Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of JNK Aggravates the Recovery of Rat Hearts after Global Ischemia: The Role of Mitochondrial JNK

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a stress-activated MAPK, is activated during cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR). The role of JNK inhibitors in cardioprotection against IR still remains controversial, in part, due to spill-over effects of non-specific inhibitors. In the present study, we sought to examine whether inhibition of JNK by SU3327, a specific JNK inhibitor that inhibits upstream JNK signaling rather than the kinase activity of JNK, improves cardiac function and reduces heart damage during IR. Hearts of male Sprague-Dawley rats perfused by Langendorff were subjected to 25 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion in the presence or absence of SU3327. Cardiac function was monitored throughout the perfusion period. Myocardial damage was extrapolated from LDH activity in the coronary effluent. At the end of reperfusion, mitochondria were isolated and used to measure respiration rates and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. Protein analysis of mitochondria predictably revealed that SU3327 inhibited JNK phosphorylation. Although SU3327 significantly reduced cell damage during the first minutes of reperfusion, it did not improve cardiac function and, furthermore, reduced the mitochondrial respiratory control index. Interestingly, SU3327 activated the other stress-related MAPK, p38, and greatly increased its translocation to mitochondria. Mitochondrial P-JNK and P-p38 were co-immunoprecipitated with complex III of the electron transfer chain. Thus, JNK plays an essential role in cardiac signaling under both physiological and pathological conditions. Its inhibition by SU3327 during IR aggravates cardiac function. The detrimental effects of JNK inhibition are associated with reciprocal p38 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Relationships between reading, tracing and writing skills in introductory programming

This study analyzed student responses to an examination, after the students had completed one semester of instruction in programming. The performance of students on code tracing tasks correlated with their performance on code writing tasks. A correlation was also found between performance on "explain in plain English" tasks and code writing. A stepwise regression, with performance on code writing as the dependent variable, was used to construct a path diagram. The diagram suggests the possibility of a hierarchy of programming related tasks. Knowledge of programming constructs forms the bottom of the hierarchy, with "explain in English", Parson's puzzles, and the tracing of iterative code forming one or more intermediate levels in the hierarchy.
Heterogeneity in epoxy nanocomposites initiates crazing: significant improvements in fatigue resistance and toughening.

Crazing is a failure mode of bulk polymers and occurs under predominant uniaxial tensile load when the bulk eventually forms denser ligaments (or fibrils) while preserving its continuity. [1‐2] The bridging of cracks by such fibrils is an importantmechanismforenergydissipationandtougheningin thermoplastic polymers. However, craze phenomena are not observed [3‐5] in thermosetting polymers such as epoxies due to the high crosslinking density of the epoxy chains, which limits molecular mobility and inhibits craze fibril formation. Such thermosetting epoxies typically display a brittle failure. [6‐7] We demonstrate here that thermosetting epoxies reinforced with amido-amine-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (A-MWNTs) exhibit crazing. We show order of magnitude reduction in fatigue crack growth rates as a result of the crazing. The fracture toughness and ductility of the brittle epoxy is also significantly enhanced by the crazing. Importantly these enhancements in fatigue resistance and toughness are achieved without any softening of the material. In fact, the Young’s modulus of the nanocomposite is � 30% greater and the average hardness of the nanocomposite is � 45% higher than the baseline (pristine) epoxy. We show that this effect is related to heterogeneous curing of the epoxy, which results in localized pockets of uncrosslinked epoxy that are trapped (or frozen) at the nanotube‐matrix interfaces. Under mechanical loading, these localized regions of high molecular mobility can evolve (or coalesce) to generate conditions that are favorable for crazing. Recently, in a very interesting study, [8] crazing has been reported for a poly(lactide
The evolving role of zoledronic acid in early breast cancer

Most women with early breast cancer (BC) have an excellent prognosis and will remain disease-free for many years after treatment. However, bone-specific side effects of cancer therapies can have a negative effect on patients’ long-term bone health. The accelerated bone loss associated with BC therapies, especially endocrine therapy, can put women at risk for osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Recent treatment guidelines have now begun to address the need for bone-preserving measures to be included in adjuvant therapy regimens. Bisphosphonates have long been used to treat osteoporosis, as well as bone metastases in patients with advanced cancers. Furthermore, in the adjuvant BC setting, the intravenous bisphosphonate zoledronic acid has emerged to play an important role. Several large, randomized phase III trials involving a total of approximately 4,000 premenopausal and postmenopausal women with early BC demonstrated the bone-protective effects of adjuvant zoledronic acid (4 mg every 6 months). Additionally, these same trials also showed significant improvement in disease-free survival for patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy plus zoledronic acid that was over and above the benefit achieved with endocrine therapy alone. The results of these zoledronic acid trials will be reviewed herein, and evidence supporting the antitumor effects of adjuvant zoledronic acid will be discussed.
A Joint Synchronization Algorithm for OFDM Systems

This work presents a joint maximum-likelihood (ML) synchronization algorithm for symbol time (ST) offset (STO), carrier frequency offset (CFO) and sampling clock frequency offset (SCFO) for OFDM systems. Unlike most existing techniques which are time-domain approaches considering only AWGN and/or static multipath conditions, the proposed algorithm is developed in frequency-domain under time-variant multipath channels. By analyzing the received frequency- domain data, a mathematical model for the joint effects of STO, CFO and SCFO is derived. The results are used to formulate a log-likelihood function of two consecutive symbols. Based on the function, a joint ML algorithm is proposed. The joint algorithm is both efficient and robust, because the three main synchronization issues are treated altogether. Simulation results exhibit high performances in time-variant multipath fading channels.
An architecture for a wavelength-interchanging cross-connect utilizing parametric wavelength converters

This paper proposes an architecture for a wavelength-interchanging cross-connect (WIXC) that can be used as a switching node of strictly transparent and scalable networks with all-optical routing and all-optical wavelength conversion capabilities. This architecture utilizes all-optical parametric wavelength converters based on difference-frequency-generation (DFG) or four-wave mixing (FWM), although this work focuses only on the implementation using difference-frequency-generation wavelength converters. The proposed WIXC architecture exploits the unique wavelength mapping properties of parametric wavelength converters: mirror image mapping and simultaneous multichannel wavelength conversion. The derivation of this architecture involves application of a space/wavelength transformation to the classical Benes switch fabric. The connection setup for the resulting architecture follows the well established looping algorithm, and the architecture is scalable in both the ports and the wavelengths. The scaling occurs in an orderly fashion, which allows modular upgrades of WIXC's for cost-effective evolution of the networks. The unique properties of the parametric wavelength converter including transparent and multichannel conversion capabilities result in a WIXC architecture that requires fewer wavelength converters while maintaining scalability and transparency.
In Vitro Antiplasmodium Effects of Dermaseptin S4 Derivatives

ABSTRACT The 13-residue dermaseptin S4 derivative K4S4(1-13)a (P) was previously shown to kill intraerythrocytic malaria parasites through the lysis of the host cells. In this study, we have sought peptides that will kill the parasite without lysing the erythrocyte. To produce such peptides, 26 compounds of variable structure and size were attached to the N terminus of P and screened for antiplasmodium and hemolytic activities in cultures of Plasmodium falciparum. Results from this screen indicated that increased hydrophobicity results in amplified antiplasmodium effect, irrespective of the linearity or bulkiness of the additive. However, increased hydrophobicity also was generally associated with increased hemolysis, with the exception of two derivatives: propionyl-P (C3-P) and isobutyryl-P (iC4-P). Both acyl-peptides were more effective than P, with 50% growth inhibition at 3.8, 4.3, and 7.7 μM, respectively. The antiparasitic effect was time dependent and totally irreversible, implying a cytotoxic effect. The peptides were also investigated in parallel for their ability to inhibit parasite growth and to induce hemolysis in infected and uninfected erythrocytes. Whereas the dose dependence of growth inhibition and hemolysis of infected cells overlapped when cells were treated with P, the acyl-peptides exerted 50% growth inhibition at concentrations that did not cause hemolysis. Noticeably, the acyl derivatives, but not P, were able to dissipate the parasite plasma membrane potential and cause depletion of intraparasite potassium under nonhemolytic conditions. These results clearly demonstrate that the acyl-peptides can affect parasite viability in a manner that is dissociated from lysis of the host cell. Overall, the data indicate the potential usefulness of this strategy for development of selective peptides as investigative tools and eventually as antimalarial agents.
Dynamics in a Model of Onthe-Job Search

Recent papers have argued that standard theories of the labor market, e.g. the Mortensen and Pissarides (1994) matching model, cannot generate significant movements in unemployment and vacancies in response to shocks of a plausible magnitude (Hall 2003, Shimer 2003). This paper shows that introducing on-the-search in the manner of Burdett and Mortensen (1998) and Postel-Vinay and Robin (2002) may help to reconcile labor market theories with empirical evidence by substantially amplifying and propagating shocks to the economy. The driving force in this paper is cyclical changes in the composition of the searching population. By paying a fixed cost, a firm may contact one worker, randomly selected from the searching population, which consists of both unemployed and employed workers. Firms prefer to contact unemployed workers because they can be attracted at a lower wage; hiring an employed worker requires outbidding the incumbent employer. Now consider an aggregate shock that raises the present value of output from all matches, e.g. an increase in productivity or a decline in the exogenous separation rate. This raises the profit from contacting a worker, inducing firms to create job vacancies. In standard labor market models, this would have two effects, both of which reduce profits and mitigate the amount of job creation: wages increase and it becomes harder for firms to contact workers. For reasons discussed below, neither of these occur in this model. Instead, equilibrium is restored through a worsening of the composition of the searching population, i.e. an increase in the conditional likelihood of contacting an employed worker. Crucially, a small change in the composition of the searching population may be achieved only through a large change in the rate at which searching workers find jobs. Therefore, even a small increase in the present value of output causes a large decrease in the unemployment rate, amplifying the original shock. There are several important elements in this model. The first, borrowed directly from
Primacy and Economic Development: Bell-shaped or Parallel Growth of Cities?

The share of the largest city in the total urban population - the so called primacy ratio - differs substantially across countries. One hypothesis in the literature is that economic development first increases and subsequently decreases primacy. The alternative hypothesis is that cities grow in a parallel way, such that primacy ratios depend on geography or history rather than economics. I test these hypotheses for a cross section of countries. Evidence is found for a bell shaped relationship between primacy and economic development conditional on the potential of countries to develop a balanced urban system. Still historic variables influence current primacy ratios.
The X-ray spectral evolution of Cygnus X-2 in the framework of bulk Comptonization

Context. Strong theoretical and observational support exists that the spectral evolution of neutron-star LMXBs, including transient hard X-ray tails, can be explained by the interplay between thermal and bulk motion Comptonization. The introduction of a new XSPEC Comptonization model, Comptb, including thermal and bulk Comptonization, has provided additional support to this interpretation. Aims. We used Comptb to investigate the spectral evolution of the neutron-star LMXB Cyg X–2 along its Z track. We selected a single source to trace in a quantitative way the evolution of the physical parameters of the model. Methods. We analyzed archival broad-band BeppoSAX spectra of Cyg X–2. Five broad-band spectra were newly extracted by using information about the source position in the Z track described in the colour–colour and colour–intensity diagrams. Results. We fitted the spectra of the source with two Comptb components. The first one, with a bulk parameter δ = 0, represents the dominant component of the overall source broad-band spectrum and its origin is related to thermal upscattering (Comptonization) of cold seed photons by warm electrons in a high opacity enviroment. We attribute the origin of these seed photons to the section of the disk that illuminates the outer coronal region (transition layer) located between the accretion disk itself and the neutron-star surface. The physical properties of this thermal component are roughly constant with both time and inferred mass accretion rate. The second Comptb model describes the overall Comptonization (thermal plus bulk, δ> 0) of hotter seed photons that originate in both the inner transition layer and at the neutron-star surface. This component is more significant in the horizontal branch of the colour–colour or hardness-intensity diagram and progressively disappears towards the normal branch, where a pure blackbody spectrum is observed. Conclusions. The spectral evolution of Cyg X–2 is studied and interpreted in terms of changes in the innermost environmental conditions of the system, leading to a variable thermal-bulk Comptonization efficiency.
HR as a Source of Shareholder Value: Research and Recommendations

The role of the Human Resource Management (HRM) function in many organizations is at a crossroads. On one hand, the HRM function is in crisis, increasingly under fire to justify itself (Schuler, 1990; Stewart, 1996) and confronted with the very real prospect that a significant portion of its traditional responsibilities will be outsourced (Corporate Leadership Council, 1995). On the other hand, organizations have an unprecedented opportunity to refocus their HRM systems as strategic assets. Indeed, the same competitive pressures that provide an incentive for firms to outsource costly HRM transactions have dramatically increased the strategic value of a skilled, motivated, adaptable workforce, and the HRM system that supports and develops it . Transforming this crisis into an opportunity, however, requires a new organizational perspective on the HRM system, one that is also a perspective shared by the CEO and the chief HR officer (CHRO). At its core, this strategic perspective requires that the CHRO be focused on identifying and solving the human capital elements of important business problems (e.g., those problems likely to impede growth, lower profitability, and diminish shareholder value). The tangible evidence of this focus is an internally coherent, externally aligned, and effectively implemented HRM system.
Data flow based quality testing approach using ACO for component based software development

Component-based Software Engineering (CBSE) has been centered around advancements identified with configuration and implementation of software components and frameworks assembled from software components. Quality Assurance (QA) for CBSE is a new subject in the software development research area. In this paper an enhanced data flow based QA model is presented for CBSE by employing the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)algorithm to optimize the given code for automatic generation and prioritization of optimal path in decision to decision Control Flow Graph (CFG), which results an enhanced testing phase for QA model with reduced complexity. After that, proposed ACO based approach is also utilized for the generation of test data to satisfy the generated set of paths. This paper additionally exhibits the proposed approach applying it in a program module. Results show that a better testing is achieved by applying proposed ACO based scheme on component based software. Proposed approach ensures full software coverage with least redundancy.
Explanatory Factors of the Environmental Disclosure of Potentially Polluting Companies: Evidence From Brazil

This research aims at identifying explanatory factors of the environmental disclosure of potentially polluting Brazilian companies listed on the São Paulo Security, Commodities, and Futures Exchange (BM&FBOVESPA), from 2005 to 2015. Financial and environmental disclosure information of 182 Brazilian companies of the high-, medium-, and low-polluting potential sectors were collected. Data were analyzed through content analysis of documents and Regression with Panel Data. Results indicate that the company’s size, profitability, internationalization, and sustainability report are explanatory factors of the disclosure of environmental information, while indebtedness presents an inverse relationship. This study concludes that the explanatory factors of environmental disclosure of potentially polluting Brazilian companies are, with a higher weight, the publication of the sustainability report and stock market internationalization and, with lower weight, size, indebtedness, and profitability. This study discusses the relevance of environmental disclosure to companies that perform potentially polluting activities to provide support for different agents linked to these companies they may have access. It presents as theoretical contribution the explanatory variables for environmental disclosure of potentially polluting companies, an analysis not yet carried out in the literature. The practical contribution is to present information to interested users that potentially polluting companies, larger in size, internationalized, and with more profitability, disclose their environmental information.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Cytolethal Distending Toxin Induces Apoptosis in Nonproliferating Macrophages by a Phosphatase-Independent Mechanism

ABSTRACT Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains that express cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) are associated with localized aggressive periodontitis. However, the in vivo targets of Cdt in the human oral cavity have not been firmly established. Here, we demonstrate that A. actinomycetemcomitans Cdt kills proliferating and nonproliferating U937 monocytic cells at a comparable specific activity, approximately 1.5-fold lower than that against the Cdt-hypersensitive Jurkat T-cell line. Cdt functioned both as a DNase and a phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PIP3) phosphatase, and these activities were distinguished by site-specific mutagenesis of the active site residues of CdtB. Using these mutants, we determined that the DNase activity of CdtB is required for cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent induction of apoptosis in proliferating U937 cells. In contrast, Cdt holotoxin induced apoptosis by a mechanism independent of caspase- and apoptosis-inducing factor in nonproliferating U937 cells. Furthermore, apoptosis of nonproliferating U937 cells was unaffected by the Cdt mutant possessing reduced phosphatase activity or by the addition of a specific PIP3 phosphatase inhibitor, suggesting that the induction of apoptosis is independent of phosphatase activity. These results indicate that Cdt intoxication of proliferating and nonproliferating U937 cells occurs by distinct mechanisms and suggest that macrophages may also be potential in vivo targets of Cdt.
Endurability, Engagement and Expectations: Measuring Children’s Fun

This paper describes a toolkit for measuring fun with children aged between 5 and 10. The relationship of fun to usability is discussed and three dimensions of fun; Endurability, Engagement, and Expectations are described. A set of tools that can be used in empirical studies to measure these dimensions of fun is described in detail. These tools include a Smileyometer, a Fun-Sorter and an Again-Again table. Three user trials, in which the tools have been used, are described and suggestions are made for the use of each of the tools with children. A discussion of the efficacy of the tools presents the findings that there is a sufficient subset that can be used to give a reliable measure of fun. Dependent on the nature of the event being evaluated and on the number of activities being compared; the subset will be differently constructed. The paper concludes with observations about the difficulties of measuring fun with children, and some areas for further work are presented.
RF performance of strained Si MODFETs and MOSFETs on "virtual" SiGe substrates: A Monte Carlo study

We employ a comprehensive RF analysis technique based on transient ensemble Monte Carlo simulations to study and compare the high frequency potential of strained Si channel MODFETs and MOSFETs correctly accounting for realistic device geometries and parasitics. Both devices show well pronounced overshoot effects. The MOSFET channel is more closely confined by the self aligned source and drain contacts, resulting in a shorter effective channel length and better device performance. The cut-off frequency fT is robust in the presence of realistic device contact and gate resistances, unlike the maximum frequency of oscillation fmax, which is strongly effected by the device parasitics.
An Evaluation of Three Positive Parenting Practices and Their Combined Impact on Developmental, Social, or Behavioral Delays in Children Ages 1-5 in the United States

Objectives: (1) Determine whether three individual positive parenting practices (PPP) – reading to children, engaging in storytelling or singing, and eating meals together as a family – decrease the risk of developmental, behavioral, or social delays among children between the ages of 1-5 years in the United States. (2) Determine if a combination of these parenting practices has an additive effect on the outcome. Methods: Multiple logistic regression and chi-square analyses were used to analyze data from the National Survey of Children’s Health 2011/2012 in regards to the relationship between each of the three individual PPP as well as a total PPP score and the child’s risk of being developmentally, socially, or behaviorally delayed (N=24,875). These analyses controlled for poverty and parental education. All analyses were completed using SAS