Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Positivity Links With Job Satisfaction: Preliminary Findings on the Mediating Role of Work-Life Balance

The positive characteristics that can help people juggle their work and personal roles and experience greater job satisfaction are attracting increased research attention. This study presents a conceptual model to account for the association between employees’ positive orientation (i.e., the tendency to evaluate self, life, and the future in a positive way) and their job satisfaction (N = 108). As theorized, the results indicate that employees’ ability to manage their work-life balance fully mediates the relation between their positive orientation and job satisfaction. This suggests that a positive orientation serves as an adaptive personal resource that can facilitate employees’ ability to balance work and non-work demands and hence can foster job satisfaction. The practical implications for positive psychological interventions in organizational settings are discussed.
Comfort Theory: A Unifying Framework to Enhance the Practice Environment

The application of theory to practice is multifaceted. It requires a nursing theory that is compatible with an institution's values and mission and that is easily understood and simple enough to guide practice. Comfort Theory was chosen because of its universality. The authors describe how Kolcaba's Comfort Theory was used by a not-for-profit New England hospital to provide a coherent and consistent pattern for enhancing care and promoting professional practice, as well as to serve as a unifying framework for applying for Magnet Recognition Status.
Birthweight and paternal involvement predict early reproduction in British women: Evidence from the National Child Development Study

There is considerable interest in the mechanisms maintaining early reproduction in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in developed countries. Previous research has suggested that differential exposure to early‐life factors such as low birthweight and lack of paternal involvement during childhood may be relevant. Here, we used longitudinal data on the female cohort members from the UK National Child Development Study (n = 3,014–4,482 depending upon variables analyzed) to investigate predictors of early reproduction. Our main outcome measures were having a child by age 20, and stating at age 16 an intended age of reproduction of 20 years or lower. Low paternal involvement during childhood was associated with increased likelihood of early reproduction (O.R. 1.79–2.25) and increased likelihood of early intended reproduction (O.R. 1.38–2.50). Low birthweight for gestational age also increased the odds of early reproduction (O.R. for each additional s.d. 0.88) and early intended reproduction (O.R. for each additional s.d. 0.81). Intended early reproduction strongly predicted actual early reproduction (O.R. 5.39, 95% CI 3.71–7.83). The results suggest that early‐life factors such as low birthweight for gestational age, and low paternal involvement during childhood, may affect women's reproductive development, leading to earlier target and achieved ages for reproduction. Differential exposure to these factors may be part of the reason that early fertility persists in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. We discuss our results with respect to the kinds of interventions likely to affect the rate of teen pregnancy. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aminophospholipid glycation and its inhibitor screening system: a new role of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate as the inhibitor Published, JLR Papers in Press, February 9, 2006.

Peroxidized phospholipid-mediated cytotoxity is involved in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases [i.e., the abnormal increase of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) found in the plasma of type 2 diabetic patients]. The PCOOH accumulation may relate to Amadori-glycated phosphatidylethanolamine (deoxy-d-fructosyl PE, or Amadori-PE), because Amadori-PE causes oxidative stress. However, lipid glycation inhibitor has not been discovered yet because of the lack of a lipid glycation model useful for inhibitor screening. We optimized and developed a lipid glycation model considering various reaction conditions (glucose concentration, temperature, buffer type, and pH) between PE and glucose. Using the developed model, various protein glycation inhibitors (aminoguanidine, pyridoxamine, and carnosine), antioxidants (ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, quercetin, and rutin), and other food compounds (l-lysine, l-cysteine, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate) were evaluated for their antiglycative properties. Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and pyridoxal (vitamin B6 derivatives) were the most effective antiglycative compounds. These pyridoxals could easily be condensed with PE before the glucose/PE reaction occurred. Because PE-pyridoxal 5′-phosphate adduct was detectable in human red blood cells and the increased plasma Amadori-PE concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was decreased by dietary supplementation of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, it is likely that pyridoxal 5′-phosphate acts as a lipid glycation inhibitor in vivo, which possibly contributes to diabetes prevention.
When quantitative details impair qualitative understanding of multimedia lessons

In the present study, we explored why interspersing quantitative details through a multimedia lesson detracts from learners’ qualitative understanding. Three experimental conditions were created. In each, participants had to study a qualitative text on the formation, propagation, and dispersion of ocean waves. In the concise condition no quantitative details were added to the text; in the expanded‐interspersed condition, quantitative details were interspersed throughout the text; and in the expanded‐after condition, quantitative details were provided after the text. The results showed that qualitative understanding was poorer in the expanded‐interspersed condition than in the concise and the expanded‐after conditions, with no difference between the latter two conditions. Furthermore, reading time of the qualitative text was comparable across the three conditions. By contrast, reading time of the quantitative information was lower in the expanded‐interspersed condition than in the expanded‐after condition. These findings are interpreted in terms of a disruption hypothesis.
Census Ethnic Categories and Second-Generation Identities: A Study of the Irish in England and Wales

This article focuses on the second-generation Irish in Britain, and presents findings of the relationship between particular social characteristics and predictions of the likelihood of second-generation Irish selecting ‘White Irish’ or ‘White British’ in the 2001 Census in England and Wales. Using a combination of new quantitative data and earlier (unpublished) qualitative evidence, it analyses the complexity underlying the public claiming of a British or Irish identity in the Census and argues that it is not possible to predict that individuals with the closest attachments to Ireland will necessarily select the ‘White Irish’ category nor that those who select ‘White British’ inevitably have weaker ties. The ONS Longitudinal Survey data presented here reveal that age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, upward social mobility and number of Irish-born parents are significant social characteristics increasing the likelihood of particular selections of census category. The article discusses the form of the ethnic question and its impact on response patterns, proposed revisions for the 2011 Census, and the usefulness or otherwise of census categories as a lens for examining second-generation identification.
Adiponectin Mediated MHC Class II Mismatched Cardiac Graft Rejection in Mice Is IL-4 Dependent

Background Adiponectin regulates glucose and fatty-acid metabolism but its role in chronic graft rejection mediated by Th2 cytokines remains ill-defined. Methodology/Principal Findings Wild type and adiponectin-null mice were used as graft recipients in mouse MHC class II disparate cardiac transplantation (bm12 toB6) and the graft rejection was monitored. In adiponectin-null mice we observed that the cellular infiltrate of eosinophils, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was reduced in grafts compared to the controls as was collagen deposition and vessel occlusion. A similar outcome was observed for skin transplants except that neutrophil infiltration was increased. Low levels of IL-4 were detected in the grafts and serum. The effect of adiponectin signaling on IL-4 expression was further investigated. Treatment with AMPK and p38 MAPK inhibitors blocked adiponectin enhanced T cell proliferation in mixed lymphocyte reactions. Inhibition of AMPK reduced eosinophil infiltration in skin grafts in wild type recipients and in contrast AMPK activation increased eosinophils in adiponectin-null recipients. The addition of adiponectin increased IL-4 production by the T cell line EL4 with augmented nuclear GATA-3 and phospho-STAT6 expression which were suppressed by knockdown of adiponectin receptor 1 and 2. Conclusions Our results demonstrate a direct effect of adiponectin on IL-4 expression which contributes to Th2 cytokine mediated rejection in mouse MHC class II histoincompatible transplants. These results add to our understanding of the interrelationship of metabolism and immune regulation and raise the possibility that AMPK inhibitors may be beneficial in selected types of rejection.
Rib Fractures and Death from Deletion of Osteoblast βcatenin in Adult Mice Is Rescued by Corticosteroids

Ribs are primarily made of cortical bone and are necessary for chest expansion and ventilation. Rib fractures represent the most common type of non-traumatic fractures in the elderly yet few studies have focused on the biology of rib fragility. Here, we show that deletion of βcatenin in Col1a2 expressing osteoblasts of adult mice leads to aggressive osteoclastogenesis with increased serum levels of the osteoclastogenic cytokine RANKL, extensive rib resorption, multiple spontaneous rib fractures and chest wall deformities. Within days of osteoblast specific βcatenin deletion, animals die from respiratory failure with a vanishing rib cage that is unable to sustain ventilation. Increased bone resorption is also observed in the vertebrae and femur. Treatment with the bisphosphonate pamidronate delayed but did not prevent death or associated rib fractures. In contrast, administration of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone decreased serum RANKL and slowed osteoclastogenesis. Dexamethasone preserved rib structure, prevented respiratory compromise and strikingly increased survival. Our findings provide a novel model of accelerated osteoclastogenesis, where deletion of osteoblast βcatenin in adults leads to rapid development of destructive rib fractures. We demonstrate the role of βcatenin dependent mechanisms in rib fractures and suggest that glucocorticoids, by suppressing RANKL, may have a role in treating bone loss due to aggressive osteoclastogenesis.
Correspondence of the brain's functional architecture during activation and rest

Neural connections, providing the substrate for functional networks, exist whether or not they are functionally active at any given moment. However, it is not known to what extent brain regions are continuously interacting when the brain is “at rest. ” In this work, we identify the major explicit activation networks by carrying out an image-based activation network analysis of thousands of separate activation maps derived from the BrainMap database of functional imaging studies, involving nearly 30,000 human subjects. Independently, we extract the major covarying networks in the resting brain, as imaged with functional magnetic resonance imaging in 36 subjects at rest. The sets of major brain networks, and their decompositions into subnetworks, show close correspondence between the independent analyses of resting and activation brain dynamics. We conclude that the full repertoire of functional networks utilized by the brain in action is continuously and dynamically “active” even when at “rest. ”
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CURCIN, A TOXIC LECTIN FROM THE SEED OF JATROPHA CURCAS

The seed of the plant Jatropha curcas contains a toxic protein, designated as curcin, which was purified to apparent homogeneity by the combined use of chromatography on Sephdex G-100. The molecular weight of 28.2 kDa and the pI of 8.54 were determined. The protein was found to be a glycoprotein; the total neutral-surge content was 4.91%. It strongly inhibits the protein synthesis of rabbit reticulocyte lysate, with an IC50 of 0.42 nM. It was determined by Edman that the sequence of the N-terminal thirty-two amino acids was: A-G/Y-S/K-T/A-P/D-T-L-T-I-T-Y-D-A-T/A-A-D-K-K-N-Y-A-Q-F-I-K-D-L-R-E-A-F/A-G. The isolated curcin had a hemagglutinating activity, when its concentration was more than 7.8 mg/L. The secondary structure of curcin was analyzed by Circular Dichroism (CD) spectrum. The result shows the curcin contains α-helix (22.3%), β-sheet (43.5%), and random coil and corner (34.2%). The results of acute toxicity in mice show that mice oral semi-lethal dose LD50 was 104.737 ± 29.447 mg/kg; mice parenteral semi-lethal dose LD50 was 67.20 ± 10.445 mg/kg.
Effects of Prefabricated Ankle Orthoses on Postural Stability in Basketball Players with Chronic Ankle Instability

Purpose Ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries among athletes and instability and injury to this joint is responsible for long time loss of physical and recreational activity. Also, it can impose high costs to sport teams. Prevention of this injury is an important concern of practice and rehabilitation. One way of reducing the possibility of ankle joint injury is using an ankle orthosis. The present study aimed at inspecting the effects of two ankle orthoses on dynamic and semi-dynamic postural stability in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods Twenty basketball players with CAI and fifteen non-injured athletes volunteered to participate in this study. Biodex Balance System was used to assess the participants’ postural stability in bilateral position at level 8 and level 2. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed in order to examine the effects of ankle orthoses. Statistical significance level was determined at P< 0.05. Results Statistical analyses revealed the significant effect of ankle supports on dynamic and semi-dynamic postural stability in the two groups and results indicated there wasn't significant difference between groups. Conclusions According to our results the orthoses improved both dynamic and semi-dynamic postural stability. Therefore, orthoses can prevent injury and its reoccurrence.
Coping with medical training demands: thinking of dropping out, or in it for the long haul

Medical trainees are at risk of psychological distress due to training workload demands. Dropping out of medicine has hidden and real costs to both the public and the individual. Using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, this study assessed differences in stress and coping strategies between those serious and not serious about dropping out of medicine. A total of 854 medical students and junior doctors completed a web-based survey assessing training stress, problem-solving coping, seeking support coping, avoidance coping, and risky behaviour coping. Those serious about dropping out of medicine were high on training stress, avoidance coping, and risky behaviour coping. Specifically, males were high on risky behaviour coping, and doctors were high on avoidance coping. Reasons for contemplating dropping out of medicine were professional fit, workload, work–life balance, and the medical education training system. Identification of at-risk groups can inform efforts to design and deliver wellness interventions for medical trainees.
Iron at the interface of immunity and infection

Both, mammalian cells and microbes have an essential need for iron, which is required for many metabolic processes and for microbial pathogenicity. In addition, cross-regulatory interactions between iron homeostasis and immune function are evident. Cytokines and the acute phase protein hepcidin affect iron homeostasis leading to the retention of the metal within macrophages and hypoferremia. This is considered to result from a defense mechanism of the body to limit the availability of iron for extracellular pathogens while on the other hand the reduction of circulating iron results in the development of anemia of inflammation. Opposite, iron and the erythropoiesis inducing hormone erythropoietin affect innate immune responses by influencing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) mediated (iron) or NF-kB inducible (erythropoietin) immune effector pathways in macrophages. Thus, macrophages loaded with iron lose their ability to kill intracellular pathogens via IFN-γ mediated effector pathways such as nitric oxide (NO) formation. Accordingly, macrophages invaded by the intracellular bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium increase the expression of the iron export protein ferroportin thereby reducing the availability of iron for intramacrophage bacteria while on the other side strengthening anti-microbial macrophage effector pathways via increased formation of NO or TNF-α. In addition, certain innate resistance genes such as natural resistance associated macrophage protein function (Nramp1) or lipocalin-2 exert part of their antimicrobial activity by controlling host and/or microbial iron homeostasis. Consequently, pharmacological or dietary modification of cellular iron trafficking enhances host resistance to intracellular pathogens but may increase susceptibility to microbes in the extracellular compartment and vice versa. Thus, the control over iron homeostasis is a central battlefield in host–pathogen interplay influencing the course of an infectious disease in favor of either the mammalian host or the pathogenic invader.
Implementation intentions forge a strong cue–response link and boost prospective memory performance

Prospective memory (PM) performance (i.e., remembering to perform intentions) is often in the service of higher goals and thus could be improved through better self-regulation. We examined the effectiveness of three self-regulatory strategies in a laboratory event-based PM task: implementation intention (i.e., planning in an if/when–then format), rehearsal (i.e., planning not in an if/when–then format) and upward counterfactual (“if only…” thoughts about a past performance). The cue and response mentioned in all three strategies were held constant, such that only format and timing (past vs. future orientation) of the strategy varied. Results indicated that the implementation intention strategy strengthened the cue–response link and improved PM performance over baseline, relative to a control condition. Neither rehearsal nor counterfactual strategies had significant benefits, relative to a control condition. These findings suggest that the if/when–then plan format of implementation intentions may be a critical feature of their effectiveness in retrieving and executing intentions.
Somatic Colocalization of Rat SK1 and D class (Cav 1.2) L-type Calcium Channels in Rat CA1 Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons

In hippocampal neurons, the firing of a train of action potentials is terminated by generation of the slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP). Recordings from hippocampal slices have shown that the slow AHP likely results from the activation of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels by calcium (Ca(2+)) entry through L-type Ca(2+) channels. However, the relative localization of these two channel subtypes is not known. The cloning and characterization of three subtypes of SK channel has suggested that SK1 may underlie generation of the slow AHP. Using a novel antibody directed against rat SK1 (rSK1), it has been determined that the rSK1 channel is primarily in the soma of hippocampal CA1 neurons. In conjunction with antibodies directed against C (Ca(v)1.2) and D (Ca(v)1.3) class L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha1 subunits, it was observed that rSK1 channels were selectively colocalized with D class L-type channels. This colocalization supports the functional coupling of L-type and SK channels previously observed in cell-attached patches from hippocampal neurons. However, it appears contrary to the slow rise and decay of the slow AHP. Induction of delayed facilitation of L-type Ca(2+) channels in cell-attached patches from hippocampal neurons evoked delayed opening of coupled SK channels. Generation of ensemble currents produced waveforms identical to the ionic current underlying the slow AHP (I(sAHP)). Therefore, these data indicate that the slow AHP is somatic in origin, resulting from delayed facilitation of D class L-type Ca(2+) channels colocalized with rSK1 channels.
Adaptors, Innovators and the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory

Kirton (1976) has (1) elaborated a typology which contrasts the originalities of adaptive and innovative solutionists, (2) argued that his typology reflects a basic and unidimensional trait of personality related to the sponsorship of competing kinds of institutional change, and (3) developed a test, Kirton's Adaption-Innovation Inventory, to distinguish the adaptive from the innovative-minded solutionists. However, Kirton's method of scoring for a general factor of adaptiveness-innovativeness lacks face validity. A new method of scoring the inventory, based on a three-factor solution, provides face validity for the test and, in contrast with Kirton's method, exhibits appropriate relations with performance measures of originality, and separates criterion group adaptors from innovators. Subjects were 303 high school students.
Regulation of AMPA receptor channels and synaptic plasticity by cofilin phosphatase Slingshot in cortical neurons

Cofilin, the major actin depolymerizing factor, modulates actin dynamics that contribute to spine morphology, synaptic transmission and plasticity. Much evidence implicates the cofilin inactivation kinase LIMK in synaptic function, but little is known about the cofilin activation phosphatase Slingshot in this regard. In this study, we found that suppressing endogenous Slingshot with small RNA interference or function‐blocking antibody led to a dramatic reduction of AMPA receptor‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in cortical neurons. Perturbation of Slingshot function also diminished the ability to express synaptic plasticity. Inactivating cofilin or disturbing actin dynamics reduced AMPAR‐EPSCs in a Slingshot‐dependent manner. Moreover, surface GluR 1 and synaptic GluR2/3 clusters were reduced by Slingshot knockdown. Our data suggest that Slingshot plays a pivotal role in AMPAR trafficking and synaptic transmission by controlling actin cytoskeleton via cofilin activation.
Subnational Debt of China: The Politics-Finance Nexus

Using unique proprietary loan-level data, we provide the first comprehensive study on China’s local government debt, which was off-balance sheet. Policy and commercial banks, both of which are state owned, are the main financiers of local governments. We find that notwithstanding their prevalent nonprofit goal of raising social welfare, policy loans perform remarkably better than commercial loans. Distressed local governments would choose to default on commercial bank loans but avoid default on policy bank loans, which are strategically more important for local politicians’ promotions. Our findings suggest that career concerns of politicians can serve as a discipline on government borrowers.