Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cycle control, safety and acceptability of a new oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol 15 micrograms and gestodene 60 micrograms.

OBJECTIVE To determine cycle control, safety, and acceptability of a 24-day oral contraceptive regimen containing 15 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 60 micrograms of gestodene. MATERIAL AND METHOD This was an open-label, non-comparative study. Healthy women 18 to 35 years old who attended the Family Planning Clinic of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were assigned to receive six cycles of the study oral contraceptives, administered daily for 24 days and followed by a 4-day hormone-free interval. Data on bleeding patterns, side effects, body weight, blood pressure, and satisfaction were collected. Descriptive statistics and paired t test were used for the analysis. RESULTS Ninety-four women completed the present study. There was no pregnancy reported during the present study. Percentages of breakthrough bleeding and spotting were higher in the first cycle (2.1% and 6.4%), then decreased and disappeared after the third cycle. There was no significant change in the body weight and the blood pressure. Only minimal side effects were reported and 93.6% of the women were satisfied or very satisfied. Furthermore, 91.5% would continue using this oral contraceptive. CONCLUSION This new oral contraceptive, a combination of 15 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 60 micrograms of gestodene has acceptable cycle control, minimal side effects, and good acceptability.
The sphragis of Heteronympha penelope Waterhouse (Lepidoptera: Satyridae): its structure, formation and role in sperm guarding

The external mating plug (sphragis) of the alpine Australian satyrid butterfly, Heteronympha penelope Waterhouse, is described and figured. Its formation is described and the capacity of males to produce sphragides is shown to be limited to one or two in their lifetime. Male specializations are identified including an expanded intersegmental membrane between the genitalia and the 8th abdominal segment, which forms a mould for the sphragis, and hypertrophied paired accessory glands, the probable source of the sphragidal fluid. It is shown that the male genitalia, especially the uncus and valvae are much larger and more robust than in related species which do not form a sphragis, a probable adaptation for sphragis removal. Descriptions are provided of mating behaviour and interactions between males and mated females, including sphragis removal, in the field and in captivity. The frequency of the sphragis in wild populations of females of different ages was found to be 62%, with a slightly lower frequency among older individuals. Spermatophore counts indicate that females frequently mate twice, sometimes up to three times especially when older. Individuals of all ages bearing an intact sphragis are far more likely to have mated only once than those lacking a sphragis. It is shown that most males mate at least once in their life, probably producing at least one robust sphragis, hence it is concluded that rates of sphragis removal may be as high as 50%. Unlike most other sphragis-bearing butterflies, females of H. penelope possess no specializations in their genitalia which might serve to reject the sphragis. It is concluded that in this species, unlike other sphragis-bearing butterflies, the sphragis arose as a result of escalated sexual conflict between males alone.
Integrating acoustic and state-transition models for free phone recognition in L2 English speech using multi-distribution deep neural networks

This paper investigates the use of Multi-Distribution Deep Neural Networks (MD-DNNs) for integrating acoustic and state-transition models in free phone recognition of L2 English speech. In Computer-Aided Pronunciation Training (CAPT) system, free phone recognition for L2 English speech is the key model of Mispronunciation Detection and Diagnosis (MDD) in the cases of allowing freely speaking. A simple Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system can be approached with an Acoustic Model (AM) and a State-Transition Model (STM). Generally, these two models are trained independently, hence contextual information maybe lost. Inspired by the Acoustic-Phonological Model, which achieves greatly improvements by integrating the AM and Phonological Model (PM) in MDD for the cases that L2 learners practice their English by following the prompts, we propose a joint Acoustic-State-Transition Model (ASTM) which uses a MD-DNN to integrate the AM and STM. Preliminary experiments with basic parameter conﬁgurations show that the ASTM obtains a phone accuracy of about 68% on the TIMIT data. It is better than the system of using separate AM and STM, whose accuracy is only about 52%. Further ﬁne-tuning the ASTM achieves an accuracy of about 72% on the TIMIT data. Similar performance is obtained if we train and test the ASTM on our L2 English speech corpus (CU-CHLOE).
A Broadband-Matched Load Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

In this paper, a broadband-matched load using the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is proposed. The MWCNT-matched load could be used to match the microstrip line impedance over a broad frequency range. The measured reflection coefficient of the MWCNT-matched load is smaller than -20 dB from 3.14 to 14.82 GHz, while the corresponding radiation efficiency in this frequency range is less than 0.4%. These results demonstrate that 99% of the microstrip line power is transmitted into and dissipated by the MWCNT-matched load over a broad frequency range. Therefore, the MWCNT-matched load does serve as a broadband-matched load.
Apoptosis and post-infarction left ventricular remodeling.

Apoptosis is a common pathological feature in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), however, its role in the later phases (>10 days) of AMI and in post-infarction left ventricular remodeling has not been characterized. The aim of the study was to identify signs of ongoing cell apoptosis late post AMI. Sixteen hearts were collected at autopsy from subjects 12 to 62 days after the onset of AMI. In situ end-labeling of DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) and co-staining with caspase-3 were performed. Double-positive cells were defined as apoptotic and the apoptotic rate was calculated. Values are expressed as median and interquartile range. Co-stainings with muscle-actin, splicing factor (SC35), PCNA, bax and bcl-2 were also performed. Apoptotic rates at site of infarction [25.4% (17.0-28.4%)] were significantly higher v those at remote regions [0.7% (0.5-0.8%) P<0.001] and significantly correlated to left ventricular longitudinal and transverse diameters [ r = +0.70 (P=0.016) and r = +0.63 (P=0.004) respectively]. Moreover, in subjects with persistently occluded infarct-related artery (14 cases) there was a significantly higher apoptotic rate at the site of infarction compared to those (2 cases) with patent artery [26.0% (21.9-28.5%) v 4.5% (0.6% and 8,4%);P=0.033]. A significantly greater bax immuno-reactivity close to the infarction v remote areas was found (P<0.001). High grade apoptosis is present at sites of infarction in the later phases post AMI. This is more evident if the infarct-related artery is persistently occluded and signs of ventricular remodeling are present. These data may provide an explanation of progressive late left ventricular dysfunction.
Ex vivo activation of killer monocytes (AKM) and their application to the treatment of human cancer

Human blood monocytes activated by gamma interferon have been shown to be highly tumoricidal against colon cancer cells in vitro. Monocytes from patients with peritoneal colorectal carcinomatosis (PCC) were purified by a combination of cytapheresis and elutriation procedures, followed by in vitro incubation with gamma interferon for 18 hours. After debulking surgery, activated killer monocytes (AKM) were reinfused into patients' peritoneal cavities weekly for 16 weeks. To date, six patients have completed the entire protocol and three have completed maintenance therapy. All have tolerated the therapy well with acceptable toxicity.
Sustained Ca2+ Entry Elicits Transient Postsynaptic Currents at a Retinal Ribbon Synapse

Night (scotopic) vision is mediated by a distinct retinal circuit in which the light responses of rod-driven neurons are faster than those of the rods themselves. To investigate the dynamics of synaptic transmission at the second synapse in the rod pathway, we made paired voltage-clamp recordings from rod bipolar cells (RBCs) and postsynaptic AII and A17 amacrine cells in rat retinal slices. Depolarization of RBCs from -60 mV elicited sustained Ca2+ currents and evoked AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated EPSCs in synaptically coupled amacrine cells that exhibited large, rapidly rising initial peaks that decayed rapidly to smaller, steady-state levels. The transient component persisted in the absence of feedback inhibition to the RBC terminal and when postsynaptic AMPA receptor desensitization was blocked with cyclothiazide, indicating that it reflects a time-dependent decrease in the rate of exocytosis from the presynaptic terminal. The EPSC waveform was similar when RBCs were recorded in perforated-patch or whole-cell configurations, but asynchronous release from RBCs was enhanced when the intraterminal Ca2+ buffer capacity was reduced. When RBCs were depolarized from -100 mV, inactivating, low voltage-activated (T-type channel-mediated) Ca2+ currents were evident. Although Ca2+ influx through T-type channels boosted vesicle release, as reflected by larger EPSCs, it did not make the EPSCs faster, indicating that activation of T-type channels is not necessary to generate a transient phase of exocytosis. We conclude that the time course of vesicle release from RBCs is inherently transient and, together with the fast kinetics of postsynaptic AMPARs, speeds transmission at this synapse.
Structural Evidence for a New IgG1 Antibody Sequence Allele of Cattle

Analysis of the heavy‐chain gene (pTGHC9907) encoding a bovine IgG1 antibody against bovine herpes virus type 1 (BHV‐1) isolated from a Holstein cow has led to the identification of a new IgG1 sequence allele. A comparison of nucleotide sequence of pTGHC9907 with the IgG1a (clone 2) and IgG1b (clone 8.10) sequence variants and unclassified IgG1 cDNA sequence (clone 8.75) has revealed significant differences in the hinge region spanning codons 216–230. The Thr224 and Thr226 of IgG1a were replaced with Arg224 and Pro226, while both Thr218 and Pro224 of IgG1b were substituted with Arg with deletion of Ser225 in HB9907 antibody. Additional amino acid substitutions were noted in the CH1 (positions 190, 192), CH2 (position 281) and CH3 (position 402) exons. Thus, the polymorphic sites occurred in all constant domains, but were clustered in the hinge region of IgG1. Examination of a three‐dimensional model of the HB9907 heavy chain revealed that all sequence variations were on the surface of the IgG and are possible targets for recognition by antisera and effector molecules such as cellular adhesion molecules. The presence in the CH1 domain of a repeating motif of Pro–Ala–Ser–Ser indicated a potential structure‐enhancing function and a role in cellular adhesion and migration. Replacement of Thr with Arg residues within the hinge was predicted to have a dual effect of reducing the number of O‐linked glycosylation sites and increasing the susceptibility to degradation by protease‐secreting bacteria of the hinge region. As unclassified IgG1 cDNA sequence (clone 8.75) is structurally distinct from other variants, it is also classified as IgG1d. Collectively, these observations support the identification of a new allotypic variant of bovine IgG1, designated as IgG1c that is distinct in both sequence and structure from the known sequence variants.
Automated 3D Elastic Registration for Improving Tumor Localization in Whole-body PET-CT from Combined Scanner

Combined PET/CT scanners provide the ability to produce matching metabolic (from PET) and anatomic (from CT) information in a single examination. However, misalignments continue to exist in tumor localization in PET and CT images acquired using these scanners, due to their inability to compensate for nonrigid misalignment resulting from patient breathing and involuntary movement. We demonstrate that our automatic image subdivision-based elastic registration algorithm can correct this misalignment. In a quantitative validation involving 13 expert-identified tumor nodules in six PET-CT image pairs, the algorithm demonstrated statistically significant improvement over the scanner-defined localization. The accuracy of algorithm-determined localization was evaluated to be comparable to average manually defined localization. The results indicate the potential of using our registration algorithm for applications like radiotherapy treatment planning and treatment-monitoring involving combined PET/CT scanners
tRNA transfers to the limelight.

￻tRNA has a central role in biology as the adaptor between mRNA and protein, in which anticodon interactions with the mRNA codon at one end of the L-shaped tRNA allow an attached amino acid at the other end of the tRNA to condense with the peptide chain on a second tRNA through the action of the ribosome. This familiar role of tRNA requires mature tRNAs to be recognized by the aminoacyl tRNA synthetase to add the amino acid to its 3 end, by EF1 to form a ternary complex with the aminoacylated tRNA and GTP, and by elements of the ribosome and associated components to allow binding, peptide synthesis, and translocation. Before fulfilling this role, all tRNA transcripts have to be extensively processed. Maturation of tRNAs requires five major steps: (1) removal of the 5 leader by RNase P,
Declarative transformation of arbitrary structured data to ontologies

Complications related to volume increase of data that needs to be analyzed, lack or insufficiency of complementary metadata and task of transforming data to ontologies in this context are described. Applications with declarative approach for solving task of transforming arbitrary located data in any available format to ontological representation are examined. Relevant languages and technologies are reviewed. Model of functional conveyor is suggested and its application for transforming diagrams is described. Examples of implementing transformation using different languages are given.
Participant Recruitment of African American College Students at an Historically Black College and University (HBCU): Challenges and Strategies for Health-Related Research

Lack of research participation among African Americans is problematic for population relevant health disparity research. The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe challenges and strategies in recruitment of African American college students for healthrelated research being conducted at a small Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Upon completion of a recruitment and retention literature review, study investigators constructed and tested a culturally-specific, direct-appeal protocol to recruit participants. Major barriers to recruitment of African American college students included discrete sources of distrust, lack of understanding of the research process, and logistical concerns. Implementation of a culturally-specific, direct appeal protocol led to a significant improvement in recruitment and retention of student participants. It is imperative that researchers demystify scientific investigation as a first step towards building trust between themselves and target populations, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented groups. Reasons for distrust, a need for trust and trust building strategies are offered here.
Involving users in the delivery and evaluation of mental health services: systematic review

Abstract Objectives: To identify evidence from comparative studies on the effects of involving users in the delivery and evaluation of mental health services. Data sources: English language articles published between January 1966 and October 2001 found by searching electronic databases. Study selection: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials and other comparative studies of involving users in the delivery or evaluation of mental health services. Data extraction:Patterns of delivery of services by employees who use or who used to use the service and professional employees and the effects on trainees, research, or clients of mental health services. Results: Five randomised controlled trials and seven other comparative studies were identified. Half of the studies considered involving users in managing cases. Involving users as employees of mental health services led to clients having greater satisfaction with personal circumstances and less hospitalisation. Providers of services who had been trained by users had more positive attitudes toward users. Clients reported being less satisfied with services when interviewed by users. Conclusions: Users can be involved as employees, trainers, or researchers without detrimental effect. Involving users with severe mental disorders in the delivery and evaluation of services is feasible.
Chaperoning of closed syntaxin-3 through Lys46 and Glu59 in domain 1 of Munc18 proteins is indispensable for mast cell exocytosis

ABSTRACT Understanding how Munc18 proteins govern exocytosis is crucial because mutations of this protein cause severe secretion deficits in neuronal and immune cells. Munc18-2 has indispensable roles in the degranulation of mast cell, partly by binding and chaperoning a subset of syntaxin isoforms. However, the key syntaxin that, crucially, participates in the degranulation – whose levels and intracellular localization are regulated by Munc18-2 – remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that double knockdown of Munc18-1 and Munc-2 in mast cells results in greatly reduced degranulation accompanied with strikingly compromised expression levels and localization of syntaxin-3. This phenotype is fully rescued by wild-type Munc18 proteins but not by the K46E, E59K and K46E/E59K mutants of Munc-18 domain 1, each of which exhibits completely abolished binding to ‘closed’ syntaxin-3. Furthermore, knockdown of syntaxin-3 strongly impairs degranulation. Collectively, our data argue that residues Lys46 and Glu59 of Munc18 proteins are indispensable for mediating the interaction between Munc18 and closed syntaxin-3, which is essential for degranulation by chaperoning syntaxin-3. Our results also indicate that the functional contribution of these residues differs between immune cell degranulation and neuronal secretion.
Preliminary characterization of a temperature-sensitive mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus that produces particles at the restrictive temperature

The isolation and preliminary characterization of a new temperature-sensitive mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus, designated ts7, are reported. The infectivity of ts7, determined by a focus-forming unit assay, was reduced at least 100-fold when the virus was assayed at the nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C) as compared with assay at the permissive temperature (34 degrees C). However, several lines of evidence indicated that the diminution of ts7 titer at 39 degrees C is not due to its inability to form virus particles at that temperature. The supernatant from ts7-infected cells grown at 39 degrees C showed significant infectivity when assayed at 34 degrees C; only small reductions in reverse transcriptase activity and fusion ability were observed when compared with supernatant from 34 degrees C ts7-infected cultures. That particles are produced at the nonpermissive temperature was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy of the supernatant from ts7-infected cells at 39 degrees C and by transmission electron microscope observations of mature particles trapped in the intercellular spaces of pelleted thin cell section. A possible explanation for the productivity at 39 degrees C of particles that are infectious at 34 degrees C but not at 39 degrees C is that the virus is heat labile at the nonpermissive temperature. Consistent with this hypothesis is the extreme heat lability of virus harvested at 34 degrees C. Such virus, when incubated at 39 degrees C, has a half-life one-sixth that of identical virus incubated at 34 degrees C, or that of wild-type virus at either temperature.
Shape-adaptive geometric simplification of heterogeneous line datasets

ABSTRACT Line generalization is an essential data processing operation in geographic information systems and cartography. Many point reduction and simplification algorithms have been developed for this purpose. During the last three decades, several attempts have been made to develop approaches of generalization that adapt to the geometric properties of the processed lines. They typically incorporate line segmentation based on quantitative descriptions of the line shape. Little attention has been paid to the cases in which heterogeneous lines of different geometric character are mixed in one dataset. One common example is administrative borders, which often contain natural and artificial, smooth and sharp, schematic and non-schematic, and regular and irregular shapes. The tuning of the simplification algorithm based on a quantitative description of the shape would be ineffective here, since different algorithms must be applied to lines of different characters. In this article, we present a general method and generalization model for the simplification of such datasets. The properties of schematism, smoothness and regularity are used to differentiate various line characters. Three line characters, including irregular non-schematic, irregular schematic and regular orthogonal schematic, were selected for the current study. The developed generalization model consists of preprocessing, processing and postprocessing stages. Line segmentation based on the detection of different characters is performed during the preprocessing stage. Then, Li–Openshaw, Douglas–Peucker and orthogonal simplification are applied to the appropriate segments in the processing stage. Postprocessing enables the addition of extra regularity to the simplified shape. A visual and quantitative assessment of the results is provided and demonstrates the effectiveness of the developed approach in comparison with the global application of a single simplification algorithm.
Effect of hen age, environmental temperature, and oviposition time on egg shell quality and egg shell and serum mineral contents in laying and broiler breeder hens

The aim of the study was to evaluate egg shell quality characteristics, mineral content in the egg shell, and serum mineral concentration during the egg formation process as influenced by oviposition time and ambient temperature at the beginning and end of the laying cycle in laying hens and broiler breeders. Egg shell quality deteriorated significantly at the higher temperature and was lower in broiler breeders than in laying hens. The Ca ( P = 0.047) and P (P = 0.018) contents of the egg shell were significantly higher at the higher temperature. The highest ( = 0.028) shell Ca content (352 g/kg) was in eggs laid in the morning, but the highest P (P = 0.030; 1.43 g/kg) and Mg (P = 0.001; 3.88 g/kg) contents were in eggs laid in the afternoon. Broiler breeder egg shells contained significantly more P ( P = 0.004) and Mg (P = 0.001) than did those from laying hens. Serum Ca and P levels remained constant throughout the day whereas serum Mg and Zn levels decreased, the rate of decrease in Zn content being the same in all treatments, but with the amounts being greater in laying hens than broiler breeders. The results demonstrate that shell quality characteristics are more severely affected by different factors implemented in this trial compared to the shell mineral composition and especially compared to the serum mineral content.