Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Islet Endothelial Activation and Oxidative Stress Gene Expression Is Reduced by IL-1Ra Treatment in the Type 2 Diabetic GK Rat

Background Inflammation followed by fibrosis is a component of islet dysfunction in both rodent and human type 2 diabetes. Because islet inflammation may originate from endothelial cells, we assessed the expression of selected genes involved in endothelial cell activation in islets from a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes, the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat. We also examined islet endotheliuml/oxidative stress (OS)/inflammation-related gene expression, islet vascularization and fibrosis after treatment with the interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Methodology/Principal Findings Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR on islets isolated from 10-week-old diabetic GK and control Wistar rats. Furthermore, GK rats were treated s.c twice daily with IL-1Ra (Kineret, Amgen, 100 mg/kg/day) or saline, from 4 weeks of age onwards (onset of diabetes). Four weeks later, islet gene analysis and pancreas immunochemistry were performed. Thirty-two genes were selected encoding molecules involved in endothelial cell activation, particularly fibrinolysis, vascular tone, OS, angiogenesis and also inflammation. All genes except those encoding angiotensinogen and epoxide hydrolase (that were decreased), and 12-lipoxygenase and vascular endothelial growth factor (that showed no change), were significantly up-regulated in GK islets. After IL-1Ra treatment of GK rats in vivo, most selected genes implied in endothelium/OS/immune cells/fibrosis were significantly down-regulated. IL-1Ra also improved islet vascularization, reduced fibrosis and ameliorated glycemia. Conclusions/Significance GK rat islets have increased mRNA expression of markers of early islet endothelial cell activation, possibly triggered by several metabolic factors, and also some defense mechanisms. The beneficial effect of IL-1Ra on most islet endothelial/OS/immune cells/fibrosis parameters analyzed highlights a major endothelial-related role for IL-1 in GK islet alterations. Thus, metabolically-altered islet endothelium might affect the β-cell microenvironment and contribute to progressive type 2 diabetic β-cell dysfunction in GK rats. Counteracting islet endothelial cell inflammation might be one way to ameliorate/prevent β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
The role of health consciousness, food safety concern and ethical identity on attitudes and intentions towards organic food

The paper examines the roles of health consciousness, food safety concern and ethical self-identity in predicting attitude and purchase intention within the context of organic produce. A conceptual model is derived and tested via structural equation modelling. Findings indicate food safety as the most important predictor of attitude while health consciousness appears to be the least important motive in contrast to findings from some previous research. In addition, ethical self-identity is found to predict both attitudes and intention to purchase organic produce, emphasizing that respondents' identification with ethical issues affects their attitude and subsequent consumption choices.
The Roles of Self-Efficacy, Peer Interactions and Attitudes in Bully-Victim Incidents

This study examines the relationship between both bullying and victimization (as a whole and in its different forms) and: (a) self-efficacy measures; (b) peer-interactions and (c) attitudes towards bullying and victimization. It also examined whether bully/victims are a distinct group in terms of the above-mentioned variables. The sample consisted of 448 4th to 6th grade primary education pupils (206 girls, 242 boys). The results of the study clearly indicate that self-efficacy measures, peer interactions and attitudes are associated with both bullying and victimization. In particular: (a) high self-efficacy for aggression is associated with both bullying and victimization, whereas high-self efficacy for assertion and for intervening in bully/victim situations is associated with lower scores on physical victimization for boys and girls respectively; (b) higher scores on positive interactions with peers are associated with lower scores on victimization and (c) higher scores on pro-bully attitudes are associated with higher scores on both bullying and victimization. Bully/victims seem to be a distinct group in terms of their strong pro-bully attitudes and their lack of positive interactions. They are also found to be similar to bullies with respect to self-efficacy for aggression but similar to victims with respect to self-efficacy for assertion. The results of the study are discussed in terms of their implications for school practice and intervention policy.
Electrical burns: Highlights from a 5-year retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND Electrical burns are the third most common cause of burn injuries, after scald and flame burns. In spite of decreasing mortality rates as advancements are made in treatment modalities and medical equipment, significant complications and socioeconomic consequences still accompany electrical burns. Analyzed in the present study were data from patients hospitalized for electrical burns between 2008 and 2012 in the Samsun Training and Research Hospital, the only burn care center in the Black Sea region of Turkey. METHODS Data from 94 patients (84 males, 10 females) hospitalized for electrical burns between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Patient age, gender, occupation, presence of coexisting trauma, burn degree, burned percentage of total body surface area (TBSA), voltage of the electric current (low or high), medical cost (per day and total), and infection rates were analyzed. RESULTS Mean patient age was 26.4±13.2 years. Ten patients were female (10.6%) and 84 were male (89.4%). High-voltage burns were sustained by 47 patients (50%) and low-voltage burns by 42 (44.7%); the remaining 5 were flash burns. Mean burned TBSA was 21.8±19.8% in high-voltage injuries and 11.9±6.9% in low-voltage injuries. Seven patients had accompanying soft tissue lacerations, major bone fractures, or epidural hematomas. Findings of infection were encountered in 31 patients (32.9%), and appropriate treatments were initiated according to culture results. Mean duration of hospitalization was 21.3±19.8 days in patients with high-voltage burns and 8.6±6.2 days in patients with low-voltage burns. Mean hospital stay was 2.5-fold longer, and total medical costs were 4-fold higher in patients with high-voltage burns. CONCLUSION Young adult males who were injured in industrial accidents constituted the majority of high-voltage burn patients. Incidence of these injuries may be reduced by improvements in training regarding the safe use of electrical devices, and correct installation and safe maintenance of power grids, as well as by a review of occupational safety regulations.
Penrose, critical realism and the evolution of business knowledge: A methodological reappraisal

Abstract This article examines the challenge of modifying orthodox ‘case study’ approaches to the growth of firms and interorganizational networks in the light of recent work on the evolution of business knowledge.We suggest that a modified Penrosian framework, combined with a qualified application of critical realist practices, could contribute to more coherent and insightful theorizing in this area.We begin with a critique of Edith Penrose’s legacy, including her efforts to initiate a historically informed tradition of social scientific research on the growth of the firm.We go on to consider the explanatory potential of critical realism, when adopted as a methodological adjunct to neo-Penrosian theorizing. Our main proposition is illustrated through a superfactual reinterpretation of certain aspects of the historical case study of the Rover Company (1896–1982) conducted by Richard Whipp and Peter Clark (1986).
Effects of the Chromosome Partitioning Protein Spo0J (ParB) on oriC Positioning and Replication Initiation in Bacillus subtilis

ABSTRACT Spo0J (ParB) of Bacillus subtilis is a DNA-binding protein that belongs to a conserved family of proteins required for efficient plasmid and chromosome partitioning in many bacterial species. We found that Spo0J contributes to the positioning of the chromosomal oriC region, but probably not by recruiting the origin regions to specific subcellular locations. In wild-type cells during exponential growth, duplicated origin regions were generally positioned around the cell quarters. In a spo0J null mutant, sister origin regions were often closer together, nearer to midcell. We found, by using a Spo0J-green fluorescent protein [GFP] fusion, that the subcellular location of Spo0J was a consequence of the chromosomal positions of the Spo0J binding sites. When an array of binding sites (parS sites) were inserted at various chromosomal locations in the absence of six of the eight known parS sites, Spo0J-GFP was no longer found predominantly at the cell quarters, indicating that Spo0J is not sufficient to recruit chromosomal parS sites to the cell quarters. spo0J also affected chromosome positioning during sporulation. A spo0J null mutant showed an increase in the number of cells with some origin-distal regions located in the forespore. In addition, a spo0J null mutation caused an increase in the number of foci per cell of LacI-GFP bound to arrays of lac operators inserted in various positions in the chromosome, including the origin region, an increase in the DNA-protein ratio, and an increase in origins per cell, as determined by flow cytometry. These results indicate that the spo0J mutant produced a significant proportion of cells with increased chromosome content, probably due to increased and asynchronous initiation of DNA replication.
Patterns of microbial diversity along a salinity gradient in the Guerrero Negro solar saltern, Baja CA Sur, Mexico

The goal of this study was to use environmental sequencing of 16S rRNA and bop genes to compare the diversity of planktonic bacteria and archaea across ponds with increasing salinity in the Exportadora de Sal (ESSA) evaporative saltern in Guerrero Negro, Baja CA S. , Mexico. We hypothesized that diverse communities of heterotrophic bacteria and archaea would be found in the ESSA ponds, but that bacterial diversity would decrease relative to archaea at the highest salinities. Archaeal 16S rRNA diversity was higher in Ponds 11 and 12 (370 and 380 g l−1 total salts, respectively) compared to Pond 9 (180 g l−1 total salts). Both Pond 11 and 12 communities had high representation (47 and 45% of clones, respectively) by Haloquadratum walsbyi-like (99% similarity) lineages. The archaeal community in Pond 9 was dominated (79%) by a single uncultured phylotype with 99% similarity to sequences recovered from the Sfax saltern in Tunisia. This pattern was mirrored in bop gene diversity with greater numbers of highly supported phylotypes including many Haloquadratum-like sequences from the two highest salinity ponds. In Pond 9, most bop sequences, were not closely related to sequences in databases. Bacterial 16S rRNA diversity was higher than archaeal in both Pond 9 and Pond 12 samples, but not Pond 11, where a non-Salinibacter lineage within the Bacteroidetes >98% similar to environmental clones recovered from Lake Tuz in Turkey and a saltern in Chula Vista, CA was most abundant (69% of community). This OTU was also the most abundant in Pond 12, but only represented 14% of clones in the more diverse pond. The most abundant OTU in Pond 9 (33% of community) was 99% similar to an uncultured gammaproteobacterial clone from the Salton Sea. Results suggest that the communities of saltern bacteria and archaea vary even in ponds with similar salinity and further investigation into the ecology of diverse, uncultured halophile communities is warranted.
Sociodemographic predictors of recall and recognition of colorectal cancer symptoms and anticipated delay in help- seeking in a multiethnic Asian population.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Malaysia. The prognosis of the disease is excellent if detected at an early stage, but the majority of Malaysian patients present at late stages. We aimed to assess the awareness of cancer warning signs and anticipated delay in help-seeking as possible contributors to this phenomenon. MATERIALS AND METHODS A population-based cross-sectional survey using the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Measure was initiated in Perak, Malaysia. A total of 2,379 respondents aged 18 years and above were recruited using a multi-stage sampling in five locations. Analysis of covariance was used to examine independent sociodemographic predictors of scores for symptom awareness. RESULTS Younger age, being female, a higher education, and higher income were significantly associated with better scores for both recall and recognition of warning symptoms. Among the ethnic groups, Malays had better recognition of symptoms whereas Chinese recalled the most symptoms. Passing bloody stool was associated with the least anticipated delay and unexplained anal pain had the highest anticipated delay. CONCLUSIONS The level of awareness across all ethnicities in Malaysia is generally low, especially among minorities. Targeted public education, which is culturally and linguistically appropriate, should be developed to encourage early help-seeking and improve clinical outcomes.
DAD'S DOUBLE BINDS

This study addressed the issues of how men experienced their emotional adjustment to the death of a child from cancer, as well as how they dealt with the normative imperatives of the bereaved father role. Taking a men's studies perspective, the analysis started from the assumption that our present understanding of the parental mourning process may be shaped by a tendency to apply and operationalize concepts formulated through the study of grieving mothers rather than fathers. Interviews and questionnaires were used to gather qualitative data from 55 men whose children had died 10 months to 5 years previously. Results indicated that fathers' approaches to grief were often cognitive and solitary; the men defined both the experience and expression of negative affect as dangerous for themselves and those around them. Related to this was the presence of two double binds that arose from the fathers' reluctance to divulge their feelings: The first bind stemmed from the societal expectation that men should comfort their wives and the second from the cultural ideal that healthy grieving cannot be accomplished without the sharing of feelings. The manner in which men and their families resolved these binds offers us some insight into the unique aspects of men's mourning.
Gestational diabetes: prospective interview-study of the developing beliefs about health, illness and health care in migrant women.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the development over time of beliefs about health, illness and health care in migrant women with gestational diabetes mellitus born in the Middle East and living in Sweden and to study the influence on self-care and care seeking. BACKGROUND With today's extensive global migration, contact with the new society/health care confronts the migrant's culture of origin with the culture of the host country. The question is whether immigrants' patterns of beliefs about health, illness and health-related behaviour change over time, as no previous studies have been found on this topic. DESIGN A qualitative prospective exploratory study. METHODS Semi-structured interviews, with 14 women (28-44 years), on three occasions: during pregnancy in gestational weeks 34-38 and three and 14 months after delivery. RESULTS There was a U-shaped development of beliefs, from focusing on worries about the baby's health during pregnancy and trying to comply with advice from health professionals, particularly a healthy diet, through regression to dietary habits (more sugar, less fibre) and lifestyle held before being diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus three months after delivery, back to a healthy diet/lifestyle and worries 14 months after delivery but then focusing on their own risk, as mothers, of developing type 2 diabetes and being unable to care for the child. Over time, the number of persons perceiving gestational diabetes mellitus as a transient condition decreased. Respondents lacked information about gestational diabetes mellitus, diet and follow-ups. CONCLUSION Beliefs changed over time and influenced health-related behaviour. Beliefs about the seriousness of gestational diabetes mellitus among healthcare staff/care organisation influence the development of patients' beliefs and need to be considered in planning care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Pregnancy should be used as an opportunity to provide complete information about gestational diabetes mellitus and future health risks. This should continue after delivery and wishes for regular follow-ups should be met.
Application of a sample pooling method for the accelerated assessment of the rate of uptake of drugs by the brain in rats

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of applying a sample pooling method to the accelerated estimation of the uptake clearance of drugs to the brain in rats. Brain uptake clearances (CLuptake) were estimated for five model compounds using the sample pooling method and an integration plot analysis. CLuptake was also evaluated for caffeine and theophylline by brain micro‐dialysis. The parameters and throughput of the pooling method were compared with those of typically used standard methods. The correlation for CLuptake was statistically significant (P < 0.005) between the integration plot and the current method; the throughput of evaluation was 15‐fold higher for the sample pooling method. A comparison of CLuptake values indicated that the three methods showed comparable results for caffeine while the CLuptake of theophylline using the proposed method was significantly different from those of the other methods. A kinetic analysis indicated that a compound with a slower CLuptake and longer half‐life (e.g., theophylline) is more prone to error and that the lower limit of the CLuptakeof 0.17 mL min−1 (g brain)−1 may beset so as to have an error less than 20% of the estimation. These results suggest that the sample pooling method is applicable for use in the accelerated estimation of the uptake clearance of compounds in the brain for which the value is greater than 0.17 mL min−1 (g brain)−1.
Maturidade do endividamento, desenvolvimento financeiro e instituições legais: análise multinível em empresas latino-americanas

Nesta pesquisa, investiga-se a influencia de diferentes grupos de fatores na variância da maturidade do endividamento corporativo na America Latina. Para isso, foi utilizado o Modelo Linear Hierarquico, que possibilita o aninhamento de variaveis em diferentes niveis. Ao longo do estudo, procedeu-se a analise fatorial com o objetivo de mensurar o nivel de desenvolvimento financeiro e da qualidade das instituicoes dos paises da amostra. Os resultados sugerem que as variacoes, ao longo do tempo e entre as empresas, sao as maiores fontes de variacoes na maturidade do endividamento. Alem disso, o tamanho e a liquidez da empresa, a taxa real de juros e o desenvolvimento financeiro do pais sobressaem-se como principais determinantes da maturidade das dividas. Finalmente, as medidas de desenvolvimento financeiro e qualidade das instituicoes impactaram indiretamente na maturidade do endividamento por meio da variavel tamanho.
STUDENT EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTORS: A MEASURE OF TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS OR OF SOMETHING ELSE?

Student evaluations of teaching performance have been used since the 1920s, yet their validity, the techniques used to administer them, and the purposes for which they are used remain controversial (Marsh, 1984,1987; Spencer & Flyr, 1992; Wachtel, 1998). In the early years, individual instructors usually made the decision whether or not to use student evaluations, designed their own evaluation instruments, and were the only ones who saw the results. During the 1970s, however, many universities began requiring student evaluations, standardizing evaluation instruments, and scoring the evaluation results for performance appraisal purposes (Centra, 1993). Student feedback is now a component in the formal faculty performance appraisal systems of most universities (Adams, 1997; Lersch & Greek, 2001; Trout, 1997).
Rates and Correlates of Career Development

Readiness for making educational and vocational choices plays a crucial role in career decision-making (Super, 1955). The present study examined (a) personality and role correlates of career choice readiness and (b) rates of change in career choice readiness measured twice over a 1-year period. A cohort of 64 high school students (28 girls, 36 boys) completed the Career Development Inventory (CDI; Super, Thompson, Lindeman, Jordaan, & Myers, 1979), the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI; Holland, 1985a), and the Salience Inventory (SI; Super & Nevill, 1986) at the end of their freshman and sophomore years. Results supported hypothesized sex differences in CDI scores, with girls scoring higher than boys on three CDI scales. Hypothesized increases in CDI scores commensurate with grade level were not supported. Significant, albeit low to moderate, correlations between various CDI scale scores and scores on several VPI and SI scales partially supported hypothesized relationships between career development and personality and role salience.
The Impact of Prior Mathematics Achievement on the Relationship Between High School Mathematics Curricula and Postsecondary Mathematics Performance, Course-Taking, and Persistence

This retrospective study examined the impact of prior mathematics achievement on the relationship between high school mathematics curricula and student postsecondary mathematics performance. The sample (N= 4,144 from 266 high schools) was parti tioned into 3 strata by ACT mathematics scores. Students completing 3 or more years of a commercially developed curriculum, the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project curriculum, or National Science Foundation-funded curriculum comprised the sample. Of interest were comparisons of the difficulty level and grade in their initial and subsequent college mathematics courses, and the number of math ematics courses completed over 8 semesters of college work. In general, high school curriculum was not differentially related to the pattern of mathematics grades that students earned over time or to the difficulty levels of the students' mathematics course-taking patterns. There also was no relationship between high school curricula and the number of college mathematics courses completed.
Great Transformations: Economic Ideas and Institutional Change in the Twentieth Century

cmphasi/. cd thc operation of’ power (84). The outstanding notes and references at the cnd of each chapter of Wha/ Is Hi,slory N o w , which cover most fields of history, should pmvc invaluable to graduate students and diolars. However, because the volume was origitially prepared as lectures for a syrnposium held at the Institute of Historical Rcscarch, in London, its usefulness for nonspecialists is limited.