Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autophagy: a double-edged sword for neuronal survival after cerebral ischemia

Evidence suggests that autophagy may be a new therapeutic target for stroke, but whether activation of autophagy increases or decreases the rate of neuronal death is still under debate. This review summarizes the potential role and possible signaling pathway of autophagy in neuronal survival after cerebral ischemia and proposes that autophagy has dual effects.
Status, role and satisfaction among development engineers

Purpose – To identify the problematic areas relating to the current managerial practices in motivating engineers and evaluating their relative contribution to the overall level of engineers' satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a conceptual model, an empirical study was conducted within 11 organizations operating in the food machinery industry in Italy. A survey was carried out on 376 development engineers staffed in these companies and a statistical analysis was conducted on the data collected in order to refine and operationalize the conceptual model proposed and to investigate the relative effects of the various factors considered.Findings – From the statistical analysis it emerged that job satisfaction can be split into three dimensions and that it is impacted by five factors related to managerial policies, perception of engineers' status and job‐related motivational mechanisms.Practical implications – The analysis clearly suggests that engineers in industry are generally dissatisfied a.
Role of macula densa adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in tubuloglomerular feedback.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is liberated from macula densa cells in response to increased tubular NaCl in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that increased NaCl in the macula densa stimulates the release of ATP, resulting in extracellular formation of adenosine which is involved in signal transmission of the tubuloglomerular feedback response. METHODS Rabbit afferent arterioles and attached macula densas were simultaneously microperfused in vitro. Tubuloglomerular feedback was induced by increasing macula densa Na/Cl from 11/10 to 81/80 mmol/L and was measured before and after treatment. RESULTS We first tested whether hydrolysis of ATP is required for tubuloglomerular feedback. When we enhanced conversion of ATP to adenosine by adding hexokinase or apyrase to the bath and arteriole lumen, the tubuloglomerular feedback response was augmented. During the control period, tubuloglomerular feedback decreased arteriole diameter by 2.2 +/- 0.2 microm. In the presence of hexokinase, tubuloglomerular feedback decreased diameter by 3.4 +/- 0.3 microm (N= 8) (P < 0.05, with vs. without hexokinase). In the apyrase group, tubuloglomerular feedback decreased diameter by 2.7 +/- 0.4 microm during the control period. When apyrase was added, tubuloglomerular feedback decreased diameter by 4.7 +/- 0.4 microm (N= 8) (P < 0.05, with vs. without apyrase). When hydrolysis of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine was blocked by supplementing the bath with 100 micromol/L alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-diphosphate (MADP), an inhibitor of 5'-nucleotidase, tubuloglomerular feedback response was blocked and diameter remained unchanged. We next studied whether ATP released from the macula densa binds to P(2) receptors and activates the tubuloglomerular feedback response. The P(2) purinergic receptor inhibitor suramin was added to both arteriole lumen and bath. During the control period, tubuloglomerular feedback decreased diameter by 3.7 +/- 0.5 microm. Suramin (100 micromol/L) did not significantly inhibit tubuloglomerular feedback, since in the presence of suramin diameter decreased by 3.8 +/- 0.3 microm (N= 7). Finally, we added the adenosine A(1) receptor inhibitor FK838 to both bath and lumen and found that it completely blocked high NaCl-induced tubuloglomerular feedback. CONCLUSION We concluded that ATP released from the macula densa is broken down to form AMP in the extracellular space. AMP in turn is degraded by ecto-5'-nucleotidases to adenosine, which mediates signal transmission of the tubuloglomerular feedback response.
Cerebral Salt-Wasting Syndrome: Does It Exist?

Cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSWS) has been regarded as a misnomer of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). We take the position that CSWS does exist and might be more common than SIADH. Differentiation between groups has been difficult because of overlapping signs, symptoms, and associated diseases. Euvolemia in SIADH and hypovolemia in CSWS may be the only contrasting variables. However, clinical assessment of extracellular volume is accurate in about 50% of these patients. Determination of serum urate and fractional excretion rates of urate can differentiate one group from the other. In both groups, hyponatremia coexists with hypouricemia and increased fractional excretion of urate. When the hyponatremia is corrected by water restriction, hypouricemia and elevated FEurate correct in SIADH but persist in CSWS. Persistent hypouricemia and elevated FEurate were commonly noted with pulmonary and/or intracranial diseases. The absence of intracranial diseases in some patients suggests that renal salt wasting might be a more appropriate term than CSWS. A review of renal/CSWS reveals three studies involving hyponatremic neurosurgical patients who had decreased blood volume, decreased central venous pressure, and inappropriately high urinary sodium concentrations in the majority of them, suggesting that CSWS was more common than SIADH in neurosurgical patients. Evidence for the presence of a plasma natriuretic factor in CSWS is presented.
Activities of Pt(II) and Ru(III) Triazole-Pyrimidine Complexes against Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei brucei

We studied the biological activity of three newly synthesized metal complexes of triazole-pyrimidine derivatives that were previously observed to inhibit in vitro growth of epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and procyclic forms of Trypanosoma bruceibrucei. We analyzed the possible inhibitory effect of these compounds on the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein, ultrastructure and excretion of metabolites by these parasites. RNA synthesis was inhibited by all three complexes assayed. These complexes also led to anomalies of the main organelles (e.g. nucleus, kinetoplast and mitochondria). In addition, these complexes may be capable of altering the excretion of metabolites by the parasites.
Growth factor localization in choroidal neovascular membranes of age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE Because several polypeptide growth factors are known to influence capillary endothelial cell mitogenesis, the authors investigated the presence of some of these molecules in choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) removed surgically from human subjects with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS The authors performed immunoelectron microscopic studies on surgically removed submacular CNVMs from nine subjects with ARMD and from one subject with ARMD whose eye was studied after death. These were compared with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and choroidal tissue from eight normal subjects whose eyes were received after death and one received after massive trauma. RESULTS RPE cells from the CNVMs were strongly immunoreactive for acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF) and for transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta). Some of the immunoreactivity was intracytoplasmic, but most was intralysosomal. In addition, some choriocapillary endothelial cells located close to the RPE layer in these CNVMs were immunopositive for bFGF and for FGF receptor. Reaction product for these two substances was located at regular intervals along the endothelial plasma membrane on both the anteluminal and the luminal side of the cells, suggesting a physiological reaction between the growth factor and its receptor. Choriocapillary endothelial cells deeper within the stroma were unreactive to bFGF and FGF receptor antibodies. There was little immunoreactivity for the growth factors in RPE or choriocapillary endothelial cells from normal eyes. The aFGF and bFGF immunoreactivity was highly specific because aFGF positivity was abolished when the antibody was incubated with 10(-6) M aFGF but not a with the same concentration of bFGF, whereas bFGF immunoreactivity was abolished by incubation of the antibody with bFGF but not with aFGF. RPE cells from normal eyes and from eyes affected by ARMD showed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity to antibodies for cytoplasmic retinaldehyde-binding protein and superoxide dismutase and weak reactivity to antibodies for vimentin. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with the hypothesis that one or both FGFs are causally related to the development of choroidal neovascularization. The authors have reported similar observations in experimental choroidal neovascularization in pigmented rats after red krypton laser photocoagulation. TGF beta may serve to modulate the effects of these mitogens. The authors suggest that growth factor production is induced in RPE cells after physical or chemical damage. Because of the damage to these cells, FGF molecules can be released from the cells despite the absence of a "signal sequence" in the DNA coding for FGF production.
IMF Estimates of Potential Output: Theory and Practice

The concepts of potential output and the output gap are central to the IMF`s analytical work in providing policy recommendations to member governments. This key role has stimulated research at the IMF to develop and refine estimation techniques. This paper summarizes the methodology and results of IMF research on potential output, which has focused mainly on the industrial countries but more recently has addressed issues related to developing countries and countries in transition. It then discusses the approaches that country desk officers use for operational purposes, and presents estimates of potential output for the major industrial countries.
Returns to Education and Gender Differentials in Wages in Pakistan

Education is one of the most important factors in human development. The data from two household surveys were used to estimate the returns to education and gender disparities in wages in Pakistan. The model, an extension of Becker and Mincer models, was used to quantify the returns to investment in education. The results revealed that income gaps attributable to education level were significant. Income gaps between educated and uneducated workers in first-time employment also tend to increase with experience. Women earn significantly less than their male counterparts. These differences may be interpreted as the maximum possible effect of discrimination against women. Women also earn less because they acquire less cumulative work experience than men, as a result of breaks in their work histories, owning to the demand of motherhood and domestic chores. Education quality was much lower for students from poor families; the majority of these poor attended public school and did not have access to better quality private schools. Such differences strengthened the influence of the distribution of education and the structure of returns on income concentration.
Bubbles, Fads, and Stock Price Volatility Tests: a Partial Evaluation

This is a summary and interpretation of some of the literature on stock price volatility that was stimulated by Leroy and Porter (1981) and Shiller (1981a). It appears that neither small sample bias, rational bubbles nor some standard models for expected returns adequately explain stock price volatility. This suggests a role for some nonstandard models for expected returns. One possibility is "fads" models in which noise trading by naive investors is important. At present, however, there is little direct evidence that such fads play a significant role in stock price determination.
Distribution and analysis of hippocampal theta‐related cells in the pontine region of the urethane‐anesthetized rat

In the present study 99 cells were recorded in the pontine region of urethane‐anesthetized rats during: (1) the spontaneous occurrence of hippocampal formation (HPC) theta field activity; (2) sensory‐induced (tail pinch) theta field activity; and (3) large amplitude irregular field activity (LIA). Using the criteria of Colom and Bland (Brain Res 1997;422:277–286) for the classification of theta‐related cells, 58/99 cells (59%) were involved with changes in activity related to the occurrence of HPC theta field activity, 24/99 (24%) were non‐related, and 17/99 (17%) were related to the sensory input (tail pinch). All cells recorded discharged in a tonic, non‐rhythmic pattern in relation to the HPC field activity occurring during the three conditions. Of the 58 theta‐related cells, 52 (90%) were classified as tonic theta‐ON cells and 6 (10%) as tonic theta‐OFF cells. There were no clear regional differences in the distribution of cell types. Statistical analysis of the discharge rates of tonic theta‐ON cells during spontaneously occurring theta and tail pinch‐induced theta (tested on 48 cells) revealed that 22/48 (46 %) of these cells discharged at significantly higher rates during the faster theta field frequencies associated with tail pinches while 26/48 (54%) tonic theta‐ON cells did not change discharge rate between the spontaneously occurring theta and the tail pinch‐induced theta states. In addition, the discharges of 11/52 (21%) tonic theta‐ON cells exhibited weak to moderate correlations with the negative peak of HPC theta field activity recorded from the stratum moleculare of the dentate gyrus. Of the 17 cells related to the sensory stimulation (tail pinch), 12 (71%) cells increased discharge rate during the tail pinch and were classified as sensory activated, while 5 (29%) cells decreased discharge rate during the tail pinch and were classified as sensory inactivated. The results supported the following conclusions: (1) the main cells in the pontine region involved with changes in activity related to the occurrence of HPC theta field acitivity are tonic theta‐ON cells and tonic theta‐OFF cells; (2) a subpopulation of tonic theta‐ON cells coded the increasing intensity of activation of the ascending brainstem HPC synchronizing pathways by an increase in discharge rate; and (3) a smaller population of cells in the rostral pontine region appeared to be related to sensory stimulation, independent of theta‐related activity. Hippocampus 1999;9:288–302. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New Bargaining Set of an N-Person Game and Endogenous Coalition Formation

The two most fundamental questions in cooperative game theory are: When a game is played, what coalitions will be formed and what payoff vectors will be chosen? No previous solution concepts or theories in the literature provide satisfactory answers to both questions; answers are especially lacking for the first one. In this paper we introduce the refined bargaining set, which is the first solution concept in cooperative game theory that simultaneously provides answers to both of the fundamental questions.
Aid, the Public Sector and the Market in Less Developed Countries: A Comment

The paper in thisJOURNAL by Mosley, Hudson and Horrell (I987) presented a model of the impact of aid on fiscal behaviour and the consequences for the growth of output. The main purpose of this note is to correct an error in the solution to that model. Some observations are also made on the application of the model to an empirical understanding of aid's overall economic impact. Mosley et al.'s model adopts Heller's (I975) formulation of a loss function that the recipient government minimises subject to its budget constraints. The argument of this loss function comprises taxes, borrowing, government investment, and both developmental and non-developmental recurrent government expenditure. The government faces two budget constraints, one for recurrent expenditure and one for capital expenditure. Whereas Heller was explicitly concerned to analyse recipient fiscal response, Mosley et al. explore the consequences of this response for economic performance and so add two further equations to the model: a production function and an equation showing the determination of private investment. However, the authors solve the model incorrectly, leaving an endogenous variable (taxes) in their expression for the reduced form for the change in output. This gives an answer (with only three terms in the coefficient on aid) that is far more manageable than the correct solution, which is:
A questionnaire on the health, management, and performance of cow-calf herds in Québec.

Questionnaires were mailed to 520 cow-calf producers in Québec in order to compare management practices and herd performance according to herd size (small: < 40 females, or large: > or = 40 females) and in 4 geographic areas for the 1995 calving season. Owners of large herds adopted management practice and preventive measures more often than did owners of small herds. Average calving and weaning rates were 95% and 87% respectively. Average perinatal and preweaning mortality rates were between 4.9% and 5.6%. A greater percentage of owners with large herds than owners of small herds reported diarrhea and pneumonia problems. Among large herds, the number of herds experiencing pneumonia and calf mortality associated with diarrhea tended to be higher in areas of the northwest. Calf mortality due to pneumonia was higher in the northeast. No regional variation was found among small herds. Further research is needed to identify diseases risk factors.
Performance-based pay, procedural justice and job performance for R&D professionals: evidence from the Taiwanese high-tech sector

The aim of this contribution is to examine the effectiveness of performance-based pay by discussing the relationship between performance-based pay and job performance in a HRM context. Because any compensation agreement must be based on organizational justice and, as it is interfered with by cultural attributes, we also examined how and to what degree perceived procedural justice affects the effectiveness of performance-based pay by using both the research results in non-Confucian-influenced societies and the possible guidelines of organizational justice in a non-influenced societies. In our sample of 258 R&D professionals in Taiwanese high-tech organizations, we found that performance-based pay could be positively related to job performance. In addition, this study also provided evidence that procedural justice is positively related to task performance and moderated the relationship between performance-based pay and job performance. We identify HRM implications for applying our findings in organizational settings and also in benefiting future research on the effects of procedural justice in the employee–organization exchange relationship.
Does Economic Growth Raise Happiness in China?

Various measures of satisfaction with life or happiness in China appear not to have risen in recent years, despite China's remarkable growth of income per capita. The paper brings together and integrates the results of four papers by the authors to provide a methodologically and substantively innovative explanation for this paradox. The four papers are based on a cross-section national household survey relating to 2002 and containing questions on subjective well-being. Their findings help to explain the time-series evidence: they highlight the importance of relative income, rising urban insecurity, rapid urbanization, and changing reference groups in preventing happiness from rising with income.
Evaluation of Clinical Effectiveness of MIST Ultrasound Therapy for the Healing of Chronic Wounds

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the incidence of wound closure for chronic nonhealing lower extremity wounds of various etiologies using MIST ultrasound therapy, a 510(K)-approved, low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound device indicated for the cleansing and debridement of chronic wounds. (2) To determine the optimum treatment duration for therapy with this low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound device, quantifying end points that correlate with a maximal clinical response and identifying potential synergistic therapies that could be used in conjunction with this therapy. (3) To analyze the impact of low-frequency noncontact ultrasound therapy on the microcirculatory flow patterns within the wound bed. DESIGN: A noncomparative clinical outcomes trial utilizing low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound. SETTING: A tertiary-referral hospital-based wound clinic. PATIENTS: Twenty-three patients from a single tertiary-referral hospital-based wound clinic. Control data were obtained from a previously published, prospectively collected database from the same clinic. INTERVENTIONS: During an 8-month period, a total of 29 lower extremity wounds in 23 patients who met criteria for inclusion were treated with low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound therapy. Standard of care was provided for 2 weeks for all wounds screened for the study. A failure to achieve an area reduction greater than 15% qualified the patient for enrollment to the trial and the addition of low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound therapy to the current treatment regimen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Wound healing, area and volume reduction, and laser Doppler-derived mean voltage (a marker for microcirculatory flow) are the main outcome measures for the study. RESULTS: Overall, 69% of the wounds in the study were healed using an intent-to-treat model. When low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound was used as a stand-alone device, median time to healing was 7 weeks. Historic controls were healed with a median time to healing of 10 weeks; however, a statistically significant number of these patients required wound-related hospitalization and surgical procedures to achieve closure compared with the wounds in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound achieved healing in chronic wounds when used as a stand-alone device or in combination with moist wound care in 69% of cases. Response to low-frequency, noncontact ultrasound was evident within 4 weeks of therapy. Earlier transition to secondary procedures and decreased utilization of inpatient care might result in more cost-effective wound healing than the current standard of care. A well-designed health economic-based trial is warranted to assess this technology.
MAKING THE CORE CONTINGENT: PROFESSIONAL AGENCY WORK AND ITS CONSEQUENCES IN UK SOCIAL SERVICES

In recent times, the UK has witnessed a steady growth in the use of agency workers to fill core professional roles in public sector organizations. Similar trends have been noted elsewhere, particularly in Australia and the US. In this paper our objective is to explore some of the consequences of this growth, drawing on case study research on social services. We point to a number of problems associated with the management of agency workers and to the potentially negative consequences for the quality of services. These problems, in turn, may impact on key aspects of a (largely functional) public service employment model founded on strong internal labour markets, employment stability and collegial ethos. We also note that while there are ways in which public organizations can manage this situation, certain constraints may prevent them from doing so.