Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF BRAIN PROSTANOIDS IN GLUCAGON‐LIKE PEPTIDE‐1‐INDUCED CENTRAL ACTIVATION OF SYMPATHO‐ADRENOMEDULLARY OUTFLOW IN RATS

1 The aim of the present study was to characterize the source of plasma catecholamines induced by centrally administered glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), with regard to brain prostanoids, in urethane‐anaesthetized rats. 2 Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and other compounds were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) and blood samples were collected via a cannula inserted into the femoral artery. Catecholamines were extracted from plasma with activated alumina and were assayed electrochemically using high‐performance liquid chromatography. 3 At 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 nmol/animal, GLP‐1 dose‐dependently elevated plasma levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline and the 1.0 nmol GLP‐1‐induced response was dose‐dependently reduced by 5 and 10 nmol/animal exendin (5–39), a selective GLP‐1 receptor antagonist. The GLP‐1‐induced elevation of concentrations of both catecholamines was abolished by 1.2 µmol/animal indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclo‐oxygenase, whereas 1.2 µmol/animal baicalein, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, had no effect. 4 Both furegrelate (1.8 µmol/animal; an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 synthase) and (+)S‐145 (625 nmol/animal; a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist) attenuated the GLP‐1‐induced increases in plasma adrenaline concentrations, but had no effect on the increases in plasma noradrenaline. The GLP‐1‐induced increase in plasma adrenaline concentrations was abolished by acute bilateral adrenalectomy, but the procedure had no effect on increases in plasma noradrenaline. 5 These results suggest that, in rats, centrally administered GLP‐1 induces the secretion of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla by brain thromboxane A2‐mediated mechanisms, whereas the peptide evokes the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves by brain prostanoids via mechanisms other than those mediated by thromboxane A2.
CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy using a puncture site-down positioning technique.

OBJECTIVE We have developed a new CT-guided technique using puncture site-down positioning during the biopsy. The goal of our study was to determine the efficacy and safety of this technique for biopsy of lung lesions compared with the standard technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records of 236 patients who underwent CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy were retrospectively evaluated. This study included 89 cases that were biopsied using the standard technique (group A) and 147 cases that were biopsied using the puncture site-down positioning technique (group B). A 20-gauge automated cutting needle without coaxial technique was used in all patients. Medical records were reviewed for lesion size and location, biopsy results, and complications. RESULTS When using the standard technique, the sensitivity for malignant lesions was 96.1%; the sensitivity for benign lesions, 92.1%; and diagnostic accuracy, 94.4%. Thirty-seven patients (41.6%) had pneumothorax, with 16 (18.0%) requiring chest tube placement. When using the puncture site-down positioning technique, the sensitivity for malignant lesions was 95.4%; the sensitivity for benign lesions, 93.3%; and diagnostic accuracy, 94.6%. Nineteen patients (12.9%) had pneumothorax, with four (2.7%) requiring chest tube placement. Other complications were minimal. CONCLUSION CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy using the puncture site-down positioning technique is an effective and safe procedure with a high diagnostic accuracy and low complication rate. This new technique is especially useful in reducing the rate of pneumothorax.
Using of Information Communication Technology Tools by the Students with Entrepreneur Intent

Nowadays, young people are more familiar with the use of computers, different applications and ICT (Information Communication Technology) tools available on the Web. Approach to different resources on the Web offers them various possibilities for the creation of their own business and supports the realization of their entrepreneurial intention. In our study, we analyzed entrepreneurial intention of students enrolled in one higher education institution in Slovenia in two consecutive study years (2014/2015 and 2015/2016). We also analyzed the usage of ICT tools for acquisition of additional knowledge and skills needed for the creation of new companies and new working places to enhance the employability of young people and students. In the study, we also focused on the level of knowledge, personal skills, needs and availability of different ICT tools, all of which depend on various factors (e.g. computers, internet connection). In the study, we found out that young people understand the current economic situation, and from that mainly generate their entrepreneurial intention. We found out that they mostly use ICT tools which are free of charge and easy to use such as E-classroom, E-books, Social Media and the Internet.
Creating an organizational climate for communication : internal communication and leadership in a project-based international organization : the case of UNOPS

Background: Managers in project-based international organizations struggle to recognize the dynamics between work contexts, which in turn shape organizational climate and employee interactions. Accordingly, decentralized international organizations increasingly need to address internal communication gaps between headquarters and country-level offices to ensure long-term development. Purpose: Effective internal communication has been linked with supporting international management and enabling organizational outcomes including employee engagement and change management. Yet, few empirical studies focus on organizational climate and its relationship with effective internal communication within international organizations. Accordingly, this thesis explores the link between organizational climate, leadership and effective internal communication within one international organization, the United Nations Office for Project Services. Methods: A qualitative approach relying on a case-study strategy was used to probe which contextual aspects impacted the flow of effective internal communication within UNOPS. Qualitative data was collected from 12 semi-structured interviews with UNOPS personnel from eight different countries. In addition, direct observations and internal document analysis were integrated to enrich the findings.
Dual band resonance of millimeter-wave frequencies antennas on LTCC

This paper presents an aperture-coupled microstrip antenna, which is operating at dual band of millimeter-wave (mmW) frequencies, 28GHz and 38GHz. The aperture antenna was integrated with multilayer substrate construct on 5-layers Low temperature Co-fiber Ceramic (LTCC) with 5 mils thickness. The driven patch was applied to enhance the bandwidth. The bandwidths using are 9.1 percent at 28GHz and 9.4 percent at 38GHz with the direction gains are 6.8dBi and 5.6dBi at 28GHz and 38GHz respectively. Total dimension of single element antenna is 7mm × 4.1mm × 0.68mm.
The effect of feeding essential oils on broiler performance and gut microbiota

1. In this study the effect of a blend of essential oils (EO) comprising 15 g/tonne thymol and 5 g/tonne cinnamaldehyde on the performance and intestinal microbiota of broilers was investigated. 2. A total of 720 male Ross broilers were divided into two dietary treatments with 12 replicate pens per treatment. Broilers were given a control soybean-wheat-based diet with or without added EO in two diet phases (0–21 d and 22–42 d). 3. The blend of EO increased body weight gain of broilers from 0 to 42 d by 4⋅5%. 4. Caecal microbiota were affected by the EO blend; in particular increases in the proportions of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli at 41 d was observed. 5. The EO blend had major effects on caecal metabolites. The proportion of caecal butyrate at 20 and 41 d of age increased, whereas the proportion of caecal acetic acid at 20 d, and propionic acid and isovaleric acid at 41 d, decreased with the EO blend. In addition, the caecal proportion of spermine increased and tyramine decreased at 41 d of age with the EO treatment. 6. The present study shows that EO supplementation exerts a positive effect on intestinal microbiota with a concomitant enhancement in growth performance. The study suggests that modulation of broiler gut microbiota composition and activity through the administration of EO offers an effective means for improving broiler performance.
Market chain participation and food security: the case of the Ugandan maize farmers

An assessment of the links between market chain participation and food security is hampered by a scant empirical literature, mostly based on case studies. Our goal is to deal with this issue by providing a sound identification strategy using the WB LSMS-ISA panel data 2009-12 for Uganda and controlling for self-selection. We show that both the level and the variability of Ugandan maize farming households' food consumption is affected by market choice. However, contrary to common wisdom, intermediaries do not play a major role in farmers' welfare. This empirical evidence is consistent with the theoretical prediction that also in Sub-Saharan Africa modern food chains tend to reinforce vertical coordination across actors and the enforcement of contracts, thus reducing the market power of intermediaries.
The Rhetorics of Labour Contracting As a Managerial Tool among Oil Multinational Corporations (Mncs) In Nigeria

This paper attempts to investigate how labour contracting is employed as a managerial tool by the oil multinational corporations (MNCs) in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been agitations by trade unions who have fiercely resisted the proliferation of contract workers in the oil industry. Violations of trade union rights are widespread in Nigeria and include the intimidation of workers; refusal by employers to recognise trade unions; and the dismissal of workers’ representatives for trade union activities. At the same time, there have been concerted efforts on the part of the management of the oil multinationals and the government to arrest the situation. However, till date, few studies have categorically examined how labour contracting could be used as a managerial instrument as purportedly claimed by the affected workers and the trade unions. This research report was designed to explore the experiences of the contract workers, especially when juxtaposed with their colleagues on permanent employment. Using a qualitative research method, and employing survey and interview, the findings show strong resentment on the part of contract workers who lamented poor motivation, job dissatisfaction, poor career prospect, almost non-existing training, and poor working relations with their colleagues on the other divide of the employment ladder. Keywords : Contract staff, Employment relations, Flexibility, Labour contracting, Multinational corporations.
Generator rotor angle droop control and its load-following characteristics

The penetration level of distributed generation (DG) grows rapidly bringing more frequency fluctuation nowadays. Besides, the power system grows in size day by day; the assumption that the frequencies are the same across the grid is no longer valid. These all bring out problems to the frequency control mechanism currently used. The recently proposed rotor angle control strategy may solve these problems. Apart from suppressing low-frequency oscillations (LFO) more effectively, the new control strategy may also replace automatic generation control (AGC) presently used. The balance between generations and loads can be restored quickly and automatically after the loads change. No intervention from a dispatching centre is needed. However, the currently proposed rotor angle controller has an integration block. This will lead to negative damping torque for very low frequency input and frequent turbine valve adjustment. Removing the integration block from the controller can solve these problems. The control strategy will become a kind of angle droop control then. The rotor angle droop (RAD) control can also maintain generation load balance and restore frequency to rated value without the intervention of a dispatching centre since it is also decentralized and autonomous. Besides, the new strategy will distribute load variance (although not precisely) to generators according to their rated capacity.
Clustering Class I MHC Modulates Sensitivity of T Cell Recognition1

T cell recognition of peptide-MHC is highly specific and is sensitive to very low levels of agonist peptide; however, it is unclear how this effect is achieved or regulated. In this study we show that clustering class I MHC molecules on the cell surface of B lymphoblasts enhances their recognition by mouse and human T cells. We increased clustering of MHC I molecules by two methods, cholesterol depletion and direct cross-linking of a dimerizable MHC construct. Imaging showed that both treatments increased the size and intensity of MHC clusters on the cell surface. Enlarged clusters correlated with enhanced lysis and T cell effector function. Enhancements were peptide-specific and greatest at low concentrations of peptide. Clustering MHC class I enhanced recognition of both strong and weak agonists but not null peptide. Our results indicate that the lateral organization of MHC class I on the cell surface can modulate the sensitivity of T cell recognition of agonist peptide.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE EXCEDENTS OF FUNDS WITH ASSETS AND LIABILITIES IN PRESENCE OF SOLVENCY AND RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS

Abstract We consider a profitable, risky setting with two separate, correlated asset and liability processes (first introduced by Gerber and Shiu, 2003). The company that is considered is allowed to distribute excess profits (traditionally referred to as dividends in the literature), but is regulated and is subject to particular regulatory (solvency) constraints. Because of the bivariate nature of the surplus formulation, such distributions of excess profits can take two alternative forms. These can originate from a reduction of assets (and hence a payment to owners), but also from an increase of liabilities (when these represent the wealth of owners, such as in pension funds). The latter is particularly relevant if distributions of assets do not make sense because of the context, such as in regulated pension funds where assets are locked until retirement. In this paper, we extend the model of Gerber and Shiu (2003) and consider recovery requirements for the distribution of excess funds. Such recovery requirements are an extension of the plain vanilla solvency constraints considered in Paulsen (2003), and require funds to reach a higher level of funding than the solvency level (if and after it is triggered) before excess funds can be distributed again. We obtain closed-form expressions for the expected present value of distributions (asset decrements or liability increments) when a distribution barrier is used.
Almost Capital-less Companies in Europe: Trends, Variations, Competition

In this article, I will analyze the current trend in many European Countries of lowering the minimum legal capital required to create a private company, as well as the most relevant experiences in the field of the simplified constitution process of private companies. In the final remarks, some key points of these issues are going to be compared, also adding references to the recently introduced Italian almost capital-less companies, by concluding, among other things, that a legal capital’s decrease does not necessarily imply a race to the bottom in opposition to the interests of the company’s creditors.
Understanding Policy Intentions Is Critical for Successful Policy Implementation within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training College's Sector.

Public policy implementation is frequently regarded as problematic globally and reasons for these vary. In particular, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has been criticized for lack of delivery and most of the criticism is directed towards the non-implementation of government policy. In South Africa managers of TVET colleges are at the forefront of this process. Practices at these colleges could thus be interpreted in the context of management practices. Moyo (2008) suggests that the success or failure of policy could at least partly be attributed to the role that policy implementers play. South African policies are regarded as among the best in the world, however their implementation is still a challenge. Capacity of policy implementers and their understanding of policy intentions are critical for successful policy implementation. Capacity involves the ability of implementers to identify, eliminate and obviate policy implementation challenges and their understanding and knowledge to support decision making during policy implementation. This paper interrogated the understanding of policy originators and implementers of TVET policies and found that both these respondents had a common understanding of policy intentions. In addition it was found from respondents that the capacity to take decision is critical for policy implementation. This paper concludes that policy implementation is dependent on developed policy and capacity to take decisions. It is important for college mangers to both understand policy intentions as well as have the capacity to take decisions if policy implementation is the goal.
[Genotyping of oncogenic human papilloma viruses in women with HG SIL diagnosis].

INTRODUCTION Development of primary prevention of cervical cancer in other words a vaccination against selected, oncogenic HPV types, entails an increasing importance of epidemiological studies and prevalence of various types of human papilloma virus. The incidence of HPV varies depending on the geographic location of the population. The effectiveness of primary prevention against HPV 16, 18, in the context of reducing the incidence of cervical cancer will depend, among others, on the prevalence of these types in the population and virus-like antigens, which are partially cross-resistant. OBJECTIVE Identification of the most frequent, oncogenic HPV types in women with HG SIL diagnosis from Central and Western Poland to assess the merits of the development of primary prevention. MATERIAL For the purpose of molecular tests identifying the presence of 13 DNA oncogenic virus types, swabs were taken with the cyto-brush from 76 women diagnosed with CIN 2 or CIN 3 (HG SIL). Patients eligible for the study were diagnosed at the Laboratory of Pathophysiology of Uterine Cervix, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Hospital of Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences. Patients came from Central and Western parts of Poland. METHOD Cell material in which the method of Amplicor HPV (Roche Diagnostics) identified the presence of DNA of oncogenic HPV types was in each case subsequently subjected to genotyping using the molecular test - Linear Array HPV Genotyping (Roche Diagnostics). RESULTS Five most common oncogenic HPV types in order of detection included: 16, 33, 18, 31, 56. Together these five types of virus comprised 75.86% (88/116) of all detected HPV types. CONCLUSIONS 1. In women from Central and Western Poland, diagnosed with HG SIL, the most common HPV genotypes were HPV 16, HPV33, HPV 18, HPV31, HPV56. 2. Two HPV types 16 and 18, against which vaccinations are directed, belong to the group of three genotypes of HPV most commonly identified in the evolution of CIN 2, CIN 3 diagnosed in women from Central and Western Poland.
Nifedipine blocks Ca2+ store refilling through a pathway not involving L‐type Ca2+ channels in rabbit arteriolar smooth muscle

1 This study assessed the contribution of L‐type Ca2+ channels and other Ca2+ entry pathways to Ca2+ store refilling in choroidal arteriolar smooth muscle. 2 Voltage‐clamp recordings were made from enzymatically isolated choroidal microvascular smooth muscle cells and from cells within vessel fragments (containing < 10 cells) using the whole‐cell perforated patch‐clamp technique. Cell Ca2+ was estimated by fura‐2 microfluorimetry. 3 After Ca2+ store depletion with caffeine (10 mm), refilling was slower in cells held at ‐20 mV compared to ‐80 mV (refilling half‐time was 38 ± 10 and 20 ± 6 s, respectively). 4 To attempt faster refilling via L‐type Ca2+ channels, depolarising steps from ‐60 to ‐20 mV were applied during a 30 s refilling period following caffeine depletion. Each step activated L‐type Ca2+ currents and [Ca2+]i transients, but failed to accelerate refilling. 5 At ‐80 mV and in 20 mm TEA, prolonged caffeine exposure produced a transient Ca2+‐activated Cl− current (ICl(Ca)) followed by a smaller sustained current. The sustained current was resistant to anthracene‐9‐carboxylic acid (1 mm; an ICl(Ca) blocker) and to BAPTA AM, but was abolished by 1 μm nifedipine. This nifedipine‐sensitive current reversed at +29 ± 2 mV, which shifted to +7 ± 5 mV in Ca2+‐free solution. Cyclopiazonic acid (20 μm; an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase) also activated the nifedipine‐sensitive sustained current. 6 At ‐80 mV, a 5 s caffeine exposure emptied Ca2+ stores and elicited a transient ICl(Ca). After 80 s refilling, another caffeine challenge produced a similar inward current. Nifedipine (1 μm) during refilling reduced the caffeine‐activated ICl(Ca) by 38 ± 5 %. The effect was concentration dependent (1‐3000 nm, EC50 64 nm). In Ca2+‐free solution, store refilling was similarly depressed (by 46 ± 6 %). 7 Endothelin‐1 (10 nm) applied at ‐80 mV increased [Ca2+]i, which subsided to a sustained 198 ± 28 nm above basal. Cell Ca2+ was then lowered by 1 μm nifedipine (to 135 ± 22 nm), which reversed on washout. 8 These results show that L‐type Ca2+ channels fail to contribute to Ca2+ store refilling in choroidal arteriolar smooth muscle. Instead, they refill via a novel non‐selective store‐operated cation conductance that is blocked by nifedipine.
Simultaneous suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering and interferometric noise in externally modulated lightwave AM-SCM systems

Externally modulated AM-SCM lightwave systems employing optical power amplifiers, small linewidth DFB lasers and long optical feeder lines, face low stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold powers and phase-to-intensity noise conversion by multipath interference through Rayleigh scattering. We show that these problems can be effectively counteracted simultaneously without introducing additional intermodulation distortion, both by single tone phase modulation and by dithering of the laser's optical frequency. <<ETX>>
The Heritability of Foreign Policy Preferences

Attitudes towards foreign policy have typically been explained by ideological and demographic factors. We approach this study from a different perspective and ex amine the extent to which foreign policy preferences correspond to genetic variation. Using data from the Minnesota Twin Family Study, we show that a moderate share of individual differences in the degree to which one's foreign policy preferences are hawkish or dovish can be attributed to genetic variation. We also show, based on a bivariate twin model, that foreign policy preferences share a common genetic source of variation with political ideology. This result presents the possibility that ideology may be the causal pathway through which genes affect foreign policy preferences.
Changes of Immunoregulatory Cells Associated with Psychological Stress and Humor

For 8 medical students influences of psychological stress or humor on T-cell subset percentages and natural killer cell activity were investigated by measuring these parameters before and after an examination and before and after watching a comedy video. Although T-cell subsets were not significantly affected by either stimulus and natural killer cell activity was not affected by the examination, the latter was significantly decreased after watching the comedy video.