients undergo seasonal changes reaching the maximum in August and September. The number of burrows falling for one vole shows considerable seasonal variations and hence the number of covered burrows cannot corresponds to the number of voles. On the other hand, the number of renewed burrows per one individual has a rather constant value (mean 1.8). The error in the estimation of numbers arising from the assumption that one renewed burrow corresponds to 1.8 voles amounts to ±50%, and in some cases even to 100%, depending on seasonal changes of vole activity.
In Vivo Disposition Characteristics of Plasmid DNA Complexed with Cationic Liposomes

To control disposition and hence gene expression, we investigated the disposition characteristics of plasmid DNA complexed with the cationic liposomes Lipofectin® and LipofectACE® after intravenous injection in mice via the tail vein. The optimum ratios of DNA and liposome complexes were selected through in vitro cytotoxicity and transfection studies. The highest transfection was found at the DNA:liposome ratio of 1:5 w/w. Hence, this ratio was used for in vivo disposition studies, and the distribution patterns were compared with that of naked pCAT. Following intravenous injection of [32P] pCAT, radioactivity was rapidly eliminated from plasma and approximately 60% of the dose was taken up by the liver within 1.5 min. In the case of LipofectACE® samples, radioactivity elimination from plasma was equally rapid, but its accumulation was observed in both the liver (35%) and the lung (45%). For Lipofectin® samples, radioactivity was initially accumulated in both the liver (55%) and the lung (25%), but lung accumulation was not sustained beyond 5 min after administration. Both liposomal samples showed in vivo gene expression in the lung, heart, kidney and spleen, but not in the liver. Thus, the present study demonstrated the disposition and gene expression of pCAT can be controlled by complex formation with liposomes.
Post-embryonic photoreceptor development and dark/light adaptation in the stick insect Carausius morosus (Phasmida, Phasmatidae)

The aims of this paper have been (a) to document postembryonic eye growth in the common laboratory stick insect Carausius morosus and (b) to examine whether the capacity of the eye to adapt to changing light intensities varied with age. We found that number of facets, corneal thickness, ommatidial diameter, widths of cone and retinal layers, and rhabdom volume increased linearly. Interommatidial angles, pigment grain sizes, and microvillar diameters, however, remained approximately the same. On the basis of the morphometric data we calculated that sensitivity in the adult stick insect eye was at least tenfold that of the eye of first instar nymphs and could show that adults would be able to perceive a similar amount of detail at considerably dimmer ambient light than the smaller individuals. In terms of resolving power this means that light- and dark-adapted first instar stick insects possess acceptance angles of 5.3° and 8°, respectively and that the corresponding figures for the adult eye are 4.7° and 7.3°. The bigger (and more light-sensitive) eye of fully grown C. morosus makes protection against radiation damage a more serious issue in the adult individual than the small first instar. The findings explain why smaller (=younger) stick insects are less nocturnal than mature, fully-grown individuals. It is, thus, not surprising to see that dark/light adaptational photomechanical changes affecting pigment position and rhabdom widths, are more pronounced in the eyes of the adults.
Mental disease postpartum - Sociability, stranger wariness and mother's reports of approach-withdrawal behavior in infants at ten months

In a longitudinal study, 14 mentally ill women were compared to a sample of 24 somatically ill women. Both samples were admitted to hospital within six months after delivery. Further, 76 healthy women were included as controls. Infants in the psychiatric sample showed less affiliative responses and more negative behavior in the ? sociability situation? than infants in the healthy sample and infants in the somatic sample. There was a tendency that infants in the psychiatric sample showed more fear than infants in the healthy and somatic samples in the ? fear of stranger situation? Infants in the somatic sample did not differ from infants in the healthy sample neither on measures of sociability nor on measures of fear of stranger.
Ecological Segregation Among Three Species of Minnows (Cyprinidae) in a Minnesota Lake

Abstract The life histories of the mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus), the common shiner (N. cornutus), and the bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus), from a small Minnesota Lake, were compared in order to find out how temperate fish species segregate ecologically and how accurate dietary studies are for showing ecological differences among similar co-existing species. The three minnow species were found to differ from each other in habitat, feeding behavior, organisms consumed, population age structure, and breeding habits. Mimic shiners occurred in large schools in shallow water and fed during the day, with peaks at dawn and dusk, on emerging and flying insects. They usually spawned in August but did not spawn at all in some years. Bluntnose minnows were found in small schools both in shallow water and in silty bottomed clearings in the aquatic vegetation in deeper water. They fed continuously on bottom organisms and detritus and spawned in July. Common shiners were roving opportunists, feeding on whate.
Letter to the Editor

This commentary responds to the article by Xie et al., who conducted a budget impact analysis (BIA) of everolimus as the first and second treatment option after letrozole or anastrozole (L/A) failure, for post-menopausal women with hormone receptor positive (HRþ), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HER2 ) advanced breast cancer (ABC). The study by Xie et al. builds upon the interim results of the phase 3 randomized controlled trial referred to as BOLERO-2. These results favored the combination of everolimus and exemestane over exemestane alone, in regard to the median progression free survival, causing the approval of the combination by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012. In the attempt to provide the necessary and required evidence for payers to make informed coverage decisions, Xie et al. assessed the economic (budgetary) impact, to a US payer, of listing everolimus as a first and second treatment option after L/A in post-menopausal women HER2 ABC. As part of the sensitivity analysis of the BIA, Xie et al. estimated the cost of the management of grade 3–4 adverse events for the combination everolimus and exemestane (US$847) and exemestane alone (US$141) (see page 283, Xie et al.). While we value the design of the BIA, we have reservations about the abov -mentioned estimates used in the sensitivity analysis. Firstly, the authors state the following ‘only grade 3/4 levels adverse events with at least 5% incidence in any arm of the BOLERO-2 trial (stomatitis and anemia) were considered’. The authors did not provide any rationale for considering only 5% incidence of grade 3/4 levels adverse events. We would have expected to see all grade 3/4 levels adverse events included in the analysis. It is our understanding that this approach under-estimates the economic impact of the potential addition of everolimus to a formulary. Secondly, let us presume there is a rationale for considering only adverse events for which the incidence is at least 5%. This would imply that the cost of the management of adverse events should be US$0 in the exemestane arm as the incidence of each adverse event was 1% and, therefore, should not be considered (see Table 1). Under these circumstances, using the current costs of the management of the adverse events would under-estimate the economic impact of covering everolimus. We suggest that Xie et al. provide a rationale for excluding grade 3/4 levels of adverse events, with less than 5% incidence, of the sensitivity analysis
N-HYDROXYARYLAMINES

Aryl and heterocyclic amines are of particular interest because of their carcinogenicity. The N-hydroxy derivatives are formed by oxidation, usually by the cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes and most often by P450 family 1. The mechanism of oxidation appears to resemble that of other P450 reactions. The N-hydroxy products can be conjugated to yield esters, which are unstable and form nitrenium ions. Reaction with DNA is most common at the N2 atom and particularly at the C8 atom of guanine. A mechanism involving initial formation of an N7-guanyl adduct can be utilized in explaining the C8-guanyl adducts plus several other side reactions. The high mutagenicity of N-hydroxy heterocyclic amines in bacterial systems has provided a useful tool for the development of models useful for screening and chemoprevention and for the generation of P450 enzymes with altered properties.
Terminal speed and size sorting of insect eggs

Abstract Engineering data for improving the design of applicators for beneficial insect's eggs and facilitating egg cleaning at mass-rearing plants are presented. A vertical air column was developed to measure terminal speed of beneficial insect eggs. Raw material was sorted into fractions according to terminal speed and photos were taken for measuring dimensions of particles. Particle distribution was evaluated for two beneficial insect eggs used in biological control (Chrysoperla rufilabris and Ephestia kuehniella eggs parasitized by Trichogramma brassicae) and for one unparasitized host eggs (E. kuehniella). Density measurements were performed as these data were required for calculating terminal speeds using the theory of free falling bodies. Unparasitized E. kuehniella and C. rufilabris eggs stored at 5°C showed constant terminal speed (1.9 and 1.34 m/s, respectively) and density (1.05 g/cm3, for both). Terminal speed of parasitized E. kuehniella eggs decreased from 1.32 to 1.06 m/s with increasing storage time (4–8 days). Photos of subsamples suggested that aerodynamic cleaning could be used for improving the quality of raw eggs. Density evaluations showed that parasitized eggs can be separated by flotation in water. Calculated terminal speeds were accurate for unparasitized eggs but were 10–20% overestimated for parasitized eggs.
Dynamics and sustainable utilization of rangeland ecosystems in arid and semi-arid climates of southern Africa

Abstract This review examines the conservation, risk, productivity, viability and acceptability of range management technology as it relates to sustaining rangeland ecosystems specifically in arid and semi-arid climates. The efficiency, cost effectiveness and risk with which rainfall is converted into plant production, and eventually gross farming income, without deterioration of natural resources form the essence of sustainability of rangeland ecosystems in these areas. Range and soil degradation can dramatically influence soil water balance, nutrient cycling, soil loss, production and the economics of a farm unit. Management for long-term sustainability often requires sacrifice of short-term welfare. With respect to deterioration and loss of productivity of natural vegetation, a co-ordinated approach is needed towards establishing a comprehensive inventory of the condition of national vegetation resources on a geographically and scientifically sound basis.
Effect of lecithins on BCG-alginate-PLL microcapsule particle size and stability upon storage

Alginate-PLL microcapsules containing BCG were prepared by emulsification/ internal gelation of an alginate solution dispersed within a vegetable oil containing lecithins as emulsifiers. The lecithins studied were soy bean lecithin at 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2%concentration; and dried egg yolk lecithin at 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%. The microcapsule particle size showed a dependence upon the amount and type of lecithin added to the oil. Increasing the emulsifying agent concentration was found to reduce particle size, from 50.9mum obtained when lecithins were not used in the emulsification step, to 13.9mum obtained when 1% dried egg yolk lecithin was employed. The encapsulated BCG was identified by the Difco TB stain set K, followed by observation under optical microscopy. Once prepared, microcapsules were freeze-fried using 5%trehalose as cryoprotectant in order to preserve their stability upon storage. The stability of the microcapsules was assayed over 12 months at room temperature, finding that alginate-PLL microcapsules were stable up to 6 months. Moreover, in the case of microcapsules prepared with lecithins, a significant increase in particle size was observed, from 16.9mum at the beginning of the study to 25.2mum at 12 months storage.
A systematic review of oral treatments for fungal infections of the skin of the feet

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of oral treatments for fungal infections of the skin of the feet. DESIGN: Systematic review. INTERVENTIONS: Oral treatments for fungal infections. METHODS: Ten electronic databases, four journals and the bibliographies of all review papers identified were searched. The authors also wrote to international pharmaceutical companies and all podiatry schools in the UK. The studies selected were randomized trials of clinically diagnosed fungal skin infections of the foot that confirmed cure by culture and microscopy. Two reviewers independently selected trials and abstracted data using a structured tool including 12 recognized quality criteria. RESULTS: Of 26 trials identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria and evaluated five different treatments. Single placebo-controlled trials showed that terbinafine and itraconazole were both effective. Two trials showed that terbinafine cures 50% more patients than griseofulvin. Four trials compared terbinafine with itraconazole, one showed that terbinafine given for 2 weeks had a better cure rate than 2 weeks of itraconazole, but the other three showed that it was no better than 4 weeks of itraconazole. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant evidence that terbinafine is more effective than griseofulvin, though more costly. There is weak evidence that terbinafine may be more cost-effective than itraconazole. Firm recommendations about the choice between terbinafine and the azoles need further research.