Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of the human foreskin during the fetal period.

AIMS Foreskin development begins at twelfth gestational week through a circular invagination of the ectoderm in the glandular periphery that grows ventrally and totally involves the glans around the twentieth gestational week. Studies of foreskin formation chronology and its histological constituents in human fetuses are rare. The objective of this study is to analyze foreskin development during the second trimester of the human fetal period. METHODS We studied twelve well-preserved human fetuses between thirteen and nineteen weeks post conception (WPC), according to the foot length criterion. The fetuses' weight ranged from 70 to 340 g and the crown-rump length from 11 to 18.5 cm. Their penises were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and cut into 5 micrometers sections. Hematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson solution, Gomori trichrome and Weigert staining were used. RESULTS The glans was partially covered by the foreskin in the fetus at 13 WPC and almost completely covered by the foreskin in fetuses at 16 WPC and 17 WPC. The complete foreskin was formed only in the fetuses at 18 and 19 WPC, in which the foreskin totally covered the glans. In all the fetuses studied we observed the presence of preputial lamella and a large amount of mesenchymal tissue between the foreskin and glans. CONCLUSION The chronology of foreskin formation in the second gestational trimester is well documented in our article. It is a fast process that lasts around five weeks and is coordinated with penile urethra formation.
Analysis of the sequence-specific interactions between Cro repressor and operator DNA by systematic base substitution experiments.

We measured quantitatively the binding affinities of purified Cro repressor to the chemically synthesized wild-type and mutant OR1 operators, consisting of all three possible base-pair substitutions and of thymine to uracil substitutions at each base-pair position of the 17-base-pair operator sequence. The sequence-specific interactions between Cro repressor and the operator DNA occur at the symmetrically disposed outer 7-base-pair positions of each half operator and at the central base-pair position. The binding of Cro is almost symmetrical with respect to the pseudo-twofold symmetry of the binding site. The binding free energy changes calculated from the affinity changes are mostly additive for specific Cro binding. Also the binding affinities of Cro to the operators or any other DNA sequences can be predicted by simple addition of free energy changes of single base substitutions. We isolated cro mutants by site-directed mutagenesis and studied their DNA binding to the wild-type and base-substituted mutant operators. The sequence-specific contacts derived from such studies are significantly different from the models proposed by Ohlendorf et al. [Ohlendorf, D. H. , Anderson, W. F. , Takeda, Y. & Matthews, B. W. (1982) Nature (London) 298, 719-723] and by Hochschild et al. [Hochschild, A. , Douhan, J., III, & Ptashne, M. (1986) Cell 47, 807-816].
Alterations of hemostasis after laparoscopic and open surgery

Abstract Background: After tissue injury caused by trauma or surgery, alterations of hemostasis are observed and there is a risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications. Laparoscopic surgery, by causing limited tissue injury, appears to be associated with a lower risk for thromboembolism than open surgery. We conducted a prospective randomized study in order to detect potentially existing differences in activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways between open and laparoscopic surgery. Methods: Forty patients suffering from chronic cholelithiasis were randomly assigned to undergo open (group A n = 20) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group B n = 20) by the same surgical and anesthesiology team. Demographic data were comparable. Blood samples were taken (a) preoperatively, (b) at the end of the procedure, (c) 24 h postoperatively and (d) 72 h postoperatively. The following parameters were measured and compared within each group and between groups: platelets (PLT), soluble fibrin monomer complexes (SFMC), fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimers (D-D), fibrinogen (FIB), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT). Thrombin–antithrombin III complexes (TAT) were measured at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) was measured at 24 and 72 h postoperatively in 11 patients of group A and 13 patients of group B, respectively. Results: Demographics were comparable between groups. Immediately postoperatively, TAT and F1 + 2 were significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.05). They also increased significantly postoperatively as compared to preoperative levels within each group (p < 0.05). D-dimers were significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.01) immediately postoperatively. D-dimers also increased significantly postoperatively in group B as compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.001). FIB decreased slightly in both groups at 24 h postoperatively but there was a significant increase in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.01). SFMC were detected twice in group A and only once group B. FDP levels over 5 μg/ml were detected more often in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). No patient from either group suffered thromboembolism or abnormal bleeding as a postoperative complication. Conclusions: Open surgery as compared to laparoscopic procedures leads to activation of the clotting system of a higher degree. Although of a lower degree, hypercoagulability is still observed in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and, therefore, routine thromboembolic prophylaxis should be considered.
Family Resiliency During Childhood Cancer: The Father's Perspective

Most studies of childhood cancer have focused on mothers, but few studies have examined the views of fathers on the effects of their child's cancer diagnosis and treatment on the family. The purpose of this study was to explore the resources that help fathers adapt to life after their child's diagnosis using the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation as a framework. Eight fathers whose children had received treatment in a university pediatric oncology clinic in the prior 12 months were interviewed in depth. Data were coded thematically using NVivo. Results indicated that support from extended family, the church, and health care professionals was necessary for fathers to remain positive during their child's illness; spousal and parent-child relationships strengthened; and changes in family life varied based on the composition of the household. Further studies are warranted to better understand how fathers cope, so that pediatric oncology nurses and other health care professionals can provide holistic care that addresses the unique needs of all family members.
Cigarette smoking affects uterine receptiveness.

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking has long been known to have an effect on female fertility. The existence of an ovarian factor is clear when one considers that the mean age of the menopause is lower and IVF cycle outcome is worse in heavy smokers. The hypothesis of a concomitant uterine effect is raised by indirect evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies, but as yet, no direct evidence has been gained to confirm its existence. In this work, we analyse the association between smoking habit in oocyte recipients and cycle outcome. METHODS We have retrospectively analysed the outcome of all oocyte donation cycles performed in our clinic from January 2002 to June 2005 from which there was available information regarding patient current smoking status. Husband and donor smoking status were controlled variables, as well as donor and recipient age, patient body mass index, embryo number and quality and duration of endometrial priming. RESULTS Pregnancy rate (PR) in non-heavy smokers (0-10 cigarettes/day) was significantly higher than in heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes/day) (52.2 versus 34.1%, respectively). Interestingly, multiple PR was significantly higher in heavy smokers (60 versus 31%). CONCLUSION Tobacco consumption determines reduced uterine receptiveness and an increased risk of multiple pregnancies. This last issue remains to be clarified.
Subordinate Financialization in Emerging Capitalist Economies

In the explosion of literature on financialization, there is a much smaller but growing interest in what the phenomenon means for emerging capitalist economies (ECEs). We hold that for agents located in ECEs, the encounter with financialization is from a subordinate position: first, in relation to global production, ECE firms occupy subordinate locations in global production networks, providing cheap labor and raw, or at best, intermediate inputs; Second, in relation to global finance, ECEs are structurally subordinated to ACEs, that is, both trade and the most liquid capital markets are denominated in the currency of ACEs. Subordination in production means firms based in ECEs are able to capture less of the value created than firms higher in the hierarchy and must pay more to hedge macroeconomic risk. In circulation, strategies may emerge in ACEs wherein increased household indebtedness and/or asset market inflation maintain aggregate demand. In finance, ECEs’ subordinate position in relation to money and capital markets means that capital inflows are predominantly short-term, seeking financial yields rather than assuming productive risk. The results are continued volatility, external vulnerability and subordination to the currencies of the ACEs, which themselves serve to further deepen domestic financialization. We conclude that, while by no means pre-destined, financialization as experienced in ECEs may serve to further cement their subordinate position in the global structure.
Family experience with difficult decisions in end‐of‐life care

The difficult decisions encountered by family caregivers in the process of care for patients with terminal cancer are seldom studied. Investigating their experiences with difficult decisions may help relieve their psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and difficulty of decisions experienced in end‐of‐life care and to identify related factors.
Increased incidence of complications in trauma patients cointoxicated with alcohol and other drugs.

BACKGROUND Alcohol and drug intoxication is prevalent in trauma patients. Although intoxication and cointoxication can have a range of physiologic effects, their implications for clinical management are unclear. The current investigation aims to assess the effects of alcohol and substance use as well as the interaction between these two states on outcomes and in-hospital complications. METHODS All trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >or=12 during a 5-year period who were tested for both alcohol and other drugs were included. Alcohol-positive, drug-positive, and both-positive patients were compared with patients who tested negative. Logistic regression analysis was performed controlling for age and ISS to assess the relative contribution of intoxication or cointoxication in determining clinical outcomes and in-hospital complications. RESULTS For alcohol-positive and drug-positive patients, intoxication status did not appear to influence outcomes. However, cointoxicated individuals were found to have an increased incidence of complications overall (odds ratio [OR] = 2.06), an increased incidence of pneumonia specifically (OR = 3.34) and an increased incidence of the requirement for mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.37). CONCLUSIONS Cointoxication with alcohol and other drugs is a risk factor for increased in-hospital complications.
Smoking cessation: barriers to success and readiness to change.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Smoking cessation interventions should be individualized based on patient history and readiness for change. The objective of this study was to assess stages of change and key components of smoking and cessation history among a sample of primary care patients. METHODS A telephone survey of current or recent smokers identified smoking status, stage of change, motivation, concerns, relapse history, pharmacotherapy, and social support. RESULTS Of 150 participants, most were within precontemplation (22.7 percent) or contemplation (44.0 percent) stages of change; 14.0 percent were in preparation, 4.7 percent in action, and 14.7 percent in maintenance. The primary motivation for quitting was to improve general health (42.3 percent). The most common cessation-related concerns were: breaking the habit, stress, and weight gain. Pharmacotherapy was discontinued due to adverse events in 31.5 percent of users. Intratreatment social support was reported by 17.5 percent. The most common reasons for relapse were falling back into the habit (36 percent), stressful situations (27 percent), and being around other smokers (25 percent). CONCLUSIONS Targeted interventions are needed for patients in either precontemplation or contemplation stages. Counseling should focus on helping patients resolve barriers to cessation and reasons for relapse, particularly stress and weight management. Pharmacotherapy should be utilized when patients are ready to quit. Increased intratreatment social support and counseling appear warranted to support behavior change and appropriate medication use.
The well-being transition : measuring what counts to protect what matters

In this article we provide an analytical framework for a collective effort that we label "the well-being transition" away from growth and GDP towards human well-being and offer some insights as to what is needed to accelerate this dynamic, insisting on the need for a new positive narrative and institutional reforms. We first present the achievements and challenges of the well-being transition first by outlying why and how we can go beyond growth and GDP not just to see the world differently but to change it. We then spell out a possible narrative able to engage citizens and transform these new visions into social realities, linking sustainability and justice in a social-ecological approach of 21st century challenges. We finally propose specific institutional reforms to ground the well-being transition in public policy.
Etude Des Déterminants De L’usage Des Services De L’administration Électronique Par Le Citoyen : Revue De Littérature

L’administration electronique est definie comme etant la prestation des services publics aux citoyens a l’aide d’Internet et de technologie de l’information et de communication. La relation entre l’administration publique et le citoyen est dematerialisee au fil du temps afin d’offrir une prestation complete en matiere de couts, qualite et delais. L’objet de cet article est de presenter une revue de litterature, qui s’interesse a l’etude des determinants de l’usage des e-services publics par le citoyen, ceci a travers une demarche hypothetico-deductive permettant d’elaborer un modele de recherche qui sera teste dans des travaux ulterieurs dans le contexte Marocain. Ce sujet est aborde dans la perspective de repondre aux besoins du Citoyen d’un cote, et d’aider les decideurs publics a ameliorer les services de l’administration electronique d’un autre cote. E-administration is defined as the delivery of public services to citizens through the use of the Internet, and information and communication technology. The relationship between the public administration and the citizen is dematerialized over time in order to provide a complete service in terms of costs, quality and deadlines. The purpose of this article is to present a literature review, which focuses on the study of the determinants of citizen use of public e-services, through a hypothetical-deductive approach to develop a research model that will be tested in later work in the Moroccan context. This topic is discussed with a view to meeting the needs of the Citizen on the one hand, and to helping policy makers to improve the services of electronic administration on the other hand.
NF‐κB and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins are required for apoptosis resistance of epithelial cells persistently infected with Chlamydophila pneumoniae

Infection with Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cpn) renders host cells resistant to apoptosis induced by a variety of stimuli. While modulation of apoptosis has been extensively studied in cells acutely infected with Cpn, very little is known on how persistent chlamydial infection influences host cell survival. Here we show that epithelial cells persistently infected with Cpn resist apoptosis induced with TNFα or staurosporine. Cpn induced the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and inhibition of NF‐κB with a chemical inhibitor or by silencing expression of the p65 subunit sensitized infected cells for apoptosis induction by staurosporine or TNFα. Persistent infection resulted in the upregulation of the NF‐κB regulated inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (cIAP‐2) but not inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP‐1). Interestingly, silencing of either cIAP‐1 or cIAP‐2 sensitized infected cells, suggesting that IAPs play an important role in the apoptosis resistance of persistently infected cells.
Transcriptional Regulation of the ecp Operon by EcpR, IHF, and H-NS in Attaching and Effacing Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) Escherichia coli are clinically important diarrheagenic pathogens that adhere to the intestinal epithelial surface. The E. coli common pili (ECP), or meningitis-associated and temperature-regulated (MAT) fimbriae, are ubiquitous among both commensal and pathogenic E. coli strains and play a role as colonization factors by promoting the interaction between bacteria and host epithelial cells and favoring interbacterial interactions in biofilm communities. The first gene of the ecp operon encodes EcpR (also known as MatA), a proposed regulatory protein containing a LuxR-like C-terminal helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA-binding motif. In this work, we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of the ecp genes and the role of EcpR as a transcriptional regulator. EHEC and EPEC ecpR mutants produce less ECP, while plasmids expressing EcpR increase considerably the expression of EcpA and production of ECP. The ecp genes are transcribed as an operon from a promoter located 121 bp upstream of the start codon of ecpR. EcpR positively regulates this promoter by binding to two TTCCT boxes distantly located upstream of the ecp promoter, thus enhancing expression of downstream ecp genes, leading to ECP production. EcpR mutants in the putative HTH DNA-binding domain are no longer able to activate ecp expression or bind to the TTCCT boxes. EcpR-mediated activation is aided by integration host factor (IHF), which is essential for counteracting the repression exerted by histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (H-NS) on the ecp promoter. This work demonstrates evidence about the interplay between a novel member of a diverse family of regulatory proteins and global regulators in the regulation of a fimbrial operon.
Die Lohnungleichheit zwischen Männern und Frauen: Indikatoren, Ursachen und Lösungsansätze

Der Lohnabstand zwischen Frauen und Mannern betrug im Jahr 2007 in Deutschland 23 Prozent. Deutschland weist damit im EU-Vergleich noch immer einen relativ hohen Wert auf. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt zunachst, welche Indikatoren, Methoden und Daten sich fur eine Bestimmung der geschlechtsspezifischen Lohnlucke sinnvollerweise heranziehen lassen und warum eine pauschale Gleichsetzung der Lohnlucke mit Diskriminierung zu kurz greift. Die Auswertung von international vergleichenden Studien und von Ergebnissen nationaler Untersuchungen verdeutlicht, dass vor allem die bis zuletzt von Frauen wesentlich haufiger als von Mannern in Anspruch genommenen kindbedingten Erwerbspausen die Lohnungleichheit in Deutschland erhohen. Dieser Effekt wird noch dadurch verstarkt, dass eine Ruckkehr in das Erwerbsleben – wenn sie denn uberhaupt erfolgt – eher selten in Vollzeittatigkeiten stattfindet. Vor diesem Hintergrund bietet sich insbesondere ein noch starkeres politisches Engagement im Bereich der Kinderbetreuungsinfrastruktur und des Elterngelds an.
Evolution of Flow in Games

Every one wants to play a fun game, but ”fun” is a subjective quality. Flow, a psychological theory to define what ”fun” is, states that, for an activity to be considered fun, the challenge it presents must correlate with that participant’s abilities such that the activity is neither too easy or too difficult. One of the biggest problems for game designers is balancing the difficulty of its content in such a way that it appeals to the largest audience possible. In order to broaden audiences, developers need to invest effort into creating numerous, discrete balances that are aligned to varying difficulty normals. Even then, these discrete categories never exactly match more than a few people’s abilities. Previous research has created systems to adjust online, changing the difficulty the system throws at a player as the he or she plays the game. Creators of these systems often state that more complex evolutionary methods, like genetic algorithms, cannot be viable for such online learning due to lacking efficiency and effectiveness. However, newer techniques like the use of generative grammatical encodings have been shown to break such previous stereotypes of non-efficiency, creating the possibility that they might be now be a viable option. In my research, I implement a game system that uses an interactive genetic algorithm, further using generative grammatical encodings, as a proof of concept that such a system can noticeably balance a game’s difficulty online, to any given player. This effect is backed up with test results from the field as to how players felt it adjusted to them.
Arc Models for Simulation of Brush Motor Commutations

Conventional modeling approach of brush dc motor uses an equivalent electrical circuit with a variable switched-on resistance to model brush-collector contacts. Magnetic saturation and collector electric sparks are usually neglected despite their great influence on performance estimation and on current or voltage waveforms. In this paper, we compare several arc models that can be easily used for brush-collector contact modeling in finite-element simulation of brush motors with a direct coupling method. These models are validated by experimental measurements on a small brush dc motor.
Smart Specialization Strategy and Directed Technological Change

The smart specialization strategy (S3) is a key driver in the EU policy. We formalize the smart specialization policy and the entrepreneurial discovery process in order to generalize and implement the concept of S3. We find that the smartest specialization strategy increases the productivity of the largest input in the region. Finally, we describe the proprieties required for an efficient smart specialization process using the directed technological change approach.