Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term survival and the viable but nonculturable state as part of the life cycle of Listonella pelagia

Survival of the turbot-virulent strain 7P of Listonella pelagia was evaluated at 3 incuba- tion temperatures (4, 10 and 22°C) in microcosms of natural freshwater and defined media of differ- ent salinities (9, 16 and 33‰) and nutrient concentrations (0.005, 1 and 17 g l -1 ). During the experi- mental period, different counting procedures were used to assess the population state. These were: (1) acridine orange total counts (AOTC); (2) nalidixic acid direct counts (NADC); (3) 2-(p-iodophenyl)- 3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (INT) direct counts (INTDC); and (4) plate counts (PC). Resuscitation of the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) populations was performed both in vitro and in vivo. Electron microscopy and membrane protein profiling of the cells was conducted. Irre- spective of the temperatures assayed, L. pelagia remained culturable for long periods in the defined- medium microcosms of 33‰ and 0.005 or 1 g l -1 nutrient content, but entered a VBNC state in fresh- water, at lower salinities (9 or 16 ‰) and/or at the highest nutrient content (17 g l -1 ). Although, in these cases, cells displayed a spheroid morphology, a significant reduction in size (p < 0.05) was only observed in long-term surviving cells. No changes were found in membrane protein profiles. VBNC cells were recovered in vitro in samples that contained less than 0.0001 culturable cells ml -1 , or that had been treated with ampicilline at bacteriolytic concentrations, and from the internal organs of infected sea bream. The overall results suggest long-term survival of L. pelagia, and that the VBNC state is part of its life cycle.
Prevalence of frontotemporal dementia in community-based studies in Latin America: a systematic review

Latin America (LA) is experiencing a rise in the elderly population and a consequent increase in geriatric problems such as dementia. There are few epidemiological studies assessing the magnitude of dementia and dementia subtypes in LA. OBJECTIVE To identify published community-based studies on the prevalence of FTD in LA countries. METHODS A database search for door-to-door studies on FTD prevalence in LA was performed. The search was carried out on Medline, Embase, and LILACS databases for research conducted between 1994 and 2012. The main inclusion criteria were: use of any internationally accepted diagnostic criteria and investigation of community samples. RESULTS Four hundred and ninety two articles were found, of which 26 were initially pre-selected by title or abstract review. Five studies from 3 different countries were included. The FTD prevalence rates in community-dwelling elderly were 1.2 (Venezuela), 1.3 (Peru) and 1.7-1.8 (Brazil) per thousand persons, depending on age group. CONCLUSION The FTD prevalence in LA studies showed values mid-way between those observed in western and in oriental populations. Despite the magnitude of this problem, epidemiological information on FTD remains scarce in LA.
Counting Deviance: Revisiting a Decade’s Production of Surveys among Muslims in Western Europe

Abstract This article looks at the emergence of Muslims as a category of knowledge in surveys and opinion polls that have been conducted as a reaction to the rising demand for data about Muslim populations in Western Europe within the last ten years. The most prevalent feature of the conceptualization of Muslims is that they are inherently immigrants, or of immigrant descent, who are living within a certain nation state. This creates a continuous statistical invisibility of certain Muslims, for instance those without immigration backgrounds, as well as Muslims with national backgrounds other than Muslim majority countries. Further, this identification of the Muslim as immigrant, even if unintended, contributes to upholding a subtle exclusion of Muslims from the national community as always foreign and always potentially in need of integration.
Downregulation of Id1 by small interfering RNA in gastric cancer inhibits cell growth via the Akt pathway

Inhibitor of differentiation or DNA binding (Id1) is a member of the helix-loop-helix transcription factor family that is overexpressed in various types of cancer, including gastric carcinoma. Previous studies showed that Id1 is a prognostic marker in patients with gastric cancer. However, the role of Id1 in the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells has yet to be clarified. In the present study, we downregulated the Id1 gene in SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells by RNA interference, and we also constructed a recombinant plasmid-expressing Id1 to investigate its effects on the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells. Results showed that the downregulation of Id1 inhibited proliferation of SGC-7901 cells, while the upregulation of Id1 had no effect on SGC-7901 cell proliferation. The potential mechanism was also investigated. The changes of certain proteins associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis and the cell cycle were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, we demonstrated a positive correlation between Id1 and phospho-Akt expression in SGC-7901 cells.
Risk Factors for the Development of Type II Diabetes Among Men Enrolled in the Usual Care Group of the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial

OBJECTIVE To study the association between selected risk factors and the subsequent incidence of type II diabetes over a 5-yr period. RESEACH DESIGN AND METHODS Between 1973 and 1976, a cohort of men from 22 clinical centers throughout the U.S. enrolled in the Usual Care group of the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. The men (5420 white, 428 black, 56 Asian, 70 Hispanic, and 26 other) were nondiabetic at baseline, were in the upper 15% of risk for coronary heart disease, and had at least two annual follow-up visits for fasting glucose measurements. The average age was 46 yr and average body mass index was 27.6 kg/m . Incidence of diabetes was defined as use of insulin or hypoglycemic agents, fasting glucose ≥140 mg/dl on two consecutive annual visits, or fasting glucose ≥ 140 mg/dl followed the next year by insulin or hypoglycemic use. Observations were taken annually over a 5-yr period. RESULTS Cumulative incidence of diabetes over 5 yr was 4.1%, with 247 incident cases. Development of diabetes was directly associated with race (blacks higher than non-blacks), reported parental history of diabetes, and with baseline levels of body mass index, fasting glucose, and glucose 1 h after a 75-g oral glucose load. These associations were statistically significant in both univariate and multivariate models. A significant interaction was observed between race and reported parental history of diabetes in development of diabetes, particularly within black men who reported a parental history. These individuals had higher than expected rates of diabetes development. CONCLUSIONS The data from men in the Usual Care group enrolled in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial confirm previous findings regarding the associations between the development of diabetes and baseline glucose levels, obesity, race, and parental history of diabetes. The identification of these risk factors provides very powerful tools to identify individuals at high risk of diabetes mellitus who may be amenable to intervention, thereby reducing their risk of developing the disease and its complications.
A cooperative inquiry study to identify strategies for group supervision in occupational therapy fieldwork placements

The purpose of this study was to identify effective strategies for supervising small groups of second-year students in an occupational therapy fieldwork programme based on a collaborative group model. Contemporary models for fieldwork education over the past decade have involved more placements for students working in peer groups, to address the shortage of fieldwork placements and to create opportunities for students to work in a team environment. Discussion about these fieldwork options has focused on the perceived value of the programmes rather than on the processes used for supervising students in groups. The research methodology chosen for this study was cooperative inquiry because of its congruence with the qualitative nature of group supervision and the collaborative model on which the fieldwork programme was based. Thirteen of a total of 18 occupational therapy supervisors volunteered to participate in the study. Data about supervision skills that would enhance student learning were generated through a series of experiential action cycles in the fieldwork setting, interspersed with regular peer reflection meetings. The results highlighted a range of supervision strategies such as student orientation, the facilitation of peer discussion and reflection on practice, and encouragement by the supervisor for students to use resources in the fieldwork environment and to take responsibility for their own learning. The depth of data gained from the study may have been limited owing to time constraints and other commitments of research participants. A social culture of mutual learning and support was established through the cooperative inquiry process, with potential for building ongoing relationships and participant awareness of educational innovations. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Title of Thesis: Risk-based Multiobjective Path Planning and Design Optimization for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Title of Thesis: RISK-BASED MULTIOBJECTIVE PATH PLANNING AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES Eliot Rudnick-Cohen, M.S. 2016 Dissertation directed by: Professor Shapour Azarm, Professor Jeffrey W. Herrmann, Department of Mechanical Engineering Abstract: Safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over populated areas requires reducing the risk posed by a UAV if it crashed during its operation. We considered several types of UAV risk-based path planning problems and developed techniques for estimating the risk to third parties on the ground. The path planning problem requires making trade-offs between risk and flight time. Four optimization approaches for solving the problem were tested; a network-based approach that used a greedy algorithm to improve the original solution generated the best solutions with the least computational effort. Additionally, an approach for solving a combined design and path planning problems was developed and tested. This approach was extended to solve robust risk-based path planning problem in which uncertainty about wind conditions would affect the risk posed by a UAV. Safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over populated areas requires reducing the risk posed by a UAV if it crashed during its operation. We considered several types of UAV risk-based path planning problems and developed techniques for estimating the risk to third parties on the ground. The path planning problem requires making trade-offs between risk and flight time. Four optimization approaches for solving the problem were tested; a network-based approach that used a greedy algorithm to improve the original solution generated the best solutions with the least computational effort. Additionally, an approach for solving a combined design and path planning problems was developed and tested. This approach was extended to solve robust risk-based path planning problem in which uncertainty about wind conditions would affect the risk posed by a UAV. RISK-BASED MULTIOBJECTIVE PATH PLANNING AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
Moral Education through the 3 Rs: Rights, respect and responsibility

We report an empirical assessment of suggestions that education in the appreciation of rights may be an effective agent of moral education. A children's rights curriculum was developed that was incorporated into the existing health and social studies curricula in Grade 8 classes (age 13-15) at five different schools over a 6-month period. The curriculum was designed to teach adolescents about their rights and responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in an egalitarian and student-centred manner. Assessment of the impact of the rights curriculum showed that, when compared with their peers who did not receive the rights curriculum, the adolescents who did indicated higher levels of self-esteem, perceived peer and teacher support and increased rights-respecting attitudes.
Protein Kinase A-Mediated Phosphorylation Contributes to Enhanced Contraction Observed in Mice That Overexpress β-Adrenergic Receptor Kinase-1

Transgenic mice with cardiac specific overexpression of β-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 (βARK-1) exhibit reduced contractility in the presence of adrenergic stimulation. However, whether contractility is altered in the absence of exogenous agonist is not clear. Effects of βARK-1 overexpression on contraction were examined in mouse ventricular myocytes, studied at 37°C, in the absence of adrenergic stimulation. In myocytes voltage-clamped with microelectrodes (18–26 MΩ; 2.7 M KCl) to minimize intracellular dialysis, contractions were significantly larger in βARK-1 cells than in wild-type myocytes. In contrast, when cells were dialyzed with patch pipette solution (1–3 MΩ; 0 mM NaCl, 70 mM KCl, 70 mM potassium aspartate, 4 mM MgATP, 1 mM MgCl2, 2.5 mM KH2PO4, 0.12 mM CaCl2, 0.5 mM EGTA, and 10 mM HEPES), the extent of cell shortening was similar in wild-type and βARK-1 myocytes. Furthermore, when cells were dialyzed with solutions that contained phosphodiesterase-sensitive sodium-cAMP (50 μM), the extent of cell shortening was similar in wild-type and βARK-1 myocytes. However, when patch solutions were supplemented with phosphodiesterase-resistant 8-bromo-cAMP (50 μM), contractions were larger in βARK-1 than wild-type cells. This difference was eliminated by the protein kinase A inhibitor N-[2-(4-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline (H89). Interestingly, Ca2+ current amplitudes and inactivation rates were similar in βARK-1 and wild-type cells in all experiments. These results suggest components of the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A pathway are sensitized by chronically increased βARK-1 activity, which may augment contractile function in the absence of exogenous agonist. Thus, changes in contractile function in myocytes from failing hearts may reflect, in part, effects of chronic up-regulation of βARK-1 on the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway.
Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles by Using of Poly Functional Amino Acids

Synthesis and characterization of two functionalized gold nanoparticles by using of two poly functional amino acids (L-Arginine and L-Aspartic acid) are reported. The gold nanoparticles were reduced by sodium citrate and functionalized with L-Arginine at the pH of 7 and 11 and L-Aspartic acid at the pH of 7. Transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques were used for characterization and identification. The transmission electron microscopy image showed well distributed particles with an average size of about 10 nm. At the pH of 7, the results obtained, verified that the interaction between L-Arginine and gold nanoparticles was electrostatic and it was covalent/ coordinate in the case of L-Aspartic acid. The functionalized gold nanoparticles possessing free amine and carboxylic groups (poly functional amino acid) could play an important role in conjugating biomolecules such as proteins (e.g. antibodies) and DNA in nanomedicinal and nanobiotechnological applications. In addition, if the pH of the target in vivo environment is constant, functionalized gold nanoparticles bound electrostatically will be preferred. On the other hand, if the pH of the target in vivo environment is variable, then amino acid capped gold nanoparticles bound covalently/coordinately are recommended.
Role of Nitric Oxide in Exercise‐Induced Vasodilation of the Forearm

BackgroundWe wished to determine the role of NO in exercise-induced metabolic forearm vasodilation. Methods and ResultsYoung healthy volunteers (n = 11) underwent static handgrip exercise (4 to 5 kg, 3 minutes). Forearm blood flow (FBF) measured by strain plethysmography increased from 4.1 ± 0.7 mL.min−1·100 mL−1 at rest to 9.8 ± 1.2 mL·min−1·100 mL−1 immediately after exercise and gradually decreased thereafter. Exercise was repeated after intrabrachial artery infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) at 4.0 μmol/min for 5 minutes. L- NMMA did not alter blood pressure and heart rate. L-NMMA decreased FBF at rest to 2.9 ± 0.4 mL.min-1.100 mL−1 (P < .01), peak FBF immediately after exercise to 7.2 ± 0.7 mL.min−1.100 mL−1 (P < .01), and FBF during the mid to late phase of metabolic vasodilation (P < .01). Calculated oxygen consumption during peak exercise was comparable before and after L-NMMA. Intra-arterially infused L-arginine (10 mg/min, 5 minutes) reversed the inhibitory effect of L-NMMA. To determine the effect of the decrease in resting FBF on exercise-induced hyperemia, we normalized FBF after exercise by resting FBF. The percent increases in FBF after exercise from resting FBF were similar before and after L-NMMA. Furthermore, we examined the effect of intra-arterially infused angiotensin II on FBF at rest and after exercise (n = 7). Angiotensin II decreased FBF at rest from 3.1 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.3 mL.min−1.100 mL−1 (P < .01), peak FBF after exercise from 8.1 ± 0.5 to 5.6 ± 0.5 mL.min−1.100 mL−1 (P < .01), and FBF during the mid to late phase of metabolic vasodilation. The effects of L-NMMA and angiotensin II on FBF at rest and exercise were similar. ConclusionsOur results suggest that L-NMMA decreased FBF after exercise largely by decreasing resting FBF. These results suggest that NO may not play a significant role in exercise-induced metabolic arteriolar vasodilation in the forearm of healthy humans.
Exposure to interparental conflict and children's adjustment and physical health: the moderating role of vagal tone.

Physiological regulation, as indexed by baseline vagal tone and delta vagal tone (the change in vagal tone during an attention-demanding or challenging task), was examined as a moderator in the relations between exposure to verbal and physical parental marital conflict and children's adjustment and physical health. Higher vagal tone was posited to serve a protective function (i.e., buffer) for children exposed to higher levels of marital conflict. Seventy-five 8- to 12-year-olds and their mothers completed measures of parental conflict, and children's adjustment and physical health. Children's vagal tone was assessed during baseline conditions and during exposure to an audiotaped interadult argument. Results indicate that higher vagal tone buffered children against increased externalizing, internalizing, and health problems related to exposure to more frequent marital conflict, especially verbal conflict. Further, higher levels of delta vagal tone protected boys against externalizing problems associated with verbal conflict, and health problems associated with physical conflict.
Pinocembrin Protects the Brain against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Reverses the Autophagy Dysfunction in the Penumbra Area

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pinocembrin on brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the potential involvement of autophagy activity changes in the penumbra area in the mechanisms of pinocembrin activity. Focal cerebral I/R model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h followed by 24 h reperfusion. Pinocembrin was administered intravenously at different doses (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, respectively) at the onset of reperfusion. Neurological function, brain infarction and brain swelling ratio were evaluated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and immunohistochemical analysis (Caspase-3) were used to evaluate apoptosis in the penumbra cortex. Two key proteins of autophagy, LC3B \and Beclin1, were detected by western blot. The results showed that pinocembrin-treatment could significantly reduce neurological deficit scores, infarct volume, cerebral edema and improve pathological lesion in the I/R rats. Pinocembrin-treatment could also reduce the number of TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive neurons, and upregulate the expression of LC3B and Beclin1 in the penumbra area. These results suggested that pinocembrin could protect the brain against I/R injury, and the possible mechanisms might be attributed to inhibition of apoptosis and reversed autophagy activity in the penumbra area.
The civilized skateboarder and the sports funding hegemony: a case study of alternative sport

This paper critically investigates public funding of alternative and niche sports. Based on research examining the funding of skateboarding in Scotland, the paper demonstrates that sports funding and policy decisions are based upon a hegemonic conceptualization of sport and its benefits which clashes directly with the typically referenced motivation for participation in alternative sports. Subsequently, an environment is created in which such sports are the victims of funding discrimination, leading to fundamental problems for providers and causing social exclusion among participants. The paper draws upon the work of Norbert Elias to argue that funding methods for sport represent a ‘civilizing process’ which is directly at odds with emerging, alternative sporting forms such as skateboarding and other lifestyle sports and, that as such, greater consideration for alternative funding strategies and conceptualizations of sport is required in future.
Adaptive non-negative matrix factorization in a computational model of language acquisition

An information broadcasting system provides a large number of subscribers access to a large amount of information using one or more satellite transmission channels. The system can also use cable television transmission channels. A program supplier station stores an information database and tags all the information in the database with indices so as to form a single hierarchical structure which encompasses the entire information database. Portions of the information database are transmitted often, at least once per day, in order to provide the basic subscriber with information need to access the remainder of the database. The information provided by the basic subscriber service, which will typically include at least 50 gigabytes of data, is available to all subscribers without requiring two way communications between the subscribers and the program supplier station. Using a tiered system for scheduling transmission of the 50 gigabytes or so of information included in the basic subscriber service, as well as an intelligent subscriber request anticipation scheme for retrieving information before the subscriber asks for it, the present invention provides subscribers with reasonably quick access to all the contents of the large database while using only a modest amount of bandwidth. Furthermore, by reserving a portion of the system's bandwidth for satisfying requests for access to information not provided with the basic subscriber service, timely access to a virtually unlimited amount of information can be provided, using the same modest transmission bandwidth, to those subscribers willing to pay additional fees for that service.
School Engagement Among Urban Youth of Color

School engagement is a multifaceted psychosocial process that functions as a key mediator of academic achievement, motivation, and school dropout. This study investigated the effects of vocational exploration and racial identity on behavioral (attendance, attention, time spent on class work) and psychological (identification with school) factors of school engagement among urban youth of color (N = 197). Hierarchical multiple regression and criterion-pattern analysis revealed a predictive profile marked by high levels of positive racial internalization and career planning combined with low levels of racial dissonance. The study's limitations, directions for research, and implications for practice are discussed.