Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On-Chip Single Embryo Coculture With Microporous-Membrane-Supported Endometrial Cells

In vitro culture (IVC) of the mammalian embryo is an essential technique in reproductive technology and other related life science disciplines. Although embryos are usually cultured in groups, a single embryo culture has been highly desired for IVC to investigate developmental processes. In this study, we proposed and developed the first single embryo coculture device, which allows making an array of a single embryo coculture with endometrial cells by controlling the culture environment in a microfluidic device. To realize this concept, we investigated three key issues: selection of a culture medium for the embryo coculture with endometrial cells using a mouse embryo and endometrial cells, evaluation of an on-microporous-membrane coculture of endometrial cells and an embryo to control the polarization of endometrial cells on the membrane, and evaluation of the coculture of endometrial cells and the embryo in the microfluidic device. We successfully obtained an array of a single coculture of embryo with endometrial cells in a microfluidic device. This concept will open and enhance the management of an individual embryo for assisted reproductive technology, livestock breeding, and fundamental stage research by further development.
On the Performance of Multihop Heterodyne FSO Systems With Pointing Errors

This paper reports the end-to-end performance analysis of a multihop free-space optical system with amplify-and-forward (AF) channel-state-information (CSI)-assisted or fixed-gain relays using heterodyne detection over Gamma-Gamma turbulence fading with pointing error impairments. In particular, we derive new closed-form results for the average bit error rate (BER) of a variety of binary modulation schemes and the ergodic capacity in terms of the Meijer's G function. We then offer new accurate asymptotic results for the average BER and the ergodic capacity at high SNR values in terms of simple elementary functions. For the capacity, novel asymptotic results at low and high average SNR regimes are also obtained via an alternative moments-based approach. All analytical results are verified via computer-based Monte-Carlo simulations.
Effects of Oil-treated Mycobacterial Cell Walls on the Organs of Mice

Intravenous vaccination of mice with oil-treated mycobacterial cell walls resulted in a marked macrophage accumulation in the lungs and spleens of vaccinated animals. Injection of oil emulsion alone or of cell walls alone failed to elicit the macrophage response. Although a correlation existed between the magnitude of the macrophage response and the degree of immunity against aerosol challenge with H37Rv organisms, the findings presented here do not rule out the possibility that qualitative differences may be present in the macrophages of animals vaccinated against tuberculosis. The ability of oil-treated cell walls to elicit an immune response appeared to be a function of the physical association of cell wall fragments and the surface of oil droplets.
Revisiting the immunocytochemical detection of Neurogenin 3 expression in mouse and man

During embryonic development, endocrine cells of the pancreas are specified from multipotent progenitors. The transcription factor Neurogenin 3 (NEUROG3) is critical for this development and it has been shown that all endocrine cells of the pancreas arise from endocrine progenitors expressing NEUROG3. A thorough understanding of the role of NEUROG3 during development, directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and in models of cellular reprogramming, will guide future efforts directed at finding novel sources of β‐cells for cell replacement therapies. In this article, we review the expression and function of NEUROG3 in both mouse and human and present the further characterization of a monoclonal antibody directed against NEUROG3. This antibody has been previously been used for detection of both mouse and human NEUROG3. However, our results suggest that the epitope recognized by this antibody is specific to mouse NEUROG3. Thus, we have also generated a monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing human NEUROG3 and present the characterization of this antibody here. Together, these antibodies will provide useful tools for future studies of NEUROG3 expression, and the data presented in this article suggest that recently described expression patterns of NEUROG3 in human foetal and adult pancreas should be re‐examined.
Prolactin induces proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through a protein kinase C‐dependent mechanism

The effects of prolactin (PRL) on A10 (aortic smooth muscle) cell proliferation were examined by measuring both [3H] thymidine incorporation and increases in cell number. PRL induced a significant proliferative response from 10−11 to 10−7 M, with optimal activity at 10−10 M. PRL also enhanced platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced proliferation. The possibility that PRL induces proliferation through a protein kinase C (PKC)‐mediated mechanism was also examined. PRL caused activation of PKC from 10−12 to 10–8 M. Antiserum to PRL, a monoclonal antibody directed against the PRL receptor and the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine A, were able to inhibit PRL‐induced proliferation and activation of PKC. The PKC inhibitors, staurosporine, sphingosine, and 1‐(‐5‐isc‐quinoline‐sulfonyl)‐2‐methylpiperazine (H‐7) also antagonized both proliferation and PKC activation. These data strongly suggest that PRL‐induced A10 cell proliferation is mediated through the PKC pathway and that this may play a role in vascular smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, characteristic of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Hepatic lesions in adult coeliac disease.

In the period 1970 to 1987, 171 patients with small-intestinal mucosal atrophy have been hospitalized in our department. Of these, 132 patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of coeliac disease on the basis of histologic findings and clinical improvement on a gluten-free diet. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were chosen as markers of hepatic involvement. Elevation above the normal range in one or more of these tests was seen in 62 patients (47.0%, group I). In 70 patients (53.0%, group II) of similar age the levels of these variables were normal. In group I, 14 (10.6%) patients had an elevation of ALP only, leaving 48 (36.4%) patients with pathologic values for one or both transaminases. In group I, 32 patients had their ASAT, ALAT, and ALP reexamined after at least 6 months of gluten-free diet. Among the patients with increased values of one or both transaminases 18 patients were tested before and at least 6 months after start of gluten-free diet. The variables were significantly reduced in all patients. Liver biopsies were performed in 37 patients, and findings were normal in 5. In 25 patients the changes were classified as non-specific. Chronic active hepatitis was demonstrated in five patients. In one of these patients primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis were also diagnosed. Concomitant malignant disease was found in 22 patients, of whom 16 had malignant lymphoma. Malignant disease was seen more often in group I than group II (p less than 0.01). In conclusion, liver lesions were found in a great proportion of the patients with coeliac disease. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Students' perceptions of computer-based assessments: A case of UKZN

Assessments constitute a crucial part of an academic learning process due to its importance in evaluating students' knowledge and forming a basis for their grade. The rapid evolution of technology has influenced the way assessments are now being conducted in academic institutions. Tertiary institutions are adopting Computer-Based Assessments (CBAs), in tandem with traditional Paper-Based Assessments (PBAs), as the modern mode of assessing students. Recent studies have shown certain controversial reactions to the use of CBAs over PBAs. This study investigated the perceptions of students about CBAs in the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, their preference between PBA and CBA, and the challenges faced while undertaking CBAs. Data was collected from students that have undertaken both PBA and CBA. Results show that students prefer CBAs to PBAs. Results also indicate that although students find it easy to undertake CBAs, they still experience challenges. Some possible solutions to these challenges are proposed.
Serum FGF21 Levels Are Increased in Obesity and Are Independently Associated With the Metabolic Syndrome in Humans

OBJECTIVE— Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a metabolic regulator with multiple beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in animal models. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between its serum levels and various cardiometabolic parameters in humans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A newly developed immunoassay was used to measure serum FGF21 levels in 232 Chinese subjects recruited from our previous cross-sectional studies. The mRNA expression levels of FGF21 in the liver and adipose tissues were quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS— Serum FGF21 levels in overweight/obese subjects were significantly higher than in lean individuals. Serum FGF21 correlated positively with adiposity, fasting insulin, and triglycerides but negatively with HDL cholesterol, after adjusting for age and BMI. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between serum FGF21 and the metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the increased risk of the metabolic syndrome associated with high serum FGF21 was over and above the effects of individual components of the metabolic syndrome. Our in vitro study detected a differentiation-dependent expression of FGF21 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and human adipocytes. In db/db obese mice, FGF21 mRNA expression was markedly increased in both the liver and adipose tissue compared with that in their lean littermates. Furthermore, FGF21 expression in subcutaneous fat correlated well with its circulating concentrations in humans. CONCLUSIONS— FGF21 is a novel adipokine associated with obesity-related metabolic complications in humans. The paradoxical increase of serum FGF21 in obese individuals, which may be explained by a compensatory response or resistance to FGF21, warrants further investigation.
Rearing Bumble Bees for Research and Profit: Practical and Ethical Considerations

The commercial production of bumble bee colonies is a multi-million dollar business worldwide. The pollination of greenhouse tomatoes is largely dependent on this industry. However, microparasites are prevalent in many of these colonies and can spread to wild populations of bumble bees. Academic researchers now commonly purchase colonies for their work. I believe that this raises some questions: (a) What is the danger of exacerbat‐ ing the problem of spread of parasites and pathogens to wild population of bumble bees from field studies using purchased colonies? (b) How representative studies are done on only a few species, for example, B. terrestris, B. impatiens? (c) Does the purchase and use of these colonies give tacit approval to the industry, which may be having a detrimental effect on the native populations of bumble bees? This is an ethical issue. (d) Loss of “feeling for the organism” by researchers and particularly graduate students. These issues were discussed, and the classical method of bumble bee rearing which avoids these problems was described.
Controversial issues and optimal management of stage T1G3 bladder cancer

The management of T1G3 bladder cancer is controversial. Diagnostic methods, such as bladder mapping or second-look transurethral resection are recommended to assess risk. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin intravesical therapy with a maintenance regimen is recommended for solitary T1G3 tumors. The timing of radical cystectomy for these patients is controversial, but early recurrence during intravesical therapy is an indication for radical cystectomy. Multifocal disease, concomitant carcinoma in situ and disease in the prostatic urethra and bladder neck also suggest aggressive disease and cystectomy should be considered in these patients.
A moisture-in-breather model for transformer health monitoring

Breather is an important accessory of the power transformer. Among the various sources, breathing is a major source of moisture contamination in the power transformer. A model for estimating moisture content in silica gel and in the atmosphere inside the breather in different mode of working condition of the power transformer is presented in this paper. The proposed model can predicts the failure of the silica gel in breather, producing abnormal water content inside the transformer. The analysis of the model is based on the equilibrium relations of the moisture concentration between silica gel and environment of breather and the transients that take place until the steady-state equilibrium is reached. The model based on different operating conditions of power transformer was simulated under different standard input signal presenting the moisture variation in the silica gel as input.
Effects of altering dietary fatty acid composition on prostaglandin synthesis and fertility.

Several studies over the past 20 years have demonstrated that subjects on diets composed of substances with high levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (e.g. fish) have a decreased incidence of heart disease. On this basis, a recent report from the Department of Health has advised UK consumers to decrease the proportion of saturated as opposed to unsaturated fats in their diet and to increase the ratio of n-3 to n-6 PUFAs. This could be achieved by altering the amounts of these constituents in milk and meat. n-3 Fatty acids can most easily be added to animal feed as either fish oil or linseed oil and can be increased in the blood and milk of ruminants following protection to avoid hydrogenation in the rumen. In western countries the ratio of consumption of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs is greater than 10 and current evidence tends to suggest that a ratio nearer 5 would be more desirable and compatible with cardiovascular well being. As fertility in the UK dairy herd is already poor, it is important to establish whether alterations in dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFAs affects herd fertility before widespread changes in animal diets are recommended. Therefore, this review considers the role played by PUFAs and eicosanoids in fertility, with particular reference to the implications for farm livestock production. The evidence reviewed shows that alteration of the concentration and ratio of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs in feeds can influence prostaglandin synthesis/metabolism in a number of mammalian systems. The changed patterns of prostaglandin synthesis can as a consequence, affect the diverse functions (e.g. hormone secretion) that are normally mediated via prostaglandins. Similarly, changes in prostaglandin synthesis effected through manipulation of PUFAs has a major bearing on fertility (as PGs affect many reproductive parameters, e.g. ovulation). Several studies in cattle and other mammals, show that feeding or infusing different types of fat with varying PUFA content to females can alter: the number and size of ovarian follicles, the ovulation rate, progesterone production by the corpus luteum, the timing of luteolysis and gestational length. In the male most recent work has focussed on sperm production and experiments in fowl have demonstrated clear effects of dietary PUFAs on both the sperm membrane phospholipid composition and on fertilizing ability.
Effects of Resistance Exercise Intensity on Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation in Men

Taylor, LW, Wilborn, CD, Kreider, RB, and Willoughby, DS. Effects of resistance exercise intensity on extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in men. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 599–607, 2012—Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling has been shown to be increased after heavy resistance exercise and suggested to play a role in the hypertrophic adaptations that are known to occur with training. However, the role that ERK1/2 may play in response to lower intensities of resistance exercise is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resistance exercise intensity on ERK1/2 activity in human skeletal muscle. Twelve recreationally active men completed separate bouts of single-legged resistance exercise with 8–10 repetitions (reps) at 80–85% 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (85%) and 18–20 reps at 60–65% 1RM (65%) in a randomized crossover fashion. For both resistance exercise sessions, vastus lateralis biopsies and blood draws were taken immediately before exercise (PRE) and at 30 minutes (30MPST), 2 hours (2HRPST), and 6 hours (6HRPST) post exercise, with an additional blood draw occurring immediately after exercise (POST). The phosphorylated levels of pIGF-1R, pMEK1, pERK1/2, and activated Elk-1 were assessed by phosphoELISA, and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses used a 2 × 4 (muscle responses) and 2 × 5 (serum responses) multivariate analysis of variance on delta values from baseline (p < 0.05). Both exercise intensities significantly increased the activity of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, ERK1/2, and Elk-1, with peak activity occurring at 2HRPST (p < 0.001). However, 65% resulted in a preferential increase in IGF-1R and Elk-1 activation when compared with 85% (p < 0.05). No differences were observed for serum IGF-1 levels regardless of intensity and time. These findings demonstrate that resistance exercise upregulates ERK1/2 signaling in a manner that does not appear to be preferentially dependent on exercise intensity.
Carbon Dioxide Degassing by Advective Flow from Usu Volcano, Japan

Magmatic carbon dioxide (CO2) degassing has been documented before the 31 March 2000 eruption of Usu volcano, Hokkaido, Japan. Six months before the eruption, an increase in CO2 flux was detected on the summit caldera, from 120 (September 1998) to 340 metric tons per day (September 1999), followed by a sudden decrease to 39 metric tons per day in June 2000, 3 months after the eruption. The change in CO2 flux and seismic observations suggests that before the eruption, advective processes controlled gas migration toward the surface. The decrease in flux after the eruption at the summit caldera could be due to a rapid release of CO2 during the eruption from ascending dacitic dikes spreading away from the magma chamber beneath the caldera.
Neurofeedback Games to Improve Cognitive Abilities

Neurofeeback training can be used to enhance cognitive abilities related to multi-tasking such as working memory, attention, etc. We propose and implement a neurofeedback system which includes a number of neurofeedback training algorithms and a Shooting game. To make neurofeedback training more effective, an Individual Alpha Peak (IAP) frequency and individual alpha bandwidth are calculated and applied in the algorithms. We do preliminary study on the effectiveness of the proposed neurofeedback system with three subjects taking 6 sessions each. The neurofeedback protocols based on the power of individual upper alpha or beta-1/theta ratio training are used. Our hypothesis is that after the neurofeedback training by playing the Shooting game, the individual alpha peak frequency increases. The results show that all subjects had a higher individual alpha peak frequency after the training that indicated an enhancement of the subjects' cognitive abilities related to multi-tasking.
Vascular signalling mediated by ZWILLE potentiates WUSCHEL function during shoot meristem stem cell development in the Arabidopsis embryo

Stem cells are maintained in an undifferentiated state by signals from their microenvironment, the stem cell niche. Despite its central role for organogenesis throughout the plant's life, little is known about how niche development is regulated in the Arabidopsis embryo. Here we show that, in the absence of functional ZWILLE (ZLL), which is a member of the ARGONAUTE (AGO) family, stem cell-specific expression of the signal peptide gene CLAVATA3 (CLV3) is not maintained despite increased levels of the homeodomain transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS), which is expressed in the organising centre (OC) of the niche and normally promotes stem cell identity. Tissue-specific expression indicates that ZLL acts to maintain the stem cells from the neighbouring vascular primordium, providing direct evidence for a non-cell-autonomous mechanism. Furthermore, mutant and marker gene analyses suggest that during shoot meristem formation, ZLL functions in a similar manner but in a sequential order with its close homologue AGO1, which mediates RNA interference. Thus, WUS-dependent OC signalling to the stem cells is promoted by AGO1 and subsequently maintained by a provascular ZLL-dependent signalling pathway.
BVBLUE test for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women attending antenatal care at Phramongkutklao Hospital.

BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a disorder of the vaginal ecosystem characterized by a shift in the vaginal flora form the normally predominated lactobacillus to one dominated by sialidase enzyme-producing mixed flora. OBJECTIVES To compare the sensitivity of BVBLUE test for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis with Gram stain by using Nugent score as a gold standard. MATERIAL AND METHOD From April to June, 2004, a total of 173 pregnant women who received antenatal care at Phramongkutklao Hospital had reached the study criteria. The speculum for this exam, used in the process of collecting vaginal secretions, must not be lubricated with any lubricants. The vaginal discharge was collected from the lower 1/3 of the vaginal wall. Gram stain score and BVBLUE test were conducted and compared. RESULTS 173 patients were enrolled in the present study. BVBLUE test was compared to the standard method for the diagnosis of BV by Gram stain using Nugent score as a gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of BVBLUE test versus the Gram stain score for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis were 94%, 96%, 96% 86%, and 98%, respectively. CONCLUSION BVBLUE test for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis had high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value (94%, 96%, 96%, 86%, and 98%, respectively).
Designing Instruction for Future Gifted Science Teachers

Honors programs are designed to provide talented students the opportunity to excel with a group of peers having a similar level of ability, motivation, and prior academic achievement. A problem that results is Honors Programs and education programs rarely interface, and thus, current models do not optimally serve the gifted adult who will become a science teacher. Gifted students are not easily identified in the science methods class. Notices about involvement from Honors Programs are often not forwarded to people in teacher education programs. Such lack of information means that science methods instructors must identify the students without benefit of Honors Program insight. This chapter discusses identification and curriculum for gifted adults. Judith Bazler Monmouth University, USA