Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pro-Inflammatory Actions of Thiazolidinediones ( TZDs ) in Human Macrophages

This is an un-copyedited author manuscript copyrighted by The Endocrine Society. This may not be duplicated or reproduced, other than for personal use or within the rule of “Fair Use of Copyrighted Materials” (section 107, Title 17, U.S. Code) without permission of the copyright owner, The Endocrine Society. From the time of acceptance following peer review, the full text of this manuscript is made freely available by The Endocrine Society at http://www.endojournals. org/. The final copy edited article can be found at http://www.endojournals. org/. The Endocrine Society disclaims any responsibility or liability for errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or in any version derived from it by the National Institutes of Health or other parties. The citation of this article must include the following information: author(s), article title, journal title, year of publication and DOI.
Ability-personality interactions when predicting job performance

The general proposition that performance is a multiplicative function of ability and motivation has a long-standing history. Three recent studies have reported results that suggest that shifting from an additive model to a multiplicative model may improve efforts to predict performance. This article represents an extensive examination of this multiplicative proposition when motivation is conceptualized in terms of personality characteristics. The Project A database, the Management Continuity Study database, and 2 additional data sets were brought together to facilitate a systematic investigation concerning whether ability and personality interact when predicting performance. Contrary to expectations, the results indicate that ability-personality interactions are not detected at above chance levels.
Fluid lava flows in Gusev crater, Mars

[1] Rocks on the floor of Gusev crater are basaltic in composition, as determined from measurements by the Mars Exploration Rover, Spirit. On the basis of compositional data, models of the basaltic lavas at the time of their emplacement suggest viscosities of 2.3 to 50 Pa · s (dependent on the number of phenocrysts and vesicles that were present), which would be more fluid than terrestrial tholeiitic lavas and comparable to mare lavas on the Moon or Archean high-Mg basalts on Earth. Morphological data and crater counts derived from the High Resolution Stereo Camera on Mars Express and other orbiters suggest that the lavas flooded Gusev crater at about 3.65 b.y. and postdate older floor materials, such as putative sediments emplaced by Ma'adim Vallis.
Moving the Work of Criminal Investigators Towards Crime Control

Executive Session on Policing and Public Safety This is one in a series of papers that will be pub­ lished as a result of the Executive Session on Policing and Public Safety. Harvard’s Executive Sessions are a convening of individuals of independent standing who take joint responsibility for rethinking and improving society’s responses to an issue. Members are selected based on their experiences, their repu­ tation for thoughtfulness and their potential for helping to disseminate the work of the Session. In the early 1980s, an Executive Session on Policing helped resolve many law enforcement issues of the day. It produced a number of papers and concepts that revolutionized policing. Thirty years later, law enforcement has changed and NIJ and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government are again collaborating to help resolve law enforce­ ment issues of the day. Learn more about the Executive Session on Policing and Public Safety at: NIJ’s website: http://www.ojp. usdoj.gov/nij/topics/ law-enforcement/executive-sessions/welcome.htm Harvard’s website: http://www.hks. harvard.edu/ criminaljustice/executive_sessions/policing.htm In many fundamental respects, the investigation process, though showing some advances, seems to have been relatively uninfluenced by signifi­ cant changes in policing, the crime problem and technological advances made in the past thirty years. In the main, it is our view that progress in police criminal investigation efforts remains largely isolated from broader police efforts to respond more effectively, more efficiently, and more resolutely to the crime problem in general.
Facilitators and Barriers to Health-Seeking Behaviours among Filipino Migrants: Inductive Analysis to Inform Health Promotion

Understanding factors that influence health-seeking behaviour of migrants is necessary to intervene for behaviour change. This paper explores Filipino migrants' perceptions of facilitators and barriers to maintaining health in Australia. Open-ended survey item responses reflecting factors that assisted and hindered health following migration to Australia were inductively analysed. Three hundred and thirty-seven of the 552 survey respondents (61%) provided open-ended responses. Responses were grouped into two major categories: individual factors, including personal resources and cultural influences, and environmental factors encompassing both the physical conditions in the host country and health service access. Awareness of practices that enhance health was a major personal facilitator of health-seeking behaviour; however, competing priorities of daily living were perceived as barriers. Cultural beliefs and practices influenced health-seeking behaviour. Despite high self-rated English language skills in this population, new migrants and the elderly cited communication difficulties as barriers to accessing health services. Insight into facilitators and barriers to health-seeking behaviour in this less researched migrant population revealed tools for enhancing engagement in health promotion programs addressing healthy lifestyle.
The effects of propofol on heart rate, arterial pressure and adelta and C somatosympathetic reflexes in anaesthetized dogs.

The effects of propofol on mean arterial pressure, heart rate and Adelta and C somatosympathetic reflexes, recorded in renal nerves, evoked by repeated individual supramaximal electrical stimuli applied to radial nerves, were observed in anaesthetized, paralysed and artificially ventilated dogs. Propofol was infused at rates from 0.4 to 2.0 mg kg-1 min-1. Mean C and Adelta reflexes were abolished at plasma concentrations (mean, SEM) of 24.3 (3.3) and 29.2 (2.6) microg mL-1 (P < 0.05), respectively, when mean arterial pressure and mean heart rate were reduced by approximately 55% (P < 0.01) and 26% (P > 0.05), respectively. Recovery of Adelta and C reflexes occurred at plasma concentrations of 13.1 (2.3) and 9.9 (1.3) microg mL-1 (P > 0.05), respectively. There was a log- arithmically linearly related fall in mean arterial pressure by 70% up to a plasma concentration approximately 97 microg mL-1 (r 2=0.7) with a 28% reduction in heart rate which was uncorrelated with the plasma concentrations (r 2=0.12). In conclusion, propofol abolished Adelta and C responses at comparable plasma concentrations and caused a major reduction in both mean arterial pressure and heart rate which is consistent with resetting of the baroreflexes. The reduction in mean arterial pressure was logarithmically, linearly correlated with a progressive increase in plasma concentrations without evidence of a ceiling effect.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Trauma and Its Patterns in Western Iran: A Hospital Based Experience

Background and Objective: Trauma is a major cause of mortality in children aged 1 to 14 years old and its patterns differs from country to country. In this study we investigated the epidemiology and distribution of non-intentional trauma in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: The archives of 304 children below 10 years old who presented to Taleghani trauma care center in Kermanshah, Iran from March to September 2008, were reviewed. Patients’ demographic and injury related information were registered. The participants were categorized into three age groups of 0-2, 3-6 and 7-10 years old and the data was compared among age groups and between both sexes. Findings: The most common cause for trauma was falling from heights (65.5%) and road traffic accidents (16.4%). The most common anatomical sites of injury were the upper limbs followed by the head and neck (36.8% and 31.2%, respectively). Injuries mostly occurred in homes (67.4%). The injuries were mostly related to the orthopedics and the neurosurgery division (84.1% and 13.1%, respectively). Accident rates peaked during the hours of 18-24 (41.3%). Male and female patients did display any difference regarding the variables. Children between the ages of 0-2 years old had the highest rate of injury to the head and neck area (40.3%) (p=0.024). Falls and road traffic accidents displayed increasing rates from the ages of 0-2 to 3-6 and decreasing rates to the ages of 7-10 years old (p=0.013). From the ages of 0-2 to 3-6 years old, street accidents increased and household traumas decreased. After that age household trauma rates increased and street accidents decreased (p=0.005). Children between the ages of 7-10 years old had the highest rate of orthopedic injury (p=0.029). Conclusion: Special planning and health policies are needed to prevent road accidents especially in children between the ages of 3-6 years old. Since homes were the place where children between the ages of 0-2 were mostly injured, parents should be educated about the correct safety measures that they need to take regarding their children’s environments. The orthopedics department needs to receive the most training and resources for the management of pediatric trauma.
The role of the lateral intraparietal area in orienting attention and its implications for visual search

Orienting visual attention is of fundamental importance when viewing a visual scene. One of the areas thought to play a role in the guidance of this process is the posterior parietal cortex. In this review, we will describe the way the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) of the posterior parietal cortex acts as a priority map to help guide the allocation of covert attention and eye movements (overt attention). We will explain the concept of a priority map and then show that LIP activity is biased by both bottom‐up stimulus‐driven factors and top‐down cognitive influences, and that this activity can be used to predict the locus of covert attention and initial saccadic latencies in simple visual search tasks. We will then describe evidence for how this system acts during covert visual search and how its activity could be used to optimize overt visual search performance.
Stochastic Convex Optimization with Multiple Objectives

In this paper, we are interested in the development of efficient algorithms for convex optimization problems in the simultaneous presence of multiple objectives and stochasticity in the first-order information. We cast the stochastic multiple objective optimization problem into a constrained optimization problem by choosing one function as the objective and try to bound other objectives by appropriate thresholds. We first examine a two stages exploration-exploitation based algorithm which first approximates the stochastic objectives by sampling and then solves a constrained stochastic optimization problem by projected gradient method. This method attains a suboptimal convergence rate even under strong assumption on the objectives. Our second approach is an efficient primal-dual stochastic algorithm. It leverages on the theory of Lagrangian method in constrained optimization and attains the optimal convergence rate of O(1/√T) in high probability for general Lipschitz continuous objectives.
A new optimization based approach for push recovery in case of multiple noncoplanar contacts

This paper presents a new approach for humanoid push recovery in a generalized noncoplanar multicontact context. Our approach is based on a simplified model and consists in stabilizing the perturbed system while maintaining fixed contacts with the environment or by changing a contact configuration when needed to achieve stabilization. A first step of our strategy chooses the optimal contact to change when needed. A second step stabilizes the system while maintaining fixed contacts, when possible or by calculating the minimum change in the position of the optimal contact, capable of stabilizing the system.
Syntheses of Novel 4-Substituted N-(5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine-3-sulfonamide Derivatives with Potential Antifungal Activity

Candidiasis represent a serious threat for patients with altered immune responses. Therefore, we have undertaken the synthesis of compounds comprising a pyridine-3-sulfonamide scaffold and known antifungally active 1,2,4-triazole substituents. Thus a series of novel 4-substituted N-(5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine-3-sulfonamides have been synthesized by multistep reactions starting from 4-chloropyridine-3-sulfonamide via N′-cyano-N-[(4-substitutedpyridin-3-yl)sulfonyl]carbamimidothioates which were further converted with hydrazine hydrate to the corresponding 1,2,4-triazole derivatives 26–36. The final compounds were evaluated for antifungal activity against strains of the genera Candida, Geotrichum, Rhodotorula, and Saccharomycess isolated from patients with mycosis. Many of them show greater efficacy than fluconazole, mostly towards Candida albicans and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa species, with MIC values ≤ 25 µg/mL. A docking study of the most active compounds 26, 34 and 35 was performed showing the potential mode of binding to Candida albicans lanosterol 14α-demethylase. Also in vitro cytotoxicity of selected compounds have been evaluated on the NCI-60 cell line panel.
Racial and Ethnic Representation in Gifted Programs

The Elementary and Secondary School Survey data and Civil Rights Data Collection of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) were analyzed to describe the issue of overrepresentation of gifted Asian American students in gifted education programs in the United States. Nationally, Asian and Whites have been overrepresented in gifted education since 1978, whereas, students from other ethnic backgrounds, such as those from American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic, and African American groups, have been underrepresented with gradual increases in this underrepresentation since 1994. When the data were disaggregated by state for the period from 2002 to 2006, each racial and ethnic group displayed varied ranges of representation. Those varied distributions can be attributed to each state's unique demographic profile, varied definitions of giftedness, identification procedures, and identification policies. By focusing on Asian American students, this study addressed some difficulties that gifted Asian American students may face concerning the image of model minority and through the acculturation processes as immigrants or descendents of immigrants. Furthermore, this study suggests a need for disaggregated data collection and more research concerning gifted Asian American students from various ethnic Asian groups. Putting the Research to Use: Findings from this study highlight the need for carefully collected data in the field of gifted education concerning race and ethnicity of students in programs and provide the reader with a picture of both underrepresentation and overrepresentation of students by state and ethnic group. Attention needs to be paid to sub-groups within categories of race and ethnicity to understand representation. By considering the issue of Asian Americans and their overrepresentation, this research has raised awareness about factors, such as identification processes, acculturation, and academic motivation that might promote recognition of giftedness among some ethnic groups. Finally, this research offers readers with a new, multiple-year, current, analysis of the representation in gifted programs nationally and by state for racial/ethnic groups, an area of continued concern to those in the field of gifted education.
Self-Assembled Micelles Composed of Doxorubicin Conjugated Y-Shaped PEG-Poly(glutamic acid)2 Copolymers via Hydrazone Linkers

In this work, micelles composed of doxorubicin-conjugated Y-shaped copolymers (YMs) linked via an acid-labile linker were constructed. Y-shaped copolymers of mPEG-b-poly(glutamate-hydrazone-doxorubicin)2 and linear copolymers of mPEG-b-poly(glutamate-hydrazone-doxorubicin) were synthesized and characterized. Particle size, size distribution, morphology, drug loading content (DLC) and drug release of the micelles were determined. Alterations in size and DLC of the micelles could be achieved by varying the hydrophobic block lengths. Moreover, at fixed DLCs, YMs showed a smaller diameter than micelles composed of linear copolymers (LMs). Also, all prepared micelles showed sustained release behaviors under physiological conditions over 72 h. DOX loaded in YMs was released more completely, with 30% more drug released in acid. The anti-tumor efficacy of the micelles against HeLa cells was evaluated by MTT assays, and YMs exhibited stronger cytotoxic effects than LMs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cellular uptake studied by CLSM indicated that YMs and LMs were readily taken up by HeLa cells. According to the results of this study, doxorubicin-conjugated Y-shaped PEG-(polypeptide)2 copolymers showed advantages over linear copolymers, like assembling into smaller nanoparticles, faster drug release in acid, which may correspond to higher cellular uptake and enhanced extracellular/intracellular drug release, indicating their potential in constructing nano-sized drug delivery systems.
The influence of disciplinary assessment patterns on student learning: a comparative study

This paper explores disciplinary patterns of assessment and feedback, using data from the Transforming the Experience of Students through Assessment project. Its central research question concerns the effect of disciplinary assessment patterns on student learning. Audit data from 18 degree programmes at 8 UK universities showed variations in assessment patterns across three disciplinary fields: Humanities, Professional and Science courses. There were variations in assessment demands; in the quantity of feedback and in the proportion of examinations. Statistical analysis of Assessment Experience Questionnaire data (n = 762) explored whether these differences influenced students' perceptions of learning across the disciplines. Findings showed that there were no significant differences in students' perceptions of learning from examinations. Humanities students evaluated the appropriateness of their assessment lower than other discipline groups; professional students were less clear about goals and standards. The researchers propose explanations for these findings and suggest avenues for further research.
A diversity of uncharacterized reverse transcriptases in bacteria

Retroelements are usually considered to be eukaryotic elements because of the large number and variety in eukaryotic genomes. By comparison, reverse transcriptases (RTs) are rare in bacteria, with only three characterized classes: retrons, group II introns and diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs). Here, we present the results of a bioinformatic survey that aims to define the landscape of RTs across eubacterial, archaeal and phage genomes. We identify and categorize 1021 RTs, of which the majority are group II introns (73%). Surprisingly, a plethora of novel RTs are found that do not belong to characterized classes. The RTs have 11 domain architectures and are classified into 20 groupings based on sequence similarity, phylogenetic analyses and open reading frame domain structures. Interestingly, group II introns are the only bacterial RTs to exhibit clear evidence for independent mobility, while five other groups have putative functions in defense against phage infection or promotion of phage infection. These examples suggest that additional beneficial functions will be discovered among uncharacterized RTs. The study lays the groundwork for experimental characterization of these highly diverse sequences and has implications for the evolution of retroelements.
Prehospital Delay After Acute Stroke in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Background and Purpose— Successful acute stroke intervention depends on early hospital presentation. Our study aimed to examine the extent of and factors associated with prehospital delays after acute stroke in Taiwan, where people are new to thrombolytic therapy for stroke. Methods— Data were prospectively collected from 196 patients admitted with acute stroke who presented to the emergency department (ED) of the study hospital within 48 hours of symptom onset before intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was approved. Prehospital delay was defined as time from symptom onset to the ED arrival. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to evaluate factors influencing delay in ED presentation and delay in decision to seek medical help. Results— The median interval between symptom onset and decision to seek medical contact was 90 minutes; the median interval between symptom onset and ED arrival was 335 minutes. The time from symptom onset to first call for medical help accounted for 45% (95% confidence interval, 41 to 50) of the prehospital delay. Advanced age delayed the decision to seek medical help, whereas stroke severity reduced the risk for this delay. Conclusions— The time interval between symptom onset and the decision to call for medical care is far from optimal and is the underlying cause of prolonged prehospital delay. Educational efforts to reduce extent of delay are urgently needed.
Distant warriors, distant peace workers? Multiple diaspora roles in Sri Lanka's violent conflict

This article provides a critical, empirically based analysis of the multiple ways in which diaspora communities participate in transnational politics related to their war-affected former home countries. The case of Sri Lanka — and the Tamil and Sinhalese diasporas in the West — is used to illustrate how contemporary armed conflicts are increasingly waged in an international arena. Active diaspora groups have enabled an extension of nationalist mobilization, hostilities and polarization across the globe. Diaspora actors take part in propaganda work and fundraising in support of the belligerent parties in Sri Lanka, while the polarization between Sinhalese and Tamils is to a large extent replicated in the diaspora. However, there are also examples of diaspora groups that challenge war and militarism, for instance by calling for non-violent conflict resolution, condemning atrocities by both sides, and engaging in cross-ethnic dialogue. The article also argues that diaspora engagement in reconstruction of war-torn areas can be a double-edged sword, as it can reproduce — or reduce — grievances and inequalities that fuel the conflict. By discussing the many ways in which diasporas engage in homeland politics, the article challenges simplified understandings of diasporas as either‘warriors’or‘peace workers’ in relation to their homeland conflicts.
Kernel-based adaptive image sampling

This paper presents an adaptive progressive image acquisition algorithm based on the concept of kernel construction. The algorithm takes the conventional route of blind progressive sampling to sample and reconstruct the ground truth image in an iterative manner. During each iteration, an equivalent kernel is built for each unsampled pixel to capture the spatial structure of its local neighborhood. The kernel is normalized by the estimated sample strength in the local area and used as the projection of the influence of this unsampled pixel to the consequent sampling procedure. The sampling priority of a candidate unsampled pixel is the sum of such projections from other unsampled pixels in the local area. Pixel locations with the highest priority are sampled in the next iteration. The algorithm does not require to pre-process or compress the ground truth image and therefore can be used in various situations where such procedure is not possible. The experiments show that the proposed algorithm is able to capture the local structure of images to achieve a better reconstruction quality than that of the existing methods.