Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy sled dogs before and after athletic conditioning.

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of athletic conditioning on thyroid hormone concentrations in a population of healthy sled dogs. ANIMALS 19 healthy adult sled dogs. PROCEDURE Serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (fT4), free T3 (fT3), and autoantibodies directed against T3, T4, and thyroglobulin were measured in sled dogs that were not in training (ie, nonracing season) and again after dogs had been training at maximum athletic potential for 4 months. RESULTS Analysis revealed significant decreases in T4 and fT4 concentrations and a significant increase in TSH concentration for dogs in the peak training state, compared with concentrations for dogs in the untrained state. Serum concentrations of T4 and fT4 were less than established reference ranges during the peak training state for 11 of 19 and 8 of 19 dogs, respectively; fT4 concentration was greater than the established reference range in 9 of 19 dogs in the untrained state. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Decreased total T4 and fT4 concentrations and increased serum concentrations of TSH were consistently measured during the peak training state in healthy sled dogs, compared with concentrations determined during the untrained state. Although thyroid hormone concentrations remained within the established reference ranges in many of the dogs, values that were outside the reference range in some dogs could potentially lead to an incorrect assessment of thyroid status. Endurance training has a profound impact on the thyroid hormone concentrations of competitive sled dogs.
Leadership and Exchange in Formal Organizations

Abstract : The focus of the volume is on influence processes in formal organizations. It is based on an integration of basic and applied research on leadership, drawing upon review of more than 1000 separate titles. The most important conclusion reached in this work is the importance of distinguishing between the concepts of leadership, power, and authority, and of identifying superordinate role behaviors that constitute each. The volume also provides a basis for identifying fruitful work in organizational leadership and for immediate application of existing organizational and leadership findings.
Preferential activation of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, and hip adductor muscles during isometric exercises in females.

Disagreement exists as to whether the individual components of the quadriceps femoris can be preferentially activated, i.e., that one muscle component is activated to a greater degree of its maximum voluntary contraction ability than the remaining components. Preferential activation of the vastus medialis (VM) might be useful in the treatment of knee patients demonstrating VM atrophy. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), and hip adductor (HA) muscles were preferentially activated in females during the following maximal voluntary isometric exercises: 1) unilateral quadriceps setting (QS) with the ankle positioned in neutral, 2) unilateral quadriceps setting combined with ankle dorsiflexion (QS + D), and 3) maximal bilateral hip adduction. Integrated electromyography (IEMG in mV.sec) was determined for the VMO, VL, and HA muscles of the preferred leg (i.e., that used to kick a ball) of 20 healthy females. Data were normalized using QS exercise as the reference exercise. Nonnormalized IEMG (+/-SD) of the VMO and VL was similar during QS [i.e., VMO = 1050 (+/-802) mV.sec, VL = 1075 (+/-738) mV. sec] and QS + D exercises [i.e., VMO = 1191 (+/-738) mV.sec, VL = 1202 (+/-836) mV.sec], but significantly less than these values during hip adduction exercise [i.e., VMO = 174 (+/-62) mV. sec, VL = 194 (+/-70) mV.sec]. Nonnormalized IEMG of the HA muscles was similar during both QS and QS+D [i.e., 286 (+/-405) mV.sec and 195 (+/-432) mV.sec], but significantly higher than these values during hip adduction exercise [i.e., 413 (+/-235) mV.sec]. Normalized IEMG (+/-SD)(%) demonstrated similar patterns, i.e., the ratios for the VMO and the VL muscles did not differ from one another under either QS + D [i.e., VMO = 121 (+/-60)%, VL = 116 (+/-40)%] or hip adduction conditions [i.e., VMO = 33 (+/-24)%, VL = 36 (+/-25)%]. As a result, the degree of activation of the two muscles was considered the same. These results suggest no preferential activation of the quadriceps femoris component muscles during QS, QS + D, and hip adduction exercises in the nonweight-bearing position. The use of hip adduction to preferentially activate the VMO over the VL compared with QS exercises was not substantiated. A mean increase of 20% in the VMO and VL myoelectric activity during QS (as demonstrated by the normalized IEMG), by the addition of dorsiflexion, may be clinically significant. However, further study is required.
Should Radical Hysterectomy Be Aborted on Intraoperative Detection of Nodal Tumor Metastasis in Early Stage Cervical Cancer?

Background/Objectives. In the United States, type 1 to 3 radical hysterectomy (RH) is used for the treatment of early stage (I-IIA) cervical cancer (ESCC). In the event that nodal metastasis is detected intraoperatively, completion of the procedure is controversial. Here, we present a review of the literature regarding clinical management of patients with ESCC with intraoperative diagnosis of nodal metastasis. Materials and Methods. An electronic search of PubMed and OVID for the English-language literature published between 1980 and 2008 was performed. Studies regarding completion or abandonment of RH on intraoperative detection of nodal metastasis in ESCC were reviewed to evaluate the impact of either approach on overall survival, recurrence rate, and complication rate. Results. This review was unable to document a difference in overall survival greater than 10% between the aborted and completed RH groups, and the difference was not statistically significant. No clear relationship was found between completion of RH and pelvic control or morbidity. Although urinary complications including bladder dysfunction and fistulae were unique to the completed RH group, radiation-related complications such as radiation cystitis, radiation proctitis, and bone necrosis were seen primarily in the aborted RH group. Conclusions. Given the lack of significant difference in survival, further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of completing versus aborting RH on pelvic control and morbidity to reach a definitive conclusion.
The weather temperature and air pollution interaction and its effect on hospital admissions due to respiratory system diseases in western China.

Air pollution has ever become a global major public health problem.Previous studies showed that air pollution is associated with excessive mortality and morbidity of respiratory disease[1-2]. The extreme weather temperature can impact human health and the thermal stresses can lead not only to direct deaths and illnesses,but also to aggravation of respiratory disease[3-4].
Maladaptive Perfectionism, Hassles, Coping, and Psychological Distress in University Professors.

This study examined the roles of hassles, avoidant and problem-focused coping, and perceived social support as mediating the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and psychological distress in a sample of university professors. Hassles and avoidant coping both partially mediated a strong association between maladaptive perfectionism and psychological distress. These results are discussed in terms of the need to better understand how coping styles and social support are associated with the negative impact of perfectionism on the lives of university professors. The implications of these findings for counseling practice are also explored.
Responsive Literacy Coaching: Tools for Creating and Sustaining Purposeful Change

In Responsive Literacy Coaching , Cheryl Dozier draws on twenty-four years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher and teacher educator to present both a theoretical framework and practical tools to enact responsive literacy coaching. Through thoughtful and purposeful coaching, teachers learn effective ways to improve literacy instruction and student achievement. The range of tools offered in the text invite customization based on the reader's specific instructional context. This framework empowers literacy coaches and teachers through conversation, sustained engagement, and reflective analysis. Dozier argues that at its best, literacy coaching is responsive, collegial, thoughtful, thought-provoking, deliberate, reflective, and transferable. In this book she invites readers to enter into a coaching dialogue, through: vignettes that bring coaching interactions to life; prompts to engage both teachers and students; occasions for collaborative reflection; frequently-asked questions. As literacy tasks are documented and analyzed, coaching interactions logged and categorized, and assessment scores scrutinized, Dozier cautions coaches to avoid being so caught up in the doing of coaching that one forgets the purpose behind it. In this book she provides an occasion for them to step back, and ask, what is the goal of literacy coaching? What kind of literacy environments and experiences are we creating for our schools and our students? What is possible as we engage in transformative literacy practices? While the tools offered in this book do not provide a "quick fix," they foster critical thinking and sustained inquiry that leads to positive change for both teachers and students.
Gramicidin A Blocks Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis through Inhibition of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Ionophores are hydrophobic organic molecules that disrupt cellular transmembrane potential by permeabilizing membranes to specific ions. Gramicidin A is a channel-forming ionophore that forms a hydrophilic membrane pore that permits the rapid passage of monovalent cations. Previously, we found that gramicidin A induces cellular energy stress and cell death in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines. RCC is a therapy-resistant cancer that is characterized by constitutive activation of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Here, we demonstrate that gramicidin A inhibits HIF in RCC cells. We found that gramicidin A destabilized HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, which in turn diminished HIF transcriptional activity and the expression of various hypoxia-response genes. Mechanistic examination revealed that gramicidin A accelerates O2-dependent downregulation of HIF by upregulating the expression of the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein, which targets hydroxylated HIF for proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, gramicidin A reduced the growth of human RCC xenograft tumors without causing significant toxicity in mice. Gramicidin A–treated tumors also displayed physiologic and molecular features consistent with the inhibition of HIF-dependent angiogenesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate a new role for gramicidin A as a potent inhibitor of HIF that reduces tumor growth and angiogenesis in VHL-expressing RCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(4); 788–99. ©2014 AACR.
(R,R Fc,S Ru)-Chlorido(η6-p-cymene){1-[1-(diphenylphosphanyl)ethyl]-2-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl]ferrocene-κ2 P,P′}ruthenium(II) hexafluoridophosphate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [FeRuCl(C5H5)(C10H14)(C37H31P2)]PF6, contains two independent, geometrically similar RuII complexes of a chiral ferrocenyldiphosphane with piano-stool coordination through the η6-bound p-cymene ligand, two chelating phosphorus donor atoms, and an exo-oriented chloride ion. The mean bond lengths of the two Ru complexes are Ru—C = 2.276 Å, Ru—P = 2.3816 Å, and Ru—Cl = 2.3924 Å. Both chloride ligands form only intramolecular C—H⋯Cl interactions. Seven weak intermolecular C—H⋯F interactions involving mainly arene H atoms consolidate the crystal packing, which reveals an approximate c/2 pseudo-translation relating the two independent Ru complex molecules.
The Liberal Media Myth Revisited: An Examination of Factors Influencing Perceptions of Media Bias

Despite research to the contrary, the general public and a significant number of politicians are convinced the U.S. news media have a liberal and pro-Democratic bias. To understand why many people believe the media have such biases, this study tested whether such a perception is related to an observer's own partisan and ideological positions. Findings based on two large national surveys suggest that audiences' ideologies and partisanships affect how they view the media. Strong conservatives and Republicans are more likely to distrust the news media, whereas the best predictor of a media bias perception is political cynicism.
‘If I am brutally honest, research has never appealed to me …’ The problems and successes of a peer research project

This paper describes the use of a peer research methodology to explore disaffected young people’s views on alternative education. This model was adopted in order to try to ensure an equilibrium of power between interviewer and interviewee, allow marginalised young people’s voices to be heard and help generate social action. The approach is examined from the perspective of both the peer research and adult research teams. An experiential and honest account is given including the problems and successes, as well as the lessons learned. The paper concludes by considering the value of the model, whether it helps to reach those alienated from education and any evidence that it provides an opportunity for them to have a stake in their future.
Efficient and Robust Local Mutual Exclusion in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

This paper presents two algorithms for the local mutual exclusion problem, an extension of the dining philosophers problem for mobile ad hoc networks. A solution to this problem allows nodes that are currently geographically close to obtain exclusive access to a resource. The algorithms exhibit different tradeoffs between response time and failure locality (the size of the neighborhood adversely affected by a node crash). The first algorithm has two variations, one of which has response time that depends very weakly on the number of nodes in the entire system and is polynomial in the maximum number of neighboring nodes; the failure locality, although not optimal, is small and grows very slowly with system size. The second algorithm has optimal failure locality and response time that is quadratic in the number of nodes. A pleasing aspect of this algorithm is that, when run in a system with no node movement, it has linear response time, improving on previous results for static algorithms with optimal failure locality.
Models from Research as Structuring Aids in Civics Teaching and Primary Social Studies

This article discusses some empirical findings from the use of models in civics teaching and primary social studies. The nature of the models used in research is compared to the usefulness of similar models in the planning of teaching processes. A set of empirical studies, conducted by student teachers using models in primary and secondary schools, are summarised. A more detailed description is given of David Easton's systems analysis model, which has been used as a structuring device for teaching in primary school during an in-service education course. The results are mostly encouraging with regards to the effects on all the groups investigated. The authors argue that models derived from research can be useful even in early primary education, if they are used with care, and serve mainly as a structuring tool for teachers. They also present two models for teachers planning, both based on the use of models and concepts from research as a point of departure for decision-making both before and during the teaching process.
Young People, Alcohol and Supervision Orders

Whilst the majority of adolescents drink responsibly and sensibly there is a high incidence of alcohol problems amongst some young people. As children grow into their teenage years, heavy drinking and drinking problems will increase, although many adolescents do not perceive their behaviour to be problematic. In fact, it is known that many teenagers have been in trouble with the police and the courts after drinking. The focus of this article is upon young people aged under 18, alcohol problems, offending and supervision orders. It is recognised that while alcohol does not in itself necessarily cause crime, there is a strong association between alcohol and offending. Many adolescents are placed on Supervision Orders as a result of criminal proceedings. Some of these offences, especially those committed by persistent offenders, are likely to have occurred as a result of intoxication or heavy drinking. Youth Offending Team workers attempt to make effective interventions in these situations, but may experience problems in doing so. Some reasons for this are analysed and some ways forward are suggested.
Use of Individual-Level Data to Investigate Group Phenomena Issues and Strategies

Researchers who investigate group phenomena can choose either the group as a whole or individuals within groups as a basis for formulating research questions, developing datagathering strategies, and conducting statistical analyses. This article considers the virtues and limitations of using individual-level data to investigate group phenomena and describes three categories of research questions about individuals in groups: (a) the contribution of group members to the composition of the group, (b) individuals'experience of belonging to the group, and (c) the impact of group membership on group members' personal life. The authors describe two examples from research on cohesion that addresses questions about individuals 'experience of belonging to groups and the impact of group membership on their personal life. We conclude by noting the limitations of the approach we advocate and mapping directions for future research suggested by our emphasis on individual-level analysis of small-group phenomena.
Association between Reproductive Factors and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Postmenopausal Women: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012

Purpose To examine the association between female reproductive factors and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in postmenopausal women. Design Nationwide population-based cross-sectional study. Methods A nationally representative dataset acquired from the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed. The dataset involved information for 4,377 postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years with a fundus photograph evaluable for AMD in either eye. All participants were interviewed using standardized questionnaires to determine reproductive factors including menstruation, pregnancy, parity, lactation, and hormonal use. The association between reproductive factors and each type of AMD was investigated. Results The mean age of the study participants was 63.1±0.2 years. Mean ages at menarche and menopause were 16.1±0.0 and 49.2±0.1 years, respectively. The overall prevalence rates of early and late AMD were 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.1–12.5) and 0.8% (95% CI, 0.5–1.2), respectively. When adjusted for age, neither smoking nor alcohol use was associated with the presence of any AMD or late AMD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (OR, 1.12 per 1 year), duration of lactation (OR, 0.91 per 6 months), and duration of use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) (OR, 1.10 per 6 months) as associated factors for late AMD. The other variables did not yield a significant correlation with the risk of any AMD or late AMD. Conclusion After controlling for confounders, a longer duration of lactation appeared to protect against the development of late AMD. A longer duration of OCP use was associated with a higher risk of late AMD.
Prevalence and Prognostic Importance of Changes in Renal Function After Mechanical Circulatory Support

Background— The long-term durability and prognostic significance of improvement in renal function after mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has yet to be characterized in a large multicenter population. The primary goals of this analysis were to describe serial post-MCS changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and determine their association with all-cause mortality. Methods and Results— Adult patients enrolled in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) with serial creatinine levels available (n=3363) were studied. Early post-MCS, eGFR improved substantially (median improvement, 48.9%; P<0.001) with 22.3% of the population improving their eGFR by ≥100% within the first few weeks. However, in the majority of patients, this improvement was transient, and by 1 year, eGFR was only 6.7% above the pre-MCS value (P<0.001). This pattern of early improvement followed by deterioration in eGFR was observed with both pulsatile and continuous-flow devices. Interestingly, poor survival was associated with both marked improvement (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–2.26; P=0.002) and worsening in eGFR (adjusted HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.15–2.13; P=0.004). Conclusions— Post-MCS, early improvement in renal function is common but seems to be largely transient and not necessarily indicative of an improved prognosis. This pattern was observed with both pulsatile and continuous-flow devices. Additional research is necessary to better understand the mechanistic basis for these complex post-MCS changes in renal function and their associated survival disadvantage. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00119834.
The Enforcement of Minimum Labour Standards in an Era of Neo-Liberal Globalisation: An Overview

This article has three objectives. First, we examine what is meant by minimum labour standards, including the array of different standards and their procedural and substantive elements, in differing or even diverging regulatory jurisdictions. Examination of different areas of labour standards provides instruction in the dynamics of these protections and we give illustrative examples, from several countries. The second objective is to highlight the importance of enforcement of standards. We do this through a brief historical overview of the emergence of labour standards as well as of how the recent rise of neo-liberalism has shaped current debates over their development and application. The third element of the analysis is an examination of some contemporary debates, pointing to areas requiring further study as well as to positive examples both in research and in policy/regulation.