Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non‐nutrient causes of low‐grade, systemic inflammation: support for a ‘canary in the mineshaft’ view of obesity in chronic disease

A form of low‐grade, systemic inflammation (‘metaflammation’) is linked to many types of chronic disease. Initially, this was thought to be causally related to weight gain and obesity and a possible explanation of the link between obesity and disease. However, several lifestyle‐related inducers of such inflammation, some of which are associated with obesity, but some of which are not, have now been identified. The most common of these have been nutritive related, suggesting that there could still be a relationship, either directly or indirectly, with obesity. Here we provide evidence for non‐nutritive inflammatory inducers, providing further support for an earlier suggestion that while obesity, beyond a point, may have a direct link with disease, this may be neither necessary nor sufficient to explain the current epidemic of chronic disease. A more ubiquitous cause encompassing all inflammatory inducers is the modern, post‐industrial environment and lifestyles emanating from this. Obesity may thus be more of ‘a canary in the mineshaft’, warning of bigger global problems, than just a single pathway to modern environmentally driven disease.
A framework for scalable global IP-anycast (GIA)

This paper proposes GIA, a scalable architecture for global IP-anycast. Existing designs for providing IP-anycast must either globally distribute routes to individual anycast groups, or confine each anycast group to a pre-configured topological region. The first approach does not scale because of expressive growth in the routing tables, whereas the second one severly limits the utility of the service. Our design scales by dividing inter-domain anycast routing into two components. The first component builds inexpensive default anycast routes that consume no bandwidth or storage space. The second component, controlled by the edge domains, generates enhanced anycast routes that are customized according to the beneficiary domain's interests. We evaluate the performance of our design using simulation, and prove its practicality by implementing it in the Multi-threaded Routing Toolkit.
Determinants of farmers’ access to fertilizer under fertilizer task force distribution system in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract This study investigated the determinants of farmers’ access to fertilizer under Fertilizer Task Force Distribution System in Kogi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random technique was used to select 160 farmers for the study. Probit model analysis on the factors that influence farmers’ access to fertilizer showed that age of the farmers, farm size (negative), distance to procurement centers, and social participation (positive) significantly influenced the probability of farmers’ access to fertilizer. Effective strategies of task force in the procurement and distribution of fertilizer perceived by the respondents among others are: distribution of fertilizer through local government agricultural offices, subsidy at source including transportation subsidy to delivery points, and promotion of subsidies for the poor farmers, development of private agro-dealers network. It is envisaged that these factors could serve as a guide to policy-makers regarding procurement and distribution of fertilizer to enhance farmers’ access and crop productivity in Nigeria.
Is there a “school effect” on pupil outcomes? A review of multilevel studies

Study objective: The school environment is of importance for child outcomes. Multilevel analyses can separate determinants operating at an individual level from those operating at a contextual level. This paper aims to systematically review multilevel studies of school contextual effects on pupil outcomes. Design: Key word searching of five databases yielded 17 cross sectional or longitudinal studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Results are summarised with reference to type of school contextual determinant. Main results: Four main school effects on pupil outcomes were identified. Having a health policy or antismoking policy, a good school climate, high average socioeconomic status, and urban location had a positive effect on pupil outcomes. Outcomes under study were smoking habits, wellbeing, problem behaviour, and school achievement. Conclusions: Despite the different pupil outcomes and the variety of determinants used in the included papers, a school effect was evident. However, to improve our understanding of school effects, presentations of results from multilevel studies need to be standardised. Intraclass correlation and explained between school variance give relevant information on factors in the school environment influencing pupil outcomes, and should be included in all multilevel studies. Inclusion of pupil level predictors in the multilevel models should be based on theoretical considerations of how schools and communities are interconnected and how pupils and their families are influenced by school contextual factors.
Two-stage capital budgeting, capital charge rates, and resource constraints

We study two-stage, multi-division budgeting mechanisms that allocate scarce resources among divisions using capital charge rates. Each divisional manager observes private sequential project information and competes for scarce resources over two stages. The optimal capital charge rates in our two-stage setting can be quite different from those that arise in a single-stage setting. If the firm faces a resource constraint at only the second stage, a less severe constraint can imply more first-stage project initiation, which can lead to higher second-stage capital charge rates. If resources are constrained at both stages, a decrease in the severity of the constraint at just one stage decreases the capital charge rate at that stage but increases the capital charge rate at the other stage because each constraint affects the intensity of competition at both stages. This result holds regardless of whether the scarce resources are fungible or non-fungible across stages.
Regulation of lung endothelial permeability and inflammatory responses by prostaglandin A2: role of EP4 receptor

PGA2 exhibits anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects on endothelial cells and in two mouse models of acute lung injury. PGA2-induced cytoskeletal remodeling and suppression of the NFκB pathway is mediated by prostanoid receptor EP4. Endothelial-specific EP4 knockout abolishes PGA2-protective effects in vitro and in vivo.
Programmed cell death in the wing of Orgyia leucostigma (lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Programmed cell death is an integral and ubiquitous phenomenon of development that is responsible for the reduction of wing size in female moths of Orgyia leucostigma (Lymantriidae). Throughout larval and pupal life, cells of the wing epithelium proliferate and interact to form normal imaginal discs and pupal wings in both sexes. But at the onset of adult development, most cells in female O. leucostigma wings degenerate over a brief, 2‐day period. Lysosomes and autophagic vacuoles appear in cells of the wing epithelium shortly after it retracts from the pupal cuticle. Hemocytes actively participate in removing the resulting cellular debris. By contrast, epithelial cells in wings of developing adult males of O. leucostigma do not undergo massive cell death. Wing epithelium of female pupae transferred to male pupal hosts behaves autonomously in this foreign environment. By pupation, cells of the female wing apparently are committed to self‐destruct even in a male pupal environment. Normal interactions among epithelial cells within the plane of a wing monolayer as well as between the upper and lower monolayers of the wing are disrupted in female O. leucostigma by massive cell degeneration. Despite this disruption, the remaining cells of the wing contribute to the formation of a diminutive, but reasonably proportioned, adult wing with scales and veins.
Hyperinsulinaemia increases vascular resistance and endothelin-1 expression in the equine digit.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Insulin leads to overexpression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the endothelium of insulin-resistant rodents. If this is also the case in equine laminar tissue, this could explain the predisposition of insulin-resistant horses to laminitis. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of hyperinsulinaemia on metabolism and vascular resistance of the isolated equine digit in a model of extracorporeal perfusion. STUDY DESIGN Randomised, controlled study with interventional group, with blinded evaluation of histology results. METHOD After exsanguination, equine digits (n = 11) and autologous blood were collected at an abattoir. One digit served as a hyperinsulinaemic pilot limb, 5 digits were assigned to the hyperinsulinaemic perfusion (IP) group and 5 to the control perfusion (CP) group. Digits were perfused for 10 h at a defined perfusion rate of 12 ml/min/kg. After the first hour of perfusion (equilibration period), insulin was added to the reservoir of the IP digits. Perfusion pressure, glucose consumption, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase were monitored. Vascular resistance was calculated as perfusion pressure (in millimetres of mercury) in relation to the flow rate (in millilitres per minute). After perfusion, histology samples of the dorsal hoof wall (haematoxylin & eosin or periodic acid-Schiff) were evaluated. Immunohistology with a polyclonal rabbit-derived anti-endothelin antibody was used for detection of ET-1. RESULTS In the IP group, the mean insulin concentration in the plasma of the perfusate was 142 ± 81 μiu/ml, while insulin concentration was <3 μiu/ml in the CP group. Mean vascular resistance was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the IP group (2.04 ± 1.13 mmHg/ml/min) than in the CP group (1.31 ± 0.55 mmHg/ml/min). Histology of the IP group samples showed significantly more vessels with an open lumen, increased width of the secondary epidermal lamellae and formation of oedema. In the lamellar vessels (veins and arteries) and nerve fibres, ET-1 expression was much more prominent in the IP group than in the CP group samples. CONCLUSIONS Short-term hyperinsulinaemia leads to increased vascular resistance in the equine digit and increased expression of ET-1 in the laminar tissue.
Gene expression profiles of normal proliferating and differentiating human intestinal epithelial cells: A comparison with the Caco‐2 cell model

cDNA microarray technology enables detailed analysis of gene expression throughout complex processes such as differentiation. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression profile of normal human intestinal epithelial cells using cell models that recapitulate the crypt‐villus axis of intestinal differentiation in comparison with the widely used Caco‐2 cell model. cDNA microarrays (19,200 human genes) and a clustering algorithm were used to identify patterns of gene expression in the crypt‐like proliferative HIEC and tsFHI cells, and villus epithelial cells as well as Caco‐2/15 cells at two distinct stages of differentiation. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of global gene expression among the cell lines identified two branches: one for the HIEC cells versus a second comprised of two sub‐groups: (a) the proliferative Caco‐2 cells and (b) the differentiated Caco‐2 cells and closely related villus epithelial cells. At the gene level, supervised hierarchical clustering with 272 differentially expressed genes revealed distinct expression patterns specific to each cell phenotype. We identified several upregulated genes that could lead to the identification of new regulatory pathways involved in cell differentiation and carcinogenesis. The combined use of microarray analysis and human intestinal cell models thus provides a powerful tool for establishing detailed gene expression profiles of proliferative to terminally differentiated intestinal cells. Furthermore, the molecular differences between the normal human intestinal cell models and Caco‐2 cells clearly point out the strengths and limitations of this widely used experimental model for studying intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1175–1186, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel form of long‐term depression in the CA1 area of the adult rat hippocampus independent of glutamate receptors activation

In young rats, low frequency (1–2 Hz) stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals for 15 min induces in the CA1 area of the hippocampus a homosynaptic and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐dependent form of long‐term depression (LTD) of synaptic efficacy. In the adults, while a similar stimulation paradigm is able to depress previously potentiated synapses, it leads to conflicting results when applied to naive synapses. In the present experiments, different stimulation paradigms have been used to induce LTD in the CA1 area of the adult rat hippocampus in vitro. Thus, stimulation of the afferent pathway at frequencies higher than those used to produce LTD in young animals (5–10 Hz, for 15 min) reliably induced a homosynaptic form of LTD. This form of LTD was associated with a significant increase in paired‐pulse facilitation ratio and was insensitive to ionotropic (CNQX, 10 μm and CPP, 20 μm) and metabotropic (S‐MCPG, 1 mm) glutamate receptors antagonists, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism for both LTD induction and expression. In conclusion, our experiments clearly show that LTD is not a purely developmental phenomenon but is present also in mature rats, which possess the whole machinery for LTD induction and this will greatly enhance the flexibility and the storing capacity of neuronal circuits.
The relationship between leptin and lipids in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the extent to which leptin, alone or in combination with other risk factors, may be an independent marker for myocardial infarction in a region with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Leptin levels were measured by the ELISA method, while plasma lipids and lipoproteins were measured by conventional methods. Leptin levels were significantly higher in the patient than in the control group. Serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B showed a significant correlation with leptin, while high-density lipoprotein showed an inverse relation. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that leptin may be one factor operating in the metabolic alteration taking place during myocardial infarction, and is a possible risk factor.
R&D Tax Incentives: Evidence on design, incidence and impacts

This policy paper provides an overview of OECD work on measuring the extent and impact of public support for R&D through tax incentives. It discusses the policy rationale for tax incentives in the broader context of public support for business R&D, describing the main features of different modes of expenditure-based tax relief for R&D. It presents evidence on how much financial support is provided through tax incentives, how this has evolved in recent years and the variation in implied R&D tax subsidy rates across OECD countries and partner economies. The document also reviews empirical evidence on the impact of tax incentives, covering in detail different categories of impacts including potentially unintended effects. It further includes evidence on the use and impacts of income-based R&D tax incentives. The paper concludes with a synthesis of the main policy recommendations contained in key OECD policy documents and highlights future measurement and analytical work planned in this area.
Impacts of short-term interest rates on stock returns and exchange rates: Empirical evidence from EAGLE countries

ABSTRACT In this study, we estimate Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) and time-varying structural VAR (TVP-VAR) models for Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey to analyze the impacts of short-term interest rates on stock prices and exchange rates considering the relationships between these variables. BVAR and TVP-VAR models’ estimations indicate that monetary policy decisions of these countries lead to capital movements as well as capital movements may create a considerable amount of variation in exchange and stock markets both in the periods of economic stability and financial crisis. We also reveal that increases in interest rates intending to prevent capital outflows may lead to decrease in stock returns, which in turn may deteriorate the real economic activity in Indonesia, while changes in short-term interest rates in Brazil, Indonesia and Turkey cannot be used as a tool to stabilize the value of their home currencies against the USD. Our study highlights the importance of formulating an optimal monetary policy framework accompanied by macro-prudential polices, which help to reach inflation target and smooth the possible variations in exchange rates and stock prices during economic crisis conditions in Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey.
Tumor histology in lymph vessels and lymph nodes for the accurate prediction of outcome among breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

The present study investigated fibrotic foci (FFs), the grading system for lymph vessel tumor emboli (LVTEs), and the histological characteristics of nodal metastatic tumors that were significantly associated with the outcomes of 115 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We compared the outcome predictive power of FFs, the grading system for LVTEs, and the histological characteristics of metastatic tumors in lymph nodes with the well‐known clinicopathological characteristics of tumor recurrence and tumor‐related death in multivariate analyses. The presence of FFs, as assessed by a biopsy performed before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, significantly increased the hazard rates (HRs) for tumor‐related death in all the cases and in cases with nodal metastasis. The grading system for LVTEs, which was assessed using surgical specimens obtained after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, was significantly associated with increasing hazard rates (HRs) for tumor recurrence and tumor‐related death in all the cases and in cases with nodal metastasis. Moderate to severe stroma in nodal metastatic tumors and five or more mitotic figures in nodal metastatic tumors were significantly associated with elevated HRs for tumor recurrence and tumor‐related death among all the cases. These results indicated that FFs, the grading system for LVTEs, and the histological characteristics of tumor cells in lymph nodes play important roles in predicting the tumor progression of IDCs of the breast in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1823–1833)
The knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists towards antipsychotic long-acting injections in Nigeria

Background: Antipsychotic long-acting injections (LAIs) reduce covert nonadherence with medication in the clinical management of psychotic disorders. However, they are variably utilised by clinicians, especially in the long term. Factors including poor knowledge, stigma and perceived coercion can all adversely influence LAI utilisation. Previous research has emanated almost exclusively from developed countries. This study explores the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists and trainees in Nigeria towards LAIs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among mental health professionals in Nigeria using a pre-existing questionnaire. Results: Participant psychiatrists (n = 128) expressed positive attitudes towards LAIs. Their knowledge concerning LAIs and its side effects was fair. The participants reported that nearly half (41.7%) of their patients with a psychotic illness were on LAIs. Those who reported a high prescribing rate for LAIs (>40%) were more likely to endorse more positive ‘patient-centred attitudes’ (p < 0.04). In contrast to previous reports, psychiatrists reported that patients were less likely to feel ashamed when on LAIs, though most endorsed the statement that force was required during LAI administration. Conclusion: The desirability of treatment by injections differs in Africa in comparison to Western cultures, possibly due to the increased potency that injections are perceived to have. This is perhaps evidenced by high rates reported for use of LAIs. Nigerian psychiatrists had positive attitudes to LAIs but their knowledge, particularly regarding side effects, was fair and needs to be improved. Providing information to patients prior to antipsychotic treatment may enhance informed consent in a country where medical paternalism is still relatively strong.
Winter Residential Optional Dynamic Pricing: British Columbia.

This paper estimates the daily kWh responses on a working weekday of 1326 single-family-home residents who voluntarily participated in a residential optional dynamic pricing (RODP) pilot in the winter-peaking coastal province of British Columbia (BC) in western Canada. Based on the pilot’s operation in November 2007-February 2008, we estimate that the kWh reduction in the peak period of 4-9 pm on a working weekday sans an in-home display (IHD) is: (a) 2.2% to 4.4% at time-of-use tariffs with peak-to-off-peak price ratios of 2.0 to 6.0; and (b) 4.8 to 5.3% at critical peak pricing tariffs with peak-to-off-peak price ratios of 8.0 to 12.0. The IHD approximately doubles these estimated peak kWh reductions. As BC residents already have smart meters with an IHD function, these findings recommend exploring the use of a system-wide RODP program to improve the BC grid’s system efficiency.
In vitro and in vivo osteoblastic differentiation of BMP‐2‐ and Runx2‐engineered skeletal myoblasts

Genetic engineering with osteogenic factors is a promising approach for cell‐based therapeutics and orthopedic regeneration. However, the relative efficacy of different strategies for inducing osteoblastic differentiation remains unclear and is further complicated by varied delivery vehicles, cell types, and evaluation criteria. In order to elucidate the effects of distinct gene‐based strategies, we quantitatively evaluated osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of primary skeletal myoblasts overexpressing either the BMP‐2 growth factor or Runx2 transcription factor. Retroviral delivery of BMP‐2 or Runx2 stimulated differentiation into an osteoblastic phenotype, as demonstrated by the induction of osteogenic gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and matrix mineralization in monolayer culture and on collagen scaffolds both in vitro and in an intramuscular site in vivo. In general, BMP‐2 stimulated osteoblastic markers faster and to a greater extent than Runx2, although we also identified experimental conditions under which these two factors produced similar effects. Additionally, Runx2‐engineered cells did not utilize paracrine signaling via secreted osteogenic factors, in contrast to cells overexpressing BMP‐2, as demonstrated by conditioned media studies and activation of Smad signaling. These results emphasize the complexity of gene therapy‐based orthopedic therapeutics as an integrated relationship of differentiation state, construct maturation, and paracrine signaling of osteogenic cells. This study is significant in evaluating proposed therapeutic systems and defining a successful strategy for integrating gene medicine and orthopedic regeneration. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 1324–1336, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of a Social Robot's Autonomy and Group Orientation on Human Decision-Making

Social attributes of intelligent robots are important for human-robot systems. This paper investigates influences of robot autonomy (i.e., high versus low) and group orientation (i.e., ingroup versus outgroup) on a human decision-making process. We conducted a laboratory experiment with 48 college students and tested the hypotheses with MANCOVA. We find that a robot with high autonomy has greater influence on human decisions than a robot with low autonomy. No significant effect is found on group orientation or on the interaction between group orientation and autonomy level. The results provide implications for social robot design.