Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surfactant protein A (SP-A) inhibits agglomeration and macrophage uptake of toxic amine modified nanoparticles

Abstract The lung provides the main route for nanomaterial exposure. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is an important respiratory innate immune molecule with the ability to bind or opsonise pathogens to enhance phagocytic removal from the airways. We hypothesised that SP-A, like surfactant protein D, may interact with inhaled nanoparticulates, and that this interaction will be affected by nanoparticle (NP) surface characteristics. In this study, we characterise the interaction of SP-A with unmodified (U-PS) and amine-modified (A-PS) polystyrene particles of varying size and zeta potential using dynamic light scatter analysis. SP-A associated with both 100 nm U-PS and A-PS in a calcium-independent manner. SP-A induced significant calcium-dependent agglomeration of 100 nm U-PS NPs but resulted in calcium-independent inhibition of A-PS self agglomeration. SP-A enhanced uptake of 100 nm U-PS into macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner but in contrast inhibited A-PS uptake. Reduced association of A-PS particles in RAW264.7 cells following pre-incubation of SP-A was also observed with coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy. Consistent with these findings, alveolar macrophages (AMs) from SP-A−/− mice were more efficient at uptake of 100 nm A-PS compared with wild type C57Bl/6 macrophages. No difference in uptake was observed with 500 nm U-PS or A-PS particles. Pre-incubation with SP-A resulted in a significant decrease in uptake of 100 nm A-PS in macrophages isolated from both groups of mice. In contrast, increased uptake by AMs of U-PS was observed after pre-incubation with SP-A. Thus we have demonstrated that SP-A promotes uptake of non-toxic U-PS particles but inhibits the clearance of potentially toxic A-PS particles by blocking uptake into macrophages.
Extrapyramidal symptoms and signs in first-episode, antipsychotic exposed and non-exposed patients with schizophrenia or related psychotic illness

Movement disorders in first-episode psychosis are increasingly recognized; however, the prevalence and clinical correlates areuncertain. We compared antipsychotic exposed (< 12 weeks) with nonexposed first-episode patients, and report prevalence as well as clinical and demographic variables associated with extrapyramidal dysfunction. Data are baseline assessments from a multicentre, international drug trial of first-episode psychosis (n = 535). Analysis included the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale, Premorbid Adjustment Scale, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Of non-exposed patients, 28.1% (n = 47/167) had at least one mild sign of extrapyramidal dysfunction, as did 46.3% (n = 169/365) of previously exposed patients. Hypokinetic Parkinsonism was the most prevalent disorder. The severity of movement disorders and negative symptoms were correlated; however, the effect sizes were small. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the salient risk factors for all patients were: previous antipsychotic exposure [odds ratio (OR) = 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–3.6] and poor premorbid functioning (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.6). For the non-exposed group (n = 167), the significant risk factors were: having severe mental illness in the family (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.2–7.2) and poor premorbid functioning (OR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.0–5.3). For the previously exposed group (n = 368), thesignificant variables were: poor premorbid functioning (OR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.2–2.8) and shorter duration of untreated psychosis (OR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.64–0.94). Although antipsychotic exposure was associated with extrapyramidal signs, the results indicate that many first-episode patients with no exposure to antipsychotics also had extrapyramidal dysfunction. In this group, family history and poor premorbid functioning appear to be associated with increased risk for movement disorders.
CLONINGER ' S TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTER DIMENSIONS AND DOPAMINERGIC GENES : DAT 1 VNTR AND COMT VAL 158 MET POLYMORPHISMS Ivana

Background: the objective of this study was to examine the associations between Cloninger temperament and character dimensions with the DAT1 VNTR and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted on 101 subjects, consisting of students of the Police College in Zagreb and staff of the Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital in Zagreb. The Cloninger Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) was used to test personality traits. Results: A main effect of the DAT1 VNTR polymorphism was found on the subscale self-directedness – SD2 (F=5.18, df=1, p<0.05), where a higher result was detected in carriers of the 9/9 genotype (M=7.33, SD=0.51) than those carrying the 10-repeat allele (M=6.02, SD=1.36). Also for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism, main effects were found on the subscales: NS3 (novelty seeking) (F=5.18, df=1, p<0.05), where a higher result was found in carriers of the Val allele (M=5.03, SD=2.22) than in carriers of the Met/Met genotype (MD=4.76, SD=2.37), SD3 (self-directedness) (F=5.18, df=1, p<0.05) where a higher result was found in carriers of the Val/Val genotype (M=4.50, SD=0.78) than in those carrying the Met allele (M=3.80, SD=1.31); C3 (cooperativeness) (F=5.18, df=1, p<0.05), where a high result was found in carriers of the Val allele (M=5.68, SD=1.25) than those carrying the Met/Met genotype (M=5.08, SD=1.11); and ST3 (self-transcendence) (F=5.18, df=1, p<0.05), where a higher result was found in carriers of the Met/Met genotype (M=3.46, SD=2.37) than carriers of the Val allele (M=2.69, SD=1.84). Two significant interactions were detected, on the subscale NS3 (novelty seeking) (F=5.18, df=1, p<0.05), and on the subscale C2 (cooperativeness) (F=5.18, df=1, p<0.05). Conclusions: Cloninger's (1987) hypothesis about negative relationship between novelty seeking and dopamine was confirmed on allele level, because higher novelty seeking was found in Val allele carriers comparing to Met/Met genotype carriers.
Neurodynamics of Cognitive Set Shifting in Monkey Frontal Cortex and Its Causal Impact on Behavioral Flexibility

Flexible behavior depends on the ability to shift an internal cognitive set as soon as external demand changes. According to neuropsychological studies in human and nonhuman primates, selective lesion to the PFC impairs flexible behavioral shifting. Our previous fMRI study demonstrated that the prefrontal regions showed transient activation related to set shifting in humans and monkeys. To investigate the underlying neural processing, we recorded single-unit activities while monkeys performed a cognitive-set-shifting task, which required shifting between shape-matching and color-matching behaviors. We identified a group of neurons in the inferior arcuate region that exhibited selective activity when the monkeys were required to shift their cognitive set. These shift-related neurons were localized in the focal area along the posterior bank of the inferior arcuate sulcus. Reversible inactivation of this area ipsilateral to the response hand with a small volume of muscimol (even with 0.5 μl) selectively impaired the performance of behavioral shifting. Moreover, this selective behavioral impairment strongly correlated with the dose of muscimol. These results demonstrated localized neural processing for cognitive set shifting and its causal role for behavioral flexibility in primates.
The Contributions of Organizational Justice Theory to Combating Discrimination

Apres une revue de questions sur les concepts de la justice organisationnelle, nous presentons le modele de Stone-Romero et Stone (2005) qui fait le lien entre ces concepts et la discrimination. Ensuite, nous passons en revue les travaux montrant la pertinence des concepts de justice organisationnelle pour une comprehension des reactions des candidats face au processus de selection en mettant l’accent sur les recherches qui comparent les reactions de membres de groupes minoritaires et majoritaires. Nous detaillons des etudes realisees aux Etats-Unis aussi bien que des etudes que nous avons menees afin de comparer des personnes d’origine maghrebine a celles du groupe majoritaire francais. Nos resultats montrent que les personnes d’origine maghrebine ont generalement de plus mauvaises perceptions de la justice des procedures de selection, que les deux groupes ont de meilleures perceptions quand les procedures leur sont expliquees, et que les deux groupes preferent des procedures ou leur origine ethnique n’est pas saillante.
Prevalence of Sleep Disturbances in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementing Disorders: A Multicenter Italian Clinical Cross-Sectional Study on 431 Patients

Background/Aims: Sleep disturbances are common in the elderly and in persons with cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to describe frequency and characteristics of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep-disordered breathing, REM behavior disorder and restless legs syndrome in a large cohort of persons with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Methods: 431 consecutive patients were enrolled in 10 Italian neurological centers: 204 had Alzheimer’s disease, 138 mild cognitive impairment, 43 vascular dementia, 25 frontotemporal dementia and 21 Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease dementia. Sleep disorders were investigated with a battery of standardized questions and questionnaires. Results: Over 60% of persons had one or more sleep disturbances almost invariably associated one to another without any evident and specific pattern of co-occurrence. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease and those with mild cognitive impairment had the same frequency of any sleep disorder. Sleep-disordered breathing was more frequent in vascular dementia. REM behavior disorder was more represented in Lewy body or Parkinson’s disease dementia. Conclusion: A careful clinical evaluation of sleep disorders should be performed routinely in the clinical setting of persons with cognitive decline. Instrumental supports should be used only in selected patients.
SherLock vs Moriarty: A Smartphone Dataset for Cybersecurity Research

In this paper we describe and share with the research community, a significant smartphone dataset obtained from an ongoing long-term data collection experiment. The dataset currently contains 10 billion data records from 30 users collected over a period of 1.6 years and an additional 20 users for 6 months (totaling 50 active users currently participating in the experiment). The experiment involves two smartphone agents: SherLock and Moriarty. SherLock collects a wide variety of software and sensor data at a high sample rate. Moriarty perpetrates various attacks on the user and logs its activities, thus providing labels for the SherLock dataset. The primary purpose of the dataset is to help security professionals and academic researchers in developing innovative methods of implicitly detecting malicious behavior in smartphones. Specifically, from data obtainable without superuser (root) privileges. To demonstrate possible uses of the dataset, we perform a basic malware analysis and evaluate a method of continuous user authentication.
The growth arrest genes gas5, gas6, and CHOP‐10 (gadd153) are expressed in the mouse preimplantation embryo

The gas and gadd family of genes, known collectively as the growth arrest genes, are associated with the negative control of mammalian cell growth. The steady‐state levels of their mRNAs are increased by three to fivefold when exponentially multiplying cells are exposed to a variety of stresses including inadequate nutrition or the removal of serum. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) has been used to analyze growth arrest gene expression in the preimplantation mouse embryo. The gas5, gas6, and CHOP‐10 (gadd153, Ddit3) genes were expressed from the eight‐cell stage onward. The gas2 and gas3 genes associated with apoptosis were not expressed. Embryos were cultured in kSOM medium and a semiquantitative RT‐PCR method was used to measure the relative gene expression using β‐actin mRNA as a reference. The ratio of gas5 to β‐actin mRNA was high at the eight‐cell stage and fell three to fivefold during development. The decline in the gas5:β‐actin ratio corresponded to the activation of true cell growth (cytokinesis). The gas6:β‐actin ratio was low at the eight‐cell stage and increased by twofold as the blastocyst formed. CHOP‐10 was expressed at a constant level throughout development. Embryos that had developed in vivo were compared with the equivalent blastocyst‐stage embryos cultured in kSOM medium. There were no significant differences in the ratio of CHOP‐10, gas5, or gas6 mRNAs relative to β‐actin. These results suggest that these genes are expressed as part of normal early embryonic development. The potential roles of the growth arrest genes are discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 48:310–316, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plant Biologists Plasmodesmata : Pathways for Protein and Ribonucleoprotein Signaling

A new paradigm is emerging in plant biology in which proteins and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes play non-cellautonomous roles in contributing to the control over developmental and physiological processes. Plasmodesmata (PD), the intercellular organelle(s) of the plant kingdom, create the pathway for the cell-to-cell trafficking of these information macromolecules. This functional property of PD also is thought to have potentiated the development of the angiosperm phloem sieve-tube system that serves as an effective conduit for the inter-organ delivery of proteins and RNP complexes (Lucas et al., 2001; Ruiz-Medrano et al., 2001). In this review, we examine the supporting evidence that underlies the existence and function of this supracellular informational signaling pathway.
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND INFERTILITY IN MEN

For this study of testosterone concentrations in 2 matched groups of men, 1 of lifelong nonsmokers and 1 of men smoking at least 30 cigarettes daily, 2 specimens of blood were collected with an interval of 7 days without smoking. The first specimens showed plasma testosterone to be higher in nonsmokers than in smokers, indicating that smoking decreases plasma testosterone. The difference in plasma testosterone between the 2 specimens from nonsmokers was insignificant, but in smokers the 2nd specimen showed a statistically significant increase in testosterone concentration. Reduced testosterone biosynthesis caused by carbon monoxide inhibition of Leydig cell microsomal hydroxylases seems to be the probable explanation of this effect. The possibility thus exists that cigarette smoking can contribute to infertility in men.
Does spirituality facilitate adjustment and resilience among individuals and families after SCI?

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate the role of spirituality in facilitating adjustment and resilience after spinal cord injury (SCI) for the individual with SCI and their family members. Method – data sources: Peer reviewed journals were identified using PsychInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Sociological Abstracts search engines. Study selection: After duplicates were removed, 434 abstracts were screened applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction: The selected 28 studies were reviewed in detail and grouped according to methodological approach. Results: Of the 28 studies relating to spirituality and related meaning-making constructs, 26 addressed the adjustment of the individual with SCI alone. Only two included family members as participants. Quantitative studies demonstrated that spirituality was positively associated with life satisfaction, quality of life, mental health and resilience. The utilisation of meaning-making and hope as coping strategies in the process of adjustment were highlighted within the qualitative studies. Clinical implications included recommendations that spirituality and meaning-making be incorporated in assessment and interventions during rehabilitation. The use of narratives and peer support was also suggested. Conclusions: Spirituality is an important factor in adjustment after SCI. Further research into the relationship between spirituality, family adjustment and resilience is needed. Implications for Rehabilitation Higher levels of spirituality were associated with improved quality of life, life satisfaction, mental health, and resilience for individuals affected by spinal cord injury. Health professionals can enhance the role that spirituality plays in spinal rehabilitation by incorporating the spiritual beliefs of individuals and their family members into assessment and intervention. By drawing upon meaning-making tools, such as narrative therapy, incorporating peer support, and assisting clients who report a decline in spirituality, health professionals can provide additional support to individuals and their family members as they adjust to changes after spinal cord injury.
Leisure time physical activity during pregnancy and impact on gestational diabetes mellitus, pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery and birth weight: a review

Background. It has been questioned whether leisure time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy is beneficial or deleterious to pregnancy outcome, and whether a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy has a negative impact on pregnancy. Answers to these questions are of general interest, since some young women are very physically active during leisure time, while others have a sedentary lifestyle. Method. In this review, we analysed the association between LTPA and the selected pregnancy outcomes, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery, and birth weight. Results. The prevailing literature clearly indicates that LTPA before and/or during pregnancy has a protective effect on the development of GDM and pre‐eclampsia. Furthermore, LTPA does not seem to have a negative impact on the rate of preterm delivery or on birth weight. Conclusion. Thus, it seems relevant that health authorities recommend 30 min of daily physical activity to healthy pregnant women.
Behavioral symptoms and psychiatric diagnoses among 162 children in nonalcoholic or alcoholic families.

OBJECTIVE People with alcoholic relatives have high rates of alcohol abuse and dependence as adults, but their patterns of problems earlier in life are less clear. Many studies have not controlled for parental disorders other than alcoholism or for parents' socioeconomic status and general life functioning. The authors' goal was to conduct a study controlling for such factors. METHOD Personal structured interviews and a behavioral checklist were administered to the parents of 162 children 7 years old or older whose fathers had participated in the 15-year follow-up of 453 sons of alcoholics with no history of antisocial personality disorder and sons of nonalcoholic comparison subjects originally selected from a university population. RESULTS There was no significant relationship between a family history of alcoholism and childhood diagnoses of conduct, oppositional, or attention deficit disorders or with behavioral checklist summary scores. However, children with alcoholic relatives apparently have a slightly higher risk for drug abuse or dependence than those without alcoholic relatives. CONCLUSIONS Once familial antisocial disorders and familial socioeconomic status are controlled for, a family history of alcoholism does not appear to relate to childhood externalizing disorders.
A Comparative Study of Individual Acceptance of Instant Messaging in the US and China: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The use of computer-mediated communication technology across different countries and cultures is under-investigated in information systems (IS) research. The measurement equivalence issue in cross-cultural IS studies has also not been addressed adequately. This study applies a rigorous structural equation modeling approach (SEM) to compare differences between two groups of college students in the United States and China, by adapting a research model that explains an individual‘s use of Instant Messaging (IM). After achieving measurement equivalence across the two groups using SEM, we found that, in their behavioral intention to use IM, Chinese students paid more attention to the effect of perceived enjoyment, while Americans placed more emphasis on perceived usefulness. We found that relationship commitment was more salient in explaining perceived enjoyment for Chinese than for Americans. We also found that the effects of perceived critical mass on perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness were stronger for Americans than for Chinese. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that the effect of relationship commitment on perceived usefulness was stronger for Americans than for Chinese. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Final results of a multicenter phase 1 study of lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract Based on clinical activity in phase 2 studies, lenalidomide was evaluated in a phase 2/3 study in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Following tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) complications, the protocol was amended to a phase 1 study to identify the maximum tolerated dose-escalation level (MTDEL). Fifty-two heavily pretreated patients, 69% with bulky disease and 48% with high-risk genomic abnormalities, initiated lenalidomide at 2.5 mg/day, with dose escalation until the MTDEL or the maximum assigned dose was attained. Lenalidomide was safely titrated to 20 mg/day; the MTDEL was not reached. Most common grade 3–4 adverse events were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia; TLS was mild and rare. The low starting dose and conservative dose escalation strategy resulted in six partial responders and 30 patients obtaining stable disease. In summary, lenalidomide 2.5 mg/day is a safe starting dose that can be titrated up to 20 mg/day in patients with CLL.
Patterns and Perceptions of Maternal Alcohol Use among Women with Pre-School Aged Children: A Qualitative Exploration of Focus Group Data

Background: Quantitative studies of women’s alcohol use suggest that social advantage is associated with increased frequency of alcohol use and disadvantage with increased quantities. Very few studies have examined patterns among mothers; even fewer have explored mothers’ perceptions and understandings of their alcohol use. We examine how mothers describe and make sense of their patterns of alcohol use in the context of advantaged and disadvantaged circumstances. Methods: Four focus groups were conducted with mothers from advantaged (n=9) and disadvantaged (n=9) backgrounds. To facilitate discussion, mothers were invited to comment on a number of images and diary extracts that depicted varying patterns of maternal alcohol use (from abstinence to ‘risky’). The focus groups discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and framed within an interpretivist paradigm. Results: Mothers recalled how their social circumstances influenced their alcohol use. Emerging themes related to where (drinking location) and why (reasons for drinking) individuals drank alcohol, they included: Drinking in the home, drinking outside the home, identity and individuality, portrayal of age and emotional well-being. Conclusion: Our research suggests that social circumstances influence mothers’ drinking locations, and reasons for consuming alcohol. Our qualitative study points to the social patterning of alcohol use and begins to explore the ways alcohol is integrated into the daily lives of women with children. The results have the potential to inform future alcohol intervention strategies in this population group.