Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human growth hormone prevents the protein catabolic side effects of prednisone in humans.

Prednisone treatment causes protein wasting and adds additional risks to a patient, whereas human growth hormone (hGH) treatment causes positive nitrogen balance. To determine whether concomitant administration of hGH prevents the protein catabolic effects of prednisone, four groups of eight healthy volunteers each were studied using isotope dilution and nitrogen balance techniques after 7 d of placebo, hGH alone (0.1 mg.kg-1.d-1), prednisone alone (0.8 mg.kg-1.d-1), or prednisone plus hGH (n = 8 in each group). Whether protein balance was calculated from the leucine kinetic data or nitrogen balance values, prednisone alone induced protein wasting (P less than 0.001), whereas hGH alone resulted in positive (P less than 0.001) protein balance, when compared to the placebo-treated subjects. When hGH was added to prednisone therapy, the glucocorticoid-induced protein catabolism was prevented. Using leucine kinetic data, negative protein balance during prednisone was due to increased (P less than 0.05) proteolysis, whereas hGH had no effect on proteolysis and increased (P less than 0.01) whole body protein synthesis. During combined treatment, estimates of proteolysis and protein synthesis were similar to those observed in the placebo treated control group. In conclusion, human growth hormone may have a distinct role in preventing the protein losses associated with the administration of pharmacologic doses of glucocorticosteroids in humans.
Java Unit Testing Tool Competition - Seventh Round

We report on the results of the seventh edition of the JUnit tool competition. This year, four tools were executed on a benchmark with (i) new classes, selected from real-world software projects, and (ii) challenging classes from the previous edition. We use Randoop and manual test suites from the projects as baselines. Given the interesting findings of last year, we analyzed the effectiveness of the combined test suites generated by all competing tools and compared; results are confronted with the manual test suites of the projects, as well as those generated by the competing tools . This paper describes our methodology and the results, highlight challenges faced during the contest.
Effect of Customer Participation on Service Outcomes

Prior empirical evidence on the role of customer participation (CP) on service outcomes is limited and inconsistent. The authors add new insights by investigating the boundary conditions of the CP-service outcome link. Using two experiments, the article examines the moderating effect of three CP readiness factors: ability, perceived benefits of participation, and role identification. The results show that when CP readiness is high, increasing CP enhances service outcomes including customer satisfaction and perceived service quality; however, when CP readiness is low, the effect of CP on service outcomes tapers off or becomes negative. The results highlight the contingent nature of CP’s effect, demonstrate that CP could indeed be a double-edged sword, and provide managerial guidelines to enhance CP’s benefits through appropriate targeting and service design.
Association of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism with Reflux Nephropathy in Children

Deletion polymorphism of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been studied as a risk factor in various cardiovascular diseases and chronic nephropathies. Perturbation of local and systemic renin-angiotensin systems is one of the possible mechanisms of the progression of reflux nephropathy. In this study, the implication of ACE gene polymorphism in renal scarring and deterioration of renal function was analyzed in 66 children with vesicoureteral reflux. The genotype for the polymorphism was determined by PCR, and renal scar was identified by 99mTc-DMSA renal scan. The allelic frequency of the deletion polymorphism showed no significant difference either between patients with normal renal function and those with decreased renal function or between patients with renal scar and those without. We conclude that deletion polymorphism of ACE gene, as an independent variable, is not associated with reflux nephropathy in children with vesicoureteral reflux.
Regulation of subthalamic neuron activity by endocannabinoids

High levels of anandamide are located in the basal ganglia. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is considered to be an important modulator of basal ganglia output. The present study aims at characterizing the modulation of the electrical activity of STN neurons by exogenous anandamide or endocannabinoids. Single‐unit extracellular recordings in anesthetized rats and patch‐clamp techniques in rat brain slices containing the STN were performed. Immunohistochemical assays were used. In vivo, anandamide administration produced two opposite effects (inhibition or stimulation) on STN neuron firing rates, depending of the precise location of the neuron within the nucleus. These effects were enhanced by prior inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase with URB597, but not by the inhibitor of carrier‐mediated anandamide transport AM404. Rimonabant, a specific CB1 receptor antagonist, also produced inhibition or stimulation of STN neuron activity when administered alone or after anandamide. These effects seem to be mediated by indirect mechanisms since: (1) STN neuron activity is not modified by the cannabinoid agonist Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) in vitro; (2) no depolarization‐induced suppression of inhibition phenomena were observed; and (3) CB1 receptor immunolabeling was not detected in the STN, but was abundant in areas which project efferents to this nucleus. Moreover, chemical lesion of the globus pallidus abolished the stimulatory effect of anandamide and microinfusion of anandamide into the prefrontal cortex led to inhibition of STN neuron activity. The present results show that endocannabinoids exert a tonic control on STN activity via receptors located outside the nucleus. These findings may contribute to enhance our understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system in motor control. Synapse 64:682–698, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corporal Punishment in Tanzania Primary Schools : Pupils ’ Perceptions on its Influence in Enhancing Discipline

This study determined pupils’ perceptions on corporal punishment (CP) in enhancing discipline in primary schools in Tanzania. It focused on pupils’ perceptions on CP’s influence on enhancing school learning; in shaping pupils’ behaviours; and on enhancing pupils’ confidence and self-control. The study used 120 respondents from five primary schools based in Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam. Data was collected through questionnaire and interviews; and was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. This study indicates that the use of CP was common in the selected schools; it was mainly used as a mechanism of controlling pupils. The results showed that most respondents agreed that CP helped them to achieve their academic goals by enhance learning processes although none in the conversation described the connection between CP and learning processes or learning skills. Most respondents perceived CP: as creating positive learning environment in schools; reducing violence in schools; not effective in building confidence among pupils; as effective in shaping their behaviours in their respective societies; and as inducing self-control in different situations. Most of respondents interviewed had the opinion that use of CP in schools has influence on their social encounters and their future in the society.
Stability of Employment Over the First 3 Years Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective:To examine the stability of employment between 1 and 3 years following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify the variables associated with continued employment throughout this time span. Participants:This study included 236 individuals with predominantly moderate to very severe TBI, who had received rehabilitation in the context of a no-fault accident compensation system. Participants were eligible for the current study if they were employed before injury and reported their employment status at 1, 2, and 3 years following their injury as part of a longitudinal head injury outcome study. Results:Only 44% of participants remained employed at each of the 3 years following TBI. There was also substantial transition into and out of employment across the 3 years. Significantly greater instability in employment was reported by individuals who were machinery operators or laborers before injury, had a longer duration of posttraumatic amnesia, reported more cognitive difficulties, and were less mobile 1 year following their injury. Conclusion:A number of important factors determine the likelihood of achieving stability in employment following TBI. Findings from the current study support the continued need to identify ways in which physical as well as cognitive changes contribute to employment following TBI. Further examination is needed to identify possible compensatory strategies or job modifications to maximize the likelihood of job retention.
Synergistic Activities of Fluconazole and Voriconazole with Terbinafine against Four Candida Species Determined by Checkerboard, Time-Kill, and Etest Methods

ABSTRACT The in vitro activities of fluconazole or voriconazole plus terbinafine were evaluated against 20 Candida isolates by the checkerboard, time-kill, and Etest methods. Synergism (C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis) and indifference (C. krusei) were observed. Correlation among methods was good. The Etest is a suitable method to determine drug interactions.
Simian T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 from Mandrillus sphinx as a Simian Counterpart of Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Subtype D

ABSTRACT A recent serological and molecular survey of a semifree-ranging colony of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) living in Gabon, central Africa, indicated that 6 of 102 animals, all males, were infected with simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (STLV-1). These animals naturally live in the same forest area as do human inhabitants (mostly Pygmies) who are infected by the recently described human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) subtype D. We therefore investigated whether these mandrills were infected with an STLV-1 related to HTLV-1 subtype D. Nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence analyses of complete or partial long terminal repeat (LTR),env, and rex regions showed that HTLV-1 subtype D-specific mutations were found in three of four STLV-1-infected mandrills, while the remaining monkey was infected by a different STLV-1 subtype. Phylogenetic studies conducted on the LTR as well as on the env gp21 region showed that these three new STLV-1 strains from mandrills fall in the same monophyletic clade, supported by high bootstrap values, as do the sequences of HTLV-1 subtype D. These data show, for the first time, the presence of the same subtype of primate T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 in humans and wild-caught monkeys originating from the same geographical area. This strongly supports the hypothesis that mandrills are the natural reservoir of HTLV-1 subtype D, although the possibility that another monkey species living in the same area could be the original reservoir of both human and mandrill viruses cannot be excluded. Due to the quasi-identity of both human and monkey viruses, interspecies transmission episodes leading to such a clade may have occurred recently.
Nitrergic Neurons in the Spinal Cord of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Nitric oxide (NO) is a freely diffusible gaseous neurotransmitter generated by a selected population of neurons and acts as a paracrine molecule in the nervous system. NO is synthesized from l‐arginine by means of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), an enzyme requiring nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as cofactor. In this study, we used histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the distribution of NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d) and nNOS in the spinal cord of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Cells with a fusiform‐shaped somata were numerous in the laminae I and II. The intermediolateral horn showed darkly‐stained cells with a multipolar morphology. Neurons with a multipolar or fusiform morphology were observed in the ventral horn. Multipolar and fusiform neurons were the most common cell types in lamina X. Nitrergic fibers were numerous especially in the dorsal and intermediolateral horns. The presence of nitrergic cells and fibers in different laminae of the spinal cord suggests that NO may be involved in spinal sensory and visceral circuitries, and potentially contribute to the regulation of the complex retia mirabilia. Anat Rec, 296:1603–1614, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Profiling Internet Scanners : Spatial and Temporal Structures

A great deal of effort has been dedicated to the study of network scanning. Nonetheless, previous studies focused on simple characteristics such as the number of scanning IPs (also called scanners) or targets, but usually neglected scanner behavior. We analyze 15 years of backbone traffic and propose a method for profiling scanning IPs. Our analysis first details evolution of targeted services, mass-scanning tool usage and scanning pattern. Then, we propose a new method to classify scanning IPs’ spatial and temporal structure into three profiles that reveal vastly different intent. In particular, we find that 33% of scanners repeatedly target the same set of hosts. If unsolicited, this behavior provides an early warning to administrators regarding the malicious intent of scanners. Finally, we study publicly documented scanners’ activities and show that security research-related scanning IPs behave differently than non-documented scanners. We also show that only 39% of scanning entities follow online documentation best practices.
Defining a Place for Nipple Sparing Mastectomy in Modern Breast Care: An Evidence Based Review

Abstract: Breast cancer is a diverse disease that requires a fully integrated multidisciplinary approach. Breast surgery has undergone a revolutionary change leading us from the conventional radical mastectomy of the Halstedian era to the current motion of nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM). Despite the lack of randomized controlled trials, the technique of NSM continues to gain popularity as a prophylactic procedure in high risk patients. The current indications for NSM, if any, in the treatment of early invasive breast cancer remains uncertain and requires rigorous scientific scrutiny. This article aims to critically review the indications and limitations of NSM, discuss evidence based intra‐operative protocols and to discuss ways in which radiation therapy may be incorporated in treatment planning following NSM. A comprehensive search of the scientific literature was carried out using PubMed to access all publications related to nipple sparing mastectomy. The search focused specifically on technique, current management, safety, and complications of these procedures. Keywords searched included “Nipple sparing mastectomy,”“breast conserving surgery,”“Nipple areola complex preservation” and “skin sparing mastectomy. ” NSM offers an opportunity to preserve native breast envelope without mutilation of nipple‐areola complex (NAC), and avoids multiple surgical procedures required for reconstruction. NSM may be a reasonable alternative for prophylactic and select breast cancer patients without NAC involvement; however, oncological safety of NSM has not yet been fully demonstrated. Best available evidence suggests that patients should be selected based on study of breast duct anatomy by breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging, mammographic distance between tumor and nipple and obligatory intra‐operative frozen section from retro‐areolar tissue. Additional factors such as tumor size, axillary lymph node status, lymphovascular invasion and degree of intraductal component are also being used to either include or exclude NSM candidates based on institutional protocols. Heterogeneity of patients selected for NSM is great and the lack of standardization of preoperative investigations, intra‐operative technique and pathologic sampling of retro‐areola tissues mandates a multi‐institutional prospective study to define and validate a role for NSM in invasive breast cancer and DCIS. Nipple necrosis or sloughing is an important problem after NSM which can be greatly reduced using alternative skin incisions. Even if the nipple survives, an insensate nipple and lack of sexual function is common and requires preoperative counseling and discussion. Finally the relation and timing of intra‐operative versus adjuvant breast radiation and tailoring of dosage and delivery methods has not been fully explored. Although NSM reduces the psychological trauma associated with nipple loss, the oncologic safety as well as functional and aesthetic outcomes needs additional investigation.
Pattern of FingerPrints in Different Blood Groups among First Year Medical Students

Finger print (dactylography / dermatoglyphic) is considered as the best tool of identification. This study was carried out in department of Anatomy SKIMS medical college bemina on 100 students of different blood groups of Medical College. The objective is to study distribution of finger print pattern among the subjects having different blood groups. Male: female ratio was 1:1. Majority of the subjects (37.77%) in the study were of blood group B followed by blood group O, A and AB of whom 92.22% were Rh-positive. The general distribution of pattern of finger print showed high frequency (58.005%) of loops whereas whorls were moderate (31.23%) and arches were least (6.82%) in frequency. Almost same order was noticed in both Rh-positive and Rh negative individuals or A, B, AB and O blood groups. Loops were of high in B gp (35.29%) & least in AB (13.12%). Whorls are highest in B group (35.29%) & least in AB (16.80%). Arches were of high in B (42.30%) & least in AB (7.69%). Loops are highest in B +Ives (35.29%) and least in AB-ves. Whorls were of high frequency in B +ves (35.29%) and least in AB-ves. Arches were of high frequency in B+ive (36.66%). The frequency of finger print pattern in different ABO and Rh blood groups on all fingers is of the order that loops were of highest frequency followed by whorls and arches. The study suggests an association between finger print pattern and blood group. The distribution of different pattern of finger prints in individual fingers also showed some peculiarities in relation to blood group.
Inhibition of both mesothelioma cell growth and Cdk4 activity following treatment with a TATp16INK4a peptide.

UNLABELLED Disruption of the 9p21 locus is common in mesothelioma and leads to loss of both the p16INK4a and the p14ARF gene products. This study tested the hypothesis that reexpression of p16INK4a carried out using the TAT delivery system that carries the protein transduction domain of the HIV TAT will result in mesothelioma cell death. MATERIALS AND METHODS A synthetic TATp16INK4a peptide and a charge matched control were transduced into mesothelioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Cells were assayed for Cdk4 inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and cell death. RESULTS Treatment of mesothelioma cells with TATp16INK4a for 48 hours resulted in cell death. Apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest was also observed. Following transduction of cells with TATp16INK4a there was complete but transient hypophosphorylation of pRb. Similar effects were observed in mesothelioma xenografts. CONCLUSION Therapeutic strategies which introduce either TATp16INK4a peptide, or small molecule mimetic, could be an effective strategy for mesothelioma treatment.
Interarytenoid Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Gel Injection for Management of Pediatric Aspiration

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of interarytenoid injection laryngoplasty (IL) for the management of pediatric aspiration. Methods: Medical records of 30 patients, 9 female, with radiographically confirmed chronic aspiration who underwent intraoperative IL were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical improvement was defined as successful advancement of feeds to thinner consistencies. Results: Clinical improvement was observed in 57% of patients. Six children with type 1 posterior laryngeal cleft (PLC-1) were not significantly more likely to show improvement compared to the children without PLC-1. Type 1 posterior laryngeal cleft was associated with older age and higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental risk factors relative to absence of PLC-1. Patients with PLC-1 were more likely than noncleft patients to show recurrence of symptoms after initial improvement with IL. Five patients underwent endoscopic repair. Repair was successful in 3 patients who improved after IL but not in 2 patients who did not improve after IL. Conclusion: Chronic aspiration can improve after IL even in patients with normal anatomy. Injection laryngoplasty can be performed to improve selection of PLC-1 patients for definitive endoscopic repair. Further prospective research, with a randomized control group, is needed to understand whether interarytenoid incompetence plays a role in some patients with chronic aspiration, who do not have a PLC-1.
Preliminary study of a novel in‐office bleaching therapy modified with a casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate

Although in‐office bleaching has been proven successful for bleaching teeth, controversy exists from morphological alterations in enamel morphology due to mineral loss and tooth sensitivity. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel in‐office tooth bleaching technique modified with a casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) paste (MI paste—MI) and its effect on the enamel morphology and tooth sensitivity. Three patients received a 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP—HP) dental bleaching system. HP was prepared and applied on the teeth on one of the hemiarches, whilst teeth on the other hemiarch were bleached with a mixture of HP and MI. Tooth color, epoxy resin replicas, and sensitivity levels were evaluated in the upper incisors. The results were analyzed descriptively. Right and left incisors showed similar color change after bleaching. Incisors bleached with the mixture of HP and MI presented unaltered enamel surfaces and lower sensitivity levels. The currently tested tooth bleaching technique did not reduce the gel effectiveness while decreasing hypersensitivity levels and protecting the enamel against surface alterations caused by the high‐concentration bleaching peroxide tested. The concomitant use of MI Paste and high‐concentration hydrogen peroxide might be a successful method for decreasing tooth sensitivity and limiting changes in the enamel morphology during in‐office bleaching. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Programmable 3-D surfaces using origami tessellations

We present an origami-inspired approach to reconfigurable surfaces. A circular origami tessellation with the ability to extend and flatten was designed to approximate radially symmetric 3-D surfaces. The pattern exhibits snap-through effects, allowing desired 3-D shapes to be maintained indefinitely without additional infrastructure or energy input. We characterize the geometry of the fold pattern and its resulting 3-D shape, present a strategy for reconfiguration, and demonstrate this strategy for surfaces with positive, negative, and zero Gaussian curvature.