Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Skin Color: A Possible Relationship Between Its Sexual Dimorphism and Its Social Perception

The view which seems to me the most probable is that man, or rather primarily woman, became divested of hair for ornamental purposes, as we shall see under Sexual Selection; and, according to this belief, it is not surprising that man should differ so greatly in hairiness from all other Primates, for characters, gained through sexual selection, often differ to an extraordinary degree in closely related forms.
Differences in morning and evening sample milkings and adjustment to daily weights and percents.

Dairy Herd Improvement Association sample-day data were analyzed 1) to explain variation of month-to-month differences of single milking yields and fat percents and 2) to develop adjustment factors for estimating daily yield and fat tests from a single milking. Prior to analyses, single sample data were adjusted for month-to-month differences determined from standard two sample data. Guernsey and Holstein data involving 1,632 and 16,784 cows were available in the single sample files. Analyses were separate for Guernseys and Holsteins and for yield and test. Regression equations involving from 13 to 16 independent variables accounted for proportions of variance of the dependent variable ranging from . 31 to . 48 for the four combinations of breed and trait. Regression equations for adjustment of Dairy Herd Improvement Association single sample data were developed. Each equation included only two independent variables for adjustment purposes. Those equations developed from Holstein data have been implemented by the Pennsylvania Dairy Herd Improvement Association to adjust single sample data for all breeds.
What is the validity evidence for assessments of clinical teaching?

BACKGROUND: Although a variety of validity evidence should be utilized when evaluating assessment tools, a review of teaching assessments suggested that authors pursue a limited range of validity evidence.OBJECTIVES: To develop a method for rating validity evidence and to quantify the evidence supporting scores from existing clinical teaching assessment instruments.DESIGN: A comprehensive search yielded 22 articles on clinical teaching assessments. Using standards outlined by the American Psychological and Education Research Associations, we developed a method for rating the 5 categories of validity evidence reported in each article. We then quantified the validity evidence by summing the ratings for each category. We also calculated weighted κ coefficients to determine interrater reliabilities for each category of validity evidence.MAIN RESULTS: Content and Internal Structure evidence received the highest ratings (27 and 32, respectively, of 44 possible). Relation to Other Variables, Consequences, and Response Process received the lowest ratings (9, 2, and 2, respectively). Interrater reliability was good for Content, Internal Structure, and Relation to Other Variables (κ range 0.52 to 0.96, all P values <.01), but poor for Consequences and Response Process.CONCLUSIONS: Content and Internal Structure evidence is well represented among published assessments of clinical teaching. Evidence for Relation to Other Variables, Consequences, and Response Process receive little attention, and future research should emphasize these categories. The low interrater reliability for Response Process and Consequences likely reflects the scarcity of reported evidence. With further development, our method for rating the validity evidence should prove useful in various settings.
Compliance and tolerability of subcutaneous hepatitis B immunoglobulin self-administration in liver transplant patients: a prospective, observational, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND Subcutaneous self-administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) prophylaxis is preferred by patients, but compliance with the assigned regimen in routine practice is undocumented. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective, observational, 18-week, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study assessed compliance and tolerability in maintenance liver transplant patients self-administering subcutaneous HBIg at home according to local practice. RESULTS Sixty-one patients were analyzed (median follow-up 18 weeks, range 14.0-27.9 weeks), with 961/1006 injections (95.5%) administered at home during the study. Other than in 4 patients, HBIg was prescribed for weekly administration (500 IU/L, n=39; 1000 IU/L, n=18) at study entry. Eighteen patients (29.5%) were assigned a dose lower than recommended in the Summary of Product Characteristics. The primary variable of compliance failure, defined as ≥ 1 hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) serum trough level <100 IU/L, occurred in 4 patients (6.6%; 95% CI 1.8%, 15.9%), 3 of whom were receiving a dose below that recommended for their body weight. Anti-HBs levels exceeded 100 IU/L in all patients at the final visit. Mean (SD) anti-HBs level at the first and final study visits was 248 (97) IU/L and 255 (104) IU/L, respectively. Patient compliance was graded good or very good by physicians in 91.8% of cases. No patients tested positive for HBsAg or HBV-DNA. Four patients experienced ≥ 1 adverse drug reactions, none of which was serious. No patient discontinued HBIg due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Subcutaneous HBIg home-based self-administration under routine, real-life conditions is well-tolerated and associated with high compliance and maintaining protective anti-HBs serum concentration.
Vitamin D Related Genes , CYP 24 A 1 and CYP 27 B 1 , and Colon Cancer Risk

Genetic association studies investigating the role of vitamin D in colon cancer have primarily focused on the vitamin D receptor (VDR), with limited data available for other genes in the vitamin D pathway, including vitamin D activating enzyme 1-α hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and vitamin D deactivating enzyme 24-α hydroxylase (CYP24A1). We evaluated whether 12 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in CYP24A1, identified by resequencing the gene in 32 Caucasian samples, and 1 SNP in CYP27B1 were associated with colon cancer risk. In addition, we evaluated whether these two genes modify associations between colon cancer on the one hand and total vitamin D intake and UVweighted sun exposure on the other, as well as other variants in VDR. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between polymorphisms and haplotypes in CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 in a multicenter population-based case-control study of 1,600 cases and 1,949 controls. The CYP24A1 polymorphism IVS4-66T > G showed a statistically significant association with risk of colon cancer overall, particularly for proximal colon cancer. When stratified by anatomic site, we also found statistically significant associations for three CYP24A1 polymorphisms with risk of distal colon cancer (IVS4 + 1653C > T: OR for CT/TT versus CC, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.96; IVS9 + 198T > C: OR for CC versus TT, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.03-1.73; and within whites only: +4125bp 3′ of STPC > G: OR for GG versus CC, 1.44; 95% CI, 1-2.05). In addition, a possible interaction between CYP27B1 and UV-weighted sun exposure with proximal colon cancer was observed. As this is the first study to evaluate these genes in relation to colon cancer, additional studies are needed to confirm these results. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2540–8)
Accuracy of Computerized Vertical Measurements on Digital Orthopantomographs: Posterior Mandibular Region

Objectives: Orthopantomographs are commonly used for diagnosis in clinical dentistry. Although the manufacturers claim a constant magnification effect, the reliability of measuring dimensions on the panoramic radiographs is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of measuring vertical dimensions in the posterior mandibular area on digital orthopantomographs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective survey of 20 orthopantomographs with unrestored implants (only with cover screw) in the mandibular posterior region (molars and premolars) was conducted. All radiographs were taken using the same machine by skilled technicians. Two examiners were asked to measure the vertical dimension of the implants seen on the radiographs viewed using two differently sized display screens. Inter-examiner and intra-examiner reliability tests were performed. Differences between the measured length and the actual length using each screen type were compared. Results: High coefficients of reliability were observed on intra- and inter-examiner correlation. The overall reliability of measuring the vertical dimensions of implants between both examiners for the large screen and the small screen were 97.4% (Cronbach's alpha 0.993) and 94.0% (Cronbach's alpha 0.984), respectively. There were no significant differences between the errors seen with either the large screen or the small screen, when each of them was compared to the original length (P = 0.146). Conclusion: This study shows that vertical dimensions in the posterior mandibular region (molar and premolars) can be reliably measured on an orthopantomograph using a calibrated machine and special software.
Large-Scale Characteristics of 5.25 GHz Based on Wideband MIMO Channel Measurements

Based on the channel measurements at 5.25 GHz in the hotspot area, empirical path loss (PL) models are developed and discussed for the IMT-Advanced system design. The measured scenarios include indoor line-of-sight (LOS), non-LOS, outdoor LOS/obstructed LOS, and outdoor-to-indoor propagations. The PL exponent, intercept, and standard deviation of shadow fading are obtained by using the least square method in each scenario. Moreover, the floor attenuation factor and penetration loss are determined from the cross-floor measurement and outdoor-to-indoor measurement, respectively.
Isolation and Characterization of CD271+ Stem Cells Derived from Sheep Dermal Skin

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great promise in the field of regenerative medicine due to their differentiation potential into several lineages. Besides the bone marrow, MSCs can be obtained from the dermis, which represents a large stem cell reservoir in the skin. Sheep provide an appropriate large animal model for preclinical studies. In this study, we focused on the isolation and characterization of MSCs from sheep dermis as an alternative to bone marrow MSCs (bmMSCs). Methods: Primary ovine cells were obtained from the dermis for comparison with bone marrow. CD271+/45- dermal MSCs (CD271-dMSCs), which were sorted by flow cytometry, and plastic-adherent bmMSCs were examined for morphology, proliferation and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in both low and high oxygen conditions. CD271 expression on cultured cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Adipogenic and osteogenic potentials of CD271-dMSCs were evaluated by oil red O and von Kossa staining. Chondrogenic capacity of CD271-dMSCs and CD271+/CD45- bone marrow cells (CD271-bmMSCs) was detected using immunohistochemistry and measurement of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Results: The cell proliferation assay demonstrated no significant difference between CD271-dMSCs and bmMSCs under low oxygen conditions. Cultured CD271-dMSCs revealed much more CD271 expression compared to CD271-bmMSCs. CD271-dMSCs and CD271-bmMSCs showed basically similar expression of the cartilage-specific proteins aggrecan and collagen type II, although with a stronger staining in CD271-bmMSC-derived cultures. Remarkably, there was co-expression of CD271 and aggrecan during chondrogenic differentiation, suggesting an involvement of CD271 in chondrogenesis. Conclusion: Based on these findings, CD271-dMSCs might serve as an appropriate alternative cell source in preclinical research.
Exploring the effects of network configurations on entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance : an empirical study of new ventures and small firms

Prior studies have suggested that networks are important for new ventures and small firms as a provider of access to entrepreneurial opportunities and as a tool to increase firm performance. Although the strategic value of networks on a general level is undisputed, one major shortcoming of prior studies has been to evaluate the effects of specific network configurations. Moreover, small firms have all too often been treated as a homogeneous group, expected to reveal similar needs and patterns of behavior. The purpose of this explorative study was therefore to examine the effects of different network configurations on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance for two categories of small firms new ventures and established small firms. The results were achieved by using empirical data from two independent samples of new ventures (n 171) and small firms (n 291) and show that network relationships have quite different effects in the two samples. While networking is overall positively linked to EO and performance for small firms, no positive effect from networking is evidenced for new ventures’ EO and performance. For both samples, we found a strong link between EO and performance. This paper concludes with a discussion on the results and suggestions for future research.
Delayed sexual maturity in males of Vespa velutina

Vespa velutina var nigrithorax (Lepelletier, 1835) is an invasive predator of bees accidentally introduced in France in 2004, and it is having a serious impact on apiculture and ecosystems. Studying the reproduction of an invasive species is key to assess its population dynamic. This study explores the sexual maturation of V. velutina males and the evolution of their fertility. The main studied parameters were physiologic (spermiogenesis, spermatogenesis) and anatomic (testes size and structure, head width). Two populations of males were described based on their emergence period: early males in early summer or classic males in autumn. Each testis has an average of 108 testicular follicles. Spermatogenesis is synchronous, with only 1 sperm production wave, and completed, on average, at 10.3 d after emergence with the degeneration of the testes. The sperm counts in seminal vesicles of mature males are 3 × 106 in October/November and 0.8 × 106 in June. In comparison, females store 0.1 × 106 sperm in their spermathecae. The early males emerged from colonies made by fertilized queens. The reproductive potential of these early males seemed limited, and their function in the colony is discussed. The sperm stock evolution in autumn males suggests the occurrence of a reproductive pattern of male competition for the access to females and a single copulation per male. The synchronicity of male and foundress emergences and sexual maturation is of primary importance for the mating success and the future colony development.
Platelets Augment Rabbit Cerebral Artery Constriction by Activating Protein Kinase C

Background and Purpose We tested the hypothesis that activated platelets augment cerebral artery responsiveness to thrombin by activating protein kinase C, a possible intracellular modulator of Ca2+ sensitivity. Methods Ring segments of rabbit basilar artery were prepared for in vitro measurements of isometric force. Cumulative concentration-response curves to thrombin were made in the absence or presence of activated platelets. Results Arteries contracted to thrombin in a concentration-dependent manner; freshly obtained human platelets (8.5 ×108 cells/ml) activated with 10 μg/ml collagen increased the arteries' sensitivity to thrombin by threefold while augmenting the maximal response from 40 ±11% to 66 ±12% of the maximal response to 0.3 mM histamine. At 10 nM, staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C activity, blunted the platelet-induced augmentation of the response to thrombin but did not alter the sensitivity or the maximal contraction to 8–64 mM K+. Removal of the endothelium did not alter the characteristics of the thrombin concentration- response curve. The addition of activated platelets increased the tissue sensitivity of endothelium-denuded arteries to thrombin by a factor of 30, and the maximal response to thrombin was 101 ±27% of the histamine response. Conclusions Our findings suggest that amplification of the arterial contractile response to thrombin caused by platelet-derived mediators may be due to activation of protein kinase C. There may also be a protective role for the cerebrovascular endothelium since endothelium reduced the extent of augmentation of protein kinase C-mediated tone by vasoactive agents released by activated platelets. Thus, increased vascular responsiveness caused by activated platelets may in part be due to protein kinase C-mediated changes in the intracellular sensitivity to Ca2+.
The phenomenon of life: toward a philosophical biology

A classic of phenomenology and existentialism, "The Phenomenon of Life" sets forth a systematic and comprehensive philosophy--an existential interpretation of biological facts laid out in support of his claim that the mind is prefigured throughout organic existence. Hans Jonas shows how life-forms present themselves on an ascending scale of perception and freedom of action, a scale reaching its apex in a human being's capacity for thought and morally responsible behavior.
Nonlinear Filtering Theory for McKean-Vlasov Type Stochastic Differential Equations

We consider estimation theory for partially observed stochastic dynamical systems whose state equations are given by McKean--Vlasov type stochastic differential equations and hence contain a measure term corresponding to the distribution of the solution of the state process. Nonlinear filtering equations are derived in this framework based upon the classification that the measure term is either stochastic or deterministic and that either the state or the measure term is estimated. When the measure term is deterministic the standard theory holds. Further, when the measure is random, the induced functions in the dynamics of the state become random and a similar recursion for the optimal filter is obtained. The joint estimation of state and the measure term is next considered. The extended state in this setup is shown to be a Banach space valued stochastic process with random functions in its state dynamics and a nonlinear filtering equation for this setup is provided. The first step of such an analysis requ.
Development and Characterization of a JAK-2−specific Antibody Suitable for Immunohistochemical Investigative Studies

Janus kinases (JAKs) are tyrosine kinases called JAK-1, JAK-2, JAK-3, and Tyk-2, which have been shown to participate in the signaling pathways of several cytokines that are believed to play a key role in several autoimmune-mediated disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the availability of JAK-specific antibodies to be used in investigative efficacy studies in RA models is very limited. Therefore, in this study we developed and characterized a JAK-2−specific antibody that was used to evaluate its immunohistochemical expression in the joints of a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (rAIA) RA preclinical model. An immunogen peptide sequence design was used to generate JAK-2−specific mouse, rat, and human polyclonal antibodies. JAK-2 plasmid cDNA was then generated and HEK293 transfected cell lines, gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to further characterize the generated JAK-2 antibodies. We show that the generated JAK-2 antibody exhibits specificity and lacks cross-reactivity to JAK-1 and JAK-3. In addition, marked JAK-2 expression is shown in the rAIA in mixed inflammatory cells (macrophages and neutrophils), mast cells, and bone marrow elements. In conclusion, we show the development and characterization of a JAK-2−specific antibody that can be used in investigative and mechanistic studies such as preclinical efficacy models.
Genetic variation underlying the expression of a polyphenism

Polyphenic traits are widespread and represent a conditional strategy sensitive to environmental cues. The environmentally cued threshold (ET) model considers the switchpoint between alternative phenotypes as a polygenic quantitative trait with normally distributed variation. However, the genetic variation for switchpoints has rarely been explored empirically. Here, we used inbred lines to investigate the genetic variation for the switchpoint in the mite Rhizoglyphus echinopus, in which males are either fighters or scramblers. The conditionality of male dimorphism varied among inbred lines, indicating that there was genetic variation for switchpoints in the base population, as predicted by the ET model. Our results also suggest a mixture between canalized and conditional strategists in R. echinopus. We propose that major genes that canalize morph expression and affect the extent to which a trait can be conditionally expressed could be a feature of the genetic architecture of threshold traits in other taxa.
A comparative antigenic study of gamma E-globulin and myeloma-IgND.

Summary IgND, represented by a myeloma protein ND and γE-globulin, detected in and isolated from atopic patients9 sera with reaginic activity, belong to the same immunoglobulin class, which is distinct from IgG, IgA, IgM and IgD. The antigenic determinants characteristic of the fifth immunoglobulin class, which should be designated IgE, are localized in the F c portion of the molecule. The association of reaginic activity with IgE was confirmed by the fact that anti-γE globulin as well as an antiserum specific for the F c portion of myeloma-IgND precipitated the reaginic factor in atopic patients9 sera.
Evaluation of a Mammography Screening Decision Aid for Women Aged 75 and Older: Protocol for a Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE There is insufficient evidence to recommend mammography for women >75 years. Guidelines recommend that older women be informed of the uncertainty of benefit and potential for harm, especially for women with short life expectancy. However, few older women are informed of harms of screening and many with short life expectancy are screened. Therefore, we aim to test whether a mammography screening decision aid (DA) for women >75 years affects their use of mammography, particularly for women with <10 year life expectancy. METHODS/DESIGN The DA is a self-administered pamphlet that includes information on screening outcomes, tailored information on breast cancer risk, health, life expectancy, and competing mortality risks, and includes a values clarification exercise. We are conducting a large cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the DA with the primary care provider (PCP) as the unit of randomization to evaluate its efficacy. We plan to recruit 550 women 75-89 years from 100 PCPs to receive either the mammography DA or a pamphlet on home safety for older adults (control arm) before a visit with their PCP, depending on their PCP's randomization assignment. The primary outcome is receipt of mammography screening assessed through chart abstraction. Secondary outcomes include effect of the DA on older women's screening intentions, knowledge, and decisional conflict, and on documented discussions about mammography by their PCPs. We will recruit women from 5 Boston-based primary care practices (3 community-based internal medicine practices and 2 academic practices), and 2 North Carolina-based academic primary care practices. DISCUSSION It is essential that we test the DA in a large RCT to determine if it is efficacious and to substantiate the need for broad translation into clinical practice. Our DA has the potential to improve health care utilization and care in a manner dictated by patient preferences.