Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergism of intratracheally administered tumor necrosis factor with interleukin-1 in the induction of lung edema in rats.

Intratracheal (IT) instillation of human recombinant interleukin 1 (IL-1) in rats induces an influx of neutrophils into alveolar structures and a dose-dependent increase in lung vascular permeability. We sought to determine whether increased alveolar concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) enhanced lung injury induced by intrapulmonary administration of low-dose IL-1. Rats were divided into five groups and treated with IT instillation of saline (0.1 ml) containing (1) no additional compound (controls), (2) human recombinant IL-1 (10 ng), (3) human recombinant TNF (2 micrograms), (4) IL-1 + TNF (10 ng + 2 micrograms), or (5) lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 micrograms). At 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours after treatment, we counted neutrophils recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), assessed TNF activity in BAL fluid, and measured lung wet:dry weight ratio. At 3 and 6 hours after treatment, we measured levels of the lipid peroxide derivative malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung homogenates. IT instillation of LPS, IL-1, or IL-1 + TNF rapidly increased BAL neutrophil recovery, whereas recovery was not increased by TNF alone. TNF activity in BAL fluid was markedly increased by LPS, TNF, and IL-1 + TNF, with a smaller increase induced by IL-1. Instillation of TNF or IL-1 alone at these doses did not increase the lung wet:dry ratio. IT administration of LPS increased the wet:dry ratio at 6 hours only (p < 0.05), whereas IL-1 + TNF increased this ratio beginning 3 hours (p < 0.01) after treatment with persistent increases through 48 hours (p < 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Startle Potentiation to Uncertain Threat as a Psychophysiological Indicator of Fear-Based Psychopathology: An Examination Across Multiple Internalizing Disorders

Heightened reactivity to uncertain threat (U-threat) is an important individual difference factor that may characterize fear-based internalizing psychopathologies (IPs) and distinguish them from distress/misery IPs. To date, however, the majority of existing research examining reactivity to U-threat has been within individuals with panic disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) and no prior study has directly tested this hypothesis across multiple IPs. The current study therefore explored whether heightened reactivity to U-threat is a psychophysiological indicator of fear-based psychopathology across 5 groups: current (a) social anxiety disorder (SAD); (b) specific phobia (SP); (c) generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); (d) MDD; and (c) individuals with no history of psychopathology (controls). All 160 adults completed a well-validated threat-of-shock task designed to probe responses to predictable (P-) and U-threat. Startle eyeblink potentiation was recorded as an index of aversive arousal. Results indicated that individuals with SAD and SP evidenced greater startle potentiation to U-threat, but not P-threat, relative to individuals with GAD, MDD, and controls (who did not differ). The current findings, along with the prior panic disorder and MDD literature, suggest that heightened reactivity to U-threat is a psychophysiological indicator of fear-based disorders and could represent a neurobiological organizing principle for internalizing psychopathology. The findings also suggest that individuals with fear disorders generally display a hypersensitivity to uncertain aversive events, which could contribute to their psychopathology.
Characteristics of NK Cell Migration Early after Vaccinia Infection1

NK cells are critical components in innate immunity, yet little is known about their migration and proliferation during infection. In this report we study the early NK response toward vaccinia. We observed NK migration into the infected peritoneum as early as 6 h after vaccinia inoculation. Interestingly, although NK trafficking to the infected peritoneum depended on Gαi protein-coupled receptors, trafficking to other tissues (including lung, liver, spleen, and bone marrow) did not. We found that despite a dramatic increase in NK numbers at the primary site of infection, their in situ proliferation was low compared with that at other tissue locations. These features are similar to those found for Ag-experienced T cells, suggesting similar patterns of trafficking and proliferation for these lymphocyte subsets.
Heterogeneity of myofibrillar proteins in lobster fast and slow muscles: variants of troponin, paramyosin, and myosin light chains comprise four distinct protein assemblages.

Fast and slow muscles from the claws and abdomen of the American lobster Homarus americanus were examined for adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity and for differences in myofibrillar proteins. Both myosin and actomyosin ATPase were correlated with fiber composition and contractile speed. Four distinct patterns of myofibrillar proteins observed in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels were distinguished by different assemblages of regulatory and contractile protein variants. A total of three species of troponin-T, five species of troponin-I, and three species of troponin-C were observed. Lobster myosins contained two groups of light chains (LC), termed "alpha" and "beta. " There were three alpha-LC variants and two beta-LC variants. There were no apparent differences in myosin heavy chain, actin, and tropomyosin. Only paramyosin showed a pattern completely consistent with muscle fiber type: slow fibers contained a species (105 kD) slightly smaller than the principle variant (110 kD) in fast fibers. It is proposed that the type of paramyosin present could provide a biochemical marker to identify the fiber composition of muscles that have not been fully characterized. The diversity of troponin and myosin LC variants suggests that subtle differences in physiological performance exist within the broader categories of fast- and slow-twitch muscles.
Trade-Time Measures of Liquidity

Traditional measures of stock liquidity have become noisier following dramatic changes in liquidity provision post decimalization. We develop stock-specific liquidity measures that control for short-term variations in liquidity supply and trading activity. Our trade-time based measures capture per-dollar price impacts of fixed-dollar positions. Our measures outperform standard measures including bid-ask spreads, effective spreads, estimates of Kyle's λ, and Amihud's (2002) measure, especially in recent years. Post-decimalization, expected trading costs still explain the cross-section of expected returns for NYSE-listed stocks: we obtain monthly liquidity premium estimates of 5.3bp for expected returns and 2.4bp for risk-adjusted returns. Moreover, estimated liquidity premia rise after the implementation of Reg-NMS.
Reviewing corporate social responsibility communication: a legitimacy perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer the call for CSR communication research to develop and substantiate outcomes that may better explain CSR communication strategies and practices. The paper takes the research a step further, exploring the role of legitimacy in CSR communication research. Design/methodology/approach A literature collection methodology, combined with directed content analysis, was used to identify central themes in the literature. Findings The following categories of studies were identified: perception, impact and promotion studies; image and reputation studies; performance studies; and conceptual/rhetorical studies. Addressed from a legitimacy perspective, the study found that the most important types of legitimizing communicative practices articulated in the four types of studies were related to: seeking knowledge about stakeholders through perception, impact and promotion activities; monitoring and controlling the environment through image and reputation activities; creating stakeholder value through collaboration and engagement; and persuading and convincing stakeholders through rhetorics, CSR models and concepts. The study also found that practices and activities related to perceiving stakeholders’ expectations, needs and requirements are assumed to be most effective for corporations aiming at building or maintaining legitimacy. Originality/value The key contribution of the paper lies in exploring how corporate legitimacy is anticipated and extrapolated in the CSR communication literature, including which pinpointed CSR communication strategies and practices are assumed to be more effective than others in bridging stakeholders’ perceptions of corporations’ social and environmental actions. Until date, no reviews exist of the role of legitimacy in CSR communication research.
Detection of mutations in JAK2 exons 12–15 by Sanger sequencing

The Janus kinase (JAK)2 p.V617F gain‐of‐function mutation is a hallmark of BCR‐ABL1‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). This study analyzed JAK2 mutations in 1811 patients tested between 2010 and 2013.
Discovery of a New Endogenous Type C Retrovirus (FcEV) in Cats: Evidence for RD-114 Being an FcEVGag-Pol/Baboon Endogenous Virus BaEVEnv Recombinant

ABSTRACT Analysis of a cat genomic DNA library showed that cats harbor a previously unrecognized endogenous type C retrovirus, whoseenv gene has homology to the murine Fv-4resistance gene. This unique retrovirus, designated FcEV (Felis catus endogenous retrovirus), has a type C pol gene, closely related to the primate Papio cynocephalusendogenous virus (PcEV) pol, not overlapping theenv gene, unlike in other type C retroviruses, and is presumably present in a higher copy number than RD-114. Phylogenetic analysis of FcEV and RD-114 fragments amplified from cat species and comparison with baboon endogenous virus (BaEV) fragments from monkeys suggested that RD-114 does not represent the cat strain of BaEV but is actually a new recombinant between FcEV type C genes and theenv gene of BaEV. Although BaEV did appear to have infected an ancestor of the domestic cat lineage, it was a de novo recombinant that made its way into the cat germ line.
Dairy Products, Calcium Intake, and Risk of Prostate Cancer in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial

Higher intakes of calcium and dairy products, a major source of dietary calcium, are reported to increase the risk of prostate cancer, potentially due to reductions in circulating vitamin D with increasing calcium intake. We prospectively examined the association of dairy product and calcium intake with prostate cancer risk in 29,509 men, including 1,910 cases, in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. We also evaluated the relation of calcium intake with serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], in a Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Trial substudy (n = 275). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Baseline serum 1,25(OH)2D was determined by RIA. Greater intake of dairy products, particularly low-fat dairy products, was weakly associated with increased risk of prostate cancer [relative risk (RR), 1.12; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.97-1.30; P trend = 0.06 for >2.75 versus ≤0.98 servings of total dairy/day; 1.23 (1.07-1.41) for low-fat dairy]. Greater dietary calcium intake was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.93-1.94; P trend = 0.02 for >2,000 versus <1,000 mg/day), but greater supplementary calcium intake was not associated with the risk. Associations of dairy product and dietary calcium intake were evident for nonaggressive disease (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.99-1.46; P trend = 0.01 for dairy products; 1.64, 1.04-2.57; P trend = 0.002 for dietary calcium), but not aggressive disease (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.81-1.28 for dairy products; 0.94, 0.49-1.80 for dietary calcium). Calcium intake was not associated with serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and 1,25(OH)2D concentration. In this large prospective study in a prostate cancer screening trial, greater dietary intake of calcium and dairy products, particularly low-fat types, may be modestly associated with increased risks for nonaggressive prostate cancer, but was unrelated to aggressive disease. Furthermore, we found no relationship between calcium intake and circulating vitamin D. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2623–30)
Beyond Gender: Proximity to Interpersonal Trauma in Examining Differences in Believing Child Abuse Disclosures

Survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) often delay disclosing or do not disclose the abuse for fear of not being believed. Studies document that women believe CSA disclosures more often than do men. Little research has examined theoretical underpinnings for gender differences in believing. However, 1 theory suggests that women may be more empathetic to disclosures because interpersonal trauma (IPT) is proximal to their lives. The present study aimed to extend understanding of how proximity to IPT may shape views of others’ experiences of IPT. This study examined whether proximity to IPT (i.e., knowing a close other who had experienced IPT) rather than personal experience would better account for the robust gender differences typically found in believing disclosures. College students (N = 279) completed self-report measures about their personal trauma history and responded to questions regarding knowledge of close others’ trauma histories. Participants read a vignette of an adult female disclosing CSA and rated the disclosure for believability. Results indicate that exposure to IPT increased believing, whereas gender did not. These results suggest that one’s proximity to IPT may be an alternative explanation for influence on believing CSA rather than gender alone.
Chapter 10 The Fall and Rise of Inequality: Disaggregating Narratives

Abstract In this chapter, I attempt to extend insights regarding statistical aggregates from scholars, such as Hayek (1931) and Mises (1947), to the topic of inequality. Using the work of Lindert and Williamson (2016), I show that a disaggregation of inequality into some of its many subcomponents alters our reading of its evolution. While I only work with stylized facts from the field of economic history, and the authors argues that the promising implications derived from disaggregation militate in favor of more effort being directed toward decomposing the evolution of inequality.
Requirements for interleukin-4-induced gene expression and functional characterization of Stat6

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) stimulation leads to the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6). In this study, we present data relating to the functional properties of Stat6. Human embryonic kidney 293 cells were shown to be deficient of Stat6 yet express all other components of the IL-4 signaling cascade. This cell line was used for transient-transfection studies of wild-type and mutant Stat6 proteins. The wild-type protein was shown to activate a reporter construct carrying multiple copies of the IL-4 response element derived from the human immunoglobulin heavy-chain germ line epsilon promoter. Similarly, a truncated protein lacking 41 amino acids of the N terminus was fully active. However, removal of the C-terminal 186 amino acids completely abolished transcription activation. Amino acid substitutions were introduced into the putative DNA binding domain (VVI at positions 411 to 413), the SH2 domain (R-562), or the tyrosine (Y-641) which presumably becomes phosphorylated upon activation. All three of these Stat6 mutants were unable to activate transcription in 293 cells. Wild-type and mutant Stat6 derivatives were also expressed in insect cells, and purified proteins were analyzed in vitro for the ability to interact with both DNA and tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides derived from the IL-4 receptor alpha chain. Mutations within the DNA binding domain, the SH2 domain, or tyrosine 641 completely abolished DNA binding. In contrast, only the SH2 mutant failed to interact with tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides. The transdominant effects of all Stat6 derivatives were analyzed by using HepG2 cells, which express endogenous Stat6 protein. Differential effects were observed with various mutants, supporting the current model of the Jak/STAT activation cycle.
The Best Breakfast in Town: A Comprehensive Research Methods Project

ABSTRACT When instructors are first tasked with teaching the research methods course for their department, a common reaction is frustration and panic. Although all political scientists are trained in research methods, few besides methodologists view it as their primary or strongest area of expertise, and they are aware that the course rarely returns high teaching evaluations (Fletcher and Painter-Main 2014). Likewise, students approach their required research methods course with extreme anxiety, viewing it as the math class they were trying to avoid by majoring in political science (Bernstein and Allen 2013; Coleman and Conrad 2007). With instructors unhappily teaching the class and students dreading taking it, there is a “perfect storm” of attitudes and beliefs that is hardly likely to lead to a productive learning environment. The challenge driving this article is how to teach research methods in a rigorous, engaging way that promotes student learning without tanking scores on teaching evaluations.
Bispectral Index-Monitored Anesthesia Technique for Transsternal Thymectomy

To evaluate the role of bispectral index monitoring as an adjunct to balanced anesthesia in patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing transsternal thymectomy without the use of neuromuscular blocking agents, 10 patients were enrolled into this prospective observational study. After oral midazolam premedication, general anesthesia was induced with fentanyl, propofol, and sevoflurane. Tracheal intubation was performed without neuromuscular blocking agents. During maintenance, continuous monitoring of physiological and bispectral index parameters was used to titrate the doses of remifentanil, propofol, and sevoflurane. Sevoflurane concentration and propofol doses were adjusted to achieve bispectral index values in the high 30s to low 40 s. Propofol was discontinued when the sternum was approximated. Remifentanil infusion was stopped on subcutaneous tissue closure, and sevoflurane was switched off when nearing completion of skin closure. Tracheal extubation was performed when extubation criteria were met. On extubation, bispectral index levels were above 90. The median time from extubation to discontinuation of propofol was 28 ± 4 min, that of remifentanil was 21 ± 4 min, and it was 9 ± 5 min for sevoflurane. Bispectral index monitoring provided excellent hemodynamic control during surgery, and allowed early problem-free tracheal extubation.
Carbon sequestration and yield performances of Miscanthus × giganteus and Miscanthus sinensis

Abstract The demand for renewable energy resources, such as Miscanthus spp. , has increased significantly in temperate regions. Miscanthus spp. has the potential to mitigate GHG emissions by replacing fossil fuels and sequestering carbon in soil. However, the biomass yield and C sequestration performance of Miscanthus spp. varies by climate, soil type, management practices, and land-use history. Therefore, there is a need for site-specific research on biomass yield and C sequestration of Miscanthus × giganteus (M × g). An alternative to M × g is the seed-propagated Miscanthus sinensis which could be another option as a bioenergy crop. The objective of this study was to assess the C sequestration rates and biomass yield performance of these two Miscanthus spp. The C sequestration rates were measured in side-by-side comparison plots using the 13C natural abundance technique. The results revealed C sequestration rates of M × g and M. sinensis were 1.96 ± 0.82 and 0.99 ± 0.21 Mg C ha−1 year−1 over 6 years. The average biomass yields of M × g and M. sinensis from 2010 to 2015 were 25.6 ± 0.2 and 31.2 ± 0.5 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively. It can be concluded that M. sinensis has a higher yield while M × g has a higher potential for immediate C sequestration in cool regions such as Northern Japan.
The Human Amygdala: An Evolved System for Relevance Detection

Evidence from pioneering animal research has suggested that the amygdala is involved in the processing of aversive stimuli, particularly fear-related information. Fear is central in the evolution of the mammalian brain: it is automatically and rapidly elicited by potentially dangerous and deadly events. The view that the amygdala shares the main characteristics of modular systems, e.g. domain specificity, automaticity, and cognitive impenetrability, has become popular in neuroscience. Because of its computational properties, it has been proposed to implement a rapid-response 'fear module'. In this article, we review recent patient and neuroimaging data of the human brain and argue that the fundamental criteria for the amygdala to be a modular system are not met. We propose a different computational view and suggest the notion of a specific involvement of the human amygdala in the appraisal of relevant events that include, but are not restricted to, fear-related stimuli. Considering the amygdala as a 'relevance detector' would integrate the 'fear module' hypothesis with the concept of an evolved neural system devoted to the processing of a broader category of biologically relevant stimuli. In primates, socially relevant events appear to have become, through evolution, the dominant elements of the amygdala's domain of specificity.
The validity and reliability of diagnoses of work-related mental ill-health

Objectives: To establish the reliability and validity of work-related mental ill-health diagnoses. Background: A UK-based surveillance scheme for work-related ill-health involving occupational physicians (OPs) reporting suggests that mental ill-health incidence is increasing by around 13% per year, with anxiety, depression and “other work-related stress” being the most common diagnoses. There have been no studies of the validity and reliability of such diagnoses. Given the existence of a large network of psychiatrists (PSYs) also involved in surveillance of work-related ill-health, an opportunity arose to measure the concurrent validity and reliability of work-related mental ill-health diagnoses. Methods: 100 anonymised summaries of cases previously reported by OPs or PSYs were collected; each was sent to 5 PSYs and 5 OPs, who assigned a diagnosis and judged whether the case was work-related. Concurrent validity of the ill-health aspect of the diagnoses, and of the opinion as to work-relatedness, was assessed by comparing the overall classifications of cases by OPs and PSYs. Reliability of the diagnostic classification was measured by kappa matrices. Results: Diagnostic proportions for PSYs and OPs demonstrated good agreement for anxiety, depression, anxiety plus depression and “stress” (11%, 34%, 27%, 14%) and (14%, 30%, 27%, 17%), respectively. In both groups, kappa coefficients were high for a psychotic diagnosis (0.78, 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.83), but not as high for anxiety (0.27, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.32), depression (0.34, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.38) and “stress” (0.15, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.19). The odds ratio of classifying a case as work-related among PSYs compared to OPs was 2.39 (95% CI: 1.68 to 3.38), p<0.001. Conclusions: The overall agreement between OPs and PSYs on mental ill-health diagnoses suggests that OP diagnoses are valid for epidemiological purposes. However, the within-group reliability of the diagnosis “stress” is low. Given differences in judgements about work-relatedness, further research is needed to investigate this aspect of a diagnosis.