Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Androgen and Estrogen Metabolism in the Reproductive Tract and Accessory Sex Glands of the Domestic Boar (Sus scrofa)1

Steroid metabolism in target tissues has relevance in assessing biological response. We have investigated the metabolism of testosterone and estrogens in the reproductive tract and accessory sex glands in the boar. Seminal vesicles were taken from four 6-mo-old animals; and seminal vesicles, prostate, vas deferens, and regions of the epididymis were taken from two mature boars (10 and 24 mo old). Tissues were incubated in 5 ml medium (TC-199) at 348C under 5% CO2 and 95% air for 2 h with 3H-labeled testosterone, estrone, and estradiol-17b. Aliquots of spent media were taken to measure radioactivity before separation of unconjugated and conjugated steroids on Waters C18 Sep-Pak cartridges. Sulfoconjugated steroids and glucuronidates were recovered in series from C18 cartridges after solvolysis and enzyme hydrolysis, respectively. Profiles of metabolites for free and hydrolyzed fractions were obtained from gradient HPLC with acetonitrile:water on a reversed-phase C18 column. No clear evidence of conjugation was seen for testosterone metabolites. 5a-Dihydrotestosterone was the principal metabolite, but the amounts formed depended on the source, with little from the epididymal tissues and seminal vesicles, but greater quantities from the vas deferens (. 25%) and prostate (. 30%). The most noteworthy feature of estrogen metabolism was the extent of conjugation by all tissues. Almost all radioactivity in the conjugate fractions for the epididymis and vas was present as sulfates. Glucuronidates were seen for the prostate and were the dominant form of conjugation (about 60%) for the seminal vesicles. A striking parallel existed for the profiles of estrogen metabolites from all tissues for unconjugated and hydrolyzed fractions. Only in quantitative terms were some distinctions noted. These overall findings underscore a need to consider local metabolism of steroid hormones in target tissues of the male reproductive system.
The Social Robot: A Study of the Social and Political Aspects of Automatic Milking Systems

We explored social and political aspects of milking robot (automatic milking system; AMS) use and expansion in dairy farming. Over 30 % of dairy farms in Norway have an AMS, and the percentage is rapidly increasing. We interviewed 26 dairy farmers with AMSs in the county of Rogaland, Norway. Primary motives for investing in milking robots are a more flexible workday, reduced physical work, and a desire to join the perceived future standard of dairy farming. Although farmers are motivated by social factors, AMS is a key element in a structural change driven by political, economic, and social factors.
L ∞ -ALGEBRAS OF LOCAL OBSERVABLES FROM HIGHER PREQUANTUM BUNDLES

To any manifold equipped with a higher degree closed form, one can associate an L ∞ -algebra of local observables that generalizes the Poisson algebra of a symplectic manifold. Here, by means of an explicit homotopy equivalence, we interpret this L ∞ -algebra in terms of inﬁnitesimal autoequivalences of higher prequantum bundles. By truncating the connection data on the prequantum bundle, we produce analogues of the (higher) Lie algebras of sections of the Atiyah Lie algebroid and of the Courant Lie 2-algebroid. We also exhibit the L ∞ cocycle that realizes the L ∞ -algebra of local observables as a Kirillov-Kostant-Souriau-type L ∞ -extension of the Hamiltonian vector ﬁelds. When restricted along a Lie algebra action, this yields Heisenberg-like L ∞ -algebras such as the string Lie 2-algebra of a semisimple Lie algebra. brackets generalizes the deﬁnition of the traditional Poisson bracket in an elegant way. We now present another L ∞ -algebra that looks a little less elegant in components, but has a more manifest conceptual interpretation, namely as the dg-Lie algebra of inﬁnitesimal automorphisms of a U (1)- n -bundle with connection that cover the diﬀeomorphisms of the base.
Effect of a live Mycoplasma synoviae vaccine on the production of eggshell apex abnormalities after a dual infection with M. synoviae and IBV D1466

An experimental study was conducted to assess the effect of a live M. synoviae vaccine (Vaxsafe Ltd, on M. synoviae -induced eggshell apex abnormalities (EAA). Four experimental groups of SPF white laying hens were made. All groups were inoculated with IBV D1466 at 18 weeks of age. One group did not receive further treatment (non-vaccinated non-challenged (NVNC)). Two groups were vaccinated at 14 weeks of age against M. synoviae and one of these groups was also challenged with an EAA-inducing M. synoviae strain 5 days after IBV challenge (vaccinated non-challenged (VNC) and vaccinated challenged group (VC), respectively). The fourth group was not vaccinated but was challenged with M. synoviae . (non-vaccinated challenged (NVC)). EAA eggs were produced only in the NVC and VC group. However, the proportion of EAA eggs and the mean daily EAA egg production per chicken was significantly lower ( P <0.05) in the VC group (88/741 (11.9%) and 0.09 ± 0.01 eggs per hen) compared to the NVC group (148/646 (22.9%) and 0.14 ± 0.01 eggs per hen). The mean daily egg production per chicken was significantly lower in the NVC group (0.48 ± 0.03 eggs) compared to that of the NVNC group (0.60 ± 0.03 eggs), but not significantly different from other groups. The eggshell strength of EAA eggs (22.8 N) was significantly lower ( P <0.05) than non-affected eggs from the other groups (33.7 N to 39.5 N). Furthermore, the eggshell strength of non-affected eggs in the NVC group was significantly lower (( P <0.05) compared to that of non-affected eggs from the flock of origin (33.7 versus 41.2 not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the results suggest a positive effect of M. synoviae vaccination on eggshell strength in M. synoviae EAA-challenged birds. The differences found between the two studies are possibly related to the fact that in this experiment SPF birds were used and not commercial hens.
The Analysis of Sustainability Report Disclosure in the Companies listed on the IDX Year 2014 – 2016

This research aims to get empirical evidence about the effect of firm size, leverage, audit committee, and environmental performance on sustainability report disclosure. The population of this research was all entities listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the years of 2014 – 2015 as many as 568 companies. In addition, sample was selected by using purposive sampling method. There were 22 companies as the final sample. During 2014 – 2015, there were 66 unit of analysis. Furthermore, hypotheses were examined by multiple regression analysis using SPSS 22.0 program. The results indicate that firm size and leverage have a negative and significant effect on sustainability report disclosure. Then, audit committee does not have a positive and significant effect on sustainability report disclosure and environmental performance has a positive and significant effect on sustainability report disclosure. Therefore, it can be concluded that environment performance can provide an important role in sustainability report disclosure.
Effect of Turmeric Oil in Chitosan-Based Edible Coating on Physical and Chemical Properties of Strawberry

Foodborne outbreaks, precocious decaying and economic losses are common problems related to fresh fruit retention. These problems have led to the advance of novel technologies and systems for food protection such as edible coating based on natural source materials. In this study, a chitosan based edible coating had been applied on the surface of strawberry to lengthen its shelf-life. It also offers protection against bacterial infection that leads to strawberry spoilage by supressing respiration, transpiration and microbial growth. Turmeric essential oil was added in the chitosan coating as innovation based on the possible synergy effect of these two components to improve the storability of strawberries after postharvest which is a crucial point for import-export of fresh fruits. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of chitosan-based edible coating with turmeric essential oil as bioactive ingredient on chemical and physical properties of strawberry. The chitosan-based edible coating was added with different concentrations of turmeric oil 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% while uncoated strawberry was named as control. Visual decay infection, structural analysis of chitosan-based solution, vitamin C determination and total soluble solid content (TSS) were then investigated. The results indicated that coated strawberry with presence of turmeric oil were able to maintain the studied chemical and physical properties of strawberries during 7 days of storage more efficiently than control and 0% concentration of turmeric oil. Study also found that the strawberry that contains highest concentration of turmeric oil at 20% had the lowest percentage of visual decay (<10%), the lowest total soluble solid solid content (3.6%) and the highest content of ascorbic acid (0.73 mg100g -1 ). Therefore, the synergy between chitosan-based edible coating with turmeric oil successfully improved the longevity shelf-life by extending the postharvest deterioration of strawberries.
University of Birmingham Corporate Governance and Takeover Resistance

I investigate the relation between corporate governance characteristics of hostile takeover targets and the choice to employ ‘harmful’ resistance that is not perceived as being motivated by shareholders’ interests. I find that harmful resistance is associated with firms where managers have more pronounced ownership-based and age-related incentives for control, and directors have equity interests less aligned to stockholders. These firms also have less independent boards, are exposed to weaker discipline from outside blockholders, and are inferior performers. In the presence of harmful resistance, the market is less optimistic about the chances of bid completion, and there is a greater likelihood of managerial turnover. My analysis reveals new insights, in particular, into the role of incentive and governance structures of resisting firms. Firms in my sample resorting to harmful resistance strategies are found to have top managers with more pronounced ownership-based and age-related incentives for control, and other directors with equity interests less closely aligned to stockholders, as distinct from firms using resistance tactics designed to promote stockholder wealth. Firms that follow harmful resistance strategies have less independent boards, are exposed to weaker discipline from active outside blockholders, and are inferior performers. Prior studies have generally found no significant relation, or mixed results, when considering the effect of managerial incentives and corporate governance on either takeover resistance per se or the adoption of specific, anti-takeover measures. The relevance of the academic debate on takeover resistance is starkly illustrated by the controversy that persisted in the European Union until member states reached less than harmonious agreement on the extent to which anti-takeover mechanisms and bid resistance tactics should be controlled through the European Takeover Directive (2004/25/EC). My study of the potential drivers and effects of resistance motivated by harmful resistance gives credence to those on both sides of the Atlantic who favour constraints on managerial actions driven by bad faith as distinct from those that legitimately enhance bargaining power on behalf of stockholders.
Effects of copper, nickel and zinc on biochemical parameters and metal accumulation in gouan, 'Aeluropus littoralis'

To study the effects of three heavy metals (Cu, Zn and Ni) on 'Aeluropus littoralis', a halophytic plant, a research was carried out in greenhouse. The study was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 5 replicates. Two different concentrations (50 muM and 100 uM) for each metal were used. Some cellular oxidative biomarkers such as activity of three main antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT)), as well as accumulation of proline, phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments and soluble protein content were investigated. The results showed that the proline and phenolic compounds accumulated with increasing heavy metal concentrations, while total chlorophyll content decreased in all treatments. Heavy metals contents in shoots increased with the increasing of heavy metals concentration without any important morphological changes. In all treatments SOD activity increased, but GPx activity decreased while CAT activity and soluble protein only decreased in Ni and Cu treatments, respectively. The results showed that chlorophyll a was more sensitive to Zn and Ni, but chlorophyll b was more sensitive to Cu. In addition, it was revealed that each heavy metal has unique biotoxicities or biofunctions and affects the analyzed parameters plant in particular way. Consequently, A. littoralis heavy metal tolerance depends on the species and concentration of metal.
FREQUENCY OF MACROSCOPIC HAEMATURIA AFTER RENAL BIOPSY

Background; Macroscopic hematuria is a commonly seen condition in the emergency department (ED), which has a variety of causes. This study was performed to ascertain frequency of macroscopic hematuria among patients undergoing native renal biopsy using free hands ultrasound assisted renal biopsy technique within first 24 hours, as there is no such study done in Pakistan on this topic. Objective : To determine frequency of macroscopic hematuria after native renal biopsy using free hands ultrasound assisted renal biopsy technique within first 24 hours. Material and Methods: A total of 138 patients from Department of Nephrology, Jinnah hospital, Lahore, Pakistan were taken for macroscopic hematuria. Data was analyzed by SPSS. Results: Of these 138 study cases, 91 (65.9 %) were male patients while 47 (34.1%) were female patients. Mean age of our study cases was 47.57 ± 7.26 years (with minimum age of our study cases was 35 years while maximum age was 60 years). Of these 138 study cases, 56 (40.6%) belonged to rural areas and 82 (59.4%) belonged to urban areas. Monthly family income up to Rs. 350000 was noted in 67 (48.6%) while more than 35000 rupees 71 (51.4%) of our study cases. Obesity was present in 41 (29.7 %) of our study cases. Chronic kidney disease (un-explained renal failure) was noted in 77 (55.8%), proteinuria in 46(33.3%) and unresolved AKI in 15 (10.9%) of our study cases. Mean needle size was noted 17.15 ± 0.59 and 86 (62.3%) had needle size with gauge 18. Macroscopic hematuria was noted in 30 (21.7%) of our study case. Conclusion; High frequency of macroscopic hematuria after native renal biopsy using free hands ultrasound assisted renal biopsy technique was noted in our study. Macroscopic hematuria was significantly associated with male gender, increasing age, residential status, monthly family income and indications for renal biopsy. The early diagnosis followed by corrective/preventive measures can help decrease disease morbidity among targeted population. This will help decrease disease burden and improve quality of life of these patients.
Less is not more: 401(k) plan information and retirement planning choices

This paper presents the results of a choice experiment that is designed to examine whether changing how plan information is presented affects planned retirement-savings behavior. The main hypothesis is that providing plan information in a more concise format with helpful recommendations, rather than providing lengthy and detailed information, will alter retirement-planning choices. The specific choices examined include: whether to enroll, how much to contribute, and how to structure (broadly) the asset allocation. The choice experiment is conducted on three different samples: (i) a Qualtrics panel of new employees, (ii) a Qualtrics panel of job seekers, and (iii) a sample of business-school students. Our results suggest that, controlling for demographic and other factors, our main hypothesis was not supported by the data in any of the samples. Thus, the data cast some doubt on the notion that simplifying and condensing the retirement-plan information presented to employees will result in vastly different retirement-planning choices.
Expression of Inhibin a and Inhibin/Activin PA Subunits in the Granulosa Layer of the Large Preovulatory Follicles of the Hen'

The expression of the mRNA for the inhibin/activin subunits (a and ,^) in the granulosa layer of the five largest preovulatory follicles of the hen was investigated. Total RNA from the granulosa layer of the F (the fifth largest) to F, (the largest) follicles was extracted and analyzed by Northern blot analysis using homologous chicken inhibin a and P, subunit cDNA probes. RNA loading was quantified by a cDNA probe of bovine 18S rRNA. Results showed that for the chicken inhibin a subunit mRNA signals (n = 3), the mean relative intensity for the F, F 2 , F3, and F 4 follicles was 0.50 + 0.10 (+ SEM,), 0.52 ± 0.08, 0.59 + 0.06, and 0.81 0.04, respectively, compared to a mean relative intensity of 1.00 (p < 0.05) for the F 5 follicle. For the PA subunit mRNA signals (n = 3), the mean relative intensity for the F 5 , F 4 , F 3 , and F2 follicles was 0.25 0.06, 0.28 + 0.15, 0.40 + 0.17, and 0.48 + 0.10, respectively, compared to a mean relative in- tensity of 1.00 (p < 0.05) for the F, follicle. The inhibin a subunit was also estimated to be more abundantly expressed among follicles in the granulosa layer than was the P, subunit. Our data indicate that the expression of inhibin a and PA subunits is differentially regulated in the hen granulosa layer during follicular development. Expression of the a subunit is reduced with follicular
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after Intensive Care Unit Discharge: Prevalence and Impact on Quality of Life

Background: Hospitalization in ICU is a trauma leading to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The objective is to determine the prevalence of PTSD and its impact on quality of life. Methods: Survivors of a before and after prospective study assessing the impact of a nurse implemented sedation algorithm on the outcome after the ICU stay, were followed up with by a phone survey. Results: A total of 1156 ventilated patients were admitted during the study period. Among the 145 included patients, 47 died and 35 were lost or declined follow-up. Only 62 patients accepted it at 3 months (42.8%), 55 at 6 months (37.9%) and 42 at one year (29%). The prevalence of PTSD was 12.9 % at 3 months, 10.9 % at 6 months and 16.7 % at one year. ICU stay had a moderate impact on quality of life at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Approximately 10 % of patients had a severe impact on their quality of life at ICU discharge, up to one year. PTSD at 3 months was significantly higher than in the « before » period. There was no difference at 6 months or 1 year, nor was there a significant difference in quality of life between these 2 periods. Conclusions: Improving the quality of care in the ICU should also take into consideration the possible deleterious consequences of the ICU stay. Follow-up is paramount in patients at risk, and increased efforts at improving their quality of life after ICU discharge are needed.
Flavour physics without ﬂavour symmetries

We quantitatively analyze a quark-lepton ﬂavour model derived from a six-dimensional supersymmetric theory with SO (10) × U (1) gauge symmetry, compactiﬁed on an orbifold with magnetic ﬂux. Two bulk 16 -plets charged under the U (1) provide the three quark-lepton generations whereas two uncharged 10 -plets yield two Higgs doublets. At the orbifold ﬁxed points mass matrices are generated with rank one or two. Moreover, the zero modes mix with heavy vectorlike split multiplets. The model possesses no ﬂavour symmetries. Nevertheless, there exist a number of relations between Yukawa couplings, remnants of the underlying GUT symmetry and the wave function proﬁles of the zero modes, which lead to a prediction of the light neutrino mass scale, m ν 1 ∼ 10 − 3 eV and heavy Majorana neutrino masses in the range from 10 12 GeV to 10 14 GeV. The model successfully includes thermal leptogenesis.
OTT_A_250404 5955..5965

Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Shanghai 201399, People’s Republic of China Background: Evidence has been shown that abnormal DNA methylation plays a vital role in the progression of breast cancer via silencing of gene expression. The results of bisulfite sequencing showed that the methylation status of HOPX in breast cancer tissues was higher than that in normal breast cancer tissues, but little known about the biological functions of HOPX in breast cancer. Methods: A total of 13 paired breast cancer and adjacent noncancerous tissues were subjected to bisulfite sequencing. Meanwhile, the methylation levels of cg218995965 and cg24862548 in breast cancer cells were detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell invasion assays were used to detect the apoptosis, migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. In addition, the expressions of HOPX, p21, cyclin D1 and CDK4 in cells were detected with Western blot assay. Results: Bisulfite sequencing indicated that the CpG sites (cg218995965 and cg24862548) in the HOPX promoter region showed significantly higher methylation in breast cancer tissues. In addition, methylation-specific PCR revealed that HOPX was significantly hypermethylated in breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7. Furthermore, overexpression of HOPX significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cells via inducing the apoptosis. Moreover, upregulation of HOPX markedly inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of MDA-MB-468 cells. Meanwhile, overexpression of HOPX obviously induced cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-468 cells via upregulation of p21, and downregulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4. Additionally, overexpression of HOPX suppressed tumor growth of breast cancer in vivo. Conclusion: Our data showed that HOPX, a tumor suppressor, is epigenetically silenced in breast cancer. Overexpression of HOPX could suppress the progression of breast cancer, and thus indicating that it might serve as a potential target for the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
Edinburgh Research Explorer The bacterial stressosome

The stressosome complex regulates downstream effectors in response to environmental signals. In Bacillus subtilis , it activates the alternative sigma factor s B , leading to the upregulation of the general stress regulon. Herein, we characterize a stresso-some-regulated biochemical pathway in Moorella thermoacetica. We show that the presumed sensor, MtR, and the scaffold, MtS, form a pseudo-icosahe-dral structure like that observed in B. subtilis. The N-terminal domain of MtR is structurally homologous to B. subtilis RsbR, despite low sequence identity. The afﬁnity of the switch kinase, MtT, for MtS decreases following MtS phosphorylation and not because of structural reorganization. Dephosphorylation of MtS by the PP2C type phosphatase MtX permits the switch kinase to rebind the stressosome to reset the response. We also show that MtT regulates cyclic di-GMP biosynthesis through inhibition of a GG(D/E)EF-type diguanylate cyclase, demonstrating that secondary messenger levels are regulated by the stressosome. Homologs of MtX were identiﬁed in the PDB using the DALI program. The resulting z score, rmsd, sequence identities, and the role of the conserved residues, as determined from the crystal structures of a number of PP2C type protein phosphatases following the superimposition of these structures upon MtX are listed below.
THORAXJNL145540-156398 823..829

ventilation for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 1995;28:817e22. 4. Man WD-C, Polkey MI, Donaldson N, et al. Community pulmonary rehabilitation after hospitalisation for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomised controlled study. BMJ 2004;329:1209. 5. Schönhofer B. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in patients with stable hypercapnic COPD: light at the end of the tunnel? Thorax 2010;65:765e7.