Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ia afferent excitation of motoneurones in the in vitro new‐born rat spinal cord is selectively antagonized by kynurenate.

Intracellular recordings from motoneurones in in vitro preparations of new‐born rat spinal cord were used to study the sensitivity of the Ia excitatory post‐synaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) to antagonists of excitatory amino acids, in order to test whether group Ia primary afferents release L‐glutamate, or a similar compound, as a neurotransmitter. The Ia e.p.s.p. was isolated for study by using low intensity stimulation of individual muscle nerves and by the addition to the superfusate of high concentrations of divalent cations which suppressed polysynaptic inputs to the motoneurones. The pattern of convergence of group Ia afferents from homonymous, heteronymous and antagonist muscle nerves onto motoneurones in the new‐born rat was similar to that reported in the adult cat spinal cord. Homonymous muscle nerve stimulation evoked the largest amplitude Ia e.p.s.p.s while heteronymous muscle nerve stimulation elicited smaller e.p.s.p.s or had no effect. Stimulation of antagonist muscle nerves resulted in inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials (i.p.s.p.). Superfusion of the specific N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, 2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovalerate, did not inhibit the Ia e.p.s.p. but did suppress later, polysynaptic components of the response evoked from dorsal roots. Kynurenate was a potent inhibitor of the Ia e.p.s.p. The site of action of kynurenate was examined by observing its effect on synaptic depression and was found to be consistent with a post‐synaptic mechanism. Kynurenate selectively blocked the depolarization of motoneurones elicited by L‐glutamate and had no effect on the depolarization evoked by carbachol. The selectivity of action of kynurenate was further examined by comparing its effect on the recurrent i.p.s.p. evoked by ventral root stimulation with its effect on the Ia e.p.s.p. The recurrent i.p.s.p. was antagonized by strychnine and dihydro‐beta‐erythroidine while kynurenate, at a concentration which greatly reduced the Ia e.p.s.p., had no effect. These results suggest that stimulation of group Ia primary afferents evokes the release of L‐glutamate, or a similar compound, which activates non‐NMDA excitatory amino acid receptors on motoneurones which, in turn, mediate the Ia e.p.s.p.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Within a Social Disadvantage Framework: Distinguishing Unique, Cumulative, and Moderated Contributions to Adult Mental Health

The deleterious impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) may be confounded with frequently co-occurring social disadvantage. In this analysis we test the effects of ACE on adult mental health within a social disadvantage framework, using a population-based survey (n = 7,444; mean age = 55.2 years) from Washington State. We also examined the protective effects of socioemotional support, and the distinct and combined contribution of the measured ACE factors. Results demonstrated sustained impact of ACE on mental health many decades later, even net of social disadvantage and demographic contributors. Protective factors provided both direct and moderating influences, potentially masking the elevated effects of ACE for those with few resources. Toxicity examination of ACE items evinced differential effects of ACE experiences on mental health. These results demonstrate that interventions ameliorating the effects of ACE and bolstering protective resources such as socioemotional support may be effective toward augmenting mental health even late in life.
Smallholder dairy cattle feeding technologies and practices in Tanzania: failures, successes, challenges and prospects for sustainability

ABSTRACT In Tanzania, milk production under smallholder farming systems is season sensitive, fluctuations of feeds in both quantity and quality being the major driver. A dry season decline in milk production of over 40% due to feed scarcity is a common phenomenon. Adoption of improved feed production, conservation and utilization technologies and practices in dairy farming communities is poor. This review work was based on a key question which states “Why is adoption of improved dairy nutrition technologies and practices in Tanzania still poor despite being promoted for decades? ”. We have shown that major opportunities for curbing dry season animal feed shortage include on-farm optimization of production and use of high yielding pasture varieties including napier grass (Pennisetum purperium Schumach.) and leguminous fodder species. Crop residues in particular maize stover needs to be optimized for effective dry season feeding. The major reasons for low adoption of proven technologies include limited technical knowhow among smallholder dairy farmers augmented by limited extension services and technological costs. For enhancing sustainable uptake; we suggest promotion of on-farm research, public-private partnerships and dairy farmers’ cooperative associations. These are vital for facilitating smooth access to information, investment capital, reliable inputs and markets among the smallholder dairy farmers.
Brain size and resource specialization predict long-term population trends in British birds

Large-scale population declines have been documented across many faunal assemblages. However, there is much variation in population trends for individual species, and few indications of which specific ecological and behavioural characteristics are associated with such trends. We used the British Common Birds Census (1968–1995) to identify specific traits associated with long-term abundance trends in UK farmland birds. Two factors, resource specialization and relative brain size, were significantly associated with population trend, such that species using atypical resources and with relatively small brains were most likely to have experienced overall declines. Further analyses of specific brain components indicated that the relative size of the telencephalon, the part of the brain associated with problem solving and complex behaviours, and the brain stem might be better predictors of population trend than overall brain size. These results suggest that flexibility in resource use and behaviour are the most important characteristics for determining a species' ability to cope with large-scale habitat changes.
Head and neck cancer: a case for inhibition by isothiocyanates and indoles from cruciferous vegetables

Chemical carcinogens derived from cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as betel quid, paan, and alcohol consumption, are commonly associated with head and neck cancer risk. This is a particularly debilitating cancer, with a high recurrence rate and long-term treatment comorbidities affecting health and lifestyle. Controlling tobacco access or use may be an ideal prevention strategy but may also be challenging or undesired. Individuals, however, may be able to reduce their risk through simple and focused dietary change. Results from epidemiologic studies, basic research, and clinical investigations suggest that a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables may increase carcinogen metabolism, induce apoptosis, and reduce the risk of developing a primary head and neck tumor. This review briefly summarizes head and neck cancer nutritional epidemiology, and then describes the biochemical and epidemiologic literature describing the effects of crucifer consumption on head and neck carcinogenesis. To translate these findings, the strengths and limitations of specific intervention models are discussed, including differences in target populations and the choice of a food-based or pill-based approach for intervention. Addressing these factors in a future intervention may define a low-cost and non-toxic approach to reduce the burden of head and neck cancer.
Standardization and evaluation of the CAMP reaction for the prompt, presumptive identification of Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B) in clinical material

Primary cultures of clinical material were screened for the presence of colonies suspected of being Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B). Sixty-three such cultures and 108 other isolates of beta-hemolytic streptococci (groups A, C, and G), encountered during the first 3 months of the investigation, were studied by Lancefield grouping, sodium hippurate hydrolysis, and a standardized CAMP test. All streptococci were inoculated perpendicularly to streaks of a beta-toxin-producing staphylococcus on sheep blood agar plates and incubated aerobically in a candle jar and anaerobically at 37 C. Plates were examined after 5 to 6 and 18 h of incubation. The production of a distinct "arrowhead" of hemolysis was indicative of a positive CAMP reaction. All group B streptococci produced a positive CAMP reaction in the candle jar or anaerobically, usually within 5 to 6 h, and aerobically after 18 h of incubation. All group A streptococci produced a positive reaction only under anaerobic conditions. Groups C and G streptococci were negative under all atmospheres. The CAMP reaction is a prompt and reliable procedure for the presumptive identification of group B streptococci when a candle jar atmosphere is used during incubation.
The characteristics of takeover targets: Evidence from food industry in Serbia

This study analyses the characteristics of target companies from food industry that were taken over by foreign investors in the Serbian market. The aim of the study is to determine: Can future target companies be predicted based on the characteristics of target companies that have already been taken over in the Serbian market? The study compares the indicators of profitability, liquidity, leverage and efficiency of 30 target companies from the food industry with the industry' average. The study includes multivariate analysis of variance (Manova) and Discriminant analysis in order to identify the difference between observed indicators. The liquidity and leverage indicator showed a statistically significant difference compared to average values. Group classification is 95% and sample homogeneity is 90% which leads to a conclusion that target companies can be predicted with extremely high reliability.
Critical success factors of enterprise resource planning implementation in construction: Case of Taiwan

Over the past years, firms around the world have implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to have a standardized information system in their respective organizations and to re-engineer their business processes. Based on the business pressures force to take more powerful reactions, like as cost down the supply chain, slash stock, shorten manufacturing time, increase product category, promise the lead-time, provide better customer service, continue improving product quality, and coordinate globalize service efficiently. Hence, how to integrate EPR systems inner business has become the essential tool for business to face the variable world. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been used in integrating information and accelerating its distribution across functions and departments with the aim to increase organizations operational performance. Based on the view of BSC (Balanced Scorecard), this study mainly attempts to build and to construct the electronic performance management system(finance, customer, company internal process, and learn-growth) to make “performance indicators” evaluation by doing questionnaire analysis against company vision, blueprint, and mission. The case study is based on implementation of an ERP system on the steel industry in Taiwan. By the case, investigate into the key successful factors and the performances to implement the ERP system, the conclusion that discuss to gain according to the case, with provide the reference to the domestic enterprise in implementation of ERP system, hope it will make the enterprise more competitive and to create the biggest value for the customers.
The Response To The Shocks Proveked By External Factors

In this article, we present a simple model of response to a turbulent manifestation in the environment, which organization of any type should try to implement. First, it was described the types of perturbations that can exist in a dynamic business environment. Also, we propose a model of management response to the disturbing event, depending on the readiness of the organizationin dealing with them. In the last part of the article, we propose a simple scheme of resourcing allocation for the response, by using a ranking system of the shocks that are provoked by turbulence of the external factors of the business environment.
Early physiotherapy after injection of botulinum toxin increases the beneficial effects on spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis

Objective : To determine whether additional physiotherapy increases botulinum toxin type A effects in reducing spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Design : A single-blind, randomized, controlled pilot trial with a 12-week study period. Subjects : Thirty-eight patients with progressive multiple sclerosis affected by focal spasticity and who were observed at the Multiple Sclerosis Centre operating in the S. Andrea Hospital in Rome. Interventions : For intervention all patients received botulinum toxin type A; the treatment group also received additional physiotherapy to optimize management through passive or active exercise and stretching regimens. Main measures : To measure objective and subjective level of spasticity, patients were assessed at baseline, 2, 4 and 12 weeks post treatment by Modified Ashworth Scale and visual analogue scale. Results : When compared with the control group, we found a significant decrease of spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale (P < 0.01 by t-test) in the treatment group at week 2 (2.73 versus 3.22), week 4 (2.64 versus 3.33) and week 12 (2.68 versus 3.33). The mean (%) difference in Modified Ashworth Scale score between baseline and the end of follow-up was —0.95 (26.1) in the treatment group and —0.28 (7.7) in the control group (P < 0.01). The combined treatment proved also to be more effective by visual analogue scale (P < 0.01) at week 4 (6.95 versus 5.50) and at week 12 (7.86 versus 6.56) but not at week 2 (5.18 versus 5.50; P = 0.41). Conclusions : Our data suggest that physiotherapy in combination with botulinum toxin type A injection can improve overall response to botulinum toxin.
Is there really a difference between “contingent valuation” and “choice experiments”?

“Contingent valuation” (“CV”) and “choice experiments” (“CE”) are generally introduced as two separate stated preference methods to estimate welfare measures, and a large literature investigates their convergent validity. We first review the literature comparing “CV” and “CE”, and show that these comparisons typically differ in (1) the number of options presented per value elicitation task, (2) the number of tasks given to a single respondent, (3) the framing of tasks, (4) the set (and order) of attributes characterizing options in tasks, (5) sizes of “CV” and “CE” samples, (6) econometric models used for data analysis, and (7) the format of information presented. Despite the wide variety of applications, we argue that the main (and perhaps only) difference between “CV” and “CE” is the presentation of information in elicitation tasks: as text in “CV” and as a table in “CE”. We then assess the effect of presentation of information in an induced-value experiment. We find that participants perform equally well in “CV” and “CE” tasks in terms of making payoff-maximizing choices based on the induced values, but “CV” tasks take substantially more time to answer. A significant difference between payoff-maximizing choices in “CV” and “CE” is observed when only answers to the first elicitation task are considered. This latter finding is particularly important in light of recommendations for stated preference research that suggest that valuation studies should use only one task for eliciting preferences.
HIV Status Disclosure Among People Living with HIV in the Era of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART).

INTRODUCTION As patients with HIV live longer due to Combination Anti-Retroviral Therapy (cART) serostatus disclosure becomes an important issue. Disclosure can have both positive and negative outcomes. Disclosure of HIV status has been associated with better adherence to medication and reduction in levels of psychological distress. Stigma and disruption of family relationships are barriers for disclosure. Most studies regarding disclosure status have been conducted in West. There are many cultural differences in Indian society when compared to west. There is a dearth of research in the field of disclosure of HIV infection in India. AIM To determine the prevalence of HIV status disclosure among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the hospital attached to Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore, India from May-June 2013. PLHIV of age more than 18 years were included. During the study period 111 consecutive patients who consented for the study were enrolled. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered semi structured questionnaire. Data collected was analysed using SPSS Version 11.5 statistical software. Descriptive statistics were done and the results are presented as proportions and mean. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 44.86 ± 10.8 years. Majority of the study subjects were men 76 (68.4%). Out of 111 study subjects, 102 (91.9%) had disclosed their HIV status to at least one person while 9 (8.1%) had not disclosed their HIV status to anyone. Disclosure on doctor's advice was the main reason for 56 (54.9%) participants to disclose their HIV status. The main reason for non-disclosure was fear of shame in family. CONCLUSION Disclosure rate was high in our study in the era of cART. Society must stop discriminating against PLHIV so that they can disclose their serostatus and gain access to care and treatment services without any fear of stigma. In our study the main reason for disclosure was doctor's advice which clearly states the importance of the commitment of doctors in creating awareness among PLHIV about the need for voluntary disclosure.
Analytical characterization of bioactive N-benzyl-substituted phenethylamines and 5-methoxytryptamines.

RATIONALE Substances based on the N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine template ('NBOMe' derivatives) play an important role in medicinal research but some of these derivatives have also appeared as 'research chemicals' for recreational use which has attracted attention worldwide. A major challenge associated with newly emerging substances includes the lack of analytical data and the ability to correctly identify positional isomers. METHODS Six N-benzylphenethylamines based on the 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine structure ('25I') and twelve substituted N-benzyl-5-methoxytryptamines ('5MT') have been prepared and extensively characterized. Techniques used for characterization were gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry in electron and chemical ionization mode, liquid chromatography/diode array detection (DAD), infrared spectroscopy, electrospray high mass accuracy quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, and triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS The characterization of 18 'NBOMe' compounds provided a comprehensive collection of chromatographic and spectral data. Four groups of three positional isomers, i.e. 25I-NB2OMe, 25I-NB3OMe, 25I-NB4OMe, 25I-NB2B, 25I-NB3B, 25I-NB4B and their 5-methoxytryptamine counterparts, were included and assessed for ability to obtain differentiation. Six meta-substituted N-benzyl derivatives of 5-methoxytryptamine (CF3, F, CH3, Cl, I, SCH3) were also studied. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of mass spectral techniques was helpful for the differentiation between isomers, for example, when considering the difference in a number of ion ratios. This was considered beneficial in cases where chromatographic separation was only partially achieved under liquid chromatography (LC) conditions. The use of LC/DAD analysis was also found to be valuable for this particular purpose, which confirmed the integrative value of complementary techniques used in areas related to forensic toxicology.
B cell depletion therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: relationships among serum B lymphocyte stimulator levels, autoantibody profile and clinical response.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationships between serum B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) levels, autoantibody profile and clinical response in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) following rituximab-based B cell depletion therapy (BCDT). METHODS A total of 25 patients with active refractory SLE were followed for >or=1 year following BCDT. Disease activity was assessed using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) system, and serum levels of BLyS and autoantibodies to dsDNA and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) measured by ELISA. Serum immunoglobulins and anti-dsDNA antibodies were assessed for expression of the 9G4 idiotope (indicating VH4-34 germline gene origin). RESULTS Following BCDT, all patients depleted in the peripheral blood and improved clinically for >or=3 months. Pre-BCDT BLyS levels were quantifiable (median 1.9 ng/ml) in 18/25 patients and rose in most patients at 3 months post-BCDT (median 4.15 ng/ml). Nine patients, all with quantifiable pre-BCDT serum BLyS, experienced a disease flare within 1 year. This group of patients was more likely to harbour anti-Ro/SSA antibodies (odds ratio 1.76; p = 0.06) with higher serum levels (p = 0.0027; Mann-Whitney U test). Serum levels of anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP)/Sm were also higher in this group (p<0.05). Expression of VH4-34 by serum immunoglobulins and anti-dsDNA antibodies had no predictive value for the length of clinical response. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SLE with an expanded autoantibody profile and raised BLyS levels at baseline had shorter clinical responses to BCDT. This may reflect a greater propensity to, and degree of, epitope spreading in such patients and suggests that treatment regimens beyond BCDT may be necessary to induce long-lasting clinical remissions in these individuals.
A study on cognitive social data fusion

Traditional data mining usually deals with data from a single domain. In the big data era, we are facing a diversity of datasets from different sources in different domains. These datasets consist of multiple modalities, each of which has a different representation, distribution, scale and density. Big data have volumes in range Exabyte's ten to the power of eighteen. A large number of data's are stored in Big Data storage every second. For instance in YouTube for every second a video of size 72 hours are being uploaded. It shows that big data have a big scope in handling of large data. Big data for learning, intelligence, data fusion, social network, mining and so many plays a vital role in it. The big data technologies along with machine learning algorithm have developed lots of advanced development in the field of social mining, network and social Medias. It has also developed so many challenges in data storage, handling, representation, mining, analysing the user behaviours and so many. In Social mining along with text the symbols are also analysed for effective mining of users. This paper does not only introduce high-level principles of each category of methods, but also give examples in which these techniques are used to handle real big data problems. The data storage size can be optimized by using the map reduce algorithm in a effective way for data storage in big data. When the repeateddata's are replaced with its reference then the storage will be optimized. Thus this method implementation will leads to the effective data mining and the analysing of persons behaviour more effectively.