Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Placental Tissue Enhances Uterine Relaxation by Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin (TNG) has recently gained popularity in obstetric anesthesia for facilitating acute uterine relaxation in the treatment of obstetric emergencies such as retained placenta.Laboratory investigations, however, have consistently found the uterus insensitive to clinically used doses of TNG. We hypothesized that the presence of the placenta in the uterus may be important for TNG to be effective, because it has been present in most clinical reports and has generally been absent in laboratory investigations. Sections of near-term gravid rat uteri were mounted for isometric force recording. We studied spontaneous contractions and acetylcholine-induced sustained contractions both with and without the addition of minced placental tissue in close approximation to the uterine muscle. Phenylephrine-precontracted rings of thoracic aorta were studied as a positive control. Log dose-response curves for TNG, 10-9 to 10-5 M, were constructed for each tissue. Uterine muscle alone was resistant to all but the largest doses of TNG, both in spontaneous and sustained contraction models. The addition of placental tissue caused a marked increase in sensitivity, reducing spontaneous uterine contractions by 50% at log -5.92 M (95% confidence interval, -6.49, -5.05), which was comparable to the sensitivity in aorta. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibitors pyrogallol (a superoxide anion generator) and methylene blue (a guanylate cyclase inhibitor) completely blocked the effect of TNG in the presence of placenta. Placental tissue modestly increased the response of aorta to TNG, but not of uterine tissue to the NO-independent uterine relaxants MgSO4 and terbutaline. Implications: Nitroglycerin can relax the human uterus during obstetric emergencies, but the drug has never been proven effective in the laboratory. This study shows that nitroglycerin can relax uterine contractions in the rat, provided that the placenta is adjacent to the uterus. The mechanism seems to be via the release of nitric oxide. (Anesth Analg 1998;86:304-9)
Design of a highly integrated underactuated finger towards prosthetic hand

This paper presents a highly integrated underactuated anthropomorphic finger with three joints and two DOFs using a novel coupled-adaptive linkage mechanism. The finger has two main motion modes: coupled motion in free space and self-adaptive motion when contacting with the object. Compared with conventional prosthetic finger, the combination of these two motion modes improves the anthropomorphic characteristics and grasping capacity remarkably. Besides, kinds of sensors embedded, force, position and tactile sensor in the finger not only intensify proactive perceptive ability, but also ameliorate the control ability. Moreover, according to a series of grasp experiments, the anthropomorphic finger can accomplish coupled motion and self-adaptive motion stably.
Gating of Signal Propagation in Spiking Neural Networks by Balanced and Correlated Excitation and Inhibition

Both ongoing and natural stimulus driven neuronal activity are dominated by transients. Selective gating of these transients is mandatory for proper brain function and may, in fact, form the basis of millisecond-fast decision making and action selection. Here we propose that neuronal networks may exploit timing differences between correlated excitation and inhibition (temporal gating) to control the propagation of spiking activity transients. When combined with excitation–inhibition balance, temporal gating constitutes a powerful mechanism to control the propagation of mixtures of transient and tonic neural activity components.
Integrating Ultrasound Teaching into Preclinical Problem-based Learning

Objectives: The aim is to provide students in the preclinical with ultrasound image interpretation skills. Research question: Are students in smaller groups with access to a combination of lectures and hands-on patient contact most likely to have better ultrasound image interpretation skills, than students in larger groups with only interactive didactic lectures? Methodology: First-year students at the preclinical Program of the College of Medicine, participated in two 2-h introductory interactive ultrasound sessions. The study comprised two cohorts: 2012/2013 students, who were offered large group teaching (LGT) sessions (control group), and 2013/2014 students, who received the intervention in small group learning problem-based learning (PBL) sessions (experimental group). The overall learning objectives were identical for both groups. The success of the module was evaluated using pre- and post-tests as well as students′ feedback. Results: The students in the experimental group showed significantly higher scores in interpretations of images than those in the control group. The experimental group showed achievement of learning outcomes along with higher levels of satisfaction with the module compared to the latter. Conclusion: Posttest knowledge of the basics of ultrasound improved significantly over the pretest in the experimental group. In addition, students′ overall satisfaction of the ultrasound module was shown to be higher for the PBL compared to the LGT groups. Small groups in an interactive and PBL setting along with opportunities for hands-on practice and simultaneous visualization of findings on a high definition screen should enhance preclinical student learning of the basics of ultrasound. Despite the potential of ultrasound as a clinical, teaching and learning tool for students in the preclinical years, standardized recommendations have yet to be created regarding its integration into the curricula within academic institutions and clinical medicine. The interactive and PBL is here to stay at the college of medicine. Further research would be carried out to see if this trend persists in the upcoming vertical system-based curriculum of the college of medicine.
Inflation, Monetary Policy and Stock Market Conditions

This paper examines the association between inflation, monetary policy and U.S. stock market conditions during the second half of the 20th century. We estimate a latent variable VAR to examine how macroeconomic and policy shocks affect the condition of the stock market. Further, we examine the contribution of various shocks to market conditions during particular episodes and find evidence that inflation and interest rate shocks had particularly strong impacts on market conditions in the postwar era. Disinflation shocks promoted market booms and inflation shocks contributed to busts. We conclude that central banks can contribute to financial market stability by minimizing unanticipated changes in inflation.
Association between polycystic ovary syndrome and female-to-male transsexuality.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), altered hormonal characteristics and insulin resistance in female-to-male (FTM) transsexual patients. METHODS We studied 69 Japanese FTM cases, aged 17-47 years, who were seen in the Gender Identity Disorder Clinic of Sapporo Medical University Hospital between December 2003 and May 2006. The subjects had never received hormonal treatment or sex re-assignment surgery. Prior to treatment, they received physical examinations entailing measurement of anthropometric, metabolic and endocrine parameters, after which we compared the values obtained according to the presence or absence of PCOS and/or obesity. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS Of the 69 participating FTM cases, 40 (58.0%) were found to have PCOS. Of the 49 for whom HOMA-IR was calculated, 15 (30.6%) also showed insulin resistance, whereas of the 59 for whom adiponectin was measured, 18 (30.5%) showed hypoadiponectinaemia. Of 69 for whom androgens were measured, 29 (39.1%) showed hyperandrogenaemia. Insulin resistance was associated with obesity but not with PCOS. In contrast, hyperandrogenaemia was associated with both PCOS and obesity. CONCLUSION FTM transsexual patients have a high prevalence of PCOS and hyperandrogenaemia.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PERINGKAT OBLIGASI PERUSAHAAN

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk memberikan bukti empiris pengaruh konservatisme akuntansi dan rasio keuangan ( leverage , liquidity , profitability) terhadap peringkat obligasi. Subyek penelitian ini adalah perusahaan yang telah diperingkat oleh Indonesia Bond Market Directory tahun 2008, 2009, dan 2010. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan metode dokumenter. Data yang digunakan berupa data sekunder yang berasal dari laporan keuangan dan database peringkat obligasi Indonesia Bond Market Directory . Data di analisis menggunakan analisis regresi logistik. Hasil pengujian secara simultan menunjukan bahwa konservatisme akuntansi dan rasio keuangan ( leverage , liquidity , profitability ) berpengaruh terhadap peringkat obligasi. Pengujian parsial menunjukan konservatisme akuntansi, dan liquidity tidak berpengaruh terhadap peringkat obligasi. Leverage dan profitability berpengaruh terhadap peringkat obligasi. Informasi yang dihasilkan dari laporan keuangan efektif untuk bahan analisis dalam mengambil sebuah keputusan. Investor yang berkeinginan untuk berinvestasi pada sekuritas obligasi, hendaknya memperhatikan faktor konservatisme akuntansi dan analisis rasio keuangan dan memanfaatkan peringkat obligasi yang telah dikeluarkan oleh agen pemeringkatan sebagai bahan pertimbangan. This study aims to give empirical evidence about the influence of accounting conservatism and financial ratios (leverage, liquidity, profitability) on bond ratings. The subject of this study is the companies rated by Indonesia Bond Market Directory in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The method of data collection was conducted by the documentary. The data used is secondary data from financial statement and bond rating database of Bond Market Directory. While logistic regression analysis is used in analyzing the data. The result of this study simultaneously shows that accounting conservatism and financial ratio (leverage, liquidity, profitability) give effects on bond rating. Partial test shows that accounting conservatism, liquidity does not affect bond ratings, while leverage and profitability give effects on bond rating. The information generated from the financial statements was effective for being material analysis in making a decision. Investors, who wish to invest in bond securities, should consider accounting conservatism factor and financial ratios analysis, and utilize the bond ratings issues by rating agency for consideration.
Integrating Task and Motion Planning Using Semantic Attachments

Solving real-world problems using symbolic planning often requires a simplified formulation of the original problem, since certain subproblems cannot be represented at all or only in a way leading to inefficiency. For example, manipulation planning may appear as a subproblem in a robotic planning context or a packing problem can be part of a logistics task. In this paper we propose an extension of PDDL for specifying semantic attachments. This allows the evaluation of grounded predicates, the change of fluents and the calculation of durations by externally specified functions. Furthermore, we describe a general schema of integrating semantic attachments into forward-chaining planning systems and report on our experience of adding this extension to the planner Temporal Fast Downward. Finally, we present some preliminary experiments using semantic attachments.
Full-Mouth Scaling and Root Planning a Better Treatment Modality in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Aim: Full-mouth disinfection enables to reduce the probability of cross contamination from untreated pockets to treated ones, for completing the entire SRP under local anesthesia with chlorhexidine as a mouth wash in two visits within 24 hours. This study aimed to compare the clinical effects of modified full-mouth disinfection (FMdis) after 3 months with those of conventional Quadrant wise SRP (Q-SRP). Materials and Methods: Methods: Thirty chronic periodontitis subjects were randomly allocated two groups. The FMdis group underwent the entire SRP under local anesthesia in two visits within 24 hours. A chlorhexidine (0.1%) solution was used for rinsing and subgingival irrigation for FMdis. The Q-SRP group received SRP per quadrant under local anesthesia at one-week intervals. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, after 1 and 6 months. Results:-There are significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the probing pocket depth, sulcus bleeding index and plaque index, and there is increase in Relative attachment levels, with FMdis after three months compared with Q-SRP. Conclusion: FMdis has more beneficial effects on reducing gingival inflammation, plaque level, probing depth, gingival recession and improving clinical attachment level over Q-SRP.
Prevalence and size of meniscal cysts, ganglionic cysts, synovial cysts of the popliteal space, fluid-filled bursae, and other fluid collections in asymptomatic knees on MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and determine the size of meniscal cysts, ganglionic cysts, synovial cysts of the popliteal space, fluid-filled bursae, and other fluid collections on MR images of asymptomatic knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS MR images of 102 asymptomatic knees were evaluated with regard to the prevalence of meniscal cysts, ganglionic cysts, synovial cysts of the popliteal space, fluid-filled bursae, and other fluid collections. The MR examinations were performed in patients (mean age, 42.8 years; age range, 18-73 years) with clinically suspected meniscal lesions in the contralateral knee. The craniocaudal, anteroposterior, and mediolateral diameters of detectable abnormal fluid collections were measured. RESULTS Medial meniscal cysts (mean size [craniocaudal x anteroposterior x mediolateral], 9 x 6 x 13 mm) were found in four asymptomatic knees. Neither lateral meniscal cysts nor ganglionic cysts of the cruciate ligaments were identified. Twenty-six synovial cysts of the popliteal space (Baker's cyst)-consisting of 11 gastrocnemius portions (mean size, 19 x 8 x 10 mm) and 15 semimembranosus portions (mean size, 20 x 7 x 9 mm)-were found in 19 knees. Twenty-four (92%) of these cysts had a maximal diameter of 30 mm or less. Fluid-filled bursae were found in 49 knees. The deep infrapatellar bursa was most commonly involved (42 knees; mean size, 6 x 3 x 5 mm). Fluid-filled anserine bursae (mean size, 27 x 12 x 10 mm) were detected in five knees. CONCLUSION Meniscal cysts may be present in asymptomatic knees, at least on the medial side. Synovial cysts of the popliteal space can be found in approximately one fifth of asymptomatic knees. Their maximal diameter is usually smaller than 30 mm.
Bottleneck Congestion with Elastic Demand

This paper models congestable facilities subject to peak-load demand. It argues that a properly-specified model should explicitly treat the congestion technology and consumer's time-of-use decision. The standard model can be interpreted as a reduced form of such a model if the peak period is treated as a single interval, but not if it is divided into sub-intervals. The paper illustrates this, by extending Vickrey's model of bottleneck congestion, treating elastic demand and solving for optimal capacity under several pricing regimes.
Kinetic inhibition of human salivary alpha-amylase by a novel cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the inhibitory kinetics of a novel cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide on human salivary alpha-amylase (HSA). MATERIAL AND METHOD Synthesis of cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide was catalyzed by Paenibacillus sp. All CGTase using beta-CD as a donor and cellobiose as an acceptor under the optimal conditions. The reaction mixture was analyzed by HPLC and a cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide obtained was studied for its inhibitory kinetics. RESULTS In vitro activity of human salivary alpha-amylase showed the optimum pH and temperature at 7.0 and 37 degrees C, respectively. The effects of metal ions, protective chemicals and saccharides on alpha-amylase activity, they were found that 10 mM concentration of CaCl2 and NaCl enhanced the enzyme activity. In contrast, the enzyme activity was significantly inhibited by 10 mM of HgCI2, alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) and synthetic cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide. Chemicals often used as protective substance for enzyme such as beta-mercaptoethanol, EDTA or used as fungicide during enzyme purification (NaN3) had no effect on the activity of this enzyme. As a cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide was shown to have a pronounce inhibition on alpha-amylase activity. Its inhibition kinetic was performed and found that cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide was a competitive inhibitor with a Ki value of 7.89 microM. CONCLUSION Inhibition kinetic of a cellobiose-containing tetrasaccharide on alpha-amylase activity was competitive type with Ki value of 7.89 microM. In addition, these results will be a basic knowledge in controlling alpha-amylase actions that have influence on blood glucose level of trial animal and human further
Myosin transitions in developing fast and slow muscles of the rat hindlimb.

Myosin isozymes from the slow soleus and fast EDL muscles of the rat hindlimb were analyzed by pyrophosphate gel electrophoresis, by peptide mapping of heavy chains, and by antibody staining. At the earliest stage examined, 20 days gestation, distinctions between the developing fast and slow muscles were seen by all these criteria; all fibers in the distal hindlimb reacted strongly with antibody to adult fast myosin. Some fibers also reacted with antibody to adult slow myosin; these fibers had a precise, axial distribution in the hindlimb. This pattern of staining which includes the entire soleus, foreshadows the adult distribution of slow fibers and may indicate that the specific pattern of innervation of the limb is already determined. In the early developing soleus there are four fetal and neonatal isozymes plus two isozymes present in equal proportions in the 'slow' area of the pyrophosphate gel. The mobility of these two slow isozymes decreases with maturity and the slowest moving isozyme gradually becomes the dominant species. Thus early diversity between the soleus and EDL is expressed by myosins which are distinct from the mature isozymes. The relative proportion of slow isozymes significantly increases with development and as this occurs the fetal and neonatal isozymes are progressively eliminated. Transiently at least one mature fast isozyme appears in the soleus. This is present at 15 days postpartum and probably correlates with the population of fast, type II fibers, which comprise 50% of this muscle cell population at 15 days. The EDL contained three fetal and neonatal isozymes and only one slow isozyme which does not change in mobility with age. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Evaluation of the Digital Alzheimer Center: Testing Usability and Usefulness of an Online Portal for Patients with Dementia and Their Carers

Background Dementia is a progressive and highly disabling neurodegenerative disease that will likely become highly prevalent in the future due to the globally aging population. To improve health care efficiency and quality for dementia care, eHealth could help with, for example, an online portal, such as the Digital Alzheimer Center (DAC) of the Vrije Universiteit Medical Center Amsterdam. It provides up-to-date disease information, peer-to-peer contact, and methods for contacting the hospital and health professionals. Objective We aimed to investigate the usability and usefulness of the DAC for patients with dementia and carers to get insight into the feasibility and value of this eHealth app in dementia care and to recommend potential improvements. Methods A descriptive study among patients, carers, and health care professionals was performed. Mixed methods were used, consisting of observations (n=10, 4 people with dementia, 6 carers), an online survey (n=287; 88 patients, 199 carers), and semistructured interviews (n=18; 6 patients, 6 carers, 6 health care professionals). During the observations, participants performed a set of five different prescribed tasks on the portal. Speed, number of errors, and navigation were noted. The online survey aimed to assess users’ opinions on the portal’s usability and usefulness. Semistructured interviews were conducted in a subsample of patients, carers, and health care professionals to gain more in-depth information. Results In the usability assessment, eight categories of errors were distinguished, of which three were of critical, two of medium, and three of low severity. In the survey, 45% (40/88) of the patients and 53% (105/199) of the carers indicated they used the portal. In all, 33% (12/36) of patients and 61% (62/102) of carers found it easy to learn to work with the portal. Most considered the DAC generally useful: 65% (17/26) of patients and 78% (67/86) of carers found the DAC useful, especially for understanding dementia (patients: 64%, 16/25; carers: 62%, 53/86). In the semistructured interviews, the site was generally rated positively on usability and usefulness and being well designed. People with dementia and carers indicated it helped them to understand and deal with dementia. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the usability and usefulness of an Internet portal especially designed for people with dementia and their carers. An online patient portal could be a useful means to help to support patients and carers in dealing with dementia: the majority of users positively evaluated usability and usefulness of the portal, and appreciated the information on it. However, only a minority of patients found it easy to work with the portal. Good design and frequent usability testing is essential to offer a good online portal.
Comment on ‘Competition Tests with a Non-Structural Model: The Panzar–Rosse Method Applied to Germany’s Savings Banks’

Abstract In a recent issue of this journal Gischer and Stiele (2009) applied the ‘Test for ‘‘Monopoly’’ Equilibrium’ advanced by Panzar and Rosse (1987) to German savings banks and came up with the claim that savings banks maximize profits under conditions of monopolistic competition in the meaning of Edward Chamberlin. Their proposition is not conclusive since it would require free entry and for savings banks to operate under increasing returns to scale. Available evidence, however, shows them being subject to constant or decreasing returns to scale. The empirical findings of Gischer and Stiele can more convincingly be explained by assuming savings banks abide by their legal goals to pursue the public interest.