Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the workplace: Turkey context

Purpose – In this study, the aim is to put emphasis on a specific discrimination area that is evaluated both as a disability and a diversity dimension. Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) disease should be considered beyond the scope of health as a social issue. However, the main purpose of the study is to determine the influence of information levels on HIV/AIDS on attitudes and views towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in work life. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to assess this influence by means of a pilot study. Additionally, one of the basic assumptions of the study is that career and identity developments of PLHIV will be positive as a result of the increase in knowledge amongst human resource (HR) managers and career counselors about HIV and PLHIV.Design/methodology/approach – Disinformation about HIV/AIDS may cause stigmatization and discrimination. Thus, this paper seeks to indicate the effects and results of the discrimination and tries .
A note on stability in model reduction

This article considers the problem of instability in similarity transformation-based model reduction methods. Given a stable model G(s) of order n, a general framework is proposed that parameterises a large set of stable reduced models of order k < n that each can be obtained by truncating a realisation of G(s). As an application of this result it is shown how different reduction methods can be modified, if they fail to maintain stability.
Phosphorylation of LKB1 at Serine 428 by Protein Kinase C-&zgr; Is Required for Metformin-Enhanced Activation of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in Endothelial Cells

Background— Metformin, one of most commonly used antidiabetes drugs, is reported to exert its therapeutic effects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); however, the mechanism by which metformin activates AMPK is poorly defined. The objective of the present study was to determine how metformin activates AMPK in endothelial cells. Methods and Results— Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells or bovine aortic endothelial cells to metformin significantly increased AMPK activity and the phosphorylation of both AMPK at Thr172 and LKB1 at Ser428, an AMPK kinase, which was paralleled by increased activation of protein kinase C (PKC)-&zgr;, as evidenced by increased activity, phosphorylation (Thr410/403), and nuclear translocation of PKC-&zgr;. Consistently, either pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PKC-&zgr; ablated metformin-enhanced phosphorylation of both AMPK-Thr172 and LKB1-Ser428, suggesting that PKC-&zgr; might act as an upstream kinase for LKB1. Furthermore, adenoviral overexpression of LKB1 kinase-dead mutants abolished but LKB1 wild-type overexpression enhanced the effects of metformin on AMPK in bovine aortic endothelial cells. In addition, metformin increased the phosphorylation and nuclear export of LKB1 into the cytosols as well as the association of AMPK with LKB1 in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Similarly, overexpression of LKB1 wild-type but not LKB1 S428A mutants (serine replaced by alanine) restored the effects of metformin on AMPK in LKB1-deficient HeLa-S3 cells, suggesting that Ser428 phosphorylation of LKB1 is required for metformin-enhanced AMPK activation. Moreover, LKB1 S428A, like kinase-dead LKB1 D194A, abolished metformin-enhanced LKB1 translocation as well as the association of LKB1 with AMPK in HeLa-S3 cells. Finally, inhibition of PKC-&zgr; abolished metformin-enhanced coimmunoprecipitation of LKB1 with both AMPK&agr;1 and AMPK&agr;2. Conclusions— We conclude that PKC-&zgr; phosphorylates LKB1 at Ser428, resulting in LKB1 nuclear export and hence AMPK activation.
A Dual-Process Motivational Model of Ideology, Politics, and Prejudice

There have been two broad approaches to how sociopolitical or ideological attitudes are structured. The more traditional unidimensional approach sees ideological attitudes as organized along a single left-to-right dimension, and influenced by a single coherent set of social and psychological causes, but has not been well supported empirically. During the past 2 decades evidence has increasingly suggested that there are two distinct dimensions of ideological attitudes, which seem best captured by the constructs of Right Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO). These dimensions may sometimes be strongly related, but often are not, and seem to express quite different basic values or motivational goals. This has been formalized in a dual-process motivational model of ideological attitudes, which sees RWA and SDO as originating in different social worldview beliefs, personality trait dimensions, and social environmental influences, and as influencing socio-political and intergroup behavior and outcomes in different ways and through different mechanisms. New research supporting these propositions is reviewed.
Gastrointestinal Cancer : Targets and Therapy Precursors to invasive pancreatic cancer

Correspondence: Anirban Maitra The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, CRBII Room 341 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA Tel +1 410 955 3511 Email amaitra1@jhmi.edu Abstract: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. To better understand PDAC and to improve its dismal prognosis, we must understand its origins. PDAC has three distinct noninvasive precursor lesions including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, mucinous cystic neoplasm, and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Each of these precursor lesions has its own unique compendium of clinical findings, morphological features, and genetic aberrations. This review focuses on the clinical significance of precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer and how better understanding of these lesions can aid in early detection and treatment.
Solution Structure and Backbone Dynamics of Streptopain

Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SPE B) is a cysteine protease expressed by Streptococcus pyogenes. The D9N, G163S, G163S/A172S, and G239D mutant proteins were expressed to study the effect of the allelic variants on their protease activity. In contrast to other mutants, the G239D mutant was ∼12-fold less active. The Gly-239 residue is located within the C-terminal S230-G239 region, which cannot be observed in the x-ray structure. The three-dimensional structure and backbone dynamics of the 28-kDa mature SPE B (mSPE B) were determined. Unlike the x-ray structure of the 40-kDa zymogen SPE B (proSPE B), we observed the interactions between the C-terminal loop and the active site residues in mSPE B. The structural differences between mSPE B and proSPE B were the conformation of the C-terminal loop and the orientation of the catalytic His-195 residue, suggesting that activation and inactivation of SPE B is involved in the His-195 side-chain rotation. Dynamics analysis of mSPE B and the mSPE B/inhibitor complexes showed that the catalytic and C-terminal loops were the most flexible regions with low order parameter values of 0.5 to 0.8 and exhibited the motion on the ps/ns timescale. These findings suggest that the flexible C-terminal loop of SPE B may play an important role in controlling the substrate binding, resulting in its broad substrate specificity.
Degradation of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Induces Sprouting of Intact Purkinje Axons in the Cerebellum of the Adult Rat

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are major constituents of the extracellular matrix and form perineuronal nets. Information regarding the growth-inhibitory activity of these molecules after injury is rapidly expanding. However, less is known about their physiological role in the adult undamaged CNS. Here, we investigated the function of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in maintaining the proper structure of Purkinje axons in the cerebellum of adult rats. To this end, we examined the morphology and distribution of intracortical Purkinje neurites after intraparenchymal injection of chondroitinase ABC. Staining with the lectin Wisteria floribunda agglutinin or 2B6 antibodies showed that this treatment efficiently removed chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans from wide areas of the cerebellar cortex. In the same sites, there was a profuse outgrowth of terminal branches from the Purkinje infraganglionic plexus, which invaded the deeper regions of the granular layer. In contrast, myelinated axon segments were not affected and maintained their normal relationship with oligodendroglial sheaths. Purkinje axon sprouting was first evident at 4 d and increased further at 7 d after enzyme application. Within 42 d, the expression pattern of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans gradually recovered, whereas axonal modifications progressively regressed. Our results show that, in the absence of injury or novel external stimuli, degradation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans is sufficient to induce Purkinje axon sprouting but not the formation of long-lasting synaptic contacts. Together with other growth-inhibitory molecules, such as myelin-associated proteins, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans restrict structural plasticity of intact Purkinje axons to maintain normal wiring patterns in the adult cerebellar cortex.
Using semantic values to facilitate interoperability among heterogeneous information systems

Large organizations need to exchange information among many separately developed systems. In order for this exchange to be useful, the individual systems must agree on the meaning of their exchanged data. That is, the organization must ensure semantic interoperability. This paper provides a theory of semantic values as a unit of exchange that facilitates semantic interoperability betweeen heterogeneous information systems. We show how semantic values can either be stored explicitly or be defined by environments. A system architecture is presented that allows autonomous components to share semantic values. The key component in this architecture is called the context mediator, whose job is to identify and construct the semantic values being sent, to determine when the exchange is meaningful, and to convert the semantic values to the form required by the receiver. Our theory is then applied to the relational model. We provide an interpretation of standard SQL queries in which context conversions and manipulations are transparent to the user. We also introduce an extension of SQL, called Context-SQL (C-SQL), in which the context of a semantic value can be explicitly accessed and updated. Finally, we describe the implementation of a prototype context mediator for a relational C-SQL system.
Two-Suture Fish-Mouth End-to-Side Microvascular Anastomosis With Fibrin Glue

Abstract The most decisive step during free tissue transfers and replantation surgery may be respected as microvascular anastomosis. The conventional end-to-side anastomosis technique with simple interrupted sutures is well established and proven to be successful. On the other hand, conventional technique can be time consuming and can cause vascular thrombosis, vessel narrowing, and foreign-body reactions. Search for a more rapid and secure alternative to conventional technique is carried on. In this study, we defined a new technique for end-to-side anastomosis with fish-mouth incisions and application of fibrin glue and compared our results with those we obtained with conventional end-to-side anastomosis. We evaluated end-to-side anastomosis of carotid arteries of a total number of 64 Wistar-Albino rats. In control group (n = 32), conventional anastomoses with 8 to 10 sutures were performed. In experimental group (n = 32), fish-mouth incisions were applied first on the recipient artery, followed by performing anastomosis with only 2 corner sutures and applying commercially available fibrin glue. Time taken to perform the anastomosis was significantly shorter with the experimental group (P = 0.001), whereas early and late patency and aneurysm rates were comparable to those achieved with control group. Histological evaluation did not point out any significant differences between the groups. We have defined a rapid and safe alternative technique of end-to-side anastomosis with the use of fibrin glue. This method may be an alternative especially where multiple anastomoses are required or where it is difficult to approach anastomotic line, as it is easily performed, rapid, safe, and not involving any complex equipments.
Adolescents' Relatedness and Identity Formation: A Narrative Study

In this study, the relational narratives of 10 adolescents were examined with the objective to investigate how qualities of connection with others are related to identity formation in adolescence. Participants were selected to represent a clear preference in a being alone situation to either engage in a dialog with the self or to focus on doing. The adolescent's experience of relationships was examined based on The Space Between Us model (Josselson, 1992). Two distinct patterns of relational dimensions were identified, patterns that are linked with the preference in a being alone situation and that are associated with different modes of identity formation. One pattern was mostly Mutuality-based, whereas the other was multidimensional, with a combination of relational dimensions (Holding-Attachment, Eye-to-Eye Validation, and Identification) at its core. The various meanings of the most dominant relational dimensions are exemplified and discussed, and shed light on the interplay between relatedness and identity formation as it is represented in the narratives of adolescents.
Form and Function in Introducing Narrative and Expository Texts: A Developmental Perspective

This article considers how children and young people conceptualize and construct different types of texts. The initial parts of narrative and expository texts written by grade-schoolers, adolescents, and adults were analyzed, on the assumption that the opening to a piece of discourse serves as a window on the text as a whole. Analysis was conducted on 3 dimensions: discourse functions—providing background in narratives and introducing the topic in expository texts; organizational pivot—temporality in narratives and generality in expository texts; and linguistic forms—verb tense and semantics in narratives and nominal structure and content in expository texts. The openings to narrative texts emerge as better constructed at an earlier age than in expository texts, but fully proficient openings are a late development in both cases. We attribute this to the fact that, for younger children, the spoken modality and narrative mode of discourse predominate; however, with age and greater literacy, expository discussion increasingly shapes the way people think and give written expression to their thoughts.
High‐Throughput Screen of Natural Product Extracts in A Yeast Model of Polyglutamine Proteotoxicity

Proteins with expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) segments cause a number of fatal neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD). Previous high‐throughput screens in cellular and biochemical models of HD have revealed compounds that mitigate polyQ aggregation and proteotoxicity, providing insight into the mechanisms of disease and leads for potential therapeutics. However, the structural diversity of natural products has not yet been fully mobilized toward these goals. Here, we have screened a collection of ~11 000 natural product extracts for the ability to recover the slow growth of ΔProQ103‐expressing yeast cells in 384‐well plates (Z' ~ 0.7, CV ~ 8%). This screen identified actinomycin D as a strong inhibitor of polyQ aggregation and proteotoxicity at nanomolar concentrations (~50–500 ng/mL). We found that a low dose of actinomycin D increased the levels of the heat‐shock proteins Hsp104, Hsp70 and Hsp26 and enhanced binding of Hsp70 to the polyQ in yeast. Actinomycin also suppressed aggregation of polyQ in mammalian cells, suggesting a conserved mechanism. These results establish natural products as a rich source of compounds with interesting mechanisms of action against polyQ disorders.
Measure of energy related biochemical metabolites changes during peri-partum period in Makouei breed sheep

Makouei sheep is one of the famous breeds in Iran which is reared in Azerbaijan province for their meat, milk and wool. Fifty clinically healthy Makouei ewes were selected to study the variations in energy-related blood metabolites during peri-partum period. Blood was collected from Jugular vein from each sheep on day 7 before the expected lambing time, day of parturition and also day 7 postpartum to determine total protein, albumin, urea, cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non- esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. Serum total protein and albumin concentrations were gradually decreased during pre-partum period and reached the lowest level after parturition (p > 0.05). Blood urea concentration was significantly decreased to the lowest level at parturition (p < 0.05). Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were gradually decreased and reached low levels after lambing (p < 0.05). Serum glucose concentrations were significantly lower at pre-partum period than post-partum (p < 0.05). The serum NEFA and BHB concentrations were higher before lambing and thereafter decreased (p < 0.05). Current findings regarding the blood parameters may expand our knowledge for the diagnosis and prognosis of reproductive and metabolic diseases in Makouei sheep during these phases.
The Place of Inter-Rater Reliability in Qualitative Research: An Empirical Study

Assessing inter-rater reliability, whereby data are independently coded and the codings compared for agreements, is a recognised process in quantitative research. However, its applicability to qualitative research is less clear: should researchers be expected to identify the same codes or themes in a transcript or should they be expected to produce different accounts? Some qualitative researchers argue that assessing inter-rater reliability is an important method for ensuring rigour, others that it is unimportant; and yet it has never been formally examined in an empirical qualitative study. Accordingly, to explore the degree of inter-rater reliability that might be expected, six researchers were asked to identify themes in the same focus group transcript. The results showed close agreement on the basic themes but each analyst `packaged' the themes differently.
Crime Placement, Displacement, and Deflection

Patterns of crime should be seen as the outcome of crime-control policies and the distribution of opportunities. Such crime-control policies are often argued to have the limited effect of displacing crime, that is, substituting new crimes for prevented crimes. Displacement alone is an inadequate concept; a better formulation centers on the deflection of crime from a target. Some patterns of deflected crime can be regarded as "benign" displacement, while others are considered "malign. " Thus conceived, deflection can be used as a policy tool to achieve a more "desirable" pattern of crime. It is already so used, inter alia, by insurance companies with a commercial motive. Better information systems are required to show displacement or deflection, and to assist in monitoring the distribution of crime through space and time. Patterns of criminal activity and victimization can be conceptualized as an outcome of conscious and unconscious decisions by the public, politicians, and the police. These patterns are not immutable, and alternative policies, incorporating an understanding of crime deflection, could lead to new, more equitable, patterns of victimization.
Breast Tissue Composition and Immunophenotype and Its Relationship with Mammographic Density in Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer

Aim To investigate the cellular and immunophenotypic basis of mammographic density in women at high risk of breast cancer. Methods Mammograms and targeted breast biopsies were accrued from 24 women at high risk of breast cancer. Mammographic density was classified into Wolfe categories and ranked by increasing density. The histological composition and immunophenotypic profile were quantified from digitized haematoxylin and eosin-stained and immunohistochemically-stained (ERα, ERβ, PgR, HER2, Ki-67, and CD31) slides and correlated to mammographic density. Results Increasing mammographic density was significantly correlated with increased fibrous stroma proportion (rs (22) = 0.5226, p = 0.0088) and significantly inversely associated with adipose tissue proportion (rs (22) = -0.5409, p = 0.0064). Contrary to previous reports, stromal expression of ERα was common (19/20 cases, 95%). There was significantly higher stromal PgR expression in mammographically-dense breasts (p=0.026). Conclusions The proportion of stroma and fat underlies mammographic density in women at high risk of breast cancer. Increased expression of PgR in the stroma of mammographically dense breasts and frequent and unexpected presence of stromal ERα expression raises the possibility that hormone receptor expression in breast stroma may have a role in mediating the effects of exogenous hormonal therapy on mammographic density.
Growth in pre-pubertal children with myelomeningocele (MMC) on growth hormone (GH): The KIGS experience

Summary PURPOSE: To analyse the auxological data of children with myelomeningocele (MMC) on growth hormone (GH) therapy whose growth data was documented within KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database). Longitudinal growth data of a sub-group of pre-pubertal children were studied after a treatment period of 3 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients (38 m, 42 f) with MMC with a median chronological age (CA) of 11.6 years (at latest visit) on GH were registered in the KIGS database. In 52 patients, GH deficiency was documented. GH therapy started with a median dose of 0.23 mg kg(-1) per week. The 3-year longitudinal growth was analysed in 21 patients (13 m, 8 f; median CA 9.2 years, latest visit), all of whom were pre-pubertal at start and during GH therapy. RESULTS: GH therapy started at 7.5 years with a dose of 0.23 mg kg(-1) per week. Birth length SDS (-0.51) and mid-parental height SDS (+0.07) were in the normal range. BMI SDS at start was +0.24, at latest visit -0.03. After a median treatment duration of 3.0 years (latest visit), height SDS improved from -2.97 (start of GH) to -2.01. The sub-group of pre-pubertal MMC patients started GH therapy (dose 0.22 mg kg(-1) per week) at 6.2 years. Growth velocity (GV) SDS increased significantly (at start: -1.77; 1 year: +2.60, 2 years: +2.25, 3 years: +1.24), thus height SDS improved from -3.25 at start to -1.87 at 36 months. BMI SDS was in the normal range and remained unchanged during GH therapy. No major side effects of GH were recorded. CONCLUSION: GH had positive effects on height SDS in MMC patients. The analysis of the longitudinal growth data of pre-pubertal MMC patients showed a significant increase in GV SDS and improvement of height SDS.