Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micellar stabilized single-walled carbon nanotubes for a pH-sensitive delivery of doxorubicin

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are among the promising nano-devices for delivery of therapeutic agents. Yet the drastic hydrophobic natures of SWNTs make their handling and hence application difficult. Several researches have been conducted to make them more hydrophilic and water dispersible and less toxic. Among the different approaches, dispersion methods exploit different reagents such as surfactants and block copolymers. The question is whether these so called dispersed SWNTs are stable enough and suitable for biomedical applications. Herein we aimed to functionalize SWNT surface by dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (PL-PEG) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) micelles and compare their efficacy in SWNT stabilization for biomedical application such as delivery of doxorubicin. Shortening and water dispersion of SWNTs were carried out by ultrasonication in aqueous solutions at different concentrations of SDC or PL-PEG micelle and assessed by UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The stability of SWNT dispersions were assessed over the time and in the presence of salt by macroscopic observation and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. Doxorubicin loading and release were carried out under different pH conditions. SWNT dispersions were stable in water for at least several weeks at room temperature, but SDC prepared dispersions were prone to agglomeration in the presence of salt and doxorubicin. The critical PL-PEG concentration for stability in physiologic conditions was about 5 times its critical micelle concentration. Doxorubicin loading was pH dependent and its release was triggered in acidic condition of tumor medium.
An LFA-1 (αLβ2) Small-Molecule Antagonist Reduces Inflammation and Joint Destruction in Murine Models of Arthritis

LFA-1 appears to play a central role in normal immune responses to foreign Ags. In autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, there is increased expression of LFA-1 and/or its counterligand, ICAM-1. Others have demonstrated that the targeted disruption of LFA-1:ICAM interactions, either by gene deletion or Ab treatment in mice, results in reduced leukocyte trafficking, inflammatory responses, and inhibition of inflammatory arthritis in the K/BxN serum transfer model. However, there has been little success in finding a small-molecule LFA-1 antagonist that can similarly impact rodent models of arthritis. In this paper, we present the first reported example of an LFA-1 small-molecule antagonist, BMS-587101, that is efficacious in preclinical disease models. In vitro, BMS-587101 inhibited LFA-1–mediated adhesion of T cells to endothelial cells, T cell proliferation, and Th1 cytokine production. Because BMS-587101 exhibits in vitro potency, cross-reactivity, and oral bioavailability in rodents, we evaluated the impact of oral administration of this compound in two different models of arthritis: Ab-induced arthritis and collagen-induced arthritis. Significant impact of BMS-587101 on clinical score in both models was observed, with inhibition comparable or better than anti-mouse LFA-1 Ab. In addition, BMS-587101 significantly reduced cytokine mRNA levels in the joints of Ab-induced arthritis animals as compared with those receiving vehicle alone. In paws taken from the collagen-induced arthritis study, the bones of vehicle-treated mice had extensive inflammation and bone destruction, whereas treatment with BMS-587101 resulted in marked protection. These findings support the potential use of an LFA-1 small-molecule antagonist in rheumatoid arthritis, with the capacity for disease modification.
Relationship of secretion of GnRH in vitro to changes in pituitary concentrations of LH and FSH and serum concentrations of LH during lactation in sows.

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine whether release of GnRH in vitro was related to concentrations of LH and FSH in serum and pituitaries and to oestradiol in serum of sows at mid- or late lactation, and (2) to determine whether weaning at mid-lactation changes concentrations of these hormones from values expected at mid-lactation to values expected at late lactation. Multiparous crossbred sows were killed on day 14 (n = 5) or day 28 (n = 5) of lactation or on day 14 post partum after litters had been weaned on day 10 (n = 5). Blood samples were taken every 6 h for 4 days before sows were killed, and the preoptic suprachiasmatic area, medial basal hypothalamus, stalk median eminence, anterior pituitary and ovaries were collected at slaughter. Sows killed on day 14 after having their litters weaned on day 10 had more (P < 0.01) preovulatory follicles (> 6 mm in diameter) than lactating sows killed on day 14 or 28 (7.0 +/- 1.2 versus 0.2 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.8, respectively). Concentrations of LH, FSH and oestradiol in serum during 90 h before slaughter were greater (P < 0.05) in weaned sows and lactating sows killed on day 28 than in lactating sows killed on day 14 (LH: 0.72 +/- 0.3 and 0.68 +/- 0.3 versus 0.45 +/- 0.2 ng ml-1; FSH: 39.3 +/- 2.7 and 57.3 +/- 4.0 versus 28.8 +/- 1.6 ng ml-1; oestradiol: 10.9 +/- 1.6 and 5.6 +/- 0.7 versus 2.7 +/- 0.2 pg ml-1, respectively). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Is Board Gender Diversity Linked to Financial Performance? The Mediating Mechanism of CSR

The evidence for a positive, direct link between the representation of women on boards of directors and financial performance is tenuous. Given the importance of the gender diversity–financial performance debate, researchers are left to examine how, if at all, the two are linked. The present study takes the position that the link is indirect. Specifically, following stakeholder theory, an argument is made that women on boards’ attunement to stakeholder interests leads them to influence firms’ prosocial actions, which results in higher levels of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In turn, following the extant literature, CSR is expected to be positively linked to financial performance. Relying on a sample of Australia’s largest publicly traded firms, the results demonstrate that women on boards are linked to CSR and that CSR is linked to financial performance. However, in the mediation test, CSR appears to fully mediate the link between women on boards and financial performance. The results are discussed along with limitations and future research directions.
Pulsed EPR structure analysis of photosystem I single crystals: localization of the phylloquinone acceptor.

A novel application of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is reported to gain three dimensional structural information on cofactors in proteins. The method is applied here to determine the unknown position of the electron acceptor QK, a phylloquinone (vitamin K1), in the electron transfer chain in photosystem I of oxygenic photosynthesis. The unusual electron spin echo (out-of-phase echo) observed for the light induced radical pair P700. +QK. - in PS I allows the measurement of the dipolar coupling between the two radical pair spins which yields directly the distance between these two radicals. Full advantage of the information in the out-of-phase echo modulation can be taken if measurements using single crystals are performed. With such samples, the orientation of the principal axis of the dipolar interaction, i.e., the axis connecting P700. +QK. -, can be determined with respect to the crystal axes system. An angle of theta = (27 +/- 5)degrees between the dipolar coupling axis and the crystallographic c-axis has been derived from the modulation of the out-of-phase echo. Furthermore, the projection of the dipolar axis into the crystallographic a,b-plane, is found to be parallel to the a-axis. The results allow for the determination of two possible locations of QK within the electron transfer chain of photosystem I. These two positions are related to each other by the pseudo C2 symmetry of the chlorophyll cofactors.
Divergent Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Related Remodeling Responses in Heart Failure: Role of Nuclear Factor-&kgr;B and Inflammatory Activation

Background— Although preclinical data suggested that tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF) neutralization in heart failure (HF) would be beneficial, clinical trials of TNF antagonists were paradoxically negative. We hypothesized that TNF induces opposing inflammatory and remodeling responses in HF that are TNF-receptor (TNFR) specific. Methods and Results— HF was induced in wild-type (WT), TNFR1−/−, and TNFR2−/− mice via coronary ligation. Compared with WT HF, 4-week postinfarction survival was significantly improved in both TNFR1−/− and TNFR2−/− HF. Compared with sham, WT HF hearts exhibited significant remodeling with robust activation of nuclear factor (NF)-&kgr;B, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and JNK2 and upregulation of TNF, interleukin (IL)-1&bgr;, IL-6, and IL-10. Compared with WT HF, TNFR1−/− HF exhibited (1) improved remodeling, hypertrophy, and contractile function; (2) less apoptosis; and (3) diminished NF-&kgr;B, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and JNK2 activation and cytokine expression. In contrast, TNFR2−/− HF showed exaggerated remodeling and hypertrophy, increased border zone fibrosis, augmented NF-&kgr;B and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, higher IL-1&bgr; and IL-6 gene expression, greater activated macrophages, and greater apoptosis. Oxidative stress and diastolic function were improved in both TNFR1−/−and TNFR2−/− HF. In H9c2 cardiomyocytes, sustained NF-&kgr;B activation was proapoptotic, an effect dependent on TNFR1 signaling, whereas TNFR2 overexpression attenuated TNF-induced NF-&kgr;B activation. Conclusions— TNFR1 and TNFR2 have disparate and opposing effects on remodeling, hypertrophy, NF-&kgr;B, inflammation, and apoptosis in HF: TNFR1 exacerbates, whereas TNFR2 ameliorates, these events. However, signaling through both receptors is required to induce diastolic dysfunction and oxidative stress. TNFR-specific effects in HF should be considered when therapeutic anti-TNF strategies are developed.
Communication Studies

A major or minor in Communication Studies prepares students with the communication knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their relationships and communities, as well as careers in a multitude of contexts, such as advocacy, business, education, and healthcare. Through coursework and collaboration with faculty, peers, and the communities around them, students learn to find their voice, take risks, express their convictions, become transformational leaders, deliberate, and contribute to a more socially just, inclusive, and equitable world. We invite students to explore and re-examine accepted truths about communication in private contexts, as well as from local to international settings. Students gain insight into communication theories and contexts, as well as learn to conduct research using diverse methods of inquiry in order to ask and answer important and innovative questions. As means toward individual, relational, and community well-being, students apply and critically reflect on communication skills, such as advocacy, conflict, debate, dialogue, leadership, persuasion, empathy, and compassion.
Cloning of a Novel Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase, MEKK4, That Selectively Regulates the c-Jun Amino Terminal Kinase Pathway*

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are components of sequential kinase cascades that are activated in response to a variety of extracellular signals. Members of the MAPK family include the extracellular response kinases (ERKs or p42/44MAPK), the c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNKs), and the p38/Hog 1 protein kinases. MAPKs are phosphorylated and activated by MAPK kinases (MKKs or MEKs), which in turn are phosphorylated and activated by MKK/MEK kinases (Raf and MKKK/MEKKs). We have isolated two cDNAs encoding splice variants of a novel MEK kinase, MEKK4. The MEKK4 mRNA is widely expressed in mouse tissues and encodes for a protein of approximately 180 kDa. The MEKK4 carboxyl-terminal catalytic domain is approximately 55% homologous to the catalytic domains of MEKKs 1, 2, and 3. The amino-terminal region of MEKK4 has little sequence homology to the previously cloned MEKK proteins. MEKK4 specifically activates the JNK pathway but not ERKs or p38, distinguishing it from MEKKs 1, 2 and 3, which are capable of activating the ERK pathway. MEKK4 is localized in a perinuclear, vesicular compartment similar to the Golgi. MEKK4 binds to Cdc42 and Rac; kinase-inactive mutants of MEKK4 block Cdc42/Rac stimulation of the JNK pathway. MEKK4 has a putative pleckstrin homology domain and a proline-rich motif, suggesting specific regulatory functions different from those of the previously characterized MEKKs.
Toward a Tripartite Factor Structure of Mental Health: Subjective Well-Being, Personal Growth, and Religiosity

Abstract According to recent research findings, the domain of psychological well-being may be represented by 2 basic factors: subjective well-being (e.g., happiness, life satisfaction) and personal growth (e.g., self-actualization, a sense of meaningfulness). This study tested the hypothesis that in addition to those 2 factors, a 3rd basic factor is necessary to adequately describe the ways in which people search for well-being. That factor is a type of religiosity that is based on other-centeredness and self-renunciation. A sample of 242 undergraduate and graduate students completed 10 measures of psychological well-being that resulted in 21 scales and subscales. Principal components analyses provided initial support for a tripartite model of psychological well-being. Results also suggested that current measures of personal growth may measure either the autonomy or mature social relationships components of the construct.
Costs of drug treatment in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) has a major socioeconomic impact on society. The chronic, progressive course of the disease, which often leads to severe disability, results in high expenses for the medical resources used for treatment, care, and rehabilitation of patients as well as reduced or lost productivity as a result of illness or premature death. In Great Britain, it has been estimated that the National Health Service spends up to $383 million (1992) annually for the care of PD. This emphasizes the importance of assessing the costs related to this disease. A detailed knowledge of the cost allocation would provide a solid basis on which health care priorities can be rationally set. Next to hospitalization, drug treatment accounts for the highest expense for direct medical costs of PD. Therefore, this analysis focuses on the costs of drug treatment for PD. The cost analysis was based on a retrospective study of 409 patients with PD who were seen over a 1‐year period in our movement disorders clinic. The cost of therapy varied considerably depending on the severity of the condition (assessed in the “off” phase), the incidence of motor fluctuations, and the type of PD. In the early stage of the disease (Hoehn and Yahr stage I [HY I]), mean daily costs for therapy were DM (German marks) 6.60, which increased in later stages of the disease (HYV) to DM 22.00. If rare cases requiring continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion were included, mean daily costs of patients in HY V rose to DM 32.50 (the mean daily costs of subcutaneous apomorphine‐treated patients in HY V: DM 74.30). Patients with motor fluctuations accounted for higher costs (DM 16.50) compared with those without motor fluctuations (DM 7.80). With respect to the three subtypes of PD, the mean daily expenditure was DM 7.00 for the tremor‐dominant type, DM 12.40 for the akinetic‐rigid type, and DM 10.80 for the mixed type. In the group of 409 PD patients included in this analysis, the average daily expenditure for drug treatment totaled DM 10.70 per patient (including patients on subcutaneous apomorphine).
Psychometric properties of presenteeism scales for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of the psychometric evidence relating to presenteeism scales in workers with musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS A structured search was conducted in 3 databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase) for articles published between 1966 and 2010. Sixteen articles met eligibility criteria. Pairs of raters used structured tools to analyse these articles through critical appraisal and data extraction. Descriptive synthesis of the psychometric evidence was then performed. RESULTS Methodological quality ratings of 56% of the studies reviewed reached a level of 75% or higher. Seven presenteeism scales were evaluated. Overall, presenteeism scales demonstrated acceptable validity content, were moderately to highly correlated (r > 0.50) to each other and to work- and disease-oriented constructs, and were able to differentiate between different populations and disability levels (p < 0.05). Limited evidence exists on the reliability and responsiveness of presenteeism scales, as reliability had only been evaluated for two scales and responsiveness in two studies. CONCLUSION None of the identified scales demonstrated satisfactory results for all evaluated psychometric properties. For most scales, data regarding properties such as reliability and responsiveness were insufficient. Therefore, there is no substantial evidence to recommend one questionnaire over the others based solely on psychometric properties.
A Study Of Visual Evoked Potential Changes in Diabetes Mellitus

Recording visual evoked potentials in response to pattern reversal stimuli is a very sensitive test for detecting any abnormality of anterior visual pathways. Peripheral neuropathy occurring in diabetes mellitus is a well-documented and extensively studied entity. In order to assess whether such a process affects the optic nerves also, we studied 25 diabetic patients and 15 age and sexmatched controls. This included both NIDDM and IDDM patients with duration of diabetes less than 15 years. All patients underwent detailed neurological examination and ophthalmological workup to rule out any ophthalmological pathologies which may effect the visual evoked responses. Patients with reduced visual acuity not correctable by glasses and those with diabetic retinopathy were excluded from study. P100 latencies and amplitudes as well as N75 latencies and amplitudes were recorded. The P100 latencies in diabetic patients were significantly prolonged with a mean ± SD of 107.32 ± 4.14 in diabetics and 102.5 ± 3.77 in controls (P value = 0.001). Mean P100 amplitude was 7.64 ± 1.84 in diabetics with a control value of 8.03 ± 1.79 (P > 0.05). N75 latency was 71.50 ± 5.3 in diabetics with a control of 70.4 ± 4.8. The difference was not statistically significant. N75 amplitude in diabetics was 6.5 ± 2.58 with a control of 7.88 ± 3.33 (P < 0.01), denoting a significant reduction of N75 amplitude in diabetics. A positive correlation was documented between glycemic control and prolonged P100 latencies. There was no correlation between presence and absence of peripheral neuropathy and the delay in P100 latencies.
Electrophoretic characterization of soluble protein extracts of Legionella pneumophila and other members of the family Legionellaceae

The soluble peptides of strains of Legionella pneumophila, Tatlockia micdadei, Fluoribacter bozemanae, Fluoribacter dumoffii, and Fluoribacter gormanii were studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Characteristic patterns were seen for Legionella and Tatlockia strains, whereas the patterns for the Fluoribacter strains were variable as would be expected for this genetically heterogeneous group. Grouping by peptide pattern was consistent with proposed taxons based on DNA-DNA homology. By using a new silver stain technique, the sensitivity and ease of pattern recognition were enhanced significantly. This technique is an easily applied general method for distinguishing between strains in epidemiological studies.
Cyclotron Production of Radioactive  ${\hbox{CeO}} _{2}$ Nanoparticles and Their Application for In Vitro Uptake Studies

Nowadays, a wide variety of nanoparticles (NPs) are applied in different fields such as medical science and industry. Due to their large commercial volume, the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (NMs) has proposed to study a set of 14 nanomaterials, one of which being cerium oxide (CeO2). In particular, CeO2 based NPs are widely used in automotive industry, healthcare, and cosmetics. In this paper, we propose a method for the production of radioactive CeO2 NPs. We demonstrate that they maintain the same physicochemical characteristics as the “cold” ones in terms of size distribution and Zeta potential; we develop a new protocol to assess their cellular interaction in immortalized mouse fibroblast cell line Balb/3T3, a model for the study of basal cytotoxicity and carcinogenic potential induced by chemicals and in the present case by NPs. Experimental result of this work, which shows a quasi-linear concentration-uptake response of cells, can be useful as a reference dose-uptake curve for explaining effects following biological uptake after exposure to CeO2 NPs.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous torasemide in diabetic rats induced by alloxan or streptozotocin

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of torasemide were compared after intravenous administration at a dose of 2 mg/kg to diabetic rats induced by alloxan (DMIA) or streptozotocin (DMIS), and their respective control rats. It was reported that torasemide was mainly metabolized via CYP2C11 in rats and the expression and mRNA level of CYP2C11 decreased in DMIA and DMIS rats. Hence, it could be expected that the time‐averaged nonrenal clearance (Clnr) of torasemide could be slower in the diabetic rats. As expected, the Clnr values were significantly slower in DMIA (0.983 versus 1.35 ml/min/kg) and DMIS (0.998 versus 1.36 ml/min/kg) rats. However, the time‐averaged renal clearance (Clr) values of torasemide were significantly faster in DMIA (0.164 versus 0.0846 ml/min/kg) and DMIS (0.205 versus 0.0967 ml/min/kg) rats due to urine flow rate‐dependent timed‐interval Clr of torasemide in rats. The comparable time‐averaged total body clearance (Cl) values between the diabetic and control rats were due to partially compensated Clr in the diabetic rats. The 8 h urine output and diuretic efficiency increased significantly in the diabetic rats due to significantly greater 8 h urinary excretion of unchanged torasemide and at least partly due to an increase in urine output in diabetes per se (without administration of any drugs). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of brand prestige in the casino industry: The moderating role of customer involvement

This study explored the important role of brand prestige in the casino industry. More specifically, based on a literature review, it was proposed that (1) brand prestige positively affects three outcome variables: social value, customer satisfaction, and revisit intentions; (2) social value has a positive influence on customer satisfaction and revisit intentions; and (3) customer involvement plays a moderating role in this process. Based on the proposed hypotheses, a conceptual model was developed and tested using empirical data from 236 casino customers who had played casino games in the United States. Data analysis results showed that brand prestige is an important determinant of social value and customer satisfaction, both of which bear a significant impact on revisit intentions. Lastly, customer involvement plays an important moderating role in the relationship between brand prestige and customer satisfaction. The possible interpretations and managerial implications of these findings are provided in the last section of the article.