Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidative system in the erythrocytes of preterm neonates with sepsis: the effects of vitamin E supplementation

Background Vitamin E is routinely supplemented to preterm babies, including those with neonatal sepsis. Our aim was to examine the effects of neonatal sepsis and vitamin E on antioxidative system (AOS) in the blood. Methods A prospective, randomized, open label study involved 65 preterm neonates (control/sepsis – 34/31), which were divided into two subgroups – non-supplemented and supplemented with vitamin E (25 IU/day for 60 days). The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were determined in erythrocytes at days 0, 30, and 60, following sepsis diagnosis. Results There was no difference in the activity of AOS between controls and neonates with ongoing sepsis. At 60 days, septic neonates showed higher CAT activity compared to controls (P = 0.027), and lower GPx activity compared to 0 days (P = 0.022). The later was mitigated by vitamin E, which on the other hand provoked lower GPx activity at 30 days, compared to untreated septic neonates (P = 0.014). In addition, vitamin E suppressed GR activity in septic neonates (P = 0.025 and P = 0.017 at 30 and 60 days). Finally, vitamin E supplementation in control neonates provoked a significant increase of GPx activity (P = 0.015 at 60 days). Conclusions The absence of altered redox settings in the blood of neonates during sepsis episode, and vitamin E-provoked decrease in the activity of some components of AOS, suggest that the supplementation of vitamin E in these patients might not be rational.
Corticosteroid Production in H295R Cells During Exposure to 3 Endocrine Disrupters Analyzed With LC-MS/MS

The adrenocortical human cell line H295R is a valuable tool for screening endocrine disrupting compounds. In general, previous research focus has been on the production of the 2 sex steroids, 17β-estradiol and testosterone, and less attention has been paid to other important steroid end points in the steroidogenesis with a wide range of physiological functions, such as the glucocorticoids (corticosterone and cortisol). A newly developed and validated solid phase extraction (SPE) liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) method was used to measure the production of cortisol and corticosterone in the H295R cell line. The method was applied by studying the effects of 2 model endocrine disrupters, ketoconazole and prochloraz, the pharmaceutical budesonide, and the inducer forskolin on the steroid production in this cell line. Dose–response curves were obtained for the correlation between hormone concentrations and the concentration of the individual disruptors. Exposing cells to ketoconazole resulted in a decrease in cortisol and corticosterone concentrations in a dose-dependent manner with EC50 values of 0.24 and 0.40 μmol/L, respectively. The same applied for cells exposed to prochloraz with EC50 values of 0.06 and 0.09 μmol/L for cortisol and corticosterone, respectively. Budesonide also inhibited glucocorticoid secretion. The EC50 value for cortisol was 19.50 μmol/L, whereas the EC50 value for corticosterone was 71.42 μmol/L. Forskolin induced the secretion of both cortisol (EC50 = 4.09 μmol/L) and corticosterone (EC50 = 0.28 μmol/L). The results obtained demonstrated the validity of the method. Based on these findings, quality criteria for the production of these steroids in this cell line were suggested.
Executive Pay , Career Path and Firm Size

This version: May 8, 2008 Preliminary: comments welcome Abstract In this paper we provide a simple agency model of executive pay as it relates to both firm size and executive career concerns as managers are recruited by firms of different sizes over their careers. Unlike the matching literature which assumes that the talent of managers is common knowledge, we explicitly model the hiring decisions of firms of different sizes when managerial talent is unknown but reflected imperfectly in firm performance in the manager’s early career. As a result our agents’ reservation utility levels are endogenously determined as outcomes of labor market equilibrium. Our model, together with new empirical evidence, explains the well-known but until now inexplicable finding that pay-performance sensitivity diminishes with size.
Expression of ADAMTS4 (aggrecanase‐1) in human osteoarthritic cartilage

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)1, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 15, members of the ADAMTS gene family, have the ability to degrade a major cartilage proteoglycan, aggrecan, at the specific sites, and thus are called ‘aggrecanases’. The expression of these ADAMTS species was examined in human osteoarthritic articular cartilage on reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated the predominant expression of ADAMTS4 in osteoarthritic cartilage, while ADAMTS5 was constitutively expressed in osteoarthritic and normal cartilage. ADAMTS9 was expressed mainly in normal cartilage, whereas no or negligible expression of ADAMTS1, 8 and 15 was observed in either osteoarthritic or normal cartilage. In situ hybridization for ADAMTS4 indicated that chondrocytes in osteoarthritic cartilage expressed the mRNA. Two monoclonal antibodies to ADAMTS4 were developed, and immunolocalized ADAMTS4 to chondrocytes in the proteoglycan‐depleted zones of osteoarthritic cartilage, showing a direct correlation with the Mankin scores. Immunoblotting indicated a major protein band of 58 kDa in the chondrocyte culture media and osteoarthritic cartilage tissue homogenates. These data demonstrate that among the six ADAMTS species, ADAMTS4 is mainly expressed in an active form in osteoarthritic cartilage, and suggest that ADAMTS4 may play an important role in the degradation of aggrecan in human osteoarthritic cartilage.
The effect of force sensation on the ability to control muscle force during fatigue condition

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Proprioceptive information from muscle receptors is important in force control and disturbed sensation due to fatigue may reduce the precision of force control. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between force sensation and force control ability in knee extensor muscles during fatigue. METHODS: Eighteen healthy young volunteers participated in this study. Force matching tasks with and without feedback were performed immediately before and after the fatigue protocol consisting of 20 s isometric contractions. The target force was 10% and 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction force in the pre-fatigue protocol. The accuracy of force control ability was estimated by the root mean square error (RMS error) and average difference (average error) between the target and output force. Surface electromyograms were recorded simultaneously from the quadriceps. RESULTS:In the 30% task, there was a significant interaction effect of fatigue and feedback condition in RMS error and average error. RMS error and average error were degenerated significantly by fatigue in the feedback removal condition, but not in the feedback condition. Though the activation of quadriceps was increased by fatigue, increase of muscle activation was lower in the feedback removal condition than that in the feedback conditions. CONCLUSION: Since participants controlled their force output depending on the force sensation in the feedback removal condition, these results indicate that the decline in force sensation may be a significant factor in the decreases of accuracy in force output during fatigue.
An ultrastructural and histochemical study of rat atrial myocardium.

A study was made of the ultrastructural and histochemical characteristics of atrial muscle cells. The myofibrils of these cells do not converge at the nuclear poles as in the ventricular cells, but leave large sarcoplasmic spaces in the central cores, which contain mitochondria, small amounts of rough-surfaced sarcoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes and one or more well developed Golgi complexes. Numerous cytoplasmic granules, many of which are closely associated with the Golgi material, are present in these cells. These granules can be demonstrated in paraffin sections by the Bowie stain. The smooth-surfaced sarcoplasmic reticulum of atrial fibers consists of a meshwork of interconnected tubules which pass uninterruptedly from one sarcomere to another. No transverse dilatations or T tubules are present as in ventricular cells; however, there are numerous subsarcolemmal cisterns consisting of flattened dilatations of sarcoplasmic reticulum which lie in close proximity to the internal surface of the sarcolemma. There is considerable variation from one cell to another in the number and compactness of arrangement of the myofibrils, and in the abundance of other cellular components. On the basis of the above findings, we suggest that atrial muscle cells may have a secretory as well as a contractile function.
THE INCIDENCE OF NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES FOR SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUS IN THE SERA OF HUMAN BEINGS OF DIFFERENT AGES

Sera from a very high proportion of the human adults and new-born infants studied neutralized swine influenza virus; sera from children below the age of 12 years seldom exerted such an effect. The results of neutralization experiments with human sera and the virus of swine influenza have been compared with the outcome of similar tests with the virus of human influenza, and it seems evident that the presence of antibodies neutralizing swine influenza virus cannot be deemed the result of repeated exposures to the current human type of virus. From the known history of swine influenza and the similarity of its etiologic virus to that obtained from man it seems likely that the virus of swine influenza is the surviving prototype of the agent primarily responsible for the great human pandemic of 1918, as Laidlaw has already suggested. The presence in human sera of antibodies neutralizing swine influenza virus is believed to indicate a previous immunizing exposure to, or infection with, an influenza virus of the 1918 type.
Evaluation of The Speech Perception in Noise (Spin) Test

Several investigations were performed with normal hearing subjects to determine the effects of presentation level and signal-to-babble ratio on the speech perception in noise (SPIN) test. The SPIN test contains sentences that simulate a range of contextual situations encountered in everyday speech communication. Findings from several representative patients with sensorineural hearing loss demonstrate the possible clinical utility of the test to measure the effects of context on speech discrimination.
SPT-GMOS: A GEMINI/GMOS-SOUTH SPECTROSCOPIC SURVEY OF GALAXY CLUSTERS IN THE SPT-SZ SURVEY

We present the results of SPT-GMOS, a spectroscopic survey with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on Gemini South. The targets of SPT-GMOS are galaxy clusters identified in the SPT-SZ survey, a millimeter-wave survey of 2500 deg2 of the southern sky using the South Pole Telescope (SPT). Multi-object spectroscopic observations of 62 SPT-selected galaxy clusters were performed between 2011 January and 2015 December, yielding spectra with radial velocity measurements for 2595 sources. We identify 2243 of these sources as galaxies, and 352 as stars. Of the galaxies, we identify 1579 as members of SPT-SZ galaxy clusters. The primary goal of these observations was to obtain spectra of cluster member galaxies to estimate cluster redshifts and velocity dispersions. We describe the full spectroscopic data set and resulting data products, including galaxy redshifts, cluster redshifts, and velocity dispersions, and measurements of several well-known spectral indices for each galaxy: the equivalent width, W, of [O ii] λλ3727, 3729 and H-δ, and the 4000 Å break strength, D4000. We use the spectral indices to classify galaxies by spectral type (i.e., passive, post-starburst, star-forming), and we match the spectra against photometric catalogs to characterize spectroscopically observed cluster members as a function of brightness (relative to m⋆). Finally, we report several new measurements of redshifts for ten bright, strongly lensed background galaxies in the cores of eight galaxy clusters. Combining the SPT-GMOS data set with previous spectroscopic follow-up of SPT-SZ galaxy clusters results in spectroscopic measurements for >100 clusters, or ∼20% of the full SPT-SZ sample.
Selfie-Presentation in Everyday Life: A Large-Scale Characterization of Selfie Contexts on Instagram

Carefully managing the presentation of self via technology is a core practice on all modern social media platforms. Recently, selfies have emerged as a new, pervasive genre of identity performance. In many ways unique, selfies bring us full-circle to Goffman — blending the online and offline selves together. In this paper, we take an empirical, Goffman-inspired look at the phenomenon of selfies. We report a large-scale, mixed-method analysis of the categories in which selfies appear on Instagram — an online community comprising over 400M people. Applying computer vision and network analysis techniques to 2.5M selfies, we present a typology of emergent selfie categories which represent emphasized identity statements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale, empirical research on selfies. We conclude, contrary to common portrayals in the press, that selfies are really quite ordinary: they project identity signals such as wealth, health and physical attractiveness common to many online media, and to offline life.
Screening quality of respiratory samples and Legionella pneumoniae

We read with interest the report by Ingram et al. (1) on the lack of relationship between quality of sputum samples and isolation of Legionella pneumophila from patients suspected of having pneumonia caused by this microorganism, since it is in agreement with our own results. In the microbiology laboratory of our hospital, all sputum samples and tracheobronchial aspirates are screened by using the Murray and Washington classification system (2). Only those samples with a preponderance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fewer than 25 squamous epithelial cells per low-power field (groups 4 and 5 by Murray and Washington criteria) are cultured for bacteria. However, with patients with pneumonia, all samples, even those with a low grade of purulence, are spread onto a plate with BCYE-a agar containing colistin, cycloheximide, and vancomycin for selective isolation of L. pneumophila. These plates are incubated at 378C in an incubator with 5% CO2 for 10 days. Identification of Legionella colonies is made by direct immunofluorescence and biochemical methods (catalase, oxidase, b-lactamase, hippurate, and nitrates). From September 1984, when we first used BCYE-a media, to August 1994, L. pneumophila was isolated from 123 respiratory specimens (74 sputum specimens and 49 tracheobronchial aspirates) from 87 patients. L. pneumophila serogroup 1 was isolated from 101 patients (82.1%), serogroup 6 from 11, serogroup 5 from 6, serogroup 3 from 3, and serogroup 4 from 2 patients. Of 123 specimens from which L. pneumophila was isolated, only 42 (26 sputum specimens, 15 tracheal aspirates, and 1 bronchial aspirate) were purulent and with none or few squamous epithelial cells (grades 4 and 5 by the Murray and Washington classification system); for 37 samples (33 sputum specimens, 2 tracheal aspirates, and 2 bronchial aspirates), the Gram stain showed a high number of squamous epithelial cells (categories 1, 2, and 3 by Murray andWashington criteria), and 44 samples (15 sputum specimens, 22 tracheal aspirates, and 7 bronchial aspirates), whose microscopic examination showed mucose fibers and some cells from the lower respiratory tract, were defined as not evaluable according to Murray and Washington criteria. Ingram et al. found that of 19 sputum samples from patients with L. pneumophila pneumonia, only 6 were highly purulent, while 8 had a high number of squamous epithelial cells and 13 had fewer than 25 polymorphonuclear leukocytes per lowpower field (103 objective). That means that 84% of samples positive for Legionella species would have been missed. In our case, 66% of isolations would not have been done. In summary, our data show that many specimens from which L. pneumophila was isolated did not meet the Murray and Washington high-qualtiy criteria. Therefore, we think that when Legionella species are suspected, systematic culture in selective media for Legionella species should be done regardless of the degree of purulence of the sample and contamination with epithelial cells.
Using positivity, transformational leadership and empowerment to combat employee negativity

– The purpose of this study is to hypothesize and test a conceptual model linking concepts of leadership and positive organizational behavior to a reduction in employee negativity, with empowerment as an important mediator in the causal relationships. , – A heterogeneous sample of 341 working adults completed survey measures as two separate points in time. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate psychometric properties of instruments, and path analysis using structural equation modeling software was used to test hypotheses. , – As hypothesized, both transformational leadership (β=0.27) and positive psychological capital (hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism) (β=0.61) were significantly related to feelings of empowerment. Empowerment was significantly related to intentions to quit (β=−0.38) but not employee cynicism. Empowerment also fully mediated the relationship between the independent variables and intentions to quit. , – A convenience sampling method limited the generalizability of results. Causal and longitudinal research designs would extend findings discussed here. Implications for management are significant in terms of countering employee negativity using leadership processes, employee selection and development. , – This study offers the first conceptual model integrating emerging concepts from positive organizational behavior, in the form of positive psychological capacities, with validated leadership models (transformational leadership). Both were suggested to influence negative outcomes, with empowerment as an effective mediator of these relationships. Findings generally support the hypotheses advanced herein.
Law and Finance Matter: Lessons from Externally Imposed Courts

This paper provides novel evidence on the real and financial market effects of legal institutions. Our analysis exploits persistent and externally imposed differences in court enforcement that arose when the U.S. Congress assigned state courts to adjudicate contracts on a subset of Native American reservations. Using area-specific data on small business lending, we find that reservations assigned to state courts, which enforce contracts more predictably than tribal courts, have stronger credit markets. Moreover, the law-driven component of credit market development is associated with significantly higher per capita income, with stronger effects in sectors that depend more on external financing.Received April 24, 2015; accepted March 7, 2016 by Editor Robin Greenwood.
The role of serology, antibiotic susceptibility testing and serovar determination in genital chlamydial infections.

Systemic and local antibodies regularly develop in genital infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Such antibodies cannot be used as a sign of current infection as they often persist for years after the infection has resolved. Chlamydial antibodies have, however, been extremely useful for demonstrating associations between C. trachomatis and clinical conditions such as ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility. In particular, antibodies to the chlamydial heat shock protein 60 predict the presence of tubal scarring.C. trachomatis has been divided into 15 (or 18) serovars, with many genotypes within each serovar. Differences in pathogenicity between serovars have been reported but no general pattern has emerged. Genotyping is a powerful epidemiological tool but is not yet ready for routine clinical use.C. trachomatis infections can be successfully treated by tetracycline or macrolides. Some resistant strains have been reported, causing treatment failures, and the problem of emerging antibiotic resistance cannot be neglected.
One‐Stage Combined Operation of Congenital Dislocation of the Hips in Older Children

From 1977 to 1983, 17 patients with 20 longstanding congenitally dislocated hips were treated with a one-stage combined operation and then followed for more than 3 years by our institution. The growth of the proximal femur after femoral osteotomy was studied. The average neck-shaft angle was 111° immediately after operation, and 128° at follow-up. The outcome was largely independent of either age at operation or bilateral involvement. Our findings revealed 30% good and 50% excellent results in our patients.
Expression of biomarkers ( p 53 , transforming growth factor alpha , epidermal growth factor receptor , c-erbB2 / neu and the proliferative cell nuclear antigen ) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas

Using immunohistochemistry, expression of p53, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-a), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c-erbB-2/neu and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was examined in 26 fresh frozen tissue specimens of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). p53 gene mutations were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/DNA sequencing methods in 22 carcinomas. The ®ndings were examined for correlations with patients' clinicopathological parameters. Expressions of p53 and PCNA were also examined in 21 formalin-®xed corresponding tissues. Of the fresh frozen tissue specimens, 77% (20/26) showed expression and 68% (15/22) showed mutations (substitutions) of the p53, with signi®cant clustering of the mutations in exons 5 (8/22; 36%), 7 (4/22; 18%) and 8 (5/22; 23%). No mutations were found in exon 6. There was a discordance between expression of p53 protein and mutations of the gene. Parallel to expression and mutations of the p53 found in most of the specimens, expression of TGF-a, EGFR, c-erbB-2/neu and PCNA was found in 88% (22/25), 92% (23/25), 58% (14/24) and 91% (21/23) of the specimens, respectively. For the formalin-®xed tissue specimens, 62% (13/21) and 90% (19/21) expressed p53 and PCNA, respectively. Examining for correlations with patients' clinicopathological parameters, expression of p53, TGF-a, EGFR and c-erbB-2/neu seemed to negatively correlate with the increase of the tumour grade. The present work suggests that: (1) lack of negative growth regulation due to inactivation of the p53 gene together with activation of other proto-oncogenes are necessary genetic events in the carcinogenesis of oropharyngeal SCCs; (2) in oropharyngeal SCCs, p53 gene mutations were clustered in exons 5 (codons 130±186), 7 (codons 230±248) and 8 (codons 271±282) which perhaps suggests that tobacco carcinogens probably aect the mutational hot spots of the p53 gene at codons 157, 175, 186, 248, 273 and 282; and (3) fresh frozen and formalin-®xed tissue specimens give similar results when an immunohistochemical method is applied. The importance of p53, TGF-a, EGFR, c-erbB-2/ neu and PCNA as biomarkers in oropharyngeal SCCs deserves particular attention because it might oer further understanding of the development of these carcinomas. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.