Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Notch 1-Dll 4 signaling pathway in mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy

Objective: To investigate the role of Notch1-Dll4 signaling pathway in the retinal neovascularization of oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model. Methods: Thirty C57BL/6J mouse pups in experimental group were exposed to (75 ± 2)% oxygen for 5 d and then returned to room air. Another 30 mice in control group were subjected to room air. The expression of retinal Dll4, vascular endothelial growth factor 1 (VEGFR-1) and VEGFR-2 was measured by immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR. Results: In both groups, Dll4, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 proteins were expressed in retina. In 17-d-old (P17) mice, positive rate of VEGFR-1 in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Positive rate of VEGFR-2 did not significantly differ between two groups (all P>0.05). At P12 and P17, positive rates of Dll4 considerably differed between two groups (both P<0.05). In experimental group, positive rates of VEGFR-1 and Dll4 tended to decline over time (both P<0.001), whereas an increasing tendency for VEGFR-2 (P<0.05). In control group, positive rate of VEGFR-1 tended to decrease, whereas VEGFR-2 tended to elevate over time (P<0.001). VEGFR-1 mRNA expression significantly differed between two groups at P17 (P<0.05). VEGFR-2 mRNA did not dramatically differ between two groups (all P>0.05). The expression of Dll4 mRNA significantly differed between two groups at P12 and P17 (both P<0.05). In experimental group, the expression of VEGFR-1 and Dll4 proteins declined (both P<0.05), whereas VEGFR-2 protein was elevated over time (P<0.05). In control group, the expression of VEGFR-2 protein was significantly up-regulated over time (P<0.05), whereas no changes for VEGFR-1 and Dll4 proteins (both P>0.05). Dll4 expression was positively correlated with VEGFR-1 (r=0.905, P<0.001). Conclusion: Dll4 and VEGFR-1 expression were both inhibited during neovascularization, and Dll4 expression positively correlated with Dll4 expression. Notch1-Dll4 signaling pathway was probably involved in retinal neovascularization.
Molecular Scanning and Morpho-Physiological Dissection of Component Mechanism in Lens Species in Response to Aluminium Stress

Aluminium (Al) stress was imposed on 285 lentil genotypes at seedling stage under hydroponics to study its effects on morpho-physiological traits where resistant cultigens and wilds showed minimum reduction in root and shoot length and maximum root re-growth (RRG) after staining. Molecular assortment based on 46 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers clustered the genotypes into 11 groups, where wilds were separated from the cultigens. Genetic diversity and polymorphism information content (PIC) varied between 0.148–0.775 and 0.140–0.739, respectively. Breeding lines which were found to be most resistant (L-7903, L-4602); sensitive cultivars (BM-4, L-4147) and wilds ILWL-185 (resistant), ILWL-436 (sensitive) were grouped into different clusters. These genotypes were also separated on the basis of population structure and Jaccard’s similarity index and analysed to study Al resistance mechanism through determination of different attributes like localization of Al and callose, lipid peroxidation, secretion of organic acids and production of antioxidant enzymes. In contrast to sensitive genotypes, in resistant ones most of the Al was localized in the epidermal cells, where its movement to apoplastic region was restricted due to release of citrate and malate. Under acidic field conditions, resistant genotypes produced maximum seed yield/plant as compared to sensitive genotypes at two different locations i.e. Imphal, Manipur, India and Basar, Arunanchal Pradesh, India during 2012–13, 2013–14 and 2014–15. These findings suggest that Al stress adaptation in lentil is through exclusion mechanism and hybridization between the contrasting genotypes from distinct clusters can help in development of resistant varieties.
The use of Facebook for information seeking, decision support, and self-organization following a significant disaster

ABSTRACT The wide-spread proliferation of the Internet has revolutionized the ways that individuals obtain, interpret, and respond to information in the aftermath of disaster. An F3 tornado that impacted the community of Goderich, Ontario, on 21 August 2011 provided the opportunity to examine how people utilized Facebook and Facebook groups to seek out information, self-organize, and provide support. This mixed-methods project was conducted in two phases. First, semi-structured interviews (n = 35) were conducted with Goderich area residents on their experiences using social media after the tornado. Next, all of the publicly available posts and replies on the Goderich Ontario Tornado Victims and Support (GOTVS) Facebook group were gathered and analysed using computer-assisted content analysis. The results demonstrate that Facebook was a highly influential source of information and support, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Although misinformation and gossip occurred, the tendency was for the group to self-moderate inaccurate information. Public engagement by local officials may further reduce misinformation and encourage public confidence. The results also show that GOTVS activity significantly declined after two weeks. This abrupt decrease in public attention suggests that the window for engagement by public officials is narrow. As such, officials should have a social media plan in place so that they may engage with the public during the critical response phase when their participation may yield the greatest benefit. Finally, this research underscores the potential for analysing Facebook content using computer-assisted content analysis, a method that may be of interest across the social sciences.
Preneoplastic Liver Nodules-Transferase-P or 7-7 ) from Normal Liver and Putative S Purification and Characterization of P-52 ( Glutathione Updated

A previous study from our laboratory (L. C. Eriksson et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 117: 740-745, 1983) revealed that a cytosolic polypeptide of approximate M, 21,000 (designated P-21) was markedly elevated in amount in hepatocyte nodules induced by six different regi mens. The molecular weight of this polypeptide, subsequently revised to approximately 26,000, was redesignated P-26 and was identified (T. H. Rushmore et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 143:98-103, 1987) as a subunit of a placenta! form of glutathione 5-transferase (K. Sato et al., Gann 75:199-202, 1984), also named glutathione 5-transferase 7-7 (H. Jensson et al., FEBS Lett., 1H7:115-120, 1985). We describe here a convenient method for purifying relatively large amounts of P-26 from hepatocyte nodules involving the sequential use of affinity chromatography on 5-hexyl glutathione-Sepharose 4B, CM-Sephadex, and DEAESephacel. Evidence is presented that P-26 exists as a dimer of approxi mate M, 52,000 (P-52). Analyses by two-dimensional electrophoresis have indicatedthat the subunits of M, 26,000 may consist of five separate charged isomers. Investigations using appropriate antisera and analysis by amino acid sequencing have provided additional confirmation that P52 is probably identical to rat placenta! glutathione 5-transferase. Anti bodies to P-52 are provingto be useful as a markerof new cell populations that appear regularly during hepatocarcinogenesis.
Friction and wear properties of copper-based composites reinforced with micro-and nano-sized Al 2 O 3 particles

Copper-based composites with hard particles are widely applied in electrical sliding contacts such as those in railway overhead current collection system, lead frame in large scale integrated-circuit, welding electrodes, transfer switches and electrical contact material. Powder metallurgy is the most applicable technology way of producing the copper-based composites, especially when the matrix material is reinforced with second phase particles. Two copper-based composites reinforced with micro-sized Al2O3 particles (app. 750 nm in size) and nano-sized Al2O3 particles (less than 100 nm in size), and produced by powder metallurgy technology, were compared with a Cu-Cr-Zr alloy produced by casting technique. The tribological tests were carried-out on ball-on-disc nanotribometer, under the high-load (1 N), low-speed (8 mm/s) dry sliding condition. The addition of micro-sized Al2O3 particles did not showed so beneficiary effect, since this composite had the lowest hardness and wear resistance, and at the same time, the highest coefficient of friction. On the other hand the addition of nano-sized Al2O3 particles increased considerably hardness of composite and improved the wear resistance to a significant extent, and also reduces the coefficient of friction.
Phase III study (MONET1) of motesanib plus carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients with advanced nonsquamous nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Asian subgroup analysis.

BACKGROUND This preplanned subset analysis of the phase III MONET1 study aimed to determine whether motesanib combined with carboplatin/paclitaxel (C/P) would result in improved overall survival (OS) versus chemotherapy alone, in a subset of Asian patients with nonsquamous nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with nonsquamous NSCLC (stage IIIB/IV or recurrent) and no prior systemic therapy for advanced disease were randomized to IV carboplatin (AUC, 6 mg/ml min) and paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) for up to six 3-week cycles, plus either oral motesanib 125 mg q.d. or placebo. Primary end point was OS; secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-seven Asian patients from MONET1 were included in this descriptive analysis. Median OS was 20.9 months in the motesanib plus C/P arm and 14.5 months in the placebo plus C/P arm (P=0.0223); median PFS was 7.0 and 5.3 months, respectively, (P=0.0004); and ORR was 62% and 27%, respectively, (P<0.0001). Grade≥3 adverse events were more common in the motesanib plus C/P arm versus placebo plus C/P (79% versus 61%). CONCLUSION In this preplanned subset analysis of Asian patients with nonsquamous NSCLC, motesanib plus C/P significantly improved OS, PFS, and ORR versus placebo plus C/P. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT00460317.
Telocytes in minor salivary glands of primary Sjögren’s syndrome: association with the extent of inflammation and ectopic lymphoid neogenesis

It has been recently reported that telocytes, a stromal (interstitial) cell subset involved in the control of local tissue homeostasis, are hampered in the target organs of inflammatory/autoimmune disorders. Since no data concerning telocytes in minor salivary glands (MSGs) are currently available, aim of the study was to evaluate telocyte distribution in MSGs with normal architecture, non‐specific chronic sialadenitis (NSCS) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS)‐focal lymphocytic sialadenitis. Twelve patients with pSS and 16 sicca non‐pSS subjects were enrolled in the study. MSGs were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence for CD3/CD20 and CD21 to assess focus score, Tarpley biopsy score, T/B cell segregation and germinal center (GC)‐like structures. Telocytes were identified by immunoperoxidase‐based immunohistochemistry for CD34 and CD34/platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α double immunofluorescence. Telocytes were numerous in the stromal compartment of normal MSGs, where their long cytoplasmic processes surrounded vessels and encircled both the excretory ducts and the secretory units. In NSCS, despite the presence of a certain degree of inflammation, telocytes were normally represented. Conversely, telocytes were markedly reduced in MSGs from pSS patients compared to normal and NSCS MSGs. Such a decrease was associated with both worsening of glandular inflammation and progression of ectopic lymphoid neogenesis, periductal telocytes being reduced in the presence of smaller inflammatory foci and completely absent in the presence of GC‐like structures. Our findings suggest that a loss of MSG telocytes might have important pathophysiological implications in pSS. The specific pro‐inflammatory cytokine milieu of pSS MSGs might be one of the causes of telocyte loss.
The Evolution of Experiential Learning Theory: Tracing Lines of Research in the JEE

This essay introduces a collection of past articles from the Journal of Experiential Education (JEE) focused on the concept of experiential learning. It outlines the historical trajectory of the concept beginning with human relations training practices beginning in 1946, as it came to be understood as a naturally occurring psychological process and a grounding for pedagogical reforms. The eight articles included in the issue reflect the way JEE authors have contended with problems arising from the concept’s departure from its origins in practice. We suggest that experiential learning’s evolution into a general theory was accomplished by decoupling it from its roots in a particular social practice and ideology, and then focusing on the concept’s technical problems. It is now important for researchers to revisit assumptions underpinning current theory and practice, situate research on experiential learning in wider practical and scholarly traditions, and develop new vocabularies concerning the relationship between experience and learning in educational programs.
Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Cystic Pancreatic Lesions Using a Simplified Classification Diagnostic Criterion

Objective. Classification diagnosis was performed for cystic pancreatic lesions using ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to explore the diagnostic value of CEUS by comparison with enhanced CT. Methods. Sixty-four cases with cystic pancreatic lesions were included in this study. The cystic lesions of pancreas were classified into four types by US, CEUS, and CT: type I unilocular cysts; type II microcystic lesions; type III macrocystic lesions; and type IV cystic lesions with solid components or irregular thickening of the cystic wall or septa. Results. Eighteen type I, 7 type II, 10 type III, and 29 type IV cases were diagnosed by CT. The classification results by US were as follows: 6 type I; 5 type II; 4 type III; and 49 type IV cases. Compared with the results by enhanced CT, the kappa value was 0.36. Using CEUS, 15, 6, 12, and 31 cases were diagnosed as types I–IV, respectively. The kappa value was 0.77. Conclusion. CEUS has obvious superiority over US in the classification diagnostic accuracy in cystic pancreatic lesions and CEUS results showed substantial agreement with enhanced CT. CEUS could contribute to the differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic diseases.
Review of Localization Schemes Using Artificial Neural Networks in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been applied in several areas, such as military surveillance, environmental monitoring, robotics, domotics, animal tracking, and many others. Localization awareness is an important issue because the collected/transmitted data by network nodes could become meaningless without correct positioning information. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are not commonly applied in localization tasks, even more when we are talking about WSNs. However, this paper corroborates that ANNs could be used for nodes localization estimation, and with reasonable accuracy. Among the families of ANNs available, the Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) is the most suitable to application in WSNs, because it has the best computational and memory resource requirements. Since the network nodes are embedded devices with several constraints of energy consumption and computational power, low memory usage and low floating point operations are desirable. This article shows some advantages of using ANNs in localization issues and does also some suggestions about future works and further research directions.
Cultural Neuroscience of Emotion: Toward a Developmental Framework

Over the last several decades, theoretical and methodological advances in the fields of neuroscience, psychophysiology, and molecular genetics have extended into the study of cross-cultural differences in emotion. These advances have accompanied a rise in the use of biological methods and measures to examine cross-cultural differences of emotion particularly in studies of children. The findings from existing studies using these methods and measures are mixed and inconsistent, across a range of emotion phenotypes. In the present article, we argue that current biocultural models of emotion are limited in their explanatory power to account for differences because they neglect the importance of developmental processes. Here we review the extant literature on cultural studies that have used biological measures with a particular focus on shyness, aggression, and interpersonal processes of emotion. We then propose a revised biocultural model of emotion that attempts to account for developmental processes that we believe has explanatory power to reconcile some of the inconsistencies in the extant literature. We suggest this revised model as a preliminary framework to derive testable hypotheses to guide future studies in the area.
Not worth the risk? Applying life history theory to understand rejection of the experiential recommendation

ABSTRACT Despite mounting support documenting the long-term benefits of consuming experiences versus material possessions, some consumers appear to reject the ‘experiential recommendation. ’ Applying a life history theory perspective, we conducted seven studies to examine how unpredictability and harshness during childhood may translate into a decreased propensity to consume novel experiences in adulthood. Adults who experienced unpredictable and harsh childhood environments tended to devalue experiential options (studies 1A and 1B). A perceived lack of control over one’s life outcomes that translates into greater difficulty in evaluating experiential opportunities mediated the relationship between childhood background and devaluing experiential options (studies 3, 4A–C). Furthermore, prior or incidental experience with novel experiential options moderated the link between perceived lack of control over life outcomes and difficulty evaluating experiential purchase options (study 4B).
Research Department Fiscal Consolidation and the Cost of Credit : Evidence from Syndicated Loans † Prepared by Ş enay

We examine how the cost of corporate credit varies around fiscal consolidations aimed at reducing government debt. Using a new dataset on fiscal consolidations and syndicated corporate loan data, we find that loan spreads increase with fiscal consolidations, especially for small firms, domestic firms, and for firms with limited alternative financing sources. These adverse effects are mitigated substantially if consolidations are large, and can be avoided if consolidations are also accompanied with more adaptable macroeconomic policies and implemented by a stable government. These findings suggest that lenders price the short-term recessionary effects in loans but large consolidations can reduce or undo the increase in spreads, especially under favorable country conditions, by signaling credibility and creating expansionary expectations. JEL Classification Numbers: E62, G32, H32, H60
Prolonged androgen deprivation leads to overexpression of calpain 2: Implications for prostate cancer progression

Understanding the molecular mechanism of prostate cancer progression from androgen dependence to independence may lead to developing more effective treatments against prostate cancer. Herein, our previous in vitro model was employed to assess the effects of continuous androgen-deprivation on developing the metastatic phenotype from androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells (LNCaP). The results indicated that long-term androgen deprivation resulted in overexpression of calpain 2 and increased expression of filamin A (FlnA), but not for calpain 1. The enhanced activity of calpain 2 was confirmed by the accumulation of cleaved FlnA fragments, which could be effectively blocked by calpeptin (an inhibitor of calpain 2). Therefore, the combination of calpain 2 inhibitor and androgen deprivation may provide new therapeutic strategy for patients to prevent or postpone prostate cancer progression.
Atheists in America: Investigating Identity, Meaning, and Movement

value or nominal conviction for many atheists; it is a concrete product of biography, narrative, and interaction. As I discussed earlier, atheists tend to perceive their atheism as the result of critical assessment and independent-mindedness. This is especially the case for atheists who have undergone a deconversion process and who had to struggle with their own religions of origin and former faiths. Indeed, as the Pew Forum’s recent “U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey” (2010) observes, atheists ranked highest in terms of general knowledge of religion, suggesting that those who come to identify as atheists have spent more time than others in learning about
Seashore disturbance and management of the clonal Arctophila fulva: Modelling patch dynamics

Abstract Question: What is the population viability of a critically endangered seashore grass, Arctophila fulva var. pendulina. Location: Liminka Bay, W Finland, 25°21′70 N, 64°51′90 E. Methods: We constructed a matrix population model based on colonization and disappearance events and patch size changes of A. fulva. Patches were divided into hydric and non-hydric zones according to proximity to the seashore and intensity of disturbance. Perturbation analyses were carried out in order to identify transitions critical for population growth. Seed bank and seed germination studies provided background information for the model design. Results: A. fulva patches observed in the more disturbed hydric zone (closest to the sea) increased in number, as did the total number of patches. However, the number of patches in the less disturbed non-hydric zone decreased. Conclusions: Short-term dynamics of the A. fulva population at Liminka Bay seem to be determined by environmental fluctuations, which cause annual variation in transition rates between patch size classes. The long-term dynamics are probably governed by initiation of primary succession by isostatic land uplift. Increased disturbance at the water's edge may promote persistence of A. fulva through reduced interspecific competition. Our results suggest that shoreline disturbance of the hydric zone is sufficient for maintaining a viable population. Competitive exclusion of A. fulva in the non-hydric zone may be delayed by management practices, such as mowing. Nomenclature: Hämet-Ahti et al. (1998). Abbreviations: LTRE = Life table response experiment; TTC = 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride.
Weight of criteria in hotel selection: An empirical illustration based on TripAdvisor criteria

The aim of this paper is to show how to calculate the weight of criteria that influences the decision making process of potential hotel guests. By taking into consideration the growing importance of electronic word-of-mouth and the popularity of hotel reviews websites, this research note exposes the framework to calculate the weight of the 6 TripAdvisor criteria by using the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) – Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. 250 tourists in Paris (France) have been interrogated in order to apply the AHP method and to illustrate how to determine the weight of 6 criteria: location, bed quality, comfort & equipment, service, value for money and, cleanliness. By doing so, this research note facilitates the understanding of AHP method and its application to the hotel sector. The empirical study proposes weight for each criterion by taking into consideration tourists’ point of view.