Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Body Condition Score and Parity on Resumption of Postpartum Ovarian Activity in Montberliard Dairy Cows in Algerian Semi -Arid Area

A study was undertaken to evaluate the relationships between body condition score (BCS), parity and serum hormonal profiles (progesterone (P4) and estradiol -17β (E2)), and resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity on (primiparous (n=19) and multiparous (n=59) Montbeliard cows. The BCS was measured at calving, using a 1 to 5 point scale according to the Edmonson (1989) method. Blood samples were collected by jugular venous at 30 d, 40 d, 50 d and 60 d postpartum (10 days of interval). Serum hormonal analysis were determined by chimiluminescent Immuno-Assay (CLIA). Changes in progesterone concentration were exploited to assess the resumption of ovarian cyclicity. The results showed a significant increase in progesterone and estradiol -17β serum levels during postpartum period. The correlation analysis showed that P4concentration in cows was positively correlated with their BCS at 30 d, 40 d, 50 d and 60 d postpartum (r =0.630; r = 0.603; r = 0.622 and r = 0.467 respectively; P<0.01). Additionally, the BCS at calving was positively correlated with estradiol -17β concentration at 30 d (r= 0.628); 40 d (r= 0.612); 50 d (r= 0.444) and 60 d (r=0.294) (P<0.01). Furthermore, BCS at calving was strongly but negatively correlated with CCI (r= 0.704; P<0.01). The results of the current study provide an evidence of a negative correlation between calving conception interval and secretion of P4 and E2.
Warehouse-scale Computers

A method and apparatus for degassing water wherein water is introduced into a sealed receptacle in the interior of which is disposed a collapsed flexible bag while a vacuum is applied from a vacuum source to degas the introduced water, the bag interior being subsequently vented to the atmosphere and the degassed water removed from the receptacle interior, the bag being permitted to expand to compensate for the vacuum in the receptacle interior during such water removal.
Assessing the Validity of IS Success Models: An Empirical Test and Theoretical Analysis

The purpose of the present study is to empirically and theoretically assess DeLone and McLean's (1992) and Seddon's (1997) models of information systems (IS) success in a quasi-voluntary IS use context. Structural modeling techniques were applied to data collected by questionnaire from 274 system users of an integrated student information system at a midwestern university. The Seddon structural model and the DeLone and McLean structural model each contained five variables (system quality, information quality, perceived usefulness, user satisfaction, and IS use). Both models exhibit reasonable fit with the collected data. The empirical findings are assessed in the broader theoretical context of the IS success literature, including the Technology Acceptance Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Our results support DeLone and McLean's focus on integrated IS success models and their observation that IS success models need to be carefully specified in a given context. The Seddon model conceptually elaborates and clarifies aspects of the DeLone and McLean model, thereby effectively integrating core theoretical relationships espoused in the IS success literature. Our study also supports Seddon's three construct categories (system and information quality, general perceptual measures aboutnetbene fts about IS use, and IS behavior), as defining IS success and its impact on nature of IS use.
Randomized controlled trial of expressive writing for patients with renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE This randomized controlled trial examined the quality-of-life benefits of an expressive writing (EW) intervention for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and identified a potential underlying mechanism of intervention efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients (N = 277) with stage I to IV RCC were randomly assigned to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings regarding their cancer (EW) or about neutral topics (neutral writing [NW]) on four separate occasions. Patients completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Impact of Event Scale (IES) at baseline and 1, 4, and 10 months after the intervention. RESULTS The mean age of participants (28% stage IV; 41% female) was 58 years. Multilevel modeling analyses, using a Bonferroni-corrected α = . 021 for six outcomes adjusted for the correlation among outcomes, revealed that, relative to the NW group, patients in the EW group reported significantly lower MDASI scores (P = .003) and higher physical component summary scores on the SF-36 (P = .019) at 10 months after the intervention. Mediation analyses revealed that significant group differences for MDASI scores at 10 months were mediated by lower IES scores at 1 month after the intervention in the EW group (P = .042). No significant group differences were observed in the BFI, CES-D, PSQI, and mental component summary of the SF-36. CONCLUSION EW may reduce cancer-related symptoms and improve physical functioning in patients with RCC. Evidence suggests that this effect may occur through short-term improvements in cognitive processing.
A MNG-TL Loop Antenna Array With Horizontally Polarized Omnidirectional Patterns

A horizontally polarized omnidirectional planar loop antenna that employs an artificial mu-negative transmission line (MNG-TL) is proposed. The MNG-TL is designed using periodically loaded parallel-plate lines. The reactive loading is inspired by the zeroth-order resonator (ZOR), which has a propagation constant of zero. Due to the unique property of an infinite wavelength, the MNG-TL loop antenna presented in this paper allows current along the loop to remain in phase so that a horizontal polarized omnidirectional pattern is generated. A series-fed array, which is composed of four MNG-TL loop antennas and operates at 2.4 GHz band, is designed, fabrication, and measured. The MNG-TL loop antenna array offers a horizontally polarized omnidirectional radiation pattern with enhanced gain of 6.5 ~ 7.9 dBi and measured radiation efficiency exceeding 85% for covering bands. The concept extends the degrees of design freedom for horizontally polarized omnidirectional antenna array.
Overproduction, Purification, and Characterization of β-1,3-Glucanase Type II in Escherichia coli

Abstract An Escherichia coli recombinant system produced soluble and full-length β-1,3-glucanase type II ( Bgl II) cloned from the yeast-lytic actinomycete Oerskovia xanthineolytica . The expression system was designed to produce recombinant Bgl II with a six-histidine peptide fused to the carboxy end of the protein. The expression level was optimized to produce 30% of total protein of E. coli as the recombinant protein, releasing 75% to the extracellular space. The 43-kDa recombinant protein was purified by IMAC to homogeneity and its molecular and biochemical characteristics were studied, showing that there are no important functional differences with those properties described for the Bgl II purified from O. xanthineolytica .
Sobre la naturaleza multidimensional de la pobreza humana : propuesta conceptual e implementación empírica para el caso peruano

Esta investigacion tiene como primer objetivo realizar un analisis critico de la literatura que ha buscado implementar mediciones de pobreza multidimensional en el Peru. A partir de este ejercicio, rigurosamente sustentado en el enfoque de las capacidades, se identifican dos principales grupos de criticas. El primer grupo se relaciona a la justificacion de la eleccion de las dimensiones de la pobreza y los indicadores que las reflejan. Asi, se cuestiona la eleccion de ciertas dimensiones (y la exclusion de otras) y de ciertos indicadores para ellas que reflejan entitlements antes que functionings. El segundo grupo de criticas se relaciona a la metodologia de agregacion de dichos indicadores asi como a otras criticas acerca implementacion empirica y cuestiones instrumentales, en particular, la importancia y utilidad del uso de una medida unica multidimensional en lugar de un abanico de indicadores uni-dimensionales, y la sensibilidad a la eleccion de ponderaciones de las medidas. Tomando en cuenta estas dificultades, se propone en tercer lugar llevar a cabo una nueva propuesta de medicion de la pobreza multidimensional en el Peru que reconozca de forma explicita dichas deficiencias a fin intentar superarlas. El resultado es una medida de pobreza humana multidimensional que parte de la metodologia empirica de Alkire y Foster (2010) y que a su vez se vale fuertemente del enfoque de las capacidades a nivel conceptual para realizar extensiones de acuerdo a la realidad propia del Peru. JEL Classification-JEL:
Characterization of Lilium longiflorum cv. ‘Nellie White’ Infection with Root-lesion Nematode Pratylenchus penetrans by Bright-field and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract Lilium longiflorum cv. Nellie White, commonly known as Easter lily, is an important floral crop with an annual wholesale value of over $26 million in the United States. The root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, is a major pest of lily due to the significant root damage it causes. In this study, we investigated the cytological aspects of this plant–nematode interaction using bright-field and transmission electron microscopy. We took advantage of an in vitro culture method to multiply lilies and follow the nematode infection over time. Phenotypic reactions of roots inoculated with P. penetrans were evaluated from 0 to 60 d after nematode infection. Symptom development progressed from initial randomly distributed discrete necrotic areas to advanced necrosis along entire roots of each inoculated plant. A major feature characterizing this susceptible host response to nematode infection was the formation of necrosis, browning, and tissue death involving both root epidermis and cortical cells. Degradation of consecutive cell walls resulted in loss of cell pressure, lack of cytoplasmic integrity, followed by cell death along the intracellular path of the nematode’s migration. Pratylenchus penetrans was never seen in the vascular cylinder as the layer of collapsed endodermal cells presumably blocked the progression of nematodes into this area of the roots. This study presents the first detailed cytological characterization of P. penetrans infection of Easter lily plants.
The actinomycete Thermobispora bispora contains two distinct types of transcriptionally active 16S rRNA genes

Here we present the first description of the presence of two distinct types of 16S rRNA genes in the genome of a (eu)bacterium, Thermobispora bispora. We cloned and determined the nucleotide sequences of all four rRNA operons of T. bispora. Sequence comparisons revealed that the genome of T. bispora contains two distinct types of 16S rRNA genes, each type consisting of two identical or nearly identical copies, and three identical copies of the 23S RNA gene. The nucleotide sequences of the two types of 16S rRNA genes differ at 98 nucleotide positions (6.4% of total nucleotides) together with six regions of deletion-insertions. None of the base substitutions or insertion-deletions corresponds to any of the approximately 600 evolutionarily invariable or rarely variable nucleotides, indicating that both genes are functional. Both types of 16S rRNA genes are transcribed and processed as determined by Northern (RNA) hybridization and reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR.
Vitamin D3-up-regulated Protein-1 Is a Stress-responsive Gene That Regulates Cardiomyocyte Viability through Interaction with Thioredoxin*

The protein-disulfide reductase thioredoxin is critical for redox signaling during apoptosis and growth. In this study, we demonstrate that vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 regulates thioredoxin in conditions of biomechanical or oxidative stress and critically regulates cardiomyocyte viability. Expression of vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 but not of thioredoxin in rat cardiomyocytes was rapidly suppressed by biomechanical strain or hydrogen peroxide at both mRNA and protein levels. Mechanical suppression of vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 gene expression was blocked by N-acetylcysteine. The half-life of vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 transcripts in cardiomyocytes was only 1.1 h and remained unchanged after mechanical stimulation, suggesting that rapid responses in vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 gene expression occur through transcriptional control. Vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 down-regulation by strain or hydrogen peroxide led to increased thioredoxin activity, whereas adenovirus-mediated overexpression of vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 suppressed thioredoxin activity. Overexpression of vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 but not of thioredoxin induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 sensitized cells to hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of thioredoxin protected against injury. These data identify vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1 as a key stress-responsive inhibitory switch of thioredoxin activity in cardiomyocytes and demonstrate that the vitamin D3-up-regulated protein-1/thioredoxin axis has an important role in the preservation of cellular viability.
Effect of different mouthrinses on Knoop hardness of a restorative composite.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of mouthrinses on Knoop hardness number (KHN) of a restorative composite, at different exposure times. METHODS 50 composite specimens (TPH Spectrum) were randomly allocated into five groups (n=10): distilled water; Listerine; Reach; Plax and Periogard. The samples were immersed daily for 14 days in 20 ml of the respective solution for 2 minutes twice a day (with a 12-hour interval between exposures). Measurements were carried out at four different times: 1 hour after sample preparation, 1, 7 and 14 days after the first immersion in the solutions. RESULTS Statistical analyses (Repeated Measures ANOVA and Tukey test at 0.05 significance level) showed significant differences among KHN of t wo experimental groups (mean values): Listerine (49.17) and Plax (51.14). There was n ointeraction between products and time, although the highest means were registered 24 hours after the first immersion for all tested groups.
The islands of calleja: Organization and connections

The islands of Calleja (IC) in the rat are composed of seven small groups of granule cells in the polymorph layer of the olfactory tubercle and one large group, the insula magna, which lies along the border between septum, nucleus accumbens and nucleus of the diagonal band. The cytoarchitecture and neuronal morphology of the IC and surrounding cells, studied using Nisslstained and Golgi‐Kopsch material, are described. In addition, the afferent and efferent connections of the IC were analyzed using fluorescence histochemistry, the autoradiographic tracing method, and the anterograde and retrograde horseradish peroxidase methods. Topographically organized projections to the IC from the dopamine‐containing cells of the substantia nigra‐ventral tegmental area are demonstrated by the glyoxylic acid fluorescence histochemical method and the autoradiographic tracing technique. Anterograde and retrograde horseradish peroxidase studies provide evidence for reciprocal, topographically organized interconnections between the IC and the septum, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and piriform cortex. These observations indicate that the IC constitute a unique population of granule cells, located in the olfactory tubercle, innervated by dopamine neurons of the mesencephalon and interconnected with olfactory and non‐olfactory components of the basal forebrain.
Oxygen in Open Cluster Dwarfs: Pleiades and M34

We analyze the high-excitation O I λ7774 triplet in high-resolution, moderate signal-to-noise ratio spectra of 15 Pleiades and eight M34 open cluster dwarfs over the effective temperature range of 5048-6172 K. Relative O abundances have been derived using model atmospheres interpolated from four different sets of ATLAS9 grids. In contrast to existing non-LTE (NLTE) predictions, a dramatic increase in the O I triplet abundance with decreasing temperature is seen for both clusters, regardless of the atmospheric model. S I abundances of three Pleiades stars derived from the high-excitation λ6053 feature mimic the O I abundance behavior. O abundances have also been derived from the [O I] λ6300 feature in three Pleiades stars; the abundances exhibit a much lower mean value than do the cool dwarf triplet results. Inasmuch as the [O I] abundances are presumed to be free from NLTE effects, their mean values ([O/H]6300 = +0.14) provide the current best estimate of the Pleiades O abundance. Spreads in [O/H]Trip at a given temperature are also seen in both clusters; no correlation is found between the spreads and the chromospheric emission measures.
Recent Advances on the Nutritional Effects Associated with the Use of Garlic as a Supplement Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Garlic Extracts and Organosulfur Compounds : Human and Animal Studies 1

The medicinal use of garlic dates back thousands of years, but there was little scientific support of its therapeutic and pharmacologic properties until recently. In the past decade, the cancer-protective effects of garlic have been well established by epidemiologic studies and animal experiments. However, the cardiovascularprotective properties of garlic are less well understood. In particular, despite the reported hypocholesterolemic effect of garlic, the mechanism of the effect is unclear. In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study, we showed that aged garlic extract (AGE) supplementation was effective in lowering plasma concentration of total cholesterol by 7% and LDL cholesterol by 10% in hypercholesterolemic men compared with subjects consuming a placebo. Supplementation of AGE in animal diets similarly reduced plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and triacylglycerol by 15 and 30%, respectively. In subsequent experiments using cultured rat hepatocytes, we found 44–87% inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by the water-extractable fraction (WEF), methanol-extractable fraction (MEF) and petroleum ether–extractable fraction (PEF) of fresh garlic, and Kyolic (liquid form of AGE). These observations suggested that hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds of garlic are inhibitory to cholesterol synthesis. Because S-allylcysteine (SAC) alone was less potent than Kyolic, which contains SAC and other sulfur compounds, a maximal inhibition appears to require a concerted action of multiple compounds of garlic. In a series of experiments, we further characterized the inhibitory potency of individual water-soluble and lipid-soluble compounds of garlic. Among water-soluble compounds, SAC, S-ethylcysteine (SEC), and S-propylcysteine (SPC) inhibited cholesterol synthesis by 40–60% compared with 20–35% by g-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine (GSAC), g-glutamyl-S-methylcysteine (GSMC) and g-glutamyl-S-propylcysteine (GSPC). Lipid-soluble sulfur compounds (i.e., diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, dipropyl sulfide and dipropyl trisulfide) at low concentrations (0.05–0.5 mol/L) slightly (10–15%) inhibited cholesterol synthesis but became highly cytotoxic at high concentrations (1.0–4.0 mol/L). All water-soluble compounds, except S-allylmercaptocysteine, were not cytotoxic, judging from the release of cellular lactate dehydrogenase into the culture medium. Taken together, the results of our studies indicate that the cholesterol-lowering effects of garlic extract, such as AGE, stem in part from inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis by water-soluble sulfur compounds, especially SAC. J. Nutr. 131: 989S–993S, 2001.
Private Information, Earnings Manipulations, and Executive Stock Option Exercises

This paper investigates the decision by top‐level executives of more than 1,200 public corporations to exercise a large number of stock option awards in the period 1992–2001. We hypothesize and find that abnormally large option exercises predict stock return future performance. We then hypothesize that this predictive ability represents private information about disappointing earnings in the post‐exercise period. Consistent with this hypothesis we find that abnormally positive earnings performance in the pre‐exercise period turns to disappointing earnings performance in the post‐exercise period, and that this pattern comes as a surprise to even sophisticated market participants (financial analysts). We also hypothesize and find that the disappointing earnings in the post‐exercise period represent a reversal of inflated earnings in the pre‐exercise period. Collectively, these findings suggest that the private information used by top‐level executives to time abnormally large exercises follows from earnings .
Staff Nurse Work Empowerment and Perceived Autonomy: Testing Ranter's Theory of Structural Power in Organizations

Nurse executives have been striving for the means to equalize the power base in healthcare settings. They also have been seeking ways to overcome the perceived powerlessness of their staffs. Empowerment and increased autonomy in the work setting often are described as mechanisms to achieve these goals. This study, based on Ranter's theory of the structural determinants of behavior in organizations, examined formal and informal power as predictors of job-related empowerment and autonomy. Results of the study lend support to the use of the theory in healthcare settings as a way for nurse executives to develop increased access to the sources of job-related empowerment for their staffs.
Overground endoscopy in 311 Thoroughbred racehorses: findings and correlation to resting laryngeal function

OBJECTIVE To review a large number of equine overground endoscopy (OGE) examinations to determine the incidence of dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAO); correlations were explored with laryngeal endoscopy findings at rest and abnormal exercising respiratory noise. METHODS Retrospective analysis of horses presenting for OGE because of perceived poor performance and/or history of abnormal exercising respiratory noise between 2010 and 2014. Signalment, history and examination findings during resting laryngeal endoscopy and OGE were reviewed. RESULTS Of the total examinations, 311 were reviewed. One or more DUAO were found in 249/311 horses. From 210 males (colts and geldings), 121 had arytenoid cartilage collapse (ACC) and 111 had vocal fold collapse (VFC). From 101 females, 25 had intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Resting laryngeal function grade 4 was found in 121/311 of the study population and 92/210 of males. An association was found between horses with lower resting arytenoid abduction ability to dynamic ACC and higher resting arytenoid abduction ability with DDSP. Abnormal exercising respiratory noise was positively associated with the presence of DUAO. CONCLUSIONS Multiple DUAO in association with abnormal exercising respiratory noise was a common finding in horses examined for poor performance. This study highlights the importance of OGE in accurately diagnosing the nature of DUAO associated with poor performance.