Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of dopamine as noradrenaline precursor on the secretory function of the bovine corpus luteum in vitro

1 . Dopamine is assumed to affect the ovary function after its conversion into noradrenaline (NA). 2 . To study this bovine luteal slices from 11–14 days of the oestrous cycle were preincubated for 24 h to recover β‐receptors and next they were incubated for 1, 2 or 4 h with (a) different doses of dopamine; (b) dopamine together with a β‐antagonist (propranolol) or with a dopamine receptor blocker (droperidol); (c) dopamine with a dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase inhibitor. 3 . Dopamine stimulated the luteal content of oxytocin (OT) and progesterone. This effect was inhibited by propanolol but not by droperidol. 4 . Dopamine added to the medium was followed by an increase of noradrenaline there. This rise was dose and time‐dependent. 5 . The dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase inhibitor, inhibited the stimulating effect of dopamine on luteal progesterone and OT content. 6 . Bovine corpus luteum can synthesize de novo NA from dopamine as a precursor.
Determination of tablet strength by the diametral-compression test.

The strength of lactose tablets has been measured by application of the diametral-compression test. The relative value of tensile, compressive, and shear stresses within the tablet varies, depending on the characteristics of the tablets and the surface providing the applied compression. It has been shown that to obtain reproducible results for the strength of tablets prepared at a given compression force, the tablet must break in such a manner that the tensile stress is the major stress. For a given tablet, this may require the placing of suitable padding material between the tablet and the compressing surfaces. Assessment of the type of failure can be made visually and under the correct conditions, the results expressed as a tensile strength. There are, however, a range of conditions which ensure tensile failure resulting in different values for the tensile strength. These values are characteristic of the tablet and test conditions and are not absolute values of tensile strength.
Non-parametric Estimation of Survival Function from Grouped Observations Under Random Censorship

Censoring is inevitable in survival analysis. The motivating factor for this article concerns the way censored subjects are incorporated in estimation of survival function for grouped data. In practice, the Actuarial estimator of a survival function may be biased due to unevenly distribution of censored subjects within intervals. This article presents a nonparametric estimation of a survival function using the adjusted Product Limit estimator based on grouped observations that are under random censorship. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the performance of the adjusted Product Limit estimator in comparison to the performance of Actuarial (life table) estimator to ascertain the one that is better and real data is used to show applicability of the method in real life. The results strongly indicate that adjusted Product Limit estimator of the survival function outperforms the Actuarial estimator.
Conjugated linoleic acid and its effects on animal products and health in single-stomached animals

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic, anti-obesity, anti-atherogenic and immunomodulatory functions. The basis for these effects has not been fully explained, but probably involves effects of CLA on eicosanoid metabolism, cytokine production and\or gene expression. The predominant isomer (85–90%) in the natural sources of CLA has the cis-9, trans-11 configuration. As interest in CLA grew and synthetic forms became available, the number of studies examining the effects of dietary CLA in rodents, human subjects and livestock has increased greatly. In the late 1990 s the observation that CLA had anti-obesity effects was reported. Subsequently, it was determined that this effect in mice could be attributed to the trans-10, cw-12 isomer that, along with the cis-9,trans-11 isomer, predominates in the synthetic forms of CLA. The santi-obesity response varies in magnitude depending on species, and has not been consistent in non-rodents. In general, the response is greatest in mice and less or absent in other species. The basis for this lack of consistency is not clear and is unlikely to be accounted for by differences in the source of CLA. In the pig variation in body fat of animals may account for differences in responsiveness. There is no direct evidence of an anti-carcinogenic effect of CLA in human subjects or livestock. Indirect evidence from in vitro studies with cell lines, as well as epidemiological studies, suggest that CLA may be relevant as a natural anti-carcinogen. The immunomodulatory effects of CLA may have application in livestock production as an alternative to the use of feed antibiotics, or as a means of improving the response to vaccination and conferring disease resistance. The recent literature on the effects of CLA, with emphasis on its anti-obesity effects, is reviewed.
A brief history of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and the contributions of Dr David Sackett.

In January 2007 the British Medical Journal contacted an online poll of its readers, and evidence-based medicine (EBM) was ranked seventh among the 15 most important milestones that shaped modern medicine. These 15 milestones included such things as the introduction of antibiotics, immunization, sanitation, and radiology.1 A Google search today on websites pertaining to anything evidence-based will be in the millions. EBM is defined as integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.2,3 An extension of EBM that is more relevant today is Evidence-Based Clinical Practice, which takes into account the healthcare setting and circumstances in which we practice.4 The EBM movement started in 1981 when a group of clinical epidemiologists at McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), led by David Sackett, published the first of a series of articles in the Canadian Medical Association Journal advising physicians how to appraise the medical literature.5 The actual term “evidence-based medicine” was first coined by Gordon Guyatt, the Program Director of Internal Medicine at McMaster University from 1990 to 1997, who was and one of Sackett's mentees in 1991.6 Prior to that the Levels of Evidence (LOE) was introduced by the Canadian Task Force on Periodic Health Examination, which was founded in 1976 as a result …
Speaking Up vs. Being Heard: The Disagreement Around and Outcomes of Employee Voice

This paper contributes to research on the outcomes of employee prosocial voice to managers by focusing on the relationships between voice and two managerially controlled outcomes: managerial performance ratings and involuntary turnover. Past research has considered voice from either the managerial or subordinate perspective individually and found that it can lead to positive outcomes because of its improvement-oriented nature. However, others have argued that voice can lead to unfavorable outcomes for employees. To begin resolving these competing perspectives, we examine agreement and disagreement between employees and their managers on the extent to which employees provide upward voice, proposing and demonstrating that considering either perspective alone does not fully capture how voice is related to employee outcomes. Findings from a study of 7,578 subordinates and their 335 general managers within a national restaurant chain indicate that agreement between employees and managers that employees display a high level of voice leads to favorable outcomes for employees. Our findings then extend existing research by showing that supervisor–subordinate disagreement around voice also helps explain employee outcomes—namely, how negative outcomes arise as a result of employees overestimating their voice relative to their managers' perspective and how positive outcomes result when employees underestimate their upward voice.
Video Segmentation Using Global Motion Estimation and Compensation

Video has to be segmented into objects for content-based processing. A number of video object segmentation algorithms have been proposed such as semiautomatic and automatic. Semiautomatic methods adds burden to users and also not suitable for some applications. Automatic segmentation systems are still a challenge, although they are required by many applications. The proposed work aims at contributing to identify the gaps that are present in the current segmentation system and also to give the possible solutions to overcome those gaps so that the accurate and efficient video segmentation system can be developed. The proposed system aims to resolve the issue of uncovered background, Temporary poses and Global motion of background Keywords - Moving Object, Region based Segmentation, Block Matching, Global Motion Estimation and Compensation
Characterization of an Established Line of Canine Kidney Cells (MDCK).∗ †

Summary An established line of canine kidney cells (MDCK-USD) of male origin was shown to contain 3 metacentric chromosomes and possess a modal number of 81. It grew rapidly in Eagle's MEM, displayed contact inhibition and was susceptible to vaccinia, VSV and influenza (PR8) viruses. Two additional MDCK lines, the parent line and another derivative from other laboratories, were compared to the USD line and could be distinguished on the basis of modal number and morphology of the metacentric chromosomes observed in each line.
Managing knowledge for a successful competence exploration

Purpose – This paper seeks to assess the importance of absorptive capacity and organizational memory in the process of internal exploitation for a higher organizational performance, and to develop an empirical framework to explain the effect of a firm's memory and its absorptive capacity on exploitation of internal resources and capabilities to generate incremental innovations and thereby improve firm performance.Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling was used to check the research hypotheses with a sample of 249 Spanish industrial companies.Findings – The results show that organizational absorptive capacity and the firm's old knowledge positively affect exploitation of existing opportunities. In relation to the interaction between internal exploitation and firm performance, the results show a positive and significant effect. Finally, support was found for the hypothesis that there is a mediator effect of incremental innovation on the relationship between exploitation and organizationa.
Agile Software Development and Maintainability

A literature study on software maintenance and agile development methods was used to reason about the relationship between them. First, factors influencing software maintenance were identified. Second, characteristics of agile development methods were extracted from the literature. Then, the obtained information is used to reason about the extent to which agile development methods support long-term maintainability. It was concluded that, apart from frequently changing requirements, agile development methods do not have a negative impact on the maintainability of a system. In fact, program complexity and defects are reduced.
Pre-emptive treatment with rituximab of molecular relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation in mantle cell lymphoma.

PURPOSE Minimal residual disease (MRD) is predictive of clinical progression in mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL). According to the Nordic MCL-2 protocol we prospectively analyzed the efficacy of pre-emptive treatment using rituximab to MCL patients in molecular relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). PATIENTS AND MATERIALS MCL patients enrolled onto the study, who had polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detectable molecular markers and underwent ASCT, were followed with serial PCR assessments of MRD in consecutive bone marrow and peripheral blood samples after ASCT. In case of molecular relapse with increasing MRD levels, patients were offered pre-emptive treatment with rituximab 375 mg/m(2) weekly for 4 weeks. RESULTS Of 160 MCL patients enrolled, 145 underwent ASCT, of whom 78 had a molecular marker. Of these, 74 were in complete remission (CR) and four had progressive disease after ASCT. Of the CR patients, 36 underwent a molecular relapse up to 6 years (mean, 18.5 months) after ASCT. Ten patients did not receive pre-emptive treatment mainly due to a simultaneous molecular and clinical relapse, while 26 patients underwent pre-emptive treatment leading to reinduction of molecular remission in 92%. Median molecular and clinical relapse-free survival after pre-emptive treatment were 1.5 and 3.7 years, respectively. Of the 38 patients who remain in molecular remission for now for a median of 3.3 years (range, 0.4 to 6.6 years), 33 are still in clinical CR. CONCLUSION Molecular relapse may occur many years after ASCT in MCL, and PCR based pre-emptive treatment using rituximab is feasible, reinduce molecular remission, and may prevent clinical relapse.
Throughput and delay of mobile hybrid wireless networks under K length routing policy

In static hybrid wireless networks (SHWNs), it requires a large deployment cost in order to achieve a throughput of Θ(1)1. Motivated by this shortcoming, mobile hybrid wireless networks (MHWNs) are proposed in the most recent work, which can boost throughput to Θ(1) at a smaller cost under the same cell routing policy. However, such an improvement comes at the expense of larger delay. In this paper, we aim at reducing the delay while maintaining the optimal throughput in MHWNs. Hence, a novel scheme with K length routing policy is proposed, which combines multi-hop relay, mobile relay and infrastructure relay for the first time. Our main results demonstrate that a significant gain in delay is realized by the proposed scheme compared with the existing work of MHWNs while guaranteeing a throughput of Θ(1).
Evidence for the involvement of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the bimatoprost-induced contractions on the human isolated ciliary muscle.

PURPOSE To evaluate the bimatoprost effects in the isolated human ciliary muscle and to assess how these response can be modulated by AL8810 and SR141716A. METHODS In a myograph system (isometric force measurement), ciliary muscles were exposed cumulatively to PGF(2alpha), latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, and anandamide (0.1 nM-10 microM). Experiments were also conducted in the presence of AL8810 (FP receptor antagonist; 100 nM) or SR141716A (CB(1) receptor antagonist; 10-100 nM). Contractions were expressed as the percentage of 10 microM carbachol-induced contractions. RESULTS In quiescent tissues, concentration-response curves for bimatoprost, anandamide, PGF(2alpha,) latanoprost, and travoprost were constructed. Bimatoprost showed an important contractile effect on isolated human ciliary muscle strips (E(max) = 125% +/- 0.09%); the maximal effect was higher than that obtained with carbachol. Contractions were inhibited by SR141716A (10 and 100 nM) and AL8810 (100 nM). CONCLUSIONS This study showed evidence of direct interaction of bimatoprost with the contractility of the human ciliary muscle through interaction with cannabinoid CB(1) receptor and prostanoid FP receptors.
Simplified estimation of ideal and lean body weights in morbidly obese patients.

by dual dipeptidylpeptidase inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker: a first case report. Diabetic Med 2010; 27: 486–7 4 Byrd JB, Touzin K, Sile S, et al. Dipeptyl peptidase-IV in angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitor-associated angioedema. Hypertension 2008; 51: 141–7 5 Nielsen EW, Gramstad S. Angioedema from angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor treated with complement 1 (C1) inhibitor concentrate. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2006; 50: 120–2 6 Schmidt PW, Hirschl MM, Trautinger F. Treatment of angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitor related angioedema with the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist icatibant. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010; 63: 913–4
The Use of Convex Least Square Regression to Represent a Fuzzy DEA Model

Convex Nonparametric Least Squares (CNLSs) is a nonparametric regression technique to estimate monotonic increasing and convex functions. In addition, CNLS method builds on the same axioms as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and also takes into account noise. This paper is to investigate the use of convex least square regression to represent a fuzzy DEA model. By the results of CNLS, we can repeatedly use the corresponding fuzzy DEA model to assess the performance of unobserved decision making units. Note that DEA results cannot be repeatedly used as the regression results for unobserved entities. The popularity of fuzzy DEA would be enhanced.
Sustained Swimming Speeds of Dolphins

Observations of fout large groups of dolphins suggest that they are able to swim at a sustained speed of 14 to 18 knots. The blackfish are able to maintain speeds of about 22 knots, and one killer whale seemed able to swim somewhat faster. This implies that the apparent coefficient of surface friction remains approximately constant for dolphins from 6 to 22 ft long, as is the case for rigid bodies.
The 5‐D itch scale: a new measure of pruritus

Background Itching is a subjective and multidimensional experience which is difficult to quantify. Most methodologies to assess itching suffer from being unidimensional, for example only measuring intensity without impact on quality of life, or only measuring scratching activity. None has actually been demonstrated to be able to detect change over time, which is essential to using them as an outcome measure of response to an intervention. The 5‐D itch scale was developed as a brief but multidimensional questionnaire designed to be useful as an outcome measure in clinical trials. The five dimensions are degree, duration, direction, disability and distribution.
EDTA chelation therapy in the treatment of toxic metals exposure

BACKGROUND: Metal induced toxicity with wide range of physiological, biochemical and behavioral dysfunctions was reported in many studies. The chelation has been used for treatment to toxic metals’ exposure for many years. In our current clinical study, we compared different chelation protocols and two forms of EDTA (sodium calcium edetate and sodium edetate) in treatments of toxic metal exposure. METHODS: A 24 h urine samples were collected from each subject before and after treatment by Ca-EDTA or Na-EDTA. The levels of toxic and essential metals were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) with graphite furnace and by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). The cellular levels of ATP were determined by ATP-bioluminescence assay. Mitochondrial potential was measured by fluorometer and flow-cytometer after cells’ staining by mitochondrial dye. RESULTS: Data from over 600 patients with a variety of complaints, but not acute toxic mineral exposure, given chelation therapy with sodium EDTA or calcium EDTA, were analyzed. Ca-EDTA and Na-EDTA at intravenous infusions of 3 g per treatment were equally effective in removing lead from the body, while Ca-EDTA was more effective in aluminum removal. The removal of lead was dose dependent but non-linear. Chelation by different doses of Na-EDTA (3 g and 1 g) resulted in mean difference in lead urine less than 50%. In addition, deficiencies in essential minerals correlated with greater pre-treatment lead and aluminum levels. The intrinsic toxicity of EDTA on cells was investigated. EDTA concentrations above 600 uM reduced cellular energy metabolism. CONCLUSION: Based on our data, we proposed that low dosages of chelating agents might be preferential for patients with no–occupational exposure, as the benefit of chelation is not linear with dosage, the risk of exposure to antidotes is increasing with increased dosages, and excretion of essential metals significantly increases with increased antidote dosage.
Psychology and Neuroscience

There has been no historically stable consensus about the relationship between psychological and biological concepts and data. A naively reductionist view of this relationship is prevalent in psychology, medicine, and basic and clinical neuroscience. This view undermines the ability of psychology and related sciences to achieve their individual and combined potential. A nondualistic, nonreductionist, noninteractive perspective is recommended, with psychological and biological concepts both having central, distinct roles.
Altered expression of middle and inner ear cytokines in mouse otitis media

The inner ear is at risk for sensorineural hearing loss in both acute and chronic otitis media (OM), but the mechanisms underlying sensorineural hearing loss are unknown. Previous gene expression array studies have shown that cytokine genes might be upregulated in the cochleas of mice with acute and chronic OM. This finding implies that the inner ear could manifest a direct inflammatory response to OM that may cause sensorineural damage. Therefore, to better understand inner ear cytokine gene expression during OM, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used in mouse models to evaluate middle and inner ear inflammatory and remodeling cytokines.
BMP3: To Be or Not To Be a BMP

Background: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are osteogenic but also have diverse functions during development. BMP3 is a major component of osteogenin, which has osteogenic activity. However, recombinant BMP3 (rhBMP3) has no apparent osteogenic function, raising the possibility that BMP3 has no bone-inducing activity or that the recombinant material is not properly processed. To resolve this apparent discrepancy, we utilized a retroviral system to study the effects of BMP3 in vitro. In addition, we generated Bmp3 -deficient mice to elucidate the function of BMP3 in vivo. Methods: Retroviral as well as mammalian expression constructs were utilized to express BMP3 and to create BMP3 conditioned medium. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and transcriptional response assays were used to monitor the ability of BMP3 to elicit either a BMP-like or a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-&bgr;)/activin-like response in osteoblastic cell lines. Finally, mice deficient in BMP3 were generated to investigate BMP3 function in vivo. Results: BMP3 was unable to induce an osteogenic response in W-20-17, MC3T3-E1, or C3H10T1/2 cells, although all three cell lines were responsive to BMP2. However, BMP3 inhibited responsiveness to BMP2 in these assays, suggesting that BMP3 antagonizes BMP2 signaling. This inhibition did not occur through inhibition of binding of BMP2 to its receptors. BMP3 activated the TGF-&bgr;/activin-pathway in these cells, suggesting that BMP3 exerts its inhibiting effects by activating a signaling pathway that antagonizes the BMP pathway. To examine the potential functional consequences of BMP3 action, Bmp3-/- mice, which lack BMP3, were generated. On an outbred genetic background, Bmp3-/- mice are viable and show no obvious skeletal phenotype as embryos or neonates. However, adult mice exhibit twice as much trabecular bone as do their wild-type littermates. This observation is consistent with our in vitro observations suggesting that BMP3 is an inhibitor of osteogenesis in vitro and of bone formation in vivo. Conclusions: BMP3 is an inhibitor of osteogenic BMPs and can signal through a TGF-&bgr;/activin pathway. The ability of BMP3 to antagonize BMP2 activity may thus be a consequence of competition for signaling components common to TGF-&bgr;/activin and BMP pathways. BMP3, the most abundant BMP in demineralized bone, may therefore play an essential role as a modulator of the activity of osteogenic BMPs in vivo. Clinical Relevance: Therapies to accelerate bone healing usually utilize administration of exogenous BMP either in recombinant form or by gene therapy approaches. It is conceivable that the potency of osteogenic BMPs would be increased by inhibiting the activation of antagonistic signaling pathways or by increasing levels of rate-limiting signaling components shared by both BMP and TGF-&bgr;/activin pathways.