Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urinary bladder instability induced by selective suppression of the murine small conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK3) channel

Small conductance, calcium‐activated potassium (SK) channels have an important role in determining the excitability and contractility of urinary bladder smooth muscle. Here, the role of the SK isoform SK3 was examined by altering expression levels of the SK3 gene using a mouse model that conditionally overexpresses SK3 channels (SK3T/T). Prominent SK3 immunostaining was found in both the smooth muscle (detrusor) and urothelium layers of the urinary bladder. SK currents were elevated 2.4‐fold in isolated myocytes from SK3T/T mice. Selective suppression of SK3 expression by dietary doxycycline (DOX) decreased SK current density in isolated myocytes, increased phasic contractions of isolated urinary bladder smooth muscle strips and exposed high affinity effects of the blocker apamin of the SK isoforms (SK1‐3), suggesting an additional participation from SK2 channels. The role of SK3 channels in urinary bladder function was assessed using cystometry in conscious, freely moving mice. The urinary bladders of SK3T/T had significantly greater bladder capacity, and urine output exceeded the infused saline volume. Suppression of SK3 channel expression did not alter filling pressure, threshold pressure or bladder capacity, but micturition pressure was elevated compared to control mice. However, SK3 suppression did eliminate excess urine production and caused a marked increase in non‐voiding contractions. The ability to examine bladder function in mice in which SK3 channel expression is selectively altered reveals that these channels have a significant role in the control of non‐voiding contractions in vivo. Activation of these channels may be a therapeutic approach for management of non‐voiding contractions, a condition which characterizes many types of urinary bladder dysfunctions including urinary incontinence.
Spectrin Localization in Bursa of Fabricius and Thymus in Chickens

Spectrin localizations were immunohistochemically observed by light and electron microscopies in bursa of Fabricius and thymus in chickens. Many bursal lymphocytes were detected as spectrin-positive. These spectrin-positivecells (SPC) were located in the follicular medulla in bursa and the cortical lymphocytes were detected as spectrinnegative. Interestingly, SPC was negligible in thymus. When tissue sections were pretreated with heating at 90°C for antigenicity retrieval of cytoskeletal proteins in aldehyde-fixed-sections before incubation with anti-spectrin, an enhancement on the stain intensity was noted and the degree of enhancement was dramatic. Strong stainings of spectrin were present in the epithelium of the mucosal fold, but was not apparent in follicle-associated epithelium. Furthermore, heat-induced antigenicity retrieval was not assessed in the interfollicular surface epithelium. Although the stain intensity was still weak, thymic lymphocytes were observed as spectrin-positive after heating at 90°C. Among the thymic SPC, epithelial cells were more strongly stained than the lymphocytes after the same pretreatment. Therefore, heating had an enhancing effect on stain intensity of spectrin that is partially susceptible to aldehyde fixation. Ultrastructurally, spectrin was mainly detected as aggregated or diffusive type in the cytoplasm after heating at 90°C. Any difference of subcellular localizations of Spectrin was not seen between the bursal and thymic SPC.
Expansion of Semi-Automatic Processed Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Medium Supplemented with Autologous Serum and Antioxidants

Objective: Excised fat tissue (EFT) is an excellent source of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for autologous cell therapy. However, the current technique for excising fat tissues with conventional surgical scissors and using culture medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) may not comply with Good Tissue Practice (GTP) guidelines. We thus developed a semi-automated process complying with the abovementioned guideline to manufacture clinicalgrade ADSCs from small volumes of EFT. Methods: A semi-automated process was developed by using a disposable disperser tube operated on a Tube Disperser Workstation to obtain stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from EFT. A culture medium supplemented with human autologous serum (HAS) and mesenchymal stem cell culture adjuvant (MCA) consisted of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF/FGF-2) and antioxidants, was formulated to expand ADSCs from SVF in vitro. Results: The semi-automated process can markedly enhance cell yields and reduce the operation time for mincing tissues from an hour down to a few minutes. The growth of ADSCs was slower in the 10% HAS medium than that in medium supplemented with FBS, but their growth in the 10% HAS medium containing MCA (10% HAS+MCA) was superior to both media. The 10% HAS+MCA medium also promoted adipogenesis, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and increased the expression of CD44, CD73 and the stemness genes in the ADSCs. Conclusion: Our novel semi-automated process provides an efficient isolation of SVF, and the 10% HAS+MCA medium accelerates the growth of ADSCs from small amounts of EFT without losing their differentiation ability.
Control of the Apple Clearwing Moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis, with Tree-Trunk Applications of Reduced-risk Insecticides, Nematodes and Barriers

Apple clearwing moth (ACM), Synanthedonmyopaeformis Borkhausen (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), wasdiscovered in an apple orchard in Cawston, British Columbia in 2005. This xylophagous, invasive Europeanspecies has become a serious problem in high-density apple orchards wheresize-controlling rootstocks are attacked by the wood-boring larvae. Seven screening trials with reduced-riskinsecticides for conventional (seven treatments) and organic apple production (threetreatments) were established in two commercial high-density mixed-variety appleplantings in Cawston. Our objectiveswere (1) to screen several new synthetic insecticides having novel chemistriesthat purportedly have reduced risks, (2) to evaluate use of several organically-approvedspray materials, including nematodes, and (3) to compare the efficacy ofvarious products when applied at different times during the growing season. Single, hand-gun sprays delivering treatmentsin 2000 L of water ha-1 at 200 psi were applied as curative sprays targeting mature larvae inrootstock-scion graft unions in May and October 2008, and June 2009. Among seven treatments tested, only theinsect growth regulator, Rimon® 10 EC (10% novaluron), at 2.4 L a.i.ha-1, caused significant reductions in adult emergence compared withuntreated controls in all experiments. Whenapplied twice as preventativetreatments during flight of male ACM in 2008, Altacor®, Belt®,Delegate™ and Rimon all caused significant reductions in adult emergence thefollowing year; Rimon caused the greatest reduction (-96.4%). In a similar 2009 trial only Rimon reducedpopulations the following year. One curative or two preventative applications of the organic materials, Entrust®,Crocker’s Fish Oil®, or Purespray Green Oil™, at anyspray timing, did not control ACM. The nematode,Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (1×105infective juvenile nematodes / 100 ml of water / tree) provided significant controlof ACM in one spring 2008 trial. In two 2009nematode-only experiments, a sawdust paste tree-trunk barrier applied over nematodeapplications made either in May or August, caused significant reductions in emergenceof ACM adults. Curative tree-trunk spraysof Rimon 10 EC at the tested rate are recommended for control of ACM inconventional apple orchards. There is noeffective organic control for ACM at this time, but tree-trunk barriers andnematodes may warrant further study.
Observations on the Ecology, Reproduction and Growth of the Burrowing Crayfish Fallicambarus (Creaserinus) fodiens (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in North-central Ohio

-Breeding (Form I) and nonbreeding (Form II) males were present throughout the year. Occupancy of the same burrow by Form I males and females occurred from April to late October. Eggs were extruded, developed eyed embryo stage by mid-October and overwintered in this condition. Hatching occurred in late March to mid-April. Subadults in November were 20 mm-30 mm carapace length (CL). Molting to adult occurred in the following summer or autumn. Maximum age was over 6 yr and maximum size was 49.3 mm CL. Growth per molt was quite variable; adults averaged 1.39 mm CL. Burrow temperature ranged from near 2 C in February to near 22 C in August at a depth of 106 cm. Coinhabiting and burrow-sharing were interand intraspecific, involved members of the same or opposite sex and on occasion involved more than two crayfish.
Reproductive Effort of Female Anolis Limifrons (Sauria: Iguanidae)

Energy budgets were determined for adult female Anolis limifrons on Barro Colorado Island in Panama. Experiments were conducted in the early wet season when the oviposition rate is maximal. Old and young adults ingested 64 and 88 cal g'd-1 respectively, and assimilated 86% of ingested calories. Old adult females allocated 27% of assimilated energy to reproduction and fat contributed 8% of the caloric value of eggs laid. Young adult females allocated 11% of assimilated energy to growth and 11% to reproduction. During one year, an adult female allocates 23% of metabolizable energy to reproduction and 2% to growth and fat storage. In terms of fractional allocation of energy to maintenance, growth, and reproduction, the annual energy budget of A. limifrons is similar to those of temperate zone iguanids. In contrast, this tropical species has 1.5-3.5 times more energy per unit body weight that can be used for growth and reproduction than do the temperate species. Thus, the prediction from life history theory that A. limifrons should have a greater reproductive effort than temperate zone iguanids is supported by its absolute allocation of energy to reproduction and not by the fraction of its energy budget used for this purpose.
Structural adjustment and state capacity: Evidence from IMF programs

This paper investigates the impact of International Monetary Fund conditionality on the state capacity of borrowing countries. The empirical analysis draws on a unique dataset of individual conditions between the IMF and its borrowers from 1985 to 2014 to develop new measures of Fund influence that can better account for program heterogeneity. Using multivariate regression analysis corrected for non-random selection into Fund programs, the analysis shows that “structural conditions” – specific conditions that require the overhaul of the state administration and the restructuring of the domestic economy – reduce state capacity. In contrast, “quantitative conditions” – broad targets on macroeconomic indicators – improve state capacity. In addition, results from instrumental-variables estimation show that these effects only exist for countries outside Sub-Saharan Africa, indicating potential endogeneity of conditionality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Overall, these findings suggest that IMF conditionality needs to be carefully designed so that it does not undermine developing countries’ institutions.
Variation of soils erodibility according to physico-chemical and biogeographic parameters in Allal Al Fassi watershed , Middle Atlas , Morocco

* Corresponding author: touria.elkamel@usmba.ac. ma Received 28 May 2020, Revised 10 Oct 2020, Accepted 03 sept 2020 Abstract In order to the conservation of soil resources and the preservation of water and biodiversity, the study of the variation of soil erodibility according to physicochemical and biogeographical parameters in Allal Al Fassi watershed is of great importance. The measurement of soil erodibility according to the Wischmeier and Smith model requiring a series of physico-chemical analyses of several intrinsic soil parameters (texture, structure, permeability, organic matter content, etc.) is performed on 9 transects with 150 samples. The first, the results are combined with the biogeographical parameters of the soils (slope, pedology, lithology and land use) and then are submitted to a multivariate statistical analysis, were able to highlight both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the watershed. Soil erodibility in Allal Al Fassi watershed is moderately strong, ranging from 0.05 to 0.38 t. ha. h. haMJ . m. Statistical analysis shows that soil erodibility (K) is closely related to texture, organic matter content and especially land use. It is more important in farmland, unlike soils occupied by matorral. Soils become more erodible when the silty fraction dominates and clay and organic matter levels decrease.
A Competitive Enzyme‐Linked Immunoassay Using Erythrocytes Fixed to Microtitre Plates For Anti‐D Quantitation in Immunoglobulin Products

Background and Objectives: The batch control of anti‐D immunoglobulin for prevention of haemolytic disease of the newborn necessitates assessment of its potency. Anti‐D quantitation is usually performed using automated haemagglutination methodology although this can only be carried out in specialist centres. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and robust assay for anti‐D quantitation. Methods: We developed a competitive enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) in which unlabelled anti‐D immunoglobulin and a biotinylated monoclonal anti‐D compete for red cell binding. Binding of biotinylated anti‐D is detected using an alkaline‐phosphatase‐labelled avidin preparation. The assay is conveniently carried out using erythrocytes fixed to microtitre plates. Results: The competitive EIA was specific for anti‐D activity, highly reproducible and showed good correlation with manufacturers' potency estimates using automated haemagglutination. The assay was quick and simple to perform using freshly prepared or stored plates, and the biotinylated monoclonal anti‐D could be lyophilized in ampoules for distribution as a standardized reagent. Conclusions: The competitive EIA described can be used for the specific quantitation of anti‐D and provides a robust alternative method to automated haemagglutination.
Explicit Categorization Ability Predictor for Biology Classification using fMRI

Categorization is an important human function used to process different stimuli. It is also one of the most important factors affecting measurement of a person`s classification ability. Explicit categorization, the representative system by which categorization ability is measured, can verbally describe the categorization rule. The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction model for categorization ability as it relates to the classification process of living organisms using fMRI. Fifty-five participants were divided into two groups: a model generation group, comprised of twenty-seven subjects, and a model verification group, made up of twenty-eight subjects. During prediction model generation, functional connectivity was used to analyze temporal correlations between brain activation regions. A classification ability quotient (CQ) was calculated to identify the verbal categorization ability distribution of each subject. Additionally, the connectivity coefficient (CC) was calculated to quantify the functional connectivity for each subject. Hence, it was possible to generate a prediction model through regression analysis based on participants` CQ and CC values. The resultant categorization ability regression model predictor was statistically significant; however, researchers proceeded to verify its predictive ability power. In order to verify the predictive power of the developed regression model, researchers used the regression model and subjects` CC values to predict CQ values for twenty-eight subjects. Correlation between the predicted CQ values and the observed CQ values was confirmed. Results of this study suggested that explicit categorization ability differs at the brain network level of individuals. Also, the finding suggested that differences in functional connectivity between individuals reflect differences in categorization ability. Last, researchers have provided a new method for predicting an individual`s categorization ability by measuring brain activation.
The Effect of HLA, IL2RA and IL7RA Alleles on the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis in HHV-6 Infected and Uninfected Lebanese Subjects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. We have previously demonstrated that an HHV-6 infection increases the risk of MS and that particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL2RA and IL7RA genes modestly enhance the risk of this disease in HHV-6 positive subjects. To assess whether human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genetic determinants affect the risk of susceptibility to MS, blood samples were collected from 41 MS patients and 38 controls. Subject HLA genetic profiles were then determined by DNA sequence specific primers (SSP) typing. Detection of HHV-6 DNA was carried out using nested PCR while IL2RA and IL7RA allele detection was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. We observed an increase in the risk of susceptibility to MS in individuals harboring the A*2301 (p=0.033) and the A*0301 (p=0.032) HLA alleles. Double positivity for the DQB1*0501 allele and HHV-6 enhanced the risk of this disease (p=0.036) while DQB1*0501 positivity by itself was not associated with the disorder. Combinational positivity for the IL2RA and IL7RA SNPs, HHV-6 in addition to the various HLA alleles did not result in significant MS risk increases in our study population. Hence, particular genetic determinants increase the risk of MS in HHV-6 positive subjects. These determinants do not exert the same effects in uninfected individuals.
PCR In Situ Amplification and Catalyzed Signal Amplification: Approaches of Higher Sensitive, Non-Radioactive In Situ Hybridization

The method of in situ hybridization (ISH) using non-radioactive detection systems has become a very important molecular tool in research and diagnosis. However, nonradioactive ISH techniques generally detect only relatively abundant DNA or RNA molecules. The methods of target amplification, which multiply target molecules, or the methods of signal amplification, which increase the sensitivity of visualization, have been introduced for the detection of rare targets. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been employed in most approaches to target amplification. Although the general principle of PCR in situ amplification is simple, its practical methods have revealed poor amplification efficiency and reproducibility as well as target localization. We have evaluated PCR in situ amplification methods to detect single copies of viral DNA with an experimental model of cervical carcinoma cell lines, and compared them with catalyzed signal amplification methods that we have developed using hapten-conjugated tyramide. Both amplification methods demonstrated the capability of detecting a single copy of DNA. In this overview, the applications and limitations of both target and signal amplification are summarized.
Retraction

Retraction: "Daidzin inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and prevents LPS-induced bone loss in vivo," by Gejin Wei, Tihong Liang, Chengming Wei, Xiaolian Nong, Qiteng Lu, Jinmin Zhao. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 2019, 120(4), 5304-5314: The above article, published online on 30 October 2018 in Wiley Online Library (doi:10.1002/jcb.27806), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal's Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Christian Behl, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed following an investigation based on allegations raised by a third party. Several flaws and inconsistencies between results presented and experimental methods described were found. Thus, the editors consider the conclusions of this article to be invalid.
Reducing power and superoxide radical scavenging activity of a triterpene derivative isolated from root bark of Aubrev Zizyphus nummularia

Free radicals are chemically unstable atoms that cause damage to lipid cells, proteins and DNA as a result of imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant enzymes (Manian et al., 2008). Examples of these radicals include superoxide anions, hydroxyl, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals. These radicals can be scavenged by the protective role of natural and synthetic antioxidant agents. Recently, there has been a worldwide trend towards the use and ingestion of natural antioxidants present in different parts of plants due to their phytochemical constituents (Mathew and Abraham, 2006; Abalaka et al., 2011).
Indirect Measurement of Hydrocarbon Aerosols Across the United States by Nonsulfate Hydrogen-Remaining Gravimetric Mass Correlations

In order to determine the levels of fine organic aerosols at remote sites, two methods were devised to calculate organic concentration from data collected on chemically inert teflon filters by the 34-site National Park Service (NPS) Fine Particle Network from 1982 to 1986. The remaining mass method is based on the difference between the measured gravimetric mass and the sum of the ammonium sulfate, soil, and soot carbon components, derived from measured parameters. This remaining mass is between 53% and 67% organic matter, based on two studies measuring organic carbon directly in the arid west. The nonsulfate hydrogen method is based on the concentration of particulate hydrogen, which has been measured on NPS samples since 1984, using techniques developed at Davis, CA. After removing the contribution associated with ammonium sulfate, the remaining nonsulfate hydrogen is predominantly due to organic matter. The two methods are in good agreement, with a sample to sample correlation of 0.76. For each western.
Establishment of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of Cryptocaryon irritans

To improve the detection rate of Cryptocaryon irritans on Pseudosciaena crocea(Richardson). A set of four primers were designed based on the sequence of the 18S-ITS2 of C.irritans for the use of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP) assay.The assay conditions was optimized as following: 2∶1 to 6∶1 inner primer concentration ratio,2 mmol/L of Mg2+,at 61 ℃ to 66 ℃ for 60 min.LAMP amplification products had ladder-like bands when electrophoresed on an agarose gel.The detection limit of the assay was about 10-7 ng/μL of C.irritans DNA.Hence,the sensitivity of LAMP assay was 100-fold higher than the standard PCR protocol.The assay was applied to detact the presence of C.irritans in parasite,diseased fish and water samples collected from different region,as well as different tissue samples.Ten positive were detected in 13 samples.This study showed LAMP assay could be used not only to diagnose the infected fishes,but also to detect the carrier of C.irritans as well.The LAMP assay is a rapid,simple,specific and sensitive test to diagnose for marine fish pathogenic C.irritans.
Operative temperature reduces habitat space for northern bobwhites

high operative temperatures may cause wild animals to avoid habitat space-time, leading to thermal fragmentation of habitat. We evaluated thermal fragmentation of habitat space for northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) in a subtropical-subhumid portion of Texas during June 1994-August 1995. Based on data from 606 random points, 405 flushing points, and 237 landing points, bobwhites avoided habitat space-time with operative temperatures >39°C during the hottest period (Jul-Sep). The estimated proportion of habitat space-time avoided exceeded 0.50 during all seasons and reached maximums of 0.65 for flushing points (Mar-Jun) and 0.74 for landing points (Jul-Sep). Habitat management that fosters lower operative temperatures near the ground may increase the abundance of bobwhites in tropical and subtropical environments.