Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biological activities of rat antisera raised against synthetic peptides of human thyrotropin receptor.

Twenty three male Wistar rats were divided into five groups and were immunized with five overlapping synthetic peptides (Group I (n = 5), peptide 12-30; Group II (n = 5), 24-44; Group III (n = 4), 308-328; Group IV (n = 5), 324-344; and Group V (n = 4), 339-364) of human thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), which had been conjugated with rabbit serum albumin. Sera obtained 34 days after the first immunization were investigated for their ability to displace 125I-TSH binding to thyrotropin receptor (thyrotropin binding inhibitor immunoglobulins (TBII)). In addition, biological activity, namely thyroid stimulating (TSAb) or blocking (TSBAb) activities in them were tested with cultured porcine thyroid cells. TBII activities in Group I, II, III, IV, and V rats were 12.6 +/- 4.1% (range 9.2-17.2%), 16.3 +/- 4.0% (range 11.7-22.0%), 16.7 +/- 4.9% (range 13.2-20.1%), 14.5 +/- 5.7% (range 8.1-19.0%), and 13.8 +/- 6.3% (range 8.1-14.3%), respectively, which were not significantly different from control rat sera (12.3 +/- 6.7%, range 1.2-20.1%). TSAb activities in Group I, II, III, IV, and V rats were 608 +/- 675% (range 275-1813%), 234 +/- 26% (range 209-265%), 313 +/- 175% (range 187-568%), 190 +/- 63% (range 145-301%), and 134 +/- 24% (range 107-158%), respectively. TSAb activities in Group I, II, III, and IV rats were significantly higher than those from control rat sera (P < 0.01) while those of Group V were not significantly different from control rat sera. None of the rats in each group exhibited TSBAb activity. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Factors affecting the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transplantation in the fish embryo.

Procedures to improve somatic cell nuclear transplantation in fish were evaluated. We reported effects of nonirradiated recipient eggs, inactivated recipient eggs, different combinations between recipient eggs and donor cells, duration of serum starvation, generation number, and passage number of donor cells on developmental rates of nuclear transplant (NT) embryos. Exposure to 25,000 R of gamma-rays inactivated recipient eggs. Single nucleus of cultured, synchronized somatic cell from gynogenetic bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) was transplanted into nonirradiated or genetically inactivated unfertilized egg of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). There was no significant difference in developmental rate between nonirradiated and inactivated recipient eggs (27.27% vs. 25.71%, respectively). Chromosome count showed that 70.59% of NT embryos contained 48 chromosomes. It showed that most NT embryos came from donor nuclei of bighead carp, which was supported by microsatellite analysis of NT embryos. But 23.53% of NT embryos contained more than 48 chromosomes. It was presumed that those superfluous chromosomes came from nonirradiated recipient eggs. Besides, 5.88% of NT embryos were chimeras. Eggs of blunt-snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) and gibel carp were better recipient eggs than those of loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) (25% and 18.03% vs. 8.43%). Among different duration of serum starvation, developmental rate of NT embryos from somatic nuclei of three-day serum starvation was the highest, reaching 25.71% compared to 14.14% (control), 20% (five-day), and 21.95% (seven-day). Cultured donor cells of less passage facilitated reprogramming of NT embryos than those of more passage. Recloning might improve the developmental rate of NT embryos from the differentiated donor nuclei. Developmental rate of fourth generation was the highest (54.83%) and the lowest for first generation (14.14%) compared to second generation (38.96%) and third generation (53.01%).
Estimating the size and composition of the lesbian, gay and bisexual population in Britain. Research Report 37

The University of Kent was commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (the Commission) in November 2008 to investigate ways of measuring the lesbian, gay and bisexual population (LGB) of Great Britain (GB), for which there is no currently reliable estimate. The absence of reliable population data means that it is impossible to develop representative samples of LGB people in research. From 2010, the Integrated Household Survey (IHS) will provide the biggest dataset on those people who are willing to identify as LGB in the context of the household. The Scottish government has also indicated that a sexual orientation question will be included in all major social surveys it funds in the future. This project was devised in order to progress thinking in defining an approach or approaches to estimating the size of the LGB population of GB. Achieving a reliable and accurate measure of this population is critical for promoting equality and challenging discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Comprehensive information about LGB people is required in order to develop appropriate service provision, address inequalities and allocate resources fairly.
Autoimmune Antiphospholipid Antibodies Are Directed against a Cryptic Epitope Expressed when β2-Glycoprotein I Is Bound to a Suitable Surface

Summary The antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) present in autoimmune disorders are associated with thromboembolic episodes, and their binding to phospholipids (PL) is mediated by a plasma cofactor, β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI). Both PL and β2GPI seem necessary for binding, thus indicating that the two components comprise the epitope against which aPL are directed. Using an anti-β2GPI antibody ELISA with the antigen adsorbed onto polyvinylchloride (PVC) plates, we detected high antibody titres in 12 out of 12 plasmas from patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome. No or very low positivity was obtained when the same ELISA was carried out in polystyrene (PST) plates, while an increasing positivity was found when processed (i.e. more hydrophilic) or COOH-surface PST plates were used. When (β2GPI dependent IgG-aPL were purified using agarose-immobilized cardio- lipin, 4 out of 4 preparations were highly positive in anti-β2GPI antibody ELISA using PVC plates, while β2GPI was not fully recognized by aPL-IgG when adsorbed onto PST plates. These findings demonstrate that aPL are, in fact, anti-β2GPI antibodies directed against a cryptic epitope which is expressed when β2GPI is bound to anionic phospholipid, or another suitable surface.
Argon plasma coagulation versus injection sclerotherapy in peptic ulcer hemorrhage--a prospective, controlled study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS In Slovenia, the annual incidence of peptic ulcer hemorrhage is 118/100,000 inhabitants, with mortality up to 14%. Interventional endoscopy has largely reduced mortality in these patients. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation and injection sclerotherapy in bleeding peptic ulcer. METHODOLOGY A prospective, controlled study which includes 100 patients with peptic ulcer hemorrhage (male 63, female 37, av.age 57.1 years, SD+/-16, span 26-80; gastric ulcer 50 patients, duodenal ulcer 50 patients) in the period between 1.01. 1999 and 15.05. 2000 treated in our institution. The bleeding activity was determined according to the Forrest classification. Fifty patients were randomized to receive argon plasma coagulation (ARCO 2000 ES unit, group A) and in fifty patients injection sclerotherapy (sclerosing with diluted adrenalin 1:10,000 plus polidocanol 1%, group B) was performed. The groups did not differ with respect to age, sex, site, severity of bleeding, use of NSAID and additional diseases. RESULTS Clinically and endoscopically diagnosed rebleeding occured in 7/50 patients (14%) in group A and in 9/50 patients (18%) in group B; p=0.78. The majority of rebleeding occured within 48 hours after endoscopic hemostasis, group A 4-/7 (57.1%), group B 7/9 (77.7%), p = 0.74. Repeated endoscopic hemostasis did not prove successful in 8 patients (group A 3/50, 6%, group B 5/50, 10%), p=0.71. Seven patients were treated operatively. The total mortality rate was 9% (9/100 patients, group A 4/50, 8%, group B 5/50, 10%), p>0.05. Only one patient died due to peptic ulcer hemorrhage, other 8 patients died due to concomitant diseases. CONCLUSIONS Argon plasma coagulation seems to be an effective and safe alternative to other hemostatic modalities in peptic ulcer hemorrhage.
On the profitability of commercial banks: the Sri Lankan case

ABSTRACT This study determines the factors affecting the profitability of licensed commercial banks (LCBs) in Sri Lanka, including the effect of the prolonged conflict which ended in 2009. Using an error correction model together with data for the period 2006–2014 of 10 major LCBs, the results reveal that, in the short run, capital and liquidity have a positive effect on bank profitability and default loans, interest margin (IM), operating cost, and interest rates (IRs) have a negative effect. In the long run, bank profitability is significantly impacted by default loans, IM, real GDP, inflation, IRs, capital, operating cost, and conflict. The ending of the prolonged conflict has significantly contributed to improved bank performance.
New wearable walking-type continuous passive motion device for postsurgery walking rehabilitation

While total knee arthroplasty is useful for treating osteoarthritis of the knee, the success of this treatment depends on effective rehabilitation. The goal of this study was to develop an assistive device for post–total knee arthroplasty patients for walking rehabilitation and for shortening the hospitalization period. We developed a brace electronic assist system termed the knee assistive instrument for walking rehabilitation (KAI-R) to illustrate the need for training during postoperative rehabilitation. Sixteen osteoarthritis patients (1 male and 15 females; average age 68.9 years) who underwent total knee arthroplasty were analyzed before operation and 2–4 weeks after operation, and 25 healthy individuals (14 males and 11 females; average age 26.2 years) formed the control group. Based on the pre- and postoperative data on peak knee flexion angle, foot height, and walking velocity, we developed the KAI-R, which consists of an assistive mechanism for the knee joint, a hip joint support system, and a foot pressure sensor system and is driven by a CPU board that generates the walking pattern. We then tested the walking gait in seven healthy volunteers with and without KAI-R assistance. KAI-R increased the peak flexion angle of the knee and foot height in all seven volunteers; their range of motion of the knee joint was increased. However, KAI-R also decreased the walking velocity of subjects, which was explained by reaction delay and slightly compromised physical balance, which was caused by wearing the KAI-R. KAI-R is useful for gait improvement. In future studies, KAI-R will be investigated in a clinical trial for its ability for walking rehabilitation in post–total knee arthroplasty patients.
A Guide to Survival of Momentum in UK Style Portfolios

In this study we estimate the survival time of momentum in six UK style portfolio returns from October 1980 to June 2014. We utilise the Kaplan-Meier estimator, a non-parametric method that measures the probability that momentum will persist beyond the present month. This probability enables us to compute the average momentum survival time for each of the six style portfolios. Discrepancies between these empirical mean survival times and those implied by theoretical models [Random Walk and ARMA (1, 1)] show that there is scope for profiting from momentum trading. We illustrate this by forming long-only, short-only and long-short trading strategies that exploit positive and negative momentum and their average survival time. These trading strategies yield considerably higher Sharpe ratios than the comparative buy-and-hold strategies at a feasible level of transaction costs. This result is most pronounced for the long/short strategies. Our findings remain robust during the 2007/2008 financial crisis and the aftermath, suggesting that Kaplan-Meier estimator is a powerful tool for designing a profitable momentum strategy.
Is the Value Addition in Services and Manufacturing Complementary? Empirical Evidence from SAARC

Most empirical studies on sectoral change provide evidence in favor of the complementarities between manufacturing and services, claiming that both sectors generally grow in parallel. This study investigates the complementarities hypothesis for the SAARC countries, which have dominant services sectors but have not graduated to industrial status. We ask whether the rapid growth and value addition of services presents an opportunity or threat for value addition in manufacturing, when the latter sector is still at a premature stage. Our findings do not validate the complementarities between manufacturing and services overall in the case of the SAARC countries. However, there appear to be potential complementarities once services is interacted with trade variables.
Design of a Remote Signal Processing Student Lab

We describe our experience of introducing digital signal processing (DSP) concepts via a software-defined radio project using a very inexpensive TV USB capture dongle. Through a series of weekly lab exercises, the students learned and applied DSP concepts to design a completely digital FM receiver. The proposed lab experience introduced concepts, such as sampling, IQ signal representation, sample rate conversion, filter design, filter delays, and more, all with an attractive learn-by-doing approach. The first offering of this course initially took place in Fall 2014 and has been successfully offered and repeated with growing success ever since. Our experience can serve as a proof of concept of the possibility of carrying out, in a massive open online course-like fashion, certain engineering labs that require inexpensive and readily available hardware components.
B Cell-Deficient Mice Are Highly Resistant to Leishmania donovani Infection, but Develop Neutrophil-Mediated Tissue Pathology1

Resolution of Leishmania infection is T cell-dependent, and B lymphocytes have been considered to play a minimal role in host defense. In this study, the contribution of B lymphocytes to the response against Leishmania donovani was investigated using genetically modified IgM transmembrane domain (μMT) mutant mice, which lack mature B lymphocytes. When compared with wild-type mice, μMT mice cleared parasites more rapidly from the liver, and infection failed to establish in the spleen. The rapid clearance of parasites in μMT mice was associated with accelerated and more extensive hepatic granuloma formation compared with wild-type mice. However, the liver of infected μMT mice also showed signs of destructive pathology, associated with the presence of increased numbers of neutrophils. The role of neutrophils in controlling parasite growth in the viscera was determined by depletion with the mAb RB6-8C5. This treatment led to a dramatic enhancement of parasite growth in both the liver and spleen of μMT and wild-type mice. As assessed by transfer of both normal and chronic-infection serum, Ig protects μMT mice from destructive hepatic pathology, but minimally alters their resistance compared with wild-type mice. However, adoptive transfer of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into recombinase activating gene 1 (RAG1−/−) recipients, suggested that T cell function was not altered by maturation in a B cell-deficient environment. Taken together, these data suggest an inhibitory role for B lymphocytes in resistance to L. donovani unrelated to the presence or absence of Ig. However, Ig protects μMT mice from the exaggerated pathology that occurs during infection.
Obstetric outcome of ethnic Turkish women in London: A retrospective case–control study

There is concern that the maternal mortality in ethnic minority women is significantly greater than that of Caucasian British women. The objective of this study was to compare the demographic and obstetric outcomes between these two groups. Data were collected retrospectively over a 2-year period from 148 index and 148 control cases. The study group had statistically similar maternal age, labour duration, blood loss and mode of delivery compared with Caucasian British women (p > 0.05). A total of 68% of Turkish women spoke little or no English; were more likely to be non-smokers and also more likely to be married to unemployed spouses (p = 0.0001). This is the first study comparing obstetric outcomes of immigrant Turkish women with their Caucasian British counterparts. There was no significant difference in maternal or fetal outcomes, which could be attributed to the ‘healthy migrant’ theory, coupled with increased vigilance in ethnic minority pregnancies.
The Effect of Music-Based Listening Interventions on the Volume, Fat Content, and Caloric Content of Breast Milk–Produced by Mothers of Premature and Critically Ill Infants

PURPOSE:Maternal breast milk is considered the nutritional “gold standard” for all infants, especially premature infants. However, preterm mothers are at risk of not producing adequate milk. Multiple factors affect the production of milk, including stress, fatigue, and the separation of the breastfeeding dyad—for example, when mother or infant is hospitalized. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of listening and visual interventions on the quantity and quality of breast milk produced by mothers using a double electric breast pump. SUBJECTS:Mothers of 162 preterm infants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups. METHODS:The control group received standard nursing care, whereas mothers in the 3 experimental groups additionally listened to a recording of 1 of 3 music-based listening interventions while using the pump. RESULTS:Mothers in the experimental groups produced significantly more milk (P < .0012). Mothers in these groups also produced milk with significantly higher fat content during the first 6 days of the study.
Teacher-Created Student Growth Assessments Used For Teacher Evaluation And The Effects On Teacher Efficacy

iii PREFACE. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS. vi LIST OF TABLES. ix SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION. 1 Purpose. 1 Rationale. 4 PERA Law. 4 Danielson Framework for Teachers. 5 Goals. 6 Research Questions. 7 Primary Question. 7 Secondary Questions. 7 SECTION TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW. 9 Introduction. 9 Teacher Efficacy. 9 Teacher Collaboration. 13 Common Assessments. 17 Critical Friends Groups. 22 SECTION THREE: METHODOLOGY. 27 Research Design Overview. 27 Demographics. 28
Ethnic Differences in the Management of Lung Cancer in New Zealand

Background: Major ethnic disparities in lung cancer survival exist in New Zealand, with Mäori having a higher case-fatality ratio than non-Mäori. Aim: To assess whether secondary care management of lung cancer differed by ethnicity and could contribute to ethnic survival disparities. Methods: An audit of secondary care management in Auckland and Northland of lung cancer patients diagnosed in 2004 permitted comparison of the management of lung cancer in different ethnic groups. Results: The 565 eligible cases comprised: European 378 (67%), Mäori 95 (17%), Pacific Peoples 56 (10%), Asian 23 (4%), and other or unknown ethnicity 13 (2%). In multivariate analysis (adjusting for tumor and patient factors including comorbidity), Mäori were 2.5 times more likely to have locally advanced disease than localized disease compared with Europeans (p < 0.01), and four times less likely to receive curative rather than palliative anticancer treatment compared with Europeans (p < 0.01). Mäori had longer transit times from diagnosis to treatment (p < 0.001). Mäori were more likely to decline treatment and miss appointments than Europeans, although this only partially explained management differences. Conclusion: Multiple factors are potentially responsible for the higher case-fatality ratio in Mäori. Such factors include presentation with more advanced disease, lower rates of curative treatment for nonmetastatic disease, and longer transit times from diagnosis to treatment. In this retrospective study, socioeconomic deprivation, comorbidity levels, and failure to accept treatment did not fully explain ethnic differences in management. Further assessment of the underlying issues by prospective evaluation is warranted.
Relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-related pain and morphological changes of the TMJ condyle in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-related pain and morphological change of the TMJ condyle in patients with temporomandibular disorders. METHODS Data were obtained from 178 joints in 89 patients. The joints were clinically assessed for pain on mandibular function and on lateral palpation of the TMJ. They were also assessed for radiographic evidence of bone change at the articular surface (OAAS) and resorption of the lateral part of the condyle (RLC). RESULTS A higher prevalence of joint pain on function was observed in joints with OAAS than in those without OAAS (Chi-square test of independence, P < 0.05). Significant relationships were found between palpation pain and OAAS and between palpation pain and RLC (Chi-square test of independence, P < 0.05). In addition, patients with RLC showed a significantly lower pain threshold for external mechanical stimuli than those without RLC (Welch's t-test, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a possible relationship between pain on function and OAAS as well as a relationship between palpation pain and RLC. Pain on lateral palpation may be related to the pathological conditions that induce RLC.
Enzymatic and antigenic characterization of immunoglobulin A1 proteases from Bacteroides and Capnocytophaga spp

Bacteroides and Capnocytophaga species have been implicated as periodontal pathogens. Some of these species possess immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) proteases that are capable of cleaving the human IgA1 molecule in the hinge region, leaving intact Fc alpha and Fab alpha fragments. The purpose of this study was to characterize this activity. In addition to IgA1 protease activity in already known species, IgA1 protease activity was a feature of Bacteroides buccalis, Bacteroides oralis, Bacteroides veroralis, Bacteroides capillus, and Bacteroides pentosaceus. Results of immunoelectrophoretic and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analyses suggested that all species cleave the alpha-chain at the same peptide bond, i.e., the prolyl-seryl bond between residues 223 and 224 in the hinge region. The Bacteroides proteases could be classified as thiol proteases, which were at the same time dependent on metal ions, while the Capnocytophaga proteases were metallo enzymes. None of the proteases were inhibited by the physiologic proteases inhibitors alpha 2-macroglobulin and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor. Investigations with enzyme-neutralizing antibodies raised in rabbits against protease preparations from the respective type strains revealed that, despite otherwise identical characteristics, the IgA1 protease of each Bacteroides species was antigenically distinct. Bacteroides buccae and the two later synonymous species B. capillus and B. pentosaceus produced identical proteases. In contrast, IgA1 proteases from Capnocytophaga ochracea and Capnocytophaga sputigena strains were apparently identical, while Capnocytophaga gingivalis had a protease that differed from those of the other Capnocytophaga species.