Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contraceptive options for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: current insights and a narrative review

Premenstrual syndrome and its most severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), are two well-defined clinical entities that affect a considerable number of women. Progesterone metabolites and certain neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin, are involved in the etiology of this condition. Until recently, the only treatment for women with PMDD was psychoactive drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Several years ago, there has been evidence of the beneficial role of combined hormonal contraceptives in controlling PMDD symptoms. Oral combined hormonal contraceptives that contain drospirenone in a 24+4-day regimen are the only drugs that have been approved by US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PMDD, but there is scientific evidence that other agents, with other formulations and regimens, could also be effective for the treatment of this condition. However, it remains unclear whether the beneficial effect of combined hormonal contraceptives is associated with the type of estrogen or progestogen used or the treatment regimen.
Service Orientation: Its Impact on Business Performance in the Medical Service Industry

From the viewpoint of internal marketing, employees who are content in their job may be motivated to satisfy their customers better than ones who are not content. Another relevant premise is that the content employees, because of their work motivation, would eventually help improve the performance of their firm. To verify these relationships, some previous studies looked into the effects of organisational service orientation on employee's satisfaction. But only few of them investigated the mediating effects of variables such as service value and customer orientation for their role in linking service orientation to business performance. This study examines how an organisation's service orientation had an effect on its performance at hospitals. For this purpose, verification of the mediating role of service value perceived by employees as well as the role of customer orientation on the firm's performance was attempted. For this study, a total of 292 usable questionnaires were collected from hospital staffs located in metropolitan cities of Korea. The hypotheses concerning relationships among service orientation, service value, employee satisfaction and customer orientation were verified by covariance structural modelling, using SPSS 10.0 and AMOS 4.0 programs. The result is as follows. First, organisational service orientation had a positive effect on both employee satisfaction and service value perceived by hospital staff. Second, employee satisfaction had a positive impact on service value and customer orientation. Finally, service value as well as employee's customer orientation were found to exert positive influence on the medical firm's performance.
Corporate brand evolution: corporate brand images evolving in consumers' everyday life

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to discuss how corporate brand images evolve in consumers' everyday life and its implications for the company's branding strategies.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual discussion and a framework are presented that maps four alternative views on corporate brand images and market dynamics in relation to corporate branding.Findings – Corporate brand evolution is suggested as a way of including consumers' everyday brand image constructions and re‐constructions in a company's branding strategy. Corporate brand evolution is based on two new concepts: image heritage and image‐in‐use. A model for understanding evolving strategic corporate branding is proposed.Research limitations/implications – The proposed view on evolving corporate brands is deliberately developed for understanding open source brand dynamics in ever‐changing markets. This paper is limited to make a conceptual contribution. Therefore, research implications are to develop empirically the understanding of .
Early and delayed phases of hind paw edema in rats.

Interaction between early and delayed phases in developmental process of hind paw swelling was investigated in rats using the mixed phlogistics-induced paw edema technique. Swelling induced by a mixture of carrageenin and Kaolin was observed in both the early and delayed phases. Despite of the augmentation of the early phase induced by the mixture, the delayed phase was not altered. The delayed phase was not reduced by treatment with antihistaminics and/or anti-serotonin agents, whereas the early phase was inhibited with those agents. The delayed phase was inhibited with anti-inflammatory agents without alterating the early phase. The potentiating effect on the delayed phase was observed in the combined use of flufenamic acid and diphenhydramine. From these results, it is concluded that the delayed phase is independent from the early phase in the developmental process of hind paw edema, but it is related to the early phase in chemotherapy. Furthermore, effects of various agents on the mixed phlogistics-induced hind paw edema, the some of which included 0.1 % histamine, 0.01 % serotonin, 0.5 % carrageenin and 5 % Kaolin were investigated by localized and oral application and are discussed herein.
Evolution of the Primary Immune Response toHistoplasma capsulatum in Murine Lung

ABSTRACT Histoplasma capsulatum induces a cell-mediated immune response in the lungs and lymphoid organs of mammals. In this study, we analyzed the progression of the cytokine and inflammatory reactions in the lungs of mice infected intranasally with H. capsulatum. We measured cytokine mRNA levels and determined the inflammatory cell populations during the active phase of infection (<3 weeks). Transcription of genes encoding interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-12 and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was detectable as early as day 3 of infection, whereas a signal for IL-10 was never observed. Competitive PCR analysis demonstrated that enhanced expression of IL-12 mRNA was observed by day 3 and that expression of mRNA for IL-2 and IFN-γ progressively increased from day 5 to day 10. All levels declined by day 14. Analysis of the inflammatory response revealed an initial elevation in myeloid cells (Mac-1+) and natural killer (NK) cells followed by a rise in T cells, predominantly CD4+cells. Since IFN-γ is a key factor in host defense, we performed cytoplasmic staining to determine the cell populations that produced this cytokine. The hierarchy of synthesis was CD4+ > CD8+ > NK cells. Thus, H. capsulatum provokes an orderly modulation of the inflammatory and cytokine responses in murine lungs.
Potential involvement of mt1 receptor and attenuated sex steroid‐induced calcium influx in the direct anti‐proliferative action of melatonin on androgen‐responsive LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

Melatonin, a pineal secretory product, has been shown to exert a direct anti‐proliferative action on the androgen‐sensitive LNCaP prostate cancer cell line through hitherto undefined mechanisms. In this communication, expression of mt1 melatonin receptor protein in human prostate cancer tissues and LNCaP cells was demonstrated by immunohisto(cyto)chemistry and western blotting, hence supporting the use of LNCaP cell line as a model for the study of melatonin signaling in prostate cancer cell growth. Using H‐thymidine incorporation assay, LNCaP cell proliferation was inhibited by 2‐iodomelatonin, a high‐affinity melatonin receptor agonist. Furthermore, melatonin inhibited H‐thymidine incorporation into LNCaP cells and attenuated 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or 17β‐estradiol (E2)‐induced stimulation of LNCaP cell proliferation at physiological and pharmacological concentrations. Similar concentration‐dependent inhibition of sex steroid‐induced stimulation of thymidine incorporation into LNCaP cells by 2‐iodomelatonin was also observed. Interestingly, attenuation of sex steroid‐stimulated calcium influx into LNCaP cells by pharmacological concentrations of melatonin was recorded, whereas 2‐iodomelatonin had no effect on cytosolic calcium changes induced by sex steroids. In addition, proliferative and cytosolic calcium changes were associated with inhibition of total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) production by LNCaP cells at high physiological and pharmacological concentrations of melatonin. Our data suggest that activated mt1 receptor and attenuated sex steroid‐induced calcium influx are two important mechanisms mediating the direct anti‐proliferative action of melatonin on androgen‐responsive human prostate cancer cells.
Delighted when approved by others, to pieces when rejected: children's social anxiety magnifies the linkage between self- and other-evaluations.

BACKGROUND Socially anxious children tend to attach great importance to others' evaluations of them. However, the extent to which they base their momentary feelings of self-worth (i.e., state self-esteem) on social (dis)approval is unclear. It is also unclear whether this exceedingly approval-based self-esteem is a common correlate of social anxiety and depression, or specifically linked to one or the other. METHODS Changes in children's state self-esteem were obtained in response to a manipulated peer evaluation outcome. Participants (N = 188) aged 10 to 13 took part in a rigged online computer contest and were randomized to receive positive or negative peer feedback. Self-reported state self-esteem was assessed via computer at baseline and immediately post-feedback. The predictive effects of self-reported social anxiety and depression symptoms on changes in state self-esteem were investigated. RESULTS Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that children with higher social anxiety, as indexed by the fear of negative evaluation component, experienced significantly stronger increases in state self-esteem following peer approval (β = .26, p < .05), and significantly stronger decreases in state self-esteem following peer disapproval (β = -.23, p < .05). In both conditions depressive symptoms did not predict changes in state self-esteem (ps > .20). CONCLUSIONS Socially anxious children's state self-esteem is strongly contingent on social approval. Because basing one's self-esteem on external validation has multiple negative consequences, these findings highlight the importance of teaching these children skills (e.g., making cognitive reappraisals) to weaken the linkage between other- and self-evaluations.
An investigation of TBL report assurance statements: UK and European evidence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to document a study of European and UK triple bottom line (TBL) report assurance statements.Design/methodology/approach – In undertaking the research, an international database was constructed from which all known European and UK third‐party assurance statements that accompanied the release of TBL reports were selected for review.Findings – The results of the analysis indicate that there is much variability and ambiguity inherent within the contents of the third‐party statements.Research limitations/implications – The UK and European reports included within the database compiled by the researchers provide the basis of the information used to develop this paper. In selecting assurance statements to include within the database, the latest TBL report from each reporting organization was obtained (and it should be appreciated that many organizations do not produce TBL reports on an annual basis). Of the 170 reports available internationally at the time the research was u.
Using the demand for hunting licences to evaluate contingent valuation estimates of willingness to pay

Taking advantage of differences in inflation adjusted licence prices over time, the demand for hunting licences is estimated. This introduces a different type of validity test which compares willingness to pay derived from actual licence demand to estimates of hunting benefits derived by the contingent valuation method. Willingness to pay estimates for deer and elk hunting derived from contingent valuation are statistically less than corresponding estimates from the actual licence sale demand analysis.
Business Student Attitudes, Experience, and Satisfaction with Online Courses.

The purpose of our study is to examine business students’ perceptions of their online class experience relative to the traditional in-class experience; specifically, whether a descriptive, theoretical or analytical course would be preferred as an online or traditional course. Two hundred and ninety students enrolled in upper-level business courses were surveyed at a mid-level Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredited public university. Students were then asked to contrast their experiences with online and traditional classes regarding convenience, amount learned, difficulty, etc. A breakdown of the students by major revealed similar attitudes toward the online experience whether majoring in a more analytical or softskilled business discipline.
Maternal child feeding practices and obesity: a discordant sibling analysis.

BACKGROUND The relationship between maternal feeding practices and weight status of 7-12 year-old obese and nonobese siblings was evaluated in 18 families using a discordant sibling design. METHOD Mothers completed measures of concern and perception of children's weight and eating behavior, their control over child feeding, and maternal eating behavior. RESULTS Intraclass correlations suggested similarity between obese and nonobese siblings in maternal control over feeding. Mothers perceived differences between their obese and nonobese children's eating regulation. Mothers' weight status was positively associated with disinhibition of their own eating as well as concern about both their obese and nonobese children's weight and health. DISCUSSION These findings fail to support the hypothesis that maternal control over child feeding is related to childhood obesity, but highlight the impact of maternal weight history and eating habits on her impression of children's future weight and health independent of the child's weight status.
Regional Variations In Housing And Wealth Accumulation In New Zealand

This paper reviews and empirically examines the debate about the role of housing in wealth generation and wealth distribution in New Zealand over the past twenty five years. The article is structured around four parts. The first explores the theoretical debate regarding housing wealth accumulation and situates the paper within this debate as a contribution to the exploration of regional housing price shifts and the links to economic and social restructuring. The second part addresses the methodological issues in the analysis of financial gains from housing. The third reviews previous New Zealand empirical work covering the period from 1970–1988 to provide a background for the fourth section which examines changes over the period from 1990–94. The data is interpreted in the paper against the background of the economic and social restructuring of the regions which has taken place since 1970.
Democratization, social crisis and the impact of military domestic roles in Latin America

Civil-militaly relations theorists have long warned against the participation of armed forces in domestic missions in democratic societies. They argue that such domestic roles bolster the military politically and eventually lead to the overthrow of democratic governments. Yet for two decades now, democratic governments have enlisted the help of their militaries domestically without risk to the regime. Civilian leaders often provide the military with internal roles to compensate for the inability of the state to provide the public and private goods demanded by citizens particularly in times of internal economic or social crisis. Even in the midst of crisis. democratic governments can withstand military involvement in a range of domestic projects, from food distribution to policing to provision of health services. This article argues that military political intervention that accompanies participation in internal missions is only one possible outcome of moments of severe conflict induced by crisis, and will occur only when weak democracies with low levels of civilian control are victims of such crises. We examine this relationship in a comparison of two Latin American cases. Argentina and Venezuela.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DAN PENGUNGKAPAN ISLAMIC SOCIAL REPORTING PADA PERBANKAN SYARIAH DI INDONESIA

Selama ini pengukuran pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial pada perbankan syariah masih mengacu pada Global Reporting Initiative Index (GRI), padahal saat ini banyak diperbincangkan mengenai Islamic Social Reporting yang sesuai dengan prinsip syariah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari elemen Good Corporate Governance terhadap pengungkapan Islamic Social Reporting pada perbankan syariah di Indonesia. Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah seluruh bank umum syariah di Indonesia. Total sampel yang diuji sebanyak 10 bank umum syariah yang dipilih dengan metode purposive sampling. Teknik analisis dari penelitian ini menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis inferensial. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ukuran dewan komisaris terbukti memiliki pengaruh positif signifikan terhadap pengungkapan Islamic social reporting pada perbankan syariah di Indonesia. Sedangkan ukuran dewan pengawas syariah tidak terbukti berpengaruh terhadap pengungkapan Islamic social reporting pada perbankan syariah di Indonesia. So far social responsibility disclosure measurement is still referred to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) index, although many recent discussions about Islamic Social Reporting which is in favor with Sharia Principles. This research aims at identifying the influence of Good Corporate Governance on Islamic Social Reporting disclosure of sharia banking in Indonesia. The population of this research are all of Islamic banks in Indonesia. Ten Islamic banks selected by using purposive sampling. The study uses descriptive and regression analyses. The result shows that Commissioners Board size affect significantly on Islamic social reporting disclosure of sharia banking in Indonesia, while Sharia Supervisory Board size does not affect Islamic Social Reporting of Sharia banking in Indonesia.
Alternative Theories and Empirical Approaches to Price Discovery: An Application to Fed Cattle

Price discovery is a frequent topic of research, but many times is not clearly defined and thus purported to cover a myriad of topics. This article provides two alternative theories as the basis for one line of price discovery research. Empirical models consistent with the two theories are estimated using a common data set. Empirical results differ as expected. This article evidences why the theoretical basis for an empirical model depends on clearly defining the objective(s) of the research.
Economic Concentration in the Start‐Up Nation: Is Privatisation to Blame?

In this paper we examine the underlying sources of economic concentration in Israel, which is unusually high for a developed and innovative economy. After a brief review of Israel's economic history since the start of the British Mandate, we describe the level of economic concentration, privatisation policy and other public policies that potentially contributed to the creation and persistence of the concentration problem. We argue that privatisation is not likely to be a causal factor, mainly because concentration was present and substantial at least two decades before modern privatisation policies were adopted. It is more plausible to argue that other economic policies, such as R&D subsidies, tax breaks for capital investment, export subsidies, tariffs, stringent regulations and barriers to competition played a major role in the emergence and persistence of economic concentration.
Balancing Internal and External Knowledge Acquisition: The Gains and Pains from R&D Outsourcing

The outsourcing of research and development (R&D) activities has frequently been characterized as an important instrument to acquire external technological knowledge that is subsequently integrated into a firm's own knowledge base. However, in this paper we argue that these ‘gains’ from R&D outsourcing need to be balanced against the ‘pains’ that stem from a dilution of firm-specific resources, the deterioration of integrative capabilities and the high demands on management attention. Based on a panel dataset of innovating firms in Germany, we find evidence for an inverse U-shaped relationship between R&D outsourcing and innovation performance. This relationship is positively moderated by the extent to which firms engage in internal R&D and by the breadth of formal R&D collaborations: both serve as an instrument to increase the effectiveness of R&D outsourcing.
Akt phosphorylates and regulates the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77

The immediate early gene NUR77 (also called NGFI-B) is required for T cell antigen receptor-mediated cell death and is induced to very high levels in immature thymocytes and T cell hybridomas undergoing apoptosis. The Akt (PKB) kinase is a key player in transduction of anti-apoptotic and proliferative signals in T cells. Because Nur77 has a putative Akt phosphorylation site at Ser-350, and phosphorylation of this residue is critical for the transactivation activity of Nur77, we investigated whether Akt regulates Nur77. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed the detection of Nur77 in Akt immune complexes, suggesting that Nur77 and Akt physically interact. We further show that Akt specifically phosphorylates Ser-350 of the Nur77 protein within its DNA-binding domain in vitro and in vivo in 293 and NIH 3T3 cells. Because phosphorylation of Ser-350 of Nur77 is critical for its function as a transcription factor, we examined the effect of Akt on this function. By using luciferase assay experiments, we showed that phosphorylation of Nur77 by Akt decreased the transcriptional activity of Nur77 by 50–85%. Thus, we show that Akt interacts with Nur77 and inactivates Nur77 by phosphorylation at Ser-350 in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent manner, connecting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent Akt pathway and a nuclear receptor pathway.
Usefulness of intellectual capital information: preparers' and users' views

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate preparers' and users' perceptions on the usefulness of intellectual capital (IC) information disclosed in annual reports of listed companies. In addition, it aims to examine the significant differences in the perceptions of usefulness of IC information and IC categories of the preparers and users.Design/methodology/approach – The paper used a questionnaire survey method to collect the data (i.e. primary data). The questionnaires were distributed to companies (i.e. chief financial officers and accountants) as preparers, and brokers (i.e. analysts) and banks (i.e. credit officers) as users. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t‐test and ANOVA.Findings – The paper found that both preparers and users perceive the IC information disclosed in the annual reports of listed companies to be useful for their decision making purposes. Furthermore, the paper found that there are significant differences in the perception of usefulness between preparers and users.