Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An autoradiographic study of cellular proliferation in the uterus and placenta of the pregnant rat.

The uterus and placenta of the pregnant rat are sites of rapid morphogenetic and histiogenetic change involving marked cellular proliferation and extensive and varied cellular differentiation. This paper relates the proliferative activity, as shown by autoradiography after a single injection of tritiated thymidine, to the development and differentiation of the various elements of the uterus and fetal placenta. With the exception of the work by Larkin & Schultz (1968), which was restricted to a study of the granulated metrial gland cells and their precursors, the few previous descriptions of the uptake of tritiated thymidine in the rodent placenta (Atlas, Bond & Cronkite, 1960; Jollie, 1964; Blumen, Kulay, de Castro & Delascio, 1968) have not been entirely convincing.
The Fat and Warts signaling pathways: new insights into their regulation, mechanism and conservation

A cassette of cytoplasmic Drosophila tumor suppressors, including the kinases Hippo and Warts, has recently been linked to the transmembrane tumor suppressor Fat. These proteins act within interconnected signaling pathways, the principal functions of which are to control the growth and polarity of developing tissues. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of the basis for signal transduction by Fat and Warts pathways, including the identification of a DNA-binding protein at the end of the pathway, have established the conservation of Fat and Warts signaling from flies to mammals, and have given us new insights into their regulation and biological functions.
Quantifying the performance of in vivo portal dosimetry in detecting four types of treatment parameter variations.

PURPOSE To quantify the ability of electronic portal imaging device (EPID) dosimetry used during treatment (in vivo) in detecting variations that can occur in the course of patient treatment. METHODS Images of transmitted radiation from in vivo EPID measurements were converted to a 2D planar dose at isocenter and compared to the treatment planning dose using a prototype software system. Using the treatment planning system (TPS), four different types of variability were modeled: overall dose scaling, shifting the positions of the multileaf collimator (MLC) leaves, shifting of the patient position, and changes in the patient body contour. The gamma pass rate was calculated for the modified and unmodified plans and used to construct a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve to assess the detectability of the different parameter variations. The detectability is given by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The TPS was also used to calculate the impact of the variations on the target dose-volume histogram. RESULTS Nine intensity modulation radiation therapy plans were measured for four different anatomical sites consisting of 70 separate fields. Results show that in vivo EPID dosimetry was most sensitive to variations in the machine output, AUC = 0.70 - 0.94, changes in patient body habitus, AUC = 0.67 - 0.88, and systematic shifts in the MLC bank positions, AUC = 0.59 - 0.82. These deviations are expected to have a relatively small clinical impact [planning target volume (PTV) D99 change <7%]. Larger variations have even higher detectability. Displacements in the patient's position and random variations in MLC leaf positions were not readily detectable, AUC < 0.64. The D99 of the PTV changed by up to 57% for the patient position shifts considered here. CONCLUSIONS In vivo EPID dosimetry is able to detect relatively small variations in overall dose, systematic shifts of the MLC's, and changes in the patient habitus. Shifts in the patient's position which can introduce large changes in the target dose coverage were not readily detected.
A Fast Perfect-Matching Algorithm in Random Graphs

The matching problem is to find a maximum collection of mutually nonadjacent edges in a graph. An algorithm is presented that delivers a perfect matching in a random graph almost surely. The expected running time of this algorithm is $O( n \log_e (1/p) + n)$, where n is the number of vertices in the graph and where p is the probability of an edge. This running time is faster than $O(n \log_e n)$, the expected running time of the best randomized algorithm of Angluin and Valiant.
Swallowing, urine flow, and amniotic fluid volume responses to prolonged hypoxia in the ovine fetus.

OBJECTIVE Four days of hypoxia produce an extensive fetal polyuria with little change in amniotic fluid volume in the ovine fetus. We hypothesized that fetal swallowing and intramembranous absorption would increase with prolonged hypoxia to offset the polyuria. STUDY DESIGN After a 24-hour normoxic period, nine ovine fetuses were subjected to 4 days of hypoxia induced by lowering maternal inspired oxygen content. Seven fetuses were monitored for 5 days as normoxic time controls. Measurements included fetal swallowed volume by a computerized system with Transonic flow probes, urine production by gravity drainage, and amniotic fluid volume by an indicator dilution technique. Data were averaged over 12-hour intervals, and a three-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for statistical testing. RESULTS During days 2 to 5, arterial oxygen tension was 20.7+/-1.1 (SE) mm Hg in the normoxic and 13.9+/-0.8 mm Hg in the hypoxic fetuses (P<.0001). Urine flow was unchanged over time in the normoxic fetuses and increased gradually from 693+/-88 to 2189+/-679 mL per day during hypoxia (P<.0001). The prehypoxia swallowed volume was similar in the two groups, averaging 447+/-95 mL per day. Although transiently decreased in eight of nine hypoxic fetuses, the 12-hour average swallowed volumes were not significantly different at any time in the hypoxic versus normoxic fetuses (P=.62). Amniotic fluid volume increased in the hypoxic fetuses relative to that in the normoxic fetuses (520+/-338 mL vs -226+/-136 mL, P<.01), although the increase was small (P<.01) relative to the excess volume of urine (4269+/-1306 mL). Estimated intramembranous absorption increased from 209+/-95 mL per day during normoxia to average 1032+/-396 mL per day during hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS The current study supports the concept that prolonged hypoxia produces a progressive fetal polyuria with relatively small changes in amniotic fluid volume. Concomitantly, hypoxia does not induce prolonged changes in fetal swallowing; rather, intramembranous absorption greatly increases, thereby preventing severe polyhydramnios.
TLR Ligation Triggers Somatic Hypermutation in Transitional B Cells Inducing the Generation of IgM Memory B Cells

TLR9 activation by unmethylated CpG provides a homeostatic mechanism to maintain B cell memory in the absence of Ag. In this study, we demonstrate that CpG also triggers the generation of somatically mutated memory B cells from immature transitional B cells. In response to CpG, a fraction of transitional B cells proliferates and introduces somatic hypermutations in the H chain V regions. The nonproliferating pool of transitional B cells mostly maintains germline configurations. Mutations are VH specific: VH5 is the least mutated family, whereas VH1 and VH4/6 are the most mutated families. CpG stimulation also results in upregulation of VH5 transcripts in proliferating cells. Therefore, early recognition of bacterial DNA preferentially expands VH5-expressing B cells while inducing somatic hypermutations in other families. The mutation frequency, range, and type of substitutions observed in vitro are comparable to those found in memory B cells from the peripheral blood of Hyper IgM type 1 patients and the spleen of normal infants. The process triggered by TLRs may represent a first step leading to additional diversification of the germline repertoire and to the generation of memory B cells that will further refine their repertoire and specificity in the germinal centers.
The Race for Talent: Retaining and Engaging Workers in the 21st Century

A s the 21st Century unfolds, major changes are beginning to occur in today's workplace. A growing awareness of unavoidable demographics is creating a greater urgency for HR professionals everywhere to focus more attention and energy on retaining talented employees and keeping them actively engaged in their work. New strategies are emerging that go well beyond traditional solutions, holding much promise in the effort to keep and engage well-performing employees.
Major Depressive Disorder and Bone Mass in Adolescents and Young Adults

Depression has been associated with reduced bone mass in adults, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In addition, little is known about the association between depression and bone health during growth and development. To address this knowledge gap, we examined bone density and structure in 222 adolescents and young adults (69% females, mean ± SD age: 19.0 ± 1.5 years), enrolled within 1 month of starting a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or unmedicated. Psychiatric functioning was assessed with self‐report and researcher‐administered instruments, including the Longitudinal Interval Follow‐up Evaluation for Adolescents (A‐LIFE). Anthropometric and laboratory measures included dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans. Linear multivariable regression analysis tested the association between depression and bone mass, after accounting for relevant confounders. The presence of current depression was associated with a significant reduction in age‐sex‐height‐race‐specific bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) of total body less head and lumbar spine. The findings varied by assessment method with self‐report scales, capturing symptom severity over the prior week or two, yielding the weakest associations. Depression was also associated with reduced cortical thickness and a trend for increased endosteal circumference. In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder was not associated with bone deficits. In sum, depressive illness is associated with significantly lower bone mass in youths. Future investigations must examine whether bone recovery is possible following depression remission or whether remedial interventions are warranted to optimize bone mass in order to minimize the long‐term risk of osteoporosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Rethinking some of the rethinking of partial least squares

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is an important statistical technique in the toolbox of methods that researchers in marketing and other social sciences disciplines frequently use in their empirical analyses. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on several misconceptions that have emerged as a result of the proposed “new guidelines” for PLS-SEM. The authors discuss various aspects related to current debates on when or when not to use PLS-SEM, and which model evaluation metrics to apply. In addition, this paper summarizes several important methodological extensions of PLS-SEM researchers can use to improve the quality of their analyses, results and findings.The paper merges literature from various disciplines, including marketing, strategic management, information systems, accounting and statistics, to present a state-of-the-art review of PLS-SEM. Based on these findings, the paper offers a point of orientation on how to consider and apply these latest developments when executing or assessing PLS-SEM-based research.This paper offers guidance regarding situations that favor the use of PLS-SEM and discusses the need to consider certain model evaluation metrics. It also summarizes how to deal with endogeneity in PLS-SEM, and critically comments on the recent proposal to adjust PLS-SEM estimates to mimic common factor models that are the foundation of covariance-based SEM. Finally, this paper opposes characterizing common concepts and practices of PLS-SEM as “out-of-date” without providing well-substantiated alternatives and solutions.The paper paves the way for future discussions and suggests a way forward to reach consensus regarding situations that favor PLS-SEM use and its application.This paper offers guidance on how to consider the latest methodological developments when executing or assessing PLS-SEM-based research.This paper complements recently proposed “new guidelines” with the aim of offering a counter perspective on some strong claims made in the latest literature on PLS-SEM. It also clarifies some misconceptions regarding the application of PLS-SEM.
Agglutinins and antibodies to Francisella tularensis outer membrane antigens in the early diagnosis of disease during an outbreak of tularemia

Tularemia was diagnosed in 57 patients during an outbreak in central Norway in 1984 and 1985. Clinical categories of the disease showed seasonal variations. A bacterial microagglutination test and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with class-specific antibodies against Francisella tularensis outer membrane (OM) antigens were evaluated for the early diagnosis of tularemia. ELISA with immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, or IgM antibodies and the microagglutination test differed only marginally in diagnostic sensitivity. The OM preparation harbored F. tularensis agglutinogens and contained a variety of proteins, several of which functioned as immunogens in tularemia patients, as shown by Western blotting (immunoblotting). All 12 patients tested produced antibodies against a 43,000-molecular-weight OM protein. Individual variation was noted with regard to antibody response against other OM antigens. The OM is a suitable antigen preparation in ELISA for the diagnosis of tularemia and, presumably, contains antigens important in the immunobiology of tularemia.
Herbal compound 861 regulates mRNA expression of collagen synthesis- and degradation-related genes in human hepatic stellate cells.

AIM To identify the role of herbal compound 861 (Cpd 861) in the regulation of mRNA expression of collagen synthesis- and degradation-related genes in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS mRNA levels of collagen types I and III, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in cultured-activated HSCs treated with Cpd 861 or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS Both Cpd 861 and IFN-gamma reduced the mRNA levels of collagen type III, MMP-2 and TGF-beta1. Moreover, Cpd 861 significantly enhanced the MMP-1 mRNA levels while down-regulated the TIMP-1 mRNA expression, increasing the ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 to (6.3 + 0.3)- fold compared to the control group. CONCLUSION The anti-fibrosis function of Cpd 861 may be mediated by both decreased interstitial collagen sythesis by inhibiting the transcription of collagen type III and TGF-beta1 and increased degradation of these collagens by up-regulating MMP-1 and down-regulating TIMP-1 mRNA levels.
Investment decisions on quality certifications by hotel chains: differences between ex-ante and ex-post decisions

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the antecedents of two variables concerning the presence of quality certifications in hotel chains: the (ex ante) decision to become a member of the quality system and the (ex post) trend to increase or decrease the number of certified properties. Six hypotheses are posed and tested. Design/methodology/approach The empirical investigation is carried out on the Spanish Q for Quality in Tourism using a database including 295 hotel chains and 2,727 hotels. Findings The results evidence the presence of differences in the behavior of hotel chains relative to certification depending on their size, market segment, customer origin and the geographical concentration of their establishments. Originality/value This research deepens in how the hotel chain characteristics affect the effectiveness of a quality certification. The consideration of two stages in investment decisions allows the authors to identify differences in the ex ante and ex post decision processes. As a result, one factor (geographical concentration) has been detected as being underrated by managers in the first stage.
New electrode material for low-loss and high-Q FBAR filters

We have developed a new electrode material, suitable for AlN-based FBARs. The necessary conditions for FBAR electrode materials are low density, low resistivity, and high acoustic impedance. We investigated the influence of electrode materials on the resonant characteristics of FBAR in FEM simulations and experiments. We found the properties of ruthenium (Ru) to be suitable for use as electrode materials for AlN-based FBARs. In addition, by smoothing the surface of the electrodes, full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the X-ray rocking curves of the AlN films is found to be 2.9/spl deg/ on Ru electrodes. The resonant characteristics of FBAR using Ru electrodes were an unloaded resonant quality factor, Q/sub r/, of 3585 and an effective electromechanical coupling coefficient, k/sup 2/, of 6.6% at 5 GHz. Furthermore, we applied these resonators to ladder-type FBAR filters for 5 and 2 GHz. As a result, we achieved low-loss and high-Q FBAR filters with Ru electrodes.
Bile duct proliferation in liver‐specific Jag1 conditional knockout mice: Effects of gene dosage

The Notch signaling pathway is involved in determination of cell fate and control of cell proliferation in multiple organ systems. Jag1 encodes a ligand in the Notch pathway and has been identified as the disease‐causing gene for the developmental disorder Alagille syndrome. Evidence from the study of human disease and mouse models has implicated Jag1 as having an important role in the development of bile ducts. We have derived a conditional knockout allele (Jag1loxP) to study the role of Jag1 and Notch signaling in liver and bile duct development. We crossed Jag1loxP mice with a transgenic line carrying Cre recombinase under the control of the albumin promoter and α‐fetoprotein enhancer to ablate Jag1 in hepatoblasts. The liver‐specific Jag1 conditional knockout mice showed normal bile duct development. To further decrease Notch pathway function, we crossed the Jag1 conditional knockout mice with mice carrying the hypomorphic Notch2 allele, and bile duct anatomy remained normal. When Jag1 conditional mice were crossed with mice carrying the Jag1 null allele, the adult progeny exhibited striking bile duct proliferation. Conclusion: These results indicate that Notch signaling in the liver is sensitive to Jag1 gene dosage and suggest a role for the Notch pathway in postnatal growth and morphogenesis of bile ducts. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Voice onset time in Swedish children and adults

Voice onset time (VOT) is a temporal acoustic parameter, which reflects the timing of speech motor control. The objective of the work was to obtain normative VOT data in Swedish children. Thus, 150 children aged 8–11 years old and 36 adults were audio-recorded when producing the plosives in minimal pairs. Measures were made using waveforms and spectrograms. Results show that Swedish children developed adult-like VOT values between 9 and 10 years. By the age of 10 years prevoicing was also found to be completely adultlike in length. The results indicate that all Swedish adults do not produce voiced plosives with prevoicing. No evident gender differences were found. The obtained VOT values can be used as normative data when assessing children with speech and language disorders.
The Effect of Higher Education on Entrepreneurial Activities and Starting Up Successful Businesses

The paper deals with the potential relationship between higher education and entrepreneurial activities. Universities and other higher education institutions could be seen as boosting entrepreneurship in the region. University graduates could be more often involved in starting up a new business and the university itself could commercialize their innovations by creating academic spin-off companies. The paper aims to examine whether university graduates are better placed for establishing a successful business compared to less educated people. Based on the data for 40 EU and non-EU countries, retrieved from a Eurobarometer survey, we conducted probit and IV probit regressions. These have tested the assumed relationship between higher education and entrepreneurial activities. Our results strongly suggest that higher education can often be very beneficial for starting up a new business and this seems to be one of the factors determining the success of new business. Furthermore, those respondents who attended courses related to entrepreneurship appear to be more active in starting-up a business and this seems to be also positively correlated with the company's future success. Interestingly, university graduates from Brazil, Portugal and India in particular, tend to appreciate the role that their universities have played in acquiring the skills to enable them to run a business. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.ee. 29.2. 19069
Financial Statement Disaggregation and Bank Loan Pricing

We analyze whether the disaggregation quality (DQ) of a borrower’s financial statement is associated with its bank loan pricing. We find that firms with low DQ have high bank loan spreads and total cost of borrowing. These results are more pronounced for risky and poorly governed firms. Moreover, a low DQ is associated with a high likelihood of requiring collateral, low credit rating, and high bond issuing spreads. Overall, our results suggest that DQ conveys valuable credit quality information to bank loan lenders.
Effectiveness and Application of an Online Leadership Intervention to Promote Mental Health and Reduce Depression-Related Stigma in Organizations

Addressing the stigma of mental illness and its effect in the workplace is a contemporary issue in occupational health. The role of leaders is a vital but relatively unexplored dimension of this phenomenon. This study examined the effectiveness and application of an online intervention to reduce depression-related stigma in organizational leaders. A randomized controlled, “in the field” study was conducted with 196 leaders. Participants completed an online survey and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or wait-list control group. One week later, participants in the experimental group were given access to a brief online workplace mental health intervention and asked to complete a postsurvey, whereas the control group had to only complete the online postsurvey. Six months later, participants completed a follow-up online survey. Results revealed significant reductions in behavioral and affective depression-related stigma scores among leaders who completed the intervention, compared with the control group. These reductions were similar at 6 months. The factors that enabled or hindered training transfer from the intervention were examined through semistructured interviews with 16 of the participating leaders. Results showed that positive attitudes and high levels of knowledge are not sufficient to ensure leaders apply intervention learning in their work environments. Factors including the nature of the work environment, the collective readiness and capability of the organization to address these issues, the attitudes of others at work, and the broader political context affected the application of learning from the intervention.