Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Avoid Internal Loops in Steady State Flux Space Sampling

As a widely used method in metabolic network studies, Monte-Carlo sampling in the steady state flux space is known for its flexibility and convenience of carrying out different purposes, simply by alternating constraints or objective functions, or appending post processes. Recently the concept of a non-linear constraint based on the second thermodynamic law, known as "Loop Law", is challenging current sampling algorithms which will inevitably give rise to the internal loops. A generalized method is proposed here to eradicate the probability of the appearance of internal loops during sampling process. Based on Artificial Centered Hit and Run (ACHR) method, each step of the new sampling process will avoid entering "loop-forming" subspaces. This method has been applied on the metabolic network of Helicobacter pylori with three different objective functions: uniform sampling, optimizing biomass synthesis, optimizing biomass synthesis efficiency over resources ingested. Comparison between results from the new method and conventional ACHR method shows effective elimination of loop fluxes without affecting non-loop fluxes.
The influence of culture on human resource management processes and practices

Series Preface J. Cleveland and E. Fleishman. Culture H. Triandis and S. Wasti. A Model of the Influence of Cultural Values on Job Application Intentions and Behaviors D. Stone, L. Isenhour and K. Lukaszweski. The Clash Between 'Best Practices' for Selection and National Culture R. Dipboye and S. Halverson. Culture and Human Resource Management Practices: Personnel Selection based on Personality Measures E. Stone-Romero and C. Thornson. Designing and Delivering Training for Multi-Cultural Interactions in Organizations E. Salas, K. Wilson and R. Lyons. Culture Diversity and Performance Appraisal Systems: Culture, Feedback, and Motivation G. Ferris and D. Treadway. Compensation and Reward Systems in a Multicultural Context A. Joshi and J. Martocchio. Cultural Variations in Employee Assistance Programs in an Era of Globalization R. Bhagat, P. Steverson and J. Segovis. Work and Family Concerns and Practices: A Cross-National and Cultural Comparison of Ireland and the US J. Cleveland, A. McCarthy and J. Hemelright. A Sensemaking Approach to Understanding Multicultural Teams: An Initial Framework C. Burke, H. Priest, C. Upshaw, E. Salas and L. Pierce. Culture and Human Resource Management: Prospects for the Future E. Stone-Romero and D. Stone
Pulse Oximetry in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Effects of Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Cyanosis

The objective of this prospective, observational study with consecutive sampling was to assess the reliability, bias, and precision of Nellcor N-395 (N) and Masimo SET Radical (M) pulse oximeters in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease and children with congenital heart disease recovering from cardiopulmonary bypass-assisted surgery admitted to a cardiovascular operating suite and pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary care community hospital. Forty-six children with congenital heart disease were studied in 1 of 2 groups: (1) those recovering from cardiopulmonary bypass with a serum lactic acid > 2 mmol/L, and (2) those with co-oximetry measured saturations (SaO 2) < 90% and no evidence of shock. Measurements of SaO 2 of whole blood were compared to simultaneous pulse oximetry saturations (SpO 2). Data were analyzed to detect significant differences in SpO 2 readout failures between oximeters and average SpO 2 - SaO 2 ± 1 SD for each oximeter. A total of 122 SaO 2 measurements were recorded; the median SaO 2 was 83% (57 - 100%). SpO 2 failures after cardiopulmonary bypass were 41% (25/61) for N versus 10% (6/61) for M ( P < .001). There was a significant difference in bias (ie, average SpO 2 - SaO 2) and precision (± 1 SD) between oximeters (N, 1.1 ± 3.3 vs M, -0.2 ± 4.1; P < .001) in the postcardiopulmonary bypass group but no significant difference in bias and precision between oximeters in the cyanotic congenital heart disease group (N, 2.9 ± 4.6 vs M, 2.8 ± 6.2; P = .848). The Nellcor N-395 pulse oximeter failed more often immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass than did the Masimo SET Radical pulse oximeter. SpO2 measured with both oximeters overestimated SaO2 in the presence of persistent hypoxemia.
Phylogeography Study of the Siberian Apricot (Prunus sibirica L.) in Northern China Assessed by Chloroplast Microsatellite and DNA Makers

There is evidence that a band of dry climate separated plants in East Asia into distinct northern and southern groups. However, few studies have focused on the arid belt in this region, especially with regard to plants. We analyzed genetic variation in 22 populations of Siberian apricot (Prunus sibirica L.), a temperate deciduous species distributed in this arid belt, using two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences, seven chloroplast microsatellite loci (cpSSRs), and 31 nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSRs), to study its phylogeography. Chloroplast data showed the complete fixation of two different genetic groups: the eastern and western groups. Genetic differentiation between the two groups was significant (FST = 0.90925, p < 0.01). This pronounced phylogeographic break was also indicated by nSSR data, but there were disparities regarding individual populations. An asymmetric gene flow via pollen and seeds likely resulted in discordance between the present-day geography of nuclear and chloroplast lineages. There was a distinct boundary between the two large groups, which were fixed for two of the most ancestral chlorotypes. Two populations with the highest chloroplast genetic diversity were located in the Yanshan Mountains and Jinzhou, considered to be the glacial refugia. The split of chloroplasts between the eastern and western groups was estimated to have occurred ~0.1795 Ma, whereas nuclear divergence occurred approximately 13,260 years ago. Linear regression analysis showed that climatic factors (annual precipitation and annual mean temperature) had a significant correlation with mean ancestry value (P < 0.05) indicated that they were potential factors for the formation of the two groups. In addition, this boundary was a contact zone between two groups from different refugia.
Estradiol Synthesis and Action at the Synapse: Evidence for “Synaptocrine” Signaling

Classically, the modulation of brain function and behavior by steroid hormones was linked exclusively to secretion by peripheral endocrine glands. Subsequently, steroid actions within the brain were shown dependent upon either synthesis and secretion by peripheral organs or by production within the CNS itself using peripheral sources of precursors. Discovery of the estrogen-synthetic enzyme aromatase in brain further bolstered the latter view and served as a catalyst for expanding concepts of neurosteroidogenesis. In parallel research, several steroids, including estradiol, were found to have rapid effects on neuronal excitability, partially explained by novel actions at neuronal membranes. Recent findings from multiple levels of analysis and labs necessitate an updated view on how steroids are delivered to neural circuits. There is now considerable evidence for expression of the aromatase enzyme within synaptic boutons in the vertebrate CNS. Furthermore, additional work now directly couples rapid regulation of neuroestrogen synthesis with neurophysiological and behavioral outcomes. In this review we summarize evidence for targeted and acute synaptic estrogen synthesis and perisynaptic estrogen actions in the CNS of songbirds. We evaluate these findings in the context of criteria associated with classic neuromodulatory signaling. We term this novel form of signaling “synaptocrine,” and discuss its implications.
Addictive, Dependent, Compulsive? A Study of Mobile Phone Usage

In order to address the claims that mobile phone usage is addictive, a study was undertaken to categorize mobile phone usage behaviour based on the underlying motivation. Six categories were identified: addictive, compulsive, dependent, habitual, voluntary and mandatory. A survey of 184 students found that the behaviour cannot be conclusively categorized as any specific type, although there was stronger support for mobile phone usage being categorized as dependent, voluntary or mandatory behaviour, rather than being addictive, compulsive or habitual.
The use of humour in television advertising: revisiting the US-UK comparison

This paper replicates a portion of the Weinberger and Spotts (1989) study, which compared the use of humour in television advertising in the US and the UK. A careful comparison of the results of the two studies suggests that the overall use of humour has become more similar in the two countries. Unlike the Weinberger and Spotts study, the current study found no difference in the proportion of ads that use humour, and little difference in the situational use of humour. However, differences in the way that humour is used and in the types of humour used remain. These differences are discussed in the context of Hofstede's (1991) cultural dimensions.
Temporal profiling of changes in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol allows comprehensive analysis of phospholipase C-initiated signalling in single neurons1

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) fulfils vital signalling roles in an array of cellular processes, yet until recently it has not been possible selectively to visualize real‐time changes in PIP2 levels within living cells. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labelled Tubby protein (GFP‐Tubby) enriches to the plasma membrane at rest and translocates to the cytosol following activation of endogenous Gαq/11‐coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in both SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and primary rat hippocampal neurons. GFP‐Tubby translocation is independent of changes in cytosolic inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate and instead reports dynamic changes in levels of plasma membrane PIP2. In contrast, enhanced GFP (eGFP)‐tagged pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase C (PLCδ1) (eGFP‐PH) translocation reports increases in cytosolic inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate. Comparison of GFP‐Tubby, eGFP‐PH and the eGFP‐tagged C12 domain of protein kinase C‐γ [eGFP‐C1(2); to detect diacylglycerol] allowed a selective and comprehensive analysis of PLC‐initiated signalling in living cells. Manipulating intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the nanomolar range established that GFP‐Tubby responses to a muscarinic agonist were sensitive to intracellular Ca2+ up to 100–200 nM in SH‐SY5Y cells, demonstrating the exquisite sensitivity of agonist‐mediated PLC activity within the range of physiological resting Ca2+ concentrations. We have also exploited GFP‐Tubby selectively to visualize, for the first time, real‐time changes in PIP2 in hippocampal neurons.
Psychological perspectives on justice: Conclusion

1. Introductory remarks Part I. Psychological Perspectives: 2. Equality as a decision heuristic David Messick 3. Two insights occasioned by attempts to pin down the equity formula Richard Harris 4. Judgments of justice Maya Bar-Hillel and Menahem Yaari Part II. Economic Perspectives: 5. Justice in organised groups: comparing the self-interest and social identity perspectives Tom Tyler and Robyn Dawes 6. Heuristics and biases in equity judgments: a utilitarian approach Jonathan Baron 7. Tradeoffs in fairness and preference judgments Lisa Ordonez and Barbara Mellers 8. Information, fairness, and efficiency in bargaining Colin Camerer and George Loewenstein Part III. Variations in Perspectives of Justice: 9. The unfolding of justice: a developmental perspective on reward allocations Colleen Moore, Sheri E. Hembree, and Robert D. Enright 10. Of Ants and Grasshoppers: the political psychology of allocating scarce resources Linda Skitka and Philip E. Tetlock 11. Liberal and conservative approaches to justice: conflicting psychopolitical perspectives Philip E. Tetlock and Gregory Mitchell Part IV. Policy Perspectives: Justice and the allocation of scarce resources Jon Elster 12. Models of equity in public risk Rakesh Sarin 13. Fairness of distributions of risks with applications to Antarctica Ivy Broder and Robin Keller Part V: Postscript.
Ethnic differences in N-glucuronidation of nicotine and cotinine.

We previously reported that the metabolism of cotinine, the proximate metabolite of nicotine, is significantly slower in black than in white cigarette smokers. To understand why the metabolism of nicotine and cotinine might differ between blacks and whites, we studied the pattern of nicotine metabolism in blacks and whites. One hundred eight healthy smokers (51 blacks and 57 whites), of similar age, gender distribution, and smoking history, received an i.v. infusion of deuterium-labeled nicotine and cotinine. The clearance of cotinine, the fractional conversion of nicotine to cotinine, and the metabolic clearance of nicotine to cotinine were significantly lower in blacks than in whites. Blacks excreted significantly less nicotine as nicotine-N-glucuronide and less cotinine as cotinine-N-glucuronide than whites, but there was no difference in the excretion of 3'-hydroxycotinine-O-glucuronide. Nicotine and cotinine glucuronidation appeared to be polymorphic, with evidence of slow and fast N-glucuronide formers among blacks but was unimodal with fast conjugators only among whites. Other findings of note included the demonstration of a significant correlation between the distribution volumes of nicotine and cotinine with lean body mass: there was a smaller distribution volume and a shorter half-life for cotinine in women than in men and a smaller volume of distribution of cotinine in blacks than in whites. We conclude that the metabolism of cotinine is slower in blacks than in whites because of both slower oxidative metabolism of nicotine to cotinine (presumably via cytochrome P-450 2A6) and slower N-glucuronidation. Ethnic differences in the metabolism of other drugs undergoing N-glucuronidation should be studied.
Performance of silicone rubber in DC inclined plane tracking tests

The inclined plane tracking and erosion test IEC-60587 is not specified for DC testing. A dc test has been developed from the current ac standard and three formulations of silicone rubber tested. These materials were tested under three voltage levels (2.3, 2.7 and 3.2 kV) for both polarities. Positive dc tests have the highest average and peak leakage current and exhibit a higher degree of surface damage. The observed surface degradation pattern is heavily dependant on polarity. Consistently higher levels of erosion have been observed in the higher voltage positive cases. Erosion of the surface always starts at the bottom electrode, and spreads toward the top electrode. Puncturing of the 6 mm thick samples or deep erosion over more than half the distance between electrodes has only been observed under 2.7 and 3.2 kV positive polarity tests. Results have been analysed using a variety of leakage current analysis techniques going beyond the criteria specified in the original ac standard. The low-frequency behaviour of the leakage current was monitored using a 15 sample per second current recorder. The leakage current magnitude is investigated in a case study and is shown to follow a normal distribution. Reversing the polarity of tests shows the leakage current seen in a test is largely independent of the surface degradation pattern present, but the surface degradation pattern over the first three hours may dictate the morphology of ensuing deep erosion.
Thinking on the Brink: Facilitating Student Teachers' Learning Through In-the-Moment Interjections

Thinking on the Brink: Facilitating Student Teachers’ Learning Through In-the-Moment Interjections Travis L. Lemon Department of Mathematics Education Master of Arts In order to investigate ways pre-service student teachers (PSTs) might learn to teach with high-level tasks and effectively incorporate student thinking into their lessons a teaching experiment was designed and carried out by the cooperating teacher/researcher (CT). The intervention was for the CT to interject into the lessons of the PSTs during moments of opportunity. By interjecting a small question or comment during the lesson the CT hoped to support the learning of both the students of mathematics in the class and the PSTs. This in-themoment interjecting was meant to enhance and underscore the situated learning of the PSTs within the context of actual practice. Essentially the PSTs learned how to manage and improve the discourse of the classroom in the moment of the discourse. This study utilized both an ongoing analysis of the data during collection in order to inform the instruction provided by the CT and a retrospective analysis of the data in order to develop an understanding of the developmental sequence through which PSTs progressed. The results suggest the interjections provided to the PSTs served multiple roles within the domains of mathematical development for the students of mathematics and pedagogical development for the PSTs. A classification of the interjections that occurred and the stages of development through which PSTs passed will be discussed. Implications from this work include increased attention to the groundwork leading up to the student teaching experience as well as an adjustment to the role of cooperating teacher to be more that of a teacher educator.
A Test of a Measure for Assessing Teachers' Judgments about Social Interaction Practices in the Preschool Years.

The primary purpose of this article is to describe the development and utility of the Social Interaction Practices for the Preschool Years (SIPPY) questionnaire. The SIPPY is a tool designed to assess teachers’ judgments of the acceptability and feasibility, as well as their current use, of literature-supported strategies for promoting the development of young children's social competence in early childhood classrooms. The questionnaire was administered to 57 female preschool teachers, the majority of whom held either a national or Florida Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, but very few of whom held a bachelor’s degree or beyond. Participants had an average of 5 years’ experience as teachers of young children. Results support the internal consistency of the tool and suggest that it is a useful assessment tool for research on teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about supporting social competence, as well as a tool for creation of individually appropriate professional development activities for teachers. Analyses suggest that, in general, teachers in this sample viewed literaturesupported strategies as acceptable and feasible. They were more likely, however, to judge strategies as acceptable and feasible than was reflected in their current use of those strategies. These teachers also viewed more intensive strategies as less acceptable and less feasible than environmental and natural activity strategies. Suggestions are made for further research to replicate and explain these findings.
Mest Attenuates CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats by Inhibiting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Background/Aims The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been reported to play an important role in liver fibrosis. This study was designed to investigate whether mesoderm-specific transcript homologue (Mest), a strong negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, could inhibit liver fibrosis. Methods pcDNA-Mest was transfected into hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group (normal saline), treatment group (pcDNA-Mest+CCl4), control group (pcDNA-neo+CCl4), and model group (normal saline+CCl4). Changes in liver pathology were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. The levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactic dehygrogenase, hyaluronic acid, and laminin in the serum and hydroxyproline in the liver were detected by biochemical examination and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The expression and distribution of β-catenin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad3, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase type I were determined, and the viability of the HSCs was tested. Results Our data demonstrate that Mest alleviated CCl4-induced collagen deposition in liver tissue and improved the condition of the liver in rats. Mest also significantly reduced the expression and distribution of β-catenin, α-SMA and Smad3 both in vivo and in vitro, in addition to the viability of HSCs in vitro. Conclusions We found that Mest attenuates liver fibrosis by repressing β-catenin expression, which provides a new therapeutic approach for treating liver fibrosis.
PHARMACOLOGICAL AND GENETIC MODULATION OF EPISODIC-LIKE MEMORY IN THE MOUSE

This cumulative doctorate thesis is based on 4 original research articles that have been published in international peer-reviewed journals. This thesis has two major topics. The first topic is the application and evaluation of the recently developed episodic-like memory task in pharmacological and neurogenetic research in the mouse. The second topic is the investigation of the role of NMDA-receptors, neurokinin-3 receptors and histamine-1 receptors for episodic memory function. The neuropsychological assessment of amnesic patients as well as animal research using laboratory rats and mice has led to the notion of multiple memory systems in the brain. Here, episodic memory is especially important because it is highly sensitive to ageing and disease. Therefore, it is essential to develop a rodent animal model of episodic memory in order to investigate the neurobiology of episodic memory in health and disease as well as to evaluate possible therapeutic strategies. In this work, the exemplary application of a recently devised mouse model of human episodic memory in pharmacological and neurogenetic studies is described. The episodic-like memory task combines different versions of the novelty-preference paradigm. Episodic-like memory is inferred from exploratory behaviour which indicates the remembrance of the content (“what” kind of object was presented), place (“where” was this object placed) and temporal context (“when” was the object presented) of an episode. In experiments 1 and 2 we showed that the pharmacological modulation of NMDA-receptor function by the cognitive enhancer d-cycloserine (Publication #1) and the stimulation of neurokinin 3-receptors by senktide (Publication #2) can both promote episodic-like memory formation under sub-optimal interference prone learning conditions. In experiment 3 we used the episodic-like memory task for the cognitive phenotyping of genetically engineered histamine H1-receptor deficient mice. The H1R-KO mice failed to show a memory for the temporal order in which objects have been presented. They also failed to remember where these objects have been encountered. The performance of the H1R-KO mice can be characterized as familiarity-based memory as opposed to episodic-like memory (Publication #3). In order to know whether this deficit reflects a general memory impairment not selective for episodic memory we next investigated several other types of learning and memory in these mice including novel-objects induced conditioned place-preference (Publication #4). In sum one can state that the episodic-like memory task for mice is indeed a suitable behavioural tool that can be used for both pharmacological and genetic studies in mice that might accelerate the discovery of therapies for episodic memory deficits in humans.