Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrating Gravity Data With Remotely Sensed Data for Structural Investigation of the Aynak-Logar Valley, Eastern Afghanistan, and the Surrounding Area

This study integrates gravity data with interpreted lineaments from remotely sensed images and geological fault in an effort to understand the geological structure of the Aynak-Logar Valley (ALV) and its surrounding area in eastern Afghanistan. Integrated analysis of Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data was applied for lithological mapping and extraction of geological lineaments and landforms. Gravity data were used to delineate a detailed picture of the subsurface structure. Several gravity interpretation techniques such as horizontal gradient (HG), tilt derivative (TD), and analytic signal (AS) were applied to the gravity data with the objective of making geological features such as faults and contacts more visible, and also a three-dimensional (3-D) inversion model of gravity data was developed to show the density distributions in the study area. The combination of these geoscience data provides information about the subsurface structure of ALV. The interpreted faults from remote sensing are striking NE-SW. The faults and contacts from geological map and gravity data analysis are striking mainly in NNE-SSW, which is the direction of the Kabul block trending fault structure.
Epidural analgesia during labor vs no analgesia: A comparative study

Background: Epidural analgesia is claimed to result in prolonged labor. Previous studies have assessed epidural analgesia vs systemic opioids rather than to parturients receiving no analgesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia on labor duration compared with parturients devoid of analgesia. Methods: One hundred sixty nulliparous women in spontaneous labor at full term with a singleton vertex presentation were assigned to the study. Parturients who request epidural analgesia were allocated in the epidural group, whereas those not enthusiastic to labor analgesia were allocated in the control group. Epidural analgesia was provided with 20 mL bolus 0.5% epidural lidocaine plus fentanyl and maintained at 10 mL for 1 h. Duration of the first and second stages of labor, number of parturients receiving oxytocin, maximal oxytocin dose required for each parturient, numbers of instrumental vaginal, vacuum-assisted, and cesarean deliveries and neonatal Apgar score were recorded. Results: There was no statistical difference in the duration of the active-first and the second stages of labor, instrumental delivery, vacuum-assisted or cesarean delivery rates, the number of newborns with 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores less than 7 between both groups and number of parturients receiving oxytocin, however, the maximal oxytocin dose was significantly higher in the epidural group. Conclusion: Epidural analgesia by lidocaine (0.5%) and fentanyl does not prolong labor compared with parturients without analgesia; however, significant oxytocin augmentation is required during the epidural analgesia to keep up the aforementioned average labor duration.
PLA2 activity regulates Ca2+ storage-dependent cellular proliferation.

The objective of this study is to determine the role of arachidonic acid (AA) in cell proliferation by inhibiting AA synthetic enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and to determine its involvement in the role of the second messenger intracellular calcium (Ca2+). Methods used to determine the effects on proliferation of cell cultures of primary meningioma and astrocytoma U373-MG included treatment with micromolar concentrations of PLA2 inhibitors 4-bromophenacylbromide and quinacrine. Effects of these drugs on proliferation were further investigated by the application of concentrations that inhibit growth by 50% while antagonizing these agents with AA replacement. Free cytosolic Ca2+ was measured with the use of fluorescent dye Fura-2 during PLA2 agonist/antagonist studies. These Ca2+ measurements were performed in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ to identify the contribution of intracellular Ca2+ sources. PLA2 inhibition resulted in decreased growth of cultured astrocytoma and meningioma cells in a dose-dependent manner in the micromolar range. This inhibitory effect was antagonized by the addition of AA. PLA2 inhibition caused an elevation of basal-cytosolic-free [Ca2+] while depleting internal Ca2+ stores. These Ca2+ changes were also antagonized by the addition of AA. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that AA, a PLA2 enzyme product, is involved in regulating the growth rate of these cell types. The PLA2 pathway also regulates the maintenance of the internal Ca2+ stores. Ca2+ is known to be a growth-related intracellular second messenger. These results suggest that the growth regulatory functions of AA are mediated by Ca2+-dependent mechanisms.
The Coming Wave of Small Business Succession and the Role of Stakeholder Synergy Theory

Abstract Retiring business owners are expected to sell or bequeath $10T worth of assets over the next twenty years. Small businesses will drive this coming wave of succession. While stakeholder theory has generally been rejected in finance because it creates a lack of accountability for managers, it may be that entrepreneurs derive utility from positive outcomes for other stakeholders. We extend stakeholder synergy theory to the case of business succession and generate recommendations for selling business owners based on what they value. Our theoretical extension has implications for owners selling a business, their communities and employees, and private equity firms. We provide a case study to exemplify the issues faced by exiting business owners selling to nonfamily.
The fatally flawed resource super profit tax

Sinclair Davidson is Professor in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing at RMIT and a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs. He has written extensively on taxation policy in Australia and is a regular contributor to public debate. His opinion pieces have been published in The Age, The Australian, Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald, and Wall Street Journal Asia. Sinclair has also published in academic journals such as the European Journal of Political Economy, Review of Political Economy, Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, and the Cato Journal.
Unnatural Nucleosides with Unusual Base Pairing Properties

Synthetic modified nucleosides designed to pair in unusual ways with natural nucleobases have many potential applications in biology and biotechnology. This overview lays the foundation for future protocol units on synthesis and application of unnatural bases, with particular emphasis on unnatural base analogs that mimic natural bases in size, shape, and biochemical processing. Topics covered include base pairs with alternative H‐bonding schemes, dimensionally expanded base pairs, hydrophobic base pairs, metal‐ligated bases, degenerate bases, universal nucleosides, and triplex constituents. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 37:1.4. 1‐1.4. 32. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Developmental expression of insulin‐like growth factor II receptor (IGF‐IIR) in congenic mouse embryonic lungs: Correlation between IGF‐IIR mRNA and protein levels and heterochronic lung development

Embryonic lung maturation in the H‐2 congenic pair, B10.A and B10, proceeds at different rates. The dependence of this heterochronic development on maternal haplotype suggests the involvement of a parentally imprinted gene. Since B10.A (H‐2b) and B10 (H‐2b) mice are genetically identical except for a 3‐18 cM region of chromosome 17 that includes the H‐2 complex, we sought a promising candidate gene(s) involved in regulating the rate of lung development from genes encoded in this region. The best candidate is the gene encoding the type II insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF‐IIR), whose ligand is the growth factor IGF‐II. Only the maternal copy of this gene is expressed in postimplantation embryos. This receptor does not appear to transduce mitogenic signals; instead, IGF‐IIR appears to regulate the levels of its ligand available to the growth‐promoting type I IGF receptor (IGF‐IR). Using in situ hybridization and indirect immunofluorescence, we demonstrate that IGF‐IIR mRNA and protein are localized throughout the pulmonary mesenchyme, as well as in branching epithelia of the pseudoglandular and canalicular stages. We also examined the levels of IGF‐IIR mRNA and protein expression by RNase protection assay and ligand blotting during the embryonic period of lung development in B10.A and B10 mice, and found that there is a highly significant positive correlation of IGF IIR levels with progressive development in both strains. Further, slower developing B10.A lungs contain significantly higher levels of IGF‐IIR mRNA and protein than the more rapidly developing B10 lungs. These results suggest that haplotype‐dependent elevation of IGF‐IIR levels reduces the available concentration of IGF‐II, resulting in a decreased rate of morphogenesis in B10.A mice. Heterochronic lung maturation, then, appears consequent to variable extracellular levels of this important growth factor. These results may be of clinical importance to predicting susceptibility to Respiratory Distress Syndrome in prenatal newborns. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide and nitroxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease.

Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule produced by neurons and endothelial cells in the brain. NO is synthesized from L-arginine and oxygen by nitric oxide synthase: neuronal (nNOS), endothelial (eNOS), and inducible (iNOS). The endothelial NO acts as a vasorelaxant in the vasculature and as a neurotransmitter when produced by neurons (under the pathological conditions of Alzheimer's disease). NO can be scavenged in a rapid reaction with superoxide (O2-) to generate peroxynitrite (ONOO-), with a half-life of < 1 s. ONOO- is a potent oxidant and the primary component of nitroxidative stress. At high concentrations (> 100 nM), ONOO- can undergo homolytic or heterolytic cleavage to produce NO2+, NO2, and OH. , highly reactive oxidative species and secondary components of nitroxidative stress. The high nitroxidative stress can initiate a cascade of redox reactions which can trigger apoptosis and evoke cytotoxic effects on neurons and endothelial cells. This article reviews the functions of NO and the potential role of NO/O2-/ONOO- induced nitroxidative stress in neuronal and endothelial degeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease.
Bayesian optimisation with prior reuse for motion planning in robot soccer

We integrate learning and motion planning for soccer playing differential drive robots using Bayesian optimisation. Trajectories generated using end-slope cubic Bézier splines are first optimised globally through Bayesian optimisation for a set of candidate points with obstacles. The optimised trajectories along with robot and obstacle positions and velocities are stored in a database. The closest planning situation is identified from the database using k-Nearest Neighbour approach. It is further optimised online through reuse of prior information from previously optimised trajectory. Our approach reduces computation time of trajectory optimisation considerably. Velocity profiling generates velocities consistent with robot kinodynamoic constraints, and avoids collision and slipping. Extensive testing is done on developed simulator as well as on physical differential drive robots. Our method shows marked improvements in mitigating tracking error, and reducing traversal and computational time over competing techniques under the constraints of performing tasks in real time.
Who are "the homeless"? Reconsidering the stability and composition of the homeless population.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the extent to which the use of point-prevalence samples biases conclusions drawn about homeless people. METHODS Three data sets and published research were used to examine the degree to which conditions leading to point-prevalence bias (turnover in the homeless population, variability in the persistence of homelessness, and associations between personal characteristics and persistence) characterize the homeless population. Results were compared from point-prevalence studies concerning persistence of homelessness and characteristics of homeless people with those from a study of formerly homeless people. RESULTS Conditions leading to point-prevalence bias strongly characterize the homeless population. Moreover, profiles of homeless people differed dramatically between point-prevalence studies and the study of formerly homeless people. In the former, average duration of homelessness was longer, and samples included higher proportions of men, minorities, non-high school graduates, and people with histories of psychiatric hospitalization, incarceration, and detoxification. CONCLUSIONS Reliance on point-prevalence samples, when such samples are generalized beyond the currently homeless population, leads to overestimations of the persistence of homelessness, the demographic distinctiveness of the homeless population, and the prevalence of personal disabilities and deviant lifestyles among homeless people.
Neutrophil extracellular traps promote deep vein thrombosis in mice

Summary. Background: Upon activation, neutrophils can release nuclear material known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which were initially described as a part of antimicrobial defense. Extracellular chromatin was recently reported to be prothrombotic in vitro and to accumulate in plasma and thrombi of baboons with experimental deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Objective: To explore the source and role of extracellular chromatin in DVT. Methods: We used an established murine model of DVT induced by flow restriction (stenosis) in the inferior vena cava (IVC). Results: We demonstrate that the levels of extracellular DNA increase in plasma after 6 h IVC stenosis, compared with sham‐operated mice. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of Gr‐1‐positive neutrophils in both red (RBC‐rich) and white (platelet‐rich) parts of thrombi. Citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), an element of NETs’ structure, was present only in the red part of thrombi and was frequently associated with the Gr‐1 antigen. Immunofluorescent staining of thrombi showed proximity of extracellular CitH3 and von Willebrand factor (VWF), a platelet adhesion molecule crucial for thrombus development in this model. Infusion of Deoxyribonuclease 1 (DNase 1) protected mice from DVT after 6 h and also 48 h IVC stenosis. Infusion of an unfractionated mixture of calf thymus histones increased plasma VWF and promoted DVT early after stenosis application. Conclusions: Extracellular chromatin, likely originating from neutrophils, is a structural part of a venous thrombus and both the DNA scaffold and histones appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of DVT in mice. NETs may provide new targets for DVT drug development.
Comparative Outcome Analysis of ABO-Incompatible and Positive Crossmatch Renal Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Background. ABO-incompatible (ABOi) and positive crossmatch (XM) renal transplants pose special immunologic challenges. It is important to compare outcomes, study resource utilization, and attempt to risk stratify patients in these higher risk transplant settings. Methods. We compared apheresis utilization and transplant outcomes in ABOi, XM, and combined ABOi-XM renal transplants. We also analyzed multiple parameters, including patient and laboratory variables, to identify predictors of transplant outcome. Results. Incidences of early (≤30 days posttransplant) antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and acute cellular rejection (ACR) were similar among the three incompatible groups whereas they differed in allograft rejection for late (>30 days posttransplant) AMR and ACR. Notably, there were no episodes of late AMR among ABOi patients. Patients treated with more than four pretransplant plasmapheresis/intravenous immunoglobulin (PP/IVIg) had a greater likelihood of experiencing early AMR. The median number of posttransplant PP/IVIg treatments was greater than twofold higher in ABOi-XM and XM patients compared to ABOi patients. Patients who required more than five posttransplant PP/IVIg procedures and those with one or more prior renal transplants had higher incidences of late ACR. Conclusions. Our analysis aids in defining apheresis resource utilization and helps in risk stratification of incompatible renal transplantation. It also aids in predicting allograft rejection and provides an opportunity for preemptive monitoring and treatment.
Ancient Pompeian Dogs – Morphological and Morphometric Evidence for Different Canine Populations

This article examines the morphological features of the dog during the Roman Age on the basis of osseous and dental remains dug up in Pompeii. The material, consisting of 113 canine bones and teeth, was subjected to both morphological and morphometrical analyses and was compared with modern canine breeds. In most cases, the age at death, shoulder height and other phenotypic features were ascertained. The examined Pompeian canine population fell mainly into two categories: small‐ and large‐sized animals. Among the former, one brachycephalic and two dolichocephalic subjects were included. Such morphological features agree with what is described in numerous texts and appears in mosaics, bas‐reliefs and frescoes of the Roman Age. As small‐sized dogs cannot be classified as Canes Venatici (sporting dogs), Canes Villatici (watch dogs) and Canes Pastorales (shepherd dogs) according to Columella's De re rustica, these animals may be considered as lapdogs.
Inhibition of IL‐18 reduces myeloperoxidase activity and prevents edema in intestine following alcohol and burn injury

Previous studies have shown that alcohol (EtOH) ingestion before burn injury impaired intestinal barrier and immune function. This study determined whether EtOH and burn injury up‐regulate interleukin (IL)‐18 and whether IL‐18 up‐regulation following EtOH and burn injury is a cause for neutrophilrecruitment and increased intestinal edema. Rats (250 g) were gavaged with EtOH to achieve a blood EtOH level in the range of 100 mg/dL prior to burn or sham injury (25% total body surface area). A group of rats was treated with Ac‐YVAD‐CHO (5 mg/kg), an inhibitor of caspase‐1 (an enzyme that converts pro‐IL‐18, an inactive form of IL‐18, to mature IL‐18), at the time of injury. One day after injury, rats were killed. IL‐18 production was determined in circulation and in the supernatants harvested from spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer's patch cell cultures as well as in intestinal tissue homogenates. Neutrophil accumulation in intestine was determined by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. We found a significant increase in IL‐18 levels in the lymphoid cell supernatants and intestinal tissue homogenates obtained from EtOH and burn‐injured rats compared with the rats receiving burn or sham injury. This was accompanied by an increase in intestinal MPO and edema. No demonstrable change in intestinal morphology was observed in any group. Treatment of rats with caspase‐1 inhibitor significantly attenuated the increase in IL‐18 levels and intestinal MPO activity in EtOH and burn‐injured rats. Inhibition of IL‐18 also prevented an increase in intestinal tissue water content. As MPO is considered an index of neutrophil infiltration, results presented in this manuscript collectively suggest that IL‐18 up‐regulation is likely to contribute to the increased neutrophil infiltration and edema in intestinal tissue observed following EtOH and burn injury.
Association of Lipoprotein(a) With Puberty in IDDM

OBJECTIVE— To determine serum lipoprotein(a) in a large sample of IDDM and control children and to examine a possible association with puberty. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Serum lipoprotein(a), apoB-100, and apoA-I were measured under identical conditions in 170 Caucasian children with IDDM aged 12.3 ± 3.59 yr and 233 Caucasian control children aged 13.6 ± 1.12 yr. Patients with persistent microalbuminuria were excluded. Lipoprotein(a), apoB-100, and apoA-I were measured by nephelometry using a specific monoclonal antibody. Pubertal assessment was performed using Tanner staging and testicular volume measurement. RESULTS— Lipoprotein(a) was higher in the IDDM than control group (geometric mean 237 mg/L, 25–75th percentile 134–465 vs. 172 [99–316] mg/L, P = 0.0008). When analyzed according to pubertal stage, only pubertal and postpubertal patients had higher levels than control subjects (265 [148–560] vs. 174 [101–320] mg/L, P = 0.0001), with prepubertal patients showing no difference. Pubertal and postpubertal patients showed both higher lipoprotein(a) (P = 0.01) levels and higher albumin excretion rates (P = 0.02) than prepubertal patients, correcting for the other variable. Lipoprotein(a) was not related to HbA1c, albumin excretion rate, duration, age, sex, mean arterial pressure, or a family history of premature coronary artery disease in the IDDM group. Lipoprotein(a) was not higher in patients with overnight albumin excretion rate above the 95th percentile but below the microalbuminuric range. ApoB-100 did not differ between IDDM and control children. ApoA-I was significantly lower in the IDDM group (1.04 [0.94–1.17] vs. 1.21 [1.10–1.31] g/L; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS— Pubertal and postpubertal IDDM patients have higher serum lipoprotein(a) than Caucasian control subjects. Our findings suggest a rise in lipoprotein(a) may occur during puberty in IDDM. Longitudinal studies are required to clarify the relationship between lipoprotein(a), albumin excretion rate, and puberty.
Functional Outcomes in Monobloc Advancement by Distraction Using the Rigid External Distractor Device

Background: Craniofacial dysostosis syndromes produce multisutural synostoses combined with severe midfacial retrusion. This may cause serious functional problems, including airway obstruction, exposure of the eyes, visual pathway dysfunction, and raised intracranial pressure. Early midface advancement may be necessary to address these issues. Distraction osteogenesis has provided the facility to achieve significant advances safely and is often in excess of that which is achievable by conventional means. Methods: A retrospective study of 20 patients with craniofacial dysostosis and severe midface hypoplasia who underwent monobloc advancement osteotomies using the rigid external distractor system principally for functional reasons was undertaken. The multidisciplinary management and outcome measures of these patients were recorded. Results: The midface was distracted an average of 16.4 mm, with a range of 12 to 22 mm. Ocular protection was achieved in all patients with preoperative exposure keratopathy and/or globe subluxation. Improvements in optic disc swelling and pattern visually evoked potentials were seen in those patients with threatened visual impairment. Improvement in airway obstruction was seen in those patients with abnormal polysomnography. Decannulation was achieved in five of the seven patients with tracheostomies. Fifty percent had a reduction in hyponasality, and the visual appearance of speech was improved. Complications included persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, acquired hypernasality in 25 percent, cranial bone loss, and sinus formation requiring surgical revision. Conclusions: Monobloc distraction osteogenesis results in good aesthetic and functional outcomes. The relatively high rate of complications remains a concern, and further adaptations of technique are needed to reduce the risks of this procedure.