Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased serum IL-6 level time-dependently regulates hyperalgesia and spinal mu opioid receptor expression during CFA-induced arthritis

Interleukin (IL)-6 is known to cause pro- and anti-inflammatory effects during different stages of inflammation. Recent therapeutic investigations have focused on treatment of various inflammatory disorders with anti-cytokine substances. As a result, the aim of this study was to further elucidate the influence of IL-6 in hyperalgesia and edema during different stages of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis (AA) in male Wistar rats. AA was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of CFA into the rats' hindpaw. Anti-IL-6 was administered either daily or weekly during the 21 days of study. Spinal mu opioid receptor (mOR) expression was detected by Western blotting. Daily and weekly treatment with an anti-IL-6 antibody significantly decreased paw edema in the AA group compared to the AA control group. Additionally, daily and weekly anti-IL-6 administration significantly reduced hyperalgesia on day 7 in the AA group compared to the AA control group; however, there were significant increases in hyperalgesia in the antibody-treated group on days 14 and 21 compared to the AA control group. IL-6 antibody-induced increases in hyperalgesia on the 14th and 21st days after CFA injection correlated with a time-dependent, significant reduction in spinal mOR expression during anti-IL-6 treatment. Our study confirmed the important time-dependent relationship between serum IL-6 levels and hyperalgesia during AA. These results suggest that the stages of inflammation in AA must be considered for anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory interventions via anti-IL-6 antibody treatment.
International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology Maculatus (fab.) (coleoptera: Bruchidae) on Viposition and Progeny Development

Studies were carried out on the influence of the quantities of cowpea seeds, Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp. and parent cowpea weevil,Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) on oviposion and progeny development of the weevils under ambient laboratory conditions. It was observed that with the increased in the quantity of cowpea seeds or adult female, C.maculatus per quantum of cowpea seeds, there was a corresponding significant (p = 0.05) decreased in the number of eggs laid per female per cowpea seed as well as with the adult C.maculatus emergence per cowpea seed. The implications of these results are discussed. and progeny development.
Resistive Graphene FET Subharmonic Mixers: Noise and Linearity Assessment

We report on the first complete RF characterization of graphene field-effect transistor subharmonic resistive mixers in the frequency interval fRF=2-5 GHz . The analysis includes conversion loss (CL), noise figure (NF), and intermodulation distortion. Due to an 8-nm thin Al2O3 gate dielectric, the devices operate at only ~ 0 dBm of local oscillator (LO) power with an optimum measured CL in the range of 20-22 dB. The NF closely mimics the CL, thus determining the noise to be essentially thermal in origin, which is promising for cryogenic applications. The highest input third-order intercept point is measured to be 4.9 dBm at an LO power of 2 dBm.
Oscillation Control Algorithms for Resonant Sensors with Applications to Vibratory Gyroscopes

We present two oscillation control algorithms for resonant sensors such as vibratory gyroscopes. One control algorithm tracks the resonant frequency of the resonator and the other algorithm tunes it to the specified resonant frequency by altering the resonator dynamics. Both algorithms maintain the specified amplitude of oscillations. The stability of each of the control systems is analyzed using the averaging method, and quantitative guidelines are given for selecting the control gains needed to achieve stability. The effects of displacement measurement noise on the accuracy of tracking and estimation of the resonant frequency are also analyzed. The proposed control algorithms are applied to two important problems in a vibratory gyroscope. The first is the leading-following resonator problem in the drive axis of MEMS dual-mass vibratory gyroscope where there is no mechanical linkage between the two proof-masses and the second is the on-line modal frequency matching problem in a general vibratory gyroscope. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control algorithms are effective. They ensure the proof-masses to oscillate in an anti-phase manner with the same resonant frequency and oscillation amplitude in a dual-mass gyroscope, and two modal frequencies to match in a general vibratory gyroscope.
Effect of curcumin on human colon cancer multidrug resistance in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether curcumin reverses the multidrug resistance of human colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: In a vincristine-resistant cell line of human colon cancer, the cell viability of curcumin-treated cells was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Rhodamine123 efflux was evaluated to detect P-glycoprotein transporter activity, and expression of the multidrug resistance protein 1 and survivin genes was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. In addition, xenograft mouse tumors were grown and treated with curcumin. The morphology of the xenografts was investigated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The in vivo expression of the multidrug resistance gene and P-glycoprotein and survivin genes and proteins was observed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Curcumin was not obviously toxic to the vincristine-resistant human colon cancer cells at concentrations less than 25 μM, but the growth of cells was significantly inhibited. At concentrations greater than 25 μM, curcumin was toxic in a concentration-dependent manner. The sensitivity of cells to vincristine, cisplatin, fluorouracil, and hydroxycamptothecin was enhanced, intracellular Rhodamine123 accumulation was increased (p<0.05), and the expression of the multidrug resistance gene and P-glycoprotein were significantly suppressed (p<0.05). The combination of curcumin and vincristine significantly inhibited xenograft growth. The expression of the multidrug resistance protein 1 and survivin genes was significantly reduced in xenografts of curcumin-treated mice and mice treated with both curcumin and vincristine relative to control mice. CONCLUSION: Curcumin has strong reversal effects on the multidrug resistance of human colon carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.
What is the role of trust in the experience of mature students participating in learning in higher education in Ireland

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1. Aims and Objectives of the Study . 3 1.1.1. Research Question . 6 1.1.2. Why this Research? 8 1.2. Research Framework . 10 1.3. Key Concepts . 13 1.3. 1. Mature Students in Higher Education . 13 1.3. 2. Trust . 15 1.4. The Policy Context: Irish Higher Education Sector Challenges and Change . 16 1.4. 1. Policy on Mature Students in HE . 18 1.5. The contribution of my research.22 1.6. Overview of the Study . 23 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 25 2.1. The approach to the Literature Review . 25 2.2. Introduction . 26 2.2.1. Foundations of Research into the Concept of Trust . 26 2.3. Two traditions of trust research . 28 2.3. 1. Trust Literature: Integrative Approaches to Trust Research . 31 2.3. 2. McKnight et al’s Model . 33 2.3. 3. Distrust . 43 2.4. Applying McKnight’s Model to my Research . 46 2.5. Trust in Higher Educational Research . 48 2.6. Conclusion . 51 CHAPTER 3: MATURE STUDENTS AND HE EXPERIENCE IN IRELAND 53 3.
Agricultural crop monitoring using IOT - a study

The Internet of things (IOT) is remodeling the agriculture enabling the farmers with the wide range of techniques such as precision and sustainable agriculture to face challenges in the field. IOT technology helps in collecting information about conditions like weather, moisture, temperature and fertility of soil, Crop online monitoring enables detection of weed, level of water, pest detection, animal intrusion in to the field, crop growth, agriculture. IOT leverages farmers to get connected to his farm from anywhere and anytime. Wireless sensor networks are used for monitoring the farm conditions and micro controllers are used to control and automate the farm processes. To view remotely the conditions in the form of image and video, wireless cameras have been used. A smart phone empowers farmer to keep updated with the ongoing conditions of his agricultural land using IOT at any time and any part of the world. IOT technology can reduce the cost and enhance the productivity of traditional farming.
Association of Mutations in the Basal Core Promoter and Pre-core Regions of the Hepatitis B Viral Genome and Longitudinal Changes in HBV Level in HBeAg Negative Individuals: Results From a Cohort Study in Northern Iran

Background: Although certain HBV mutations are known to affect the expression of Hepatitis e antigen, their association with HBV viral level or clinical outcomes is less clear. Objectives: We evaluated associations between different mutations in the Basal Core promoter (BCP) and Pre-core (PC) regions of HBV genome and subsequent changes in HBV viral DNA level over seven years in a population of untreated HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) participants in Northeast of Iran. Materials and Methods: Participants in the current study were drawn from the Golestan Hepatitis B Cohort Study (GHBCS), a cohort of approximately 2590 HBsAg positive subjects (living in Gonbad city) embedded in the Golestan Cohort Study (GCS). At baseline, HBsAg was measured in all participants and revealed 2590 HBsAg positive cases. We randomly selected 304 participants who their blood sample were taken at both baseline and seven years later in follow-up and had not been treated for HBV during this time. HBV viral load were assessed at baseline and at year 7. The BCP and PC regions of the HBV DNA, at baseline, were amplified via hemi-nested PCR and sequenced by cycle sequencing. At year 7, liver stiffness was assessed by fibroscan; also, other parameters of liver disease were assessed following standard clinical protocols. Associations were assessed via tabulation, chi-square, t-tests and logistic regression. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant and all tests were two-sided. Results: Among 304 HBsAg positive participants, 99 had detectable HBV DNA at study baseline. Of these, 61.6% had PC mutations (48.5% A1896 and 25.2% G1899). In contrast to other mutations, A1896 was associated with a higher proportion of detectable HBV DNA at year 7 (39.6%) compared to patients with the wild type (13.7%) (OR: 4.36, CI95% = 1.63-11.70; P Value = 0.002). Although participants with the A1896 mutation had higher year-7 HBV viral load than participants with G1896 (2.30 ± 1.66 IU/mL vs. 1.76 ± 1 IU/mL among patients with detectable HBV; P value = 0.052), no association was observed with either serum level ALT or liver stiffness. Interestingly, mutations in the basal core promoter (BCP) region had no significant effect on virus DNA detection. Conclusions: In this population with chronic HBeAg negative hepatitis B, an association was observed between the G1896A mutation in the Pre-core region of HBV and subsequent level of HBV DNA seven years later, which indicated that mutations in this region of HBV genome may contribute to disease progression in these patients and play an important role in HBV natural course of disease.
A New Single Work Bout Test to Estimate Critical Power and Anaerobic Work Capacity

Bergstrom, HC, Housh, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Camic, CL, Traylor, DA, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. A new single work bout test to estimate critical power and anaerobic work capacity. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 656–663, 2012—The purpose of this study was to develop a 3-minute, all-out test protocol using the Monark cycle ergometer for estimating the critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC) with the resistance based on body weight. Twelve moderately trained adults (mean age ± SD = 23.2 ± 3.5 years) performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. The CP and AWC were estimated from the original work limit (Wlim) vs. time limit (Tlim) relationship (CPPT) and a 3-minute all-out test (CP3min) against a fixed resistance and compared with the CP and AWC estimated from the new 3-minute tests on the Monark cycle ergometer (CP3.5% and CP4.5%). The resistance values for the CP3.5% and CP4.5% tests were set at 3.5 and 4.5% of the subject's body weight (kilograms). The results indicated that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among mean CP values for CPPT (178 ± 47 W), CP3.5% (173 ± 40 W), and CP4.5% (186 ± 44 W). The mean CP3min (193 ± 54 W), however, was significantly greater than CPPT and CP3.5%. There were no significant differences in AWC for the CPPT (13,412 ± 6,247 J), CP3min (10,895 ± 2,923 J), and CP4.5% (9,842 ± 4,394 J). The AWC values for the CPPT and CP3min, however, were significantly greater than CP3.5% (8,357 ± 2,946 J). The results of this study indicated that CP and AWC could be estimated from a single 3-minute work bout test on the Monark cycle ergometer with the resistance set at 4.5% of the body weight. A single work bout test with the resistance based on the individual's body weight provides a practical and accessible method to estimate CP and AWC.
New parameters for Fuchsian groups of genus 2

We give a new real-analytic embedding of the Teichmiiller space of closed Riemann surfaces of genus 2 into R6. The parameters are explicitly defined in terms of the underlying hyperbolic geometry. The embedding is accomplished by writing down four matrices in PSL(2, ), where the entries in these matrices are explicit algebraic functions of the parameters. Explicit inequalities are given to define the image of the embedding; the four matrices corresponding to a point in this image generate a fuchsian group representing a closed Riemann surface of genus 2. In this note we introduce a new, canonical, real-analytic embedding of the Teichmiiller space T2, of closed Riemann surfaces of genus 2, onto an explicitly defined region R C R6. The embedding is defined in terms of the underlying hyperbolic geometry; in particular, the parameters are elementary functions of lengths of simple closed geodesics, and angles and distances between simple closed geodesics. We start with a specific marked Riemann surface So, and a specific set of normalized (non-standard) generators, ao, bo, co, do E PSL(2, R), for the fuchsian group Go representing So. Then we can realize a point in T2 as a set of appropriately normalized generators a, b, c, d E PSL(2, I) for the fuchsian group G representing a deformation S of So. We write the entries in the generators, a,. , d, as elementary functions of eight parameters, all defined in terms of the underlying hyperbolic geometry, and we write down explicit formulae expressing two of these parameters as functions of the other six. Three of our six parameters are necessarily positive; we give two additional inequalities to obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the group G C PSL(2, R), generated by a,. ,d, to be an appropriately normalized quasiconformal deformation of Go. There is a related embedding in [3], where the parameters are fixed points of hyperbolic elements of G. As in [3], we identify the Teichmiiller space with DY), the identity component of the space of discrete faithful representations of 7rl(So) into PSL(2, ) modulo conjugation. The main differences between these two embeddings is that in [3] the four matrices do not have unit determinant and the parameters there are defined in terms of fixed points of elements of the group; here our matrices do have unit determinant, and the parameters are defined in terms of the underlying hyperbolic geometry. Received by the editors October 20, 1997 and, in revised form, February 20, 1998. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 30F10; Secondary 32G15. Research supported in part by NSF Grant DMS 9500557. (? 1999 American Mathematical Society
ROS signaling by NADPH oxidase 5 modulates the proliferation and survival of prostate carcinoma cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of male cancer death in Western nations. Thus, new treatment modalities are urgently needed. Elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes is implicated in tumorigenesis of the prostate and other tissues. However, the identity of the Nox enzyme(s) involved in prostate carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. Analysis of radical prostatectomy tissue samples and benign and malignant prostate epithelial cell lines identified Nox5 as an abundantly expressed Nox isoform. Consistently, immunohistochemical staining of a human PCa tissue microarray revealed distinct Nox5 expression in epithelial cells of benign and malignant prostatic glands. shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Nox5 impaired proliferation of Nox5‐expressing (PC‐3, LNCaP) but not Nox5‐negative (DU145) PCa cell lines. Similar effects were observed upon ROS ablation via the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine confirming ROS as the mediators. In addition, Nox5 silencing increased apoptosis of PC‐3 cells. Concomitantly, protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) protein levels and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation were reduced. Moreover, the effect of Nox5 knockdown on PC‐3 cell proliferation could be mimicked by pharmacological inhibition of JNK. Collectively, these data indicate that Nox5 is expressed at functionally relevant levels in the human prostate and clinical PCa. Moreover, findings herein suggest that Nox5‐derived ROS and subsequent depletion of PKCζ and JNK inactivation play a critical role in modulating intracellular signaling cascades involved in the proliferation and survival of PCa cells. © 2014 The Authors. Molecular Carcinogenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Female Labour Force Participation and Economic Development in Southern Mediterranean Countries: What Scenarios for 2030?

This paper investigates the relationship between female labour force participation rates and economic growth in southern Mediterranean countries. A two-step methodology involving econometric estimations and the use of a general equilibrium model was used for this purpose. The econometric estimations suggest that there is a U-shaped relationship between economic growth and female labour force participation rates and they indicate the presence of region-specific barriers impeding women's entry into the labour force in southern Mediterranean countries. The econometric results were fed into a general equilibrium model, the GEM-E3-MEDPRO, which was used to simulate two alternative assumptions on developments in female labour participation rates in the region up to 2030. The first of these simulated changes in female labour force participation rates arising from income level trends projected for the period 2015–2030 in southern Mediterranean countries. The second assumed the lowering of region-specific barriers which deter female labour force participation. The results of these simulations suggest that lower female labour force participation rates may lead to marginally lower economic growth in the region, while the removal of region-specific barriers to female labour force participation may encourage economic growth. This has important policy implications, suggesting that policies intended to remove such barriers could help to promote the growth of the region's economies.
'At the Hospital There are No Human Rights': Reproductive and Sexual Rights Violations of Women Living with HIV in Namibia

This report documents the ongoing stigma and discrimination of women living with HIV in Namibia, building on prior findings and investigations on the subject, such as the 2008 research conducted by the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW) and the Namibian Women's Health Network (NWHN). The report, based upon both desk research and a field mission, examines the human rights situation related to sexual and reproductive health of women living with HIV, including the gravity and ongoing nature of forced and coerced sterilizations in Namibia. The report also provides evidence of violations of informed consent in the context of HIV testing, breaches of patient confidentiality, and denial of information to HIV-positive patients. It further considers how persistent stereotypes and gender-based violence contribute to stigma and discrimination in this context. Finally, the report explores how all these issues are interrelated and mutually reinforce the prevention of equal treatment of women living with HIV in Namibia.
Three Case Studies from Switzerland : E-Voting

Since 1998, the Swiss government has actively pursued the implementation of electronic voting ("e-voting") in its elections. This case study examines how these systems have worked in the test cantons of Geneva and Zurich. The evidence and analysis in this case study suggest that e-voting might serve as a powerful tool to augment the participation rate, the quality of voting, and aid in the implementation of political rights. This study also evaluates the risks of e-voting, noting that the concerns around integrity often associated with electronic voting have for the most part not materialized in the Swiss case. Questions such as the digital divide in access to networked technologies are also a real concern that should be addressed by the government as it expands the system. Available at: http://cyber.law. harvard.edu/sites/cyber.law. harvard.edu/files/Gerlach-Gasser_SwissCases_Evoting. pdf
Realigning business, government and civil society

Purpose – This article aims to explore the character of an emerging model of corporate social responsibility (CSR)‐oriented societal governance in an exchange theoretical perspective and to examine the distinctive characteristics of the relations between civil society, business and government in the new model and the drivers behind it.Design/methodology/approach – By analyzing typical roles and role‐sets in political, commercial and regulatory exchange, the article pin‐points characteristics of the embedded relational governance/CSR model contrasted against liberal governance and the Keynesian welfare state. The analysis is stylized and conceptually based, in line with the Weberian ideal type concept and brings out stylized juxtapositions of the three governance models based on previous studies.Findings – An emerging model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) or embedded relational governance seems to share the basic market orientation of the liberal model, yet, at the same time, sharing many of the s.
A Disputing Perspective on Post-Merger Integration

This conceptual paper presents a novel approach to study post-merger integration based on the disputing perspective. The issue is at the center of the post-merger investigation process. Particular attention is paid to how both parties frame the issue, why it is framed that way, which position is taken on the issue and which strategy will be used to deal with the disagreement. Such a process model is consistent with recent arguments that how the integration process is managed is potentially more relevant than fit between merger partners. The way in which early disagreements are managed, settled and resolved, could from this perspective be very important in defining the subsequent structure of disputes. Adopting this perspective in the study of the human side of mergers will allow us to arrive at a better understanding of post-merger integration.