Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excitotoxic Lesions of the Medial Amygdala Differentially Disrupt Prolactin Secretory Responses in Cycling and Mated Female Rats

This study examined the role of the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) in the control of prolactin secretion in gonadally intact female rats 20 min after mating, during the oestrous cycle, and during early pregnancy/pseudopregnancy (P/PSP). Cycling females received bilateral infusions of an excitotoxic dose of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) or vehicle into the MePD. Two to 4 weeks later, they were surgically implanted with intra‐atrial catheters for repeated blood sampling and were mated on the evening of proestrus until receiving 5, 10, 15 or 20 intromissions or 15 mounts‐without‐intromission (MO) from males. The percentages of rats becoming P/PSP increased as a function of numbers of intromissions received. All groups receiving intromissions showed similar approximately four‐fold increases in plasma prolactin concentrations 20 min after mating, while MO rats showed no increase at this time. There was no effect of NMDA lesion on this acute secretory response. Among rats that continued cycling, bilateral MePD lesion completely abolished the diurnal preovulatory prolactin surge, while incomplete and sham lesions did not. In rats that subsequently became P/PSP, bilateral lesion of the MePD resulted in dampening of prolactin concentrations at all sampling times 6–7 days after mating, while incomplete or sham lesions did not alter prolactin secretion at these times. These results demonstrate that the MePD is selectively important for the secretion of prolactin on the afternoon of proestrus and that this structure may also modulate prolactin release in P/PSP rats. Activity within MePD neurones does not appear to be required for the acute prolactin response to vaginocervical stimulation which occurs within minutes after mating.
Exploring consumer's attitudes and behavior toward product placement in television shows

In recent years, many studies have investigated consumers’ attitudes toward product placement in media content such as movies and television shows. However, few studies have used systematic framework to assess influence of social structural variables and socialization agents on consumers’ product placement attitudes and purchase intentions for product placements in television shows. Based on Consumer Socialization framework and agenda-setting, cultivation theory, current study investigates product placement attitudes and behavioral intentions among college students. The results show that peer communication, one of the socialization agents, has strongest relationship with for both placement-related attitudes and purchase intentions. Findings also show the associations between different demographic variables and consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions.
Stimulants and Cannabis Use Among a Marginalized Population in British Columbia, Canada

High rates of substance use, especially cannabis and stimulant use, have been associated with homelessness, exposure to trauma, and involvement with the criminal justice system. This study explored differences in substance use (cannabis vs. stimulants) and associations with trauma and incarceration among a homeless population. Data were derived from the BC Health of the Homeless Study (BCHOHS), carried out in three cities in British Columbia, Canada. Measures included sociodemographic information, the Maudsley Addiction Profile (MAP), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Plus. Stimulant users were more likely to be female (43%), using multiple substances (3.2), and engaging in survival sex (14%). Cannabis users had higher rates of lifetime psychotic disorders (32%). Among the incarcerated, cannabis users had been subjected to greater emotional neglect (p < .05) and one in two cannabis users had a history of lifetime depressive disorders (p < .05). Childhood physical abuse and Caucasian ethnicity were also associated with greater crack cocaine use. One explanation for the results is that a history of childhood abuse may lead to a developmental cascade of depressive symptoms and other psychopathology, increasing the chances of cannabis dependence and the development of psychosis.
Metabolic consequences of agonistic behaviour: crab fights in declining oxygen tensions

The energetic consequences of fighting, which may depend on environmental conditions, can be an important factor shaping contest strategy and duration. Energy expenditure may be costly to fitness because it depletes reserves that could otherwise have been allocated to reproduction, and metabolites are produced that may constrain subsequent activities. We examined the variation in the metabolic consequences of fighting in relation to hypoxia. Contests were staged between pairs of size-matched male shore crabs Carcinus maenas L. , under a range of water oxygen tensions (between 10 and 100% oxygen saturation) which crabs experience in their natural habitat. Fighting under normoxic and hypoxic conditions resulted in significantly elevated concentrations of haemolymph metabolites (L-lactate and glucose) compared with crabs at rest. However, these concentrations were much lower than in crabs that had been walking on a treadmill. Glycogen concentrations differed only under hypoxic conditions: glycogen stores were reduced in crabs after fighting and this reduction was similar to that after exercise on a treadmill. Contests were shorter when they were staged below a water P o2of 6.7 kPa ( approximately 30% normoxia). As water oxygen tensions were reduced, fighting crabs had greater concentrations of L-lactate and glucose in their blood and tissues whilst glycogen stores were reduced. Fights became shorter when crabs were exposed to severe hypoxia (P o2=2 kPa) for increasing lengths of time, and blood L-lactate concentrations increased. The results suggest that as fights progressed, crabs experienced an increasing metabolic debt, in the form of accumulation of L-lactate and a reduction in energy stores, which was amplified by hypoxic conditions. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Medullary CO2 chemoreceptor neuron identification by c-fos immunocytochemistry.

In a search for CO2 chemoreceptor neurons in the brain stem, we used immunocytochemistry to monitor the expression of neuronal c-fos, a marker of increased activity, after 1 h of exposure to CO2 in five groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (294 +/- 20 g): five air breathing controls, three breathing 10% CO2, three breathing 13% CO2, three breathing 15% CO2, and three breathing 15% CO2 and treated with morphine (10 mg/kg sc). After exposure the rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and perfused intracardially with 4% paraformaldehyde. The brain stem was removed and cryoprotected, and then 50-microns frozen sections were cut and immunostained for the fos protein. Brain stem fos-immunoreactive neurons were plotted and counted in the superficial 0.5 mm of the ventral medullary surface. Thirteen to 15% CO2 evoked fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) in 321 +/- 146 neurons/rat. Significant CO2-induced labeling was confined within the superficial 150 microns: 67% of identified cells were less than 50 microns below the surface, greater than 90% between 1.0 and 3.0 mm from the midline, and approximately 60% in the rostral half of the medulla. Thirteen to 15% CO2 also evoked FLI in the area of the nucleus tractus solitarius but not in other medullary regions. Morphine (10 mg/kg sc) did not suppress high CO2-evoked FLI in either the ventral medullary surface or the nucleus tractus solitarius, although it eliminated excitement and hyperventilation. We suggest that respiratory CO2 chemoreceptor neurons can be identified in rats by their expression of c-fos after 1 h of hypercapnia. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Location-Scale Permutation Test

A permutation test for the location-scale problem is proposed within the nonparametric combination framework. The test is based on the combination of the permutation version of the Student t test and the permutation version of Pan L 50 test for scale. Type-one error rate and power of this test are compared with those of Lepage and Cucconi tests. It is shown that the proposed test is preferable under normal- and light-tailed distributions.
Do You Know Me? Consumer Calibration of Friends' Knowledge

A consumer's decision to rely on a friend to act as an agent depends, in part, on beliefs about the friend's knowledge. Three studies examine the role of motivational and cognitive biases in estimating friends' personalized knowledge (e.g., knowledge of one's movie preferences). Results show that estimates of close friends' knowledge are less accurate than those of less close friends for personalized but not for impersonal knowledge. Specifically, the studies show more overestimation of personalized knowledge and more bias in integrating new information for close as opposed to less close friends, supporting a motivational explanation for miscalibration of personalized knowledge. (c) 2006 by JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc.
Geographic variation, speciation, and clines.

Geographic Variation, Speciation and Clines explores the origins and development of geographic variation, divergence, and speciation. In particular it is concerned with genetic divergence as it is usually found on continents, among groups of populations isolated only by distance. Although earlier writers on this topic considered the effects of geography and dispersal, intense geographic differentiation and speciation were thought to require complete isolation. Professor Endler shows how geographic differentiation and speciation may develop in spite of continuous gene flow. Following a review of the diverse and scattered literature on gene flow and population differentiation, the author discusses the relationships among gene flow, dispersal, and migration. He then summarizes the factors which limit the geographic extent of gene flow, and those which allow steep clines to develop in the absence of barriers to gene flow. His analysis draws on examples from the field, experiments, and single- and multiple-locus models. The mechanism and conditions for parapatric speciation are presented: steepening clines, development into hybrid zones, and the evolution of sexual isolation. In the final chapter the author considers the interpretation of natural clines and the associated geographic patterns of subspecies and species.
Researcher perspectives on competencies of return-to-work coordinators

Purpose. Return-to-work (RTW) coordination programs are successful in reducing long-term work disability, but research reports have not adequately described the role and competencies of the RTW coordinator. This study was conducted to clarify the impact of RTW coordinators, and competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) required to achieve optimal RTW outcomes in injured workers. Methods. Studies involving RTW coordination for injured workers were identified through literature review. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 principal investigators to obtain detailed information about the RTW coordinator role and competencies not included in published articles. Interview results were synthesized into principal conceptual groups by affinity mapping. Results. All investigators strongly endorsed the role of RTW coordinator as key to the program's success. Affinity mapping identified 10 groups of essential competencies: (1) individual traits/qualities, (2) relevant knowledge base, (3) RTW focus and attitude, (4) organizational/administrative skills, (5) assessment skills, (6) communication skills, (7) interpersonal relationship skills, (8) conflict resolution skills, (9) problem-solving skills, and (10) RTW facilitation skills. Specific consensus competencies were identified within each affinity group. Most investigators endorsed similar competencies, although there was some variation by setting or scope of RTW intervention. Conclusions. RTW coordinators are essential contributors in RTW facilitation programs. This study identified specific competencies required to achieve success. More emphasis on mentorship and observation will be required to develop and evaluate necessary skills in this area.
Therapeutic interventions in HIV infection – a critical view

Summary The introduction of highly effective combination regimens of antiretroviral drugs has led in recent years to substantial improvements in morbidity and mortality. As yet immune‐based therapies have had little if any impact. However it is clear that eradication of HIV is not achievable with existing anti‐HIV drugs and in spite of the major advances there remain many challenges in the clinical management of HIV‐infected individuals. These benefits are unlikely to be extended to resource poor countries in the foreseeable future. The barriers are primarily but not only the costs. In resource‐rich countries there are concerns about long term toxicities and many people have already exhausted all of the current therapeutic options. There is an urgent need for new drugs, ideally attacking new targets or with no cross resistance to existing drugs, and which are well tolerated and safe, easy to take and cheap. Many important questions still remain unanswered, in particular when to start antiretroviral therapy.
Perventricular [correction of Periventricular] closure of ventricular septal defects without cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive techniques are currently in use to close atrial and ventricular septal defects (VSD). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is instituted via the femoral vessels, which may cause injury to these vessels, especially in younger patients. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the feasibility of perventricular [corrected] closure of muscular VSD (MVSD) and paramembranous VSD (PVSD) without CPB, using the Amplatz VSD device. METHODS Five Yucatan pigs with naturally occurring PVSD (3- to 7-mm diameter) and 5 dogs with surgically created MVSD (6- to 14-mm diameter) were subjects of this study. The VSDs were closed intraoperatively with a 7-French delivery sheath inserted through the free wall of the right (n = 5) or left ventricle (n = 5), under epicardial echocardiogram guidance. The animals were followed for 3 months. RESULTS There was no operative mortality. All MVSD closed after placement of the device. Closure rate of PVSD was 4 of 5 after placement and 3 of 5 after 3 months. One pig developed aortic incompetence at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Perventricular closure of MVSD and PVSD is feasible. Avoidance of CPB can decrease recovery time, its complications, and trauma to the femoral vessels.
[Clinical significance of the laboratory determinations in preeclamptic patients].

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical significance and optimal cutting points of laboratory tests more frequently used in patients with pre-eclampsia of recent diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We made an analytic cross-sectional study for evaluation of diagnostic test. Non probabilistic sampling. Sample size 400 patients. We used the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria as gold standard. Laboratory personnel was blinded to the clinical classification of the patients. RESULTS We studied 192 patients without pre-eclampsia, 63 with mild and 153 with severe pre-eclampsia. Hematocrits, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and bilirubins did not show significative differences among groups. Platelets counting showed low sensitivity. Lactic dehydrogenase showed 71% sensitivity (65-85 CI95%), specificity 74% (68-80 CI95%) positive likelihood ratio 2.7 and negative 0.4. Uric acid showed sensitivity of 75% (69-81 CI95%) specificity 79% (73-85 CI95%) positive likelihood ratio of 3.5 and negative of 0.3. Seric creatinine with sensitivity of 81% (76-86 CI95%) specificity of 60% (53-67 CI95%) positive likelihood ratio of 2 and negative of 0.3. CONCLUSIONS Seric uric acid, seric creatinine and lactic dehydrogenase are useful for diagnosis and severity classification of pre-eclampsia. Platelets counting is not useful for diagnosis but is useful for severity classification. In patients with thrombocytopenia prothrombin time is useful for severity classification.
Öğretmen Adaylarının Gözüyle Basit Araç-Gereçlerle Yapılan Fen Deneyleri

Son yillardaki calismalar, basit arac-gereclerle yapilan laboratuar derslerini on plana cikarmaktadir. Arastirmada “Fen Bilgisi ogretmen adaylarinin, basit arac-gereclerle yapilan fen deneylerine ve bu deneylerin uygulanabilirligine iliskin gorusleri” arastirilmistir. Arastirma betimsel modelde olup, 2008-2009 egitim-ogretim yili bahar donemindeki “Fen Ogretimi Laboratuar Uygulamalari II” dersinde gerceklestirilmistir. Arastirma Marmara universitesi Ataturk Egitim Fakultesi, Fen Bilgisi Ogretmenligi A.B. D. ’nda ogrenim goren ogretmen adaylari ile gerceklestirilmistir. Arastirmada basit arac-gereclerle yapilabilecek, yuz deney uygulanmistir. Arastirmada kullanilan birinci veri toplama araci, dortlu likert tipinde, on iki maddeden olusmus ve basit arac-gereclerle yapilan deneylere iliskin gorusleri belirlemeyi hedeflemistir. Ikinci veri toplama araci alti acik uclu sorudan olusmakta ve bu oclme araclariyla ogretmen adaylarinin basit arac-gereclerle yapilan deneylerin uygulanabilirligine iliskin goruslerinin ortaya cikarilmasi amaclanmistir. Birinci veri toplama araci, SPSS programinda frekans dagilimi ile ikinci veri toplama araci nitel analiz yontemlerinden “icerik analizi” ile degerlendirilmistir. Arastirmadan elde edilen sonuclara gore ogretmen adaylari basit arac-gereclerle fen ogretimine iliskin olumlu gorusler belirtmislerdir
Structural basis for Myf and Psa fimbriae‐mediated tropism of pathogenic strains of Yersinia for host tissues

Three pathogenic species of the genus Yersinia assemble adhesive fimbriae via the FGL‐chaperone/usher pathway. Closely related Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis elaborate the pH6 antigen (Psa), which mediates bacterial attachment to alveolar cells of the lung. Y. enterocolitica, instead, assembles the homologous fimbriae Myf of unknown function. Here, we discovered that Myf, like Psa, specifically recognizes β1‐3– or β1‐4–linked galactose in glycosphingolipids, but completely lacks affinity for phosphatidylcholine, the main receptor for Psa in alveolar cells. The crystal structure of a subunit of Psa (PsaA) complexed with choline together with mutagenesis experiments revealed that PsaA has four phosphatidylcholine binding pockets that enable super‐high‐avidity binding of Psa‐fibres to cell membranes. The pockets are arranged as six tyrosine residues, which are all missing in the MyfA subunit of Myf. Conversely, the crystal structure of the MyfA‐galactose complex revealed that the galactose‐binding site is more extended in MyfA, enabling tighter binding to lactosyl moieties. Our results suggest that during evolution, Psa has acquired a tyrosine‐rich surface that enables it to bind to phosphatidylcholine and mediate adhesion of Y. pestis/pseudotuberculosis to alveolar cells, whereas Myf has specialized as a carbohydrate‐binding adhesin, facilitating the attachment of Y. enterocolitica to intestinal cells.
Antecedents and Consequences of Disclosures Containing Strategic Content

Extant research on disclosures has evolved around the questions of whether or not it is advantageous for the firm to make voluntary disclosures and when to make disclosures, rather than the role of top managers in making voluntary disclosures. However, this is a major research gap, because managers have been identified as playing a major role in setting the tone for the disclosures that firms do. In this paper, utilizing a sample of 59 firm years with a total of 612 individual disclosures, we find that greater outsider ratios are associated with a greater number of disclosures with strategic content. We find that this relationship is moderated by the percent of total CEO compensation that is equity based contingent compensation. Finally, we find that the number of disclosures containing strategic content is positively associated with both financial and market-based performance.
Comparative effects of angiotensin II and its degradation products angiotensin III and angiotensin IV in rat aorta

1 In the present study, the contractile effects of angiotensin III (AIII) and angiotensin IV (AIV) compared with those of angiotensin II (All) were determined in rat aortic ring preparations. 2 All three peptides caused concentration‐dependent contractions with similar maximal responses. AIII proved approximately 4 times less potent than All, whereas AIV was about 1000 times less active than AII 3 The selective AT1‐receptor antagonist, losartan (10–300 nM) caused parallel rightward shifts of the concentration‐response curves (CRC) for all three peptides. The Schild plot slopes for the effect of losartan on AIII curves were significantly lower than unity (P<0.05). The selective AT2‐receptor antagonist, PD123177 did not influence the CRCs for All and AIV. However, the AIII curves were moderately shifted leftward in the presence of PD123177 (0.1 and 1 μm). 4 Destruction of the endothelium or incubation with the NO‐synthesis inhibitor NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine acetate (l‐NMMA) (0.1 mm) significantly enhanced the contractile responses to all three peptides. 5 Tachyphylaxis was investigated by constructing a second CRC for all three peptides, after an interval of 1 h. The presence of endothelium significantly enhanced the development of tachyphylaxis to all three peptides. However, in endothelium‐denuded preparations, the Emax value of the second curve elicted by All was about 50%, compared with the first one, whereas for AIII and AIV Emax values were as high as 90% and 100%, respectively. 6 Our results indicate that both AIII and AIV are less potent but similarly efficacious vasoconstrictor agents compared with AII Their contractile effects are also mediated by AT1receptors and probably modulated by endothelium. Tachyphylaxis induced by AIII and AIV proved weaker than that for AII Tachyphylaxis appears to be enhanced by the presence of an intact endothelium.