Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maresin 1 biosynthesis during platelet–neutrophil interactions is organ-protective

Significance Neutrophil accumulation is fundamental to acute inflammation. In response to tissue injury, circulating neutrophil–platelet aggregates (N-PAs) form for secondary capture. Counterregulation of acute inflammatory processes by specialized proresolving mediators is essential to mitigate collateral injury to healthy bystander tissue. Here, we identified a biosynthetic route in human platelets for the proresolving mediator maresin 1 (MaR1) that is amplified during platelet–neutrophil interactions. In a self-resolving murine model of acute lung injury, N-PAs rapidly formed and a MaR1 counterregulatory circuit was engaged to restrain N-PAs and acute inflammation and restore homeostasis of the injured lung. Unregulated acute inflammation can lead to collateral tissue injury in vital organs, such as the lung during the acute respiratory distress syndrome. In response to tissue injury, circulating platelet–neutrophil aggregates form to augment neutrophil tissue entry. These early cellular events in acute inflammation are pivotal to timely resolution by mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. Here, we identified a previously undescribed biosynthetic route during human platelet–neutrophil interactions for the proresolving mediator maresin 1 (MaR1; 7R,14S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,8E,10E,12Z,16Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid). Docosahexaenoic acid was converted by platelet 12-lipoxygenase to 13S,14S-epoxy-maresin, which was further transformed by neutrophils to MaR1. In a murine model of acute respiratory distress syndrome, lipid mediator metabololipidomics uncovered MaR1 generation in vivo in a temporally regulated manner. Early MaR1 production was dependent on platelet–neutrophil interactions, and intravascular MaR1 was organ-protective, leading to decreased lung neutrophils, edema, tissue hypoxia, and prophlogistic mediators. Together, these findings identify a transcellular route for intravascular maresin 1 biosynthesis via platelet–neutrophil interactions that regulates the extent of lung inflammation.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Lumbosacral Reconstruction Techniques for Spondylolisthesis: An In Vitro Porcine Model

Study Design. Biomechanical evaluation of lumbosacral fixation using a porcine model. Objectives. The primary objective of the current study was to quantify and compare the changes in lumbosacral range of motion produced by four different methods of surgical stabilization, as well as comparing the relative effects of the four constructs in destructive testing. Summary of Background Data. The lumbosacral junction continues to be a difficult region to obtain a successful spinal arthrodesis and is one of the primary regions for construct failure. Methods. Twenty-four fresh-frozen porcine lumbosacral spines were used in this investigation. Following intact analysis, the specimens were radically destabilized at the lumbosacral junction and randomized into four treatment groups based on reconstruction: 1) L7–S1 pedicle screws alone (n = 6); 2) L7–S1 pedicle screws and interbody cage (titanium mesh) (n = 6); 3) L7–S1 pedicle screws and iliac screws (n = 6); and 4) L7–S1 pedicle/iliac screws and interbody cage (n = 6). Nondestructive, multidirectional flexibility analyses included four loading methods and fatigue component followed by a destructive flexural load to failure. Lumbosacral peak range of motion (millimeters or degrees) and ultimate failure load (Nm) of the four reconstruction techniques were statistically compared using a one-way analysis of variance combined with Fisher’s PLSD. Results. 1) Axial compression: There were no differences in lumbosacral flexibility among the four treatment groups (P > 0.05). 2) Axial rotation: Iliac screw constructs, with or without cages, decreased flexibility at the lumbosacral junction compared with pedicle screws alone (P < 0.05). However, interbody cage reconstructions did not significantly reduce motion. 3) Flexion–extension: Iliac screws with interbody cages reduced segmental motion about the lumbosacral junction, which was significantly different from the remaining treatments (P < 0.05). 4) Lateral bending: The iliac screw constructs afforded significantly less lumbosacral motion compared with bothpedicle screw constructs (with or without cages). With destructive testing, pullout for L7–S1 constructs occurred at the sacrum, whereas failure for the L7–S1/iliac screw, with and without cages, occurred at the proximal adjacent level. Conclusion. Iliac screw constructs reduced lumbosacral flexibility levels in three of four loading methods (axial rotation, flexion–extension, and lateral bending) compared with pedicle screw reconstructions. The addition of interbody cages decreased lumbosacral motion for the iliac screw treatments under flexion–extension loading and pedicle screw constructs under axial rotation but did not protect the sacral screws in destructive testing as the iliac screws did. Based on evaluation using an in vitro porcine model, both iliac screws and interbody cages effectively reduce the multidirectional flexibility properties of the lumbosacral junction; however, iliac screws are more restrictive of motion (at the lumbosacral joint) and protective of the S1 screws.
Influences of Labour Participation Among Persons With Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis

A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the individual, organisation, societal, and legal influences of labour participation among individuals with a disability. Methods: Nine databases were searched, for peer-reviewed studies of individual, organisation, societal, and legal influences among disabled populations published between 1990 and 2010. Results: Of a total of 809 papers initially selected, only 46 studies were deemed to be of sufficient quality to be included in the review. Conclusions: Numerous studies have examined labour participation among persons with physical disabilities, some among persons with chronic disabilities, and few among persons with mental disabilities. Strong evidence was found for individual and organisation influences of labour participation among persons with physical disabilities in particular pain, catastrophising, job strain, and support. Only individual influences provided strong evidence among persons with chronic disabilities and no influences provided strong evidence among those with mental disabilities. The results are presented along with methodological weaknesses and future recommendations.
Human recombinant activin-A alters pituitary luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone secretion, follicular development, and steroidogenesis, during the menstrual cycle in rhesus monkeys.

Activin, a stimulator of pituitary FSH secretion in nonprimate species, may also act in the ovary to modulate follicular development. To examine whether activin has similar actions in primates, female rhesus monkeys (n = 3/treatment) exhibiting regular menstrual cycles received sc injections of either vehicle or 60 micrograms/kg recombinant human activin-A at 0800 and 1600 h for 1 (acute) or 7 (chronic) days beginning in the early follicular phase. The vehicle-treated monkeys displayed menstrual cycles of normal length, with the follicular (11.3 +/- 1.3 days, mean +/- SE) and luteal (16.6 +/- 1.8 days) phases demarcated by midcycle peaks in serum estradiol (E) and bioactive LH. After the first activin injection, levels of human activin A peaked at 90 ng/mL within 1 h and returned to baseline before the second injection 8 h later. Although serum E and FSH levels did not change, LH increased (273%, P < 0.05) within 8 h. Acute activin treatment increased (P < 0.05) serum E within 24 h to levels (1290 +/- 330 pmol/L) typically observed at midcycle. With chronic treatment, serum E peaked on day 2 (2580 +/- 338 pmol/L; P < 0.05), then declined and rose to a second peak (1680 +/- 279 pmol/L) on day 5. During chronic activin treatment, LH levels peaked on day 2 (603 +/- 270 ng/mL; P < 0.05 compared to day 0, 15 +/- 7 ng/mL) whereas FSH increased progressively until day 5 (937 +/- 320 ng/mL; P < 0.05 compared to day 0, 169 +/- 59 ng/mL). After acute or chronic activin, the expected midcycle rises in serum E and gonadotropins were delayed to greater than or equal to day 20 (n = 4) or did not occur before menses (n = 2). Although an enlarged ovary with one greater than or equal to 4-mm follicle was observed by laparoscopy during the late follicular phase in vehicle-treated monkeys, medium-to-large follicles were not visible on ovaries during chronic activin treatment or later at the expected midcycle interval in activin-treated monkeys. Similar hormonal and ovarian events were obtained after activin treatment of amenorrheic monkeys having serum FSH, LH, and E levels that were comparable to those at menses in spontaneous menstrual cycles. Thus, exogenous activin stimulates pituitary LH and FSH secretion and ovarian estrogen secretion during the early follicular phase in intact monkeys. However, acute or chronic activin treatment did not promote complete follicular development and disrupted subsequent events in the menstrual cycle. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Studiengebühren und das Wanderungsverhalten von Studienanfängern: eine panel- ökonometrische Wirkungsanalyse

Abstract The question of costs and benefits related to the introduction of tuition fees still dominates the current discussion of higher education policy in Germany. In this contribution, we quantify the effect of tuition fees on state-to-state migration patterns among university freshmen in Germany using an empirical migration model for all 16 German states (Bundesl¨ander) in the period 1999 to 2010. Overall, our results reveal a negative effect of tuition fees on gross in-migration to feecharging states since their introduction in 2006. Although the absolute size of this spatial redistribution effect is moderate, by means of simulation exercises we nevertheless show that the potential use of tuition fees as a planning instrument for higher education policy may not be seen as negligibly. With regard to the questions, which of the other determinants in the migration model can affect gross in-migration flows in a similar way as the introduction of tuition fees was able to do, we find that only a very drastic improvement in the quality of teaching and research facilities at universities in non-charging states relative to fee-charging universities would be able to evoke a similar effect on the spatial redistribution of university freshmen among German states. This raises a closely related question, namely, which of the available instruments may serve best to accomplish the goal of high utilization rates for existing capacities at universities in East Germany as formulated in the University Pact 2020 (Hochschulpakt 2020).
Nrf2 activation in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: a focus on its role in mitochondrial bioenergetics and function

Abstract The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor well-known for its function in controlling the basal and inducible expression of a variety of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. As part of its cytoprotective activity, increasing evidence supports its role in metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics and function. Neurodegenerative diseases are excellent candidates for Nrf2-targeted treatments. Most neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and Friedreich’s ataxia are characterized by oxidative stress, misfolded protein aggregates, and chronic inflammation, the common targets of Nrf2 therapeutic strategies. Together with them, mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative disorders. The recently recognized ability of Nrf2 to regulate intermediary metabolism and mitochondrial function makes Nrf2 activation an attractive and comprehensive strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This review aims to focus on the potential therapeutic role of Nrf2 activation in neurodegeneration, with special emphasis on mitochondrial bioenergetics and function, metabolism and the role of transporters, all of which collectively contribute to the cytoprotective activity of this transcription factor.
Allelic Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-4 Promoter Regions and Their Association with Bronchial Asthma among the Russian Population

Background: Susceptibility to the development of bronchial asthma (BA) and other atopic diseases is known to be associated with genetic components. Objective: To evaluate the possible role of the polymorphisms in IL-4 gene promoters (C-33T, C-590T and G-1098T) in modulating allergic response and asthma in the Russian population. Methods: The polymorphism analysis was carried out by PCR-RFLP; IL-4 and total IgE concentrations were determined by ELISA. Results: In the case group, the T allele was found at frequencies of 74% (C-33T), 51% (C-590T) and 5% (G-1098T); in the control group the frequencies were 22, 42 and 8%, respectively. Only the C-33T polymorphism was associated with BA. The concentrations of total IgE and serum IL-4 were raised in the case group, while in the control group they were normal. Serum IL-4 level depended on C-33T polymorphism both in the case and control groups, the mutant T allele promoting its increase. The dependence on C-590T polymorphism was detected only in the case group. As for the total IgE level, in both cases it depended on the polymorphism in the case group rather than the control. G-1098T polymorphism did not demonstrate any correlations with total IgE or serum IL-4 levels. All 3 polymorphisms did not affect the severity of BA in the case group. On the basis of the computer analysis, we propose that the T-33C region is the CREB-binding site. Conclusions: Our data suggest that IL-4 promoter polymorphism in the Russian population might play a role both conferring susceptibility to BA and modulating the levels of serum IL-4 and total IgE.
Effective DC fault models and testing approach for open defects in analog circuits

The detection level of defects in today's mixed-signal ICs lags behind the extremely high demand of industries such as automotive. This is mainly because analog blocks in these ICs have high test escape rates as a result of the typical testing based on the performance specifications. Defect-oriented techniques have been proposed to solve the problem of this poor fault coverage for analog circuits. Their effectiveness in practice is however still limited due to the inadequate fault models used to represent physical failures. This paper presents a new open-gate DC fault model. Experimental results on fabricated test circuits in 0. 35μm BCD technology are used to validate the proposed fault model and the commonly used high-value-resistance model. Finally, a new testing approach to detect the corresponding open defects in analog circuits is discussed, which is based on forcing the transistors outside their designed operation region.
Smooth and adaptive forward erasure correcting

This paper presents schemes for transmitting (high level) messages by transferring cells from a sender to a receiver and back. Forward erasure correcting codes are used to cope with cell losses. Smooth transmission ensures that the delay of all transmitted cells is the same. Adaptive forward erasure correcting protocols change the number of redundant cells, used to cope with cell losses, automatically on the fly (as a respond to the performance of the connecting link/path). We present schemes that ensure smooth transmission when no losses occur and adaptive erasure correction when cells are frequently lost.
Household Composition and Food Away From Home Expenditures in Urban China

Though numerous researchers have analyzed the effects of socioeconomic factors on food-away-from-home (FAFH) consumption, little is known about how household composition will affect China’s FAFH patterns. This study focuses on the effects of household composition along with income and education on FAFH expenditures in urban China. A Box-Cox double-hurdle model is estimated using recent household survey data collected by the authors from Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Shenyang and Xiamen, China. Household composition indeed has significant effects on FAFH consumption, both at the participation and expenditure steps. Different age groups have different influences. Seniors old than 60 years eat out less frequently and spend less when they consume FAFH, while adults between 20-49 are the major FAFH consumers in urban China. Children younger than 10 years have no significant effect on either FAFH participation or expenditure. Also, we find both income and wife’s education have positive effects on FAFH consumption. The participation elasticity with respect to income is a bit lower, while the expenditure elasticity is significantly higher. Families with highly educated wives tend to dine away from home more often than their counterparts.
The knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship: an application to foreign direct investment

Does the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship provide an explanation for the emergence of knowledge-based entrepreneurship in Ireland and Wales? To examine the reasons for different levels of knowledge-based entrepreneurship in these two regions we explore FDI and entrepreneurship policy. We outline key measures of knowledge creation, and evaluate the extent and nature of FDI activity and its relationship with entrepreneurship in general and knowledge-based entrepreneurship in particular. Policy implications include the need for more integrated policy directions for countries that are characterised by weak knowledge creating institutions yet wish to encourage knowledge-based entrepreneurship.
Using the PHQ-9 for depression screening and treatment monitoring for Chinese Americans in primary care.

OBJECTIVE Because Chinese Americans are known to underutilize mental health services, routine screening for depression in primary care clinics has been advocated as a means of identifying Chinese-American patients with depression and initiating appropriate treatment. This analysis evaluated the utility of the nine-item depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression screening and monitoring treatment outcomes among Chinese Americans at a primary health care setting. METHODS A total of 3,417 patients who presented for an initial or annual physical examination with their primary care providers were screened for depression between January and October 2003 at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, a primary health care center in New York City serving primarily low-income Chinese Americans. The depression screen was a two-tier process: if patients endorsed one or more of three initial questions on an abridged version of the PHQ-9, they were then administered the PHQ-9. RESULTS A total of 141 individuals (4.1 percent) had clinically significant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher). Women were more likely to have significant levels of depressive symptoms than men (17.3 percent compared with 11.6 percent). A total of 114 of the 141 patients with clinically significant depressive symptoms received treatment plans initiated by their primary care provider. Forty (35.1 percent) responded to treatment (50 percent decrease in PHQ-9 score) by eight weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The PHQ-9 can be used to screen for depression as well as guide depression treatment planning among Chinese Americans in primary care. Screening for major depression with the PHQ-9 in primary care settings should be considered for appropriate identification and treatment of depression for Chinese-American patients.
Intake of wine, beer and spirits and waiting time to pregnancy.

BACKGROUND A high intake of alcohol may prolong waiting time to pregnancy, whereas a moderate intake may have no or perhaps even a positive effect on fecundity. In previous studies on fecundity, different types of beverages have not been taken into consideration, although moderate wine drinkers appear to have fewer strokes, lung and digestive tract cancers, and overall mortality than both abstainers and moderate drinkers of beer or spirits. We examined the association between different types of alcoholic beverages and waiting time to pregnancy. METHODS Self-reported data were used for 29,844 pregnant women, recruited to the Danish National Birth Cohort in 1997-2000. Main outcome measures were odds ratios for a prolonged waiting time to pregnancy according to consumption of wine, beer and spirits. RESULTS All levels of wine intake compared with non-wine drinking or with consumption of beer or spirits had subfecundity odds ratios between 0.7 and 0.9. No association was seen regarding beer drinking, while the association with spirits was J-shaped. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that wine drinkers have slightly shorter waiting times to pregnancy than both non-wine drinkers and consumers of other alcoholic beverages. Whether this is an effect of wine itself or the characteristics of the wine drinker is not known.
Addressing gender in leadership development program planning

Community leadership development programs are a popular means of identifying and training new leaders. The agenda of many of these programs is to not only develop the individual in terms of leadership skills, but also provide participants with a better understanding of the community and provide networking opportunities. However, less addressed in literature concerning community leadership programs is how programs facilitate conversations about structures, such as gender, that affect how a leader carries out their role. During interviews conducted with male and female mayors in a sample area of the Mississippi Delta in 2008, it was clear that the women in the study had a very different set of experiences when running for office and challenges once they were elected. This exploratory research explores the difficulties cited by these women. The research suggests that the structure of gender relations in the Mississippi Delta constrains women in their roles as leaders. However, how can leadership development programs address these unique challenges for women? The potential opportunities for programs are discussed as a means of mediating the challenges noted by female mayors.
The Rise and Fall of the Waterloo-Wellington Ale Trail: A Study of Collaboration within the Tourism Industry

Partnerships are becoming increasingly important in the tourism industry especially for small and medium sized enterprises. The development of an ale trail, similar to a wine route, represents an important tool to facilitate the building of partnerships for organisations linked to culinary tourism. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the rise and fall of the Waterloo-Wellington Ale Trail located in south central Ontario, Canada. Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews is presented to examine why the decision was made to discontinue the Ale Trail despite its success.