Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observation of neutral sulfuric acid-amine containing clusters in laboratory and ambient measurements

Abstract. Recent ab initio calculations showed that amines can enhance atmospheric sulfuric acid-water nucleation more effectively than ammonia, and this prediction has been substantiated in laboratory measurements. Laboratory studies have also shown that amines can effectively displace ammonia in several types of ammonium clusters. However, the roles of amines in cluster formation and growth at a microscopic molecular scale (from molecular sizes up to 2 nm) have not yet been well understood. Processes that must be understood include the incorporation of amines into sulfuric acid clusters and the formation of organic salts in freshly nucleated particles, which contributes significantly to particle growth rates. We report the first laboratory and ambient measurements of neutral sulfuric acid-amine clusters using the Cluster CIMS, a recently-developed mass spectrometer designed for measuring neutral clusters formed in the atmosphere during nucleation. An experimental technique, which we refer to as Semi-Ambient Signal Amplification (SASA), was employed. Sulfuric acid was added to ambient air, and the concentrations and composition of clusters in this mixture were analyzed by the Cluster CIMS. This experimental approach led to significantly higher cluster concentrations than are normally found in ambient air, thereby increasing signal-to-noise levels and allowing us to study reactions between gas phase species in ambient air and sulfuric acid containing clusters. Mass peaks corresponding to clusters containing four H 2 SO 4 molecules and one amine molecule were clearly observed, with the most abundant sulfuric acid-amine clusters being those containing a C2- or C4-amine (i.e. amines with masses of 45 and 73 amu). Evidence for C3- and C5-amines (i.e. amines with masses of 59 and 87 amu) was also found, but their correlation with sulfuric acid tetramer was not as strong as was observed for the C2- and C4-amines. The formation mechanisms for those sulfuric acid-amine clusters were investigated by varying the residence time in the inlet. It was concluded that the amines react directly with neutral clusters and that ion-induced clustering of sulfuric acid cluster ions with amines was not a dominant process. Results from ambient measurements using the Cluster CIMS without addition of sulfuric acid have shown that the sulfuric acid-amine clusters were reasonably well correlated with sulfuric acid tetramer and consistent with the SASA experiments at the same Boulder sampling site. Also, clusters that contain C2- or C4-amines were more abundant and better correlated with sulfuric acid tetramer than other types of amine containing clusters. However, ambient measurements of sulfuric acid-amine clusters remain difficult and highly uncertain because their concentrations are only slightly above background levels, even during nucleation events.
Omega–3 Fatty Acids, Inflammation and Angiogenesis: Nutrigenomic Effects as an Explanation for Anti-Atherogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fish and Fish Oils

Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process with inflammatory aspects playing a considerable pathogenetic role. In this process, the vascular endothelium is the key regulator of vascular function, promoting the maintenance of vascular homeostasis or the progression towards vascular disease. In the past 30 years, the dietary intake of omega–3 (n–3) polyunsaturated fatty acids – mainly derived from fish – has emerged as an important way to modify cardiovascular risk through beneficial effects on all stages of atherosclerosis. This review specifically focuses on the modulating effects of n–3 fatty acids on molecular events involved in early and late atherogenesis, including effects on endothelial expression of adhesion molecules, as well as pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic enzymes. By accumulating in endothelial membrane phospholipids, omega–3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease the transcriptional activation of several genes through a decreased activation of the nuclear factor-ĸB system of transcription factors. This occurs secondary to decreased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. This series of investigations configures a clear example of nutrigenomics, i.e. how nutrients may affect gene expression, ultimately affecting a wide spectrum of human diseases.
Macrofinancial History and the New Business Cycle Facts

In advanced economies, a century-long, near-stable ratio of credit to GDP gave way to rapid financialization and surging leverage in the last forty years. This “financial hockey stick” coincides with shifts in foundational macroeconomic relationships beyond the widely noted return of macroeconomic fragility and crisis risk. Leverage is correlated with central business cycle moments, which we can document thanks to a decade-long international and historical data collection effort. More financialized economies exhibit somewhat less real volatility, but also lower growth, more tail risk, as well as tighter real-real and real-financial correlations. International real and financial cycles also cohere more strongly. The new stylized facts that we discover should prove fertile ground for the development of a new generation of macroeconomic models with a prominent role for financial factors.
Methods for Integrated Air Sampling and DNA Analysis for Detection of Airborne Fungal Spores

ABSTRACT Integrated air sampling and PCR-based methods for detecting airborne fungal spores, using Penicillium roqueforti as a model fungus, are described. P. roqueforti spores were collected directly into Eppendorf tubes using a miniature cyclone-type air sampler. They were then suspended in 0.1% Nonidet P-40, and counted using microscopy. Serial dilutions of the spores were made. Three methods were used to produce DNA for PCR tests: adding untreated spores to PCRs, disrupting spores (fracturing of spore walls to release the contents) using Ballotini beads, and disrupting spores followed by DNA purification. Three P. roqueforti-specific assays were tested: single-step PCR, nested PCR, and PCR followed by Southern blotting and probing. Disrupting the spores was found to be essential for achieving maximum sensitivity of the assay. Adding untreated spores to the PCR did allow the detection of P. roqueforti, but this was never achieved when fewer than 1,000 spores were added to the PCR. By disrupting the spores, with or without subsequent DNA purification, it was possible to detect DNA from a single spore. When known quantities of P. roqueforti spores were added to air samples consisting of high concentrations of unidentified fungal spores, pollen, and dust, detection sensitivity was reduced. P. roqueforti DNA could not be detected using untreated or disrupted spore suspensions added to the PCRs. However, using purified DNA, it was possible to detect 10 P. roqueforti spores in a background of 4,500 other spores. For all DNA extraction methods, nested PCR was more sensitive than single-step PCR or PCR followed by Southern blotting.
Reasons for participating in the Valencian Community Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme by gender, age, and social class.

OBJECTIVE To know the reasons to participate or not in a colorectal cancer (CCR) screening programme and to analyze the differences by sex, age and social class. METHODS Cross-sectional study by a telephone survey directed to a sample of men and women aged between 50-74 year old,participants (n = 383) and non participants (n = 383) in the CCR screening programme of Valencian Community. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models estimating the Odds Ratio (p < 0.05). RESULTS The main reasons to participate are "it is important for health" (97.9 %) and "the test is easy" (97.6 %); and to nonparticipate are "no CCR symptoms" (49.7 %) and "didn't receive invitation letter" (48.3 %). Women are more likely not to participate if the reason was to consider the "test unpleasant" (OR: 1.82; IC: 1.00-3.28), and men if the reason was "lack of time" (OR 0.51;IC: 0.27-0.97); persons 60 or more years old if the reason was "diagnostic fear" (OR: 2.31; IC: 1.11-4.80), and persons 50-59 years old if was "lack of time" (OR 0.44; IC: 0.23-0.85); non manual social class persons if the reason was "lack of time" (OR: 2.66; IC: 1.40-5.10); manual women if the reason was "embarrassment to perform the test" (OR: 0.37; IC: 0.14-0.97); and non manual men if was "lack of time" (OR: 4.78; IC: 1.96-11.66). CONCLUSIONS There are inequalities in the reasons for not participating in CCR screening programmes by sex, age and social class. It would be advisable to design actions that incorporate specific social group needs in order to reduce inequalities in participation.
A qualitative study of public involvement in the national cancer research network.

Contemporary health policy places increasing emphasis on involving the public In healthcare and health research. This thesis Is an empirical Investigation of public Involvement in the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) In England, and draws upon emergent themes in the literature relating to quality, epistemic, democratic, accountability and empowerment claims for public Involvement In research, as well as Habermas' concepts of system and lifeworld. Research alms were to explore professional and public accounts of motivations and rational isations for public Involvement In research, consider how public (lifeworld) voices may be Integrated into health research (system) spaces and, explore what counts as credible expertise In health research settings. A qualitative approach was adopted and data were collected from selected case studies (a local research panel and national Clinical Studies Groups within the NCRN). The methods included participant and nonparticipant observations, Interviews with group members (professional and public) and documentary analysis. Analysis of data revealed an inherent ambiguity In relation to public involvement In health research. Involvement served multiple purposes for the public, Including the provision of social/support functions and opportunities to reconstruct illness/caring Identities, through the development of research skills and active roles within health research. Case studies revealed Inherent tensions as the Involved public and professionals attempted to demarcate their roles and Importantly the foundations of their credibility within the group. The identification of professional and public members' attempts to prevent the Integration of the public voice casts doubt on possible empowerment claims. Furthermore, the observation that many public members were highly deferential to certified expertise calls Into question their ability to bring a different perspective to research. Ultimately, public involvement In health research may be less the potential to re-couple system and lifeworld but rather a further colonisation of the public lifeworld by professional system knowledge and expertise.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS OF MACULAR EDEMA AND HARD EXUDATES AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH LIPID SERUM LEVELS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

Purpose: To determine whether hyperreflective foci (HF) and macular thickness on spectral domain ocular coherence tomography are associated with lipid levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-eight participants from four sites had fundus photographs and spectral domain ocular coherence tomography images graded for hard exudates and HF, respectively. Regression models were used to determine the association between serum lipid levels and 1) presence of HF and hard exudates and 2) central subfield macular thickness, central subfield macular volume, and total macular volume. Results: All patients with hard exudates on fundus photographs had corresponding HF on spectral domain ocular coherence tomography, but 57% of patients with HF on optical coherence tomography did not have hard exudates detected in their fundus photographs. Presence of HF was associated with higher total cholesterol (odds ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.27, P = 0.03) and higher low-density lipoprotein levels (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–1.35, P = 0.02) in models adjusting for other risk factors. The total macular volume was also associated with higher total cholesterol (P = 0.009) and triglyceride (P = 0.02) levels after adjusting for other risk factors. Conclusion: Higher total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with presence of HF on spectral domain ocular coherence tomography. Total macular volume was associated with higher total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Investigation of impaired carbohydrate metabolism in pediatric liver transplant recipients

Abstract: OGTT was performed in 28 liver transplants maintained with tacrolimus to investigate carbohydrate metabolism and assess risk factors for development of PTDM. None had PTDM that was detected by OGTT. Early PTDM in four cases (14.3%) resolved in follow‐up. Five new cases (17.9%) demonstrated DCM (DCM = IGT ± hyperinsulinemia). Fasting measurements were normal in two hyperinsulinemic cases. With one (20%, p > 0.05) exception none of the children with DCM were overweight or had a family history of diabetes. All five (100%) children with DCM had been given high cumulative dosage of steroids 18 (78.3%) – without DCM (p > 0.05). The median age of children with DCM was greater [4.3 (12.7–18.0) vs. 7.0 (2.3–18.0) yr, p < 0.01] and duration of follow‐up longer [5.3 (2.3–7.0) vs. 2.5 (0.7–7.3) yr, p < 0.05]. Four children (80%) with DCM were pubertal (p < 0.05). However, neither age nor duration of follow‐up or pubertal stage had significant effect on DCM development. Early PTDM is a transient phenomenon and is not predictive for future development of diabetes. DCM is frequently observed in liver transplanted children. Albeit the children with DCM were given high cumulative dose of steroids, were older, mostly were pubertal, and had longer duration of follow‐up, we cannot draw firm conclusions on effects of the risk factors on carbohydrate metabolism because of the small sample size and relatively short duration of follow‐up. Unlike fasting measurements, OGTT can detect all children with DCM.
Reprogramming multipotent tumor cells with the embryonic neural crest microenvironment

The embryonic microenvironment is an important source of signals that program multipotent cells to adopt a particular fate and migratory path, yet its potential to reprogram and restrict multipotent tumor cell fate and invasion is unrealized. Aggressive tumor cells share many characteristics with multipotent, invasive embryonic progenitors, contributing to the paradigm of tumor cell plasticity. In the vertebrate embryo, multiple cell types originate from a highly invasive cell population called the neural crest. The neural crest and the embryonic microenvironments they migrate through represent an excellent model system to study cell diversification during embryogenesis and phenotype determination. Recent exciting studies of tumor cells transplanted into various embryo models, including the neural crest rich chick microenvironment, have revealed the potential to control and revert the metastatic phenotype, suggesting further work may help to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention derived from a convergence of tumorigenic and embryonic signals. In this mini‐review, we summarize markers that are common to the neural crest and highly aggressive human melanoma cells. We highlight advances in our understanding of tumor cell behaviors and plasticity studied within the chick neural crest rich microenvironment. In so doing, we honor the tremendous contributions of Professor Elizabeth D. Hay toward this important interface of developmental and cancer biology. Developmental Dynamics 237:2657–2666, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of cortactin floxed mice and cellular analysis of motility in fibroblasts

Cortactin is an F‐actin binding protein that has been suggested to play key roles in various cellular functions. Here, we generated mice carrying floxed alleles of the cortactin (Cttn) gene (Cttnflox/flox mice). Expression of Cre recombinase in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from Cttnflox/flox embryos depleted cortactin within days, without disturbing F‐actin distribution and localization of multiple actin‐binding proteins. Cre‐mediated deletion of Cttn also did not affect cell migration. To obtain mice with a Cttn null allele, we next crossed Cttnflox/flox mice with transgenic mice that express Cre recombinase ubiquitously. Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis confirmed complete elimination of cortactin expression in MEFs carrying homozygously Cttn null alleles. However, we found no marked alteration of F‐actin organization and cell migration in Cttn null‐MEFs. Thus, our results indicate that depletion of cortactin in MEFs does not profoundly influence actin‐dependent cell motility. genesis 47:638–646, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipoprotein(a)-activated immunity, insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes

ABSTRACT Objectives: Some evidence suggests that serum lipoprotein[Lp](a) may be inversely linked to type-2 diabetes. We aimed to determine in nondiabetic people the relationship of serum [Lp](a) with insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes (NOD). Materials and methods: Population-based middle-aged adults (n = 1685) were categorized by fasting glucose and stratified to gender, having excluded prevalent diabetic subjects. NOD (n = 90) occurred over a median 5 years’ follow-up. Results: Subjects that subsequently developed NOD, derived both from the normoglycemia and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) groups,were distinguished, among others, primarily by significantly elevated serum gamma glutamyltransferase, reduced Lp(a) (by 31%) and, compared to IFG, by low total cholesterol levels. Partial correlation of Lp(a) with homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was inverse in normoglycemic men; such correlation, neutral in normoglycemic women, proved inverse in IFG (r = −0.17). Circulating Lp(a) in individuals with paired measures increased significantly (1.55-fold) in the period from baseline up to NOD. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis for NOD in combined sexes indicated independent and additive prediction by serum Lp(a), albeit inverse in direction (RR 0.84, [95%CI 0.72; 0.97]). Conclusion: Lp(a) is significantly reduced in the period preceding NOD and is inversely associated with HOMA index, observations consistent with underlying autoimmune activation.
Temperature-Dependent Survival of Turnip Crinkle Virus-Infected Arabidopsis Plants Relies on an RNA Silencing-Based Defense That Requires DCL2, AGO2, and HEN1

ABSTRACT While RNA silencing is a potent antiviral defense in plants, well-adapted plant viruses are known to encode suppressors of RNA silencing (VSR) that can neutralize the effectiveness of RNA silencing. As a result, most plant genes involved in antiviral silencing were identified by using debilitated viruses lacking silencing suppression capabilities. Therefore, it remains to be resolved whether RNA silencing plays a significant part in defending plants against wild-type viruses. We report here that, at a higher plant growth temperature (26°C) that permits rigorous replication of Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) in Arabidopsis, plants containing loss-of-function mutations within the Dicer-like 2 (DCL2), Argonaute 2 (AGO2), and HEN1 RNA methyltransferase genes died of TCV infection, whereas the wild-type Col-0 plants survived to produce viable seeds. To account for the critical role of DCL2 in ensuring the survival of wild-type plants, we established that higher temperature upregulates the activity of DCL2 to produce viral 22-nucleotide (nt) small interfering RNAs (vsRNAs). We further demonstrated that DCL2-produced 22-nt vsRNAs were fully capable of silencing target genes, but that this activity was suppressed by the TCV VSR. Finally, we provide additional evidence supporting the notion that TCV VSR suppresses RNA silencing through directly interacting with AGO2. Together, these results have revealed a specialized RNA silencing pathway involving DCL2, AGO2, and HEN1 that provides the host plants with a competitive edge against adapted viruses under environmental conditions that facilitates robust virus reproduction.
Language Interaction in Na´huatl Discourse: The Influence of Spanish in Child and Adult Narratives

This study of code-mixing focuses on the influence of Spanish in Na´huatl discourse as it is revealed in performance in narratives produced by adults and children. Language samples analysed were non-conversational, produced in response to structured Na´huatl language story-telling tasks presented to participants. Narrators were bilingual speakers of the two languages from an indigenous community in Central Mexico. Results indicate differences in the frequency of content word embedded language (Spanish), lexical items across grade level (for children), grade level attained (for adults), and correlations (for children) between the frequency of these Spanish embedded items and a measure of metalinguistic awareness. The discussion of findings is placed in the context of a language contact situation characterised by the rapid shift toward Spanish monolingualism in the broader surrounding region (Tlaxcalan Highlands) despite high levels of Na´huatl language proficiency in the locality in which the study was carried out.
A Pixel-Parallel Algorithm for Detecting and Tracking Fast-Moving Modulated Light Signals

We developed a pixel-parallel image processing algo-rithm for detecting and tracking temporally modu-lated light signals for use as optical ID tags. The pro-posed algorithm requires no wavelength ﬁlters and ob-tains position information on signals at a high framerate while decoding transmitted data. We imple-mented the proposed algorithm in a digital vision chip,a pixel-parallel processor embedded in a CMOS imagesensor, and proved it to be operationally feasible.Keywords: ID tag, optical tag, target tracking, highspeedvision, vision chip
Policy (Mis) Representation and the Cost of Ruling: U.S. Presidential Elections in Comparative Perspective

The cost of ruling effect on electoral support is well established. That is, governing parties tend to lose vote share the longer they are in power. Although we know this to be true, we do not know why it happens. This research examines whether the cost of ruling results at least in part from the tendency for governing parties to shift policy further away from the average voter. It first considers differences in political institutions and how they might influence cost of ruling owing to policy drift, and then tests the hypothesis focusing on U.S. presidential elections, which is an unfavorable case to find such an effect. Results confirm a clear cost of ruling effect in these elections and demonstrate that policy misrepresentation is an important mechanism. That is, the policy liberalism of presidents from different parties diverges over time as their tenure in the White House increases, and the degree to which it does matters for the presidential vote. Policy is not the only thing that matters, and other factors, in particular the economy, are more powerful. From the point of view of electoral accountability, however, the results do provide good news, as they indicate that substantive representation is important to voters. Elections are not simply games of musical chairs.