Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer

Since the first description of the gamete intrafallopian transfer technique (GIFT),' numerous reports have appeared in the literature confirming its usefulness in the treatment of some types of infertility.2-" At present, GIFT is being performed by most units that deal with reproductive medicine and treatment for infertility. This is the first report of an International Cooperative Study that sought to reproduce a common GIFT protocol in 10 centers worldwide, in order to determine the success rate and reproducibility of the GIFT technique.
What Rates of Productivity Growth Would Be Required to Offset the Effects of Population Aging? A Study of Twenty Industrialised Countries

A shift in population distribution toward older ages is underway in industrialised countries throughout the world and will continue well into the future. We provide a framework for isolating the pure effects of population aging on per capita GDP, employ the framework in calculations for twenty OECD countries, and derive the rates of productivity growth required to offset those effects. We consider also some labourrelated changes that might provide offsets, for comparison with productivity.
Volumetric analysis of sensory brain areas indicates ontogenetic shifts in the relative importance of sensory systems in elasmobranchs

Studies on the brains of teleost fishes have shown that the relative size of sensory brain areas reflects sensory specialisations and the relative importance of a given sensory system. Moreover, the relative size of these brain areas can change in relation to ontogenetic shifts in habitat and feeding ecology. However, although elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) also exhibit ontogenetic shifts in habitat and diet, little is known about how their sensory systems and brains may adapt to these changes. In this paper, we compare the relative volumes of four sensory brain areas; the olfactory bulbs, optic tectum, anterior lateral line lobes and posterior lateral line lobes (that receive input from the olfactory epithelium, eye, electroreceptors and lateral line, respectively) in juveniles and adults of seven species of elasmobranch (six species of shark and one species of ray). The relative volume of each brain area was expressed as proportion of the total sensory brain, the combined volume of the four brain areas. Significant differences were found in the relative proportions of the sensory brain areas between juveniles and adults. In all species, the optic tectum was relatively larger in juveniles, whereas the size of the olfactory bulbs was relatively greater in adults. This paper provides the first evidence for shifts in the size of sensory brain areas in elasmobranchs and suggests that vision is relatively more important than olfaction in juvenile elasmobranchs and vice versa in adults.
Exploring the function and evolution of proteins using domain families

Proteins are frequently composed of multiple domains which fold independently. These are often evolutionarily distinct units which can be adapted and reused in other proteins. The classification of protein domains into evolutionary families facilitates the study of their evolution and function. In this thesis such classifications are used firstly to examine methods for identifying evolutionary relationships (homology) between protein domains. Secondly a specific approach for predicting their function is developed. Lastly they are used in studying the evolution of protein complexes. Tools for identifying evolutionary relationships between proteins are central to computational biology. They aid in classifying families of proteins, giving clues about the function of proteins and the study of molecular evolution. The first chapter of this thesis concerns the effectiveness of cutting edge methods in identifying evolutionary relationships between protein domains. The identification of evolutionary relationships between proteins can give clues as to their function. The second chapter of this thesis concerns the development of a method to identify proteins involved in the same biological process. This method is based on the concept of domain fusion whereby pairs of proteins from one organism with a concerted function are sometimes found fused into single proteins in a different organism. Using protein domain classifications it is possible to identify these relationships. Most proteins do not act in isolation but carry out their function by binding to other proteins in complexes; little is understood about the evolution of such complexes. In the third chapter of this thesis the evolution of complexes is examined in two representative model organisms using protein domain families. In this work, protein domain superfamilies allow distantly related parts of complexes to be identified in order to determine how homologous units are reused.
Lutein as protective agent against neonatal oxidative stress

Free radicals (FR) are important for a correct development of neonatal organs and tissues. However, newborn and fetus have profoundly impaired antioxidant system. In these subjects, oxidative stress (OS) may be detrimental by activating deleterious cellular processes. Decreasing FR and restoring oxidative imbalance certainly appear to be beneficial in perinatal period. Among the therapeutic antioxidant approaches in newborns, lutein, a compound belonging to the xanthophyll family of carotenoids, is one of the emerging strategies. Humans cannot synthesize lutein, hence the intake primarily depends on diet. In the neonatal period, fresh, non-processed human milk is the main dietary source of lutein, while infant formula is lacking it. Lutein has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lutein supplementation in human newborns during the first days of life has been demonstrated to decrease plasma biomarkers of OS and increase antioxidant capacities. Numerous experimental study have demonstrated that lutein effectively neutralizes oxidants and modulates inflammatory processes, showing particular protective effects on macula and photoreceptors against phototoxicity and oxidative injury. Only few clinical studies evaluated the effectiveness of lutein in reducing preterm and term infant morbidity, reporting no definitive results. The challenge for the future is to better clarify the timing, the optimal dose and the duration of lutein intervention in perinatal period and to verify its impact on infants’ health. Proceedings of the 10 th International Workshop on Neonatology · Cagliari (Italy) · October 22 nd -25 th , 2014 · The last ten years, the next ten years in Neonatology Guest Editors: Vassilios Fanos, Michele Mussap, Gavino Faa, Apostolos Papageorgiou
A state record for the Oconee scorpionfly, Panorpa oconee Byers (Mecoptera: Panorpidae), in Florida.

I provide the first state record for the Oconee scorpionfly, Panorpa oconee Byers, from Putnam County, Florida. This is the southernmost record for P. oconee, extends its range 321 km south of its known distribution and, if valid, adds a seventh described species of panorpid, and twelfth mecopteran, indigenous to Florida.
Segregation, inclusion and the transition to adulthood for students with a visual impairment [5th international Scientific Conference Inclusive Education: practice and perspectives, from 14-15th October 2011 in Bakoe, Azerbaijan]

Een actieonderzoek naar de ontwikkeling van een leerlingversterkend onderwijsprogramma met het doel leerlingen met een visuele beperking beter voor te bereiden op hun transitie naar volwassenheid en waar mogelijk een betaalde baan. Belangrijke thema's: inclusie en exclusie, empowerment, stem van de leerling, transitie naar volwassenheid en het burgerschapsmodel tegenover het medische model.
Evaluation of sugar beet hybrid varieties under Thal-Kumbi soil series of Pakistan.

Sugar beet is considered a new crop in the irrigated areas of Thal region. Since emerging crop the varietal performance has to be evaluated and selected for the region. We selected eleven exotic sugar beet varieties and evaluated under Thal-Kumbi soil series (Loamy sand, Alluial, Hyperthermic, Typic Torripsammants) of Leiah district in Punjab Province during Rabi season 2008-2009. All recommended agronomic and cultural practices including weeding, fertilization, irrigation and plant protection measures were adopted homogeneously in all the plots. The experiment comprised eleven sugar beet hybrid varieties from two German seed companies, viz. SD-PAK04/06, SD-12970, SD-PAK09/07, SD-PAK03/06, SD-PAK01/07, SD-PAK07/07, Mirabella, California, Magnolia, Ernestina and Sandrina. Results envisaged that SD-PAK09/07 attained the highest sugar yield (9.35 t ha) with highest sugar contents (12.60%) and beet root yield (74.2 t ha) followed by California and Magnolia with sugar yield 7.08 and 6.99 t ha, respectively. The variety Mirabella gave minimum sugar yield (4.44 t ha) with lowest beet yield (40.33 t ha). It was found that there was non significant (P > 0.5) difference among varieties for leaf weight, beet root yield and root size. © 2012 Friends Science Publishers
A Conceptual Model of Audit Committee Effectiveness towards Financial Reporting Quality in Malaysia

The issues of financial reporting quality relating to accrual earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM) are essential to academics, professionals and regulators. The interest in examining earnings management is due to the assumption that such behaviour may lead to serious activities such as fraudulent of financial reporting. Financial decisions that are based on mislead financial statements will hurt company’s credibility in the eyes of stakeholders. Therefore, many countries including Malaysia have emphasized on the role of good corporate governance practices particularly with regards to the function of board committees. An audit committee has significant roles to ensure that financial statements produced by a company is fair and accurate. The main objective of the current study is to examine the effect of audit quality on audit committee towards financial reporting quality in Malaysia. Besides, it also aims to determine the moderation effect of audit quality on the relationship between board committees and financial reporting quality. The study uses secondary data of Malaysian public listed companies. The results of the study will fill the gap in corporate governance literature and report the importance of audit committee in ensuring the quality of financial reporting in an emerging economy such as Malaysia.
The effects of milking once daily throughout lactation on the performance of dairy cows grazing on pasture

Two groups of 12 cows were fed and managed identically throughout the whole lactation, except that one group was milked twice daily, whereas theothergroup wasmilkedonlyoncedaily. Thecows wereaged3yearsandolder,andincluded6pairs ofidentical twins. Yields of milk, fat and protein were: 4320 and 2810 kg milk; 208 and 144 kg fat; 162 and 110 kg protein for the twice nnd once daily groups respectively and the differences were significant. However in three pairs of twin cows, once daily cows produced more than 90% of the yield produced by their twice daily twin mates. Lactose concentrations were significantly higher for the twice daily group, 5.05 and 4.82% lactose. Somatic cell counts were significantly lower for the twice daily group throughout lactation, even though there appeared to be no difference in the incidence of infection measured at the end of lactation. The twice daily group lost weight and ’ body condition during lactation, even though they appeared to eat slightly more feed than the once daily group which gained weight and body condition. The twice daily group had lower plasma concentrations of glucose during early lactation than the once daily group, but there were no differences in concentrations of calcium, magnesium or I3 hydroxybutyrate between the groups. The results show that although once daily milking does cause significant decreases in yields ofmilk and its components, some cows were only slightly affected. Selection of tolerant cows, plus appropriate management such as longer lactations and higher stocking rates, may offer a useful method of increasing labour productivity and reducing costs of production.
Environmental effects on preweaning performance traits in Nellore beef cattle

The objective of this study was to analyze a data set with 205 records from a Nellore breed cattle, evaluating the influence of environmental factors on weaning weight adjusted to 205 days of age (W205), preweaning average daily gain (ADG) and number of days to gain 160 kg (D160). The data came from a farm in Sao Paulo State and were collected from 2007 to 2010. The statistical analysis was accomplished using the least squares method, with a model that included the fixed effects of contemporary group, sire and cow age at calving, and error as random effect. The same model was used to analyze 124 records of weight adjusted to 90 days of age (W90). The effects of contemporary group and sire were significant. The cow age at calving was not significant for any performance trait analyzed, except for W90 (P < 0.05). The estimated means were 140.67 ± 20.08 kg, 0.539 ± 0.097 kg/day and 306.42 ± 55.84 days, for W205, ADG e D160, respectively. The weightless calves were born in February (115.65 kg) and the heaviest in July (156.18 kg). The males were 5.8% superior than females. The importance of non genetic effects indicates the need to consider them when estimating genetic parameters and breeding values for selection purpose.
Case 3492 Heliconius tristero Brower, 1996 and Heliconius melpomene mocoa Brower, 1996 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): proposed conservation by suppression of Heliconius melpomene bellula Brown, 1979

Abstract. The purpose of this application, under Articles 23.9. 3 and 81.2. 3 of the Code, is to conserve the species-group names Heliconius tristero Brower, 1996 and Heliconius melpomene mocoa Brower, 1996 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) for mimetic butterflies from the Putumayo region of southeastern Colombia by suppressing the senior name Heliconius melpomene bellula Brown, 1979. The authorship of this name is convoluted, bellula having been originally proposed as an unavailable quadrinomen and made available by Brown (1979). More significantly, because the implied holotype of Heliconius melpomene bellula Brown, 1979 does not belong taxonomically to the species whose oldest available name is Heliconius melpomene (Linnaeus, 1764), H. melpomene bellula Brown, 1979 is not a subjective synonym of H. melpomene (Linnaeus, 1764). Strict application of the Code would synonymise H. tristero Brower, 1996 with H. bellula Brown, 1979 and retain H. melpomene mocoa Brower, 1996 as a valid name. That action would reverse the current application of nomenclature for these taxa as published in numerous recent papers and result in significant confusion. Furthermore, given current disagreement among authors as to the taxonomic status of the specimen associated with the description of the name bellula, future nomenclatural instability is likely if the name is maintained. It is therefore proposed that the name Heliconius tristero be conserved and the name Heliconius bellula be suppressed.
The extraction of crude enzyme of lipase from Penicillium candidum PCA 1/TT031 by way of solid state fermentation

Solid-state fermentation (SSF), which is an excellent alternative for industrial enzyme production, entails the exploitation of cheap agro-industrial residues (low priced culture media). This paper delves into the cultivation of mould (GRAS Penicillium candium PCA 1/TT031) using wheat bran (WB) as the culture media. The parameters for crude enzymatic extraction of lipase production were optimized to achieve the highest possible lipase activity. An incubation period of 7 days (3.06 U/g WB), 2% of tributyrin (5.43 U/g WB), meat peptone equal to 2% (5.2 U/g WB), moisture content of 50% (v:w) (6.6 U/g WB), initial pH of 9.0( 8.6 U/g WB), inoculum size of 5×106 spore/g of WB (11.3 U/g WB), an incubation temperature of 20°C (13.6 U/g WB), and an extractant consisting of phosphate buffer pH 7.0 (14.7 U/g WB) were the conditions applied for this study.
DOMESTIC INVESTMENT, EXTERNAL DEBT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: COINTEGRATION AND CAUSALITY EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

This paper investigates the causal relationship between domestic investment, external debt and economic growth in Nigeria from 1970 to 2013. In doing so, we use the Bayer and Hanck, cointegration test and Granger causality tests, which is augmented with a lagged error correction term. The results reveal a unique and stable cointegrating relationship among the candidate variables. The results also show bidirectional causality flows among domestic investment, external debt, foreign direct investment and economic growth. In addition, the results demonstrate a unidirectional causality running from external debt to economic growth, and economic growth to domestic investment. Taken together, the results show that all the four variables have a complementarity relationship with one another, and influence economic growth in Nigeria.
Systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Searching MEDLINE was searched from 1966 to April 1995 using topic terms such as 'coronary heart disease' and 'stroke', as well as textwords including 'prevention' and 'multiple risk factor'. Specific interventions searched for were smoking cessation, dietary change, exercise, weight loss, blood-pressure control and cholesterol-lowering. This search was supplemented by checking citation indices and the reference lists of the RCTs, and by consultation with experts. Authors were contacted for additional unpublished data. The search strategy is available from the authors.
Inhibitory Effects of an Eicosanoid Biosynthesis Inhibitor, Benzylideneacetone, Against Two Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae, and a Bacterial Wilt-causing Pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum

A monoterpenoid compound, benzylideneacetone (BZA), is a metabolite of an entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila. Its primary biological activity is an inhibitor of phospholipase , which catalyzes the committed step of biosynthesis of various eicosanoids that are critically important to mediate insect immune responses. When BZA was applied to two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, it exhibited a dose-dependent mortality in leaf-disc assay. Subsequently BZA was tested against T. urticae infesting apples in a field orchard, in which it showed a significant control efficacy, which was not statistically different with that of a commercial acaricide. BZA also had significant antibacterial activities against three species of plant pathogenic bacteria when it was added to the bacterial cultures, in which it showed the highest inhibitory activity against a bacterial wilt-causing pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum. The bacterial pathogen caused significant disease symptom to young potato plants. However, BZA significantly suppressed the disease occurrence. This study suggests that BZA can be used to develop a novel crop protectant to control mite and bacterial pathogen.
Effects of habitat, nest-site selection, and adult behavior on black-capped vireo nest and fledgling survival

Effects of Habitat, Nest-site Selection, and Adult Behavior on Black-capped Vireo Nest and Fledgling Survival. (August 2011) Theresa Lynn Pope, B.S.F, Purdue University; M.S.F. , Northern Arizona University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Michael Morrison Many factors affect the productivity of songbirds. Which vegetation types the birds inhabit, nest-site characteristics, and adult behavior at the nest may affect predation and parasitism frequencies, fecundity, and nest survival and fledgling survival. All of these metrics determine reproductive success of individuals and may influence population persistence, especially for threatened and endangered species. My research investigated factors that affected these metrics for endangered black-capped vireos (Vireo atricapilla). Shrubland is considered high quality vireo habitat, with woodland vegetation types considered marginal. I located and monitored nests, conducted nest behavior observations, recorded behavior and predation at nests using video cameras, and resighted fledglings in shrubland, oak-juniper woodland, and deciduous woodland during the 2008–2010 breeding seasons. I monitored 302 black-capped vireo nests in 259 territories and resighted 350 fledglings with unique color combinations. Apparent nest success, nest survival, success of first nest attempts, parasitism and predation frequency, and fecundity did not differ
THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS ON THE POPULATIONS OF SOIL ORIBATID MITES AND COLLEMBOLA IN JASMINUM GRANDIFLORUM CULTIVATIONS, IN KAFR EL- SHEIKH, EGYPT -

: Sensitivity of soil microarthropods to different fertilizers are varies greatly among species. The aim of this study was designated to identify the relationship between microarthropod abundance and fertilizers over the growing period of jasmine (March-December). The present study was carried out at the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh University, 140 Km to the north east of Cairo. The tested area was divided into four plots. The first one is considered as non-fertilized plot serves as a control. The second plot received urea (46 % N); by sprayer device on plant foliage, the third plot received ammonium sulphate, superphosphate and potassium sulphate (NPK) fertilizer added to the soil. The two fertilizers were used in the fourth plot, where urea was sprayed on plant foliage and NPK added to the soil. It is quite clear from the obtained results that the application of fertilizers over the period of growing season to the investigated area produced a marked effect on the oribatid mite and collembolan communities. However, the present results showed higher abundance of oribatid mites and Collembola in the plot fertilized with NPK than the other three plots. Also, the results showed that the second period (vegetative growth/blooming period) had the highest population density of oribatid mites in all studied plots except the third plot. However, the results revealed that the first period (early vegetative growth period) had the highest population density of Collembola in each studied plot, following by the second period (vegetative growth / blooming period) then the third period (blooming period). One– way ANOVA confirmed that there is significantly differences between the four plots during all the period of study for oribatid mites and Collembola.
mdx Cv3 Mouse Is a Model for Electroretinography of Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Purpose. To identify an animal model for the abnormal scotopic electroretinogram found in a majority of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients. Methods. Ganzfeld electroretinograms were recorded in dark-adapted normal C57BL/6 mice, and two strains of mice with different X-linked muscular dystrophy mutations {mdx and mdx Cv} ). Responses for the right eye were averaged and the amplitudes and implicit times of the a-wave and b-wave were measured. The electroretinogram was digitally filtered to extract the oscillatory potentials. Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance and the Scheffe S test. Results. While the electroretinogram in mdx was normal, in mdx Cv3 the scotopic b-wave was markedly reduced and the oscillatory potentials were delayed, similar to changes observed in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients. Some of the mdx <J " 3 animals demonstrated negative configuration electroretinograms, with the b-wave amplitude reduced compared to that of the a-wave. Conclusions. Abnormalities found in the electroretinograms of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients led to the identification of dystrophin in human retina and the discovery that dystrophin is required for normal retinal electrophysiology. These results indicate that mdx c " 3 is a model for elucidating the role of dystrophin in retina and suggest that dystrophin isoforms, consisting of only the C-terminal domains of the full-length protein, may be important to the development of normal retinal electrical potentials. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1995; 36:462-466.