Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of peroxiredoxin II in the regulation of proinflammatory responses to LPS and protection against endotoxin-induced lethal shock

Mammalian 2-Cys peroxiredoxin II (Prx II) is a cellular peroxidase that eliminates endogenous H2O2. The involvement of Prx II in the regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling is poorly understood. In this report, we show that LPS induces substantially enhanced inflammatory events, which include the signaling molecules nuclear factor κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), in Prx II–deficient macrophages. This effect of LPS was mediated by the robust up-regulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)–generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases and the phosphorylation of p47phox. Furthermore, challenge with LPS induced greater sensitivity to LPS-induced lethal shock in Prx II–deficient mice than in wild-type mice. Intravenous injection of Prx II–deficient mice with the adenovirus-encoding Prx II gene significantly rescued mice from LPS-induced lethal shock as compared with the injection of a control virus. The administration of catalase mimicked the reversal effects of Prx II on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in Prx II–deficient cells, which suggests that intracellular H2O2 is attributable, at least in part, to the enhanced sensitivity to LPS. These results indicate that Prx II is an essential negative regulator of LPS-induced inflammatory signaling through modulation of ROS synthesis via NADPH oxidase activities and, therefore, is crucial for the prevention of excessive host responses to microbial products.
Synergistic Immune Responses Induced by Endogenous Retrovirus and Herpesvirus Antigens Result in Increased Production of Inflammatory Cytokines in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) and herpesviruses are increasingly associated with the pathogenesis of the neurological inflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Herpesviruses are capable of HERV activation and simultaneous presence of HERV and herpesvirus antigens have a synergistic effect on cell‐mediated immune responses, which tend to be higher in MS patients in comparison with healthy individuals. Here, we investigate whether these synergistic immune responses are reflected in changes in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), we have performed a comparative study between MS patients and healthy controls to investigate the production of interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL) 2, or IL‐10 as well as the balance between Th1 and Th2 responses in supernatants from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with HERV and herpes antigen combinations. We have found a significant disproportion in Th1/Th2 responses in PBMCs from MS patients caused by the joint presence of HERV and herpes antigens. The results also showed a significantly higher IFN‐γ production in cells from MS patients; additionally, this production correlated with the synergistic cell proliferations whereas we did not find such a correlation in healthy controls. Our findings suggest that the increased production of IFN‐γ and the induced imbalance in Th1/Th2 responses favouring the inflammatory reactions in MS patients may lead to progression of the disease.
Structural Changes of Goat Parotid Salivary Gland: Pre‐ and Post‐Weaning Periods

Previously, the structure of the adult goat parotid salivary glands (PGs) was studied. However, little information was elucidated of the juvenile ones. This study aimed to clarify the correlations between the structure of goats' PGs and the nature of food intake among milk‐suckling kids (MSKs) and diet‐fed goats (DFGs). The secretory endpieces of the goats' PGs are of the pure serous type. The serous cells in MSKs showed apical accumulation of numerous secretory granules (SGs) of smaller size and of more intense positive periodic acid‐Schiff reaction. Ultrastructurally, most of the SGs in the DFGs contained peripherally located inclusions that showed dense reaction products for acid phosphatase. In MSKs, the PGs showed less‐developed basal infoldings, sparseness of the inter‐cellular inter‐digitations, fewer inter‐cellular canaliculi and microvilli and also less‐developed myoepithelial cells with fewer and shorter cytoplasmic processes. In conclusion, the less‐developed membrane specializations and myoepithelial cells, as well as the accumulated SGs in the PGs of MSKs, suggest that it secretes less saliva with a little secretory activity than that of DFGs, which may be correlated with the reduced masticatory activity.
DICHOTOMY RESULT FOR INDEPENDENCE-FRIENDLY PREFIXES OF GENERALIZED QUANTIFIERS

Abstract We study the expressive power of independence-friendly quantifier prefixes composed of universal $\left( {\forall x/X} \right)$, existential $\left( {\exists x/X} \right)$, and majority quantifiers $\left( {Mx/X} \right)$. We provide four quantifier prefixes that can express NP hard properties and show that all quantifier prefixes capable of expressing NP-hard properties embed at least one of these four quantifier prefixes. As for the quantifier prefixes that do not embed any of these four quantifier prefixes, we show that they are equivalent to a first-order quantifier prefix composed of $\forall x$, $\exists x$, and Mx. In unison, our results imply a dichotomy result: every independence-friendly quantifier prefix is either decidable in LOGSPACE or NP hard.
Effectiveness of phonological awareness and reading interventions on children with language impairment : a research review

The effectiveness of treatment approaches aimed at children with language impairments to improve reading skills is the focus of this research synthesis. Research in this area is extensive but this report aims to focus on the results of 12 studies to highlight similarities and differences. Findings from these studies were analyzed and showed that phonological awareness intervention is one of the most prevalent types of intervention for this population. Research supports the fact that phonological awareness intervention can produce positive changes in children with language impairments. This type of intervention can not only cause improvements in phonological awareness skills but can also cause increases in reading ability. Credibility ratings for the studies as well as clinical implications are also discussed.
Existential considerations for contemporary career counseling

This article was written to remind career counselors of the potential depth and subjective impact of both unemployment and employment transitions. An existential framework is used in discussing today's world of work, previous and contemporary career counseling models, existential theory in career counseling, and existential considerations for career counselors. Results from 3 research projects are discussed in light of I. D. Yalom's (1980, 1998) 4 existential themes. Using quotations from participants, the authors move beyond theoretical ideas and underscore the real-life importance of including the individual's larger subjective perspective when engaging in career counseling. Implications for practice are discussed.
Stumbling in Their Shoes

Simulating other people’s difficulties often improves attitudes toward those people. In the case of physical disabilities, however, such experience simulations can backfire. By highlighting the initial challenges of becoming disabled, experience simulations decrease the perceived adaptability of being disabled and reduce the judged capabilities of disabled people. In two experiments, participants engaged in a challenging blindness simulation and afterward judged blind people as less capable of work and independent living than did participants after simulating a different impairment (Experiment 1), no impairment (Experiments 1 and 2), or after merely watching someone else simulate blindness (Experiment 2). Blindness simulators forecast that they would be less capable themselves if blind and that they would adapt to blindness more slowly (Experiment 2), highlighting the self-centered nature of judged capabilities of disabled people. The findings demonstrate that experience simulation can sometimes harm rather than help attitudes toward other people’s difficulties.
Dying Is Unexpectedly Positive

In people’s imagination, dying seems dreadful; however, these perceptions may not reflect reality. In two studies, we compared the affective experience of people facing imminent death with that of people imagining imminent death. Study 1 revealed that blog posts of near-death patients with cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were more positive and less negative than the simulated blog posts of nonpatients—and also that the patients’ blog posts became more positive as death neared. Study 2 revealed that the last words of death-row inmates were more positive and less negative than the simulated last words of noninmates—and also that these last words were less negative than poetry written by death-row inmates. Together, these results suggest that the experience of dying—even because of terminal illness or execution—may be more pleasant than one imagines.
Coaggregation between Aquatic Bacteria Is Mediated by Specific-Growth-Phase-Dependent Lectin-Saccharide Interactions

ABSTRACT Coaggregating strains of aquatic bacteria were identified by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The coaggregation abilities of four strains of Blastomonas natatoria and one strain ofMicrococcus luteus varied with culture age but were always maximum in the stationary phase of growth. Each member of a coaggregating pair carried either a heat- and protease-sensitive protein (lectin) adhesin or a saccharide receptor, as coaggregation was reversed by sugars.
Cannabidiol and clozapine reverse MK-801-induced deficits in social interaction and hyperactivity in Sprague–Dawley rats

Recently, a novel paradigm has been designed to assess social investigative behaviour in pairs of Sprague–Dawley rats, which involves physical separation whilst ensuring they are able to maintain contact through other social cues. We have modified this set-up in order to assess not just social behaviour but also locomotor activity of the rats. Results showed that the MK-801- (0.3 mg/kg) treated rats displayed reduced social investigative behaviour, hyperactivity as well as reduced attention span. Pretreatment with the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (3 mg/kg) not only normalised social investigative behaviour but increased it beyond control levels. Pretreatment with clozapine (1, 3 mg/kg) also normalised social investigative behaviour. Both cannabidiol and clozapine inhibited MK-801-induced hyperactivity. However, there were no effects of pretreatment on impairments to attention span. Our findings reinforce several aspects of the validity of the MK-801-induced model of social withdrawal and hyperactivity and also support the use of this novel set-up for further investigations to assess the antipsychotic potential of novel compounds.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Postacute Rehabilitation Outcomes After Stroke in the United States

Background and Purpose— Incidence, prevalence, and mortality for stroke vary by race and ethnicity with higher rates for blacks compared with non-Hispanic whites. Little information is available regarding differences in postacute care outcomes for racial and ethnic groups after a stroke. Methods— A retrospective analysis was conducted of 161 692 patients from the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation who received inpatient medical rehabilitation after a first stroke in 2002 and 2003. Multivariable models examined the effects of race and ethnicity on length of stay, functional status, rehabilitation efficiency, and discharge setting. Results— The mean age was 70.97 years (SD=12.87), 53% were female, and 76% were non-Hispanic white. Mean length of stay was similar for all groups ranging from 17.39 days (SD=10.86) to 17.93 (SD=10.59). Non-Hispanic white patients had higher admission and discharge functional status ratings compared with patients in the minority groups (P<0.01). Differences in functional status across racial/ethnic groups were related to age (F=20.49, P<0.001); the older the comparison group, the greater the difference in functional status. Non-Hispanic whites were discharged home less often than blacks (OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.62 to 0.66), Hispanics (OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.55 to 0.62), or other minority groups (OR=0.67, 95% CI=0.57 to 0.67). Conclusions— The findings suggest racial and ethnic disparities exist in postacute care outcomes for persons with stroke.
Exact and approximative algorithms for coloring G(n,p)

We investigate the problem of coloring random graphs G(n, p) in polynomial expected time. For the case p ≤ 1.01/n, we present an algorithm that finds an optimal coloring in linear expected time. For p ≫ ln6(n)/n, we give algorithms which approximate the chromatic number within a factor of O( ). We also obtain an O(/ln(np))‐approximation algorithm for the independence number. As an application, we propose an algorithm for deciding satisfiability of random 2k‐SAT formulas over n propositional variables with ≥ ln7(n)nk clauses in polynomial expected time. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 2004
Development and self-regulatory structures of the mind

Abstract From their early roots in embryology, parallels are drawn between the major psychological and biological foci of organismic theories. Neural plasticity and concepts of causality in developmental systems are discussed. Because the nature of the developmental process necessitates addressing the nonlinear dynamics of complex systems, it is theorized that causal explanations in neural development, just as is the case with psychological processes, should emphasize the individual's active strivings for self-organization as the major determinant of ontogenesis. Whether or not they cohere to form an integrated self, it is hypothesized that the homeostatic, self-regulatory structures of the mind are the major stabilities in the chaotic dynamics of psychological and neural development.
Action control in uncertain environments

A long-standing dichotomy in neuroscience pits automatic or reflexive drivers of behaviour against deliberate or reflective processes. In this thesis I explore how this concept applies to two stages of action control: decision-making and response inhibition. The first part of this thesis examines the decision-making process itself during which actions need to be selected that maximise rewards. Decisions arise through influences from model-free stimulus-response associations as well as model-based, goal-directed thought. Using a task that quantifies their respective contributions, I describe three studies that manipulate the balance of control between these two systems. I find that a pharmacological manipulation with levodopa increases model-based control without affecting model-free function; disruption of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex via magnetic stimulation disrupts model-based control; and direct current stimulation to the same prefrontal region has no effect on decision-making. I then examine how the intricate anatomy of frontostriatal circuits subserves reinforcement learning using functional, structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A second stage of action control discussed in this thesis is post-decision monitoring and adjustment of action. Specifically, I develop a response inhibition task that dissociates reactive, bottom-up inhibitory control from proactive, top-down forms of inhibition. Using functional MRI I show that, unlike the strong neural segregation in decision-making systems, neural mechanisms of reactive and proactive response inhibition overlap to a great extent in their frontostriatal circuitry. This leads to the hypothesis that neural decline, for 4 example in the context of ageing, might affect reactive and proactive control similarly. I test this in a large population study administered through a smartphone app. This shows that, against my prediction, reactive control reliably declines with age but proactive control shows no such decline. Furthermore, in line with data on gender differences in age-related neural degradation, reactive control in men declines faster with age than that of women.
A novel analytical approach and finite element modelling of a BDFIM

Nowadays many wind turbines use a doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) as a generator (DFIG). The brushless DFIM (BDFIM), however, has increased fault handling capabilities and suffers less from reliability issues. This paper presents a different method of analytically evaluating the BDFIM. This is done by analyzing the flux density produced by the two stator windings and the interaction with the nested loops of the rotor. Subsequently FEM is used to verify the analytical findings and analyze the behavior of the machine. Additionally several design parameters of the BDFIM such as the pole pair combinations and the number of loops per nest are evaluated. General rules of thumb regarding these design parameters are presented.
Do resuscitation schemes save lives?

1986 saw the introduction of a training programme, called Save a life or Heartsaver aimed at teaching members of the public basic first aid. From American experience, it was claimed that this campaign could help save many lives by teaching people resuscita tion and other life-saving skills. The extent to which these campaigns can and do achieve their objectives is examined, potential weaknesses in this training scheme identified, and suggestions made to bring the training received into line with international practice.
Emotions and Leadership: The Role of Emotional Intelligence

This paper suggests that feelings (moods and emotions) play a central role in the leadership process. More specifically, it is proposed that emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage moods and emotions in the self and others, contributes to effective leadership in organizations. Four major aspects of emotional intelligence, the appraisal and expression of emotion, the use of emotion to enhance cognitive processes and decision making, knowledge about emotions, and management of emotions, are described. Then, I propose how emotional intelligence contributes to effective leadership by focusing on five essential elements of leader effectiveness: development of collective goals and objectives; instilling in others an appreciation of the importance of work activities; generating and maintaining enthusiasm, confidence, optimism, cooperation, and trust; encouraging flexibility in decision making and change; and establishing and maintaining a meaningful identity for an organization.
Xtranormal Learning for Millennials

Encouraging students to actively engage with course material is an ongoing challenge for many management educators. One common tactic is to use various technologies that allow tech-savvy Millennial Generation students to take a more active role in their learning. In this article, we describe an innovative group project that challenges students to integrate Xtranormal (text-to-video software) into a role-play exercise. This project was incorporated into undergraduate human resource management courses at two universities. Qualitative self-report student learning data were collected over the course of three semesters from 210 students. The data offer insights into why and how this project excited the students and positively affected their perceptions about designing and evaluating a training session, applying training concepts, and demonstrating other human resource management concepts. We found that providing students an opportunity to use Xtranormal resulted in a number of learning outcomes, including creative freedom that enhanced engagement with the material, greater understanding and application of concepts, and training method and design competency, among others.
Superiority of the Dominant and Nondominant Hands in Static Strength and Controlled Force Exertion

The dominant hand can be defined in such a way that Oldfield's Handedness Inventory may not identify the superior hand, i.e., the hand with more strength and/or more force control. The dominant and nondominant hands were compared for two different grip force-exertion tests. 50 healthy young men (M age = 21.1 yr.) performed two tests with each hand: a maximal grip strength test and a controlled force-exertion test with dynamic demand. In the latter test, the participants matched their submaximal grip force to the changing demand values with real-time feedback. The total sum of the differences between the demand value and grip force value for 25 sec. was used as an evaluation parameter for the test (unit: %). Mean maximal grip force values in the right and left hands were 439.9 N (SD = 59.1) and 405.6 N (SD = 59.3), respectively. Mean controlled force-exertion test values in the right and left hands were 610.3% (SD = 150.2) and 722.6% (SD = 147.8), respectively. In both tests, the dominant hand was significantly stronger and controlled dynamic force better. The relationship between the two hands was very high. Based on this study's criteria, the dominant hand was stronger in 34% (n = 17) of participants during the maximal grip strength test and more controlled in 54% (n = 27) of participants during the controlled force-exertion test. Thus, the dynamic force control test showed that for significantly more people the dominant hand is stronger and controls force better. Controlled force exertion may be a better test for identifying the superior hand.
Stromal Cell-Derived Factor (SDF) 1-3′A Polymorphism May Play a Role in Resistance to HIV-1 Infection in Seronegative High-Risk Thais

Objective: It is known that a 32-bp-deleted CCR5 mutant (CCR5-Δ32) plays a critical role in resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We became aware of a number of seronegative patients at high risk of HIV-1 infections. Since CCR-Δ32 is not found in Thais, we examined the role of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF) 1-3′A polymorphism in resistance to HIV-1 in seronegative Thai prostitutes at high risk. Methods: We determined CCR5-Δ32 by PCR, SDF1-3′A by RFLP, and plasma SDF-1 level by sandwich ELISA. Results: We did not find any CCR-Δ32 mutant in 432 subjects. In our SDF1-3′A genotyping, we found allelic frequencies of 0.406, 0.199, and 0.289 in HIV-1-seronegative prostitutes at high risk, HIV-1-seropositive patients, and normal blood donors, respectively. There was a significant difference in the allelic frequencies of SDF1-3′A between HIV-1-seronegative prostitutes at high risk and HIV-1-seropositive patients (p < 0.005). Striking differences were seen in homozygotes (SDF1-3A/3A); 20.3% in HIV-1-seronegative patients at high risk compared with 2.5% in HIV-1-seropositive patients. In addition, we showed that the plasma SDF1 level in the HIV-1-seronegative prostitutes at high risk was twice that found in normal blood donors (p = 0.005), and even higher than that of HIV-1-seropositive patients (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The finding is relevant as regards the fact that SDF1-3′A polymorphism induces an increase of SDF1 chemokine production, in which it competes with HIV-1 in binding to CXCR4 receptor, and in turn inhibits HIV-1 infection. The SDF1-3′A-mediated resistant mechanism in Thais differs from that of CCR5-Δ32-mediated resistance in Caucasians. This study provides the first evidence for SDF-3′A polymorphism in resistance to HIV-1 infection in Thais, and may represent the resistant mechanism in the extremely rare CCR5-Δ32 mutant of other ethnic groups such as Africans and Japanese.