Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Superovulatory response to a low dose single‐daily treatment of rhFSH dissolved in polyvinylpyrrolidone in rhesus monkeys

To simplify the procedure for superovulation in the rhesus monkey, this study was designed using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution as a solvent for gonadotropins. Thirty‐five cycling females (aged 5–8 years old) were divided into six groups during the breeding season (November– February). The groups were as follows: Group I, animals received twice‐daily 35 IU recombinant human follicle‐stimulating hormone (rhFSH) dissolved in 0.5 ml saline for 8 days as the control; Groups II and III, animals received single‐daily 35 IU and 17 IU rhFSH in 0.5 saline, respectively, for 9 days; Groups IV, V and VI, received single‐daily injection of 35 IU rhFSH, 17 IU rhFSH and 8.5 IU rhFSH dissolved in 0.5 ml 30% PVP (w/v) solution, respectively, for 9 days. After human chorionic gonadotropin was administered to induce the nuclear maturation of oocytes, oocytes were retrieved and the development competence of recovered oocytes treated with in vitro fertilization were observed. The plasma concentrations of follicle‐stimulating hormone and ovarian responses were monitored during the treatment. The results showed that the number of recovered oocytes and the in vitro developmental competence of mature oocytes was equivalent among monkeys when treated with a single‐daily treatment of 17 and 35 IU rhFSH with PVP preparation in Groups IV and V compared with the twice‐daily 35 IU rhFSH treatments received by Group I. However, almost all animals in Groups II, III and VI responded poorly to corresponding stimulations. These findings indicate that a single‐daily low dose of rhFSH dissolved in PVP solution can induce the satisfactory ovarian responses in rhesus monkeys. This has the potential to reduce treatment distress, stress to the animals, the labor of the operator as well as the amount of rhFSH used in ovarian stimulation, compared with traditional superovulation methods. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1278–1284, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Financial Performance and Non‐Family CEO Turnover in Private Family Firms Under Different Conditions of Ownership and Governance

Manuscript Type Empirical Research Question/Issue Family firms, as insider-controlled companies, should be less likely to exhibit CEO turnover after poor performance and may thus promote enhanced focus on long-term goals. However, when a non-family CEO is in charge, the relatively limited empirical evidence is contrasting. Some studies find that only family CEOs are immune from the threat of dismissal following poor financial performance, other studies show that family firms discipline their CEOs for poor financial performance regardless of their family status. In this work, we try to reconcile these contrasting findings and investigate what ownership and governance conditions influence the owners’ pressure on the CEO to achieve short-term financial results. Research findings/insights Drawing on a longitudinal dataset that covers the entire population of Italian medium and large family companies, we find that when family ownership is concentrated in the hands of few family shareholders or there is a low number of family members involved in the board of directors, non-family CEOs are less likely to be dismissed after poor performance. Theoretical/Academic Implications Our study, adopting the behavioural agency theory as the guiding framework, highlights the importance for the governance decisions of the potential goal divergence among principals in closely held ownership structures. Our results also add to the still scant literature on the relationship between family owners and non-family CEOs. Practitioner/Policy Implications Our research suggests that family business owners, in the decision to hire a non-family CEO should not only assess their gaps in managerial skills but also carefully consider the ownership structure and family involvement conditions. On the side of professional non-family managers, our results offer insights on ways to address the employment relationship with the controlling family.
Effect of citric acid and lyophilized autologous plasma on healing following periodontal flap surgery in monkeys.

The purpose of this histologic, histometric, and autoradiographic study was to examine the effect of citric acid conditioning and lyophilized autologous plasma (LAP) application on healing following periodontal flap surgery. Mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated in six rhesus monkeys using the modified Widman flap procedure. A total of 24 quadrants were treated, each included the first and second premolar and first and second molar teeth. Cementum was removed from the exposed root surfaces, and reference notches were inscribed into the roots at the alveolar bone margin. Two treatment modalities were employed: (1) surgery plus citric acid conditioning, to serve as control and (2) surgery plus citric acid followed by LAP application (400 mg/ml saline). Flaps were returned to their preoperative positions and sutured. Animal sacrifices were scheduled to provide observations 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 45 days after surgery. Each monkey received an intravenous injection of tritiated thymidine, 1 microCi/gm of body weight, 1 hour before it was killed. Tissue specimens were processed for evaluation following standard procedures. Histologically, tissue sections were examined for: (1) proliferation and attachment of epithelium, (2) organization and maturation of periodontal fibers, (3) inflammatory cell types, (4) presence or absence of new cementum deposition, and (5) degree of vascularity of the tissues. For histometric evaluation, the radicular notches were used as reference points. The distances examined histometrically were: (1) from the root surface notch to the alveolar bone crest, (2) from the root surface notch to the apical extent of the junctional epithelium, and (3) from the free gingival margin to the apical extent of the junctional epithelium. For autoradiographic evaluation labeled cells were counted in five spatial compartments at 400 X magnification: (1) oral epithelium, (2) crevicular area, (3) supracrestal connective tissue, (4) coronal periodontal membrane, and (5) coronal bone marrow. For each the histometric and autoradiographic evaluation involved a total of 36 tissue sections per quadrant (9 sections per tooth). Tooth and quadrant means were obtained for each monkey. The plasma-treated and control quadrants were compared at each time point by the paired t test. N = 2 monkeys were used for each comparison. Histologic results showed that in teeth that were acid-conditioned after root planing, the epithelium often migrated apically reaching the radicular notch. Those teeth that were conditioned and subsequently treated with LAP demonstrated fiber attachment to the planed root surface and little or no epithelial downgrowth. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Mutational screening of the RB1 gene in Indian patients with retinoblastoma reveals eight novel and several recurrent mutations

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children, caused by inactivation of the RB1 gene on chromosome 13. We carried out a mutational screen of the exons and promoter of the RB1 gene in Indian patients with retinoblastoma in order to determine the range of mutations giving rise to disease. Forty‐seven patients were screened for mutations in all exons and promoter of the RB1 gene by single strand conformation polymorphism followed by sequencing. Tumors were available from 27 patients (12 bilateral and 15 unilateral retinoblastoma) while only peripheral blood was available from 20 patients, all with bilateral disease. Mutations were found in 22 patients, 9 from the analysis of tumors and 13 from peripheral blood. Eight novel mutations were identified, including 4 single base changes, 2 small deletions and 1 duplication. These are g.64365T>G (Tyr325Ter), g.78131G>A (Trp515Ter), g.150061G>T (Glu587Ter), g.170383C>G (S834X), g.41924A>C (IVS3–2A>C), g.150064ins4, g.160792del22, and g.76940del14 (IVS15 del +20‐33). Almost all mutations produced nonsense codons or frameshifts. Recurrent mutations, especially at CpG sites were seen predominantly. Detectable mutations in exons were found in 46% of patients tested. Large deletions, epigenetic changes as well as mutations in non‐coding regions may be the cause of disease in the remainder of patients. Knowledge of the full range of mutations can aid in the design of screening tests for individuals at risk. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Job strain and minor psychiatric morbidity among hospital nurses in southern Taiwan

Abstract Nursing is recognized as a stressful occupation and has indicated a probable high prevalence of distress. The purpose of this study was to identify the degree of job strain and to investigate the association between job strain and the minor psychiatric disorder in hospital nurses. A total of 907 registered nurses were recruited for this study via stratified random sampling from hospitals in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Each participant was requested to answer a structured questionnaire anonymously and a 98.1% response rate was achieved. The Job Strain Questionnaire was used to measure job strain. The minor psychiatric disorder was measured by the Chinese Health Questionnaire, and a cut‐off score of 4 or more was used to identify which subjects had minor psychiatric disorder. Results indicated that 24.5% of the nurses were in the high strain group and that those who were unmarried, had a lack of social support, and those with shift work were the most susceptible to high job strain. A total of 443 (48.8%) respondents were identified as having minor psychiatric disorder. Multiple logistic regression revealed that high job strain, poor social support, and poor self‐perceived health were the significant factors for nurses to have minor psychiatric disorder. These findings suggested that the best way to decrease the prevalence of psychological distress of nurses might focus on organizational attempts to reduce work stress and to develop effective health promotion programs and give more assistance to nurses who have a managerial role.
Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment, Agricultural Sector and Economic Growth in Tanzania

This paper analyzes the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on agricultural sector in Tanzania. The paper also examines the declining contribution of agriculture to real GDP growth despite the fact that the sector employs more than 70 percent of the total labour force. Annual time series data spanning from 1990 to 2015 are used to test the significance of the relationship between FDI inflow and agriculture value added-to-GDP ratio on one hand and FDI inflows and economic growth on the other hand. Also, the relationship between agriculture value added and economic growth rate is empirically examined. Variables such as gross fixed capital formation, inflation rate, trade liberalization, real exchange rate and population are considered as control variables. For the purpose of inference, the paper employs classical linear regression model. Ordinary least squares methods are used for estimation. The diagnostic tests including RESET regression errors specification test, Breusch-Godfrey serial correlation LM test, Jacque-Bera-normality test and white heteroskedasticity test reveal that the models have no signs of misspecification and that, the residuals are serially uncorrelated, normally distributed and homoskedastic. Interestingly, empirical results suggest that there is no significant effect of FDI inflows on agriculture value added-to-GDP ratio in Tanzania despite the fact that FDI inflows in economy have been outstanding particularly in past two decades. Unsurprisingly, the results show that FDI inflows-to-GDP ratio and real GDP growth rate are positively correlated. Notwithstanding, agriculture sector, which constitutes the largest proportion of the total labour force, contributes, on average, less than 30 percent, to total GDP. This suggests that the sector is inefficient and therefore, effort towards attracting more FDI aiming at improving productivity in agriculture sector, which in turn may reduce poverty, is much needed.
Transactional or Transformational Leadership: Which Works Best for Now?

The study of leadership started before ages. We found this study with a variety of academic details and in different framework. With the time culture also changed of an organization, it is now more complicated. Present corporate context requires a more efficient leader with clear vision and motivation power, instead of dominant personality. Transactional and Transformational leadership styles got notable attentions of many researchers from decades. This study explores the distinctiveness of Transactional and Transformational leadership from literature. Various differences have been drawn between these leadership styles to identify which one is more applicable for present corporate context. The paper concludes that both Transactional and Transformational leadership styles have weaknesses and strengths, although Transformational leadership style is more acceptable in present context.
EpCAM aptamer-functionalized polydopamine-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with DM1 for targeted therapy in colorectal cancer

DM1, a maytansine derivative, is a highly potential cytotoxic agent but with severe side effects; therefore, its application in clinical cancer therapy is limited. Here, in order to mitigate this intrinsic drawback of DM1, we developed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with DM1 and surface-decorated with hydrochloride dopamine (PDA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer (APt) for the targeted treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this system, the PDA coating could be used as pH-sensitive gatekeepers to control the release of DM1 from MSNs in response to the pH stimulus and EpCAM APt-guided active targeting enables the increased delivery of DM1 to CRC as well as a reduction in toxicity and side effects by minimizing the exposure of normal tissues to DM1. Results demonstrated that DM1 inhibited the formation of microtubules and induced apoptosis in tumor cells via caspase signaling. In comparison with the control groups, the MSNs-DM1@PDA-PEG-APt bioconjugates exhibited increased binding ability and much higher cytotoxicity to the CRC SW480 cell line. Furthermore, in vivo assays confirmed the advantages of such a strategy. These findings suggested that MSNs-DM1@PDA-PEG-APt could represent a promising therapeutic platform for EpCAM-positive CRC.
Technology Underutilized: Principal’s Role in Creating a Culture of High-Level Uses

Teachers need to maximize technology to support student learning by drawing upon varying pedagogical orientations; however, teacher-centered, highly structured approaches that foster low-level thinking is more prevalent. Although highly structured approaches help develop students’ foundational skills and content knowledge, student-centered, open-ended approaches foster high-level thinking aimed by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Literature suggests principals have an important role in the implementation of the CCSS and technology integration, but it does not capture the ways principals help teachers adopt high-level uses of technology. This research asks the overarching question, “What actions, decisions, and relationships do principals perceive contributed to a classroom culture that utilizes high-levels of technology to meet the expectations of the CCSS? ” A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was utilized to discover the knowledge, dispositions, and actions of principals who were successful in creating a culture of high-levels of technology integration. Interviews with 12 public middle school principals in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with ample technology resources reaffirm literature and add new understandings. Findings show that these technology-oriented principals: (a) were knowledgeable about ways real-time collaborative tools supported student learning; (b) applied their knowledge about high-levels of technology integration in organizational decisions and actions; (c) encouraged experimentation with technology; (d) supported flexible uses of technology and teacher autonomy but continuity with some resources was needed; (e) provided teachers sustained technology-related professional development but comprehensive planning was not common; (f) recognized that first-order barriers continued to persist in their school; and (g) believed that slow implementation and colleagues helped slow adopters overcome second-order barriers but peer coaching was needed. HIGH-LEVEL INTEGRATION vi The findings suggest that these principals provided most Essential Conditions of Transformational Learning and applied Professional Standards for Educational Leaders to create a culture of high-level technology use. The outcomes of this study call attention to the complexity of achieving high-levels of technology integration in schools with or without sufficient resources and technology-oriented leadership.
STR Markers for Kinship Analysis

ABSTRACT The analysis of short tandem repeats is a widely used method to estimate relatedness between closely related populations or individuals. The AmpFlSTR PCR Amplification Kit has 15 highly variable autosomal markers of tetranucleotide repeats and is principally made to identify individuals and first- or second-degree relatives. However, in many studies one is searching for individuals who are related through more than one generation. We wanted to test whether the amplification kit can also be used to identify more distantly related individuals. Therefore we compared 16 different methods that calculate genetic distance with regard to each method's ability to cluster more distantly related individuals from two test families. Among all the tested methods Nei et al.'s (1983) DA distance performed well in clustering family members within a group of unrelated individuals for a broad range of scenarios. However, second-degree relatives were difficult to cluster with any of the examined methods when other family members were absent. With a simulation we further estimated how many markers would actually be needed to detect a certain degree of relatedness. According to this simulation, one would need at least 123 independent microsatellite markers to detect third-degree relatives with 90% probability. In conclusion, the 15 STR markers in the amplification kit are suitable for detecting only very closely related individuals or entire families.
Mind over matter: Cognitive – behavioral determinants of emotional distress in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract Given the high incidence and unique symptomatology of depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, the current study examined the role of cognitive and behavioral variables in predicting psychosocial adjustment in this population, in order to suggest psychotherapeutic interventions tailored specifically to MS patients. Data from 329 MS patients indicated that problem solving coping, acceptance coping, and challenge appraisals were associated with positive psychological adjustment (i.e., high life satisfaction, low depression and anxiety), whereas variables measuring disease severity (i.e., illness duration, subjective health status, and self-reported disability) were not associated with adjustment. These findings suggest that MS patients' psychological outcomes are more related to controllable cognitive and behavioral factors than to the physical effects of the disease. Consequently, it is expected that interventions that target these specific coping strategies and cognitive appraisals will be effective in treating the emotional effects of MS.
A novel palmitoyl acyl transferase controls surface protein palmitoylation and cytotoxicity in Giardia lamblia

The intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia undergoes surface antigenic variation whereby one of a family of structurally related variant‐specific surface proteins (VSPs) is replaced in a regulated process by another antigenically distinct VSP. All VSPs are type I membrane proteins that have a conserved hydrophobic sequence terminated by the invariant hydrophilic amino acids, CRGKA. Using transfected Giardia constitutively expressing HA‐tagged VSPH7 and incubated with radioactive [3H]palmitate, we demonstrate that the palmitate is attached to the Cys in the conserved CRGKA tail. Surface location of mutant VSPs lacking either the CRGKA tail or its Cys is identical to that of wild‐type VSPH7 but non‐palmitoylated mutants fail to undergo complement‐independent antibody specific cytotoxicity. In addition, membrane localization of non‐palmitoylated mutant VSPH7 changes from a pattern similar to rafts to non‐rafts. Palmitoyl transferases (PAT), responsible for protein palmitoylation in other organisms, often possess a cysteine‐rich domain containing a conserved DHHC motif (DHHC‐CRD). An open reading frame corresponding to a putative 50 kDa Giardia PAT (gPAT) containing a DHHC‐CRD motif was found in the Giardia genome database. Expression of epitope‐tagged gPAT using a tetracycline inducible vector localized gPAT to the plasma membrane, a pattern similar to that of VSPs. Transfection with gPAT antisense producing vectors inhibits gPAT expression and palmitoylation of VSPs in vitro confirming the function of gPAT. These results show that VSPs are palmitoylated at the cysteine within the conserved tail by gPAT and indicate an essential function of palmitoylation in control of VSP‐mediated signalling and processing.
Mastic gum has no effect on Helicobacter pylori load in vivo.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether mastic gum suppresses or eradicates Helicobacter pylori infection in humans. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nine patients with H. pylori infection, and without gastroduodenal ulceration, were recruited from day-case endoscopy lists and treated with mastic 1 g four times daily for 14 days. [13C]Urea breath tests (UBTs) were carried out immediately before, on day 15 and 5 weeks after treatment with mastic. RESULTS Mastic had no effect on H. pylori status in any of the eight completed patients; all remained H. pylori positive by UBT with no change in delta scores [pre-treatment mean +/- s.e. m. 19.1 +/- 3.7, day 15 (post-treatment) 18.7 +/- 3.8, P = 0.8, paired t-test]. CONCLUSION Despite reported anti-H. pylori action in vitro, this preliminary study shows that mastic has no effect on H. pylori in humans.