Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced locomotor adaptation after-effect in the 'broken escalator' phenomenon using

23 conditioning; transcranial magnetic stimulation 24 25 ABSTRACT 26 The everyday experience of stepping onto a stationary escalator causes a stumble, despite our full awareness 27 that the escalator is broken. In the laboratory, this 'broken escalator' phenomenon is reproduced when 28 subjects step onto an obviously stationary platform (AFTER trials) that was previously experienced as moving 29 (MOVING trials), and attests to a process of motor adaptation. Given the critical role of M1 in upper limb 30 motor adaptation, and the potential for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to increase cortical 31 excitability, we hypothesised that anodal tDCS over leg M1 and premotor cortices would increase the size and 32 duration of the locomotor after-effect. Thirty healthy volunteers received either sham or real tDCS (anodal 33 bihemispheric tDCS; 2mA for 15 minutes at rest) to induce excitatory effects over the primary motor and 34 premotor cortex, prior to walking onto the moving platform. The real tDCS group - compared to sham - 35 displayed larger trunk sway, and increased gait velocity in the 1 st AFTER trial and a persistence of the trunk 36 sway after-effect into the 2 nd AFTER trial. We also used transcranial magnetic stimulation to probe changes in 37 cortical leg excitability using different electrode montages and eye blink conditioning, before and after tDCS, as 38 well as simulating the current flow of tDCS on the human brain using a computational model of these different 39 tDCS montages. Our data show that anodal tDCS induces excitability changes in lower limb motor cortex, with 40 resultant enhancement of locomotor adaptation after-effects. These findings might encourage the use of tDCS 41 over leg motor and premotor regions to improve locomotor control in patients with neurological gait 42 disorders. 43 44
Regulation of IMP dehydrogenase gene expression by its end products, guanine nucleotides

To study the regulation of IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH), the rate-limiting enzyme of guanine nucleotide biosynthesis, we examined the effects of nucleosides, nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, or the IMPDH inhibitor mycophenolic acid (MPA) on the steady-state levels of IMPDH mRNA. The results indicated that IMPDH gene expression is regulated inversely by the intracellular level of guanine ribonucleotides. We have shown that treatment with guanosine increased the level of cellular guanine ribonucleotides and subsequently reduced IMPDH steady-state mRNA levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conversely, MPA treatment diminished the level of guanine ribonucleotides and increased IMPDH mRNA levels. Both of these effects on the steady-state level of IMPDH mRNA could be negated by cotreatment with guanosine and MPA. The down regulation of IMPDH gene expression by guanosine or its up regulation by MPA was not due to major changes in transcriptional initiation and elongation or mRNA stability in the cytoplasm but rather was due to alterations in the levels of the IMPDH mRNA in the nucleus. These results suggest that IMPDH gene expression is regulated by a posttranscriptional, nuclear event in response to fluctuations in the intracellular level of guanine ribonucleotides.
Comparing pharmacologic measures of tenofovir exposure in a U.S. pre-exposure prophylaxis randomized trial

It is critical to assess adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in clinical trials. The relationship between pharmacokinetic measures of PrEP adherence and other adherence measures used in PrEP trials requires further characterization. Plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and hair samples were collected from 88 HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men in a placebo-controlled randomized PrEP trial; announced pill counts, medication electronic monitoring (MEMS), and self-report using visual analog scale (VAS) were also collected. Tenofovir (TFV or TFV-DP) in plasma, hair, and PBMCs were quantified. Proportions with drug detection, Spearman correlation coefficients, and univariate and multivariable regression models were used. Drug detection in plasma, PBMC, and hair samples was highly concordant with treatment arm assignment. TFV or TFV-DP levels were detected in most active-arm participants: 44/47 (94%) in plasma, 46/47 (98%) in hair, and 44/47 (94%) in PBMCs and in only 1/41 placebo arm participant. Correlation coefficients were r = 0.59 for plasma and PBMC, r = 0.34 for PBMC and hair and r = 0.36 for plasma and hair. MEMS and announced pill-counts were moderately correlated (r = 0.52) but less so with pharmacologic measures (range of r = 0.12 to 0.38). Self-reported adherence by visual analog scale demonstrated essentially no correlation with drug levels (r = 0.06 for hair, PBMC or plasma) and was a poor indicator of exposure to study product. Indices of drug exposure are important indicators in assessing adherence to PrEP; accounting for variability between measures may improve interpretation and use of adherence measures in future PrEP studies. Clinical trial registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT00131677
Outcomes of treatment of neovascular glaucoma with intravitreal bevacizumab

Background/aims: To evaluate the course of treatment and outcomes of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Methods: The study is a retrospective, non-comparative, consecutive, interventional case series. Demographic data, past ocular history, cause of NVG and anterior chamber angle status were recorded. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of IOP-lowering medications and type of treatment administered were recorded at the time of NVG diagnosis and at follow-up intervals. Treatment-related complications and reasons for vision loss were recorded. Results: The study included 56 eyes of 52 patients. At the time of NVG diagnosis, the median VA was count fingers, and the mean IOP (SD) was 40 (11) mm Hg. At 6 months after initial bevacizumab injection, the median VA was 1/200, and the mean IOP (SD) was 18 (15) mm Hg. Seventy-one per cent of eyes underwent panretinal photocoagulation after NVG diagnosis. Sixty-one per cent of eyes received a glaucoma drainage implant (GDI). The Kaplan–Meier cumulative proportion of eyes with open angles receiving a GDI after initial bevacizumab injection was not statistically significantly different from that of eyes with closed angles. Forty-six per cent of eyes received repeat bevacizumab injections. Eleven eyes had hyphaema after both bevacizumab injection and GDI surgery, while three eyes had hyphaema after GDI surgery but prior to initial bevacizumab injection. Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab is now a frequently used adjunct for the treatment of NVG. Eyes must be monitored closely after initial injection of intravitreal bevacizumab, regardless of intial angle status, as many may still require surgery to lower IOP or repeat injections of intravitreal bevacizumab.
Learning not to labour: a micro analysis of consensual male unemployment

Purpose – The Drifters are ten long-term unemployed British men. The Drifters’ unemployment is consensual: the men believe they have chosen to “not work” and rely upon welfare benefits for their socio-economic survival. The purpose of this paper is to present micro sociological analysis of the Drifters’ existences which focuses upon first, exploring why the Drifters’ consensual unemployment has resulted in them experiencing high levels of stigma in their everyday lives; second, analysing the Drifters’ (micro) relationships with (macro) unemployment policies. Design/methodology/approach – Primary, qualitative data were elicited from the Drifters during two phases of fieldwork. In both phases of fieldwork, the author conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews and participant observation-based research with the Drifters to generate data on how the men subjectively experience and account for the intersection of consensual non-work, welfare reliance and stigma in their lives. Findings – In the pseudonymo.
Nrf2 and Snail-1 in the prevention of experimental liver fibrosis by caffeine.

AIM To determine the molecular mechanisms involved in experimental hepatic fibrosis prevention by caffeine (CFA). METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal thioacetamide or bile duct ligation and they were concomitantly treated with CFA (15 mg/kg per day). Fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltrate were evaluated and classified by Knodell index. Inflammatory infiltrate was quantified by immunohistochemistry (anti-CD11b). Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for collagen I (Col-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Activation of Nrf2 and Snail-1 was analyzed by Western-blot. TNF-α expression was proved by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, CAT activity was performed by zymography. RESULTS CFA treatment diminished fibrosis index in treated animals. The Knodell index showed both lower fibrosis and necroinflammation. Expression of profibrogenic genes CTGF, Col-1 and TGF-β1 and proinflammatory genes TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 was substantially diminished with CFA treatment with less CD11b positive areas. Significantly lower values of transcriptional factor Snail-1 were detected in CFA treated rats compared with cirrhotic rats without treatment; in contrast Nrf2 was increased in the presence of CFA. Expression of SOD and CAT was greater in animals treated with CFA showing a strong correlation between mRNA expression and enzyme activity. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that CFA inhibits the transcriptional factor Snail-1, down-regulating profibrogenic genes, and activates Nrf2 inducing antioxidant enzymes system, preventing inflammation and fibrosis.
Studies on iron metabolism in sickle cell anaemia, sickle cell haemoglobin C disease, and haemoglobin C disease using a large volume liquid scintillation counter

Iron absorption as measured by a faecal recovery method in young adult males living in a tropical zone was high, even in the absence of anaemia. There was an inverse relation between the iron absorption and the packed cell volume. The highest absorption was found in sickle cell anaemia patients, where the packed cell volume is the lowest. The incorporation of iron was also the fastest and greatest in this group. In the controls the iron absorbed accumulated in the marrow and the spleen on the first day; in the sickle cell anaemia group the spleen has an insignificant role in iron storage. The growing radioactivity in the liver parallels that of the heart in the group of sickle cell anaemia patients; however, it remains low in the spleen in the same group, implying a diminution of splenic blood flow. In the sickle cell haemoglobin C and the haemoglobin C patients, the liver and spleen have an intermediate position between that of the sickle cell anaemia group and the control group.
RELATIVE ECONOMIC STATUS AND.FERTILITY: EVIDENCE FROM A CROSS-SECTION

Richard Easterlins relative income hypothesis has the ability to predict turning points in period fertility because it involves a lag between taste formation in parental households and the operation of current income constraints on consumption preferences for children. Micro data from the U.S. 1970 National Fertility Study are used to examine the behavioral components of Easterlins hypothesis. Based on a cross-sectional multiple regression analysis for once-married currently-married wives of once-married husbands who reported whether they felt financially better or worse off at the time of marriage than their parents when respondents were adolescents no evidence was found to support the hypothesis that relative economic status influences fertility. This finding conflicts with evidence from studies of highly aggregated time-series data. Although circumstantial evidence suggests that there is reason to be confident about the validity of the survey measures of relative economic status there is the possibility that these measures are invalid. Appropriate longitudinal data are required before confidence in micro-levels tests of the Easterlin hypothesis is appropriate. The conflict between these findings and other findings might be explained in part by the fact in this study relative economic status effects on age at marriage is ignored. Nevertheless assuming the validity of the variables this paper demonstrates that relative economic status had little effect on the early marital fertility of women under age 45 in 1970.
The career anchors, job involvement and job satisfaction of professional people

CHAPT.ER ONE INTRODUCTION Theory-Based Research The Subjective Career Convenience Samples Use of Multivariate Statistics Better Informed, Better Employed CHAPTER TWO BACKGROUND TO THE CAREER ANCHOR THEORY Differential Theories of the Career Holland's Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments Developmental Theories of the Career Conclusion CHAPTER THREE 1 2 3 4 6 7
A quantitative study of calcium deposition in the aortic wall following Medtronic Freestyle compared with homograft aortic root replacement. A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Unstented aortic valve substitutes offer many of the theoretical advantages of homografts such as superior hemodynamic performance and enhanced durability, particularly when inserted as a root. Many of these depend on the maintained flexibility of the valve components. Calcification of the aortic wall may adversely affect these phenomena. Electron beam computed tomography has been used to evaluate aortic wall calcification in patients undergoing aortic root replacement in a prospective randomized trial designed to compare the Medtronic Freestyle valve with the homograft valve replacement. METHODS Patients were followed with electron beam computed tomography scans of the aortic root at six-monthly intervals after surgery. A calcification score (Hounsfield units) and a calcified volume score (mm3) were obtained from each scan using a new modified technique. Results were related to hemodynamic data from echocardiography. The prevalence of calcification was also related to the homograft donor age. RESULTS Seventy-six patients (age range: 40-79 years) were randomized to root replacement with either homograft (n = 31) or Freestyle (n = 45) valves. Fifty-three scans of the aortic root were performed postoperatively in 37 patients. No statistical difference between the two groups was found at six and 12 months after surgery. However, after 18 months the calcified volume score was 5903.8+/-2356.8 mm3 in the homograft versus 2725.6+/-1500.5 mm3 in the Freestyle group (p = 0.017). There was a correlation between calcification score, calcified volume score and left ventricular mass (r = 0.323, p = 0.093 and r = 0.350, p = 0.068, respectively) on the one hand, and calcification score, calcified volume score and valve size on the other hand (r = 0.178, p = 0.466 and r = 0.068, p = 0.780, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Electron beam computed tomography provides a powerful tool for the detection of calcium in the aortic wall of valve grafts. There is a low rate of calcification during the first 18 months in the Medtronic Freestyle valve, and this appears to be lower than that observed in homografts. Longer-term follow up of the aortic root in these patients is required. This is an ongoing study.
Forced Expression of miR-143 Represses ERK5/c-Myc and p68/p72 Signaling in Concert with miR-145 in Gut Tumors of ApcMin Mice

Recently, miR-143 and miR-145 have been shown to belong to a subset of microRNAs whose expression is controlled by a complex of a tumor suppressor p53 and DEAD-box RNA helicase subunits p68/p72. While accumulating studies have acknowledged that both miRNAs function as tumor suppressors and are similarly regulated, evidence of their coordinated action against tumorigenesis has been poorly presented. Herein, we establish transgenic mice that express miR-143 under the control of the CAG regulatory unit. When crossbred with ApcMin/+ mice, the development of tumors in the small intestines is significantly attenuated. In the transgenic small intestine tumors, the endogenous miR-145 is also enhanced and the expression of c-Myc and p68/p72, both of which have been reported to be pivotal for gut tumor development, is suppressed, corresponding to the downregulation of ERK5. We demonstrate that the combination of miR-143 and miR-145 inhibits the expression of c-Myc in human colon cancer cells, whereas miR-145 retards that of p72. Moreover, we show the possibilities that miR-145 modulates p72 expression through its 3′ untranslated region and that c-Myc downregulation is involved in both p68 suppression and miR-145 induction. These findings suggest that forced expression of miR-143, probably interacting with endogenous miR-145, inhibits ERK5/c-Myc and p68/p72/β-catenin signaling and hampers small intestine tumor development in ApcMin/+ mice. This unique cascade, in turn, may prevent overproduction of a subset of tumor suppressive miRNAs by repressing their own modulators, p68/p72.
CD 14 C (-260 ) 3 T Polymorphism , Plasma Levels of the Soluble Endotoxin Receptor CD 14 , Their Association With Chronic Infections and Risk of Stable Coronary Artery Disease

OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the association of CD14 genotype and plasma levels of soluble (s)CD14 with risk of stable coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic infections and sensitive markers of systemic inflammation. BACKGROUND It has been suggested that genetic variation of the CD14 receptor with increased CD14 gene expression might play a role in atherogenesis. A mechanistic link would consist in its contribution to the inflammatory response seen in this disease. METHODS We measured levels of sCD14 ( g/ml; ELISA) in 312 patients with angiographically proven CAD and stable angina pectoris, and in 477 ageand gender-matched healthy blood donors. CD14 genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction. In addition, seropositivity to Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori, a complete lipid profile and various sensitive systemic markers of inflammation were measured. RESULTS CD14 C(-260)3T genotype was not independently associated with increased risk of CAD after multivariable adjustments (odds ratio [OR] 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84 to 2.16). However, sCD14 plasma levels were higher in subjects with TT genotype compared with those with CT or CC genotype (p 0.005). Plasma levels were not different between cases and controls (4.2 1.3 g/ml vs. 4.3 1.3 g/ml, p NS). In multivariable logistic regression, the OR for the presence of CAD was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.65 to 1.91) if the top quintile of the sCD14 distribution was compared with the bottom quintile. There was no consistent association between seropositivity to either C. pneumoniae or H. pylori, or both, and sCD14 levels and between sCD14 levels or CD14 genotype and the various markers of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS These results do not confirm an independent relationship between CD14 genotypes or plasma levels of sCD14 and risk of stable CAD in this population. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2002;40:34–42) © 2002 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation
CANCER RISK ASSOCIATED WITH HOUSEHOLD EXPOSURE TO CHLOROFORM

Chloroform (CHCl 3 ), the trihalomethane most prevalent in drinking water, is a proven animal carcinogen and a suspected human carcinogen. Consequently, standards have been issued by health authorities to limit its concentration in drinking water. These limits are based solely on ingestion, without taking into account inhalation and skin contact. Exposure to CHCl 3 was assessed for 18 men (age: mean 38 years; range 23-51) following a 10-min shower in their respective residences located in the Quebec City region (Canada). CHCl 3 concentration was measured in alveolar air samples collected before, immediately after, and 15 min and 30 min following the shower. Indoor air and water concentrations were determined concomitantly. Mean CHCl 3 concentrations in the air of the shower stall and in water were respectively 147 µg/m 3 (SD = 56.2 µg/m 3 ) and 20.1 µg/L (SD = 9.0 µg/L). Water concentrations were comparable to those documented in a large proportion of distribution networks in Canada. The mean increase in alveolar air CHCl concentration ( j CHCl 3 ALV) at the end of the shower was 33 µg/m 3 (SD = 14.7 µg/m 3 ). A multiple-regression analysis revealed that j CHCl 3 ALV values were only associated with chloroform concentration in air of the shower stall. j CHCl 3 ALV were described using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. This model was then used to estimate concentrations of CHCl 3 metabolites bound to liver and kidney macromolecules following a shower, and also according to exposure scenarios that integrate drinking-water ingestion and air inhalation. The concentration predicted in the liver following a worst-case exposure scenario was 0.41 µg CHCl 3 equivalents/kg of tissue, some 6000 times lower than the lowest concentration that did not increase the incidence of hepatic tumors in laboratory animals. Data indicate that for this range of exposure the safety margin appears therefore considerable with respect to the potential carcinogenic effect of household exposure to CHCl 3 .
JOB STRESS AMONG COLLEGE TEACHERS IN DOABA REGIONOF PUNJAB (INDIA)

Stress is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. It's the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness. Stress may be good or bad. Employee and Job efficiency depends upon the physical level and mental level of the employee. The aim of this study was to find out the factors that creates stress among college teachers in Doaba region of Punjab. The 60 respondents were selected by random cum convenient sampling method. Data was analyzed with the help of factor analysis and chi square test. The five factors are found that creates the job stress among college teachers in the Doaba region. The most important factor that creates stress is Salary and other benefits followed by working conditions, relations with colleagues, job security and work load So by improving these factors job stress can be reduced among college teachers. The results of this study may be helpful for college's
The relationship between motivation, second language learning, and stress in international students

by Rie Sakamoto Mastering a second language costs time, money, and effort. Identifying factors that help students master a second language is necessary. Motivation has been identified by researchers as an important factor in second language learning. The present study examined relationships between types of motivation and improvement in English proficiency in terms of self-determination theory, specifically whether motivation would be a predictor of improvement in English proficiency after statistically controlling stress. The Language Learning Orientation Scale (LLOS), the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS), and the English Placement Test (EPT) were administrated to 62 international students. None of the subtypes of motivation (e.g., external regulation, introjected regulation, and identified regulation) were significantly correlated with improvement in proficiency. These results may be due to the finding of no significant improvement in English proficiency. Also, although stress was a predictor, motivation was not a predictor of improvement in proficiency. Possible reasons are discussed. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTIVATION, SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING, AND STRESS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS by Rie Sakamoto A Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Psychological Science University of Central Missouri