Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RBC Cholinesterase Inhibition: A Useful Surrogate Marker for Cholinesterase Inhibitor Activity in Alzheimer Disease Therapy?

Red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition has been used as a peripheral surrogate marker for the activity of centrally acting AChE inhibitors (AChEIs) in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. As a valid peripheral surrogate marker, RBC AChE inhibition should reflect the central pharmacodynamic activity of the compound and should demonstrate a relation with cognitive or global improvement in patients with Alzheimer disease. As a useful clinical tool, RBC AChE inhibition should also provide an advantage in dose optimization. However, the application of surrogate markers in research and clinical use is controversial (Prentice, 1989; Gotzsche, 1996; Colburn, 1997; De Gruttola et al., 1997). For instance, surrogate markers that have been identified or applied inappropriately can lead to erroneous conclusions, slowing the drug development process (Colburn, 1997). Also, the validation of surrogate markers for the pharmacodynamic activity of central nervous system drugs is not always possible because samples of brain tissue cannot be analyzed in humans. Finally, although validation of peripheral markers for central nervous system drugs has been approached via analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (Cutler et al., 1998a), few markers have been subjected to such rigorous evaluation in clinical studies. The extent to which measures of peripheral AChE inhibition accurately model central drug activity and therapeutic effectiveness of AChEIs, both as individual agents and as a drug class, is the focus of this review. AChEIs comprise a group of structurally diverse compounds with a wide range of relative specificities for the various molecular species of cholinesterase found in plasma, RBCs, and the brain. Studies of RBC AChE inhibition after administration of AChEIs in animals are of limited utility because of the differential sensitivity of AChEIs for human versus animal forms of AChE, the poor correlation between effective doses in animals and humans, and the lack of standardized measurements of effectiveness. Although clinical studies of donepezil, metrifonate, and eptastigmine have suggested the potential use of RBC AChE inhibition as a predictor of clinical response, the degree of inhibition yielding maximum cognitive improvements was highly variable from compound to compound (30–80%). Further, investigators did not prove a relation between central and peripheral pharmacodynamics or demonstrate an advantage over dose in the ability of RBC AChE inhibition to predict clinical response. A study of rivastigmine in patients with Alzheimer disease revealed that cerebrospinal fluid AChE inhibition correlated well with cognitive performance, whereas peripheral inhibition did not. Therefore, RBC cholinesterase inhibition is not a reliable surrogate marker for the activity of AChEIs as a class of drugs, and its usefulness as a dose optimization tool for individual agents has yet to be demonstrated clearly.
Panchromatic study of GRB 060124: From precursor to afterglow

We present observations of GRB 060124, the first event for which both the prompt and the afterglow emission could be observed simultaneously and in their entirety by the three Swift instruments. Indeed, Swift-BAT triggered on a precursor " 570 s before the main burst peak, and this allowed Swift to repoint the narrow field instruments to the burst position " 350 s before the main burst occurred. GRB 060124 also triggered Konus-Wind, which observed the prompt emission in a harder gamma-ray band (up to 2 MeV). Thanks to these exceptional circumstances, the temporal and spectral properties of the prompt emission can be studied in the optical, X-ray and gamma-ray ranges. While the X-ray emission (0.2-10 keV) clearly tracks the gamma-ray burst, the optical component follows a di! erent pattern, likely indicating a di! erent origin, possibly the onset of external shocks. The prompt GRB spectrum shows significant spectral evolution, with both the peak energy and the spectral index varying. As observed in several long GRBs, significant lags are measured between the hard- and low-energy components, showing that this behaviour extends over 3 decades in energy. The GRB peaks are also much broader at soft energies. This is related to the temporal evolution of the spectrum, and can be accounted for by assuming that the electron spectral index softened with time. The burst energy (Eiso " 5 # 10 53 erg) and average peak energy (Ep " 300 keV) make GRB060124 consistent with theAmati relation. TheX-ray afterglow ischaracterized by adecay which presents a break at tb " 10 5 s.
Molecular and serological survey of some haemoprotozoan , rickettsial and viral diseases of small ruminants from Al-Madinah

The prevalence of some viral and haemoprotozoan infections in goats and sheep was investigated in the present study. The infections of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. were encountered by PCR and cELISA for the detection of Anaplasma spp. Anaplasma spp. was more prevalent than Theileria spp. with a significant difference (Pvalue<0.05) in both goats and sheep, but, the infection in sheep was more prevalent than goats. Also four viral infections were detected: Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV), Bluetongue Virus (BTV), Madina Visna Virus (MVV) and Schmallenberg, (SBV) with an overall prevalence of 56.6%, 40.4%, 36.0%, and 6.8% respectively. The factors related to the infections were also investigated. Detection of the antibodies against examined viruses and Anaplasma spp. indicated the widespread of these infections. So far to our knowledge, this is the first study that estimates the prevalence and distribution of MVV and SBV antibodies in Saudi Arabia. Both RVFV and BTV are widespread in KSA, causing Viremia in 7.2% and 25% respectively of total samples. These findings suggested that parasitic and viral infections are considered as important health risks for sheep and goats. For this reason, the current study introduces invaluable information for different governmental agencies for dealing with infection control meausers.
The Relationship Between Mental Preparation Strategies and Motor Performance: A Review and Critique

This paper reviews the mental practice literature as well as more current research on the effect of specific mental preparation strategies on skilled performance. A synopsis of the mental practice literature indicated that mental practice was generally effective in enhancing performance. For maximum effectiveness, mental practice should be used in conjunction with physical practice and should not be thought of as a replacement for physical practice. The degree of effectiveness of mental practice is dependent on a number of variables, such as conceptualizing ability, previous experience, task type, and length of practice session. Recently, researchers have begun to study the effect of specific mental preparation on motor performance. Some of the more popular techniques include imagery, selfefficacy statements, attentional focus, preparatory arousal, and relaxation. In addition, several recent techniques such as stress innoculation training and visuomotor behavior rehearsal use a combination of the techniqu.
Discrete Morse functions from lexicographic orders

This paper shows how to construct a discrete Morse function with a relatively small number of critical cells for the order complex of any finite poset with O and I from any lexicographic order on its maximal chains. Specifically, if we attach facets according to the lexicographic order on maximal chains, then each facet contributes at most one new face which is critical, and at most one Betti number changes; facets which do not change the homotopy type also do not contribute any critical faces. Dimensions of critical faces as well as a description of which facet attachments change the homotopy type are provided in terms of interval systems associated to the facets. As one application, the Mobius function may be computed as the alternating sum of Morse numbers. The above construction enables us to prove that the poset Π n /S λ of partitions of a set {1 λ 1,. ,k λ k} with repetition is homotopy equivalent to a wedge of spheres of top dimension when A is a hook-shaped partition; it is likely that the proof may be extended to a larger class of A and perhaps to all A, despite a result of Ziegler (1986) which shows that Π n /S λ is not always Cohen-Macaulay.
Multivariate Analysis of Near-Infrared Spectra by Wavelet Domain Regression Using Genetic Algorithm

To take advantages of multiscale property of near infrared (NIR) spectra, a new hybrid algorithm (GA-WPLS) was proposed for developing the multivariate regression model in the wavelet domain instead of the spectra domain. At first, wavelet packet transform (WPT) algorithm and its reconstruction algorithm are employed to split the raw spectra into different frequency components in wavelet domain. Then the prediction models are developed by the WPT-based partial least squares (WPLS) algorithm where each component is characterized by the weighted regression coefficient. Through performance comparison of these WPLS-based models, the optimized decomposition level can be determined. At last, based on the components obtained with the optimized decomposition level, the genetic algorithm is used to select the informative components as the input data of WPLS-based regression model. To validate the GA-WPLS algorithm, it was applied to measure the original extract concentration of beer. Compared with the conventional PLS algorithm, the GA-WPLS algorithm can greatly improve the prediction ability of NIR multivariate models with the prediction errors decreasing by up to 72.3%, indicating that it is an efficient way for developing promising model using NIR spectra.
‘Wherever I lay my head is home’ – young people's experience of home in the Brazilian street environment

Although academic research on street children is increasing, few have discussed the multiple meanings of home, as well as young people's perspectives on their homeless status. Drawing on several qualitative fieldwork studies in Salvador, Brazil, this article explores the ‘home’ narratives of a group seldom appraised: the grown-up ‘street children’ of the 1980s and 1990s. Although many of these young people may be described as homeless in a territorial sense, their narratives demonstrate the complex ways in which many feel or have felt at home in the streets of a middle-class neighbourhood. The feeling of being at home is closely interlinked to aspects they find important in their everyday lives, namely that of autonomy, safety and belonging. This analysis illustrates earlier ignored dimensions of why young people choose the street rather than home, and in addition, challenges some common definitions and assumptions.
Biological, Social-Environmental, and Psychological Dialecticism: An Integrated Model of Aging

Noting social-environmental and psychological factors as moderators of biological systems, a dialecticism involving these forces is proposed to account for physical changes and declines throughout adulthood. A sampling of research indicating psychosocial and social-cognitive constructs, lifestyle, and contextual elements to influence rates of morbidity and mortality is presented, and how these factors may advance the aging clock is discussed. A contextually grounded model of older adults' health behavior decision making is also introduced, and several areas where social psychologists may become active in research that illuminates processes of successful aging are described.
Home ownership, ideology and diversity: Re‐evaluating concepts of housing ideology in the case of Japan

Traditionally, theories of home ownership ideology have emphasised its significance in maintaining social stability and political legitimacy, particularly in recent decades and in Anglo‐Saxon dominated societies (Kemeny 1981, 1986, 1992, Forrest 1983, Marcuse 1987). Underlying these claims are ranges of assumptions concerning the nature of ideology or the systems of values and beliefs surrounding home ownership. This paper attempts to challenge these ideological and theoretical assumptions that have dominated housing studies since the 1970's. This challenge takes the form of a critique of the crude model of ideology applied by housing theorists. Alternatively, normalisation and discourse, the subjective meanings of housing and dwelling, and family and cultural practices are emphasised in understanding the relationship between tenure, hegemony and ideology. A comparative approach is also identified as an effective tool in revealing the nature and practice of home ownership values and ideologies. The case of Japan is drawn upon to demonstrate divergence in the role and effect of home ownership and ideology, and to undermine the ‘eternal truths’ applied to housing and home ownership in the European and Anglo‐Saxon context.
Creating New Discursive Arenas and Influencing the Policies of the State: The Case of the Muslim Council of Britain

English While the majority of British Muslim organizations established by the first generation of immigrants tend to work within ``ethnic colonies'', the organizations made up by an increasing number of the second generation critically and creatively engage in public debates. One such organization is the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) that strives to represent the interests of all British Muslims vis-à-vis the government. The author analyses the efforts of the MCB to create a Muslim public sphere and to influence the policies of the State. It proposes to think about the public sphere not as singular but as multiple public spheres in which members of different social groups discuss issues with one another and then compete to get their views on the political agenda. Thus, it emphasizes the diversity of the Muslim population in the country and the conflicts within it. French Si la majorité des organisations musulmanes en Grande-Bretagne, établies par la première génération des immigrés, a tendance à travailler dans ‘‘les colonies ethniques’’, les organisations composées par un nombre croissant de membres de la deuxième génération s’engagent dans des débats publics, de manière créative et critique. Une telle organisation est incarnée par le Conseil Musulman de la Grande-Bretagne (MCB), qui essaye de représenter les intérěts de tous les musulmans britanniques auprès du gouvernement. L’auteur analyse les efforts du MCB pour créer un espace public musulman et influencer la politique du gouvernement. Il propose de considérer l’espace public non pas en tant qu’espace unique, mais comme de multiples espaces publics dans lesquels les membres de divers groupes sociaux s’engagent dans des échanges de vues avant d’entrer en concurrence pour faire apparatre leurs points de vue dans le domaine politique. Ainsi, il souligne la diversité de la population musulmane dans ce pays et les conflits qui s’y développent.
Partnership in Action: Introducing family‐based intervention for children with disability in urban slums of Kolkata, India

This paper presents the processes and findings of a three‐year action research project implemented in a small number of urban slums in the city of Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta), the capital of the state of West Bengal in Eastern India. The project involved partnership between an established institute for cerebral palsy in Kolkata, two United Kingdom (UK) universities and three non‐government organisations working on community development in the urban slums of Kolkata. These diverse groups working jointly were able to reach low‐income, disadvantaged families with low literacy skills, providing individualised home‐based intervention for their child with disabilities.
The effect of executive functions training on the rate of executive functions and academic performance of students with learning disability

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this research was to investigate the efficacy of executive functions training on working memory and response inhibition in improving executive functions and academic performance of female students with spelling learning disability. Methods: The design of this research was experimental. Therefore, 45 third grade elementary female students with spelling learning disability were selected through multistage random cluster sampling. These students were randomly assigned into three groups (two experimental groups and one control group, each group consisted of 15 students). Experimental group 1, received working memory training and experimental group 2, received response inhibition training. The instruments were NEPSY test, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children — Revised (WISC-R), Scale for Identifying Students with Spelling Learning Disability (SISSLD), and Spelling Academic Performance Test. Executive functions training were employed on experimental groups. Data was analysed by Mancova analysis. Results: Findings indicated that executive functions training on working memory and response inhibition can improve executive functions and spelling performance of students. Discussion: The findings showed that executive functions training can be used as an intervention method in improvement of executive functions and spelling difficulty in female students with spelling learning disability.
A Novel Monoclonal Antibody against the Extracellular Domain of GPIbβ Modulates vWF Mediated Platelet Adhesion

Summary GPIb is disulfide-linked to GPIbα to form GPIb, a platelet receptor for von Willebrand factor (vWF). GPIb is in turn non covalently linked to GPIX and GPV to form the GPIb/V/IX complex. Apart from its contribution to controlling surface expression of the complex, the exact function of GPIbβ is not well established due to a lack of suitable ligands or antibodies. The present report describes a monoclonal antibody (RAM.1) that labeled the 26 kDa GPIbβ subunit on western blots and coprecipitated the three subunits of the GPIb/IX complex from lysates of platelets and transfected CHO and K562 cells. RAM.1 bound to GPIbβ deleted of its intracellular domain whereas Gi27, directed against intracellular GPIbβ, did not. Using synthetic peptides, the RAM.1 epitope was mapped to a putative cysteine loop within the COOH-terminal leucine-rich flanking region. In functional assays, RAM.1 had no effect on platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen or thrombin, but inhibited ristocetin induced platelet agglutination and botrocetin induced vWF binding. RAM.1 inhibited adhesion of GPIb/V/IX transfected K562 cells to a vWF matrix under flow, increased their rolling velocity and decreased the resistance of cells to detachment at high shear. This study suggests a role of GPIbβ in modulating the adhesive properties of GPIb/V/IX and describes a useful tool to analyze the exact functions of GPIbβ.
Children's Perception of Pictorial Metaphor

Abstract Pictures for children commonly contain pictorial metaphor. This non‐mimetic information supplements, clarifies or renders unambiguous properties or actions represented in the mimetic parts of a picture. Children's perception of some pictorial metaphors may not be wholly by processing them as metaphors or implied analogies but as word‐like figures. Some evidence is presented which may support this view.
Trait Negative Affect Relates to Prior-Week Symptoms, But Not to Reports of Illness Episodes, Illness Symptoms, and Care Seeking Among Older Persons

Objective Use the commonsense model of self-regulation to generate and test hypotheses about the relationships of trait negative affect (NA) and self-assessed health (SAH) to reports of current symptoms (acute and chronic), episodes of illness, and use of health care during illness in a sample of elderly, community-dwelling respondents. Trait NA and SAH were compared with the properties of the illness episodes in models predicting the use of medical care. Methods Data were obtained from two successive annual interviews (N = 790 and 719, respectively) conducted with elderly respondents (mean age = 73 years). Results Both NA and SAH correlated (positively and negatively, respectively) with reports of prior-week acute and chronic symptoms at each of the two interviews. Trait NA and SAH also predicted changes in prior-week symptoms 1 year later. Neither trait NA nor SAH was related to reports of acute illness episodes, but each showed a very small relationship to reports of chronic illness episodes. Neither trait NA nor SAH predicted the average number of symptoms reported during acute or chronic episodes. The use of medical care during acute and chronic illness episodes was related to the properties of the episode: reported duration, novelty, and severity. Neither NA nor SAH predicted use of care for acute episodes; SAH was related to use of care for chronic episodes. Worry about the illness episode, but not trait NA, was related to care seeking for participants interviewed during a chronic episode. Conclusions Trait NA does not bias elderly adults’ reports of symptoms, illness episodes, symptom reports for episodes, or the use of health care. Both NA and SAH reflect independent sources of common sense and self-knowledge, and each contributes valid information about the elderly individuals’ perceptions of their somatic states.
The fourth dimension: A motoric perspective on the anxiety–performance relationship

ABSTRACT This article focuses on raising concern that anxiety–performance relationship theory has insufficiently catered for motoric issues during, primarily, closed and self-paced skill execution (e.g., long jump and javelin throw). Following a review of current theory, we address the under-consideration of motoric issues by extending the three-dimensional model put forward by Cheng, Hardy, and Markland (2009) (‘Toward a three-dimensional conceptualization of performance anxiety: Rationale and initial measurement development, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10, 271–278). This fourth dimension, termed skill establishment, comprises the level and consistency of movement automaticity together with a performer's confidence in this specific process, as providing a degree of robustness against negative anxiety effects. To exemplify this motoric influence, we then offer insight regarding current theories’ misrepresentation that a self-focus of attention toward an already well-learned skill always leads to a negative performance effect. In doing so, we draw upon applied literature to distinguish between positive and negative self-foci and suggest that on what and how a performer directs their attention is crucial to the interaction with skill establishment and, therefore, performance. Finally, implications for skill acquisition research are provided. Accordingly, we suggest a positive potential flow from applied/translational to fundamental/theory-generating research in sport which can serve to freshen and usefully redirect investigation into this long-considered but still insufficiently understood concept.
The Moral Setting for Governance in Keonjhar: The Cultural Framing of Public Episodes and Development Processes in Northern Orissa, India

Classic ethnographic monographs on eastern India had pinpointed profound changes in political organization. In recent decades, ethnography has avoided policy-relevant research in line with a general narrowing of research. Current donor interests in governance reform have created new opportunities. In Orissa, the authors have researched trends in governance and can confirm a major disjuncture between community structures and government rule, so supporting a trend and social analysis that others have too readily dismissed as “anarcho-communitarian”. The tribal villagers studied were wary of all rule, and experienced the state as a site of humiliation rather than of empowerment. They were expected to respect the officials as “proxy parents” but would not, as uncouth aborigines, be treated in turn as “sons”. The type of governance reform envisaged by donors depends on officialdom with a lighter touch. This will require ethnographic understanding and intensive inputs to counter tenacious ideas of rule over non-equivalent citizens.