Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol regulates multiple forms of vesicle endocytosis at a mammalian central synapse

Endocytosis in synapses sustains neurotransmission by recycling vesicle membrane and maintaining the homeostasis of synaptic membrane. A role of membrane cholesterol in synaptic endocytosis remains controversial because of conflicting observations, technical limitations in previous studies, and potential interference from non‐specific effects after cholesterol manipulation. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether cholesterol participates in distinct forms of endocytosis that function under different activity levels. In this study, applying the whole‐cell membrane capacitance measurement to monitor endocytosis in real time at the rat calyx of Held terminals, we found that disrupting cholesterol with dialysis of cholesterol oxidase or methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin impaired three different forms of endocytosis, including slow endocytosis, rapid endocytosis, and endocytosis of the retrievable membrane that exists at the surface before stimulation. The effects were observed when disruption of cholesterol was mild enough not to change Ca2+ channel current or vesicle exocytosis, indicative of stringent cholesterol requirement in synaptic endocytosis. Extracting cholesterol with high concentrations of methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin reduced exocytosis, mainly by decreasing the readily releasable pool and the vesicle replenishment after readily releasable pool depletion. Our study suggests that cholesterol is an important, universal regulator in multiple forms of vesicle endocytosis at mammalian central synapses. By monitoring endocytosis with whole‐cell membrane capacitance measurement, this study demonstrated that acute disruption of cholesterol with cholesterol oxidase or methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin impaired slow clathrin‐mediated endocytosis, rapid endocytosis, and endocytosis of pre‐existing retrievable membrane at a large mammalian nerve terminal, the calyx of Held. This data suggest a universal cholesterol requirement in distinct pathways of synaptic vesicle endocytosis.
Mental health in Dutch adolescents: self‐reported competencies and problems for ages 11–18

Beside parents and teachers, adolescents themselvess may be valuable informants about their own psychological functioning. The present study, which provides prevalence data on behavioral/emotional problems and competencies reported by adolescents aged 11-18 from the general population, was preceded by two studies providing such data for parent and teacher reported problems. The instrument used in the present study is the Youth Self Report (YSR) developed by Achenbach and Edelbrock to obtain adolescents' self-reports on their problems and competencies in a standardized way. YSRs completed by 52 adolescents on two occasions with a time-interval of 3-4 weeks revealed test-retest reliability expressed as intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.87 for total problem scores and 0.69 for total competence scores. The YSR was completed by 941 adolescents aged 11-18 from the general population. For each of the 103 problem items and 17 competence items, the prevalence rates were presented graphically for both genders in two-year age-groups. To identify differences related to sex, age and socio-economic status (SES), ANCOVAs were performed on the scores for each problem and competence item as well as on total problem and total competence scores. Whereas the level of problem scores was the same across the 11-18 years age-span, girls obtained higher total problem scores with increasing age. Younger girls scored lower and older girls scored somewhat higher than boys. Implications of these findings with respect to sex differences in referral rates for children and adults are discussed. The increase with increasing age in self-reports of problems concerning inner feelings and thoughts may reflect the adolescent's change in cognitive, socio-emotional and physical functioning. We could not demonstrate significant SES differences in problem scores. Comparisons of problem scores obtained for referred and nonreferred adolescents revealed a correct classification rate of 73.6%, which seems satisfactory given the fact that parents rather than the adolescent usually initiate referrals. Comparisons of problem item scores in ANCOVAs of referred and nonreferred samples revealed significant referral status effects for 68 of the 103 problem items, with referred adolescents scoring higher than nonreferred adolescents. The largest effect of referral status was found for the item "Nervous". The third largest effect was obtained for the item "Unhappy, sad, depressed", which also showed strong discrimination between parent scores for referred and nonreferred samples. Competence scores showed much weaker discrimination between referred and nonreferred groups.
A techno-economic assessment of NuScale and DHR-400 reactors in a district heating and cooling grid

ABSTRACT Many companies are developing small modular reactors (SMR), but only few are in a licensing or demonstration phase. Several papers have studied the economy of the SMRs, but district heating studies were carried out without a reference energy system that has a high impact on the results. We modeled NuScale CHP and DHR-400 (heat only) units as a part of a city-level district heating and cooling grid. In the studied reference system, NuScale CHP and DHR-400 look cost-efficient investments with internal rates of return from 7% to 20%. Modeled heat only reactor had better profitability than CHP reactor in almost all cases except when assuming higher than 50 €/MWh electricity prices. Large heat pumps with COP of 3.5 had similar economic performance than studied SMRs. Large heat pumps are less capital intensive than SMRs and easier to accept by public, but their potential is limited by the available heat sources.
Digitalization and Business Activity. The Struggle to Catch Up in CEE Countries

Increases in productivity and competitiveness of an economy are based mostly on the actions of companies in terms of providing technical capital to workers and of operations efficiency (management, financial, recruitment, finding markets and suppliers, internal and external communication, etc.) through digitalization. This paper deals with the way in which the economies and companies in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries manage to adapt to the trend that started, mostly after 2000, in digitalization; also, it analyzes the extent to which an increase in the degree of business upgrading via integrating digital technology into the business model leads to a surge in economic performances (productivity, exports) and, consequently, to a greater attractivity to foreign capital flows.
Tissue‐engineered intervertebral disc and chondrogenesis using human nucleus pulposus regulated through TGF‐β1 in platelet‐rich plasma

Human intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration often initiated from the human nucleus pulposus (hNP) with aging leading to IVD destruction and extracellular matrix (ECM) depletion. Previously, we have successfully employed transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) to promote chondrogenesis of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) and immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we examine the role of TGF‐β1 in platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on disc regeneration, including proliferation, redifferentiation, and the reconstitution of tissue‐engineered NP. hNP cells were isolated from volunteers with different ages and cultured in the presence of PRP. We found that the most effective concentration for hNP proliferation was 1 ng/ml TGF‐β1 in PRP, which was further applied in the following experiments. hNP cell proliferation in all age groups were increased time‐dependently by PRP and cell morphologies showed aggregation. The mRNA of Sox9, type II collagen, and aggrecan were all significantly upregulated by PRP through RT‐PCR. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation reached the highest value at day 7 and continued to day 9 culture. PRP promoted NP regeneration via the Smad pathway was also determined and highly activated p‐Smad2/3 at 30 min and continuously sustained to 120 min. Immunostaining of type II collagen indicates that PRP participates in chondrogenesis of tissue‐engineered NP with collagen scaffolds. We concluded that growth factors in PRP can effectively react as a growth factor cocktail to induce hNP proliferation and differentiation, and also promote tissue‐engineered NP formation. These findings are the first to demonstrate that PRP might be a therapeutic candidate for prevention of disc degeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 744–754, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined Growth Hormone and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Deficiency in a Japanese Patient with a Novel Frameshift Mutation in IGSF1

Background: Recent reports have indicated that loss-of-function mutations in the immunoglobulin superfamily member 1 gene (IGSF1, OMIM 300888) cause congenital central hypothyroidism with macroorchidism. Methods: We conducted a next-generation sequencing-based comprehensive mutation screening for pituitary hormone deficiencies to elucidate molecular mechanisms other than anatomical abnormalities of the pituitary that might be responsible for multiple anterior hormone deficiency in a male patient who originally visited our institute complaining of short stature. He was born large for gestational age (4,370 g, +3.0 SD) after an obstructed labour. Endocrinological evaluation revealed growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a discontinuity of the pituitary stalk with an ectopic posterior lobe and a hypoplastic anterior lobe, likely explaining multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Result: We identified a novel hemizygous IGSF1 mutation (c.1137_1138delCA, p.Asn380Glnfs*6) in the patient. In reviewing the literature, we noticed that all reported Japanese male IGSF1 mutation carriers were born larger than mean standards for gestational age (mean birth weight SD score of +2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.0-3.0). Conclusion: This case suggests that more attention should be paid to intrauterine growth and birth history when patients are suspected of having an IGSF1 mutation.
Motivation and Attitudes towards Learning English: A Study of Diploma in English Students at a Semi-Government Institute in Sri Lanka

This study outlines the results of a survey which was carried out to identify the motivation and attitudes of students of English Diploma towards learning English language at the National Institute of Business Management which is a semi-government institute functioning under the Ministry of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development and Vocational Training and Kandiyan Heritage. This research addresses an issue which is at the very core of language learning and teaching. As a result of this research some implications that would help increase the students’ motivation and attitude which help them achieve their goals could be identified. The study investigated motivation of the students in terms of three motivational constructs: instrumental motivation, integrative motivation and personal motivation based on Gardner’s and Cooper and Fishman’s works. On the other hand, learners’ attitudes regarding the 1) English language 2) use of language 3) competence 4) continuity and 5) culture of English language were identified since successful acquisition of a second language seemed to depend on learner’s views of the language learning environment, how they view the language and its speakers. A questionnaire and interviews were used for data collection from the sample which consisted of 60 students. The findings showed the students were motivated to learn English due to instrumental and utilitarian reasons. Personal reasons were also regarded as important motivational factors. However, the results provided evidence that learning English to be a part of the Western culture had the least impact in motivating students to learn English language. On the other hand, data regarding the students’ attitudes revealed that most of students had positive attitudes towards the social value and educational status of English. In addition, the findings showed the students’ positive orientation toward the English language. It is interesting to note that a high number of students showed their interest in the culture of English speaking community but did not wish to be a part of their culture.
Self-criticism self-report measures: Systematic review.

PURPOSE Self-criticism is a transdiagnostic process that has been attracting research and clinical interest. The accurate measurement of this construct is therefore crucial; however, there are currently numerous measures of self-criticism and no guidelines about which to use in different contexts. This systematic review evaluated the measurement properties of self-report questionnaires of self-criticism. METHODS OvidSP and Web of Science were used to search through multiple databases, and an initial grey literature search was completed. Studies were included when the main focus was to evaluate the measurement properties of English version of scales or subscales that aimed to measure self-criticism in an adult population. Both the methodological quality of included studies and the specific measurement properties were evaluated; these ratings were then combined into a best evidence synthesis. RESULTS Five scales and five subscales were identified, described in 16 papers. The scales were designed to measure different types of self-criticism including trait or repetitive self-criticism and self-criticism in response to difficult situations or as a mood regulation strategy. The majority of included studies were either rated as having poor methodological quality, or were given indeterminate or negative ratings for the measurement properties they reported. Questionnaire content varied depending on how the authors conceptualized self-criticism. Issues were also highlighted in relation to the checklist used to rate methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS Tentative recommendations were made about two measures of self-criticism based on existing evidence; future research is required. Furthermore, questionnaire choice should be based on the type of self-criticism being assessed. PRACTITIONER POINTS Self-criticism has been associated with a range of clinical difficulties including depression and eating disorders and is increasingly the focus of research, including treatment studies directly targeting self-criticism. Since different researchers have conceptualized self-criticism differently, a number of self-criticism self-report questionnaires have been developed that vary in terms of design, structure, and content. This systematic review identified and evaluated the measurement properties of self-report questionnaires of self-criticism and makes tentative recommendations about their use in clinical and research settings and areas for future research.
Skin Testing of Guinea Pigs and Footpad Testing of Mice With a New Antigen for Detecting Delayed Hypersensitivity to Cryptococcus neoformans

This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of a cryptococcal culture filtrate antigen, cryptococcin C184, for detecting delayed hypersensitivity in Cryptococcus neoformans-injected animals. The antigen was tested on guinea pigs which had received saline or C. neoformans and on animals sensitized to Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, or Sporothrix schenckii. A delayed-type hypersensitivity response was elicited by cryptococcin C184 in C. neoformans-injected guinea pigs, whereas no indurations or erythemas were seen at 48 h after skin testing of saline controls or heterologously sensitized guinea pigs. Besides being specific for Cryptococcus, the antigen showed a high degree of sensitivity and was reproducible. Footpad tests were conducted with the antigen on mice which had previously received either 105 viable C. neoformans cells or saline. Delayed hypersensitivity was indicated in the C. neoformans-injected mice by the increase in thickness of antigen-injected footpads when compared with the saline-injected footpads. In control mice, antigen- and saline-injected footpads were comparable in thickness 24 h after injection. Mice sensitized to B. dermatitidis were footpad tested with C184, and no cross-reactivity was demonstrated.
Spurious Resonance Suppression in Gigahertz-Range ZnO Thin-Film Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonators by the Boundary Frame Method: Modeling and Experiment

Zinc-oxide-based thin-film bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators operating at 932 MHz are investigated with respect to variation of dimensions of a boundary frame spurious mode suppression structure. A plate wave dispersion-based semi-2-D model and a 2-D finite element method are used to predict the eigenmode spectrum of the resonators to explain the detailed behavior. The models show how the boundary frame method changes the eigenmodes and their coupling to the driving electrical field via the modification of the mechanical boundary condition and leads to emergence of a flat-amplitude piston mode and suppression of spurious modes. Narrow band suppression of a single mode with a nonoptimal boundary frame is observed. Reduction of the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient keff 2 as a function of the boundary width is observed and predicted by both models. The simple semi-2-D plate model is shown to predict the device behavior very well, and the 2-D finite element method results are shown to coincide with them with some additional effects. Breaking the resonator behavior down to eigenmodes, which are not directly observable in measurements, by the models, yields insight into the physics of the device operation.
Intertemporal Price Discrimination Via Randomized Pricing

In e-commerce, the price for a (durable) product could fluctuate very frequently. The undesirable but inevitable consequence is that consumers can be trained to time their purchases strategically. In this paper, we study randomized pricing, where the firm randomly varies prices over time, as an alternative dynamic pricing strategy. In particular, we consider a model where a monopolist sells a single product to a market with a constant stream of multiple market segments. The segments are heterogeneous in both their product valuations and patience levels. The firm pre-commits to a price distribution, and in each period, a price is randomly drawn from the chosen distribution. We characterize structural properties of optimal randomized pricing policies and show that under certain conditions that are also used in the literature, the optimal randomized pricing policy boils down to a two-point price distribution of a regular and discount price. Randomized pricing serves as an intertemporal price discrimination mechanism such that customers of higher valuations would buy immediately at the regular price upon arrival, and customers of lower valuations would wait for a promotion. Compared against the optimal cyclic deterministic pricing policy, which is optimal within the strategy space of all deterministic pricing policies, the optimal randomized pricing policy (weakly) dominates the optimal cyclic deterministic pricing policy if the valuation discrepancies among customers are large enough.
Examining the direct and moderation effect of psychographic and demographic factors on green purchasing behaviour

This study aims to investigate the effect of psychographic and demographic factors on the green purchasing behaviour, and examine the moderation influence of demographics on the relationship between the psychographics and green purchasing behaviour. The study uses a multiple regression and PROCESS analyses for a survey conducted with a total 360 Jordanian respondents. The results revealed that the environment attitude has the strongest positive effect on green purchasing behaviour followed by social influence and personal norms. Whereas the effect of environmental concern, environmental knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness, and skepticism is non-significant, the same results confirm for gender, age, educational level, and income level. However, the moderation influence of demographics is non-significant for most psychographics except for the interaction between age and attitude where it positively increases for people who are above 40 years old. This paper provides plausible guidelines for marketers, business, and policymakers in developing social and sustainable strategies.
The Long Run Relationship between Economic Growth and Environmental Quality

One of the controversial debates in environmental economics, which began in the 1980s, is the relationship between environmental pollution and economic growth. The study investigated the relationship between per capita carbon dioxide emissions and gross domestic product per capita in 63 countries over 51 years during 1960 to 2010. Using a graphical analysis approach, the results of this study showed that the relationship between per capita carbon dioxide emissions and gross domestic product per capita amongst the sample data followed a sigmoid curve indicating that the per capita carbon dioxide emissions of a country increased when its economy transitioned from a labor-intensive technology to a capital-intensive one caused by an increase in the rate of economic growth. The results also showed that the amount of relative emissions varied amongst the countries. The variability could be imputed to the following reasons: (i) the heterogeneity in the structure of the economies, and (ii) the disparity in the mode of production used in the countries’ manufacturing processes.
Comparison of clonidine and fentanyl as adjuvant to ropivacaine in spinal anesthesia in lower abdominal surgeries

Background: Ropivacaine, a newer local anesthetic, is gaining increased acceptance due to its improved safety profile over bupivacaine and lignocaine. Analgesic adjuvants have proved to be valuable in improving the quality of anesthesia and duration of analgesia. Aim: To compare the efficacy of clonidine and fentanyl as adjuvants to ropivacaine in spinal anesthesia in lower abdominal surgeries. Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind control study was carried out in 100 patients who were randomly divided into two groups. Ropivacaine-clonidine group (RC) received 30 μg of clonidine with 18.75 mg of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine, Ropivacaine-fentanyl group (RF) received 25 μg of fentanyl with 18.75 mg of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine intrathecally. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic parameters, quality of surgical analgesia, total analgesia time, sedation score, and side effects were statistically analyzed using SPSS statistical package, paired and unpaired t-tests and Chi-square test. Results: The duration of sensory block in RC (240.00 ± 20.99), RF (196.80 ± 18.34), and motor block in RC (192.20 ± 17.36), RF (139.20 ± 17.93) outlasted the duration of surgery. In clonidine group, there was significant prolongation of sensory block, motor block and the total analgesia time. Hypotension and bradycardia occurred more commonly in RC group, whereas pruritus was more in RF group. Conclusion: Ropivacaine when combined with either clonidine or fentanyl provided an adequate subarachnoid block for lower abdominal surgeries. As an adjuvant, clonidine has advantage over fentanyl as it increased the duration of the subarachnoid block and the postoperative analgesia.