Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition contributes to fibro-proliferative vascular disease and is modulated by fluid shear stress.

AIMS Neointimal hyperplasia is a common feature of fibro-proliferative vascular disease and characterizes initial stages of atherosclerosis. Neointimal lesions mainly comprise smooth muscle-like cells. The presence of these lesions is related to local differences in shear stress. Neointimal cells may arise through migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells from the media. However, a role for the endothelium as a source of smooth muscle-like cells has largely been disregarded. Here, we investigated the role of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in neointimal hyperplasia and atherogenesis, and studied its modulation by shear stress. METHODS AND RESULTS In human atherosclerotic plaques and porcine aortic tissues, myo-endothelial cells were identified, suggestive for EndMT. Flow disturbance by thoracic-aortic constriction in mice similarly showed the presence of myo-endothelial cells specifically in regions exposed to disturbed flow. While uniform laminar shear stress (LSS) was found to inhibit EndMT, endothelial cells exposed to disturbed flow underwent EndMT, in vitro and in vivo, and showed atherogenic differentiation. Gain- and loss-of-function studies using a constitutive active mutant of MEK5 and short hairpins targeting ERK5 established a pivotal role for ERK5 signalling in the inhibition of EndMT. CONCLUSION Together, these data suggest that EndMT contributes to neointimal hyperplasia and induces atherogenic differentiation of endothelial cells. Importantly, we uncovered that EndMT is modulated by shear stress in an ERK5-dependent manner. These findings provide new insights in the role of adverse endothelial plasticity in vascular disease and identify a novel atheroprotective mechanism of uniform LSS, namely inhibition of EndMT.
Can chest high-resolution computed tomography findings diagnose pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis?*

Objective The present study was aimed at retrospectively reviewing high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in patients with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in order to evaluate the frequency of tomographic findings and their distribution in the lung parenchyma. Materials and Methods Thirteen patients (9 females and 4 males; age, 9 to 59 years; mean age, 34.5 years) were included in the present study. The HRCT images were independently evaluated by two observers whose decisions were made by consensus. The inclusion criterion was the presence of abnormalities typical of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis at HRCT, which precludes lung biopsy. However, in 6 cases lung biopsy was performed. Results Ground-glass opacities and small parenchymal nodules were the predominant tomographic findings, present in 100% of cases, followed by small subpleural nodules (92.3%), subpleural cysts (84.6%), subpleural linear calcifications (69.2%), crazy-paving pattern (69.2%), fissure nodularity (53.8%), calcification along interlobular septa (46.2%) and dense consolidation (46.2%). Conclusion As regards distribution of the lesions, there was preferential involvement of the lower third of the lungs. No predominance of distribution in axial and anteroposterior directions was observed.
Lack of association between LEP rs2167270 (19 G>A) polymorphism and disease susceptibility and cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES To assess the potential association between LEP rs2167270 (19 G>A) gene polymorphism and disease susceptibility and cardiovascular disease (CV) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS 773 patients fulfilling the 1987 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for RA, seen at the rheumatology outpatient clinics of Hospital Xeral-Calde, Lugo, and Hospital San Carlos, Madrid, Spain, and 957 matched controls, were studied. Patients were genotyped for the LEP rs2167270 (19G>A) polymorphism, located within the 5´UTR, using predesigned TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assay. Also, HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed using molecular based methods. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed in a subgroup of patients with no history of CV events by brachial artery reactivity to determine flow-mediated endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilatation (n=133) and by B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid artery intima-media thickness (n=113). RESULTS No statistically significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies of the LEP rs2167270 gene polymorphism between patients with RA and controls were seen. Likewise, LEP rs2167270 polymorphism did not influence the development of CV events. Also, no significant differences in LEP rs2167270 genotype or allele distribution were seen when results of surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis were assessed. CONCLUSIONS LEP rs2167270 polymorphism does not seem to be a genetic risk factor for disease susceptibility or clinically evident CV disease and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA.
A comprehensive test of the job demands-control interaction: Comparing two measures of job characteristics

Empirical evidence for Karasek's (1979) job demands-control (JDC) interaction has been markedly inconsistent. It has been suggested that a failure to control for curvilinear relationships and the poor operationalisation of job control may be responsible for the lack of empirical support. The current research tests the interactive proposition using Karasek's (1979) operationalisations of job characteristics and Jackson, Wall, Martin, and Davids (1993) more focused measures of job demands and control. The analyses controlled for both neuroticism and curvilinear relationships. Limited support was demonstrated for the interaction hypothesis; only a significant interaction between Karasek's measures of skill utilisation and psychological demands in the prediction of job satisfaction was evident. No interaction was found with the Jackson et al. measures. It was concluded that job demands and job control predominantly act independently to influence levels of employee well-being and job satisfaction.
A glucose reduction challenge in the differential diagnosis of fasting hypoglycemia: a two-center study.

Investigation of patients with suspected or proven hypoglycemia is often a time-consuming and expensive process. We describe a glucose reduction challenge test which may be useful as an out-patient screening procedure. Insulin is infused for 3 h at 40 mU/kg.h. Plasma glucose was monitored at the bedside during the test, and blood samples were collected for measurement of C-peptide. Responses were examined in 17 normal controls, and 6 patients with insulinomas. In normal subjects, mean plasma glucose fell to a plateau value of 3.2 +/- 0.2 mmol/L (57 +/- 2.6 mg/dL) and remained at that level with few symptoms. In contrast, five of six patients with insulinomas developed severe hypoglycemia, with plasma glucose levels between 1.9 (34 mg/dL) and 2.2 mmol/L (39 mg/dL). Plasma C-peptide concentrations were suppressed to 0.08 pmol/mL or less in normal subjects, but in insulinoma patients remained at 0.32-1.6 pmol/mL i.e. outside the normal range, and diagnostic of nonsuppressible insulin secretion. These data demonstrate that moderate reduction of serum glucose maintained for a prolonged period results in marked suppression of plasma C-peptide, permitting improved discrimination between normal subjects and patients with insulinomas. This glucose reduction challenge can, therefore, be used as a test of glucose-regulating ability, where failure (hypoglycemia) per se represents a measurable abnormality. C-Peptide measurements will determine whether the cause of hypoglycemia is due to hyperinsulinemia.
The stigma of mental illness: how you can use the media to reduce it

Television, radio and newspapers play an essential role in the public perception of mental illness. While the media often perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes of mental illness ([Byrne, 1997][1]), if properly harnessed, they may also be used to challenge prejudice, inform and initiate debate and so help
Children and Adolescents' Conceptions of Peace, War, and Strategies to Attain Peace: A Dutch Case Study

This article examines age-related changes in the conceptions children and adolescents hold about peace, war, and strategies to attain peace. These were expected to change from concrete, materially related to abstract, norm-related conceptions. The conceptions were assessed by means of a semi-structured questionnaire presented to 101 Dutch children between 8 and 16 years of age and divided into five age groups (mean ages 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 years). Each age group consisted of approximately equal numbers of boys and girls to ascertain any gender differences. Developmental levels for children's understanding of the reciprocal nature of interpersonal relationships (assessed by means of role or perspective-taking tasks) were presumed to relate to their conceptions of peace and strategies to attain peace, in particular. In addition to a development from concrete, materially related conceptions to abstract, norm-related conceptions, the findings suggest a more complex developmental course. While 8 to 12-year-olds used concrete, materially related characteristics for peace, war, and strategies to attain peace, 14 to 16-year-olds mentioned abstract, norm-related characteristics only when strategies to attain peace from an everyday perspective were considered. As noted by Selman, most 12-year-old children understood the mutual or reciprocal nature of interpersonal relationships. The latter understanding was primarily associated with the more abstract, norm-related level of reasoning involving ideas about human attitudes and universal rights.
Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin (MAP) Plus Maintenance Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2b Versus MAP Alone in Patients With Resectable High-Grade Osteosarcoma and Good Histologic Response to Preoperative MAP: First Results of the EURAMOS-1 Good Response Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose EURAMOS-1, an international randomized controlled trial, investigated maintenance therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b (IFN-α-2b) in patients whose osteosarcoma showed good histologic response (good response) to induction chemotherapy. Patients and Methods At diagnosis, patients age ≤ 40 years with resectable high-grade osteosarcoma were registered. Eligibility after surgery for good response random assignment included ≥ two cycles of preoperative MAP (methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin), macroscopically complete surgery of primary tumor, < 10% viable tumor, and no disease progression. These patients were randomly assigned to four additional cycles MAP with or without IFN-α-2b (0.5 to 1.0 μg/kg per week subcutaneously, after chemotherapy until 2 years postregistration). Outcome measures were event-free survival (EFS; primary) and overall survival and toxicity (secondary). Results Good response was reported in 1,041 of 2,260 registered patients; 716 consented to random assignment (MAP, n = 359; MAP plus IFN-α-2b, n = 357), with baseline characteristics balanced by arm. A total of 271 of 357 started IFN-α-2b; 105 stopped early, and 38 continued to receive treatment at data freeze. Refusal and toxicity were the main reasons for never starting IFN-α-2b and for stopping prematurely, respectively. Median IFN-α-2b duration, if started, was 67 weeks. A total of 133 of 268 patients who started IFN-α-2b and provided toxicity information reported grade ≥ 3 toxicity during IFN-α-2b treatment. With median follow-up of 44 months, 3-year EFS for all 716 randomly assigned patients was 76% (95% CI, 72% to 79%); 174 EFS events were reported (MAP, n = 93; MAP plus IFN-α-2b, n = 81). Hazard ratio was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.61 to 1.12; P = .214) from an adjusted Cox model. Conclusion At the preplanned analysis time, MAP plus IFN-α-2b was not statistically different from MAP alone. A considerable proportion of patients never started IFN-α-2b or stopped prematurely. Long-term follow-up for events and survival continues.
Incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Europe

Background Geographical differences in the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been reported in the literature but comparisons across previous studies are limited by different methods in case ascertainment and by the relatively small size of the studied populations. To address these issues, the authors undertook a pooled analysis of European population based ALS registries. Methods All new incident ALS cases in subjects aged 18 years old and older were identified prospectively in six population based registries in three European countries (Ireland, UK and Italy) in the 2 year period 1998–1999, with a reference population of almost 24 million. Results Based on 1028 identified incident cases, the crude annual incidence rate of ALS in the general European population was 2.16 per 100 000 person years; 95% CI 2.0 to 2.3), with similar incidence rates across all registries. The incidence was higher among men (3.0 per 100 000 person years; 95% CI 2.8 to 3.3) than among women (2.4 per 100 000 person years; 95% CI 2.2 to 2.6). Spinal onset ALS was more common among men compared with women, particularly in the 70–80 year age group. Disease occurrence decreased rapidly after 80 years of age. Conclusions ALS incidence is homogeneous across Europe. Sex differences in incidence may be explained by the higher incidence of spinal onset ALS among men, and the age related disease pattern suggests that ALS occurs within a susceptible group within the population rather than being a disease of ageing.
Entrepreneurial Networks of University Spin-offs: How Social Networks Affect the Growth of Firms

Knowledge can be valorized in many different ways. University spin-offs have proven to be very effective as the knowledge generated in a university or research institute is directly translated into commercial activities. In addition, university spin-offs have played an important role in the economic and innovation growth of the region. While much effort has been taken to support the creation and survival of university spin-offs, there is still limited understanding regarding the factors that contribute to their growth. This study particularly intends to understand how university spin-offs use their networks in order to find resources needed for growth. By using a sample of spin-offs from two universities, TU Delft the Netherlands and NTNU Trondheim, Norway, a set of model is explored with a focus on characteristics of social networks through which knowledge is acquired, like tightness, strength, heterogeneity and spatial orientation. This is followed by an exploration on the role of social networks of university spin-offs in two different urban environment and development stages. The results indicate that loose networks, weak relationships and heterogeneous backgrounds of network partners enhance growth. In addition, this study found more differences than similarities in the social network profile and in its influence on growth, and in this sense a contrasting urban environment and development stage of spin-offs matters.
Combining Scores in Multiple-Criteria Assessment Systems

Best practice in gifted and talented identification procedures involves making decisions on the basis of multiple measures. However, very little research has investigated the impact of different methods of combining multiple measures. This article examines the consequences of the conjunctive (“and”), disjunctive/complementary (“or”), and compensatory (“mean”) models for combining scores from multiple assessments. It considers the impact of rule choice on the size of the student population, the ability heterogeneity of the identified students, and the psychometric performance of such systems. It also uses statistical simulation to examine the performance of the state of Georgia’s mandated and complex multiple-criteria assessment system.
Has the National Do Not Call Registry Helped or Hurt State-Level Response Rates? A Time Series Analysis

By the end of the initial registration period on August 31, 2003, the National Do Not Call Registry (DNC Registry) had registered more than 50 million telephone numbers. Approximately 18 months later that number had increased to more than 91 million. The impact of the DNC Registry on survey response rates, however, is largely unknown. Some researchers speculate that the registry could make it easier to distinguish between telephone survey interviewers and telemarketers. Other researchers argue that a significant portion of DNC registrants may not make such distinctions and would prefer instead to reduce all unsolicited calls from marketers and interviewers alike. Case outcomes from nearly 4.5 million telephone numbers called between January 1, 2002, and June 30, 2005, as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed. Using trend analyses and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time series model- ing, we assessed the impact of the DNC Registry on state-level monthly response rates in 47 states. Our findings indicate that once pre-DNC Registry trends in response rates and other potential covariates are accounted for, the national Do Not Call rules have had no significant impact on state-level response rates in either a positive or negative direction.
Views from inside the shed: young children's perspectives of the outdoor environment

This article examines messages from participatory research about young children's perspectives of early childhood environments and outdoor spaces in particular. The studies chosen have been carried out in England with children under six years old using the Mosaic approach and are compared with findings from an Icelandic study using the same methodology. This framework for listening to children and adults brings together visual and verbal tools to gather children's perspectives and to facilitate exchange with adults. The findings reinforce the importance of private spaces, personal spaces, social spaces and imaginary spaces in outdoor environments for young children. The discussion considers the implications of these findings for creating and supporting creative outdoor spaces.
Incidental, explicit, and implicit language learning during meaning-based exposure: Their effectiveness and relationship to individual cognitive abilities

Isolated grammar tasks develop different types of learning: incidental (pick up grammar), explicit (conscious learning) and implicit (unconscious learning). Cognitive abilities affecting the accuracy of these types of learning have been discussed (Robinson, 1997a). We know much less about learning during meaningful tasks, common in second language classrooms, during which language is used to understand or communicate information. This study employed tasks of this type to further knowledge of the: a. ) incidental acquisition of form, b. ) possibility of simultaneous explicit and implicit learning, c. ) quantitative differences between explicit and implicit accuracy, d. ) role of learner cognitive abilities on quantity and type of learning, and e. ) effects of classification of type of learning on the results. Eighty-one Anglophone adults completed two crosswords and two reading passages presented using a semi-artificial language (Rebuschat, 2008), which ensured experimental control, and between-participant equal vocabulary knowledge. After, participants completed a surprise, timed grammaticality judgement test to measure learning. Type of learning (explicit and/or implicit) was assessed using three awareness measures (confidence ratings, source attributions, and verbal reports). Participants’ working memory, inductive ability, processing speed, and verbal reasoning were measured. The results demonstrated participants incidentally acquired some of the language. The majority of participants (n = 63) learnt the language explicitly and implicitly, and explicit learning was slightly more accurate. Cognitive abilities were unrelated to incidental acquisition, and the accuracy of explicit and implicit learning. However, inductive ability predicted the quantity of language processed explicitly positively and implicitly negatively. The findings further knowledge of the effectiveness of incidental, explicit, and implicit learning during language use. They demonstrate for the first time that adults learn language form using explicit and implicit processing simultaneously when focused on meaning. The small differences in accuracy of explicit and implicit learning suggest that when learning form is a by-product of understanding, implicitly-learnt information may be as accurate as explicitly-learnt information. Furthermore, as cognitive abilities did not affect the accuracy of incidental, explicit, and implicit learning, learning form whilst using may not disadvantage certain learners. However, as ability to induce patterns affects how information is processed, learners may benefit from practising pattern induction.
From Streets to Suites: How the Anti- Biotech Movement Affected German Pharmaceutical Firms

How do social movements affect decisions within corporations, such as the commercialization of new technologies? We suggest that the effect of movement activism is conditioned by the internal polity and therefore varies across organizations. This article examines how the anti-genetic movement in Germany during the 1980s affected six domestic pharmaceutical firms' commercialization of biotechnology. We develop a process model of how movements penetrate the relatively closed polity of private organizations. External contestation weakened the position of internal champions of biotechnology, precipitated divisions among organizational elites, and undermined collective commitment to the technology. The movement also increased perceptions of investment uncertainty, but the consequences of this uncertainty depended on organizational logics of decision making. As a result, investments in some firms were tilted away from domestic biotechnology projects. The model also explains this variation in organization-level outcomes of movement contestation.
The Experience of Empathy in Everyday Relationships: Cognitive and Affective Elements

In the psychological literature, empathy has been regarded as either a cognitive, an affective, or a multidimensional phenomenon and there has been much controversy about its nature. This phenomenological study focuses on how the theoretical discussion of the cognitive-affective nature of empathy finds expression in the experiential realm. Findings in this study point to the conclusion that empathy has different meanings for different people, either when they are empathizing with another or when being empathized with. In examining the way people experience empathy in their every-day lives, in the context of real, meaningful, present relationships, it seems that both cognitive and affective aspects of this experience play a significant role and may appear either together or separately. While it is rare for empathy to exist without any cognitive understanding, we also found that the experiences of empathy that contain emotional components reflect a fuller and more meaningful relational experience. As for the meaning of the affective and the cognitive aspects, the experience of these elements is more complex and divergent than the way it is usually portrayed in the literature. Implications for future research are discussed.