Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The central role of aquaporins in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke

Stroke is a complex and devastating neurological condition with limited treatment options. Brain edema is a serious complication of stroke. Early edema formation can significantly contribute to infarct formation and thus represents a promising target. Aquaporin (AQP) water channels contribute to water homeostasis by regulating water transport and are implicated in several disease pathways. At least 7 AQP subtypes have been identified in the rodent brain and the use of transgenic mice has greatly aided our understanding of their functions. AQP4, the most abundant channel in the brain, is up-regulated around the peri-infarct border in transient cerebral ischemia and AQP4 knockout mice demonstrate significantly reduced cerebral edema and improved neurological outcome. In models of vasogenic edema, brain swelling is more pronounced in AQP4-null mice than wild-type providing strong evidence of the dual role of AQP4 in the formation and resolution of both vasogenic and cytotoxic edema. AQP4 is co-localized with inwardly rectifying K+-channels (Kir4.1) and glial K+ uptake is attenuated in AQP4 knockout mice compared to wild-type, indicating some form of functional interaction. AQP4-null mice also exhibit a reduction in calcium signaling, suggesting that this channel may also be involved in triggering pathological downstream signaling events. Associations with the gap junction protein Cx43 possibly recapitulate its role in edema dissipation within the astroglial syncytium. Other roles ascribed to AQP4 include facilitation of astrocyte migration, glial scar formation, modulation of inflammation and signaling functions. Treatment of ischemic cerebral edema is based on the various mechanisms in which fluid content in different brain compartments can be modified. The identification of modulators and inhibitors of AQP4 offer new therapeutic avenues in the hope of reducing the extent of morbidity and mortality in stroke.
Self-Determination Theory in the Clinic: Motivating Physical and Mental Health

Self-determination theory is grounded in the belief that people work best and are happiest when they feel that they are in control of their own lives. This invaluable book explains the ramifications of the theory and provides clinical examples to show that it can be used to motivate patients undergoing treatment for such physical or psychological issues as diabetes management, smoking cessation, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. The first part of the book provides historical background to self-determination theory, showing that it is humanistically oriented and has three decades of empirical research behind it. In the process, the authors discuss why humanistic psychology fell out of favor in academic psychology; why "self-help" and New Age books have such perennial popularity; and why it is so important for authorities to support patients' sense of self. The remainder of the book presents many specific case examples to describe the theory's application.
Investigating online recognition for blood donor retention : an experiential donor value approach

Recognising that charitable behaviour can be motivated by public recognition and emotional satisfaction, not-for-profit organisations have developed strategies that leverage self-interest over altruism by facilitating individuals to donate conspicuously. Initially developed as novel marketing programs to increase donation income, such conspicuous tokens of recognition are being recognised as important value propositions to nurture donor relationships. Despite this, there is little empirical evidence that identifies when donations can be increased through conspicuous recognition. Furthermore, social media’s growing popularity for self-expression, as well as the increasing use of technology in donor relationship management strategies, makes an examination of virtual conspicuous tokens of recognition in relation to what value donors seek particularly insightful. Therefore, this research examined the impact of experiential donor value and virtual conspicuous tokens of recognition on blood donor intentions. Using online survey data from 186 Australian blood donors, results show that in fact emotional value is a stronger predictor of intentions to donate blood than altruistic value, while social value is the strongest predictor of intentions if provided with recognition. Clear linkages between dimensions of donor value (altruistic, emotional and social) and conspicuous donation behaviour (CDB) were identified. The findings provide valuable insights into the use of conspicuous donation tokens of recognition on social media, and contribute to our understanding into the under-researched areas of donor value and CDB.
A Computational Approach to Developing Mathematical Models of Polyploid Meiosis

Mathematical models of meiosis that relate offspring to parental genotypes through parameters such as meiotic recombination frequency have been difficult to develop for polyploids. Existing models have limitations with respect to their analytic potential, their compatibility with insights into mechanistic aspects of meiosis, and their treatment of model parameters in terms of parameter dependencies. In this article I put forward a computational approach to the probabilistic modeling of meiosis. A computer program enumerates all possible paths through the phases of replication, pairing, recombination, and segregation, while keeping track of the probabilities of the paths according to the various parameters involved. Probabilities for classes of genotypes or phenotypes are added, and the resulting formulas are simplified by the symbolic-computation system Mathematica. An example application to autotetraploids results in a model that remedies the limitations of previous models mentioned above. In addition to the immediate implications, the computational approach presented here can be expected to be useful through opening avenues for modeling a host of processes, including meiosis in higher-order ploidies.
Influence of water potential on production of ethylene in soil.

Ethylene production at different soil water potentials was studied in a high organic matter, red basaltic soil from a rain forest avocado grove of Queensland, Australia, and in a Latah silt loam from a recropped wheat field of Idaho, U.S.A. The soils were sealed under air or N2 in glass vials and incubated at 25 and 35 °C, respectively. Although the two soils differed in physical and chemical properties, in water content – water potential relationships, and in amount of ethylene produced, the relationship between ethylene production and water potential was virtually identical for both soils: maximal at saturation, reduced by −1 bar, and nearly prevented by −5 bars or slightly lower. Onset of ethylene production was earlier under N2, but total ethylene produced and the water potential–ethylene production relationship were about the same under both N2 and air. Osmotic adjustments of the soil water potential with KCl solutions resulted in more ethylene production between −1 and about −15 bars, but little or .
Topotecan inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor production and angiogenic activity induced by hypoxia in human neuroblastoma by targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and -2α

Neuroblastoma produce angiogenic peptides, and the extent of angiogenesis correlates with tumor progression and poor clinical outcome. Hence, angiogenic factor inhibition represents an important therapeutic option. One of the major drives to tumor angiogenesis is hypoxia, a decrease in oxygen tension that characterizes the tumor microenvironment. We investigated the effects of the topoisomerase I inhibitor, topotecan, on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induction by hypoxia in advanced-stage human neuroblastoma cells. Topotecan counteracted hypoxic induction of VEGF and decreased angiogenic activity of conditioned medium from hypoxic cultures in vivo in the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Promoter-driven reporter studies showed the role of both hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and -2α in VEGF transcription activation by hypoxia, because (a) overexpression of either protein by cotransfection with expression vectors resulted in VEGF promoter transactivation, which was abrogated by mutation in the HIF-binding site, and (b) targeted knockdown of HIF-1α/2α by RNA interference inhibited hypoxia-stimulated VEGF transcriptional activity and protein secretion. Topotecan-inhibitory effects on VEGF induction by hypoxia were mediated through suppression of both HIF-1α and HIF-2α protein accumulation and transactivation properties, which was specific and required ongoing RNA transcription. A similar pattern of results was obtained in cells treated with the hypoxia-mimetic agent, desferrioxamine. These data provide the first evidence that topotecan is a potent inhibitor of HIF-1α and HIF-2α subunits in hypoxic neuroblastoma cells, leading to decreased VEGF expression and angiogenic activity. An important clinical implication of these findings is that therapies targeted to the HIF pathway have the potential to inhibit neuroblastoma angiogenesis and growth. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(7):1974–84]
Modelling smoking motivation: mood, personality and appetitive behaviour

The overarching aim of this research was to investigate the role of affectivity in real-world smoking behaviour. The motivational relationship between affect and smoking was conceptualised within an interactive hierarchical framework: assessing associations with natural situational variability over time, and moderation by relevant individual differences (chiefly, BIS-BAS scores - as reflecting affective disposition/motivational sensitivity). An initial questionnaire study was undertaken towards the development of a diary design that would be useful in capturing experiences around everyday smoking behaviour (Chapter 4). This design was then applied in a series of diary studies that were set up to address questions pertaining to the central aim of the research. The main body of the thesis is structured around these areas of enquiry. Chapter 5 tested competing theoretical models of mood-smoking motivation in everyday contexts and Chapter 6 extended this Investigation hierarchically: to ascertain whether there are individual differences in identified motivational experiences. Chapter 7 compared smoking with natural appetitive behaviour (food consumption) to better demarcate parts of the motivational process that might be set awry in reinforcement of non-natural consumption. The influence of more general periodic shifts in motivational experiences and behaviour on consumption/desire to consume was examined in Chapter 8. The final investigative chapter (Chapter 9) compared processes identified for normal smoking behaviour with processes during deprivation/abstinence. Each chapter draws on data from the diary studies as appropriate. Findings were generally congruent with other naturalistic research in supporting positive mood enhancement (principally, anticipatory elevation of hedonic tone) as a motivation for normal smoking. BAS reward-sensitivity moderated hedonic incentive effects, but not in the expected direction. Comparisons with natural consumption behaviour suggested that motivations for natural appetitive rewards may differ from those for acquired substance use. Notably, smoking motivations changed somewhat during deprivation, when tense arousal and frustration emerged as operative factors. Chapter 10 considers the implications of the research for models of mood and personality. These include implications for conceptualising reinforcement sensitivity.
Chemotherapy versus radiotherapy versus observation for high-risk cervical carcinoma after radical hysterectomy: A randomized, prospective, multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND Adjuvant treatment modalities after radical hysterectomy have long been used in an attempt to eradicate microscopic tumor residuals in patients at high risk for recurrence. However, it has not been clearly demonstrated that adjuvant radiation, adjuvant chemotherapy, or both improve the outcome. To evaluate the effect of adjuvant treatment in patients with high-risk cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy, the Austrian Gynecologic Oncology Group conducted a prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial between 1989 and 1995. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy-six patients with stage IB-IIB cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node metastases and/or vascular invasion randomly received adjuvant chemotherapy (400 mg/m2 carboplatin, and 30 mg bleomycin), standardized external pelvic radiation therapy, or no further treatment. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 4.1 years (range, 2-7) there were no statistically significant differences (P = 0.9530) in disease-free survival among the three treatment arms. CONCLUSION The data suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation do not improve survival or recurrence rates in high-risk cervical cancer patients after radical hysterectomy. The most important treatment for these patients seems to be radical abdominal hysterectomy with systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy.
Plasma microRNA panels to diagnose pancreatic cancer: Results from a multicenter study

Biomarkers for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) are urgent needed. Plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) might be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of cancer. We analyzed 361 plasma samples from 6 surgical centers in China and performed machine learning approach. We gain insight of the association between the aberrant plasma miRNA expression and pancreatic disease. 671 microRNAs were screened in the discovery phase and 33 microRNAs in the training phase and 13 microRNAs in the validation phase. After the discovery phase and training phase, 2 diagnostic panels were constructed comprising 3 microRNAs in panel I (miR-486-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-106b-3p) and 6 microRNAs in panel II (miR-486-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-106b-3p, miR-938, miR-26b-3p, miR-1285). Panel I and panel II had high accuracy for distinguishing pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis (CP) with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.891 (Standard Error (SE): 0.097) and 0.889 (SE: 0.097) respectively, in the validation phase. Additionally, we demonstrated that the diagnostic value of the panels in discriminating PC from CP were comparable to that of carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9) 0.775 (SE: 0.053) (P = 0.1 for both). This study identified 2 diagnostic panels based on microRNA expression in plasma with the potential to distinguish PC from CP. These patterns might be developed as biomarkers for pancreatic cancer.
Converging Evidence for Efficacy from Parallel EphB4-Targeted Approaches in Ovarian Carcinoma

EphB4 is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in neural plasticity and angiogenesis. EphB4 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and is predictive of poor clinical outcome. However, the biological significance of EphB4 in ovarian cancer is not known and is the focus of the current study. Here, we examined the biological effects of two different methods of EphB4 targeting (a novel monoclonal antibody, EphB4-131 or siRNA) using several ovarian cancer models. EphB4 gene silencing significantly increased tumor cell apoptosis and decreased migration (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001). Compared with controls, EphB4 siRNA–1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine alone significantly reduced tumor growth in the A2780-cp20 (48%, P < 0.05) and IGROV-af1 (61%, P < 0.05) models. Combination therapy with EphB4 siRNA–1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine and docetaxel resulted in the greatest reduction in tumor weight in both A2780-cp20 and IGROV-af1 models (89–95% reduction versus controls; P < 0.05 for both groups). The EphB4-131 antibody, which reduced EphB4 protein levels, decreased tumor growth by 80% to 83% (P < 0.01 for both models) in A2780-cp20 and IGROV-af1 models. The combination of EphB4-131 and docetaxel resulted in the greatest tumor reduction in both A2780-cp20 and IGROV-af1 models (94–98% reduction versus controls; P < 0.05 for both groups). Compared with controls, EphB4 targeting resulted in reduced tumor angiogenesis (P < 0.001), proliferation (P < 0.001), and increased tumor cell apoptosis (P < 0.001), which likely occur through modulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling. Collectively, these data identify EphB4 as a valuable therapeutic target in ovarian cancer and offer two new strategies for further development. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2377–88. ©2010 AACR.
Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology Volume 32(1) Winter / hiver 2006 Optional online quizzes: College student use and relationship to achievement

Abstract: Online practice tests and quizzes are commonly available to higher education students. The extent of student use of such study tools and the relationship of use to achievement, however, have not been fully investigated. One hundred twelve college students were encouraged to use optional online quizzes in preparation for proctored examinations. In-class examinations included multiple choice items that assessed four cognitive domains: factual, application, comprehension, and conceptual. In general, few students made extensive use of the optional online quizzes. Analysis revealed that student use of online quizzes was associated with increased academic achievement, although it was not clear if quiz use caused achievement or achievement caused quiz use. Short-answer and true-false online quiz items were differentially associated with measures of academic achievement, suggesting that cognitive processing differed across item format. Implications for further research are provided. Resume: Des tests et des examens de pratique en ligne sont mis a la disposition des etudiants effectuant des etudes superieures. Nous n'avons pas explore en profondeur jusqu'a quel point les etudiants utilisent des outils d'etude semblables et quelle est la relation entre l'utilisation et la reussite. On a encourage cent douze etudiants de l'universite a utiliser les examens facultatifs en ligne en preparation des examens geres. Les examens en salle de classe comprenaient des questions a choix multiples qui evaluaient quatre domaines cognitifs : les faits, l'application, la comprehension et les concepts. En general, peu d'etudiants ont utilise frequemment les tests facultatifs en ligne. Une analyse a permis de determiner que l'utilisation par les etudiants des tests en ligne etait liee a une augmentation de la reussite scolaire, bien qu'il ne soit pas clair si l'utilisation des tests est a l'origine de la reussite ou si la reussite mene a l'utilisation de tests. Les questions objectives et les questions vrai ou faux etaient associees differemment a des mesures de la reussite scolaire, ce qui laisse croire que le traitement cognitif est different pour chaque type de question. Nous fournissons des repercussions qui pourraient servir a des recherches ulterieures.
Factors for Employment: A Case-Control Study of Fully Employed and Unemployed Heroin Users

The purpose of this article is to characterize fully employed users of heroin, compare them with their unemployed counterparts, and identify demographic, human, and social capital and drug misuse factors that are differentially associated with full employment. A nested case-control research design was used to identify 122 fully employed users (cases) and 466 unemployed users (controls) from a larger study of African American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White men and women who were active heroin injectors and sniffers and recruited from the streets of Miami–Dade County, Florida, between July 1997 and February 2000. Multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to analyze data from the Modified AIDS Risk Behavior Questionnaire. Findings indicated that employed users were more likely to possess human capital and social capital and less likely to use crack cocaine than unemployed users. Intervention to increase and sustain the employability of persons who misuse heroin is essential. Protocols that enhance human capital and social capital and reduce the misuse of drugs will benefit programs that seek to improve the employment status of persons who misuse heroin. The study's limitations are noted.
A unified probabilistic generative framework for extractive spoken document summarization

In this paper, we consider extractive summarization of Chinese broadcast news speech. A unified probabilistic generative framework that combined the sentence generative probability and the sentence prior probability for sentence ranking was proposed. Each sentence of a spoken document to be summarized was treated as a probabilistic generative model for predicting the document. Two different matching strategies, i.e., literal term matching and concept matching, were extensively investigated. We explored the use of the hidden Markov model (HMM) and relevance model (RM) for literal term matching, while the word topical mixture model (WTMM) for concept matching. On the other hand, the confidence scores, structural features, and a set of prosodic features were properly incorporated together using the whole sentence maximum entropy model (WSME) for the estimation of the sentence prior probability. The experiments were performed on the Chinese broadcast news collected in Taiwan. Very promising and encouraging results were initially obtained.
Optimal controller synthesis for a decentralized two-player system with partial output feedback

In this paper, we derive the optimal control policy for a decentralized control problem. The system considered here consists of two interconnected subsystems with communication allowed in only one direction. In addition, full state feedback is not assumed, as in previous instances of this problem. We construct the optimal con trollers via a spectral factorization approach. Explicit state-space formulae are provided, and the orders of the optimal controllers are established.
New Investors and Bubbles: An Analysis of the Baosteel Call Warrant Bubble

This paper provides an analysis of the impact of new investors on the bubble surrounding the Baosteel call warrant, the first derivative traded in China after a nine-year suspension. We empirically show that new investors initiated the bubble at the opening call auction and were the key driving force to sustain the bubble until the maturity of the warrant. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Pretreatment with insulin before ischaemia reduces infarct size in Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts

Aim: To compare the possible role of Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in mediating cardioprotection against ischaemia under three different conditions: (1) During ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), (2) when insulin was given as a pretreatment agent (InsPC) and (3) when insulin was given as a reperfusion cell survival agent (InsR).
A Two-Stage Fully Differential Inverter-Based Self-Biased CMOS Amplifier With High Efficiency

A two-stage fully differential CMOS amplifier comprising inverters as input structures and employing self-biasing techniques is presented. The proposed amplifier benefits from an optimum compensation through time-domain optimization which permits achieving high energy efficiency. Moreover, it achieves the highest efficiency of its class and although it relies on a quasi-class-A topology, it is comparable to class-AB amplifiers. Detailed circuit analyses such as differential-mode, common-mode feedback, noise, slew rate, and input/output range are carried out. Based on these analyses, a manual design methodology and a genetic algorithm based optimization are presented. Finally, the most relevant experimental results for an integrated circuit prototype designed in a 0.13 μm 1.2 V standard CMOS technology are shown.