Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of milk ejection, associated intramammary pressure changes and oxytocin release in the mare.

The neuroendocrine reflex theory of milk ejection was investigated in the horse under natural suckling conditions. To this end 12 lactating mares were provided with acute jugular catheters and with intramammary pressure (IMP) recording catheters. The foal had free access to the contralateral mammary complex. Intramammary pressure could thus be recorded while blood was drawn simultaneously for oxytocin analysis from the undisturbed animal. Suckling periods associated with a characteristic increase in IMP lasted significantly longer than unsuccessful nursing attempts. Elements of successful sucklings involved physical stimulation of the mammary gland, a quiet phase and a sudden increase in IMP. Successful suckling took place at about 20-min intervals with a wide range from less than 5 min to greater than 100 min. Between 5 and 10 mU oxytocin i.v. were sufficient to evoke an increase in IMP identical in shape and duration to a naturally induced increase in IMP. Mean peak oxytocin levels reached 15.8 pmol/l plasma, with a maximal release of 39 pmol/l. In the majority of cases (greater than 80%) peak oxytocin release did not occur until after the increase in IMP; in some cases an oxytocin surge was not detectable at all, despite a milk ejection-associated increase in IMP. In three cases increase in IMP could be observed while the foals were away from the mother with no signs of any intention to suckle. The data indicate that in the horse some elements of the neuroendocrine reflex, such as tactile stimulation of the teat and a surge of oxytocin before an increase in IMP, are facultative and not essential for normal milk ejection.
Painful metastases involving bone: feasibility of percutaneous CT- and US-guided radio-frequency ablation.

PURPOSE To determine the safety and efficacy of radio-frequency (RF) ablation for pain reduction, quality of life improvement, and analgesics use reduction in patients with skeletal metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over 10 months, 12 adult patients with a single painful osteolytic metastasis in whom radiation therapy or chemotherapy had failed and who reported severe pain (pain score > or = 4 [scale of 0-10]) over a 24-hour period were treated with percutaneous imaging-guided RF ablation with a multi-tined electrode while under general anesthesia. Patient pain was measured with a Brief Pain Inventory 1 day after the procedure, every week for 1 month, and thereafter every other week (total follow-up, 6 months). Patient analgesics use was also recorded at these follow-up intervals. Follow-up contrast material-enhanced computed tomography was performed 1 week after the procedure. Complications were monitored. Analysis of the primary end point was undertaken with paired comparison procedures. RESULTS Lesion size was 1-11 cm. Before RF ablation, mean worst pain score in a 24-hour period in 12 patients was 8.0 (range, 6-10). At 4 weeks after treatment, mean worst pain decreased to 3.1 (P =.001). Mean pain before treatment was 6.5 and decreased to 1.8 (P <.001) 4 weeks after treatment. Mean pain interference in general activity decreased from 6.6 to 2.7 (P =.002) 4 weeks after treatment. Eight of 10 patients using analgesics reported reduced use at some time after RF ablation. No serious complications were observed. CONCLUSION RF ablation of painful osteolytic metastases is safe, and the relief of pain is substantial.
Intra- and Intercompartmental Movement of γδ T Cells: Intestinal Intraepithelial and Peripheral γδ T Cells Represent Exclusive Nonoverlapping Populations with Distinct Migration Characteristics

Unlike the ∼1% of γδ TCR-positive T cells being regularly present in blood and secondary lymphoid organs (peripheral γδ T cells), ∼50–60% of small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs) in the mouse express the γδ TCR (γδ iIELs). In this study, we investigated the overlap and exchange of γδ iIELs and γδ T cells found in peripheral secondary lymphoid organs. Using two-photon laser-scanning microscopy, we found γδ T cells within peripheral lymph nodes to be highly motile, whereas γδ iIELs were characterized by a locally confined scanning behavior. Our results implied a strict separation of peripheral γδ T cells and γδ iIELs. Nevertheless, γδ iIELs could be efficiently regenerated from bone marrow-derived precursors in irradiated or T cell-deficient adult mice. However, outside the intestinal epithelium, survival of γδ iIELs was very poor. In CCR9-deficient mice, homing of γδ iIELs was impaired, but did not lead to an accumulation of γδ iIEL-like cells in the periphery. Conversely, in situations in which specific γδ iIEL niches were empty, adoptive transfer of isolated γδ iIELs led to a sustained engraftment of transferred γδ iIELs in the intestinal epithelium for at least 100 d. Furthermore, we demonstrated by heterotopic intestinal transplantation experiments that an exchange of γδ iIELs only rarely happens in the steady state of adult mice. We therefore conclude that peripheral versus intestinal intraepithelial γδ T cells are exclusive, nonoverlapping populations that virtually do not exchange with each other.
MOLARIFORM TEETH OF MALE AFRICAN ELEPHANTS IN RELATION TO AGE, BODY DIMENSIONS, AND GROWTH.

This paper is based upon the teeth, body dimensions and weights of 58 male elephants ( Loxodonta africana ) collected in Uganda and represents an attempt to relate dental status to approximate age as revealed by a hypothetical growth curve. The elephant bears a successional series of six molars in each half of each jaw during its potential life of about 70 years. Molars 1, 2, 3 and 6 can be readily identified. Molars 4 and 5 are sometimes difficult to identify, but satisfactory designations appear possible by reference to the body weight of the individual. The correlation coefficient between body weight and shoulder height is 0.99. This relationship, when compared with data from an elephant of known age, makes possible the construction of a growth curve. Comparisons of the tooth data with the growth curve reveal the approximate times that the teeth appear in an individual and also their subsequent periods of usage. By knowing the approximate longevity of each tooth, one can satisfactorily estimate the ages of individual animals.
Demographic and Socioeconomic Differences in Fruit and Vegetables Consumption, 2007-2009: A Province-Level Study in Iran

Background: High daily intake of fruit and vegetables promotes population health and is inversely associated with morbidity and mortality. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are among main predictors of fruit and vegetables consumption. The current study aimed to evaluate these associations using province-level data in Iran during the years 2007-2009. Methods: Data on the mean number of fruit and vegetables consumption per day in age and sex stratum at the province level from three consecutive stepwise non-communicable diseases risk factors surveys were obtained. Data about provinces’ socioeconomic status (SES) were obtained from the Statistical Centre of Iran and published reports. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and random effect linear regression models were applied for non-stratified and stratified analyses, respectively. Results: There were substantial variations in the fruit and vegetables consumption across the country. Consumption of vegetables was higher than fruit over the study period. There were no statistically significant differences in fruit (P = 0.52) and vegetables (P = 0.14) intake among men and women. Older age was associated with lower consumption of fruit. People in the provinces with better SES consumed higher amounts of combined fruit and vegetables and this association was more profound among females. Conclusions: The results suggest that policies and interventions to improve the intake of fruit and vegetables in the country may be significantly beneficial, especially for older people and women in low socioeconomic groups.
AII amacrine cells in the rabbit retina possess AMPA-, NMDA-, GABA-, and glycine-activated currents

Physiological properties of ligand-activated currents were characterized for morphologically identified AII amacrine cells in the rabbit retina by using whole-cell recordings in a superfused retina slice preparation. The AII amacrine cells were identified based on their distinct narrow-field, bistratified morphology. In the present study, the whole-cell recordings from AII amacrine cells synaptically isolated from presynaptic influences demonstrated the presence of glutamate AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid) receptors, but no kainate receptors. The presence of only AMPA receptors on rabbit AII amacrine cells is in contrast to an earlier study on rabbit AII amacrine cells by Bloomfield and Xin (2000), but consistent with previous studies on rat AII amacrine cells. In addition, NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) -activated currents blocked by the NMDA antagonist D-AP7 (D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid) were found on the AII amacrine cells. These most likely extrasynaptic NMDA-activated currents were attenuated by the presence of Co2+ interacting with Mg2+ and Ca2+ as they competed for divalent cation-binding sites within the NMDA channel. AII amacrine cells also possessed GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) -activated currents that were unaffected by the GABAC receptor antagonist TPMPA (1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-4-yl methylphosphinic), but were completely blocked by the GABAA antagonist bicuculline. This indicates that the major inhibitory inputs were mediated by only GABAA receptors located directly on the AII amacrine cells. Furthermore, although the AII amacrine cells were glycinergic amacrine cells, they also possessed glycine-activated currents that may be mediated by autoreceptors.
Toward understanding short‐term personal information preservation: A study of backup strategies of end users

The segment of companies providing storage services and hardware for end users and small businesses has been growing in the past few years. Cloud storage, personal network‐attached storage (NAS), and external hard drives are more affordable than ever before and one would think that backing up personal digital information is a straightforward process nowadays. Despite this, small group studies and corporate surveys show the opposite. In this paper we present the results from a quantitative and qualitative survey of 319 participants about how they back up their personal computers and restore personal information in case of computer failures. The results show that the majority of users do manual, selective, and noncontinuous backups, rely on a set of planned and unplanned backups (as a consequence of other activities), have inadequate knowledge about possible solutions and implications of using known solutions, and so on. The study also reveals that around a fifth of all computers are not backed up, and a quarter of most important files and a third of most important folders at the time of the survey could not be (fully) restored in the event of computer failure. Based on the results, several implications for practice and research are presented.
Coexpression of Postsynaptic Density‐95 Protein with NMDA Receptors Results in Enhanced Receptor Expression Together with a Decreased Sensitivity to L‐Glutamate

Abstract: Coexpression in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells ofthe postsynaptic density‐95 protein (PSD‐95) with NMDA receptor NR2A or NR2Bsingle subunits or NR1‐1a/NR2A and NR1‐1a/NR2B subunit combinations induced anapproximately threefold increase in NR2A and NR2B subunit expression. Deletionof the NR2 C‐terminal ESDV motifs resulted in the loss of this increasefollowing coexpression of NR1‐1a/NR2ATrunc andNR1‐1a/NR2BTrunc with PSD‐95. Characterisation of the radioligandbinding properties of [3H]MK‐801 to NR1‐1a/NR2A receptors with orwithout PSD‐95 showed that PSD‐95 induced a threefold increase inBmax values and an apparent approximately fivefolddecrease in affinity in the presence of 10 μM L‐glutamate. In thepresence of 1 mM L‐glutamate, the Ki for MK‐801binding to NR1‐1a/NR2A with PSD‐95 was not significantly different from thatfor NR1‐1a/NR2A without PSD‐95. The EC50 value for the enhancementof [3H]MK‐801 binding by L‐glutamate to NR1‐1a/NR2A was 1.8± 0.4 (n = 4) and 8.9 (mean of n = 2) μM in the absence andpresence of PSD‐95, respectively. Thus, coexpression of PSD‐95 withNR1‐1a/NR2A results in a decreased sensitivity to L‐glutamate and an enhancedexpression of NR2A and NR2B subunits. Deletion studies show that this effectis mediated via interaction of the C‐terminal ESDV motif of the NR2 subunitwith PSD‐95.
A clinical pathway to accelerate recovery after colonic resection.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the feasibility of a 48-hour postoperative stay program after colonic resection. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Postoperative hospital stay after colonic resection is usually 6 to 12 days, with a complication rate of 10% to 20%. Limiting factors for early recovery include stress-induced organ dysfunction, paralytic ileus, pain, and fatigue. It has been hypothesized that an accelerated multimodal rehabilitation program with optimal pain relief, stress reduction with regional anesthesia, early enteral nutrition, and early mobilization may enhance recovery and reduce the complication rate. METHODS Sixty consecutive patients undergoing elective colonic resection were prospectively studied using a well-defined postoperative care program including continuous thoracic epidural analgesia and enforced early mobilization and enteral nutrition, and a planned 48-hour postoperative hospital stay. Postoperative follow-up was scheduled at 8 and 30 days. RESULTS Median age was 74 years, with 20 patients in ASA group III-IV. Normal gastrointestinal function (defecation) occurred within 48 hours in 57 patients, and the median hospital stay was 2 days, with 32 patients staying 2 days after surgery. There were no cardiopulmonary complications. The readmission rate was 15%, including two patients with anastomotic dehiscence (one treated conservatively, one with colostomy); other readmissions required only short-term observation. CONCLUSION A multimodal rehabilitation program may significantly reduce the postoperative hospital stay in high-risk patients undergoing colonic resection. Such a program may also reduce postoperative ileus and cardiopulmonary complications. These results may have important implications for the care of patients after colonic surgery and in the future assessment of open versus laparoscopic colonic resection.
Characterizing Political Fake News in Twitter by its Meta-Data

This article presents a preliminary approach towards characterizing political fake news on Twitter through the analysis of their meta-data. In particular, we focus on more than 1.5M tweets collected on the day of the election of Donald Trump as 45th president of the United States of America. We use the meta-data embedded within those tweets in order to look for differences between tweets containing fake news and tweets not containing them. Specifically, we perform our analysis only on tweets that went viral, by studying proxies for users' exposure to the tweets, by characterizing accounts spreading fake news, and by looking at their polarization. We found significant differences on the distribution of followers, the number of URLs on tweets, and the verification of the users.
MI-VANET: A New Mobile Infrastructure Based VANET Architecture for Urban Environment

The vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) has attracted a lot of interest recently. However, traditional VANET is just an instantiation of MANET in which nodes are treated equally for data delivery. We first analyze the unique features of urban VANET that vehicles have different types, and move as clusters due to the influence of traffic lights. Then a two tier architecture called Mobile Infrastructure Based VANET (MIVANET) is proposed. In this architecture, the buses constitute a mobile backbone for data delivery while the low tier is composed of ordinary cars and passengers. MI-VANET will not only bring the benefit that ordinary cars do not have to forward packets for other nodes, but also improve the network connectivity. The corresponding Mobile Infrastructure Registering (MIRG) and Mobile Infrastructure Routing (MIRT) algorithms are also presented. The bus line information is made full use in MIRT. Simulation results show that there is a 40-55% improvement in delivery ratio while the throughput is even doubled compared to GPSR in traditional VANET.
Preliminary validation of the Perceived Locus of Causality scale for academic motivation in the context of university studies (PLOC‐U)

BACKGROUND Research has shown that self-determination theory can be useful in the study of motivation in sport and other forms of physical activity. The Perceived Locus of Causality (PLOC) scale was originally designed to study both. AIM The current research presents and validates the new PLOC-U scale to measure academic motivation in the university context. We tested levels of self-determination before and after academic examinations. Also, we analysed degree of internalization of extrinsic motivation in students' practical activities. SAMPLE Two hundred and eighty-seven Spanish university students participated in the study. METHOD Data were collected at two time points to check the reliability and stability of PLOC-U by a test-retest procedure. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the PLOC-U. Also convergent validity was tested against the Academic Motivation Scale (EME-E). RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis showed optimum fit and good reliability of PLOC-U. It also presented excellent convergent validity with the EME-E and good stability over time. Our findings did not show any significant correlation between self-determination and expected results before academic examinations, but it did so afterwards, revealing greater regulation by and integration of extrinsic motivation. The high score obtained for extrinsic motivation points to a greater regulation associated with an external contingency (rewards in the practical coursework). CONCLUSIONS PLOC-U is a good instrument for the measurement of academic motivation and provides a new tool to analyse self-determination among university students.
Pulsing hydrology, methane emissions and carbon dioxide fluxes in created marshes: A 2-year ecosystem study

Short-term methane and carbon dioxide flux rates were measured in two created, experimental marshes in the Midwestern U.S. over a two-year period (2004–2005) in which hydrologic conditions were manipulated to simulate flood-pulse and steady-flow conditions. Gas flux rates were measured in three distinct wetland zones: continuously inundated areas; edge zones with emergent macrophytes; and edge zones in which emergent macrophytes were removed. Methane fluxes between years were not significantly different in edge zones with and without emergent vegetation, but were twice as high in continuously inundated zones during the steady-flow year compared to the flood pulsed year. There was no apparent relationship between emergent vegetation and methane flux, as mean flux rates were not significantly different in either year in edge zones where emergent vegetation was removed, compared to edge zones containing emergent vegetation. Continuously inundated wetland zones emitted methane from summer through fall, while in edge zones methane fluxes were only substantial in spring and summer. Neither daytime rates of carbon dioxide uptake or nighttime rates of respiration were significantly different between the years for any wetland zone. When CO2 flux rates (daytime uptake plus nighttime respiration) were normalized for solar radiation and day length, solar efficiency was found to be comparable between the steady flow and pulsed years. Methane fluxes were more strongly affected than carbon dioxide fluxes by the differences in hydrology, but only in the deeper areas of the wetlands.
An international survey of speciality training in oral and maxillofacial pathology.

BACKGROUND Speciality training in oral and maxillofacial pathology (OMFP) across the world would be aided by guidance on a generic curriculum and training programme that all countries could use as a template. In order to facilitate this, we require an understanding of the various forms which OMFP training takes across the world. METHODS We sent a questionnaire to OMF pathologists in the 42 countries represented in the IAOP membership, via their Regional Councillor. The questionnaire included detailed demographics, entry requirements, specialty training program and facilities/resources. RESULTS Replies were received from 22/42 countries (52%). OMFP is a dental/dental and medical speciality in 72%, and in 92% of those, this is recognised by a licensing board. Training was undertaken in an academic environment in 85% (with many offering a further academic qualification) and the median length of training was 4 years. General/anatomical pathology training is mandated in 85% of programs and a common core of general sub-specialities was identified. An end of training assessment was conducted in 80% of programs with most including written, practical and oral elements. Training program directors and educational supervisors were in place in 12/16 programs and, in most, Quality Assurance of training was externally monitored. In only one country was the number of trainees linked to workforce planning. CONCLUSIONS Training in OMFP varies across the world. However, we feel there is sufficient commonality for the development of an agreed indicative framework on education and training in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, perhaps under the auspices of the IAOP.
Oxidative-nitrosative stress and systemic vascular function in highlanders with and without exaggerated hypoxemia.

BACKGROUND Acute exposure to high altitude stimulates free radical formation in lowlanders, yet whether this persists during chronic exposure in healthy, well-adapted and maladapted highlanders suffering from chronic mountain sickness (CMS) remains to be established. METHODS Oxidative-nitrosative stress (as determined by the presence of the biomarkers ascorbate radical [A •- ], via electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and nitrite [NO 2 2 ], via ozone-based chemiluminescence) was assessed in venous blood of 25 male highlanders in Bolivia living at 3,600 m with CMS (n 5 13, CMS 1 ) and without CMS (n 5 12, CMS 2 ). Twelve age- and activity-matched, healthy, male lowlanders were examined at sea level and during acute hypoxia. We also measured fl ow-mediated dilatation (FMD), arterial stiffness defined by augmentation index normalized for a heart rate of 75 beats/min (AIx-75), and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). RESULTS Compared with normoxic lowlanders, oxidative-nitrosative stress was moderately increased in the CMS 2 group ( P , .05), as indicated by elevated A •- (3,191 457 arbitrary units [AU] vs 2,640 445 AU) and lower NO 2 2 (206 55 nM vs 420 128 nM), whereas vascular function remained preserved. This was comparable to that observed during acute hypoxia in lowlanders in whom vascular dysfunction is typically observed. In contrast, this response was markedly exaggerated in CMS 1 group (A •- , 3,765 429 AU; NO 2 2 , 148 50 nM) compared with both the CMS 2 group and lowlanders ( P , .05). This was associated with systemic vascular dysfunction as indicated by lower ( P , .05 vs CMS 2 ) FMD (4.2% 0.7% vs 7.6% 1.7%) and increased AIx-75 (23% 8% vs 12% 7%) and carotid IMT (714 127 m M vs 588 94 m M). CONCLUSIONS Healthy highlanders display a moderate, sustained elevation in oxidative-nitrosative stress that, unlike the equivalent increase evoked by acute hypoxia in healthy lowlanders, failed to affect vascular function. Its more marked elevation in patients with CMS may contribute to systemic vascular dysfunction.