Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing the efficiency of suckled calf production using embryo transfer technology

The data reviewed in this paper illustrate the benefits of increased output that can be obtained from suckler herds using embryo transfer technology. The technology can be used within breeding schemes to increase the rate of genetic progress for selected traits or to transfer embryos of superior genetic merit and, in the future, embryos of predetermined sex to beef cows. The success of the technology is dependent on the achievement of good pregnancy rates. Experience gained on commercial farms suggests that the main reason for poor success rates in some herds lies with the general level of management of such herds rather than with the reproductive technology itself. Much experience has been gained on the management of embryo transfer recipients and twin-bearing cows. In particular, the nutritional requirements of such animals during the early post partum period and during mid and late pregnancy, and the management of twin-bearing cows during the perinatal period, are discussed.
Replication termination mechanism as revealed by Tus-mediated polar arrest of a sliding helicase

The replication terminator protein Tus of Escherichia coli promotes polar fork arrest at sequence-specific replication termini (Ter) by antagonizing DNA unwinding by the replicative helicase DnaB. Here, we report that Tus is also a polar antitranslocase. We have used this activity as a tool to uncouple helicase arrest at a Tus–Ter complex from DNA unwinding and have shown that helicase arrest occurred without the generation of a DNA fork or a bubble of unpaired bases at the Tus–Ter complex. A mutant form of Tus, which reduces DnaB–Tus interaction but not the binding affinity of Tus for Ter DNA, was also defective in arresting a sliding DnaB. A model of polar fork arrest that proposes melting of the Tus–Ter complex and flipping of a conserved C residue of Ter at the blocking but not the nonblocking face has been reported. The model suggests that enhanced stability of Tus–Ter interaction caused by DNA melting and capture of a flipped base by Tus generates polarity strictly by enhanced protein–DNA interaction. In contrast, the observations presented here show that polarity of helicase and fork arrest in vitro is generated by a mechanism that not only involves interaction between the terminator protein and the arrested enzyme but also of Tus with Ter DNA, without any melting and base flipping in the termination complex.
Molecular Markers in a Commercial Breeding Program

In the 1980s, DNA-based molecular markers were identified as having the potential to enhance corn (Zea mays L.) breeding. Research has demonstrated the advantage of using molecular markers for selection of simply inherited traits, however only a few studies have evaluated the potential to enhance genetic gain for quantitative traits. In the late 1990s, Monsanto decided to implement marker assisted selection for quantitative traits in our global plant breeding programs. We built genotyping systems and information tools and developed marker assisted methodologies that increased the mean performance in elite breeding populations.
Apoproteins B and A-I and coronary artery disease in humans.

T review initially will consider the association between premature coronary artery disease and abnormal lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but then focus on recent evidence linking the apoproteins of lipoproteins to atherosclerosis. This evidence suggests that although cholesterol is the major component common to the plasma and the arterial wall, plasma apoproteins may serve as a better marker of risk for atherosclerosis.
Potential pathogenic aspects of denture plaque

Abstract Oral health status declines with age and as a result the need for removable prostheses increases. Oral health is a reflection of one’s general health, affecting the ability of an individual to eat and speak, and contributes significantly to a sense of confidence and well-being. Currently, there are 15 million denture wearers in the UK, representing a significant consumer base and a special healthcare consideration. The microbiology of denture plaque has received little attention in comparison with dental plaque, yet it differs in location and composition. Denture plaque and poor denture hygiene is associated with stomatitis (Candida infection), may also serve as a reservoir of potentially infectious pathogens, and may contribute to oral malodour and to caries and periodontitis in people who have remaining natural teeth. Oral bacteria have been implicated in bacterial endocarditis, aspiration pneumonia, gastrointestinal infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among others, and dentures offer a reservoir for microorganisms associated with these infections. An effective oral hygiene regimen is important to control denture plaque biofilm and contributes to the control of associated oral and systemic diseases.
Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men

Background: Although there is evidence that vitamin D inadequacy may be linked to adverse cognitive outcomes, results from studies on this topic have been inconsistent. The aim of this trial was to examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 3,369 men aged 40–79 years from eight centres enrolled in the European Male Ageing Study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test, the Camden Topographical Recognition Memory (CTRM) test and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Additional assessments included measurement of physical activity, functional performance and mood/depression. Associations between cognitive function and 25(OH)D levels were explored using locally weighted and linear regression models. Results: In total, 3,133 men (mean (±SD) age 60±11 years) were included in the analysis. The mean (±SD) 25(OH)D concentration was 63±31 nmol/l. In age-adjusted linear regressions, high levels of 25(OH)D were associated with high scores on the copy component of the ROCF test (β per 10 nmol/l = 0.096; 95% CI 0.049 to 0.144), the CTRM test (β per 10 nmol/l = 0.075; 95% CI 0.026 to 0.124) and the DSST (β per 10 nmol/l = 0.318; 95% CI 0.235 to 0.401). After adjusting for additional confounders, 25(OH)D levels were associated with only score on the DSST (β per 10 nmol/l = 0.152; 95% CI 0.051 to 0.253). Locally weighted and spline regressions suggested the relationship between 25(OH)D concentration and cognitive function was most pronounced at 25(OH)D concentrations below 35 nmol/l. Conclusion: In this study, lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with poorer performance on the DSST. Further research is warranted to determine whether vitamin D sufficiency might have a role in preserving cognitive function in older adults.
Effects of substrate availability on the temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition

Soil carbon is a major component in the global carbon cycle. Understanding the relationship between environmental changes and rates of soil respiration is critical for projecting changes in soil carbon fluxes in a changing climate. Although significant attention has been focused on the temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition, the factors that affect this temperature sensitivity are still debated. In this study, we examined the effects of substrate availability on the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration in several different kinds of soils. We found that increased substrate availability had a significant positive effect on temperature sensitivity, as measured by soil Q10 values, and that this effect was inversely proportional to original substrate availability. This observation can be explained if decomposition follows Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The simple Q10 model was most appropriate in soils with high substrate availability.
Epilepsy in the accident and emergency department--developing a code of safe practice for adult patients. South East and South West Thames Accident and Emergency Specialty Sub-committees.

OBJECTIVES: To benchmark current practice in the management of adult patients presenting with seizures to the accident and emergency (A&E) departments by performing a comparative interdepartmental audit. To assess the quality and degree of completeness of documentation in A&E records and to develop a proforma for the documentation of any case presenting with a seizure which would incorporate management guidelines for use by A&E doctors. METHODS: This was a retrospective, criterion based audit carried out in 12 A&E departments in the South Thames region. It involved 1200 adult patients who presented to A&E departments after a seizure. The degree of completeness of A&E records was assessed using criteria identified by A&E consultants and neurologists. Guidelines for use in the management of patients with seizures have been produced. RESULTS: Important aspects of the history and examination were frequently unrecorded in patients' notes. The recording of vital signs was particularly poor. A diversity of practice was shown between the departments that were audited and the number of investigations performed in each department varied considerably. Hospital admissions for patients with first seizures varied widely between departments, ranging from between 34.6% to 91.7% of cases. Documentation of advice given to patients about driving was evident in just 0.9% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Wide interdepartmental variation exists in both the quality of information recorded in A&E records and in the management of patients. Deficiencies could be minimised and potential improvements in the quality of documentation might be achieved by the introduction of a structured proforma incorporating pre-defined management guidelines.
Ontologia - próba usystematyzowania pojęć

Streszczenie: Ontologia jest przedmiotem badan w roznych dziedzinach nauki, m.in. w naukach humanistycznych i ekonomicznych. Aktualnie ontologie są przedmiotem badan w rozmaitych obiektach badawczych, m.in. inzynierii systemow informatycznych, w inzynierii wiedzy, teorii zarządzania wiedzą. Pierwszą definicją stworzoną na potrzeby informatyki jest definicja T. Grubera z 1993 r. Zastosowano ją w dziedzinie sztucznej inteligencji w celu ulatwienia wspoldzielenia i ponownego uzycia zgromadzonej wiedzy. W artykule podjeto probe przedstawienia wybranych pojec dotyczących ontologii. Omowiono wybrane definicje ontologii stworzone przez T. Grubera, A. Bassara i A. Maedche. Opisano zasady i proces tworzenia ontologii. W ostatniej cześci przedstawiono wybrane jezyki opisu ontologii, tj. Resource Description Framework (RDF) i Web Ontology Language (OWL).
Emotional Behavior Decision Model Based on Linear Dynamic Systems for Intelligent Service Robots

This paper introduces an emotional behavior decision model for intelligent service robots. An emotional model should make different behavior decisions according to the purpose of the robots. We propose an emotional behavior decision model which can change the character of emotional model and make different behavior decisions although the situation and environment remain the same. We defined each emotional element such as reactive dynamics, internal dynamics, emotional dynamics, and behavior dynamics by state dynamic equations. The proposed system model is a linear system. If you want to add one external stimulus or behavior, you need to add just one dimensional vector to the matrix of external stimulus or behavior dynamics. The case of removing is same. The change of reactive dynamics, internal dynamics, emotional dynamics, and behavior dynamics also follows the same procedure. We implemented the proposed emotional behavior decision model and verified its performance.
Chronic helminth infections modulate allergen‐specific immune responses: Protection against development of allergic disorders?

Inflammatory diseases are on the rise in westernized countries, but also in urbanized areas of developing countries. A number of studies have now demonstrated a negative association between helminth infections and inflammatory diseases, such as allergy, suggesting a potential role for helminth‐induced immune responses. However, this is not the case for all studies. In this review both supporting and opposing literature on the role of helminth infections, particularly in allergy, are discussed. Furthermore, the concept is put forward that chronic helminth infections, but not acute infections, may be associated with the expression of regulatory networks necessary for downmodulating allergic immune responses to harmless antigens. Lastly, different components of helminth‐induced regulatory networks are detailed, such as the role of regulatory T and B cells, modulation of dendritic cells, the presence of suppressory alternatively activated macrophages, and their individual contributions to protection against allergic diseases. Advantage should be taken from this knowledge to identify and select individual helminth‐derived molecules that may harbor therapeutic potential against inflammatory diseases.
Natural products as antifouling compounds: recent progress and future perspectives

Since early 2008, an increasing number of countries have ratified an international treaty to ban the application of antifouling (AF) coatings based on organotin compounds (eg tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin). As a result, the demand for environmentally friendly, non-toxic or low-toxicity AF compounds and technologies (green AF agents) has become an urgent reality. Marine coatings based on Cu2O and various other biocides have a negative impact on the environment and they must eventually be replaced by new, effective, and environmentally friendly AF compounds. This mini-review describes important AF compounds discovered from a variety of organisms from 2004 until mid 2009, and discusses recent and general trends in the discovery of AF compounds. Finally, a perspective on the future of AF compound development is presented. The discussion is aimed at updating scientists and engineers on the current challenges facing AF research.
Balloon sphincteroplasty and transpapillary elimination of bile duct stones: 10 years' experience.

OBJECTIVE The usual way for interventional radiology to treat stones in the bile duct involves their extraction with Dormia baskets. The technique of dilating the sphincter with a balloon and the transpapillary elimination of the stones has only sporadically been reported in the literature. In this article, we describe our experience with this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1992 and 2001, we used this technique on 100 patients between the ages of 17 and 93 years (mean age, 68 years). The minimum diameter of the stones varied between 4 and 22 mm (mean size, 11 mm), and in 46 patients, only a single stone was seen. The stones were located in the common bile duct, and in 11 patients, intrahepatic stones were also observed. The approach was performed through a percutaneous biliary drainage tract in 48 patients, following the surgical tract of the Kehr tube in 36 patients, through a surgical transcystic drainage catheter in 10 patients, and through a percutaneous cholecystostomy in six patients. RESULTS The procedure was successful in 95% of the patients. The morbidity rate was 5%, and the procedure did not produce mortality in any of the cases. Eighty-nine patients required one session, 10 patients required two sessions, and the remaining patient required five sessions. The mean period of hospitalization after the procedure was 5.5 days (range, 1-40 days). CONCLUSION Balloon sphincteroplasty and transpapillary elimination of bile duct stones is an effective and safe technique.
A nonparametric IR-UWB TOA estimator based on conditional tests

In this paper, a nonparametric approach for time-of-arrival (TOA) estimation in impulse radio ultra wide band (IR-UWB) signals is proposed. It exploits the idea of nonparametric detection, which is always utilized in radar systems for detecting targets in a background of noise with unknown statistical properties. The proposed nonparametric TOA estimator is obtained by basing a well-known generalized sign detector upon conditional statistical test with only a symmetry distribution assumption on the noise probability density functions. The main advantage of nonparametric estimators for ultra wide band signals is that they can be implemented by high sampling rate low resolution ADCs or fast comparator, instead of high sampling rate high resolution ADCs which are too complicated and power-hungry to implement. The effectiveness of our nonparametric detection-based estimator is demonstrated by comparing with energy-detection (ED) estimators via simulation.
NEURORECEPTOR FUNCTION AND PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGIC RESPONSE

Psychiatric diagnoses are imprecise and that imprecision flows from current diagnostic criteria. Essentially psychiatric conditions are viewed, reported, and studied from a syndromal perspective. That is, if sufficient signs and symptoms are present, then a specific diagnosis can be made. This relative ''softness'' contrasts with more pathophysiology-based diagnostic criteria used by our medical-surgical colleagues. As psychiatry and psychiatric nursing move toward a more scientific base for diagnosis, a greater emphasis has been placed on psychobiological dimensions of illness. The most aggressive approach to treating the psychobiological ''causes'' of mental disorders is the psychopharmacological approach. Essentially all psychotropic drugs affect neurotransmitter systems, however it is becoming clear that effects on receptors may be the most significant aspect of drug therapy. This article reviews receptor function and specific receptors known to be important in both the pathology and treatment of mental disorders.
Demand Uncertainty in Skill-based Competition

How does demand uncertainty affect entry into skill-based competition? I investigate this question in a market entry experiment with skill-based payoffs by systematically varying two key elements of the market environment: demand risk and expected market size. Results show that people's reactions to demand risk depend on the market size: in small markets people enter more when demand is risky, in large markets they enter less when demand is risky. This leads to substantial inefficiencies in both cases: demand risk significantly amplifies overentry in small markets and underentry in large markets. Skill and confidence have strong main effects but do not moderate reactions to demand risk or market size. This result has important implications for market design and regulation.
Réalisation d'un système de vérification de signature manuscrite en-ligne indépendant de la plateforme d'acquisition

La biometrie est depuis tres longtemps utilisee comme moyen de verification de l'identite. Cette these contribue a la verification automatique de l'identite par la signature manuscrite en-ligne. Cette derniere est souvent echantillonnee par une tablette a digitaliser ou un ecran tactile. La signature manuscrite est une modalite biometrique particulierement repandue et acceptee. Nos travaux ont permis de realiser un algorithme de verification original, generique, developpe independamment des bases d'experience. Il peut etre mis en œuvre sur differentes plateformes d'acquisition sans aucune etude supplementaire pour l'adapter. La signature manuscrite est modelisee par un Modele de Markov Cache. Dans un premier temps, nous ameliorons la modelisation de la signature en introduisant une methode de normalisation personnalisee des parametres de cette derniere. La Vraisemblance de la signature de test, donnee par le Modele de Markov Cache, est utilisee pour la verification. Les experimentations montrent que la normalisation personnalisee des parametres ameliore la qualite de modelisation des Modeles de Markov Caches. Dans un deuxieme temps, nous exploitons une autre information du Modele de Markov Cache, la Segmentation de la signature, afin de verifier l'identite du signataire. Cette information n'a jamais ete utilisee dans l'etat-de-l'art. Elle est ensuite fusionnee avec la Vraisemblance pour renforcer le systeme de verification. Les experiences montrent que la performance du systeme est amelioree par rapport a l'utilisation exclusive de la Vraisemblance. Les experiences sont conduites sur 4 bases de signatures, de natures differentes, acquises au moyen de plateformes d'acquisition differentes, puis sur la base integree, un simple melange des signatures des bases precedentes. Les bons resultats prouvent l'independance de notre algorithme par rapport a la plateforme d'acquisition de signature
HLA-Specific Antibodies Developed in the First Year Posttransplant are Predictive of Chronic Rejection and Renal Graft Loss

Background. Evidence shows posttransplant antibodies lead to renal allograft failure, but does the time elapsed between transplantation and antibody development impact allograft survival? This is the first study showing importance of when antibodies appear. Methods. Serial sera were collected during 17 years (1991–2008) from two groups of patients, one whose allograft failed due to chronic rejection containing 25 patients (230 sera) and a control group consisting of 25 graft functioning patients (305 sera) who were matched by transplant date to a patient whose graft failed. Results. The median follow-up for failure patients was 7.1±4.8 years and 11.8±4.4 years for controls. Human leukocyte antigens alloantibodies appeared in 24 of 25 (96%) of the failed patients and 48% of the controls (P<0.0001). Time to antibodies also differed between groups. Fifteen (60%) patients from the failure group developed antibodies by 1 year compared with none in the control group. Hazard ratio of antibodies present in 1-year posttransplant from multivariate analysis for allograft loss was 7.77 (P<0.001). Ten-year renal allograft survival in early antibody developers (<1 year) was 27% vs. 80% in the late antibody developers. Conclusions. Overall, human leukocyte antigens antibody development within 1-year posttransplantation markedly lowers allograft survival compared with later antibody development. Therefore, monitoring early antibodies is useful.
Activation and targeting of mitogen-activated protein kinases by G-protein-coupled receptors.

Over the past decade, it has become apparent that many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) generate signals that control cellular differentiation and growth, including stimulation of Ras family GTPases and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. The mechanisms that GPCRs use to control the activity of MAP kinases vary between receptor and cell type but fall broadly into one of three categories: signals initiated by classical G protein effectors, e.g., protein kinase (PK)A and PKC, signals initiated by cross-talk between GPCRs and classical receptor tyrosine kinases, e.g., "transactivation" of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, and signals initiated by direct interaction between beta-arrestins and components of the MAP kinase cascade, e.g., beta-arrestin "scaffolds". While each of these pathways results in increased cellular MAP kinase activity, emerging data suggest that they are not functionally redundant. MAP kinase activation occurring via PKC-dependent pathways and EGF receptor transactivation leads to nuclear translocation of the kinase and stimulates cell proliferation, while MAP kinase activation via beta-arrestin scaffolds primarily increases cytosolic kinase activity. By controlling the spatial and temporal distribution of MAP kinase activity within the cell, the consequences of GPCR-stimulated MAP kinase activation may be determined by the mechanism by which they are activated.