Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Baseline and 6-Week Follow-Up Levels of PAF and Activity of Its Metabolic Enzymes in Patients With Heart Failure and Healthy Volunteers—A Pilot Study

This study aimed at evaluating the changes in platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its metabolic enzymes over a 6-week follow-up period in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure ([HF] n = 12) compared with age-, sex-, and BMI-matched apparently healthy volunteers (n = 10). The PAF, its key biosynthetic enzymes (lyso-PAF acetyltransferase [lyso-PAF-AT] and dithiothreitol [DTT]-insensitive CDP choline: 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase [PAF-CPT]), and its catabolic isoenzymes (PAF-acetylhydrolase [PAF-AH] and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 [Lp-PLA2]) were measured in serum and leukocytes of participants. At baseline, patients with HF had lower median activities of lyso-PAF-AT (P < .001) and PAF-CPT (P = .07) in parallel with PAF levels (P = .05) and higher activities of PAF-AH (P = .02) and Lp-PLA2 (P < .001) than controls. At follow-up, PAF-CPT and PAF levels marginally increased (P = .1), lyso-PAF-AT (P < .001) remained downregulated, while PAF-AH (P = .004) and Lp-PLA2 (P < .001) remained elevated compared with the controls. Newly diagnosed patients with HF under drug treatment have an affected profile of PAF biosynthetic enzymes and especially lyso-PAF-AT.
Critical issues in developing and following community based participatory research principles

1. CBPR facilitates collaborative, equitable partnerships in all phases of the research. Facilita la colaboración equitativa en todas las fases de la investigación. 2. CBPR integrates and achieves a balance between research and action for the mutual benefit of all partners. Integra y logra un equilibrio entre la investigación y las acciones para el beneficio mutuo de todas las partes. 3. CBPR recognizes community as a unit of identity. Reconoce a la comunidad como unidad con identidad. 4. CBPR builds on strengths and resources within the community. Se fundamenta en las fortalezas y recursos de la comunidad. 5. CBPR promotes co-learning and capacity building among all partners. Promueve aprendizaje mutuo y desarrolla capacidad entre todas las partes. 6. CBPR involves a long-term process and commitment. Implica un proceso a largo plazo y compromiso. 7. CBPR emphasizes local relevance of public health problems and ecological perspectives that recognize and attend to the multiple determinants of health and disease. Enfatiza la relevancia local de los problemas de salud pública y enfoques ecológicos que reconocen y atienden los múltiples determinantes de la salud y de la enfermedad. 8. CBPR disseminates findings and knowledge gained to all partners and involves all partners in the dissemination process. Disemina resultados y el conocimiento ganado a todas las partes e involucra a todas las partes en el proceso de la diseminación. 9. CBPR involves systems development through a cyclical and iterative process. Implica el desarrollo de sistemas a través de un proceso cíclico e iterativo.
The Impact of Heat Waves on Transport Volumes in an Urban Emergency Medical Services System: A Retrospective Review

Abstract Introduction Heat waves pose a serious public health risk to particular patient populations, especially in urban areas. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in many urban areas constitute the first line of regional preparation and response to major heat wave events; however, little is known on heat wave operational impact to the EMS system, such as call volume or demand. Objective To examine the effect of heat wave periods on overall urban EMS system call volume and transport volume as well as the nature of the call types. Methods Retrospective review of all emergency medical calls to an urban, two-tiered EMS system performed over a 5-year period from 2006–2010. Heat wave days (HWD) defined as two or more consecutive days of hot weather >32.2°C (90°F) were compared with similar non-heat wave days (nHWD) of the previous year to also include two calendar days prior to and after the heat wave. National Weather Service (NWS) temperature data, daily EMS call volume data, and call type codes were collected and underwent descriptive analysis. Results Thirty-one HWD were identified and compared with 93 nHWD. The mean maximum temperature for HWD was 34°C (93.2°F) compared with 25.3°C (77.6°F) for nHWD (P < .001). Average daily medical emergency calls (318.4 vs 296.3, P < .001) and actual patients transported per day (247.5 vs 198.3, P < .001) were significantly higher during HWD. There was no difference in daily medical emergency call volume or EMS transports between weekdays or weekend days. No significant differences on various call types were observed between HWD and nHWD except for “heat” related calls (7.7 vs 0.5, P < .001). Conclusion Emergency Medical Services call volumes were significantly increased during heat waves, however there was minimal change in the types of calls received. KueRC, DyerKS. The impact of heat waves on transport volumes in an urban Emergency Medical Services system: a retrospective review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):1-6.
Molecular Characterization of Feline COX-2 and Expression in Feline Mammary Carcinomas

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, plays an important role in inflammation and tumorigenesis. COX-2 primary structure has been characterized in many species and its expression demonstrated in a variety of cancers in humans and dogs, including mammary cancer. In contrast, there is currently little information on the structure of feline COX-2. Also, information on COX-2 expression in feline mammary cancer is limited and conflicting. The objectives of this study were therefore to characterize the molecular structure of feline COX-2 and to evaluate by immunohistochemistry its expression in mammary carcinomas. Our results show that the predicted coding region of feline COX-2 encodes a 604-amino acid protein, which is identical in length to several COX-2 homologs. Feline COX-2 amino acid sequence is highly similar to other mammalian COX-2 homologs. Immunohistochemical analysis of 40 mammary carcinomas showed that the majority of tumors studied (35/40; 87%) expressed COX-2 at a level varying from low (20/40; 50%) to intermediate (13/40; 32%) and high (2/40; 5%). These results provide the first molecular characterization of feline COX-2 and demonstrate that COX-2 is expressed in the majority of feline mammary carcinomas.
Salary Inequality in the NBA: Changing Returns to Skill or Wider Skill Distributions?

In this paper, I examine trends in salary inequality from the 1985-86 NBA season to the 2015-16 NBA season. Income and wealth inequality have been extremely important issues recently, which motivated me to analyze inequality in the NBA. I investigated if salary inequality trends in the NBA can be explained by either returns to skill or widening skill distributions. I used Pareto exponents to measure inequality levels and tested to see if the levels changed over the sample. Then, I estimated league-wide returns to skill. I found that returns to skill have not significantly changed, but variance in skill has increased. This result explained some of the variation in salary distributions. This could potentially influence future Collective Bargaining Agreements insofar as it provides an explanation for widening NBA salary distributions as opposed to a judgement whether greater levels of inequality is either good or bad for the NBA.
Divergent Light-, Ascorbate-, and Oxidative Stress-Dependent Regulation of Expression of the Peroxiredoxin Gene Family in Arabidopsis1

Peroxiredoxins (prxs) are peroxidases with broad substrate specificity. The seven prx genes expressed in Arabidopsis shoots were analyzed for their expressional response to changing photon fluence rates, oxidative stress, and ascorbate application. The results reveal a highly variable and gene-specific response to reducing and oxidizing conditions. The steady-state transcript amounts of the chloroplast-targeted prxs, namely the two-cysteine (2-Cys) prxs, prx Q andprx II E, decreased upon application of ascorbate.prx Q also responded to peroxides and diamide treatment.prx II B was induced by tertiary butylhydroperoxide, but rather unaffected by ascorbate. The strongest responses were observed for prx II C, which was induced with all treatments. The two Arabidopsis 2-Cys Prxs and four Prx II proteins were expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli. In an in vitro test system, they all showed peroxidase activity, but could be distinguished by their ability to accept dithiothreitol and thioredoxin as electron donor in the regeneration reaction. The midpoint redox potentials (Em′) of Prx II B, Prx II C, and Prx II E were around −290 mV and, thus, less negative than Em′ of Prx II F, 2-Cys Prx A, and 2-Cys Prx B (−307 to −322 mV). The data characterize expression and function of the mitochondrial Prx II F and the chloroplast Prx II E for the first time, to our knowledge. Antibodies directed against 2-Cys Prx and Prx II C showed a slight up-regulation of Prx II protein in strong light and of 2-Cys Prx upon transfer both to high and low light. The results are discussed in context with the subcellular localization of the Prx gene products.
Assessment Rates and Compliance With Assertive Follow-up After Self-Harm: Cohort Study

The objectives of this study were to identify 1) the proportion of self-harm episodes that resulted in assessment by a specialist self-harm team and offers, attendance, and completion of brief therapy and 2) the factors associated with these treatment options. A prospective cohort study of 717 hospital presentations of self-harm was conducted. Rates of assessment, offers and completion of therapy ranged from 50% to 60%. Of those offered therapy, 73% attended one or more sessions. Attendance was associated with depressive psychopathology and existing treatment in primary care. These results may reflect some of the challenges of engaging this patient group. We found that receipt of treatment was determined by patient factors. Future studies might also examine the role of service-related or clinician factors.
PENGARUH STRUKTUR MODAL DAN PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN (Studi pada Perusahaan Makanan dan Minuman yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2011-2014)

This research aimed to determine the influence of capital structure and profitability on firm value in simultaneously or partially. Capital structure variable in this research are Debt to Total Capitalization (DTC) and Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), profitability variable in this research are Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) and variable of firm value is Tobin’s Q. The type of this research is an explanatory research with quantitative approach. The population of this research is the food and beverage company. There are 15 companies that listed as the food and beverage company but only 13 companies that taken as the sample of this research according to the purposive sampling criteria. The result of this research shows that Debt to Total Capitalization (DTC), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Asset (ROA), and Return on Equity (ROE) simultaneously influence significant to the Tobin’s Q, partially Debt to Total Capitalization (DTC) and Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) no t significantly influence on Tobin’s Q while Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) significantly influence on Tobin’s Q. Keywords: Debt to Total Capitalization (DTC), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Asset (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh struktur modal dan profitabilitas terhadap nilai perusahaan, baik secara simultan maupun secara parsial. Variabel struktur modal diwakili oleh Debt to Total Capitalization (DTC) dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), variabel profitabilitas diwakili oleh Return on Asset (ROA) dan Return on Equity (ROE) serta variabel nilai perusahaan diwakili oleh Tobin’s Q. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan explanatory research dengan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan populasi yang digunakan yaitu perusahaan makanan dan minuman sebanyak 15 perusahaan. Penentuan sampel dilakukan dengan purposive sampling dengan kriteria yang ditentukan maka terdapat 13 perusahaan yang menjadi sampel penelitian. Secara simultan variabel independent berpengaruh signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan, secara parsial variabel Debt to Total Capitalization (DTC) dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Tobin’s Q, sementara Return on Asset (ROA) dan Return on Equity (ROE) berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Tobin’s Q. Kata kunci: Debt to Total Capitalization (DTC) , Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Asset (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE)
Monocyte expression of the human prointerleukin 1 beta gene (IL1B) is dependent on promoter sequences which bind the hematopoietic transcription factor Spi-1/PU.1

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is produced primarily by stimulated monocytes, suggesting that the IL1B gene, which codes for this protein, depends upon at least one cell-type-specific factor. Our previous characterization of the IL1B promoter indicated that the region between -131 and +12 is sufficient to direct cell-type-specific expression of a reporter gene (F. Shirakawa, K. Saito, C.A. Bonagura, D.L. Galson, M.J. Fenton, A.C. Webb, and P. E. Auron, Mol. Cell. Biol. 13:1332-1344, 1993). We now show that a sequence located between positions -50 and -39 of the IL1B promoter binds the tissue-restricted Ets domain transcription factor Spi-1/PU.1 (Spi-1). Mutation of this site abrogates binding of this factor and reduces the ability of the IL1B promoter to function in macrophages. A second Spi-1 binding site located between positions -115 and -97 also is required for maximal IL1B promoter activity in the presence of the proximal Spi-1 binding site. In addition, an activation domain-deficient Spi-1 expression vector acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor of reporter gene expression in a monocyte cell line. Finally, the IL1B promoter, which is inactive in Spi-1-deficient HeLa cells, is activated in these cells by cotransfection with a Spi-1 expression vector. Thus, the cell-type-specific expression of the IL1B promoter appears to be dependent on the binding of Spi-1.
Immunological differences and similarities between chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory response in the periodontal tissues, which is elicited by the microorganisms present in dental plaque. The clinical manifestation of the disease is dependent upon the nature of this response, which, in turn, is determined by the patient s innate susceptibility. Chronic periodontitis in adults typically follows a cyclical course, with some forms remaining stable over many years and other forms progressing with subsequent tooth loss despite extensive treatment (44, 49). The initial immune response in chronic periodontitis occurs following colonization of the gingival sulcus by periodontopathic bacteria. The presence of the bacteria induces the production of cytokines and chemokines by the gingival epithelium. This results in the expression of adhesion molecules, increased permeability of gingival capillaries and chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils through the junctional epithelium and into the gingival sulcus. The specific cytokines and chemokines produced by this initial response lead to a perivascular T-cell ⁄ macrophage dominated inflammatory infiltrate in the connective tissues. If this cell-mediated immune response does not control the bacterial challenge, progression to a B-cell ⁄ plasma-cell lesion occurs. The antibodies subsequently produced may be protective and control the infection, or may be nonprotective with resultant connective tissue destruction and bone loss (reviewed in 42,44). The effectiveness of this response varies among individuals and appears to be important in determining disease susceptibility. Currently, however, there is little evidence that aggressive periodontitis, either localized or generalized, follows the typical cyclical course of chronic periodontitis. Additionally, aggressive periodontitis appears to differ from chronic periodontitis in that clinically the gingival lesion is often absent, suggesting that the lesion of aggressive periodontitis may not follow the same sequence of initiation and progression as chronic periodontitis (from gingival T-cell lesion to progressive B-cell lesion). While further investigation of the nature of the immune response in both chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis is clearly required, this review is not a comprehensive analysis of the immunopathology of these conditions but rather will cover only those elements where a direct comparison of similarities or differences is possible or where further work may highlight possible differences.
Structural and Biological Characterization of Chromofungin, the Antifungal Chromogranin A-(47–66)-derived Peptide*

Vasostatin-I, the natural fragment of chromogranin A-(1–76), is a neuropeptide able to kill a large variety of fungi and yeast cells in the micromolar range. We have examined the antifungal properties of synthetic vasostatin-I-related peptides. The most active shortest peptide, named chromofungin, corresponds to the sequence Arg47–Leu66. Extensive1H NMR analysis revealed that it adopts a helical structure. The biophysical mechanism implicated in the interaction of chromofungin with fungi and yeast cells was studied, showing the penetration of this peptide with different lipid monolayers. In order to examine thoroughly the antifungal activity of chromofungin, confocal laser microscopy was used to demonstrate the ability of the rhodamine-labeled peptide to interact with the fungal cell wall, to cross the plasma membrane, and to accumulate in Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria brassicola, and Candida albicans. Our present data reveal that chromofungin inhibits calcineurin activity, extending a previous observation that the N-terminal region of chromogranin A interacts with calmodulin in the presence of calcium. Therefore, the destabilization of fungal wall and plasma membrane, together with the possible intracellular inhibition of calmodulin-dependent enzymes, is likely to represent the mechanism by which vasostatin-I and chromofungin exert antifungal activity.
Academic and practitioner antecedents of scholarly outcomes

Scholars, policymakers, accreditation bodies and industry leaders have called for an increased focus on scholarship that is both relevant and actionable for industry. In pursuance of this goal, many institutional solutions have been proposed. These solutions, however, have largely failed because they do not fully consider the individual and his or her background as significant factors in the choices an academic makes. To address the lack of research on individual academics, the authors conducted a two-part study that identified key issues and tested various hypotheses as to why some scholars choose to pursue actionable scholarship. Their findings show that five scholar-level factors (career stage, tenure, professional qualifications, active industry engagement and alumni affiliation) and one institutional-level factor (business school mission) influence whether or not they are likely to pursue research that is both relevant and actionable for industry.
The quality and performance nexus of the community-based ecotourism enterprises at Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: a total quality management perspective

ABSTRACT Community-based ecotourism enterprises (CEEs) are emerging as mechanisms for integrated and sustainable conservation of wildlife in developing countries. As such, they are substantially supported by local and international organizations promoting integrated conservation and development. However, the performance of CEEs remains inadequate. This paper evaluates the influence of quality improvement on the performance of CEEs, from a total quality management (TQM) perspective. Data were collected from three CEEs neighboring Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda. The findings revealed critical TQM practices for CEEs’ performance, including training, benchmarking, employee empowerment, performance measurement and adapting the TQM philosophy in the CEE’s vision. In addition, this study makes a new contribution to the application of TQM in small and medium organizations. It identifies benchmarking and employee empowerment as two new dimensions of TQM practices, which are critical for the performance of small and medium organizations. To improve the performance of CEEs, we call for an integrated approach in the application of the proposed TQM practices at every stage of CEEs’ functioning.
Regulation of Hematopoietic Development in the Aorta-Gonad-Mesonephros Region Mediated by Lnk Adaptor Protein

ABSTRACT Development of hematopoietic cells in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region in the midgestation mouse embryo involves a multistep process, sequentially changing from endothelial cell-like cells, including hemangioblasts, into hematopoietic stem cells, progenitors, and/or lineage-committed cells. An adaptor molecule, Lnk, is known to negatively control the production of pro- and pre-B cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells in adult bone marrow. Here we show a role of Lnk in hematopoietic development in the AGM region. Lnk was predominantly expressed in the endothelial cells lining the dorsal aorta at embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5). Overexpression of Lnk in the primary culture of the AGM region at E11.5 suppressed the emergence of CD45+ hematopoietic cells. Point mutation in the SH2 domain of Lnk, which abolishes the binding capability of Lnk to c-Kit upon stimulation with stem cell factor (SCF), led to loss of Lnk-dependent inhibition of hematopoietic cell development in AGM cultures, suggesting Lnk-mediated inhibition of the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway. In cultured AGM cells from Lnk homozygous mutant mouse embryos, the number of emerged CD45+ cells was 2.5-fold larger than that from heterozygous littermates. Furthermore, aorta cells of E11.5 Lnk homozygous mutant mice also showed enhanced hematopoietic colony-forming activity. Thus, Lnk is a negative regulator of hematopoiesis in the AGM region.
Feasibility of Iterative Learning Control Mediated by Functional Electrical Stimulation for Reaching After Stroke

Background. An inability to perform tasks involving reaching is a common problem following stroke. Evidence supports the use of robotic therapy and functional electrical stimulation (FES) to reduce upper limb impairments, but current systems may not encourage maximal voluntary contribution from the participant because assistance is not responsive to performance. Objective. This study aimed to investigate whether iterative learning control (ILC) mediated by FES is a feasible intervention in upper limb stroke rehabilitation. Methods. Five hemiparetic participants with reduced upper limb function who were at least 6 months poststroke were recruited from the community. No participants withdrew. Intervention. Participants undertook supported tracking tasks using 27 different trajectories augmented by responsive FES to their triceps brachii muscle, with their hand movement constrained in a 2-dimensional plane by a robot. Eighteen 1-hour treatment sessions were used with 2 participants receiving an additional 7 treatment sessions. Outcome measures. The primary functional outcome measure was the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Impairment measures included the upper limb Fugl— Meyer Assessment (FMA), tests of motor control (tracking accuracy), and isometric force. Results. Compliance was excellent and there were no adverse events. Statistically significant improvements were measured (P ≤ .05) in FMA motor score, unassisted tracking for 3 out of 4 trajectories, and in isometric force over 5 out of 6 directions. Changes in ARAT were not statistically significant. Conclusion. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of using ILC mediated by FES for upper limb stroke rehabilitation.