Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dopamine Inhibits Mitral / Tufted 3 Granule Cell Synapses in the Frog Olfactory Bulb

Synaptic interactions between the dendrites of mitral/tufted (MT) and granule cells (GCs) in the olfactory bulb are important for the determination of spatiotemporal firing patterns of MTs, which form an odor representation passed to higher brain centers. These synapses are subject to modulation from several sources originating both within and outside the bulb. We show that dopamine, presumably released by TH-positive local interneurons, reduces synaptic transmission from MTs to GCs. MT neurons express D2-like receptors (D2Rs), and both dopamine and the D2 agonist quinpirole decrease EPSC amplitude at the MT3GC synapse. D2R activation also increases paired pulse facilitation and decreases the frequency of action potential-independent spontaneous miniature EPSCs in GCs, consistent with an effect on MT glutamate release downstream from Ca 2 influx. Analysis of spike-evoked Ca 2 transients in MT lateral dendrites additionally shows that quinpirole reduces Ca 2 influx preferentially at distal locations, possibly by reducing dendritic excitability via increased transient K channel availability. When the OB is activated physiologically by using odor stimuli, blocking D2Rs increases the power of GABAA-dependent oscillations in the local field potential. This demonstrates a functional role for the dopaminergic circuit during normal odor-evoked responses and for the modulation of dendritic release and excitability in neuronal circuit function. Regulation of spike invasion of lateral dendrites by transient K currents also may provide a mechanism for local outputs of MTs to be controlled dynamically via other neuromodulators or by postsynaptic potentials.
Comparative Analysis of Real Earnings Management and Accrual-based Earnings Management before and after Convergence of IFRSs in Indonesia

This study aims to test and analyze real earnings management through cash flow from operations, production costs and discretionary expenses as well as accrual-based earnings management in the period before and after convergence of IFRSs. In this study using the financial statements of 83 manufacturing companies in Indonesia Stock Exchange. In the period before convergence of IFRSs used the financial statements of 2009, 2010 & 2011 and in the period after convergence of IFRSs used the financial statements of 2014, 2015 & 2016. The results show evidence of a decline in real earnings management through cash flow from operations, production costs and discretionary expenses as well as accrual-based earnings management after convergence of IFRSs. Another result shows that decline of total real earnings management is greater than decline of accrual-based earnings management after convergence of IFRSs.
Bank risk-taking and misconduct

This paper studies bank misconduct using a novel dataset on malpractice that resulted in conduct costs in a sample of 30 financial institutions during 2000-2016. It shows that misconduct has been prevalent over the sample period and that its intensity varies over the business cycle. Furthermore, the initiation of misconduct is related to bank remuneration schemes, increasing with CEO bonuses in periods of high economic growth and when bank leverage is high. To provide a possible explanation for the observed dynamics, the paper builds a theoretical model in which misconduct is linked to bank risk-taking. There, the implementation of profitable but risky projects requires more aggressive pay structures, in turn increasing managers’ incentives to engage in other activities that boost short-term returns. The findings have implications for regulation aimed at preventing malpractice in financial institutions.
Effects of Training on Organizational Performance

Training is one of the Human Resources functions of the organization. When employees are recruited into the organization, they may not come with all the required skill set to discharge fully their roles in the organization. Hence, the one to equip such new employees with relevant skill set for the good of the organization. Also, the business world is very dynamic and ever changing. Organizations keep innovating making it imperative or organizations to keep training and learning. The rate technological advancement has made it almost impossible for any forward looking organization not to flow with the competition is cut throat. Customers keeping raising expectations which every bank which want to remain in business will necessarily have to meet. The Customer-facing employees will need the right skills, knowledge and attitude to manage the customers with their high expectation. The right skill, knowledge and attitude can be acquired through training. The research attempts to find out the impact which training has employee performance bearing in mind that the aggregate of individual performance will culminate to organizational performance. The study considered the microfinance bank sub-sector from which three banks were selected. Data was collected from 304 respondents who were drawn using Taro Yamane sample size determination technique through structured questionnaire. The data collected was subjected to both descriptive and inferential techniques were used to test formulated hypotheses. The study showed that employee skill, knowledge and ability gained from training has significant effect on productivity. Further findings reveal that training has effect on employee commitment to the organization. The conclusion is that training enhances employee performance as well as employee commitment to the organization. It is therefore, recommended that microfinance banks and all organization should take more active interest in the training of its employees.
Investigating the adoption of the root and tuber composite flour (RTCF) technology transferred among micro- and small-scale entrepreneurs (MSEs) in the bakery industry in Ghana

A survey was conducted to investigate the extent of adoption of root and tuber composite flour (RTCF) technology transferred among micro- and small-scale entrepreneurs (MSEs) in the bakery and pastry industry in Ghana. A total of 268 respondents were surveyed from the Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Western and Central regions in Ghana. The overall adoption rate of the RTCF technology among the 268 respondents was estimated at approximately 40%; Ashanti (75.7%), Eastern (43.1%), Volta (41%) and Brong Ahafo (21.4%). Results confirmed that adoption rate of the RTCF was tied to availability, accessibility and affordability of the RTCF in the local communities. Modelling adoption decision of the RTCF technology using the Probit model indicated that process innovation and age of bakers had significant positive influence on the decision to adopt the RTCF technology. Younger bakers with less experience also increased the probability of adoption It is therefore important to encourage bakers to be innovative through the adoption of best practices and technologies that have the potential to increase productivity and efficiency. Adoption of the RTCF technology has significant implications for enhanced food security situation in Ghana.
Nicardipine vs. saline injection as treatment for Peyronie's disease: a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial.

INTRODUCTION Various conservative treatments for Peyronie's disease (PD) have been attempted over the years. Intralesional verapamil injection has been tested in prospective randomized studies, but the effect of this treatment seems insufficient. Nicardipine is a calcium antagonist alternative to verapamil and is reportedly more effective in vitro. AIM The objective of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of intralesional nicardipine injection as a conservative treatment for PD in the transition period of acute and chronic phase. METHODS Eighty-six patients (age: 38-72 years, mean: 52) were enrolled in this study. A total of 74 patients were assigned randomly to nicardipine group (10 mg diluted in 10 mL of distilled water daily, N=37) and control group (10 mL of saline water, N=37). A total of six injections were administrated biweekly. MEAN OUTCOME MEASURE The subjects were assessed by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 and international pain scale. The plaque size was measured by ultrasonography after 20 µg intracavernosal injection of alprostadil (prostaglandin E1). The penile curvature was also measured by taking a photograph at maximum rigidity. RESULTS A reduction of pain score was seen throughout the course of treatment in both groups with a significant difference between the nicardipine and control groups (multiple analysis of variance test, P=0.019). A significant improvement of IIEF-5 score occurred only in the nicardipine group at 48 weeks after the initiation of treatment (P<0.01). The plaque size was significantly reduced at 48 weeks only in the nicardipine group (12 points, P=0.0004 by paired t-test). The penile curvature was significantly improved in both groups (P<0.01) without significant difference between them (P=0.14). There were no severe side effects, such as hypotension or other cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that intralesional nicardipine injection is clinically effective as a conservative treatment for PD in the transition period of acute and chronic phase.
Bioadhesion and biocompatibility evaluations of gelatin and polyacrylic acid as a crosslinked hydrogel in vitro

This study describes the potentiality of crosslinked hydrogels comprised of gelatin and polyacrylic acid (CHGP) as a biological glue for soft tissues and compares its bonding strength with that of fibrin glue. Water-soluble carbodimide (WSC) was used to crosslink the mixture of gelatin and polyacrylic acid (PAA). An addition of PAA to gelatin increases bonding strength and reduces the gelation time and WSC concentration. Increasing the gelatin, WSC and PAA concentration increases the bonding strength. There is a critical concentration to have a maximum bonding strength. The cured hydrogel exhibited sufficient adhesion to mouse skin with a higher bonding strength than fibrin glue. The in vitro test has been done for evaluating CHGP toxicity.
Critical Differences Among Beta‐Adrenoreceptor Antagonists in Myocardial Failure: Debating the MERIT of COMET

In the United States, carvedilol and metoprolol (tartrate or succinate) are the most commonly employed beta‐adrenoreceptor antagonists for the treatment of heart failure. However, use of these agents in patients with heart failure remains extremely low despite overwhelming evidence of their beneficial short‐ and long‐term effects. Because the myocardial pathophysiology associated with heart failure involves not only β‐1 adrenoreceptors but also β‐2 and α‐1 adrenoreceptors, this indicates a more complex disease process that may require pan‐receptor antagonism to provide optimal clinical benefit. Relative to metoprolol (tartrate or succinate), carvedilol represents an extremely complex molecular entity that not only possesses the ability to antagonize all of the principle adrenoreceptors involved in heart failure but also reduces oxidative stress and provides an antiarrhythmic benefit independent of beta‐adrenoreceptor antagonism. Taken together, an interesting pharmacologic premise for the superiority of carvedilol relative to metoprolol (tartrate) may exist, but the lack of clinical trials comparing an optimal dose of either extended‐release metoprolol (ie, succinate) or immediate‐release metoprolol (ie, tartrate) to carvedilol limits the clinical application of the pharmacologic differences between the agents.
Informal Caregivers’ Use of Internet-Based Health Resources: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey

Background Informal caregivers express strong interest in technology innovations to help them in their caregiving role; however, divides across sociodemographic characteristics in internet and technology access may preclude the most vulnerable caregivers from accessing such resources. Objective This study aims to examine caregivers’ internet use, both generally and for seeking health-related information, and whether usage differs as a function of caregivers’ characteristics. Methods Data were analyzed from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 1. Participants were included in analyses if they self-identified as providing uncompensated care to a close individual. Caregivers reported internet use factors, age, education, rurality, general health, distress, and objective caregiving burden. We used chi-square tests of independence with jackknife variance estimation to compare whether internet use factors differed by caregivers’ characteristics. Results A total of 77.5% (303/391) caregivers surveyed reported ever using the internet. Of internet users, 88.1% (267/303) accessed from a home computer and 83.2% (252/303) from a mobile device. Most caregivers accessed health information for themselves (286/391, 73.1%) or others (264/391, 67.5%); fewer communicated with a doctor over the Web (148/391, 37.9%) or had a wellness app (171/391, 43.7%). Caregivers reporting younger age, more education, and good health were more likely to endorse any of these activities. Furthermore, two-thirds of caregivers (258/391, 66.0%) endorsed trust in health information from the internet. Conclusions Computers and mobile devices are practical platforms for disseminating caregiving-related information and supportive services to informal caregivers; these modalities may, however, have a more limited reach to caregivers who are older, have less education, and are in poorer health.
Exploring Ordinary Theology: Everyday Christian Believing and the Church

Ordinary theology' characterizes the reflective God-talk of the great majority of churchgoers, and others who remain largely untouched by the assumptions, concepts and arguments that academic theology takes for granted. Astley coined the phrase in his innovative study, Ordinary Theology: Looking, Listening and Learning in Theology, arguing that 'speaking statistically ordinary theology is the theology of God's Church'. Exploring Ordinary Theology presents fresh contributions from a wide range of authors, who address the theological, empirical and practical dimensions of this central feature of.
A Decade of Rural Physician Workforce Outcomes for the Rockford Rural Medical Education (RMED) Program, University of Illinois

Purpose To report on the retention and practice outcomes of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford Rural Medical Education (RMED) Program and to examine distance from influential locations in relation to graduates’ current practice location. Method The RMED Program recruits candidates from rural backgrounds, provides a supplemental curriculum addressing rural topics and experiences, and tracks graduates’ practice location and specialty choice outcomes. Practice location and specialty were compared for 160 RMED graduates and 2,663 non-RMED graduates, from 1997 to 2007. Rural status was based on rural–urban commuting codes. Comparisons were made using cross-tabulation with calculation of chi-square or odds ratios to assess differences. Results RMED graduates were 14.4 times more likely than non-RMED graduates to choose family medicine; 6.7 times more likely to choose a primary care practice specialty; 17.2 times more likely to be currently practicing in a rural location; and 12.8 times more likely to be currently practicing in a primary care shortage zip code. Analysis of current RMED graduates’ practice locations indicates that 41.9% were within 90 miles of their fourth-year preceptorship community. Among RMED graduates practicing in Illinois, 62.1% and 73.3% were located within 60 and 90 miles, respectively, of their hometown. Conclusions Recruitment of students combined with a rural-focused curriculum yielded positive outcomes related to primary care practice and decisions regarding practice location. RMED graduates were considerably more likely than non-RMED graduates to choose family medicine, choose a primary care specialty, and be currently practicing in a rural location.
Extracellular and intracellular glutathione protects astrocytes from Zn2+-induced cell death

Free Zn2+ is released in excess at excitatory synapses in pathological conditions including transient global and focal cerebral ischemia, which causes neuronal and glial cell death. In the current study, we explored the mechanism underlying Zn2+-induced cell death in primary cortical astroglial cultures. Chronic treatment with 30–35 μM Zn2+ led to the death of 70–95% of astrocytes within 18 h, preceded by Zn2+ influx. Extracellular glutathione (GSH; 100 μM) completely blocked the Zn2+ influx and Zn2+ toxicity. The Zn2+ toxicity was also inhibited when intracellular GSH was increased. Conversely, it was aggravated when intracellular GSH was depleted by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Consistently, the level of cellular GSH was notably decreased with a concurrent increase in oxidized GSH in Zn2+-treated astrocytes. These results suggest that the disruption of proper maintenance of thiol homeostasis is a mechanism underlying Zn2+ toxicity in primary cortical astrocytes.
Anthelmintic resistance: potential benefits of ‘over-diagnosis’

Neil Sargison and Philip Scott respond to the view expressed by Ian Fairweather in a recent Viewpoint that unconfirmed reports of resistance to triclabendazole may be hampering the control of fasciolosis, suggesting instead that they might help raise awareness of more sustainable management strategies IAN Fairweather (2011a) reasons that unconfirmed reports of Fasciola hepatica resistance to triclabendazole may be hampering the control of fasciolosis by encouraging farmers to use less efficient products, and recommends more accurate laboratory diagnosis before claims of resistance are made (Fairweather 2011a). In the spirit of entering into constructive discussion, we would like to challenge this viewpoint. We acknowledge that lack of anthelmintic efficacy is not necessarily synonymous with anthelmintic resistance and that lack of efficacy of triclabendazole against F hepatica sometimes arises following underdosing, putatively brought about by: underestimation of animals' bodyweight; failure to administer the correct dose; poor product storage; or the use of inferior-quality products. Reports of resistance that do not take these factors into account should be questioned, although the relevance of other factors such as the effects of liver disease on the pharmacology and fasciolacidal activity of triclabendazole may be overemphasised (Halferty and others 2009). The diagnosis of triclabendazole resistance is not straightforward, but we respectfully challenge the contention that only the Sligo isolate of F hepatica (Fairweather 2011b) has been proven to be genuinely resistant. Professor Fairweather …
Biochemical characteristics of isolated rat liver stellate cells

Hepatic stellate cells play a quantitatively important role in hepatic retinoid metabolism and storage in rats maintained under normal nutritional conditions. Studies were conducted to further explore the biochemical characteristics of hepatic stellate cells. Stellate cells were isolated in high purity and yield from the livers of normal rats. The isolated cells had the morphology expected (on electron micrographs) for stellate cells, and were enriched in retinoids and in the intracellular retinoid‐binding proteins. The composition of the stellate cell lipid droplets was examined. These lipid droplets were isolated in high purity and integrity from frozen and thawed stellate cell preparations by differential centrifugation. We estimate that the lipid composition of stellate cell lipid droplets consisted of approximately 42% retinyl ester, 28% triglyceride, 13% cholesterol (total) and 4% phospholipid. Thus, stellate cell lipid droplets contain substantial levels of both cholesterol and triglyceride, in addition to retinyl esters. Stellate cell homogenates were assayed for both retinol‐binding protein and transthyretin by specific radioimmunoassays. Within the detection limits of these radioimmunoassays, we were unable to detect the presence of either retinol‐binding protein (<9 ng per 106 cells) or transthyretin (<11 ng per 106 cells) in the stellate cell preparations. Total RNA, prepared from the isolated stellate cells, was examined by Northern blot analysis for retinol‐binding protein mRNA and transthyretin mRNA, using cDNA probes for retinol‐binding protein and transthyretin. Within the sensitivity of these assays, retinol‐binding protein mRNA and transthyretin mRNA were not detected in stellate cells. These findings suggest that stellate cells do not synthesize or accumulate retinol‐binding protein.
Psychological Adjustment of Relinquishing Mothers before and after Reunion with their Children

A main objective of this study was to compare the emotional well-being of mothers who had already experienced a reunion with children relinquished two to four decades ago, with that of mothers who were still awaiting the possibility of such re-contact. A nationwide postal survey was carried out in New Zealand of the relinquishment experiences and subsequent adjustment of 238 women who had been able to re-contact their children and of 206 women who had not as yet made contact. The two subgroups did not differ on two standardised measures of psychological well-being (GHQ-28 and global self esteem). However, the post-reunion women reported significantly greater improvements in their feelings connected with “adoption events”, and also reported higher levels of perceived social support than did the pre-reunion women. Women who still lacked any information about their relinquished child showed significantly more negative affect and poorer psychological well-being than those who had at least obtained some non-identifying information.
Evaluation of coronary microvascular function in patients with vasospastic angina.

AIM To investigate endothelium-dependent and -independent coronary microvascular functions in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). METHODS Thirty-six patients with VSA (30 men and 6 women; mean age, 58 years) were enrolled in this study. VSA was defined as ≥ 90% narrowing of the epicardial coronary arteries on angiography performed during a spasm provocation test, presence of chest pain, and/or ST-segment deviation on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Patients (n = 36) with negative spasm provocation test results and those matched for age and sex were enrolled as a control group (nonVSA group). Low-dose acetylcholine (ACh; 3 μg/min) was infused into the left coronary ostium for 2 min during the spasm provocation test. Following the spasm provocation test, nitroglycerin (0.2 mg) was administered intracoronally. Coronary blood flow (was calculated from quantitative angiography and Doppler flow velocity measurements, and the coronary flow reserve was calculated as the ratio of coronary flow velocity after injection of adenosine triphosphate (20 μg) to the baseline value. Changes in the coronary artery diameter in response to ACh and nitroglycerin infusion were expressed as percentage changes from baseline measurements. RESULTS Body mass index was significantly lower in the VSA group than in the nonVSA group. The frequency of conventional coronary risk factors and the rate of statin use were similar between the 2 groups. The left ventricular ejection fraction as evaluated by echocardiography was similar between the 2 groups. The duration of angina was 9 ± 2 mo. The results of blood chemistry analysis were similar between the 2 groups. Low-dose ACh did not cause coronary spasms. The change in coronary artery diameter in response to ACh was lower in the VSA group (-1.4% ± 9.3%) than in the nonVSA group (3.1% ± 6.5%, P < 0.05), whereas nitroglycerin-induced coronary artery dilatation and coronary blood flow increase in response to ACh or coronary flow reserve did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that microvascular coronary function may be preserved despite endothelial dysfunction of the epicardial coronary arteries in patients with VSA.