Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The mechanism underlying alpinetin-mediated alleviation of pancreatitis-associated lung injury through upregulating aquaporin-1

Characterized by its acute onset, critical condition, poor prognosis, and high mortality rate, severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can cause multiple organ failure at its early stage, particularly acute lung injury (ALI). The pathogenesis of ALI is diffuse alveolar damage, including an increase in pulmonary microvascular permeability, a decrease in compliance, and invasion of many inflammatory cells. Corticosteroids are the main treatment method for ALI; however, the associated high toxicity and side effects induce pain in patients. Recent studies show that the effective components in many traditional Chinese medicines can effectively inhibit inflammation with few side effects, which can decrease the complications caused by steroid consumption. Based on these observations, the main objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of alpinetin, which is a flavonoid extracted from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, on treating lung injury induced by SAP and to explore the mechanism underlying the alpinetin-mediated decrease in the extent of ALI. In this study, we have shown through in vitro experiments that a therapeutic dose of alpinetin can promote human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell proliferation. We have also shown via in vitro and in vivo experiments that alpinetin upregulates aquaporin-1 and, thereby, inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α expression as well as reduces the degree of lung injury. Overall, our study shows that alpinetin alleviates SAP-induced ALI. The likely molecular mechanism includes upregulated aquaporin expression, which inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α and, thus, alleviates SAP-induced ALI.
The generational perspective of gender gap in wages and education in southern Europe

Abstract This paper aims at investigating gender differentials in wages and education from an intergenerational perspective across four developed countries of southern Europe, considering the generational transmission of preferences and the gender equality systems and policies. Measures of gender inequality in wages and education permit exploring the different extent to which gender gaps depend on unobserved factors, such as discrimination. A first set of discrimination indexes is computed starting from the estimation of extended Mincerian log-earnings equations, whereas a second set is based on the estimation of ordered logistic regressions on a range of personal characteristics considered to be linked to education, controlling for family background. The main results show that family background affects the degree of gender inequality more than the gender equality policies do. Gender disparities in professional outcomes can be partly due to women’s preferences vs. lower-paid jobs because of the incomplete efficacy of national systems.
Statistical analysis of galaxy surveys III: the non-linear clustering of red and blue galaxies in the 2dFGRS

We present measurements of the higher order clustering of red and blue galaxies as a function of scale and luminosity made from the two-degree field galaxy redshift survey (2dFGRS). We use a counts-in-cells analysis to estimate the volume-averaged correlation functions, ξ p , as a function of scale up to the order of p = 5, and also the reduced void probability function. Hierarchical amplitudes are constructed using the estimates of the correlation functions: Sp = ξ p /ξ 2 p-1 . We find that (i) red galaxies display stronger clustering than blue galaxies at all orders measured; (ii) red galaxies show values of S p that are strongly dependent on luminosity whereas blue galaxies show no segregation in S p within the errors; this is remarkable given the segregation in the variance; (iii) the linear relative bias shows the opposite trend to the hierarchical amplitudes, with little segregation for the red sequence and some segregation for the blue; (iv) faint red galaxies deviate significantly from the 'universal' negative binomial reduced void probabilities followed by all other galaxy populations. Our results show that the characteristic colour of a galaxy population reveals a unique signature in its spatial distribution. Such signatures will hopefully further elucidate the physics responsible for shaping the cosmological evolution of galaxies.
Restricted replication of lentiviruses. Visna viruses induce a unique interferon during interaction between lymphocytes and infected macrophages

Lentivirus infections are characterized by a persistent, restricted type of virus replication in tissues. Using sheep and goat lentiviruses, whose target cells in vivo are macrophages, we explored virus-host cell interactions to determine whether an interferon (IFN) is produced during virus replication in vivo which causes restricted replication. We show that the lentiviruses were incapable of inducing IFN directly in any infected cell, including macrophages and lymphocytes. However, after infection with these viruses, sheep and goat macrophages acquired a factor that triggered IFN production by T lymphocytes. Only sheep/goat lentiviruses were capable of inducing the factor and, although these viruses replicated productively in various cell cultures of the natural host animal, only infected macrophages developed the IFN-inducing factor. The factor was produced continuously and was strictly cell associated, requiring direct contact with lymphocytes. The lymphocytes responded with a single, sudden release of IFN beginning 7 h after cocultivation and reaching peak values at 48 h, after which they ceased production and became refractory. IFN production was not immunologically specific and did not require histocompatibility between donors of the two cell types. The IFN is a nonglycosylated protein of molecular weight 54,000-64,000, and is stable to heat and acid treatments. These findings identify a unique IFN and a new method for virus induction of IFN. The novel two-stage process of induction provides a mechanism for local amplification and continuity of production of IFN in vivo. This is compatible with infection in the animal whose lentivirus-induced pathologic lesions consist of accumulations of lymphocytes and infected macrophages in target tissues.
Kin encounter rate and inbreeding avoidance in canids

Mating with close kin can lead to inbreeding depression through the expression of recessive deleterious alleles and loss of heterozygosity. Mate selection may be affected by kin encounter rate, and inbreeding avoidance may not be uniform but associated with age and social system. Specifically, selection for kin recognition and inbreeding avoidance may be more developed in species that live in family groups or breed cooperatively. To test this hypothesis, we compared kin encounter rate and the proportion of related breeding pairs in noninbred and highly inbred canid populations. The chance of randomly encountering a full sib ranged between 1–8% and 20–22% in noninbred and inbred canid populations, respectively. We show that regardless of encounter rate, outside natal groups mates were selected independent of relatedness. Within natal groups, there was a significant avoidance of mating with a relative. Lack of discrimination against mating with close relatives outside packs suggests that the rate of inbreeding in canids is related to the proximity of close relatives, which could explain the high degree of inbreeding depression observed in some populations. The idea that kin encounter rate and social organization can explain the lack of inbreeding avoidance in some species is intriguing and may have implications for the management of populations at risk.
The parsec-scale region of active galactic nuclei in the IR

First results from the AGN-Heidelberg program aimed at spatially resolving the central pc region of the closest Active Galactic Nuclei are presented. The core region of prototype active nuclei are clearly unveiled at IR waves and at distances from the nucleus – few pc- where circumnuclear starforming regions appear not to be present. Within that perspective, classical active nuclei as Circinus and NGC 1097, reveal with unprecedented detail clear channels of material being driven to the core whereas others as Centaurus A and NGC 5506, show a “clean” core environment. At the very center, a central compact region of ∼2 pc scale is resolved in Circinus but not in the other cases challenging thus the universal presence of the putative obscuring torus.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard. edu/abstract_service. html
Quantum-informational bases and frontiers of psychosomatic integrative medicine

The subject of this paper are quantum-informational bases and frontiers of psychosomatic integrative medicine, oriented to the healing of person as a whole and not diseases as symptoms of disorders of this wholeness, implying their macroscopic quantum origin. In the focus of the related quantum-holistic methods are acupuncture system and consciousness - which as macroscopic quantum biosystems have (fundamental! ) quantum-informational structure of Hopfield-like holographic neural network, within the Feynman propagator version of quantum mechanics. In this context, all acupuncture-based and consciousness-based approaches and techniques can be essentially considered as quantum-informational therapies, via bioresonant imposing of new boundary conditions in the energy-state space of the acupuncture system/ consciousness, with downward quantum-holographic biofeedback influence on the cells conformational protein changes and genes expression. This might provide fundamental quantum-informational framework for better understanding of the nature of psychosomatic diseases as well as limitations of the healing methods, which might help in developing strategies for integrative medicine.
Post-privatisation private ownership concentration: determinants and influence on firm efficiency ABSTRACT With this study we aim to contribute to the empirical literature on privatisation processes by analysing the determinants of post-divestment private ownership concentration and its possible lin

With this study we aim to contribute to the empirical literature on privatisation processes by analysing the determinants of post-divestment private ownership concentration and its possible link to corporate efficiency. For Spanish firms, we find that the method of privatisation, the type of industry, the company’s size and its level of risk may help explain differences in private ownership concentration. We also find, after controlling for endogeneity, that ownership concentrated in the hands of private investors has a positive and significant effect on post-privatisation efficiency.
Navigating Uncharted Waters: First-Generation Native Hawaiian College Students in STEM

This qualitative study explored the experiences of 10 Native Hawaiian members of Hawai‘i’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) community to understand how they navigate their cultural and professional identities. This article explores one of the major themes—being first-generation college students—and the narrators’ inspirations, influences, and challenges as first-generation college students in STEM-related degree programs. Within this context, the participants explore the impact of support networks, going beyond the educational level of their parents, as well as feelings of inferiority, tokenism, and marginalization as one of the few Native Hawaiian students in STEM degree programs. These findings are substantial in that they offer understanding related to a distinct racial/ethnic minority that is underrepresented in higher education and the sciences.
Clinical Infectious Diseases

Published on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, every issue of CID includes special sections focusing on key topics such as HIV/AIDS, antimicrobial resistance, aging and infectious diseases, and biological weapons. Many articles are published with commentaries by prominent researchers, and current trends and best practices are regularly covered in review articles and practice guidelines. CID also publishes numerous supplements devoted to single topics in the field.
Differential effects of health-promoting behaviors on wellbeing among adults

As people age, identifying lifestyle choices that promote and support physical and emotional wellbeing becomes more important. Using the Reserve Capacity framework to explore psychosocial contributions to health disparities (Gallo, 2009), we examined the influences of age, gender, race, education, and income difficulty on engagement in two health-promoting behaviors: healthy eating and physical activity. We further examined how these factors relate to physical and emotional wellbeing in adults of varying ages. Data from 456 adults ( M age = 50.7) were used to test a model in which demographic variables, healthy eating and physical activity were expected to relate to both physical and emotional wellbeing. The model adequately fit the data [x 2 ( df = 47, N = 456) = 150.57, p < . 001; CFI = . 90; TLI = . 84; RMSEA = . 07], accounting for 40.1% of the variance in physical wellbeing and 21.4% of the variance in emotional wellbeing. Physical activity directly influenced both physical and emotional wellbeing. Healthy eating related directly to emotional wellbeing, but not physical wellbeing. Race exerted neither direct nor indirect effects. Indirect effects of age on emotional wellbeing via healthy eating, and indirect effects of gender on both forms of wellbeing via physical activity were observed. Education was associated with physical wellbeing directly and indirectly, via physical activity. Education was indirectly associated with emotional wellbeing via healthy eating. Income difficulty exerted both direct effects on wellbeing and indirect effects via both health-promoting behaviors. The independent contribution of sociodemographic influences and the importance of looking beyond age, race and gender as correlates of wellbeing are discussed.
ASSESSING THE GLOBAL WAVE ENERGY POTENTIAL

In this paper the evaluation of the global wave energy potential is presented based on data from a global wind-wave model (validated and calibrated against satellite altimeter data) and buoy data (the WorldWaves database). The theoretical potential was computed first using all the available wave data and, in a second step, areas in which the power level is very low (P≤5kW/m) were excluded. Finally, in the third step, areas impacted by sea ice were removed. Annual and seasonal power distributions are presented both in tables and maps. The technical resource was also assessed for the west coast of Iberian peninsula showing a significant power decrease from north to south within only 500 km.
Quantification of Carbohydrates in Grape Tissues Using Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

Soluble sugars play an important role in freezing tolerance in both herbaceous and woody plants, functioning in both the reduction of freezing-induced dehydration and the cryoprotection of cellular constituents. The quantification of soluble sugars in plant tissues is, therefore, essential in understanding freezing tolerance. While a number of analytical techniques and methods have been used to quantify sugars, most of these are expensive and time-consuming due to complex sample preparation procedures which require the derivatization of the carbohydrates being analyzed. Analysis of soluble sugars using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) under alkaline conditions with direct UV detection has previously been used to quantify simple sugars in fruit juices. However, it was unclear whether CZE-based methods could be successfully used to quantify the broader range of sugars present in complex plant extracts. Here, we present the development of an optimized CZE method capable of separating and quantifying mono-, di-, and tri-saccharides isolated from plant tissues. This optimized CZE method employs a column electrolyte buffer containing 130 mM NaOH, pH 13.0, creating a current of 185 μA when a separation voltage of 10 kV is employed. The optimized CZE method provides limits-of-detection (an average of 1.5 ng/μL) for individual carbohydrates comparable or superior to those obtained using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and allows resolution of non-structural sugars and cell wall components (structural sugars). The optimized CZE method was successfully used to quantify sugars from grape leaves and buds, and is a robust tool for the quantification of plant sugars found in vegetative and woody tissues. The increased analytical efficiency of this CZE method makes it ideal for use in high-throughput metabolomics studies designed to quantify plant sugars.
Exploring the Generality of the Influence of Institutional Isolation among Youth on Crime

ABSTRACT Prior research indicates that institutional isolation among youth is a strong correlate of levels of crime across large units of analysis. The generality and robustness of these findings, however, remain an open empirical question that requires drilling down to a smaller unit of analysis. The current study advances the extant literature by examining the salience of institutional attachments among youth to violent and property crime relying on a level of aggregation that more accurately estimates a “neighborhood effect. ” Results of our census tract level analyses suggest that institutional isolation among youth explains 35–56% of variation in property and violent crime across neighborhoods.
Histopathologic evaluation of anti-ulcerogenic effect of montelukast in indomethacin-induced experimental ulcer model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The effects of anti-ulcerogenic drugs are dependent on the increase in prostaglandin production and reduction in leukotriene production in the gastric mucosa. Montelukast is an anti-asthmatic drug, a selective reversible cysteinyl leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic effect of montelukast and to investigate the relationship between its anti-ulcerogenic effect and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in the gastric tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into five groups. Distilled water (control group), famotidine (40 mg/kg), and montelukast (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) were given orally (gavage). Thirty minutes later, indomethacin (25 mg/kg) was administered to all the groups. Six hours later, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. The ulcer indexes for each stomach and the ulcer inhibition rates for each group were calculated, and the stomachs were later evaluated histopathologically (polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration). RESULTS Ulcer inhibition rates were as follows: famotidine 96.14% and montelukast 59.96%, 72.65% and 76.97% (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Montelukast (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed effects similar to those of famotidine histopathologically. CONCLUSIONS In this study, it was observed that there was a relationship between the anti-ulcerogenic effect of montelukast and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in the gastric mucosa, and montelukast behaved as an anti-ulcerogenic drug both macroscopically and microscopically.
The Mediating role of Job Satisfaction in the Relationship between Organizational Justice and Employee Outcomes

ABSTRACT Grounded in Social Exchange Theory and Equity Theory, this study examined the mediating role of job satisfaction on the relationships between organizational justice and employee’s outcomes. The study applied PLS-SEM to analyze data obtained from 142 employees. The results show significant relationships exist between organizational justice dimensions and job satisfaction and between job satisfaction and employee’s outcomes. Furthermore, the study found the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the hypothesized relationships. This paper contributes to the existing human resources literature on employees’ outcomes and guides management on how to improved employees’ job satisfaction and employee outcomes.
Review article: Polymer-matrix Nanocomposites, Processing, Manufacturing, and Application: An Overview

This review is designed to be a comprehensive source for polymer nanocomposite research, including fundamental structure/property relationships, manufacturing techniques, and applications of polymer nanocomposite materials. In addition to presenting the scientific framework for the advances in polymer nanocomposite research, this review focuses on the scientific principles and mechanisms in relation to the methods of processing and manufacturing with a discussion on commercial applications and health/safety concerns (a critical issue for production and scale-up). Hence, this review offers a comprehensive discussion on technology, modeling, characterization, processing, manufacturing, applications, and health/safety concerns for polymer nanocomposites.
Inter-Individual Differences in Within-Person Effects – Methodological Considerations and an Empirical Example in the Framework of Self-Determination Theory

The increasing popularity of intensive longitudinal designs has also spawned an interest in the analysis of inter-individual differences in within-person effects. The aim of the present thesis was twofold: First, boundary conditions necessary to use estimates of inter-individual differences in within-person effects as predictors for future behavior were explored. Results from two simulation studies showed that under optimistic, but realistic conditions, these parameters can be assessed with sufficient reliability. The second aim was to investigate whether meaningful inter-individual differences in the within-person effect of competence fulfillment on well-being exist. Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a prominent theory in the realm of social-motivational psychology, proposes that such differences should be negligible, but a robust investigation from a within-person perspective has been missing. Findings from an initial set of studies showed that competence fulfillment should not be considered a one-dimensional construct, but competence satisfaction and dissatisfaction should be considered somewhat orthogonal constructs. Using a daily diary study, it was shown that there were inter-individual differences in the within-person association of both competence satisfaction and competence dissatisfaction with well-being (coined competence satisfaction strength, CSS, and competence dissatisfaction strength, CDS, respectively). In the final study of the present dissertation, an integrative study combining a daily diary part and an experimental part showed that the interaction of CSS and CDS moderated the effect of an experimentally induced frustration of the need for competence on negative affect: Individuals who reacted particularly strong towards daily competence dissatisfaction and who reacted less strong towards daily competence satisfaction were most strongly affected by an experimentally induced frustration of the need for competence. These findings challenge SDT’s universality assumption of the need for competence. The dissociation into competence satisfaction and competence dissatisfaction lends further support to a two-process model of need fulfillment that is used as a basis for a dynamic model of need fulfillment that is proposed in the final part of this dissertation.