Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Sun Protective Factor (SPF) Determinations in Guinea Pigs and Humans Utilizing Artificial Light

A screening method for determining sun protection factor (SPF) values of prototype sunscreen formulations has been developed using guinea pigs. Two sets of experiments were done to substantiate the guinea pig as a reliable model for SPF determinations. In the first set of experiments, SPFs of two commercially available sunscreens and a homosalate control were determined in guinea pigs and human subjects, using artificial light. Statistical analysis of data for the two commercial products confirmed that the guinea pig model could successfully predict the SPF values established by human testing. The average SPF value obtained in guinea pigs using 8% homosalate was significantly different when compared to the human test. A second set of experiments compared the claimed SPF on the packages of four commercially available sunscreens with SPF values determined in the guinea pig test. The average SPF values experimentally derived in the guinea pig were not statistically different from the claimed values. The resu.
On 4-regular 4-connected bipancyclic subgraphs of hypercubes

We consider the problem of determining the possible orders for k-regular, k-connected and bipancyclic subgraphs of the hypercube Qn. For k = 2 and k = 3, the solution to the problem is known. In this paper, we solve the problem for k = 4 by proving that Qn has a 4-regular, 4-connected and bipancyclic subgraph on l vertices if and only if l = 16 or l is an even integer such that 24 ≤ l ≤ 2n. Further, by improving a result of Ramras, we prove that a k-regular subgraph of Qn is either isomorphic to Qk or has at least 2k + 2k−1 vertices. We also improve a result of Mane and Waphare regarding the existence of a k-regular, k-connected and bipancyclic subgraph of Qn. Some applications of our results are given.
Two Approaches to the Study of a Controversial Relationship: Cutaneous Photosensitivity and Anti-Ro/SS-A Autoantibodies

Background: Autoantibodies (Aabs) are the hallmark of numerous systemic autoimmune pathologies (SAPs), for instance anti-Ro/SS-A Aabs are usually found in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s Syndrome. Cutaneous photosensitivity (CP) is found in most forms and subsets of LE and consists of a skin rash as a result of unusual reaction to sunlight. There are many theories which relate specifically the presence of circulating anti-Ro/SS-A Aabs with the CP phenomenon, though there are several studies which are in disagreement. Results: In this study we analyzed the relationship between CP and anti-Ro Aabs by means of two approaches. The first one included an in vitro model where we evaluated by flow cytometry the binding capacity of affinity-purified Aabs to autoantigens relocalized on apoptotic keratinocyte’s surface. We found that there was no relationship between the binding capacity of serum from 10 selected patients or their corresponding purified anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 Aabs, and the presence or absence of CP, neither with the SAPs. The in vivo model consisted of Hairless SKH:1 mice which were induced to produce anti-murine Ro52 and/or Ro60 Aabs and were subsequently irradiated with UVB light. We evaluated the skin histology and also the epidermal production of TNF-α. We found no differences between the groups in neither of the parameters evaluated. Conclusions: These results agree with some studies on the role of the Aabs in CP, considering anti-Ro Aabs not as the only responsible for the manifestation; and disagree with many other authors, who believe in the strong association between these two events.
FGF2 mediates mouse spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal via upregulation of Etv5 and Bcl6b through MAP2K1 activation

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are required to recapitulate spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal in vitro. Although studies have revealed the role of the GDNF signaling pathway in SSCs, little is known about how FGF2 is involved. In the present study, we assessed the role of the FGF2 signaling pathway using a mouse germline stem (GS) cell culture system that allows in vitro expansion of SSCs. Adding GDNF or FGF2 induced phosphorylation of MAPK1/3, and adding the MAP2K1 inhibitor PD0325091 reduced GS cell proliferation and MAPK1/3 phosphorylation. Moreover, GS cells transfected with an activated form of Map2k1 not only upregulated Etv5 and Bcl6b gene expression, but also proliferated in an FGF2-independent manner, suggesting that they act downstream of MAP2K1 signaling to drive SSC self-renewal. Although GS cells transfected with Map2k1, Etv5 or Bcl6b showed normal spermatogonial markers, transplanting GS cells expressing Bcl6b into infertile mouse testes resulted in the formation of a germ cell tumor, suggesting that excessive self-renewal signals causes tumorigenic conversion. These results show that FGF2 depends on MAP2K1 signaling to drive SSC self-renewal via upregulation of the Etv5 and Bcl6b genes.
Phosphorylated histone H2A.x in porcine embryos produced by IVF and somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Phosphorylated histone H2A.x (H2AX139ph) is a key factor for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and the presence of H2AX139ph foci indicates the sites of DSBs. In this study, we characterized the presence of H2AX139ph during in vitro development of porcine embryos produced by IVF and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Pronuclear stage embryos produced by IVF had, on average, 9.2 H2AX139ph foci per pronucleus. The number of H2AX139ph foci was higher in the 2-cell-stage embryos than in the 4-cell-stage embryos fixed at 48 h post-fertilization. The percentage of H2AX139ph-positive nuclei was higher in SCNT embryos that were activated with ionomycin (ION) alone than in those activated with ION and strontium chloride (ION+Sr(2+)). A negative correlation was found between the percentage of H2AX139ph-positive cells and the total number of cells per embryo in day 7 blastocysts produced by IVF or SCNT. Based on the detection of H2AX139ph foci, the findings of this study indicate that DSBs occur in a high proportion of porcine embryos produced by either IVF or SCNT; fast-cleaving embryos have fewer DSBs than slow-cleaving embryos; the oocyte activation protocol can affect DNA integrity in SCNT embryos; and better-quality blastocysts have fewer DSBs. We propose that the presence of H2AX139ph foci can be a useful marker of embryo quality.
A different kind of public healthcare system

Purpose – This paper aims to summarize significant changes in Medicaid, a safety net health insurance program on which one in five Americans depend.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a narrative review.Findings – During the same period that a downturn in its economy increased the number of uninsured and under‐insured Americans, falling government revenues led to decreases in Medicaid coverage and a shift from administration by non‐profit government to for‐profit health maintenance organization entities. Hospitals in the USA scored as better managed than those of other countries in one study, but wide variation in local health service performance between and within its states also has been documented, and too many American families are foregoing needed care because of insurance and affordability problems. Whether shifting a public safety net healthcare system from public to private administration will make the situation better or worse has become the subject of political debate and c.
Interaction frogger: a design framework to couple action and function through feedback and feedforward

In this paper we present a design framework to analyze person-product interaction. Its focus is on how the user's action and the product's function are coupled through different types of feedback and feedforward: inherent and augmented information. Instead of using the notion of 'coupling' in an abstract sense, our framework tries to give six practical characteristics for coupling action and information, i.e., time, location, direction, dynamics, modality and expression. Unifying action and information on each of these aspects makes the interaction intuitive. The framework invites and challenges designers to explore couplings leading towards embodied freedom of interaction.
A conserved function for Strabismus in establishing planar cell polarity in the ciliated ectoderm during cnidarian larval development

Functional and morphological planar cell polarity (PCP) oriented along the oral-aboral body axis is clearly evident in the ectoderm of torpedo-shaped planula larvae of hydrozoan cnidarians such as Clytia hemisphaerica. Ectodermal epithelial cells bear a single motile cilium the beating of which is coordinated between cells, causing directional swimming towards the blunt, aboral pole. We have characterised PCP during Clytia larval development and addressed its molecular basis. PCP is first detectable in ectodermal cells during gastrulation as coordinated basal body positioning, the ciliary root becoming consistently positioned on the oral side of the apical surface of the cell. At later stages, more pronounced structural polarity develops around the base of each cilium in relation to the cilia beating direction, including a characteristic asymmetric cortical actin organisation. Morpholino antisense oligonucleotide and mRNA injection studies showed that PCP development requires the Clytia orthologues of the core Fz-PCP pathway components Strabismus (CheStbm), Frizzled (CheFz1) and Dishevelled (CheDsh). Morpholinos targeting any of these components prevented ectodermal PCP, disrupted ciliogenesis and inhibited embryo elongation during gastrulation, which involves cell intercalation. We show that YFP-tagged CheStbm adopts a polarised intracellular distribution, localising preferentially to the aboral boundary of each cell, as has been demonstrated in Drosophila and some vertebrate PCP studies. Our findings in a cnidarian strongly suggest that the Fz-PCP pathway is a highly conserved and evolutionary ancient metazoan feature that is probably widely responsible for oriented swimming and/or feeding in relation to body axis in the many ciliated larval types found throughout the animal kingdom.
Hörminderung und Ohrenschmerzen als Initialsymptome einer Wegenerschen Granulomatose

sichtbar war. Das andere Trommelfell war unauffãllig. In der Nase trockene Borken; der Nasenrachenraum war frei. Audiome-trisch fand man links einen altersgemalen Befund, rechts eine kom-binierte Schwerhörigkeit. Die orientierende thermische Vestibularis-priifung mit Kaitluft ergab eine seitengleiche normale Erregbarkeit
Medical cardiovascular support in acute viral myocarditis in children

sociated with increased myocardial oxygen consumption and with being proarrhythmogenic. Alternatives are the use of intravenous vasodilators or betablockers in an attempt to mitigate ongoing myocardial injury. There is also a rationale,based on studies done in adults with congestive cardiomyopathy,that nonpharmacologic afterload reduction with the use of noninvasive ventilation may augment cardiac performance. Process MEDLINE database searches were conducted to find published data regarding the use of inotropic agents,vasodilators,ACEIs,angiotensin receptor antagonists,beta-adrenergic blockers,calcium channel blockers,and noninvasive ventilation in pediatric myocarditis. Because few studies were expected to meet these criteria,studies of adults with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy were also examined. Finally,studies of children and adults with acute viral myocarditis, wherein the primary objective of the study was a treatment or outcome other than one involving medical cardiovascular support,were studied to see if there was pertinent information regarding such support. The level of evidence for each study was classified as class I (randomized,controlled trials),class II (uncontrolled trials,historical controls,etc.), and class III (case series,case reports). The data gathered from this comprehensive review were then used to generate clinical recommendations regarding pharmacologic and ventilatory support of pediatric patients with acute viral myocarditis.
Behavioral and hormonal pattern of repeat breeder cows around estrus.

Repeat breeder (RB) cows were compared with normal (CTRL) ones with respect to behavioral estrus intensity, endocrine patterns and concentrations of plasma estradiol, progesterone and LH around estrus, and ovulation timing. A total of 27 and 31 cycles in 12 RB and 18 CTRL cows, respectively, were synchronized by means of the Ovsynch protocol followed by a single PG injection after 7 days. Behavioral estrus and ovulation were observed in 81.5 and 83.8% of the synchronized cycles in the RB and CTRL cows respectively. The RB and CTRL groups had similar estrus durations of 21.4 and 19.6 h respectively, but estrus was more intense in the RB, as indicated by numerically higher overall activity indexes and higher peak neck activity. The interval from PG injection to estrus onset (considered as proestrus) was 8.2 h shorter in RB than in CTRL cows, at 47.9 and 56.1 h respectively (P<0.007), but the average preovulatory follicle size was similar. The estradiol concentration at peak was numerically higher (21%) and the AUC tended to be higher in the RB cows than in the CTRL cows. LH secretion during the period from 18 to 3 h before the LH peak was also lower in RB than in CTRL cows: 2.5 and 4.6 ng/ml respectively (P<0.01). In conclusion, the behavioral estrus was more intense in the RB cows; nevertheless, short proestrus and subdued LH concentrations before the LH peak, which could impair oocyte competence and development, were first reported in RB cows.
MEASUREMENT OF FOOTBALL GROUND HARDNESS USING THE RACETRACK PENETROMETER

The AFL is the premier competition of Australia’s most popular sport, played in cities across Australia on natural grass fields. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are amongst the most prevalent and costly injuries in the AFL (Orchard et al., 1998). Recent study has shown that high water evaporation (RR 3.03, 95% CI 1.52-6.03) and low rainfall (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.12-5.10) significantly increase the risk of non-contact ACL injury in the AFL (Orchard et al., 1999). As a consequence of higher evaporation, games played in cities to the north of Melbourne (see figure 1) have a higher rate of ACL injury than those played in Melbourne or to the south (p <0.001).
Mirrors: design principles for meta-level facilities of object-oriented programming languages

We identify three design principles for reflection and metaprogramming facilities in object oriented programming languages. Encapsulation: meta-level facilities must encapsulate their implementation. Stratification: meta-level facilities must be separated from base-level functionality. Ontological correspondence: the ontology of meta-level facilities should correspond to the ontology of the language they manipulate. Traditional/mainstream reflective architectures do not follow these precepts. In contrast, reflective APIs built around the concept of mirrors are characterized by adherence to these three principles. Consequently, mirror-based architectures have significant advantages with respect to distribution, deployment and general purpose metaprogramming.
Getting out and about: the emergence and morphogenesis of the vertebrate lymphatic vasculature

The lymphatic vascular system develops from the pre-existing blood vasculature of the vertebrate embryo. New insights into lymphatic vascular development have recently been achieved with the use of alternative model systems, new molecular tools, novel imaging technologies and growing interest in the role of lymphatic vessels in human disorders. The signals and cellular mechanisms that facilitate the emergence of lymphatic endothelial cells from veins, guide migration through the embryonic environment, mediate interactions with neighbouring tissues and control vessel maturation are beginning to emerge. Here, we review the most recent advances in lymphatic vascular development, with a major focus on mouse and zebrafish model systems.
Arterial Damage, Triglycerides, Apolipoprotein, and Lp-(a) Values in PVD Patients

The aim of the study was to provide a detailed apolipoproteic profile in stage II peripheral vascular disease (PVD) patients and to ascertain whether lower ankle/ arm pressure index (API) values were associated with a worse profile. Apolipoproteins of 83 stage II PVD patients (average age 64.7 ± 9.3 years) were selected and compared with those of a group of 44 normal control subjects, similar in terms of age, sex, and smoking and eating habits. Neither PVD patients nor controls had ever received lipid-lowering agents or defined dietary treatment. A diagnosis of PVD was confirmed by an API of <0.85. Arteriopathic patients were also split into two groups, depending on their API values, similar in terms of age, sex and smoking habits: API values of one group (n = 38) were ≥0.6, those of the other group (n = 45) were <0.6. The following biohumoral parameters were considered: fasting glycemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C (TC/ HDL-C), Apoproteins (Apos) AI, AII, B, CII, CIII, and E; and lipoprotein a [Lp(a)]. HDL-C and Apo AI were lower (p < 0.01), while TC/ HDL-C ratios, Apo B, and Apo CII were higher (p < 0.01) in PVD patients compared with controls. The comparison between the two PVD groups with different API values showed higher blood TG and VLDL-C values for the patients with lower API values (p < 0.05), indicating a relationship between hypertriglyceridemia and greater arterial damage. Key Words: Peripheral arterial occlusive disease-Triglyceride-Lipoprotein a.
Reflective shadow maps

In this paper we present "reflective shadow maps", an algorithm for interactive rendering of plausible indirect illumination. A reflective shadow map is an extension to a standard shadow map, where every pixel is considered as an indirect light source. The illumination due to these indirect lights is evaluated on-the-fly using adaptive sampling in a fragment shader. By using screen-space interpolation of the indirect lighting, we achieve interactive rates, even for complex scenes. Since we mainly work in screen space, the additional effort is largely independent of scene complexity. The resulting indirect light is approximate, but leads to plausible results and is suited for dynamic scenes. We describe an implementation on current graphics hardware and show results achieved with our approach.
Dual role of delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) in skeletal muscle development and adult muscle regeneration

Muscle development and regeneration is tightly orchestrated by a specific set of myogenic transcription factors. However, factors that regulate these essential myogenic inducers remain poorly described. Here, we show that delta-like 1 homolog (Dlk1), an imprinted gene best known for its ability to inhibit adipogenesis, is a crucial regulator of the myogenic program in skeletal muscle. Dlk1-/- mice were developmentally retarded in their muscle mass and function owing to inhibition of the myogenic program during embryogenesis. Surprisingly however, Dlk1 depletion improves in vitro and in vivo adult skeletal muscle regeneration by substantial enhancement of the myogenic program and muscle function, possibly by means of an increased number of available myogenic precursor cells. By contrast, Dlk1 fails to alter the adipogenic commitment of muscle-derived progenitors in vitro, as well as intramuscular fat deposition during in vivo regeneration. Collectively, our results suggest a novel and surprising dual biological function of DLK1 as an enhancer of muscle development, but as an inhibitor of adult muscle regeneration.
Improving automotive safety by pairing driver emotion and car voice emotion

This study examines whether characteristics of a car voice can affect driver performance and affect. In a 2 (driver emotion: happy or upset) x 2 (car voice emotion: energetic vs. subdued) experimental study, participants (N=40) had emotion induced through watching one of two sets of 5-minute video clips. Participants then spent 20 minutes in a driving simulator where a voice in the car spoke 36 questions (e.g., "How do you think that the car is performing? ") and comments ("My favorite part of this drive is the lighthouse.") in either an energetic or subdued voice. Participants were invited to interact with the car voice. When user emotion matched car voice emotion (happy/energetic and upset/subdued), drivers had fewer accidents, attended more to the road (actual and perceived), and spoke more to the car. Implications for car design and voice user interface design are discussed.
Overactivation of hedgehog signaling in the developing Müllerian duct interferes with duct regression in males and causes subfertility.

The influence of the hedgehog signaling pathway on reproduction was studied in transgenic mice in which a dominant active allele of the hedgehog signal transducer, smoothened (Smo), was conditionally expressed in the developing Müllerian duct and gonads through recombination mediated by anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2-cre (Amhr2cre ). Previous studies showed that development of the oviduct and uterus are abnormal in female Amhr2cre/+SmoM2 mice. In the current study, focusing on mutant males, litter size was reduced 53% in crosses with wild-type females. An extra band of undifferentiated tissue extended along each epididymis and vas deferens, a position suggesting derivation from Müllerian ducts that failed to regress fully. Hedgehog signaling was elevated in this tissue, based on mRNA levels of target genes. Amhr2 mRNA was dramatically reduced in the uterus of mutant females and in the extra tissue in the tract of mutant males, suggesting that AMHR2 signaling was inadequate for complete Müllerian duct regression. Spermatogenesis and sperm motility were normal, but testis weight was reduced 37% and epididymal sperm number was reduced 36%. The number of sperm recovered from the uteri of wild-type females after mating with mutant males was reduced 78%. This suggested that sperm transport through the male tract was reduced, resulting in fewer sperm in the ejaculate. Consistent with this, mutant males had unusually tortuous vas deferentia with constrictions within the lumen. We concluded that persistence of a relatively undifferentiated remnant of Müllerian tissue is sufficient to cause subtle changes in the male reproductive tract that reduce fertility.
Frames of Reference: Their Use in Paediatric Occupational Therapy

The aim of this study was to explore how paediatric occupational therapists provide intervention for children with cerebral palsy in the United Kingdom. A survey design was used with a sample of 120 paediatric occupational therapists. The results of this study were representational of practice among members of the National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists. It was found that 91.7% of occupational therapists in this study used an eclectic treatment approach. Treatment was usually provided on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual needs of the child, and family-centred functional therapy was valued. Postgraduate training in the areas of neurodevelopmental treatment and sensory integration is recommended in a continuing capacity if therapists choose to use these frames of reference to guide treatment for children with cerebral palsy.