Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 Could Improve Glucose Regulation and Insulin Sensitivity Through Its RGD Domain

Low circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) are associated with insulin resistance and predict the development of type 2 diabetes. IGFBP-1 can affect cellular functions independently of IGF binding through an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) integrin-binding motif. Whether causal mechanisms underlie the favorable association of high IGFBP-1 levels with insulin sensitivity and whether these could be exploited therapeutically remain unexplored. We used recombinant IGFBP-1 and a synthetic RGD-containing hexapeptide in complementary in vitro signaling assays and in vivo metabolic profiling in obese mice to investigate the effects of IGFBP-1 and its RGD domain on insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and whole-body glucose regulation. The RGD integrin-binding domain of IGFBP-1, through integrin engagement, focal adhesion kinase, and integrin-linked kinase, enhanced insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in C2C12 myotubes and INS-1 832/13 pancreatic β-cells. Both acute administration and chronic infusion of an RGD synthetic peptide to obese C57BL/6 mice improved glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity. These favorable effects on metabolic homeostasis suggest that the RGD integrin-binding domain of IGFBP-1 may be a promising candidate for therapeutic development in the field of insulin resistance.
Pivotal role of mitochondrial Na+–Ca2+ exchange in antigen receptor mediated Ca2+ signalling in DT40 and A20 B lymphocytes

Non‐technical summary Elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ is one of the early responses of lymphocytes upon the antigen recognition by the surface receptor. We show here that the Ca2+ response is maintained by Ca2+ transfer from mitochondria to endoplasmic reticulum through mitochondrial Na+–Ca2+ exchange. The result helps us understanding how lymphocyte responses to antigen are organized at organelle level.
COMPARATIVE AND ONTOGENIC BIOCHEMISTRY Interracial Differences in Expression of Genes of Antibacterial Peptides , Abaecin , Hymenoptaecin , and Defensin , in Bees Apis mellifera mellifera and Apis mellifera caucasica

Results of experiments are presented which have revealed differences in expression of genes of antibacterial peptides (ABP) after administration of pathogen (bacterial preparation, bi toxybacillin) between honeybees of the middle Russian and Caucasian races as well as their hy brids. Interracial variations of the level of ABP gene expression were studied in the bees at the early stage of protective reactions. It was shown that the reaction was realized more rapidly in bees after their immunization and that purebred bees had some advantages over hybrids in development of the protective response with participation of ABP.
Production of transgenic pig as an Alzheimer’s disease model using a multi-cistronic vector system

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with memory loss and cognitive impairments. An AD transgenic (Tg) pig model would be useful for preclinical testing of therapeutic agents. We generated an AD Tg pig by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using a multi-cistronic vector that harbored three AD-related genes with a total of six well-characterized mutations: hAPP (K670N/M671L, I716V, and V717I), hTau (P301L), and hPS1 (M146V and L286P). Four AD Tg cell lines were established from Jeju black pig ear fibroblasts (JB-PEFs); the resultant JB-PEFAD cells harbored transgene integration, expressed transgene mRNAs, and had normal karyotypes. Tg line #2–1, which expressed high levels of the transgenes, was used for SCNT; cleavage and blastocyst rates of embryos derived from this line were lower than those of Non-Tg. These embryos yielded three piglets (Jeju National University AD-Tg pigs, JNUPIGs) revealed by microsatellite testing to be genetically identical to JB-PEFAD. Transgenes were expressed in multiple tissues, and at especially high levels in brain, and Aβ-40/42, total Tau, and GFAP levels were high in brains of the Tg animals. Five or more copies of transgenes were inserted into chromosome X. This is the first report of an AD Tg pig derived from a multi-cistronic vector.
Transfer of albedo and local depth variation to photo-textures

Acquisition of displacement and albedo maps for full building façades is a difficult problem and traditionally achieved through a labor intensive artistic process. In this paper, we present a material appearance transfer method, Transfer by Analogy, designed to infer surface detail and diffuse reflectance for textured surfaces like the present in building façades. We begin by acquiring small exemplars (displacement and albedo maps), in accessible areas, where capture conditions can be controlled. We then transfer these properties to a complete photo-texture constructed from reference images and captured under diffuse daylight illumination. Our approach allows super-resolution inference of albedo and displacement from information in the photo-texture. When transferring appearance from multiple exemplars to façades containing multiple materials, our approach also sidesteps the need for segmentation. We show how we use these methods to create relightable models with a high degree of texture detail, reproducing the visually rich self-shadowing effects that would normally be difficult to capture using just simple consumer equipment.
Oral Supplementation with All‐Rac‐ and RRR‐α‐Tocopherol Increases Vitamin E Levels in Human Sebum after a Latency Period of 14‐21 Days

Abstract: In human skin, highest α‐tocopherol levels are found in facial sebum. We hypothesized that the bioavailability of vitamin E in human skin is, at least in part, dependent on sebaceous gland secretion. To test this, 24 volunteers were subjected to a randomized daily supplementation with either 400 mg RRR‐α‐tocopheryl acetate (RRR‐α‐toc) or 400 mg all‐rac‐α‐tocopheryl acetate (all‐rac‐α‐toc) for 14 days. Fasting blood samples, facial sebum samples, and lower‐arm skin‐surface lipids (SSL) were taken at time‐points between 0‐21 days. Samples were analyzed by HPLC for α‐tocopherol and squalene concentrations. Increased serum α‐tocopherol levels were detectable as early as 12 h after supplementation of RRR‐α‐toc or all‐rac‐α‐toc and peaked on day 7. No significant changes were observed in lower‐arm SSL. Remarkably, while unchanged until day 14, α‐tocopherol sebum levels were increased on day 21 in both the RRR‐α‐toc and the all‐rac‐α‐toc group by 87% and 92%, respectively. With respect to dietary supplementation of vitamin E and its bioavailability in human skin, these results suggest that (1) sebaceous gland secretion is a relevant delivery mechanism; (2) the bioavailabilities of RRR‐α‐toc and the all‐rac‐α‐toc are similar; and (3) significant accumulation requires a daily supplementation period of at least 2‐3 weeks.
Changes in self-regulatory cognitions as predictors of changes in smoking and nutrition behaviour

Most longitudinal, correlational studies on health-behaviour change examine effects of Time1 social-cognitive predictors on subsequent behaviour. In contrast, our research focusses on associations between changes in predictors with change in behaviour. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) distinguishes between motivational predictors for intention formation and volitional predictors for behavioural change and served as theoretical basis. Two online-studies were launched targeting different behaviours (low-fat diet, smoking), different samples (Study 1: N = 469; Study 2: N = 441) and different time spans (Study 1: 3 months, Study 2: 4 weeks). Data were analysed by means of structural equation modelling with latent difference scores. Both studies resulted in almost parallel prediction patterns. Change in risk awareness and change in outcome expectancies did not result in change in intentions, whereas change in self-efficacy was of crucial importance. Change in behaviour was associated with change in action planning and action control over and above the effects of intentions. In one study, increases in self-efficacy yielded increases in behaviour change. Results demonstrate that change in action planning and especially action control was of great importance for behaviour change across two different behaviours. Analysing change in social-cognitive predictors allows drawing precise conclusions for interventions.
A test of a job demands-resources intervention

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a job demands-resources (JD-R) intervention on psychological capital (PsyCap), job crafting, work engagement, and performance. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group. Healthcare professionals (n=67) were assigned to the JD-R intervention or a control group and filled out questionnaires before and after the intervention. To test the hypotheses, multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted. Findings – Results showed that participants’ PsyCap, job crafting, work engagement, and self-ratings of job performance significantly increased after the JD-R intervention. Research limitations/implications – Only healthcare professionals participated in the intervention study, which restricts the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications – The results illustrate that organizations can foster work engagement and improve performance by offering a JD-R intervention .
Defining osteoarthritis of the hip for epidemiologic studies.

The authors compared seven radiologic indices of hip osteoarthritis to establish which provided the best definition of the disease for epidemiologic purposes. Hip joints were assessed from intravenous urograms taken in a British hospital between 1982 and 1987 in 1,315 men aged 60-75 years. The indices examined were an overall qualitative grading of osteoarthritis, four measures of joint space, the maximum thickness of subchondral sclerosis, and the size of the largest osteophyte. Minimal joint space (i.e., the shortest distance between the femoral head margin and the acetabulum) was the index most strongly associated with other radiologic features of osteoarthritis. Among a subset of 759 men who answered a questionnaire about symptoms, the overall qualitative grading, minimal joint space, and thickness of subchondral sclerosis were the radiologic indices most predictive of hip pain. Within- and between-observer repeatability were tested in a subset of 50 subjects. Measures of joint space were more reproducible than other indices. These data suggest that, at least in men, minimal joint space is the best radiologic criterion of hip osteoarthritis for use in epidemiologic studies.
A preliminary assessment of race differences in the relationship between religious doubt and depressive symptoms

The purpose of this study is to test a conceptual model that examines the relationship between religious doubt and depressive symptoms in late life. Data from a nationwide survey of older adults provide support for the following hypotheses that were embedded in this conceptual schemers (1) older people who do not attend church often tend to have more doubts about their faith; (2) older individuals who have doubts about religion will not feel closely connected with others; (3) older people who do not feel a close bond with others will be less likely to forgive people for the things they have done; and (4) older people who are not willing to forgive others will be more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The data further reveal that older blacks are more involved in religion than older whites and that the beneficial impact of religion on depressive symptoms is greater for older African American study participants.
Increased stiffness and cell–matrix interactions of abdominal aorta in two experimental nonhypertensive models: long-term chemically sympathectomized and sinoaortic denervated rats

Rationale: Sinoaortic denervated (SAD) and chemically sympathectomized (SNX) rats are characterized by a decrease in arterial distensibility without hypertension and would, thus, be relevant for analyzing arterial wall stiffening independently of blood pressure level. The fibronectin network, which plays a pivotal role in cell–matrix interactions, is a major determinant of arterial stiffness. We hypothesized that in SAD and SNX rats, arterial stiffness is increased, due to alterations of cell–matrix anchoring leading to spatial reorganization of the extracellular matrix. Methods: The intrinsic elastic properties of the arterial wall were evaluated in vivo by the relationship between incremental elastic modulus determined by echotracking and circumferential wall stress. The changes of cell-extracellular matrix links in the abdominal aorta were evaluated by studying fibronectin, vascular integrin receptors, and ultrastructural features of the aorta by immunochemistry. Results: In both experimental conditions, wall stiffness increased, associated with different modifications of cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. In SAD rats, increased media cross-sectional area was coupled with an increase of muscle cell attachments to its extracellular matrix via fibronectin and its &agr;5-&bgr;1 integrin. In SNX rats, reduced media cross-sectional area was associated with upregulation of &agr;v-&bgr;3 integrin and more extensive connections between dense bands and elastic fibers despite the disruption of the elastic lamellae. Conclusion: In aorta of SNX and SAD rats, a similar arterial stiffness is associated to different structural alterations. An increase in &agr;v&bgr;3 or &agr;5&bgr;1 integrins together with the already reported increase in the proportion of less distensible (collagen) to more distensible (elastin) components in both models contributes to remodeling and stiffening of the abdominal aorta.
Mechanisms of cell activation by heavy metal ions.

Heavy metal ions can be released by corroding metallic implants into the surrounding tissue. When they enter blood vessels some of them are carried by proteins like albumin and can be taken up by endothelial cells lining the vessels. To study their involvement in the inflammatory response we investigated heavy metal ion induced effects in cultured human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). NiCl2 and CoCl2 upregulate, especially in concentrations of 1 mM, the expression of adhesion molecules (e.g., E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1), as well as the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, as shown by enzyme immunoassay and Northern blot analysis. In addition, possible signal transduction mechanisms were elucidated. The HUVECs were treated with various selective inhibitory drugs followed by the incubation of metal ions before measuring the expression of the above-mentioned endothelial factors. Two protein kinase inhibitors (H-7 and H-8) strongly repressed Ni2+ and Co2+ enhanced expression, as did the phospholipase A2 inhibitor quinacrine. Other selective inhibitors of protein kinases C or A, or cGMP-dependent protein kinases, as well as calcium antagonists like 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethan-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzosaure 8-(diethylamino)-octylester and inhibitors of receptor mediated endocytosis (primary amines), had no influence. We showed that NiCl2 and CoCl2 activate the translocation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB into the cell nucleus and enhance its binding to a NF-kappaB consensus sequence as shown by mobility shift analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated the activation of AP-1. Despite the repression of heavy metal induced adhesion molecule synthesis, we did not detect any inhibition of NF-kappaB translocation by H-7 or H-8. Therefore, it must be concluded that heavy metal ions like Ni2+ and Co2+ activate two or more signal transduction pathways in endothelial cells. We clearly showed that there is one pathway in which H-7 and H-8 sensitive protein kinases are involved and a second pathway leading to NF-kappaB activation, which is insensitive to H-7 and H-8. Our results demonstrate that heavy metal ions induce mechanisms of gene activation in endothelial cells as do proinflammatory mediators, indicating that corroding metal ion containing biomaterials can provoke inflammatory reactions by known, as well as by yet unknown, intracellular signaling pathways.
Futures thinking for academic librarians: Higher education in 2025

For academic librarians seeking to demonstrate the value of their libraries to their parent institutions, it is important to understand not only the current climate. We must also know what will be valued in the future so that we can begin to take appropriate action now. This document presents 26 possible scenarios based on an implications assessment of current trends, which may have an impact on all types of academic and research libraries over the next 15 years. The scenarios represent themes relating to academic culture, demographics, distance education, funding, globalization, infrastructure/facilities, libraries, political climate, publishing industry, societal values, students/learning and technology. They are organized in a “scenario space” visualization tool, reflecting the expert judgment of ACRL members as to their expectations and perceptions about the probability, impact, speed of change and threat/opportunity potential of each scenario. Finally, the study draws out implications for academic libraries. For scenarios which have been identified as high impact with a high probability of occurring, it is incumbent upon library directors and those who set strategic agendas for academic libraries to plan to act now upon these scenarios. This report reinforces the notion that academic libraries are part of a larger ecosystem, and librarians should be consistently scanning the environment to look for signs of the changes that may come. It includes an appendix with a suggested activity to engage library colleagues in stretching your imaginations and considering possible futures. This can build capacity to engage in strategic thinking and planning, supporting librarians in making better decisions now that can address a variety of possible futures.
The Role of Service Level Agreements in Relational Management of Information Technology Outsourcing: An Empirical Study

This study extends the view that formal contracts and relational governance function as complements rather than as substitutes. We investigate how specific characteristics of service level agreements (SLAs) impact relational governance in information technology outsourcing relationships. Eleven contractual elements (categorized into three SLA characteristics: foundation, change, and governance characteristics) are hypothesized to act as complements of three relational governance attributes: relational norms, harmonious conflict resolution, and mutual dependence. Data for the study were collected through a survey of South Korean IT executives. Results of the study support the fundamental proposition of complementarity between formal contracts and relational governance, and indicate that well-structured SLAs have significant positive influence on the various aspects of relational governance in IT outsourcing relationships. However, the study also reveals that change characteristics of SLAs may act as a substitute for relational governance as these characteristics were found to dampen the level of trust and commitment through moderation effects. Overall, the findings support the proposition that well-developed SLAs not only provide a way to measure the service provider's performance, but also enable effective management of outsourcing engagements through the development of partnership-style relationships with high levels of trust and commitment.
Mast cell–derived particles deliver peripheral signals to remote lymph nodes

During infection, signals from the periphery are known to reach draining lymph nodes (DLNs), but how these molecules, such as inflammatory cytokines, traverse the significant distances involved without dilution or degradation remains unclear. We show that peripheral mast cells, upon activation, release stable submicrometer heparin-based particles containing tumor necrosis factor and other proteins. These complexes enter lymphatic vessels and rapidly traffic to the DLNs. This physiological drug delivery system facilitates communication between peripheral sites of inflammation and remote secondary lymphoid tissues.
Detecting Depression of Cancer Patients with Daily Mental Health Logs from Mobile Applications

Mobile mental health trackers, the mobile applications that gather self-reported mental logs from users, have gained recent attention from clinicians as a tool for detecting patients’ depression. However, critics have raised questions about the validity of the data collected from mental health trackers, which ask only a few simple questions using the face emoticon scale. Our research is the first study to address this issue, and we provide theoretical discussion that leads to the following hypotheses: (1) simpler but larger datasets collected daily from mobile mental health trackers can serve as good indicators to detect patients’ depression, and (2) higher adherence to mobile mental health trackers enhances screening accuracy. We tested our hypotheses using the dataset of 5,792 sets of daily mental health logs collected from 78 breast cancer patients. Our random logistic panel regression and ROC analysis results, as well as k-means clustering analysis, provide strong supports for both hypotheses.
Long-term potentiation of intrinsic excitability in hypoglossal and trigeminal motoneurons

this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Brain Research. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Brain Research, VOL1541, (2013-12-06) DOI : 10.1016/j.brainres. 2013.10. 010
The Nature of the 10 kilosecond X-ray flare in Sgr A*

The X-ray mission Chandra has observed a dramatic X-ray flare { a brightening by a factor of 50 for only three hours { from Sgr A*, the Galactic Center supermassive black hole. Sgr A* has never shown variability of this amplitude in the radio and we therefore argue that a jump of this order in the accretion rate does not seem the likely cause. Based on our model for jet-dominated emission in the quiescent state of Sgr A*, we suggest that the flare is a consequence of extra electron heating near the black hole. This can either lead to direct heating of thermal electrons to Te 6 10 11 K and signicantly increased synchrotron-self Compton emission, or result from non-thermal particle acceleration with increased synchrotron radiation and electron Lorentz factors up to e > 10 5 . While the former scenario is currently favored by the data, simultaneous VLBI, submm, mid-infrared