Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Inositol Trisphosphate-mediated Calcium Signals within Astrocytic Endfeet Underlie Vasodilation of Cerebral Arterioles

Active neurons communicate to intracerebral arterioles in part through an elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in astrocytes, leading to the generation of vasoactive signals involved in neurovascular coupling. In particular, [Ca2+]i increases in astrocytic processes (“endfeet”), which encase cerebral arterioles, have been shown to result in vasodilation of arterioles in vivo. However, the spatial and temporal properties of endfoot [Ca2+]i signals have not been characterized, and information regarding the mechanism by which these signals arise is lacking. [Ca2+]i signaling in astrocytic endfeet was measured with high spatiotemporal resolution in cortical brain slices, using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator and confocal microscopy. Increases in endfoot [Ca2+]i preceded vasodilation of arterioles within cortical slices, as detected by simultaneous measurement of endfoot [Ca2+]i and vascular diameter. Neuronal activity–evoked elevation of endfoot [Ca2+]i was reduced by inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor Ca2+ release channels and almost completely abolished by inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake. To probe the Ca2+ release mechanisms present within endfeet, spatially restricted flash photolysis of caged InsP3 was utilized to liberate InsP3 directly within endfeet. This maneuver generated large amplitude [Ca2+]i increases within endfeet that were spatially restricted to this region of the astrocyte. These InsP3-induced [Ca2+]i increases were sensitive to depletion of the intracellular Ca2+ store, but not to ryanodine, suggesting that Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from ryanodine receptors does not contribute to the generation of endfoot [Ca2+]i signals. Neuronally evoked increases in astrocytic [Ca2+]i propagated through perivascular astrocytic processes and endfeet as multiple, distinct [Ca2+]i waves and exhibited a high degree of spatial heterogeneity. Regenerative Ca2+ release processes within the endfeet were evident, as were localized regions of Ca2+ release, and treatment of slices with the vasoactive neuropeptides somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide was capable of inducing endfoot [Ca2+]i increases, suggesting the potential for signaling between local interneurons and astrocytic endfeet in the cortex. Furthermore, photorelease of InsP3 within individual endfeet resulted in a local vasodilation of adjacent arterioles, supporting the concept that astrocytic endfeet function as local “vasoregulatory units” by translating information from active neurons into complex InsP3-mediated Ca2+ release signals that modulate arteriolar diameter.
Kinetic Studies to Elucidate Impaired Metabolism of Triglyceride-rich Lipoproteins in Humans

To develop novel strategies for prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia, it is essential to understand the pathophysiology of dyslipoproteinemia in humans. Lipoprotein metabolism is a complex system in which abnormal concentrations of various lipoprotein particles can result from alterations in their rates of production, conversion, and/or catabolism. Traditional methods that measure plasma lipoprotein concentrations only provide static estimates of lipoprotein metabolism and hence limited mechanistic information. By contrast, the use of tracers labeled with stable isotopes and mathematical modeling, provides us with a powerful tool for probing lipid and lipoprotein kinetics in vivo and furthering our understanding of the pathogenesis of dyslipoproteinemia.
Childbirth expectations: an Australian study of young childless women

Objective: We investigate young childless Australian women’s stated preferences for future delivery mode and birth attendant and explore correlates of, and explanations for, these preferences. Background: In the context of debate about the causes of rising caesarean rates, we explore broad social assumptions about, and attitudes to, childbirth mode by focusing on the stated birthing preferences and attitudes of young childless women. Methods: A total of 334 single, childless, Australian women, aged 18–25, recruited through a university subject pool and via Facebook, responded to an online survey. Measures included their expected preferences for delivery mode (caesarean or vaginal) and for birth attendant (obstetrician or midwife), stated reasons for those preferences, and standard measures of childbirth self-efficacy, childbirth fear, general anxiety and depression, and life satisfaction. Results: Most women expected that they would prefer a vaginal birth and obstetrician-led care. Multiple regression showed preference for caesarean birth to be associated with low childbirth self-efficacy, and preference for an obstetrician with childbirth fear and general anxiety. Women referenced fear of childbirth as a reason for caesarean birth and ‘naturalness’ for vaginal birth; and technical expertise for obstetrician-led care and emotional support as a reason for midwife care. Conclusion: Young childless women already hold attitudes to childbirth, and at least some report high fear and low self-efficacy. These findings amongst women who have not experienced pregnancy or childbirth suggest that social and cultural attitudes play a major role in women’s approach to childbirth.
Public Knowledge and Perceptions of Science and Technology

Studies of public attitudes towards science and technology have been conducted in a number of countries: for example, in Poland (Koptas and Wisniewski, 1987); in the USA (Miller, 1986) and the UK (New Scientist, 1985). No systematic studies have been conducted in Australia, but some data on attitudes are available from a variety of surveys (Eckersley, 1987). Fewer studies of public knowledge of science and technology topics have been conducted. This paper reports some data on both knowledge and perceptions of a sample of adults in Perth, Western Australia.
Alternate Assessments of Modified Achievement Standards

Amendments to the No Child Left Behind Act allow for a portion of students with disabilities within each state to be tested via an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards, and as a result, the performance of 2% or slightly more of these students can be reported as proficient for purposes of adequate yearly progress. This policy calls for tests composed of easier items in the same content areas as a state's general achievement test and for guidelines for identifying eligible students with disabilities who have persistent academic difficulties. Promising methods for reducing the difficulty of test items without underrepresenting the target construct include simplifying language, removing incorrect answer choices, bolding key words, and making graphics clearer. The policy also allows for distinct performance criteria (proficiency standards) and associated cut scores for interpreting the results of these tests to be established. Consequences for each of these changes are hypothesized within the context of better measurement of student achievement, inclusive assessment practices, and state accountability systems.
Ameliorative Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on an Eccentric Exercise-Induced Skeletal Muscle Injury by Down-Regulating NF-κB Mediated Inflammation

Background and Purpose: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a phenolic compound isolated from propolis, displays a variety of biological activities. The aim is to examine the protective effect and mechanisms of CAPE on an eccentric exercise-induced muscle injury model. Experimental Approach: An intermittent downhill eccentric exercise protocol was used. The oxidative tissue injury and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were examined. CAPE was applied in a dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg/day, p.o. Key Results: The eccentric exercise induced remarkable skeletal muscle damage uncovered by a dramatic elevation of creatine kinase in the serum and severe degenerative myopathy. These pathophysiological changes were accompanied by an upregulation of the inflammatory responses including protein nitrotyrosylation, poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP) upregulation, lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and leukocyte infiltration as measured by myeloperoxidase (MPO). The inflammatory responses primarily resulted from enhanced expression of COX2, iNOS, and production of IL-1ß and MCP-1, possibly through activation of NF-κB. All these pathological changes were suppressed by treatment of CAPE. Conclusions and Implications: Our results indicate that CAPE exhibits protective effects against eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage in rats by blocking the NF-κB-dependent activation of the inflammatory responses.
Schizophrenia: susceptibility genes and oligodendroglial and myelin related abnormalities

Given that the genetic risk for schizophrenia is highly polygenic and the effect sizes, even for rare or de novo events, are modest at best, it has been suggested that multiple biological pathways are likely to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Most efforts in understanding the cellular basis of schizophrenia have followed a “neuron-centric” approach, focusing on alterations in neurotransmitter systems and synapse cytoarchitecture. However, multiple lines of evidence coming from genetics and systems biology approaches suggest that apart from neurons, oligodendrocytes and potentially other glia are affected from schizophrenia risk loci. Neurobiological abnormalities linked with genetic association signal could identify abnormalities that are more likely to be primary, versus environmentally induced changes or downstream events. Here, we summarize genetic data that support the involvement of oligodendrocytes in schizophrenia, providing additional evidence for a causal role with the disease. Given the undeniable evidence of both neuronal and glial abnormalities in schizophrenia, we propose a neuro-glial model that invokes abnormalities at the node of Ranvier as a functional unit in the etiopathogenesis of the disease.
Enduring Mental Health: Prevalence and Prediction

We review epidemiological evidence indicating that most people will develop a diagnosable mental disorder, suggesting that only a minority experience enduring mental health. This minority has received little empirical study, leaving the prevalence and predictors of enduring mental health unknown. We turn to the population-representative Dunedin cohort, followed from birth to midlife, to compare people never-diagnosed with mental disorder (N = 171; 17% prevalence) to those diagnosed at 1–2 study waves, the cohort mode (N = 409). Surprisingly, compared to this modal group, never-diagnosed Study members were not born into unusually well-to-do families, nor did their enduring mental health follow markedly sound physical health, or unusually high intelligence. Instead, they tended to have an advantageous temperament/personality style, and negligible family history of mental disorder. As adults, they report superior educational and occupational attainment, greater life satisfaction, and higher-quality relationships. Our findings draw attention to “enduring mental health” as a revealing psychological phenotype and suggest it deserves further study.
Memory for the pleasant as compared with the unpleasant

51 students recorded "all the pleasant experiences which they had during the preceding three weeks," then the unpleasant ones. Three weeks later the recordings were repeated; this time they were asked to recall the earlier lists. 45% of the "pleasure" items (834) and 31% of the "unpleasant" ones (698) were recalled, the difference being statistically reliable. The author believes that "agreeable events will be more subject to review and exercise than the disagreeable," and that "memory for unpleasant events will be modified in terms of activities undertaken to relieve the unpleasantness. " (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Culture, Class, and Connections

Bourdieu's analysis of class and culture errs in neglecting two important aspects of social structure: social networks and class relations at work. He expects high-status culture to be useful in class because it is correlated with class, but culture used at work includes both genres related to class (used in domination) and genres unrelated to class (used in coordination). High-status culture is correlated with class but excluded, not used, in the competitive private sector. The most widely useful cultural resource is cultural variety, and social network variety is a better source of cultural variety than is class itself.
Regulação múltipla e autonomia profissional dos professores: comparação entre o Quebec e o Canadá

The paper deals with the relationships between models of regulation (bureaucratic, professionnal and market) of education and teacher autonomy. As espoused by professional and labour associations of Canada and Quebec, teacher autonomy is used to disclose the evolution of models of educational regulation. Adopting a neo-institutionalist point of view, the paper argues that teacher autonomy, as promoted by canadian teacher unions, refers to activities considered central of teachers' work, as opposed to peripheral activities. This distinction helps understand why in Canada a strong reaction against curriculum centralization and standardization of evaluation has been observed, whereas Quebec teachers' unions seem to accommodate themselves with an increase in parental power. In both contexts (Canada and Quebec), a strong resistance to work reorganization is also noticeable.
The brief aggression questionnaire: psychometric and behavioral evidence for an efficient measure of trait aggression.

A key problem facing aggression research is how to measure individual differences in aggression accurately and efficiently without sacrificing reliability or validity. Researchers are increasingly demanding brief measures of aggression for use in applied settings, field studies, pretest screening, longitudinal, and daily diary studies. The authors selected the three highest loading items from each of the Aggression Questionnaire's (Buss & Perry, 1992) four subscales--Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, anger, and hostility--and developed an efficient 12-item measure of aggression--the Brief Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ). Across five studies (N = 3,996), the BAQ showed theoretically consistent patterns of convergent and discriminant validity with other self-report measures, consistent four-factor structures using factor analyses, adequate recovery of information using item response theory methods, stable test-retest reliability, and convergent validity with behavioral measures of aggression. The authors discuss the reliability, validity, and efficiency of the BAQ, along with its many potential applications.
Vertical Binocular Disparity is Encoded Implicitly within a Model Neuronal Population Tuned to Horizontal Disparity and Orientation

Primary visual cortex is often viewed as a “cyclopean retina”, performing the initial encoding of binocular disparities between left and right images. Because the eyes are set apart horizontally in the head, binocular disparities are predominantly horizontal. Yet, especially in the visual periphery, a range of non-zero vertical disparities do occur and can influence perception. It has therefore been assumed that primary visual cortex must contain neurons tuned to a range of vertical disparities. Here, I show that this is not necessarily the case. Many disparity-selective neurons are most sensitive to changes in disparity orthogonal to their preferred orientation. That is, the disparity tuning surfaces, mapping their response to different two-dimensional (2D) disparities, are elongated along the cell's preferred orientation. Because of this, even if a neuron's optimal 2D disparity has zero vertical component, the neuron will still respond best to a non-zero vertical disparity when probed with a sub-optimal horizontal disparity. This property can be used to decode 2D disparity, even allowing for realistic levels of neuronal noise. Even if all V1 neurons at a particular retinotopic location are tuned to the expected vertical disparity there (for example, zero at the fovea), the brain could still decode the magnitude and sign of departures from that expected value. This provides an intriguing counter-example to the common wisdom that, in order for a neuronal population to encode a quantity, its members must be tuned to a range of values of that quantity. It demonstrates that populations of disparity-selective neurons encode much richer information than previously appreciated. It suggests a possible strategy for the brain to extract rarely-occurring stimulus values, while concentrating neuronal resources on the most commonly-occurring situations.
A two-step intervention of increase mammography among women aged 65 and older.

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated a two-step intervention for mammography screening among older women. METHODS Four hundred and sixty women, identified from physician practices, were randomized to a control or a two-step intervention (physician letter and peer counseling call) group. Women in the intervention group who obtained a mammogram received a grocery coupon. RESULTS Over the 12 months of the study, more women in the intervention group than in the control group obtained mammograms (38% vs 16%). The most dramatic difference was in the higher odds that women in the intervention group would obtain a mammogram within 2 months (odds ratio = 10.5). CONCLUSIONS The intervention significantly increased screening mammography. Future efforts must be multifaceted and incorporate the unique concerns of older women.
Hypophysectomy of the fetal lamb leads to a fall in the plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), but not IGF-II.

The role of the pituitary gland in the regulation of the plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in the late gestation sheep fetus has been examined. Singleton sheep fetuses were either hypophysectomized or sham-operated between days 110-120 of gestation. Blood samples were then collected via carotid cannulae at least three times weekly for the remainder of gestation. In some hypophysectomized fetuses T4 was administered (100 g/day) to overcome the hypothyroidism caused by hypophysectomy. Blood samples were also obtained from lambs during the perinatal period, neonatal lambs within 1-10 days after birth, and pregnant and nonpregnant adult ewes. All plasma samples were subjected to Sephadex G-50 gel filtration under acidic conditions (pH 2.3) to eliminate IGF-binding protein activity. The fractions containing the free IGF peptides were collected and assayed for IGF-I by heterologous RIA, and IGF-II by a homologous RRA. Plasma concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-II did not change with advancing gestational age in any fetal group and were not affected by the prolonged gestation that results from hypophysectomy. The mean plasma IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations in the sham fetuses were 112 +/- 8 and 1340 +/- 112 ng/ml, respectively. Hypophysectomy without thyroid hormone replacement resulted in a significant decrease in plasma IGF-I concentrations to 50 +/- 5 ng/ml, whereas IGF-II concentrations were not affected (1096 +/- 124 ng/ml). IGF-I concentrations in the hypophysectomized fetuses that received T4 were significantly increased (67 +/- 6.0 ng/ml) compared to those in the hypophysectomized fetuses that did not receive T4. The IGF-II concentrations in the hypophysectomized fetuses that received T4 were similar to those in the sham-operated fetuses (1120 +/- 112 ng/ml). At term IGF-I concentrations were increased (180 +/- 21 ng/ml) and IGF-II concentrations were decreased (264 +/- 25 ng/ml) compared to fetal values. Plasma IGF-I concentrations in the prepubertal lamb were similar to the fetal values. Pregnancy in the adult ewe was associated with a significant increase in IGF-II, but had no effect on IGF-I plasma concentrations. These data show that circulating IGF-I concentrations in the fetal lamb are under some pituitary and thyroid control, whereas IGF-II concentrations are independently of pituitary or thyroid status. We confirm, using a homologous assay, that fetal IGF-II concentrations are high and then decrease at term. These data also support the concept that a pregnancy-related factor may regulate plasma IGF-II concentrations. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A molecular phylogeny of ichthyophiid caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae): out of India or out of South East Asia?

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate that the rafting Indian plate harboured several isolated vertebrate lineages between ca. 130 and 56 Myr ago that dispersed and diversified ‘out of Indi’ following accretion with Eurasia. A single family of the amphibian order Gymnophiona, the Ichthyophiidae, presently occurs on the Indian plate and across much of South East Asia. Ichthyophiid phylogeny is investigated in order to test competing out of India and out of South East Asia hypotheses for their distribution. Partial sequences of mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA and cytochrome b genes for 20 ichthyophiids and proximate outgroups were assembled. Parsimony, maximum–likelihood and distance analyses all recover optimum trees in which uraeotyphlids plus Ichthyophis cf. malabarensis are the sister taxa to all other Ichthyophis, among which the South East Asian taxa are monophyletic. Tree topology and branch lengths indicate that the Indian lineages are more basal and older, and thus are more consistent with the hypothesis that ichthyophiids dispersed from the Indian subcontinent into South East Asia. The estimated relationships also support monophyly of Sri Lankan Ichthyophis, and non–monophyly of striped and unstriped Ichthyophis species groups. Mitochondrial DNA sequences provide evidence that should assist current problematic areas of caecilian taxonomy.
Excellent magnetocaloric properties of melt-extracted Gd-based amorphous microwires

We report upon the excellent magnetocaloric properties of Gd53Al24Co20Zr3 amorphous microwires. In addition to obtaining the large magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM ∼ 10.3 J/kg K at TC ∼ 95 K), an extremely large value of refrigerant capacity (RC ∼ 733.4 J/kg) has been achieved for a field change of 5 T in an array of forty microwires arranged in parallel. This value of RC is about 79% and 103% larger than those of Gd (∼410 J/kg) and Gd5Si2Ge1.9Fe0. 1 (∼360 J/kg) regardless of their magnetic ordering temperatures. The design and fabrication of a magnetic bed made of these parallel-arranged microwires would thus be a very promising approach for active magnetic refrigeration for nitrogen liquefaction. Since these microwires can easily be assembled as laminate structures, they have potential applications as a cooling device for micro electro mechanical systems and nano electro mechanical systems.