Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction on expression of IL-2, TNF-α in the testis of rats infected by ureaplasma urealyticum

Objective: In order to know the immune mechanism of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction(ZHBDHD) in treating male infertility by ureaplasma urealyticum(Uu),we performed the research for the effects of ZHBDHD on the expression of IL-2 TNF-α in the rats infected by Uu.Methods: Rats model was prepared by inoculating Uu in the bladder of rats.These rats were randomly divided into four groups: ZHBDHD group,minocycline group,model group and false operation group.The rats of model group and false operation group were taken NS by garage,twice a day for continuing 21 days;ZHBDHD group were taken ZHBDHD and minocycline group taken minocycline by garage as the other two groups.Stop water and food for 8 hours after the last garage,taken samples for determining the contents of IL-2,TNF-α in testis by immunohistochemistry and western bloting;determining mRNA of IL-2,TNF-αin testis with RT-PCR.Result: Compared with false operation group,the expressions of IL-2 in testis were obviously decreased after infected by Uu.However,TNF-α in testis were found obviously increasing after rats infected by Uu comparing with false operation rats;On the contrary,ZHBDHD could increase the expression of IL-2,inhibit the expression of TNF-α. The results were same when ZHBDHD group was compared with minocycline group.Conclusion: ZHBDHD can exert anti-inflammatory by effecting the expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in the rats infected by Uu.
Cooperative Learning and the Cooperative School.

T he Age of Cooperation is ap proaching. From Alaska to Cali fornia to Florida to New York, from Australia to Britain to Norway to Israel, teachers and administrators are discovering an untapped resource for accelerating students' achievement: the students themselves. There is now substantial evidence that students working together in small cooperative groups can master material presented by the teacher better than can students working on their own. The idea that people working to gether toward a common goal can accomplish more than people work ing by themselves is a well-established principle of social psychology. What is new is that practical cooperative learn ing strategies for classroom use have been developed, researched, and found to be instructionally effective in elementary and secondary schools. Once thought of primarily as social methods directed at social goals, cer tain forms of cooperative learning are considerably more effective than tradi tional methods in increasing basic achievement outcomes, including per formance on standardized tests of mathematics, reading, and language (Slavin 1983a. b; Slavin in press a).
Effect of ABA and sucrose pretreatment on preservation of cut flowers in Lilium Orential 'Sorbonne'

The effects of the different concentrations of ABA,and ABA plus sucrose pretreatments on vase life and post-harvest quality of the cut lilies were investigated.The results showed that 8-HQ pretreatment increased fresh weight of cut lilies.The 8-HQ plus low concentration of ABA pretreatment extended vase life and increased flower diameter,but the effects were not significant.And ABA inhibited the increase of fresh weight.8-HQ and sucrose pretreatment extended the vase life and increased fresh weight of cut lilies.But it caused leave yellowing to some extent.The addition of low concentration ABA did not make significant difference on the vase life.But it delayed the blooming of cut flowers,increased fresh weight and slowed down the yellowing of leaves induced by sucrose.Addition of high concentration ABA shortened the vase life of cut lilies and reduced the ornamental value.
Agronomic performance and economic analysis of soybean (Glycine max) in relation to growth regulating substances in Punjab, India

A field experiment was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (36°56' N, 75°52' E and altitude 247 m), India during rainy seasons of 2006 to 2008 in split plot design. Experiment comprised of twelve treatment combinations with four plant growth regulators application (salicylic acid @ 50 mg/l, ethrel @ 200 mg/l, cycocel @ 500 mg/l and water spray) in main plot and three stages of application time (at flower initiation, pod initiation and flower + pod initiation) in sub plot, was replicated thrice. Pods per plant in cycocel @ 500 mg/l were significantly higher than ethrel, salicylic acid and water spray. Ethrel 200 mg/l recorded seed yield statistically on par with salicylic acid 50 mg/l but significantly higher than water spray and lower than cycocel 500 mg/l. Pods per plant with plant regulators application at flower + pod initiation were significantly higher than flower and pod initiation. Application of growth regulators at flower and pod initiation gave significantly higher seed yield than flower and pod alone in 2006. On pooled mean basis growth regulators at flower + pod initiation gave 4.9 and 7.7% higher than at flower initiation and pod initiation respectively.
The average peak time and intensity of seasonal influenza may vary by age: a study of laboratory confirmed influenza

Background: Seasonal influenza (SI) is an acute respiratory illness that exerts a severe impact on human life year-round. Yet, very few studies have been conducted to investigate its peak timing for different age groups. Objective: To evaluate the average peak calendar time and intensity for the incidence of SI for different age groups. Methods: The study uses laboratory-confirmed Influenza data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the USA with age groups 2, 11, 34, 57 and 65 years during 2009–2018 for the analysis. A non-parametric method of estimation of a circular probability distribution called likelihood cross-validation method has been utilised. Results: The average peak date of incidence for age groups 2 and 11 is around the last week of December. However, the date shifts to the last week of January to the first week of February for other groups. Age groups 65 and 2 years experienced the most severe impact among all. Discussion: The average peak time for SI incidence is between the last week of December to January with a single peak time for every age group. However, the incidence seems to develop an additional moderate peak time for age group 65.
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF GEGEPTERUS CHANGAE(PTEROSAURIA:ARCHAEOPTERODACTYLOIDEA,CTENOCHASMATIDAE)FROM A NEW SPECIMEN

Gegepterus changae is referred to the Ctenochasmatidae based on an incomplete specimen. The new specimen IVPP V11972 is assigned to Gegepterus changae according to the unique features in the skull and cervical vertebrae.V11972 is a subadult individual and further provides the morphological characteristics as the vertebrae,pectoral girdle,etc.Especially,we add to the diagnosis a unique feature,including the unique presence of two foramens on the nasal.
EVOLUTION OF FEEDING PREFERENCES IN PHYTOPHAGOUS INSECTS

The extent to which biological races represent a transient stage in the evolution of species, especially among insects, has been the subject of extended discussion ever since the existence of these categories was first demonstrated by Walsh in 1864. It is considered by many that isolation, at least to some extent, by host preferences is a sine qua non for biological races (Thorpe, 1930; Mayr, 1942; Huxley, 1942). With such emphasis placed on host preference it is indeed surprising that only comparatively meagre attention has been directed toward the physiology and evolution of host habits. A thorough analysis of the problems of host selection would appear to be a logical prerequisite to an intelligent understanding of the role of biological races in evolution. This review has been undertaken in . the hope that it will reveal in some measure the lacunae as well as the matrices in our knowledge of one well known aspect of host selection, namely, the host preferences of plant feeding insects.
Pollen Characterization and Physicochemical Analysis of Six Nigerian Honey Samples; Test for Authenticity

Honey is a popular product consumed for its health benefits. It is an effective antimicrobial an antioxidant agent. Globally, palynological and chemical methods are among the means of authenticating honey quality, geographical origin and floral origin. Six honey samples from six Nigerian towns (Abi, Ikom, Lokpanta, Nsukka, Okigwe and Shaki) were subjected to the aforementioned tests. Eighty-six pollen taxa were recorded in all the samples. The richest sample with seventy-three taxa was from Nsukka, followed successively by Okigwe, Lokpanta, Shaki, Ikom and Abi samples with sixty-eight, sixty-seven, sixty-two, fifty-nine and fifty-seven pollen species respectively. The oil palm Elaeis guineensis pollen dominated the samples in different proportions except Shaki honey dominated by Acacia spp. , The commonest plant family was Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoideae, Papilionideae) with twenty-one taxa followed by Euphorbiaceae, Combretaceae, with four representatives and Rubiaceae with three taxa each. The physico-chemical analysis carried out were total moisture, total ash content, colour assessment, percentage of total solids, relative density, acidity, and Fischer’s Test. The samples were found to concur with the international standards for honey.
Phytochemical screening, DPPH scavenging and antimicrobial activities of leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Cassia mimosoides and Vepris heterophylla from Northern Cameroon

The aim of this study was to evaluate phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of hexane, acetone and methanol extracts of three medicinal plants (Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae), Cassia mimosoides (Fabaceae) and Vepris heterophylla (Rutaceae)) traditionally used in the treatment of microbial diseases and food preservations. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the large family of compounds followed by quantitative evaluation of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was realised. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the scavenging of DPPH radicals and the antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method. The results showed presence of phenolics, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, triterpenes and steroids in the various extracts. The total amount of phenolic compounds ranges from 6098.76±30, 04 to 626.34±16, 13 mg of GAE and the amount of flavonoids from 57.95±1, 23 and 27.50±8,11 mg QE. The largest amount of phenolics and flavonoids was found in the acetone extract of C. mimosoides and the lowest in the methanol extract of V. heterophylla. The highest inhibition percentage of DPPH was obtained with the acetone extract of C. mimosoides which was 80% and the lowest was the methanol extract of V. heterophylla. The hexan extract of selected plants showed the higher inhibition diameter range from 12 to 15 mm with the maximum obtained with extract of E. camaldulensis.
STUDY OF THE BENTHIC ALGAE IN THE LITTORAL OF QINGDAO COAST

The composition and biomass of benthic algae of the littoral of Qingdao incl-uding the Pier, Taiping Comer and Shilaoren were studied in 5/98 and 5/99. Theresults of the investigation are as follows: 1. In the survey areas, 38 genus, 58 speciesof benthic algae were found and they are identified as: 11 Chlorophyta, ll Phaeop-the and 36 Rhodophyta. 2. The number of species in the Pier was the highest andthe biomass in Taiping Comer was the highest.
Savings of the Elderly and Desired Bequests

Cross-section data often show that the wealth of the elderly increases with age even at advanced ages. These and other results suggest that the life-cycle hypothesis of consumption should be augmented to include a bequest motive for saving. In this paper, the author proposes a model of bequests, and a test for a bequ est motive. Using panel data, he finds that over a ten-year period the elderly in the data set dissaved, in contradiction to most cross- section results. The test offers no support for a bequest motive. Copyright 1987 by American Economic Association.
Formation of an unusual glutamine tautomer in a blue light using flavin photocycle characterizes the light-adapted state

Significance Upon absorption of light, photoreceptor proteins with bound chromophores undergo conformational changes that enable them to transmit signals over long distances. Such proteins are essential for a wide range of light-regulated biological processes and play an important role in protein engineering efforts aimed at controlling cellular processes with light. Our computer simulations elucidate the complete photocycle of a prototypical photoreceptor protein upon photoexcitation with blue light. These simulations indicate the formation of an unusual glutamine tautomer and the rearrangement of hydrogen-bonding interactions that produce the crucial state capable of long-range signaling. The spectroscopic signatures of this state are consistent with previous experimental measurements. The insights provided by these simulations are important for learning how to engineer photoreceptors with specified characteristics. Blue light using flavin (BLUF) photoreceptor proteins are critical for many light-activated biological processes and are promising candidates for optogenetics because of their modular nature and long-range signaling capabilities. Although the photocycle of the Slr1694 BLUF domain has been characterized experimentally, the identity of the light-adapted state following photoexcitation of the bound flavin remains elusive. Herein hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) molecular dynamics simulations of this photocycle provide a nonequilibrium dynamical picture of a possible mechanism for the formation of the light-adapted state. Photoexcitation of the flavin induces a forward proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process that leads to the formation of an imidic acid tautomer of Gln50. The calculations herein show that the subsequent rotation of Gln50 allows a reverse PCET process that retains this tautomeric form. In the resulting purported light-adapted state, the glutamine tautomer forms a hydrogen bond with the flavin carbonyl group. Additional ensemble-averaged QM/MM calculations of the dark-adapted and purported light-adapted states demonstrate that the light-adapted state with the imidic acid glutamine tautomer reproduces the experimentally observed spectroscopic signatures. Specifically, the calculations reproduce the red shifts in the flavin electronic absorption and carbonyl stretch infrared spectra in the light-adapted state. Further hydrogen-bonding analyses suggest the formation of hydrogen-bonding interactions between the flavin and Arg65 in the light-adapted state, providing a plausible explanation for the experimental observation of faster photoinduced PCET in this state. These characteristics of the light-adapted state may also be essential for the long-range signaling capabilities of this photoreceptor protein.
Wild and Domestic Canids and Their Interactions in the Transmission Cycles of Trypanosoma Cruzi and Leishmania spp. in an Area of the Brazilian Cerrado

Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. are parasites that infect multiple hosts including canids, considered bioaccumulators of parasites. Deforestation in the Cerrado biome has resulted in the exposure of wild canids to anthropized areas, where they may establish ecological and epidemiological relationships with domestic dogs. We evaluated the infection by trypanosomatids in canids from a Cerrado agroecosystem between 2013 and 2017. Samples of wild canids (blood, bone marrow and skin) and dogs (blood) were collected for parasitological, serological and molecular diagnosis. A total of 414 samples from wild (n = 131) and domestic (n = 283) canids were collected, including recaptures. We obtained five positive hemocultures from Lycalopex vetulus (n = 2), Cerdocyon thous (n = 1) and dogs (n = 2), all characterized as T. cruzi TcIII/V (18S rDNA) and TcIII/V/VI (gGAPDH); one positive skin fragment for Leishmania sp. (C. thous), one positive skin culture (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and one positive fresh blood examination from a dog. Infection by T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. was serologically confirmed in 18% and 4% of the canids, respectively. Active transmission was attested by seroconversion events and occurred despite the low rate of positive parasitological assays. Wild and domestic canids infected by both parasites were detected sharing the same areas, pointing to a possible spillover of parasites among them.
Neotropical Plethodontid Biogeography: Insights from Molecular Phylogenetics

While salamanders have a predominantly north-temperate distribution, one of the most stunning radiations of species occurred in the only group to significantly penetrate the tropics, the bolitoglossines. Biogeographic hypotheses for the group have evolved as a result of the discovery of new species and lineages, from approximately 30 species in a single genus in 1926 to nearly 300 species in 14 genera today. Molecular phylogenies provide an important tool with which to test long-standing biogeographic hypotheses. Divergence dating analyses and parametric biogeographic analyses, together with a changing understanding of the taxonomy of the bolitoglossines and new geological evidence from Mesoamerica, call into question several long-standing hypotheses related to the arrival and diversification of the bolitoglossines in Central and South America. We briefly review the geology of Mesoamerica, with an emphasis on regions of high salamander diversity, and discuss how molecular phylogenies and new species discoveries have changed our perception of the history of this salamander radiation.
Drug Delivery Systems of Natural Products in Oncology

In recent decades, increasing interest in the use of natural products in anticancer therapy field has been observed, mainly due to unsolved drug-resistance problems. The antitumoral effect of natural compounds involving different signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms has been largely demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo studies. The encapsulation of natural products into different delivery systems may lead to a significant enhancement of their anticancer efficacy by increasing in vivo stability and bioavailability, reducing side adverse effects and improving target-specific activity. This review will focus on research studies related to nanostructured systems containing natural compounds for new drug delivery tools in anticancer therapies.
How Infrastructure Shapes Comparative Advantage

This paper studies the effects of domestic trade costs on comparative advantage. I build a model of international trade and internal geography that considers both international shipping routes and input-output linkages. I use the model to simulate how a large infrastructure project, Ruta del Sol, affects the specialization of Colombia, a country whose exports are highly concentrated in the mining sector. This road improves access to global markets for both mining and manufacturing regions. To quantify the model and estimate its parameters, I use customs administrative records, a transportation survey, and geospatial data generated from both physical and digital road maps. My results indicate that the road project shifts the comparative advantage of Colombia away from mining, and towards manufacturing. Lastly, I show that the change in comparative advantage is larger when industry linkages are considered because access to tradable intermediate inputs benefits the manufacturing sector more than the mining sector. The results demonstrate that national comparative advantage is shaped materially by domestic trade costs, beyond the elements typically analyzed in the literature such as factor endowments, technology and institutions. ∗Department of Economics, University of Michigan, luisbq@umich.edu. I am grateful to my advisors Hoyt Bleakley, Andrei Levchenko, Jagadeesh Sivadasan and Sebastian Sotelo for their invaluable advice, patience and guidance. I am thankful for the comments and suggestions of Maria Aristizabal, Alberto Arredondo, Vybhavi Balasundharam, Barthelemy Bonadio, Brian Cevallos, Benjamin Glass, Xing Guo, Meera Mahadevan, Luis Monroy-Gomez-Franco, Pinghui Wu, and seminar participants at the University of Michigan’s International Economics Seminar, Economic Development Seminar, Trade Breakfast Student Workshop, Macroeconomics Lunch and H2D2 seminar. The staff of the Stephen S. Clark Library at the University of Michigan provided technical advice with historical maps and GIS software, particularly Nicole Scholtz and Tim Utter. I am also thankful to Ministerio de Transporte, DANE and INVIAS for providing access to data. This work was supported with funding from the University of Michigan Library and the Michigan Institute of Teaching and Research in Economics (MITRE). Jordan Hewitt, Jack Pedlow and Callista Zingas provided excellent research assistance.
The Role of Coaching in the Implementation of Innovations.

Precis: The central question discussed in this article is, "Why is it so difficult for teachers to transfer newly learned teaching skills and strategies into successful classroom practice? " Some commonly proposed explana tions are questioned and hypotheses about why teachers experience difficulties are proposed. Special emphasis is given to how coaching can facilitate implementation. The discussion contributes to understanding how two col leagues can assist each other in the improvement of class room instruction. This, in turn, has implications for how teachers can help teachers. Beverly Showers is co director, Booksend Laboratories, Eugene, Oregon.
Combining Effect and Process Evaluation on European Preschool Children’s Snacking Behavior in a Kindergarten-Based, Family-Involved Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial: The ToyBox Study

This study aimed at (1) studying the effect of the standardized ToyBox intervention on European preschoolers’ snacking behavior, and (2) studying whether a higher process evaluation score from teachers and parents/caregivers was associated with a more positive result for preschoolers’ snack intake. A sample of 4970 preschoolers (51.4% boys, 4.74 ± 0.44 years) from six European countries provided information on snack intake with the use of a Food Frequency Questionnaire. To investigate the effect of the intervention, multilevel repeated measures analyses were executed for the total sample and the six country-specific samples. Furthermore, questionnaires to measure process evaluation were used to compute a total process evaluation score for teachers and parents/caregivers. No significant intervention effects on preschoolers’ snack intake were found (all p > 0.003). In general, no different effects of the intervention on snack intake were found according to kindergarten teachers’ and parents’/caregivers’ process evaluation scores. The lack of effects could be due to limited intervention duration and dose. To induce larger effects on preschoolers’ snack intake, a less standardized intervention which is more tailored to the local needs might be needed.