Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preoperative steroid therapy inhibits cytokine production in the lung parenchyma in asthmatic patients.

OBJECTIVES During or after surgery, asthma attacks due to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) are likely to occur in patients with bronchial asthma. Preoperative administration of corticosteroid for prevention of perioperative asthma attacks is useful. We examined the mechanism of prevention of perioperative asthma attacks by the preoperative administration of corticosteroid in vitro. DESIGN Five patients with asthma were treated with 20 mg of prednisolone orally for 2 preoperative days and 80 mg of methylprednisolone IV immediately before and after surgery. In another five patients without asthma, no steroids were administered. A noncarcinomatous part of the resected tissue from each patient with lung cancer was passively sensitized with the serum of an atopic patient. In the patients without asthma, the tissue was treated with or without dexamethasone, and then mite antigen was added. MEASUREMENTS The culture supernatant and lung tissue were recovered, and the supernatant was assayed for histamine, leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)), interleukin (IL)-5, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Degranulation of mast cells was measured by tryptase staining of the lung tissue, and the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of IL-5 and TNF-alpha was determined by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS While preoperative administration of corticosteroid did not suppress the release of histamine and LTE(4) from the lungs of asthmatic patients, it completely suppressed IL-5 and TNF-alpha production at the mRNA level. The same results were obtained in lung tissues of nonasthmatic patients treated in vitro with dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that corticosteroid treatment reduces AHR and prevents perioperative attacks of asthma primarily by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Prior-free auctions with ordered bidders

Prior-free auctions are robust auctions that assume no distribution over bidders' valuations and provide worst-case (input-by-input) approximation guarantees. In contrast to previous work on this topic, we pursue good prior-free auctions with non-identical bidders. Prior-free auctions can approximate meaningful benchmarks for non-identical bidders only when "sufficient qualitative information" about the bidder asymmetry is publicly known. We consider digital goods auctions where there is a total ordering of the bidders that is known to the seller, where earlier bidders are in some sense thought to have higher valuations. We use the framework of Hartline and Roughgarden (STOC '08) to define an appropriate revenue benchmark: the maximum revenue that can be obtained from a bid vector using prices that are nonincreasing in the bidder ordering and bounded above by the second-highest bid. This monotone-price benchmark is always as large as the well-known fixed-price benchmark F(2), so designing prior-free auctions with good approximation guarantees is only harder. By design, an auction that approximates the monotone-price benchmark satisfies a very strong guarantee: it is, in particular, simultaneously near-optimal for essentially every Bayesian environment in which bidders' valuation distributions have nonincreasing monopoly prices, or in which the distribution of each bidder stochastically dominates that of the next. Of course, even if there is no distribution over bidders' valuations, such an auction still provides a quantifiable input-by-input performance guarantee. In this paper, we design a simple prior-free auction for digital goods with ordered bidders, the Random Price Restriction (RPR) auction. We prove that its expected revenue on every bid profile b is Ω(M(b)/log*n), where M denotes the monotone-price benchmark and log*n denotes the number of times that the log2 operator can be applied to n before the result drops below a fixed constant.
To lose the frame of action: A selective deficit in avoiding unpleasant objects following a unilateral temporal lobe lesion

Studies on emotion and its neurobiology have been far more focused on the recognition of emotion than on actions that are caused by emotional states. We investigate the performance of a patient, HS, with a unilateral lesion to the left temporal pole and orbito-frontal cortex (OFC) (including left amygdala), on a well-established approach/avoid task that taps into emotion-driven action. The striking finding of the present study is a remarkable, and selective, slowing of HS's avoidance of unpleasant items in her (impaired) contralesional field. This finding suggests that the left temporal lobe and OFC structures, including the amygdala, appear to be involved in the action component of emotion, specifically in avoiding negative items.
Gas6 and protein S

Gas6 and protein S are two homologous secreted proteins that depend on vitamin K for their execution of a range of biological functions. A discrete subset of these functions is mediated through their binding to and activation of the receptor tyrosine kinases Axl, Sky and Mer. Furthermore, a hallmark of the Gas6–Axl system is the unique ability of Gas6 and protein S to tether their non receptor‐binding regions to the negatively charged membranes of apoptotic cells. Numerous studies have shown the Gas6–Axl system to regulate cell survival, proliferation, migration, adhesion and phagocytosis. Consequently, altered activity/expression of its components has been detected in a variety of pathologies such as cancer and vascular, autoimmune and kidney disorders. Moreover, Axl overactivation can equally occur without ligand binding, which has implications for tumorigenesis. Further knowledge of this exquisite ligand–receptor system and the circumstances of its activation should provide the basis for development of novel therapies for the above diseases.
When “Bright Futures” Fade: Paradoxes of Women’s Empowerment in Rwanda

Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a global model for the promotion of women in society. Today, Rwanda has progressive gender-sensitive laws, more girls than boys in primary school, and the world’s highest percentage of women in parliament. But has this national-level progress manifested in an actual improvement in the lives of ordinary Rwandan women? If not, what has prevented these rights-based empowerment efforts from taking hold? Drawing from interviews with 152 women at all levels of Rwandan society, this article illustrates the contradictory and complicated nature of women’s empowerment efforts. It identifies three paradoxes that capture how efforts to promote women can be undermined by deeply rooted social processes. First, women are granted new rights but cannot access them unless they are married, which further reinforces their dependence on men. Second, policies aim to empower women through education but have unintended consequences that create new forms of oppression. Third, in order to advance the image of a modern Rwanda, the government restricts women’s labor, further entrenching their poverty. Each of these paradoxes suggests that efforts to remedy women’s subordination may actually end up reinforcing it.
Calcium Intake and Nutritional Adequacy in Spanish Children: The ANIVA Study

Calcium is an important nutrient for child development. The main objective of this study was to assess calcium intake and its adequacy with dietary reference intake (DRI) in Spanish children. The ANIVA (Antropometría y Nutrición Infantil de Valencia) study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. During two academic years 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, 1176 schoolchildren aged 6–9 years were selected from 14 primary schools in Valencia (Spain). Three-day food records were used to assess dietary intake, completed by parents/guardian. Anthropometric data (weight and height) were evaluated in all subjects. Nutritional intake was compared to estimated average requirements (EARs) and adequate intake (AI) values to determine nutritional adequacy. A percentage of 25.77% had inadequate calcium intake, and a significantly higher prevalence was observed in girls (p = 0.006). Adequate calcium intake showed a positive association with the height z-score (p = 0.032). When assessing dietary patterns, schoolchildren with adequate calcium intakes had better nutritional adequacy in all nutrients, except cholesterol (p = 0.086) and fluorine (p = 0.503). These results suggest a public health problem that must be addressed through nutrition education programs to increase intake of calcium-rich food and to correct the associated dietary pattern.
Association between district and state policies and US public elementary school competitive food and beverage environments.

IMPORTANCE Given the importance of developing healthy eating patterns during early childhood, policies to improve the elementary school food and beverage environments are critical. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between district and state policy and/or law requirements regarding competitive food and beverages and public elementary school availability of foods and beverages high in fats, sugars, and/or sodium. DESIGN AND SETTING Multivariate, pooled, cross-sectional analysis of data gathered annually during elementary school years 2008-2009 through 2010-2011 in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Survey respondents at 1814 elementary schools (1485 unique) in 957 districts in 45 states (food analysis) and 1830 elementary schools (1497 unique) in 962 districts and 45 states (beverage analysis). EXPOSURES Competitive food and beverage policy restrictions at the state and/or district levels. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE Competitive food and beverage availability. RESULTS Sweets were 11.2 percentage points less likely to be available (32.3% vs 43.5%) when both the district and state limited sugar content, respectively. Regular-fat baked goods were less available when the state law, alone and in combination with district policy, limited fat content. Regular-fat ice cream was less available when any policy (district, state law, or both) limited competitive food fat content. Sugar-sweetened beverages were 9.5 percentage points less likely to be available when prohibited by district policy (3.6% vs 13.1%). Higher-fat milks (2% or whole milk) were less available when prohibited by district policy or state law, with either jurisdiction's policy or law associated with an approximately 15 percentage point reduction in availability. CONCLUSIONS Both district and state policies and/or laws have the potential to reduce in-school availability of high-sugar, high-fat foods and beverages. Given the need to reduce empty calories in children's diets, governmental policies at all levels may be an effective tool.
The impact of affective and cognitive antecedents on negative word-of-mouth intentions

Abstract Negative word-of-mouth (WOM), defined as derogatory information disseminated from person to person and aimed at defaming a product, highlighting a product complaint, and/or highlighting unsatisfactory service experiences, influences consumer behavior and can harm a company’s image. The present study was conducted to ascertain the impact of affective antecedents (negative emotions) and cognitive antecedents (distrust) in the intent of negative WOM. A proposed theoretical model was employed to analyze the effect that perceived injustice had on negative WOM and how this effect was mediated by emotional and cognitive aspects. The research was a pre-experimental design – one treatment leading to one observation – with 252 students. Through an OLS regression and mediation analyses, we found an indirect link between perceived injustice and negative WOM intent, which was mediated by negative emotions and distrust. Contributing to the field of marketing studies, this paper fills an investigative gap regarding affective and cognitive antecedents as mediators of negative WOM. The results suggest that marketing managers should create mechanisms to allow consumers to express their negative emotions and rebuild their trust in order to avoid the spread of negative WOM.
Midlife blood pressure change and left ventricular mass and remodelling in older age in the 1946 British birth cohort study

Aims Antecedent blood pressure (BP) may contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of current BP. Blood pressure is associated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) which independently predicts CVD. We investigated the relationship between midlife BP from age 36 to 64 and LVMI at 60–64 years. Methods and results A total of 1653 participants in the British 1946 Birth Cohort underwent BP measurement and echocardiography aged 60–64. Blood pressure had previously been measured at 36, 43, and 53 years. We investigated associations between BP at each age and rate of change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 36–43, 43–53, and 53–60/64 years on LVMI at 60–64 years. Blood pressure from 36 years was positively associated with LVMI. Association with SBP at 53 years was independent of SBP at 60–64 years and other potential confounders (fully adjusted β at 53 years = 0.19 g/m2; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.27; P < 0.001). Faster rates of increase in SBP from 43 to 53 years and 53 to 60/64 years were associated with increased LVMI. Similar relationships were seen for diastolic, pulse, and mean pressure. Rate of increase in SBP between 43–53 years was associated with largest change in LVMI (β at 43–53 years = 3.12 g/m2; 95% CI: 1.53, 4.72; P < 0.001). People on antihypertensive medication (43 years onwards) had greater LVMI even after adjustment for current BP (β at 43 years = 12.36 g/m2; 95% CI: 3.19, 21.53; P = 0.008). Conclusion Higher BP in midlife and rapid rise of SBP in 5th decade is associated with higher LVMI in later life, independent of current BP. People with treated hypertension have higher LVMI than untreated individuals, even accounting for their higher BP. Our findings emphasize importance of midlife BP as risk factor for future CVD.
Workplace Incivility: Uncivil Activities, Antecedents, Consequences, and Level of Incivility

This study provides an insight into the incivility literature by providing the uncivil activities, its causes and consequences. Researchers conducted survey questionnaire across different service sectors organizations to explore the perception of unbearable uncivil behavior. The results based on the actual sample of 114, shows that almost every individual is victims of any form of incivility at workplace. However, there is no significant difference among participated organizations on the basis of incivility.
Altered Gene Expression and Functional Activity of Opioid Receptors in the Cerebellum of CB_1 Cannabinoid Receptor Knockout Mice After Acute Treatments with Cannabinoids

Numerous studies have shown functional links between the cannabinoid and opioid systems. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether acute treatments by endogenous cannabinoid agonist, selective CB] or CB_2 receptor antagonists modulate the expression of μ- (MOR) and δ- (DOR) opioid receptor mRNA levels and functional activity in the cerebellum of transgenic mice deficient in the CB_1 type of cannabis receptors. We examined the effect of noladin ether (endogenous cannabinoid agonist) pretreatment on MOR and DOR mRNA expression by using reverse transcription and real-time polimerase chain reaction (PCR) and the ability of subsequent application of the opioid agonists to activate G-proteins, as measured by [^35S]GTPγS binding, in wild-type (CB_1^+/+) and CB_1 cannabinoid receptor deficient (CB_1, ‘knockout’, K.O.) mice. The acute administration of noladin ether markedly reduced MOR-mediated G-protein activation and caused a significant increase in the level of MOR mRNAs in the cerebella of wild-type, but not in the CB_1^-/- mice. No significant differences were observed in DOR functional activity and mRNA expression in wild-type animals. In CB^-/- mice the expression of DOR mRNA increased after noladin ether treatment, but no changes were found in DOR functional activity. In addition, Rimonabant (selective central cannabinoid CB] receptor antagonist) and SR144528 (selective peripheral cannabinoid CB_2 receptor antagonist) caused significant potentiation in MOR functional activity in the wild-type animals, whereas DOR mediated G-protein activation was increased in the CB^-/- mice. In contrast, Rimonabant and SR144528 decreased the MOR and DOR mRNA expressions in both CB_1^+/+ and CB^-/- -mice. Taken together, these results indicate that acute treatment with cannabinoids causes alterations in MOR and DOR mRNA expression and functional activity in the cerebella of wild-type and CB_1 knockout mice indicating indirect interactions between these two signaling systems.
Exploring health-related quality of life determinants of New Zealand sole mothers

International research has repeatedly linked sole motherhood to diminished levels of psychological and physical health. The purpose of the present study was to add to the limited amount of research on the health-related quality of life determinants in sole mothers, particularly in New Zealand. A sample of 263 New Zealand sole mothers recruited through a number of parent or women's networking groups completed a questionnaire on health-related quality of life, perceived stress and social support. Social support was positively associated with health-related quality of life irrespective of level of perceived stress, thus finding no evidence for a stress-buffering effect. The strongest protective factors against lowered health-related quality of life were social support and adult family members living at the same home, highlighting possible strategies to overcome inequalities in health-related quality of life.
Job-shift patterns in the Federal Republic of Germany: The effects of social class, industrial sector, and organizational size

1980. "The Structure of Economic Segmentation: A Dual Economy Approach. " American Journal of Sociology 85:1095-1116. U.S. Bureau of the Census. 1973. 1970 Census of Population, Employment Status and Work Experience, Subject Reports PC(2)-6A. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Wallace, Michael and Arne L. Kalleberg. 1981. "Economic Organization, Occupations, and Labor Force Consequences: Toward a Specification of Dual Economy Theory. " Pp. 77-117 in Sociological Perspectives on Labor Markets, edited by Ivar Berg. New York: Academic. Wright, Erik 0. 1978. "Race, Class, and Income Inequality. " American Journal of Sociology 83:1368-97. Zucker, Lynne G. and Carolyn Rosenstein. 1981. "Taxonomies of Institutional Structure: Dual Economy Reconsidered. " American Sociological Review 46:869-84.
Photolysis of Naphthenic Acids in Natural Surface Water

Abstract Naphthenic acids are toxic and corrosive substances in oil sands leachates comprising a group of saturated aliphatic and alicyclic carboxylic acids in hydrocarbon deposits (petroleum, oil sands bitumen, and crude oils). In the current study, photolysis was applied to naphthenic acid mixtures and individual compounds to determine the efficacy of a variety of UV/vis radiation sources for reducing both concentration and aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor binding as a measure of toxicity. The results show that the concentrations of neither the compounds nor the mixtures were significantly reduced in Athabasca River water, although compositional changes occurred within the mixtures and Ah receptor binding potential was affected by photolysis. Photolysis at UV254 was the most effective radiation source applied in all instances.
"Burn the witch": The impact of the fear of witchcraft on social cohesion in South Africa

This paper explores beliefs about witchcraft in a sample of community members in South Africa with the aim of showing that the fear of bewitchment dislocates important linkages and networks between people. This is most evident in relation to the violent consequences associated with witchcraft, particularly affecting those who are accused. Interviews with community members in South Africa provide us with a context to understand the emotional response discourses that witchcraft opens. This allows comments on how witchcraft beliefs are fused with fear, which mobilises community members towards behaviour against those accused. As a consequence, violent behaviour becomes an acceptable outlet in coping with witchcraft accusations. It is argued that increased distrust amongst community members related to witchcraft leads to tension and interpersonal conflict, therefore breaking down networks essential to ensuring harmony.
Reg-2, A Downstream Signaling Protein in the Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Survival Pathway, Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), originally described as a neurocytokine that could support the survival of neurons, has been recently found to alleviate demyelination, prevent axon loss, and improve functional recovery in a rat model of acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, poor penetration into the brain parenchyma and unfavorable side effects limit the utility of CNTF. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of a protein downstream of CNTF, regeneration gene protein 2 (Reg-2). Using multiple morphological, molecular biology, and electrophysiological methods to assess neuroinflammation, axonal loss, demyelination, and functional impairment, we observed that Reg-2 and CNTF exert similar effects in the acute phase of EAE. Both treatments attenuated axonal loss and demyelination, improved neuronal survival, and produced functional improvement. With a smaller molecular weight and improved penetration into the brain parenchyma, Reg-2 may be a useful substitute for CNTF therapy in EAE and multiple sclerosis (MS).