Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The combination of twice daily luteinizing hormone-releasing factor administration and renal pituitary homografts restores normal reproductive organ size in male hamsters with pineal-mediated gonadal atrophy.

Light deprivation by bilateral orbital enucleation led to testicular and accessory sex organ regression in male hamsters within 12 weeks. Blinding also significantly depressed circulating levels of immunoreactive LH, FSH, and PRL. Twice daily injections of LRF did not prevent atrophy of the testes and accessory sex organs in blind animals even though they stimulated the release of both LH and FSH. Likewise, the restoration of normal plasma levels of PRL, due to the implantation of two pituitary homografts under the kidney capsule of blind hamsters only slightly stimulated testicular and accessory organ growth in the animals. However, twice daily LRF injections into light-deprived hamsters bearing subcapsular pituitary transplants completely restored normal testicular and accessory sex organ sizes. The results suggest that LH, FSH, and PRL act to restore normal testicular function in hamsters suffering from pineal-induced gonadal atrophy due to light deprivation. The possibility that the pituitary homografts secreted hormones in addition to PRL which also assisted in maintaining gonadal size cannot be excluded. Since the LRF injections stimulated the release of both LH and FSH from the pituitary of blind hamsters, it appears that the pineal normally inhibits the secretion of the gonadotropins at a site above the anterior pituitary, i.e. within the brain.
FORMULATION AND ESTIMATION OF THE EFFECTIVE SIZE OF STAGE‐STRUCTURED POPULATIONS IN FRITILLARIA CAMTSCHATCENSIS, A PERENNIAL HERB WITH A COMPLEX LIFE HISTORY

The effective population size (Ne) is formulated based on a stage‐structured population model and is estimated for two populations of Fritillaria camtschatcensis (L.) Ker‐Gawl. (Liliaceae), a perennial, mainly clonally reproducing herb. Plants in these populations change life‐history stages year by year, either upward or downward across three unambiguously identifiable stages: one‐leaf, nonflowering; multileaf nonflowering; and multileaf, flowering stages. Plants of all stages produce clonal progeny (bulblets) each year, and death of plants occurs only in the first stage. The populations are nearly at equilibrium in both population size and stage structure. Ne is estimated to be 20‐30% of the census population size (N), leading to the prediction that a population size of about 20,000 or more will be needed to conserve the normal level of the gene diversity (Ne≥ 5000). With the current demographic pattern of this species, accelerated growth of the first‐stage plants with reduced survival of the second‐ and third‐stage plants will increase both the annual (Ny/N) and generation time (Ne/N) effective sizes of population.
Expression of Smad proteins in human colorectal cancer

Escape from transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)–induced inhibition of proliferation has been observed in many tumor cells and may contribute to loss of growth control. Smad proteins have been identified as major components in the intracellular signaling of TGF‐β family members. In this study, we examined the expression of receptor‐activated, common‐mediator and inhibitory Smads by immunohistochemistry in human colorectal cancers. We found increased expression of receptor‐activated Smads in a fraction of the tumor cells, while no immunostaining for Smad2, Smad3 or Smad5 and only occasional staining for Smad1/8 was found in epithelial mucosa of normal colon. No or only weak staining for receptor‐activated Smads, common‐mediator Smad4 and inhibitory Smads was observed in the tumor stroma. Common‐mediator Smad4 and inhibitory Smads were detected in cells of both tumor and normal tissues. We observed a distinct pattern of Smad4 immunostaining of epithelial cells along colon crypts, with high expression in zones of terminal differentiation. Our data show selective up‐regulation of receptor‐activated Smad proteins in human colorectal cancers and suggest involvement of Smad4 in differentiation and apoptosis of surface epithelial cells of normal crypts. Int. J. Cancer 82:197–202, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Big data and the regulation of financial markets

The development of computational data science techniques in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze large and complex textual information opens new avenues to study intricate processes, such as government regulation of financial markets, at a scale unimaginable even a few years ago. This paper develops scalable NLP and ML algorithms (classification, clustering and ranking methods) that automatically classify laws into various codes/labels, rank feature sets based on use case, and induce best structured representation of sentences for various types of computational analysis. The results provide standardized coding labels of policies to assist regulators to better understand how key policy features impact financial markets.
A Population-Based Evaluation of Antenatal Diagnosis of Orofacial Clefts

Objectives: To evaluate the changes in prevalence and antenatal detection of cleft lip with or without cleft palate and isolated cleft palate and to describe the association between anomalies and rates of antenatal diagnosis in Nova Scotia from 1992 to 2002. Design: This population-based cohort study employed the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, the Fetal Anomaly Database, and IWK Cleft Palate Database in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Outcome Measures: Cleft type, mode of diagnosis, and associated abnormalities of orofacial clefts for liveborn infants, stillbirths, and second trimester terminations of pregnancy between 1992 and 2002 were determined. Results: There were 225 fetuses identified as having orofacial clefts. The overall prevalence of clefts was 2.1 in 1000 live births, and this prevalence did not change with time. The overall antenatal detection of cleft lip with or without cleft palate was 23%; however, there was improvement in detection of cleft lip with or without cleft palate from the years 1992 to 1996 (14%) to the years 1997 to 2002 (30%, p = .02). No isolated cleft palates were detected antenatally. Associated structural anomalies were seen in 34.2% of cases with orofacial clefts, and chromosomal abnormalities were associated with 9.8%. Conclusions: The prevalence of orofacial clefts in Nova Scotia has not changed from 1992 to 2002. The proportion of antenatally diagnosed cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Nova Scotia is consistent with rates reported in the literature and has increased from 1992 to 2002.
The Uses of Function: James Britton’s Category System and Research on Writing

The theoretical and empirical work of James Britton has been influential in promoting a view of writing as a means of learning and reflecting about subject matter. In detailing the heuristic potential of writing and the wide range of possible uses of writing, Britton’s work has played a significant role in countering the traditional view of writing instruction emphasizing mechanical correctness and the teaching of a rigid set of discourse forms. In particular, Britton’s theory of written discourse function has been used widely in research on writing and has made an important contribution to writing theory and pedagogy. Employed as a key variable in a host of empirical studies on writing, the function system has also been examined and critiqued in a number of theoretical studies. Yet the body of research in which the function system appears has never been analyzed systematically to determine what the theory has contributed to our understanding of how writing is learned and taught. In this review, we examine research employing or critiquing Britton’s theory. Studies are divided into four categories, centering on (a) the nature of school writing; (b) writing processes and written text structures; (c) connections between writing and learning; and (d) critiques of the function system. We also discuss ways in which the function theory could be improved and extended, and examine the theory’s relevance in light of critical issues in American education.
A Bayesian inference based simulation approach for estimating fraction nonconforming of pipe spool welding processes

Pipe spool fabrication is the most vital process to the successful delivery of industrial construction project. Due to the various combinations of pipe attributes in terms of Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), Pipe Schedule, and material, it is hard for practitioners to estimate the pipe welding quality performance based on the available historical data. This paper aims to develop a Bayesian Inference based simulation approach to assist making good estimates of welds fraction nonconforming for proposing a new project to clients. In this proposed approach, the pipe welding inspection process is first modeled as a Bernoulli process. Utilizing the tracked historical inspection data, Jeffreys Intervals are estimated for determining the distributions of welds fraction nonconforming. These distributions can serve as the inputs for Monte Carlo Simulation to incorporate uncertainties for fabricators' decision-making process. The simulation results demonstrate good reliability and accuracy compared to the actual project welds repair rates.
What Students Say About Gender Violence Within Universities

Gender violence in Spanish universities remains a taboo that is in the process of transformation. The first research on this issue was conducted between 2005 and 2008. The main objective was to “break the silence” about violence against women in Spanish academia. To achieve this aim, data collection was conducted through mixed communicative methods. For the interviewees, the context created by this research made it possible for the first time to establish a space to speak openly about this problem, in contrast to the existing context in which aggressors have remained unpunished. The inclusion of students’ voices together with those of administrative staff and professors allowed for the identification of situations of gender violence. This research has had a significant impact on Spanish universities’ policies. Despite some institutional barriers that make the implementation of structural changes more difficult, many offices for equality and protocols against gender violence have been created.
Marriage and family therapists' sexual attraction to clients: An exploratory study

Abstract This study explores the incidence of marriage and family therapists' sexual attraction to clients, the behaviors of therapists with clients to whom they are sexually attracted, beliefs regarding sexual attraction in therapy, and influences on decision making about sexual attraction. Clinical Members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) responded to surveys seeking information on ethical beliefs, practices, and influences relative to their experience of sexual attaction to clients. Findings from the 189 respondents indicate that the majority of family therapists experience feelings of attraction to clients. While most respondents believe that they handle such feelings effectively, the majority reported little or no training on the issue. Varying opinions on the ethics of managing sexual attraction to clients, along with other findings on handling of sexual issues in therapy, are presented. The need for training in this area is evident; specific implications for train.
Effect of Ice Massage on Lower Extremity Functional Performance and Weight Discrimination Ability in Collegiate Footballers

Background: Cryotherapy, in the form of ice massge is used to reduce inflammation after acute musculoskeletal injury or trauma. The potential negative effects of ice massage on proprioception are unknown, despite equivocal evidence supporting its effectiveness Objectives: The purpose of the study was to test the influence of cooling on weight discrimination ability and hence the performance in footballers. Patients and Methods: The study was of same subject experimental design (pretest-posttest design). Thirty male collegiate football players, whose mean age was 21.07 years, participated in the study. The participants were assessed for two functional performance tests, single leg hop test and crossed over hop test and weight discrimination ability before and after ice massage for 5 minutes on hamstrings muscle tendon. Results: Pre cooling scores of Single Leg Hop Test of the dominant leg in the subjects was 166.65 (± 10.16) cm and post cooling scores of the dominant leg was 167.25 (± 11.77) cm. Pre cooling scores of Crossed Over Hop Test of the dominant leg in the subjects was 174.14 (± 8.60) cm and post cooling scores of the dominant leg was 174.45 (± 9.28) cm. Pre cooling scores of Weight Discrimination Differential Threshold of the dominant leg in the subjects was 1.625 ± 1.179 kg compared with post cooling scores of the dominant leg 1.85 (± 1.91) kg. Pre cooling scores of single leg hop and crossed over hop test of the dominant leg in the subjects compared with post cooling scores of the dominant leg showed no significant differences and it was also noted that the weight discrimination ability (weight discrimination differential threshold) didn’t show any significant difference. All the values are reported as mean ± SD. Conclusions: This study provides additional evidence that proprioceptive acuity in the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris) remains largely unaffected after ice application to the hamstrings tendon (biceps femoris).
Learning Features of Music from Scratch

This paper introduces a new large-scale music dataset, MusicNet, to serve as a source of supervision and evaluation of machine learning methods for music research. MusicNet consists of hundreds of freely-licensed classical music recordings by 10 composers, written for 11 instruments, together with instrument/note annotations resulting in over 1 million temporal labels on 34 hours of chamber music performances under various studio and microphone conditions. The paper defines a multi-label classification task to predict notes in musical recordings, along with an evaluation protocol, and benchmarks several machine learning architectures for this task: i) learning from spectrogram features; ii) end-to-end learning with a neural net; iii) end-to-end learning with a convolutional neural net. These experiments show that end-to-end models trained for note prediction learn frequency selective filters as a low-level representation of audio.
THE THIRST TO BE FIRST

This article explores the growth and character of breaking news on two 24-hour news channels in the United Kingdom, Sky News and BBC News 24. Our purpose is to examine, in detail, the nature and role of breaking news and, more generally, its impact on the quality of television news journalism. We draw upon a series of content analyses of news programming conducted in 2004, 2005/6 and 2007, and compare the elements of a breaking news item with more conventional forms of news. Our findings indicate that “breaking news” has become an increasingly important part of the 24-hour news culture. This growth means that the typical breaking news item is becoming increasingly predictable and routine. Moreover, by most measures, breaking news items are less well informed and feature less independent reporting than conventional news items. As a consequence, we argue, the decision to cover more breaking news stories impoverishes the quality of journalism.
Utility of Gastrointestinal Fluoroscopic Studies in Detecting Stricture After Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Objectives: We report our institution's 5-year experience with upper gastrointestinal study with small bowel follow-through (UGI-SBFT) and contrast enema (CE) for the diagnosis of a post–necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) stricture. We hypothesized that sensitivity and specificity of UGI-SBFT and CE were <85% in diagnosing a post-NEC stricture. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed. Included patients were neonates diagnosed as having Bell's modified stage 2 or 3 NEC who had undergone UGI-SBFT and/or CE to evaluate for a stricture. Exploratory laparotomy was used to definitively determine the stricture presence, which was confirmed by pathology. An infant was categorized as having no stricture if no surgical intervention occurred or if no stricture was reported on pathology following surgical resection. Results: A total of 56 patients met inclusion criteria, with 51 UGI-SBFT and 85 CE performed. A total of 25 patients were diagnosed as having a stricture. For small bowel (SB) strictures, CE compared with UGI-SBFT has a higher sensitivity (0.667 vs 0.00) and a similar specificity (0.857 vs 0.833). For SB and/or colonic strictures, CE has a sensitivity of 0.667 and a specificity of 0.951. Strictures were more likely to be found on imaging in symptomatic infants compared with those in asymptomatic infants (28% vs 8%, P = 0.002). Conclusions: CE should be the initial study in the diagnostic workup for a post-NEC stricture because this test has a higher likelihood of detecting a stricture if it is present. As a result of low sensitivity of UGI-SBFT and/or CE in the diagnosis of a post-NEC stricture, a negative study should not rule out the diagnosis of a stricture in persistently symptomatic patients.
Problems with supposed counter-evidence to the Critical Period Hypothesis

Abstract While almost all observers agree that young children, older children, and adults differ both in initial rate of acquisition and in the levels of ultimate attainment typically achieved, they continue to disagree over whether the observed patterns are a function of nurture or nature. Is it simply that older starters do not do as well because they are less motivated, receive poorer quality input, spend less time on task, or (paradoxically) are hindered by superior cognitive development, or is it that they cannot ? In particular, well-respected scholars differ on the existence, scope, and timing of putative maturational constraints on the human capacity for learning second (including foreign) languages. Some recent research on age differences is considered, in particular, studies purporting to provide evidence against claims of maturational constraints on (Second) Language Acquisition (SLA) and/or putative critical periods for L2 phonology, morphology and syntax. It is argued that, in each case, one or more of nine limitations or design flaws means that the findings are, in fact, unproblematic for at least some of those claims.
Psychological problems following ICU treatment*

Treatment in an intensive care unit can be stressful and may leave patients with persisting psychological symptoms that impair quality of life. This postal questionnaire study of patients who had previously been treated in a general adult intensive care unit showed that 38 (47%) of 80 patients who returned fully completed questionnaires reported clinically significant anxiety and depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Thirty (38%) reported significant symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder, of whom 12 (15%) reached levels consistent with a diagnosis of full post‐traumatic stress disorder as measured by the Trauma Symptom Checklist 33 and the Impact of Events Scale. We describe a new measure of psychological distress specifically related to the experience of intensive care management, the Experience after Treatment in Intensive Care 7 Item Scale, and compare it to the other scales. The Experience after Treatment in Intensive Care 7 Item Scale shows that at least a proportion of the post‐traumatic stress reported was directly attributable to the experience of treatment in the intensive care unit.
Journal of Graph Algorithms and Applications Computing Radial Drawings on the Minimum Number of Circles

A radial drawing is a representation of a graph in which the vertices lie on concentric circles of finite radius. In this paper we study the problem of computing radial drawings of planar graphs by using the minimum number of concentric circles. We assume that the edges are drawn as straight-line segments and that co-circular vertices can be adjacent. It is proven that the problem can be solved in polynomial time. The solution is based on a characterization of those graphs that admit a crossing-free straight-line radial drawing on k circles. For the graphs in this family, a linear time algorithm that computes a radial drawing on k circles is also presented.
Comparative Genomics of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strains Reveals a Core Genome with Traits for Habitat Adaptation and a Secondary Metabolites Rich Accessory Genome

The Gram positive, non-pathogenic endospore-forming soil inhabiting prokaryote Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens processes wide biocontrol abilities and numerous strains have been reported to suppress diverse bacterial, fungal and fungal-like pathogens. Knowledge about strain level biocontrol abilities is warranted to translate this knowledge into developing more efficient biocontrol agents and bio-fertilizers. Ever-expanding genome studies of B. amyloliquefaciens are showing tremendous increase in strain-specific new secondary metabolite clusters which play key roles in the suppression of pathogens and plant growth promotion. In this report, we have used genome mining of all sequenced B. amyloliquefaciens genomes to highlight species boundaries, the diverse strategies used by different strains to promote plant growth and the diversity of their secondary metabolites. Genome composition of the targeted strains suggest regions of genomic plasticity that shape the structure and function of these genomes and govern strain adaptation to different niches. Our results indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens: (i) suffer taxonomic imprecision that blurs the debate over inter-strain genome diversity and dynamics, (ii) have diverse strategies to promote plant growth and development, (iii) have an unlocked, yet to be delimited impressive arsenal of secondary metabolites and products, (iv) have large number of so-called orphan gene clusters, i.e., biosynthetic clusters for which the corresponding metabolites are yet unknown, and (v) have a dynamic pan genome with a secondary metabolite rich accessory genome.
Histological , histochemical and ultrastructural characterizations of the epididymal region of the turkey ( Meleagrisgallopavo )

Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies were performed on the epididymal regions of ten adult sexually mature apparently healthy male native turkeys (Meleagrisgallopavo). The epididymis of turkey was consisted of extra testicular rete, efferent ductules, connecting ductules, and the epididymal duct. The rete testis were lined by squamous to cuboidal cells, while the proximal efferent ductules were lined by pseudo stratified columnar of ciliated, non-ciliated type I and basal cells. The distal efferent ductules were lined by pseudo stratified columnar of ciliated, non-ciliated type II and basal cells. However, the connecting ductules were wide and narrow lined by pseudo stratified columnar of ciliated, non-ciliated type III and occasional basal cells of regular lumen. Narrow connecting ductules consist mainly of ciliated cells while wide consist of non-ciliated. The epididymal duct lined by pseudo stratified non ciliated columnar and basal cells of same size and intensity. Histochemically the reactivity for PAS was detected in the supra nuclear cytoplasm and luminal borders of the efferent ductular epithelium, intraepithelial gland of the epididymal duct and the basement membrane of various ducts and ductules. While such reactivity not seen in the connecting ductules.
B‐type natriuretic peptide predicts stroke of presumable cardioembolic origin in addition to coronary artery calcification

B‐type natriuretric peptide (BNP) is a marker of cardiac dysfunction that is released from myocytes in response to ventricular wall stress. Previous studies suggested that BNP predicts stroke events in addition to classical risk factors. It was suggested that the BNP‐associated risk results from coronary atherosclerosis or atrial fibrillation.