Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BMX and Its Role in Inflammation, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer

Bone marrow kinase on chromosome X (BMX) is a cytosolic tyrosine kinase and a member of the TEC kinase family. BMX is expressed in hematopoietic cells of the myeloid lineage where it participates in the immune response. It is also involved in the response to ischemia and pressure overload in the endocardium and the cardiac endothelium. Moreover, BMX is expressed in several types of cancers and very recently has been shown to mediate the survival and tumorigenicity of glioblastoma cancer stem cells. In the inflammatory response BMX regulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines induced by TNFα, IL-1β, and TLR agonists. It is required for the activation of the MAP kinase and NFκB pathways and acts at the level of the essential TAK1/TAB complex. Cellular regulation of the IL-8 promoter by BMX is dependent on membrane localization mediated by its pleckstrin homology domain, as well as on BMX kinase activity. BMX deficiency confers protection from arthritis in a mouse model known to be dependent on macrophages and IL-1β. Genetic replacement of BMX with a kinase-inactive allele surprisingly restored susceptibility to arthritis, suggesting that in vivo BMX kinase activity can be dispensable. This review summarizes recent advances in the knowledge of BMX biology and their relevance for translational medicine.
Reaching the journey’s end: reflections on the final phase of a problem‐based learning group

This paper represents the final phase of a journey within a self‐directed problem‐based learning group occurring on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme based at the University of Hertfordshire. It provides personal reflections from the trainees and trainers on the process of this type of experiential learning. We explore themes related to this experience, such as the emotional experiences evoked and strategies used to manage these; issues of power and responsibility; and the transitory nature of these experiences. We conclude with implications for the participation and facilitation of experiential learning groups within clinical training.
Purification and analysis of in vivo-differentiated oligodendrocytes expressing the green fluorescent protein.

A complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and repair of the central nervous system myelin sheath requires an unambiguous identification and isolation of in vivo-differentiated myelin-forming cells. In order to develop a novel tool for the analysis of in vivo-differentiated oligodendrocytes, we generated transgenic mice expressing a red-shifted variant of the green fluorescent protein under the control of the proteolipid protein promoter. We demonstrate here that green fluorescent protein-derived fluorescence in the central nervous system of 9-day- to 7-week-old mice is restricted to mature oligodendrocytes, as determined by its spatiotemporal appearance and by both immunocytochemical and electrophysiological criteria. Green fluorescent protein-positive oligodendrocytes could easily be visualized in live and fixed tissue. Furthermore, we show that this convenient and reliable identification now allows detailed physiological analyses of differentiated oligodendrocytes in situ. In addition, we developed a novel tissue culture system for in vivo-differentiated oligodendrocytes. Initial data using this system indicate that, for oligodendrocytes isolated after differentiation in vivo, as yet unidentified factors secreted by astrocytes are necessary for survival and/or reappearance of a mature phenotype in culture.
Conflict and Dialectics: Perceptions of Dialectical Contradictions in Marital Conflict

This study examined the perceived importance of six basic dialectical contradictions to conflict episodes for 25 marital couples. Using a revised version of the Retrospective Interview Technique (RIT) and questionnaire data, marital couples were asked to recall important conflict episodes, coded for issue type, over a 1-year period. Following in-depth questions about the conflicts, a questionnaire was administered that asked participants to rate 6 basic dialectical contradictions according to their importance for each conflict episode. A second questionnaire was also administered that asked participants to determine whether conflicts were dialectical (antagonistic and non-antagonistic) and/or non-dialectical, relative to each conflict episode. Results reveal that the dialectical contradictions of autonomy-connection and openness-closed-ness were perceived as more important than the other contradictions. Two other contradictions (integration-separation, predictability-novelty) were perceived as important for particular conflict issue types. Results from the second questionnaire revealed that 20% of conflicts were perceived as antagonistic, 16% as non-antagonistic, and 63% as non-dialectical.
High school students' use of meiosis when solving genetics problems

Researchers have pointed out the difficulties that high school students have in understanding meiosis and the infrequency with which they acknowledge the conceptual relationships between meiosis and classical genetics, particularly when solving genetics problems. The research described in this article paints a different picture of students' reasoning with meiosis as they solved complex, computergenerated genetics problems, some of which required them to revise their understanding of meiosis in response to anomalous data. Details are presented of the ways students used their knowledge of meiosis to recognize anomalous data, to generate hypotheses as part of the revision of explanatory models, and to assess these hypotheses. The findings from this research, contrary to most reports in the literature, suggest that students are able to develop rich understanding of meiosis and can utilize that knowledge to solve genetics problems.
Extending Theory on Job Stress

This article proposes that the variation in perceived job stress by individuals is explained by the interaction between the situational “Other 3” dimensions (locus of control, self-monitoring, and self-efficacy) and the “Big 5” personality traits. Situational stressors primarily impact the “Other 3” dimensions in the general model. The “Other 3” dimensions mediate the stressor–job stress relationship, while the “Big 5” dimensions moderate the “Other 3”–job stress relationship. In the sequential process model, the “Other 3” dimensions and job stress are cross-lagged related to define subsequent variations in the “Other 3” dimensions of personality and job stress. This perspective is consistent with the interactional perspective, wherein personality mediates the relationship of the individual with the environment. We offer several research propositions and conclude with implications for research and practice.
Investigating the Effects of Consumption Emotions on Customer Satisfaction and Repeat Visit Intentions in the Lodging Industry

ABSTRACT This study addressed the impact of positive and negative consumption emotions on customer satisfaction and repeat visit intentions. A total of 248 cases were used to test the hypotheses using a series of multiple regression analyses. Generally, the findings were consistent with the literature. Two dimensions (positive and negative) of consumption emotions were confirmed in this study using a confirmatory factor analysis. Positive and negative consumption emotions showed significant effects on customer satisfaction and repeat visit intentions. Customer satisfaction was a significant determinant of repeat visit intentions. Customer satisfaction appeared to be a full mediator in the relationship between positive and negative consumption emotions of customers and their repeat visit intentions. Negative emotion had a greater influence on customer satisfaction and customer repeat visit intentions than positive emotion, so the loss aversion of the prospect theory was empirically supported in its explanation of customer repeat visit supported in its explanation of customer repeat visit intentions in the lodging industry.
Workplace Mentoring and Career Resilience: An Empirical Test

The present study sought to investigate the role of mentoring relationships in predicting career resilience. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey based research design using a sample of 205 managers from public and private sector organizations in North India. Mentoring relationships were measured under the 2 broad categories of career mentoring and psychosocial mentoring in alignment with previous studies. The findings showed that psychosocial mentoring acts as a significant predictor of career resilience; however, career mentoring was not found to have any significant influence on career resilience. Given research thus reiterated the significant contribution of mentoring in influencing career outcomes such as career resilience. Theoretical and future implications of research were also discussed.
Differential impact of a shared nematode parasite on two gamebird hosts: implications for apparent competition

If the deleterious effects of non-specific parasites are greater on vulnerable host species than on reservoir host species then exclusion of the vulnerable host through apparent competition is more likely. Evidence suggests that such a mechanism occurs in interactions between the ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), the grey partridge (Perdix perdix), and their shared caecal nematode Heterakis gallinarum. Modelling of the system predicts that the reduced parasite impact on the pheasant compared to the partridge results in the force of infection transmitted from pheasants to partridges being sufficient to cause partridge exclusion. Since the parasite impacts are currently estimated from correlational work, controlled infections were conducted to experimentally compare the impact of H. gallinarum on the two hosts and verify cause and effect. While challenged partridges showed reduced mass gain, decreased food consumption, and impaired caecal activity, in comparison to controls, the only detectable effect of parasite challenge on the pheasant was impaired caecal activity. The impact of H. gallinarum on challenged partridges conforms with previous correlational data, supporting the prediction that parasite-mediated apparent competition with the ring-necked pheasant may result in grey partridge exclusion. However, the observed decrease in the caecal activity of challenged pheasants could imply that H. gallinarum may also have an impact on the fecundity and survival of pheasants in the wild, particularly if food is limiting. If this is the case, the associated decrease in the force of infection to which the partridge is exposed may be sufficient to change the model prediction from partridge exclusion to pheasant and partridge coexistence.
Uncertainty and monetary policy

The experience of monetary policy making in an uncertain environment has encouraged increased attention to the concept of model uncertainty, that is, uncertainty as to which is the best model. A particular difficulty has been the need to operationalise the concept in order to yield definitive policy recommendations; pluralism of method and the importance of judgement offer a potential solution. The literature building on Keynes’s theory of probability, in the meantime, has been refining the concept of uncertainty as something other than complete ignorance, although still falling short of quantifiability. This line of reasoning too supports pluralism of method and the importance of judgement. The purpose of this paper is to consider these different approaches taken to uncertainty for possibilities of synergy. Crucial issues are whether or not the goal is still to identify one best model, and how far model uncertainty is to be applied to individual decision-making.
Social Support Use as a Parental Coping Strategy: Its Impact on Outcome of Child and Parenting Problems—A Six-Month Follow-Up

Long standing policy and practice interest in Prevention and Family Support has been reiterated in recent years in the Every Child Matters programme. At the same time, however, official concerns have been expressed about the high thresholds operated by mainstream Children's Services, whose focus is, to a considerable degree, on safeguarding children. This concern emanates from a recognition that many applicants who do not receive a service because of the thresholds operated, have considerable needs. Without access to services, it is thought, there is a danger that they will end up being re-referred with greater problems and higher risks to the children. This paper focuses on this issue by carrying out a longitudinal comparative study on outcomes for families who, while having child and parenting problems, did not qualify for a service because of the high thresholds operating. In particular it focuses on the relationship between their social support and outcomes at six months. The findings show a significant relationship between the adequacy of some forms of support and positive outcomes. The significance of this for policy and practice is explored, including recognition of the importance of informal support to outcomes.
The Impact of Principles-Based versus Rules-Based Accounting Standards on Auditors' Motivations and Evidence Demands

ABSTRACT: Auditing research has investigated the effects of different accounting standards on auditors' decisions to constrain aggressive reporting by clients. Missing from this literature is evidence on how the type of accounting standard influences auditors' cognitive motivations and demand for audit evidence. This study addresses this gap in the literature, which is important since the financial statements are the joint product of management's and the auditor's actions. An experiment was conducted with U.S. and Dutch auditors to examine the manner in which principles-based versus rules-based accounting standards influence auditors' process accountability, epistemic motivation, and demands for audit evidence. The study proposes and supports a theoretical model in which principles-based accounting standards increase auditors' process accountability—the expectation of having to justify to others the decision process used, regardless of the outcome of the decision (Markman and Tetlock 2000; Libby, Salterio.
Status Epilepticus in Immature Rats Is Associated with Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Epilepsy is a neurologic disorder, particularly frequent in infants and children where it can lead to serious consequences later in life. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders including epilepsy in adults. However, their role in immature epileptic brain is unclear since there have been two contrary opinions: oxidative stress is age-dependent and does not occur in immature brain during status epilepticus (SE) and, on the other hand, evidence of oxidative stress in immature brain during a specific model of SE. To solve this dilemma, we have decided to investigate oxidative stress following SE induced in immature 12-day-old rats by three substances with a different mechanism of action, namely 4-aminopyridine, LiCl-pilocarpine or kainic acid. Fluoro-Jade-B staining revealed mild brain damage especially in hippocampus and thalamus in each of the tested models. Decrease of glucose and glycogen with parallel rises of lactate clearly indicate high rate of glycolysis, which was apparently not sufficient in 4-AP and Li-Pilo status, as evident from the decreases of PCr levels. Hydroethidium method revealed significantly higher levels of superoxide anion (by ∼60%) in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and thalamus of immature rats during status. SE lead to mitochondrial dysfunction with a specific pronounced decrease of complex I activity that persisted for a long period of survival. Complexes II and IV activities remained in the control range. Antioxidant treatment with SOD mimetic MnTMPYP or peroxynitrite scavenger FeTPPS significantly attenuated oxidative stress and inhibition of complex I activity. These findings bring evidence that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are age and model independent, and may thus be considered a general phenomenon. They can have a clinical relevance for a novel approach to the treatment of epilepsy, allowing to target the mechanisms which play a crucial or additive role in the pathogenesis of epilepsies in infants and children.
Factors Affecting Business Recovery Immediately after Hurricane Katrina

Factors contributing to business recovery 6–8 months after Hurricane Katrina were examined. Managers from 183 surviving organizations in the Greater New Orleans area rated the levels of storm preparation, amount of storm damage, severity of storm‐related problems and organizational performance. Factors under management's control such as having an emergency response plan, storm preparation and effective staff communication had no real impact on organizational performance. Significant predictors with a negative impact on organizational performance included variables such as storm damage and post‐disaster problems. Complications arising from extreme population dislocation, specifically loss of customer base and staffing issues, had the greatest impact on organizational performance. The implications for disaster preparation and management are discussed.
Differential Representations for Mesh Processing

Surface representation and processing is one of the key topics in computer graphics and geometric modeling, since it greatly affects the range of possible applications. In this paper we will present recent advances in geometry processing that are related to the Laplacian processing framework and differential representations. This framework is based on linear operators defined on polygonal meshes, and furnishes a variety of processing applications, such as shape approximation and compact representation, mesh editing, watermarking and morphing. The core of the framework is the definition of differential coordinates and new bases for efficient mesh geometry representation, based on the mesh Laplacian operator.
Universities and Mid‐Career Professionals: The Policy Potential

To date, few universities have become substantially involved in providing for the learning needs of professionals in mid-career. This paper argues the case for their doing so in the future. It begins with a review of the current provision of formal continuing professional development (CPD) – in which universities can be seen to perform only a limited role – and goes on to examine the attitudes of practitioners towards various forms of learning experience and their resulting interactions with the academic world. The reasons why such interactions are predominantly ad hoc and individualistic, rather than systematic and collective, are briefly considered before the opportunities for greater, more coherent mutual involvement are explored. The concluding section briefly reviews the policy decisions and organisational changes which appear to be needed before the full potentialities are realised.
Development of a real-time force-reflecting teleoperation system based on Matlab© simulations

Teleoperation is a robotics application where there is a master and a slave system interacting with each other and with the environment. Master system is often a joystick or a duplicate of the slave system that is driven by the operator. Slave system is the robot that is located at a remote site and controlled by the commands sent by the master system. Depending on the information flow, teleoperation systems are usually called unilateral or bilateral. Previously, the work conducted at FIU has addressed bilateral teleoperation, which combines position (or velocity) control of the remote system with force reflection on the master. As reported earlier, a mathematical model of such a system has been developed using Matlab Simulink blocks, and successful simulations have been carried out. This paper now focuses on real-time implementation of the master system and eventual verification of simulation results. In order to achieve this, development of the real-time system interface between the Matlab simulation environment and the master joystick as well as the interface software are described. The initial test results on this system are also presented and discussed.
Mutual regulation between the intercellular messengers nitric oxide and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in rodent neocortical neurons

The diffusible factors, nitric oxide (NO) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are both suggested to be intercellular messengers that have similar synaptic activities and developmental influences in the brain. In the present study, we have analysed their mutual regulation with respect to their production in rodent neocortical neurons. Some of the cultured rat neocortical neurons exhibited immunoreactivity for both neuronal NO synthase (NOS) and the BDNF receptor trkB. Neuronal NOS appeared to be activated autonomously and produced NO in culture as monitored by nitrite accumulation. Inhibition of the endogenous NO production in culture by a NOS inhibitor, NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (NMMA), enhanced basal expression of BDNF mRNA and protein. Similarly, cerebroventricular administration of another NOS inhibitor, N‐ω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methylester (l‐NAME), but not d‐NAME or saline, increased BDNF content in the neocortex. In the opposite direction, however, BDNF appeared to function as a positive regulator for NO synthesis. Addition of BDNF upregulated the neuronal NOS expression as well as NO production in neocortical culture. In agreement, BDNF knock‐out mice exhibited significant impairment of neuronal NOS expression in the neocortex. Taken together, these observations suggest that the trans‐synaptic signalling molecules, NO and BDNF, influence the production of each other and mutually regulate the strength of their intercellular communications.
Essentialism and attribution of monstrosity in racist discourse: Right‐wing internet postings about Africans and Jews

We investigated a total of 4997 postings on an extreme right-wing Internet discussion board with regard to the groups and themes mentioned. The most frequently mentioned target groups were Africans, Jews, Muslims, Poles, and Turks; the most prominent themes and contexts were conspiracy, criminality, exploitation, threats to German identity, infiltration, mind control and harassment, procreation, rape, and sex. We analysed in detail postings about Africans/Blacks and Jews, that is target groups that were the most clearly connected to particular themes. The analysis reveals that extreme right-wing discourse essentializes the target groups of Jews and Africans/Blacks and ascribes them immutable group-specific attributes that effectively make them ‘natural kinds’. The group of Jews appears as a kind of their own with super-human powers and influence. Africans and Blacks are despised, firstly because their essential characteristics prohibit them to be categorically mixed with Germans (i.e. to become German by nationality) due to their incompatible essence, and secondly when they procreate with Whites. Such procreation produces ‘bastards’ that are met with disgust. We argue that essentialist thinking about social and ethnic groups explains a good part of their rejection by right-wing followers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.