Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Exposure to Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Affects the Sensitivity to Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through Farnesoid-X-Receptor-Induced Autophagy

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of administering particulate matter (PM2.5) to the lungs on the sensitivity to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) and the role of farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR)-induced autophagy in this process. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to 45 min of ischemia, and the lungs were exposed to 2.0 mg of PM2.5 in 0.3 mL of normal saline 5 min before reperfusion. After 24 h of reperfusion, the blood and myocardium were collected, and the myocardial infarct sizes, activities of serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and levels of serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), P-selectin and D-dimer were measured via biochemical analysis. Additionally, the myeloperoxidase (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured in myocardial tissues via biochemical analysis, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), autophagosomes, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC-I and II), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) were determined in myocardial tissues via biochemical analysis, immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques and western blot. In addition, the myocardial infarct sizes, LC-I and II expressions were determined in myocardial tissues through FXR-/- and WT mice. Results: Levels of CK, LDH, hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-α, cTnT, P-selectin and D-dimer, MDA and infarct sizes were higher in I/R group than that in Sham group, and Levels of IL-4 and SOD were lower in I/R group than that in Sham group; ROS, autophagosomes, LC-3I, LC-3II, MIP-2 and FXR expressions were higher in I/R group than that in Sham group. Levels of CK, LDH, hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-α, cTnT, P-selectin and D-dimer, MDA and infarct sizes were higher in PM2.5 group than that in I/R group, and Levels of IL-4 and SOD were lower in PM2.5 group than that in I/R group; ROS, autophagosomes, LC-3I, LC-3II, MIP-2 and FXR expressions were higher in PM2.5 group than that in I/R group. Conclusions: PM2.5 post-treatment exacerbated myocardial injury partly through upregulation of FXR to induce autophagy compared to MI/RI.
Effect of Theobroma cacao flavonoids on immune activation of a lymphoid cell line

We analysed the effect of (−)-epicatechin and cocoa extract on the activation of a lymphoid cell line. Particularly the expression of IL-2 receptor α (IL-2Rα or CD25) and, the secretion of IL-2 and IL-4 were established after flavonoid treatment. Two media culture conditions (1 and 10 % of fetal calf serum supplementation) and the different moments of flavonoid addition (simultaneously or 2 h before cell-activation) were compared. IL-2Rα (CD25) expression on activated cells was significantly reduced by epicatechin and cocoa extract in a dose-dependent manner, achieving the highest inhibition of about 50 % when flavonoids were added 2 h before stimulation. IL-2 secretion was also inhibited by the presence of both epicatechin and cocoa extract, displaying 60 and 75 % of inhibition, respectively. Cocoa flavonoids were also able to enhance 3–4·5-fold IL-4 release. In summary, cocoa extract down-modulated T lymphocyte activation and therefore the acquired immune response. This fact could be important in some states of the immune system hyperactivity such as autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases.
Measuring the effects of an organisational development intervention on the psychological contracts of senior managers within an evolving healthcare setting

This study investigated the effect of a training (Organisational Development) intervention on a group of senior managers in an NHS Trust that provides mental health services in the northwest. The group undertook Resilience training, the effect of the training was measured and the results compared with a separate group of managers (control group) where a training intervention had not taken place. The study used a questionnaire that was administered to both groups of managers at two time points: firstly before the OD intervention and secondly one month after the intervention. The study examined the effects of the OD intervention on the psychological contract, in terms of employees’ attitudes to: job satisfaction, organisational commitment, sense of job security and perception of pressure at work. It also explored how behavioural consequences were influenced, such as motivation and the intention to remain at, or leave, the organisation. Results indicated that there was there were no measurable changes in the psychological contract of senior managers as a result of the Organisational Development intervention. This could be attributable to the radical change that the NHS is undergoing and the small sample size that statistically could have diminished the power of analysis.
Soviet Jews in the United States

Depuis le milieu des annees 1960, pres de 280.000 juifs de l'ancienne Union Sovietique se sont installes aux Etats-Unis. Comme les juifs americains, les emigres se distinguent par un haut niveau d'education, l'urbanisation et le taux d'activite professionnelle. A la difference des autres juifs, ils sont peu inities a la vie religieuse et n'ont pas fait l'experience d'une communaute juive organisee. Ils recoivent une aide des organismes juifs et du gouvernement pour leur logement, l'emploi, la sante, l'apprentissage de la langue et l'acculturation. Leur adaptation economique est reussie. Bien que juifs, la plupart ne sont pas pratiquants
Consumption and Expenditure in Sub-Saharan Africa

Using novel micro data we explore the lifecycle profiles of consumption and expenditure in Sub-Saharan Africa. Adult-equivalent expenditure shows a hump over the lifecycle that is twice larger in urban areas than in rural areas. In contrast to expenditure, consumption (measured in caloric intake) remains relatively stable across ages in both rural and urban areas, including in old age. Interestingly, consumption in old age is sustained by the increasing role of self-farmed food over the lifecycle, as opposed to traditional savings mechanisms. The specialization in self-farmed staple food leads to a nutritional loss.
Neural encoding of single-formant stimuli in the cat. I. Responses of auditory nerve fibers.

1. We have studied auditory responses to a set of speech-related narrowband sounds, single-formant stimuli (SFSs), in populations of auditory nerve fibers (ANFs). An analytic method was developed to extract the envelope of temporal discharge patterns of the ANF responses to nonsinusoidally modulated stimuli, whose spectra have multiple clusters of components. Such responses are often encountered in the auditory system when complex stimuli are used and have traditionally been studied by analyzing the fundamental component of the responses. 2. The envelope modulation in the SFSs is shown to be represented by the response patterns of ANFs. When the whole ANF population is considered, the information on modulation in stimulus envelope does not disappear at the highest sound level tested at all best frequencies (BFs) we studied (1-10 kHz). The representation is the best at medium sound levels and degrades at high sound levels. Low/medium-spontaneous rate (SR) ANFs showed greater envelope modulation in their responses at high sound levels than do high-SR ANFs. The quality of the representation at high sound levels is, on average, proportional to BF threshold of an ANF. On the basis of populations of ANFs with all SRs, the envelope modulation in the SFSs is represented over a wide range of sound levels. 3. We found that low-BF ANFs differ from high-BF ANFs in representing envelope modulation in the SFSs. For ANFs with BFs less than approximately 6 kHz, information on stimulus envelope is not only contained in spectral components near direct current but also in components at the vicinities of frequencies equal to BF and its multiples. In fact, for ANFs with BFs < 3 kHz, the contribution from spectral components centered at BF to overall response modulation is greater than that from spectral components near direct current. These findings indicate that, by using measures solely based on the fundamental component, the amount of modulation in the responses to narrowband stimuli is underestimated for low-BF ANFs. 4. Off-BF stimulation of ANFs with SFSs was found to result in increased envelope modulation in responses at high sound levels. The further away the stimulus is centered relative to unit BF, the greater the modulation it induces, provided that the stimulus is capable of exciting the unit. An SFS centered as close as 15% off unit BF can produce a significant increase in the modulation of responses at very high sound levels. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Application of nondestructive testing methods to study the damage zone underneath impact craters of MEMIN laboratory experiments

Abstract– Within the framework of the Multidisciplinary Experimental and Modeling Impact Research Network (MEMIN) research group, the damage zones underneath two experimentally produced impact craters in sandstone targets were investigated using several nondestructive testing (NDT) methods. The 20 × 20 × 20 cm sandstones were impacted by steel projectiles with a radius of 1.25 mm at approximately 5 km s−1, resulting in craters with approximately 6 cm diameter and approximately 1 cm depth. Ultrasound (US) tomography and vibrational analysis were applied before and after the impact experiments to characterize the damage zone, and micro‐computer tomography (μ‐CT) measurements were performed to visualize subsurface fractures. The newly obtained experimental data can help to quantify the extent of the damage zone, which extends to about 8 cm depth in the target. The impacted sandstone shows a local p‐wave reduction of 18% below the crater floor, and a general reduction in elastic moduli by between approximately 9 and approximately 18%, depending on the type of elastic modulus. The results contribute to a better empirical and theoretical understanding of hypervelocity events and simulations of cratering processes.
Randomized trial of single-agent bendamustine in patients with relapsed CLL

Correspondence: Bruce D Cheson, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA Email bdc4@georgetown.edu Abstract: Major advances in the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) include an enhanced ability to make an accurate diagnosis and defi ne clinically meaningful prognostic groups, while improving outcome through more effective therapeutic regimens and supportive care. Nevertheless, CLL remains an incurable disorder and new, active agents are needed. Bendamustine, a unique cytotoxic agent with structural similarities to both alkylating agents and antimetabolites, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of CLL and rituximab-refractory indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In a randomized trial, bendamustine was superior to chlorambucil, with comparable toxicity. Combinations with other active agents including rituximab and lenalidomide are in development. Nevertheless, numerous questions concerning the ideal use of this agent remain to be addressed, including the optimal dose and schedule and mechanisms of resistance. The availability of bendamustine provides another effective treatment option for patients with lymphoproliferative disorders. Rational development of combination regimens will improve the outlook for patients with CLL.
PYRACANTHA COCCINEA ROEM . ( ROSACEAE ) AS A BIOMONITOR FOR CD , PB AND ZN IN MUGLA PROVINCE ( TURKEY )

This study was firstly aimed to find out the measures of Cd, Pb and Zn as the heavy metal pollution in Mugla Province, and secondly if Pyracantha coccinea Roem. (firethorn) can be used as a biomonitor and phytoremediation. P. coccinea samples were collected from 34 localities in four different areas of Mugla Province, during vegetation period in 2006. The Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations of unwashed and washed leaf samples and unwashed branch samples were measured by ICP-OES. As a result of measurements, the average highest value of Cd accumulation has been reached in unwashed leaf samples, which were collected near highways. The value was 0.36±0.60 μg g dw. The lowest value was detected as 0.16±0.04 μg g dw, in washed leaf samples which were found in industrial area. The average highest value of Pb (14.93±1.23 μg g dw) was determined in the branch samples collected in industrial area whilst the lowest (5.60±1.47 μg g dw) were in washed leaf samples collected in industrial area too. The highest Zn (15.57±1.66 μg g dw) was measured in the branch samples collected in city center, whilst the lowest was measured in the branch samples (8.99±1.32 μg g dw) collected in city center too. It was proven that P. coccinea can be used as a biomonitor species for these heavy metals. It was also observed that this species could be used for phytoremediation procedure.
The Relation Between Local and Global Influence of Individuals in Scale-Free Networks

Large-degree nodes in scale-free networks are normally responsible for large cascades of epidemics. However, recent research shows small-degree nodes can also produce large-scale epidemics in the real world. In this letter, we investigate the relation between local and global influence of individuals in scale-free network in order to theoretically explain this real-world phenomenon. The local influence of an individual corresponds to the node degree, and the global influence of an individual reflects the expected number of individuals directly or indirectly influenced by this individual in epidemics. We formalize the later as the novel epidemic betweenness concept, to mathematically estimate the global influence of individuals. Our analysis shows that the global influence follows power-law distributions in scale-free networks. We also observe that the average global influence of individuals is power-law to the degree of nodes, which well explains the reason why large-degree nodes are more likely to produce large cascades of epidemics. In addition, we discover that some smalldegree nodes also possess large global influence in terms of epidemics betweenness. This well explains the counter-intuitive phenomenon in recent research.
Age-specific survival in the socially monogamous alpine marmot (Marmota marmota): evidence of senescence

We investigated age-specific variation in survival of dominant individuals in a long-lived and monogamous mammal, the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), from a large dataset collected during a 24-year intensive monitoring of a free-ranging population. We found evidence of actuarial senescence in dominant individuals for both sexes. Survivorship was constant with age until dominant marmots were between 6 and 8 years of age and declined markedly thereafter. No between sex differences occurred in the intensity of actuarial senescence, which might be related to the weak intensity of sexual selection in this socially monogamous mammal. More investigations are needed to know whether cooperative breeding, hibernation, and monogamy, which are key features of the alpine marmot life history, could have shaped the patterns of actuarial senescence we report.
Psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) in a sample of patients with HIV

ABSTRACT We determined the validity and reliability of the Malay translated MOS-SSS. A sample of 120 HIV patients participated in this study. Forty patients completed the self-administered 19-item questionnaire again after 1–2 weeks to test its reliability. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in four-factor solution which was consistent with the original subscales. All items had primary factor loadings > 0.40 without cross-loading. The Cronbach’s alpha values for the subscales ranged from 0.87–0.95. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the overall scale was 0.88. In conclusion, the Malay version of the MOS-SSS is valid and reliable for measuring perceived functional social support in patients with HIV.
Comparison of four classification methods to extract land use and land cover from raw satellite images for some remote arid areas, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Dual signaling of Wamide myoinhibitory peptides through a peptide-gated channel and a GPCR in Platynereis

Neuropeptides commonly signal by metabotropic G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In some mollusks and cnidarians, RFamide neuropeptides mediate fast ionotropic signaling by peptide-gated ion channels that belong to the DEG/ENaC family. Here we describe a neuropeptide system with a dual mode of signaling by both a peptide-gated channel and a GPCR. We identified and characterised a peptide-gated channel in the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii that is specifically activated by Wamide myoinhibitory peptides derived from the same proneuropeptide. The myoinhibitory peptide-gated ion channel (MGIC) belongs to the DEG/ENaC family and is paralogous to RFamide-gated channels. Platynereis myoinhibitory peptides also activate a previously described GPCR, MAG. We measured the potency of all Wamides on both MGIC and MAG and identified peptides that preferentially activate one or the other receptor. Analysis of a single-cell transcriptome resource indicates that MGIC and MAG signal to distinct target neurons. The identification of a Wamide-gated channel suggests that peptide-gated channels are more diverse and widespread in animals than previously appreciated. The possibility of neuropeptide signaling by both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors to different target cells in the same organism highlights an additional level of complexity in peptidergic signaling networks.
Determination of Genetic Variations of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 2, 4, and 6 with Next-Generation Sequencing in Native Cattle Breeds of Anatolia and Holstein Friesian

In recent years, the focus of disease resistance and susceptibility studies in cattle have been on determining patterns in the innate immune response of key proteins, such as Toll-like receptors (TLR). In the bovine genome, there are 10 TLR family members and, of these, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6 are specialized in the recognition of bacterial ligands. Indigenous cattle breeds of Anatolia have been reported to show fewer signs of clinical bacterial infections, such as bovine tuberculosis and mastitis, and it is hypothesized that this might be due to a less stringent genetic selection during breeding. In contrast, Holstein-Friesian cattle have been under strong selection for milk production, which may have resulted in greater susceptibility to diseases. To test this hypothesis, we have compared the TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6 genes of Anatolian Black (AB), East Anatolian Red (EAR), South Anatolian Red (SAR), Turkish Grey (TG), and Holstein (HOL) cattle using next-generation sequencing. The SAR breed had the most variations overall, followed by EAR, AB, TG, and HOL. TG had the most variations for TLR2, whereas SAR had the most variations in TLR4 and TLR6. We compared these variants with those associated with disease and susceptibility traits. We used exon variants to construct haplotypes, investigated shared haplotypes within breeds, and proposed candidate haplotypes for a disease resistance phenotype in Anatolian cattle breeds.
The norm of internality and coordination mechanisms in organizations

Les recherches concernant le fonctionnement de la Norme d'Internalite montrent que les cadres ont tendance a expliquer le comportement des salaries par les caracteristiques personnelles de ces employes en negligeant le role du contexte. Il apparait que ce phenomene est affecte par le mecanisme principal de coordination utilise dans les organisations. L'explication par les caracteristiques dispositionnelles des salaries est en effet plus utilisee dans les situations de standardisation des resultats que dans les situations de supervision directe. On peut donc conclure que les processus socio-cognitifs ne peuvent pas etre analyses independamment des structures organisationnelles.
Effects of analyzing reasons on attitude change: the moderating role of attitude accessibility

This study examined the moderating effect of attitude accessibility on attitude change resulting from explaining the reasons for one's attitude. We assessed people's attitudes toward Ronald Reagan on two occasions, several weeks apart. Analyzing reasons at Time 2 resulted in attitude inconsistency across the two occasions for subjects with relatively inaccessible attitudes, but did not affect consistency for subjects with accessible attitudes. All subjects generated reasons that were somewhat inconsistent with their Time 1 attitudes, but only people with inaccessible attitudes based their Time 2 attitudes on these reasons. We argue that people with accessible attitudes are less likely to base their attitudes on temporarily salient thoughts about the attitude object.
Time domain electrical characterization in zinc oxide nanoparticle thin-film transistors

In this work, the characteristics of thin-film transistors (TFTs) employing nanoparticulated zinc oxide (ZnO) as the active semiconductor channel layer are discussed. The growing interest in this component is associated to the development of low-cost, flexible and transparent electronic devices. The TFTs integrated with ZnO nanoparticles are presented and an extensive time domain electrical characterization campaign was performed on 80 samples of two different integration setups: inverted staggered and inverted coplanar. In the performed tests two main disturbances were identified, which were classified as abrupt and memory effects. From the collected data, hypotheses to explain the observed typical behavior are formulated. Trapping activity, ambient interaction, dielectric dipoles, formed parallel-paths and oxygen vacancies are mechanisms that may be associated to the observed behavior.
Why Do People Hurt Themselves? A New Conceptual Model of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

The motivation to avoid pain and injury is a fundamental instinct, crucial to the survival of individuals and species. Yet, each year, millions of people purposefully and directly injure themselves in the absence of suicidal intent. Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has perplexed psychologists for decades. To advance understanding of NSSI, we present a new model—the benefits and barriers model of NSSI. This model builds on the supported elements of prior models, integrates information from recent experimental and longitudinal NSSI studies, and closely aligns with advances in basic psychological science. The core tenets of this model are that (a) NSSI carries many powerful benefits that are accessible to most people, but (b) most people do not access these benefits because there are several natural or instinctive barriers that motivate them to avoid self-injury. Preliminary work based on this model has produced novel NSSI risk factors and an effective NSSI treatment approach.