Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of the influence of clinical factors including BMI on adalimumab and infliximab trough levels

Introduction Optimal trough levels of the anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, infliximab and adalimumab, are correlated with clinical remission. Obesity adversely affects response to infliximab and adalimumab, but the influence of BMI on trough levels has not been adequately investigated. We investigated the relationship between clinical variables, including BMI, and trough levels of infliximab and adalimumab. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study included patients treated with infliximab and adalimumab on maintenance therapy, with concurrent measurements of trough levels and BMI. The associations between categorical trough levels and clinical variables, including BMI, were estimated. Results Of the 122 patients included in the study, 80 (66%) were on infliximab and 42 (34%) were on adalimumab. Eighty-three per cent had Crohn’s disease and the remainder had ulcerative colitis. None of the clinical variables, including smoking, BMI, concurrent immunosuppression, duration of disease and treatment, were associated with categorical trough levels of infliximab or adalimumab. The effect of BMI did not differ between the two anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, although there was a trend towards a lower trough level in adalimumab-treated patients with a BMI greater than 30 (P=0.09). In infliximab-treated patients, antibodies to infliximab (P<0.001) and a C-reactive protein level of at least 5 mg/dl were associated with trough levels less than 3 µg/ml (P=0.008). Conclusion BMI does not differentially influence trough levels of adalimumab and infliximab, although a trend towards a lower trough level was observed in adalimumab-treated patients with a BMI greater than 30. Raised C-reactive protein levels and antibodies to infliximab were associated with subtherapeutic levels of infliximab.
Exploring the social effect of outstanding scholars on future research accomplishments

Outstanding scholars have generally been regarded as having special influence that enables them to publish articles in top‐tier journals and obtain higher levels of research funding. This study proposes that the social effect of an outstanding scholar, which is derived from the halo effect and the Matthew effect, is favorable for the expansion of the scholar's personal research network and will improve that scholar's future research accomplishments. Data for a total of 101 outstanding information systems scholars and 36 ordinary scholars were collected. The definition of an outstanding scholar is based on the quality and quantity of their publications. The results show that the social effect of the outstanding scholars is beneficial for the development of a research network, including 3 types of network structures. In addition, being highly connected with colleagues leads to higher research accomplishments in terms of quantity, while being connected with colleagues from different sub‐fields leads to higher research accomplishments in terms of novelty. Additionally, this study found that the social effect of outstanding scholars is a double‐edged sword, with both positive and negative impacts on research accomplishments. The findings contribute several theoretical and practical implications for future research.
Effect of Product Inhibitions on L-Lactic Acid Fermentation From Fresh Cassava Roots in Tofu Liquid Waste by Streptococcus bovis

The effects of product inhibition on lactic acid fermentation from fresh cassava roots in tofu liquid waste by Streptococcus bovis were studied in batch culture. The lactic acid production and growth rate gradually decrease with increase of inhibitor (lactic acid) concentration. The effects of product inhibition on productivity and specific growth rate were confirmed by the Lineweaver-Burk plot to noncompetitive inhibition. The product inhibition was evaluated by two inhibitions constants: inhibition constant for productivity (Ki) and inhibition constant for specific growth rate (KSi). They decrease with increasing of inhibitor concentration. The values of Ki and KSi in a rich media are smaller than those in a poor media and the Ki is larger than the KSi in those media. The experiment results on batch fermentation agree with the noncompetitive inhibition model for about four days, but they deviate from the inhibition model after four days due to high inhibitor concentration. It is supposed that accumulation of lactic acid in broth decidedly causes damage on viable cell.
Wayfinding in Scene Space

The thesis presented here attempts to create a cognitively plausible simulation of human wayfinding in semistructured environments such as train stations. The goals are to characterise such environments, to formally represent them along with the wayfinding process in a computational model, and to use this model to analyse which environmental structures help making human wayfinding so reliable.
Prostaglandin E2 for Cervical Ripening: A Multicenter Study of Patients with Prior Cesarean Delivery

To evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of a large cohort of women treated with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel for cervical ripening prior to trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery. Beginning in 1990 all pregnant patients with previous cesarean delivery presenting for prenatal care at 10 California hospitals were prospectively studied. We analyzed multiple parameters to compare outcomes of cases in which PGE2 gel was used to outcomes in a control group in which PGE2 was not used. Data were examined by X2 testing. During the study period 5022 patients underwent trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery. Of these 5022 patients, 453 (9%) were treated with PGE2 gel. There was no significant difference in the incidence of uterine rupture between the PGE2 group and the control group. Indicators of maternal and perinatal morbidity were not significantly higher in the prostaglandin treated group. The use of PGE2 gel for cervical ripening appears to be relatively safe in patients with prior cesarean delivery.
NMR and Alanine Scan Studies of Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide in Water*

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone that stimulates the secretion of insulin after ingestion of food. GIP also promotes the synthesis of fatty acids in adipose tissue. Therefore, it is not surprising that numerous literature reports have shown that GIP is linked to diabetes and obesity-related diseases. In this study, we present the solution structure of GIP in water determined by NMR spectroscopy. The calculated structure is characterized by the presence of an α-helical motif between residues Ser11 and Gln29. The helical conformation of GIP is further supported by CD spectroscopic studies. Six GIP-(1–42)Ala1–7 analogues were synthesized by replacing individual N-terminal residues with alanine. Alanine scan studies of these N-terminal residues showed that the GIP-(1–42)Ala6 was the only analogue to show insulin-secreting activity similar to that of the native GIP. However, when compared with glucose, its insulinotropic ability was reduced. For the first time, these NMR and modeling results contribute to the understanding of the structural requirements for the biological activity of GIP.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Stiffness Are Independent Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Diseases

Objective We assessed the correlation between intima-media thickness (IMT) and stiffness and test whether they are independent risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases. Methods We enrolled 2333 participants from the general population. Among the study subjects, 197 subjects had a history of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI) and were treated as patients, and the rest were the control subjects. Intima-media thickness was measured at the common carotid artery (CCA), bifurcation, and internal carotid artery. Three parameters (arterial stiffness [β], elastic modulus, and pulse wave velocity) were measured for carotid stiffness. Correlation between IMT and stiffness was first calculated. Multivariate regression model was used to evaluate whether inclusion of both IMT and stiffness can increase the prediction of cardiovascular events. Results Only CCA and bifurcation IMTs were significantly and positively correlated with stiffness. After adjusting for age and sex, the correlations were substantially attenuated. Common carotid artery IMT was most significantly associated with stroke and MI (P = 2.6 × 10−8) followed by bifurcation IMT (P = 5.5 × 10−6), and internal carotid artery IMT was least significant (P = 0.02). For stiffness, β was most significant (P = 3.6 × 10−8) for stroke and MI, followed by elastic modulus (P = 1.1 × 10−6) and pulse wave velocity (P = 6.8 × 10−6). The best model for the combined effect was from β (P < 0.03) and CCA (P = 0.056) or bifurcation IMT (P = 0.057). Conclusions Carotid IMT and stiffness represent different properties of atherosclerotic vessel wall. Measuring both traits provides a better characterization of atherosclerosis.
Artificial neural network analysis of genetic diversity in Carica papaya L.

The study of genetic diversity is fundamental in the preliminary selection of accessions with superior characteristics and for a successful use of these genotypes in breeding programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, as a strategy for genetic diversity analysis, the bioinformatics approach called artificial neural network. Based on the average of three growing seasons, eight quantitative traits and thirty-seven papaya accessions were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with two replications. By Anderson's discriminant analysis, 91.90 % of the accessions were correctly classified in the groups previously defined by artificial neural network. It was concluded that the technique of artificial neural network is feasible to classify the accessions. The presence of significant genetic diversity among accessions was observed.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES AND SPECTRUM OF LESIONS IN FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF BONE LESIONS

Bone lesions can be approached on the basis of history, radiological examination, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and excision biopsy of the specimen. Objective: To analyze the technical challenges encountered with the procedure of fine needle aspiration cytology of bone lesions. Methods: A prospective study of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of bone lesions was done as an outpatient procedure in our institution except for small lesions which were done under radiological guidance. A core needle biopsy was done along with aspiration in all the cases. Aspirates were smeared, few were alcohol fixed and rest air dried and stained with H & E and MGG stains accordingly. The corresponding biopsies obtained were fixed in 10% formalin. Results: The current study is comprised of 25 index cases. The incidence of bone lesions was higher in the age group between 5 to 30 years with a male preponderance. Tibia emerged to be the most common bone to be involved. Sample adequacy was observed in 20 cases. Histopathological correlation was available for 23 cases. Of these, 11 cases were benign and 12 cases were malignant. Conclusions: FNAC is a very useful initial diagnostic modality in bone lesions. The main limitation noted in our study was obtaining an adequate material for cases with intact cortex and small lytic lesions. This study signifies the importance of advent of instruments which will aid in
Exit option for a class of profit functions

ABSTRACT In this paper we propose a formula to derive the value of a firm which is currently producing a certain product and faces the option to exit the market, whose demand follows a geometric Brownian motion. The problem of optimal exiting is an optimal stopping problem that can be solved using the dynamic programming principle. This is a free-boundary problem. We propose an approximation for the original model and, using the Implicit Function Theorem, we obtain the solution of the original problem. Finally we show, analytically, that the exit threshold is decreasing with the volatility as well as the drift of the geometric Brownian motion.
Requirements Engineering: From System Goals to UML Models to Software Specifications

Essential comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of requirements engineering Requirements engineering (RE) deals with the variety of prerequisites that must be met by a software system within an organization in order for that system to produce stellar results. With that explanation in mind, this must-have book presents a disciplined approach to the engineering of high-quality requirements. Serving as a helpful introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of requirements engineering, this guide offers a comprehensive review of the aim, scope, and role of requirements engineering as well as best practices and flaws to avoid. Shares state-of-the-art techniques for domain analysis, requirements elicitation, risk analysis, conflict management, and more Features in-depth treatment of system modeling in the specific context of engineering requirements Presents various forms of reasoning about models for requirements quality assurance Discusses the transitions from requirements to software specifications to software architecture In addition, case studies are included that complement the many examples provided in the book in order to show you how the described method and techniques are applied in practical situations.
Selective activation of somatostatin receptor subtypes differentially modulates secretion and viability in human medullary thyroid carcinoma primary cultures: potential clinical perspectives.

CONTEXT Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare tumor originating from thyroid parafollicular C cells. We previously demonstrated that somatostatin (SRIH) reduces cell growth in the human MTC cell line, TT, which expresses all SRIH receptor (SSTR) subtypes and responds differently to selective SSTR agonists. OBJECTIVE To clarify the possible effects of SRIH analogs on hormone secretion and proliferation in MTC primary cultures, we evaluated SSTR expression and assessed the in vitro effects on calcitonin (CT) and chromogranin A secretion as well as cell viability of SRIH analogs interacting with SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5. DESIGN Thirty-five patients affected by MTC were recruited from 2003 to 2005. After total thyroidectomy, the samples were examined for CT, chromogranin A, and SSTR expression by RT-PCR. Primary cultures were developed and tested with SRIH analogs interacting with SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5. RESULTS We selected 18 MTC tumor samples, expressing SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5. Two different groups were identified according to CT secretion inhibition by the clinically available SRIH analog, lanreotide. In the responder group, CT secretion was reduced by compounds interacting with SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5, whereas cell viability was not affected. On the other hand, in the nonresponder group, CT secretion was reduced by the SSTR1 selective agonist, whereas cell viability was inhibited by SSTR2 selective agonists. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that SRIH analogs might be useful in medical therapy of MTC because they could have antiproliferative effects despite the lack of antisecretory activity and vice versa.
Kontrolle des Entbluteerfolges bei der Schweineschlachtung im Hinblick auf Tierschutz und mögliche Auswirkungen auf Ausblutungsgrad und Fleischqualität

Bei reversiblen Betaubungsverfahren wie der CO2-Betaubung erfolgt die Totung der Schlachtschweine durch Blutentzug. Werden die Tiere nur unzureichend entblutet, besteht die Gefahr der Ruckkehr des Empfindungs- und Wahrnehmungsvermogens auf der Nachentblutestrecke. Neben dem damit verbundenen gravierenden Tierschutzproblem sind auch Auswirkungen auf die Fleischqualitat und den Ausblutungsgrad denkbar. Deshalb wurden bei 1835 genetisch definierten Schlachtschweinen die bei der Entblutung gewonnenen Blutmengen (in Prozent des Lebendgewichts) erfasst und in Relation zu Parametern der Fleischqualitat und des Ausblutungsgrades gesetzt. Die relativen Stichblutmengen hatten signifikanten Einfluss auf die Lebergewichte, die Hamoglobingehalte der Muskulatur und die Fleischqualitat. Mit zunehmender Stichblutmenge nahmen das Lebergewicht sowie der Hamoglobingehalt der Muskulatur, d. h. der Restblutgehalt ab. Die Fleischqualitat wurde durch hohere Stichblutmengen positiv beeinflusst, wie hohere pH-Werte und niedrigere Leitfahigkeitswerte zeigten. Entscheidend fur die Entbluteeffektivitat ist die korrekte Ausfuhrung des Entbluteschnittes. Die Qualifikation des Stechers hat somit einen bedeutenden Einfluss auf die letztlich resultierende Fleischqualitat wie auch auf das wirtschaftliche Ergebnis der Schlachtung.
The effects of alcohol expectancies on drinking behaviour in peer groups: observations in a naturalistic setting.

AIMS To study the functionality of alcohol expectancies in predicting drinking behaviour in existing peer groups of young adults in a 'naturalistic' setting. DESIGN AND SETTING Young adults were invited to join an experiment with their peer group in a bar annex laboratory. During a 'break' of 50 minutes in this experiment, their activities, social behaviour and drinking behaviour were observed with digital video and audio equipment. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-eight peer groups were involved in this study. A peer group consisted of seven to nine people, with relationships ranging from intimate relations and close friendships to being acquaintances. A total of 238 participants were involved. Measurements Information of the drinking behaviour from observations and questionnaire data on alcohol expectancies provide the opportunity to look at how and which expectancies are related to actual drinking patterns. Multiple regression and multi-level analyses were applied. FINDINGS Expectancies on the positive and arousing effects of alcohol consumption were related to alcohol consumption in a naturalistic, social drinking situation, in addition to group effects of drinking. Expectancies on the negative and sedative effects of drinking, however, were not related to drinking. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that among young adults observed in a peer group and naturalistic drinking setting, positive expectancies about the effects of alcohol and expectancies about the effects of alcohol on arousal are related positively to drinking level.
Evidence of a founder effect for the RETGC1 (GUCY2D) 2943DelG mutation in Leber congenital amaurosis pedigrees of Finnish origin

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is the earliest and most severe form of all inherited retinal dystrophies. It is a genetically heterogeneous condition as six disease‐causing genes have been hitherto identified. Among them, RETGC1 (GUCY2D), is more frequently implicated in our series of LCA patients. Interestingly, 70 % of the families with RETGC1 mutations are originating from Mediterranean countries, the remaining families (30%) being originating from various countries across the world. Here, we report, the identification of the same homozygous RETGC1 non‐sens mutation in three unrelated and non‐consanguineous LCA families of Finnish origin, suggesting a founder effect. Interestingly, no linkage desequilibrium was found using polymorphic markers flanking the RETGC1 gene, supporting the view that the mutation is very ancient. Haplotype studies and Bayesian calculation point the founder mutation to 150 generations (95% credible interval 80‐240 generations), i.e., 3000 years ago. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Winterfield 2512 G-61 Strain of IBDV Vaccine (CEVAC® IBD L) Showed Reduced Pathogenicity in Commercial Chickens

A live, freeze-dried commercial vaccine prepared from the “Winterfield 2512 G-61 strain” of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was tested for it’s pathogenicity in commercial chickens. A total of 200 unvaccinated Cobb-500 chicks obtained commercial sources, raised in relative isolation from day old chick (DOC) were used in the experiment. A total of 3 chicks were randomly collected from the experimental flock on day 11 (D 11 ), D 13 , D 15 , D 17 , D 20 , D 23 and D 26 . The vaccine was administered through drinking water at D 11 and the booster was also given on D 17 through drinking water. All the sampled birds were euthanized for necropsy. The visible gross morbid lesions, bursa-body weight ratios and histomorphology including bursal lesion scores were recorded following necropsy and histopatholog. An infected flock was included in this study for comparison. Data of bursa-bodyweight ratios in relation to bursal lesion scores was analyzed statistically. No detectable gross lesions were found during necropsy and bursa-body weight ratios were 2.75±0.60, 2.71±0.39, 2.44±0.42, 3.39±0.13, 2.58±0.55, 2.15±0.16, 2.41±0.28 and 2.45±0.09 on D 11 , D 13 , D 15 , D 17 , D 20 , D 23 and D 26 , respectively. Histopathological lesions were characterized as varying degrees of lymphoid depletion, and the bursal lesion scores were 0.67±0.33, 0.67±0.33, 2.00±0.58, 0.67±0.33, 1.0±0.00, 0.67±0.33 and 0.33±0.33 on D 11 , D 13 , D 15 , D 17 , D 20 D 23 and D 26 , respectively. The vaccine virus showed reduced levels of pathogenicity in broiler chickens. No disease outbreaks were noted in the vaccinated group, but significant changes were found in the naturally infected flock. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/mh.v1i2. 14091 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 58-61
Adult‐onset deficiency in growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor‐I decreases survival of dentate granule neurons: Insights into the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis

Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), long thought to provide critical trophic support during development, also has emerged as a candidate for regulating ongoing neuronal production in adulthood. Whether and how IGF‐I influences each phase of neurogenesis, however, remains unclear. In the current study, we used a selective model of growth hormone (GH) and plasma IGF‐I deficiency to evaluate the role of GH and IGF‐I in regulating cell proliferation, survival, and neuronal differentiation in the adult dentate gyrus. GH/IGF‐I‐deficient dwarf rats of the Lewis strain were made GH/IGF‐I replete throughout development via twice daily injections of GH, and then GH/IGF‐I deficiency was initiated in adulthood by removing animals from GH treatment. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling revealed no effect of GH/IGF‐I deficiency on cell proliferation, but adult‐onset depletion of GH and plasma IGF‐I significantly reduced the survival of newly generated cells in the dentate gyrus. Colabeling for BrdU and markers of immature and mature neurons revealed a selective effect of GH/IGF‐I deficiency on the survival of more mature new neurons. The number of BrdU‐labeled cells expressing the immature neuronal marker TUC‐4 did not differ between GH/IGF‐I‐deficient and ‐replete animals, but the number expressing only the marker of maturity NeuN was lower in depleted animals. Taken together, results from the present study suggest that, under conditions of short‐term GH/IGF‐I deficiency during adulthood, dentate granule cells continue to be produced, to commit to a neuronal fate, and to begin the process of neuronal maturation, whereas survival of the new neurons is impaired. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antimicrobial and spermicidal activities of Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. and Alstonia scholaris Linn.

Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. of Asteraceae family and Alstonia scholaris Linn. of Apocynaceae family are used as remedy for a wide variety of ailments. The extracts obtained from aerial parts of P. hysterophorus and bark of A. scholaris was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against three bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and three fungal species (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum). The extracts at various concentrations were also screened for antifertility activity against Holstein Friesian cattle sperms. The bark extract of Alstonia scholaris obtained with dichloromethane-ether-methanol (1:1:1) has shown maximum antimicrobial and spermicidal activity.