Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 activation‐induced hepatic very‐low‐density lipoprotein receptor overexpression in response to oxidative stress contributes to alcoholic liver disease in mice

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to hypertriglyceridemia, which is positively associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, whether and how it contributes to the development of fatty liver and liver injury are largely unknown. In this study we demonstrate that chronic alcohol exposure differently regulates the expression of very‐low‐density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) in adipose tissue and the liver. Whereas adipose tissue VLDLR is significantly down‐regulated, its hepatic expression is dramatically increased after chronic alcohol feeding. While HepG2 cells stably overexpressing VLDLR manifests increased intracellular triglyceride accumulation, VLDLR‐deficient mice are protective against fatty liver and liver injury after chronic alcohol exposure. Mechanistic investigations using both in vitro and in vivo systems reveal that oxidative stress‐induced nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) activation plays a critical role in alcohol‐induced VLDLR up‐regulation in hepatocytes, but not in adipocytes. Oxidative stress enhances VLDLR gene expression and protein abundance in primary hepatocytes, concomitant with the Nrf2 activation. Conversely, Nrf2 gene silencing abrogates oxidative stress‐induced VLDLR up‐regulation in the liver, but not in adipose tissue. In mice, alcohol exposure induces hepatic oxidative stress and Nrf2 activation. Supplementation of N‐acetylcysteine alleviates fatty liver and liver injury induced by chronic alcohol exposure, which is associated with suppressed Nrf2 activation and attenuated VLDLR increase in the liver. Furthermore, in comparison to wild‐type counterparts, Nrf2‐deficient mice demonstrate attenuated hepatic VLDLR expression increase in response to chronic alcohol exposure. Conclusion: Chronic alcohol consumption differently alters VLDLR expression in adipose tissue and the liver. Oxidative stress‐induced Nrf2 activation is mechanistically involved in VLDLR overexpression in hepatocytes in response to chronic alcohol consumption. Hepatic VLDLR overexpression plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALD. (Hepatology 2014;59:1381‐1392)
Morphological Variations of the Thyroid Gland in the North Indians: A Cadaveric Study with its Clinical Relevance

Introduction: The morphological variations of the thyroid gland are not an uncommon phenomenon and may due to embryological remnant or non-specific development of different parts of it. Prior anatomical knowledge of these variations is of immense importance to prevent catastrophies during or after thyroid surgeries. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of morphological variations of the thyroid glands in north Indian cadavers. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 formalin embalmed adult human cadavers aging between 40–65 years, of which 40 were males and 10 were females. Thyroid glands were dissected and examined properly for the presence of pyramidal lobe, levator glandulae thyroidae, accessory thyroid tissue and complete absence of isthmus. Results: The pyramidal lobe was present in 9 (18%) and frequently arising from the right side of the isthmus. LGT was found in 7 (14%) and almost in all cases it was extending from the apex of the pyramidal lobe to the hyoid bone. Only 2 (4%) cadavers did not show an isthmus while accessory thyroid tissue was found only in one case. Morphological variations were more common in females than in males and the difference was statistically significant (p value 0.05). Conclusion: Morphological variation of the thyroid gland is a common phenomenon, particularly in female. Hence it requires proper detection and documentation prior to any thyroid surgery, so that iatrogenic catastrophies can be avoided.
The Impact of Electronic Financial Payments on Crime

In this paper, we test the hypothesis that access to electronic payments may reduce crime. Our results suggest that there is a negative and significant statistical relationship between access to electronic payments and the incidence of economic crimes such as robbery and burglary, while electronic transactions do little to reduce the incidence of non-economic crimes such as homicide and rape. This paper provides evidence that policies and technologies that enable the proliferation of cashless transactions have the desired impact of deterring crime.
Patients' experiences of negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of wounds: a review.

OBJECTIVE To review the research on patients' experiences of undergoing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). METHOD A literature search was carried out using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed and PsyARTICLES. The search covered the period from 2001 to 2012, using the key words: ['negative pressure wound therapy' OR 'vacuum-assisted closure' OR 'topical negative therapy'] AND ['patients' experiences' OR 'psychological' OR 'stress' OR 'anxiety' OR 'wellbeing' OR 'pain' OR 'quality of life' OR 'physical']. RESULTS Twenty-five relevant articles were included. NPWT is generally considered to be successful in reducing wound depth and facilitating healing. However, studies have highlighted a number of issues that need to be considered. For example, the type of dressing used during treatment can have a significant effect on patients' experience of pain. Furthermore, the NPWT system can cause patients to feel anxious due to both the patient and the health professional being unfamiliar with this form of treatment. It can also restrict patients' daily care and wider social life, which may result in a negative self-image and low self-esteem. Despite this, some studies have reported positive improvements to patients' quality of life. Additionally, since NPWT can lead to faster healing, any detrimental impact upon patients' wellbeing may be short-term and less prolonged than that of other treatments. CONCLUSION Compared with other treatments, there is evidence to show that NPWT can lead to faster wound healing, and a reduced frequency of dressing changes and other treatments. However, there are a number of challenges with the use of NPWT, which need to be explored further so that improvements can be made. Specifically, certain aspects of NPWT may impact negatively on patients' wellbeing, albeit short-term. Therefore, research needs to explore patients' experience of NPWT throughout the treatment process and to consider how this can be improved to minimise any negative effects.
Population Structure of Multi- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains in South Africa

ABSTRACT Genotyping of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from tuberculosis (TB) patients in four South African provinces (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng) revealed a distinct population structure of the MDR strains in all four regions, despite the evidence of substantial human migration between these settings. In all analyzed provinces, a negative correlation between strain diversity and an increasing level of drug resistance (from MDR-TB to extensively drug-resistant TB [XDR-TB]) was observed. Strains predominating in XDR-TB in the Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces were strongly associated with harboring an inhA promoter mutation, potentially suggesting a role of these mutations in XDR-TB development in South Africa. Approximately 50% of XDR-TB cases detected in the Western Cape were due to strains probably originating from the Eastern Cape. This situation may illustrate how failure of efficient health care delivery in one setting can burden health clinics in other areas.
A phenomenological study on decision making under uncertainty in real estate investments in Subsaharan Africa - a critical review of literature

Decision making under uncertainty can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century as defined by Von Neumann and Morgenstein in what was termed expected utility theory. Kahneman and Tversky reinvented decision making theories and introduced prospect theory. They later introduced cumulative prospect theory which has been the central theory for studies and research in decision making under uncertainty. Kahneman and Tversky introduced psychological approaches to decision making and introduced the concept of value function and weighting function. Other important scholars include Cohen who focused on the psychological aspects of decision making. Several other authors have completed research in behavioral aspects of decision making including Slovic, Nocetti, Shefrin and Statman. The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of the literature published on decision making under uncertainty, understand the gap and knowledge, and to develop new knowledge in decision making under uncertainty for real estate investment decisions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The relevance of the literature to the doctorate research was established through the extensive discussion section of the paper.
Developmental Commentary: Ecological Perspectives on Parental Influences During Adolescence

Adolescence is marked by change and renegotiation in almost every arena—biological, social, and cognitive development; identity development; changes in peer relations and friendships; a renegotiation of family relationships, especially the parent–adolescent relationship; and school transitions. Further, for African Americans, adolescence is also marked by the exploration of ethnic or racial identity, which is shaped by parents' ethnic socialization and interactions with an increasingly diverse peer group. This article provides a developmental, cultural, and contextual framework for understanding changes in parenting and parental influences vis-à-vis peers. The normative developmental changes in adolescent outcomes, parenting, and parent–adolescent relationships are discussed as they are shaped by neighborhood characteristics, family-level socioeconomic status, and ethnicity and are related to mental health and developmental outcomes across late childhood through adolescence.
Development of Perceived School Counselor Support Scale: Based on the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors

This study presents a culturally and psychometrically sound instrument of perceived school counselor support among Turkish high school students. The study has been framed using American School Counseling Association’s Mindsets and Behaviors for Students Success Model to create a valuable instrument that measures students’ perceptions of their school counselors’ support in a different culture, society, and education system. The results of this study supported the theoretical based Perceived School Counselor Support Scale long and short forms providing initial and strong evidence based on internal structure and relations to other variables. Internal consistency estimates on subscales ranged from good to strong.
Insulin as a mediator of hepatic glucose uptake in the conscious dog.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a physiological increment in plasma insulin could promote substantial hepatic glucose uptake in response to hyperglycemia brought about by intravenous glucose infusion in the conscious dog. To accomplish this, the plasma glucose level was doubled by glucose infusion into 36-h fasted dogs maintained on somatostatin, basal glucagon, and basal or elevated intraportal insulin infusions. In the group with basal glucagon levels and modest hyperinsulinemia (33 +/- 2 micro U/ml), the acute induction of hyperglycemia (mean increment of 120 mg/dl) caused marked net hepatic glucose uptake (3.7 +/- 0.5 mg . kg-1 . min-1). In contrast, similar hyperglycemia brought about in the presence of basal glucagon and basal insulin levels described net hepatic glucose output in 56%, but did not cause net hepatic glucose uptake. The length of fast was not crucial to the response because similar signals (insulin, 38 +/- 6 micro U/ml; glucose increment, 127 mg/dl) promoted identical net hepatic glucose uptake (3.8 +/- 0.6 mg . kg-1 . min-1) in dogs fasted for only 16 h. In conclusion, in the conscious dog, a) physiologic increments in plasma insulin have a marked effect on the ability of hyperglycemia to stimulate net hepatic glucose uptake, and b) it is not necessary to administer glucose orally to promote substantial net hepatic glucose uptake.
Adolescents Antisocial Behavior and Their Academic Performance: The Case of High Schools in Jimma Town

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between antisocial behavior and academic achievement of high school students in Jimma town. Participants were 524 students 14-19 years old from government and private secondary schools. Cross sectional research designed was employed. Primary and secondary data were sources of this study. Results indicate that academic achievement was negatively associated with antisocial behavior. The result also shows that there is no significant difference between government and private schools in correlation of academic performance and antisocial behavior.The result also showed that there is a significant difference between male and female students’ academic achievement and antisocial behavior engagement, which is strong in male participants than female participants. To conclude the result showed there is a significant negative correlation between academic achievement and antisocial behavior. Therefore, the researchers recommends further studies to be conducted in the area, teachers also have to implement behavioral monitoring and modification strategies in secondary schools to minimize behavioral problem among students. Teachers, parents and other parties work together for better improvement of students’ academic and behavioral improvement.
Motor projections to the basis pontis in rhesus monkey

Motor corticopontine studies suggest that the pons is topographically organized, but details remain unresolved. We used physiological mapping in rhesus monkey to define subregions in precentral motor cortex (M1), injected isotope tracers into M1 and the supplementary motor area (SMA), and studied projections to the basis pontis. Labeled fibers descend in the internal capsule (SMA in anterior limb and genu; M1 in posterior limb) and traverse the midsection of the cerebral peduncle, where SMA fibers are medial, and face, arm, and leg fibers are progressively lateral. Each motor region has unique terminations in the ipsilateral basis pontis and nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis. Projections are topographically organized, preferentially in the caudal half of the pons, situated in close proximity to traversing corticofugal fibers. In nuclei that receive multiple inputs, terminations appear to interdigitate. Projections from the SMA‐face region are most medial and include the median pontine nucleus. M1‐face projections are also medial but are lateral to those from SMA‐face. Hand projections are in medially placed curved lamellae in mid‐ and caudal pons. Dorsal trunk projections are in medial and ventral locations. Ventral trunk/hip projections encircle the peduncle in the caudal pons. Foot projections are heaviest caudally in laterally placed, curved lamellae. These results have relevance for anatomical clinical correlations in the human basis pontis. Furthermore, the dichotomy of motor‐predominant caudal pons projections to cerebellar anterior lobe, contrasted with associative‐predominant rostral pons projections to cerebellar posterior lobe, is consistent with new hypotheses regarding the cerebellar contribution to motor activity and cognitive processing. J. Comp. Neurol. 478:248–268, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative Laws in Metabolism and Growth

INTRODUCTION T _ HE work reviewed in this paper is aimed at establishing connections between two fundamental aspects of living organisms, their metabolism and growth. What we call growth of even a simple organism is a tremendously complex phenomenon from the biochemical, physiological, cytological, and morphological viewpoints. There are, however, certain aspects that are amenable to quantitative analysis, and such an approach appears to lead to some insight into the connections between metabolism and growth, and to some answer to the seemingly trivial, but in fact hardly explored question, "Why does an organism grow at all, and why, after a certain time, does its growth come to a stop? "
Rational Inefficient Compromises in Negotiation 1

Korhonen, Phillips, Teich and Wallenius (1998), in their letter to the Editor, observe with some dismay that people are often not willing to improve the compromises they have achieved through negotiations and provide some possible explanations and remedies. In this note we attempt to address several of the concerns raised in the letter and point the reader to relevant literature. Acceptance of inefficient compromises has been researched from different perspectives, as we note in section 2, and we suggest that several possible explanations already exist. Some of them are presented in Sections 3 and 4. The type of the experiment that has been used may also provide some insights as indicated in Section 5. Implications for decision and negotiation support are briefly discussed in Section 6 and a brief conclusion in Section 7.
Predictors of Enrollees' Satisfaction With a County-Sponsored Indigent Health Care Plan

This article summarizes the findings from a study examining the predictors of satisfaction among individuals enrolled in a county-sponsored indigent health care plan. Mail survey procedures were used to obtain information from enrollees regarding their satisfaction with the health care plan, as well as enrollees' demo-graphics, health care status, and trust in their providers. Results of a stepwise regression model developed using a random half of the respondents revealed enrollees' trust in health care providers was the strongest predictor of general satisfaction, followed by perception of change in health status, and age. The model explained 49% of the variance and demonstrated little shrinkage when cross-validated on the remaining half of the respondents. Trust in health care providers, followed by perception of change in health status also emerged as the strongest predictors of enrollees' satisfaction with freedom of choice.
Family Psychosocial Risk Screening in Infants and Older Children in the Acute Pediatric Hospital Setting Using the Psychosocial Assessment Tool.

OBJECTIVE To examine the validity of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) with families of infants (<2 years) and children admitted to hospital with acute life-threatening illnesses. METHODS A total of 235 parents of 177 children admitted to oncology, cardiology, or pediatric intensive care completed the PAT and measures of acute stress, trait anxiety, family functioning, and quality of life, a mean 3.7 weeks following diagnosis. A modified PAT was used for families of infants, rendering two forms, PAT (<2) and PAT (2+). RESULTS Psychometrics for PAT (<2) and PAT (2+) were acceptable. PAT Total and Subscale scores for each version were significantly correlated with validation measures. Internal consistency for PAT subscales was variable. Receiver Operating Characteristics provided some support for PAT cutoffs. PAT scores across illness groups were comparable. CONCLUSIONS This study provides promising support for the PAT as a psychosocial screener for families of infants and older children across illness conditions.
Rapid induction and long-term self-renewal of primitive neural precursors from human embryonic stem cells by small molecule inhibitors

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold enormous promise for regenerative medicine. Typically, hESC-based applications would require their in vitro differentiation into a desirable homogenous cell population. A major challenge of the current hESC differentiation paradigm is the inability to effectively capture and, in the long-term, stably expand primitive lineage-specific stem/precursor cells that retain broad differentiation potential and, more importantly, developmental stage-specific differentiation propensity. Here, we report synergistic inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and Notch signaling pathways by small molecules can efficiently convert monolayer cultured hESCs into homogenous primitive neuroepithelium within 1 wk under chemically defined condition. These primitive neuroepithelia can stably self-renew in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor, GSK3 inhibitor (CHIR99021), and TGF-β receptor inhibitor (SB431542); retain high neurogenic potential and responsiveness to instructive neural patterning cues toward midbrain and hindbrain neuronal subtypes; and exhibit in vivo integration. Our work uniformly captures and maintains primitive neural stem cells from hESCs.
The Effect of Relationship Quality on Justice-Revisit Intention Relationship : A Study of Cross Strait Leisure Farms

No matter how excellent the service delivered, service provider still often makes mistakes in meeting the expectations of today’s guests, who tend to be more demanding and less loyal than ever before. How to prevent service failure and to motivate visitors to revisit a destination has widely discussed. To date, however, fewer studies explored the role of relationship quality (RQ) when they explained how justice (JU) impacted revisit intentions (RI). This study, therefore, tries to address this problem and in order to achieve the study objectives, questionnaire survey method is adopted and instrument is developed based on literature and experts rechecked. Data was collected from cross strait leisure farms and structure equation modeling (SEM) was adopted to analyze the propose model. The findings reveal that JU can lead to the higher RI and RQ also acts a moderator on JU-RI relation. In other words, if farms can establish and maintain a higher RQ with visitors, the relation that higher JU leads to higher RI could be broken. Some more implications were also drawn based on the results.
Evolution of chemical and thermal curvatures in thermoset-laminated composite plates during the fabrication process

Residual deformations and stresses formation in the thermoset-laminated composite is a frequently studied subject in the recent years. During fabrication, the laminated composites undergo chemical deformation during cross-linking and thermal deformation while cooling. In thin laminates, due to large displacements and complex evolution of shape, these deformations can only be explained by using nonlinear strain–displacement relationship. In the present article, we calculated together for the first time, the thermal and chemical deformations occurring in carbon/epoxy laminates by considering a nonlinear geometrical approach to understand the evolution of shape and hence residual stresses induced during fabrication process. The effect of fibre fraction on the chemical and thermal deformations is studied as well.