Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Making Education Work for Latinas in the U.S.

Author(s): Gandara, Patricia; Oseguera, Leticia; Perez Huber, Lindsay; Locks, Angela; Ee, Jongyeon; Molina, Daniel | Abstract: In California, almost 40% of European American adults hold a BA degree, as do 23% of African Americans and 48% of Asians. However, only 11% of adult Latinas/os hold a BA degree or higher. Given that the majority of the school age population in the state is now Latina/o, this undereducation is not just an urgent problem, but foreshadows economic disaster for California.
Composição química do sedimento e de folhas das espécies do manguezal do estuário do Rio São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brasil

We analyzed nutrient concentrations in leaves and sediments, and element accumulation capacity in foliar tissues of Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn. , Avicennia schaueriana Staft & Leechm. , Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f. and Rhizophora mangle L. in four sites along the Sao Mateus River estuary mangrove, Espirito Santo State, SE-Brazil. In sediment, elements decrease following the sequence: Mg > Ca > Fe > K > Mn > P > Zn > Cu and showed inter and intraespecific variation. Avicennia leaves showed the greatest N, K and Mg concentrations and lowest Ca concentrations. Rhizophora mangle presented the greatest Mn concentration, and Laguncularia racemosa the greatest Fe level. Sediment nutrient concentrations reflected the influence of granulometry in this compartment. Nutrient accumulation in leaves varied according to species and study site but it was not correlated with sediment concentrations. Results confirmed the mangrove role as a biogeochemistry barrier blocking heavy metal up to tropical coastal areas. However, it is necessary periodic sampling so that it can be possible a better understanding of the nutrient dynamic.
The renin–angiotensin system in Barrett’s esophagus

Abstract Objective: Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. In addition to its classical endocrine character known for hemodynamic regulation, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) can be associated with inflammation, wound healing, and cancer. The aim of this study was to explore a potential expression of the RAS in BE, with or without the presence of dysplasia. Material and methods: Biopsy material was prepared for western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Non-BE patients (controls) were compared with BE patients regarding RAS in the squamous epithelium. In the columnar BE mucosa, RAS expression was studied in patients with and without dysplasia. Key components of the ‘classical’ RAS were assessed: the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the angiotensin II subtype 1 and 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R). Results: The presence of RAS factors was confirmed in the esophageal mucosa of both control and BE patients. ACE protein expression was 48% lower (p = 0.001) whereas AT1R was 45% higher (p = 0.039) in the squamous epithelium of BE patients compared to epithelia from non-BE controls. In the metaplastic intestinal-like epithelium, AT1R expression was 37% higher in BE patients with confirmed dysplasia than in patients without dysplasia (p = 0.009). Immunohistochemistry showed an altered distribution of RAS proteins in BE patients with dysplasia. Conclusions: The differential RAS expression observed may prove to be useful as a biomarker or a pharmaceutical target.
Digital Technology Access and Use among Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups in South Australia

This paper explores digital technology access and use (computers, Internet and mobile phones) among lower income and disadvantaged groups in Australia. It reports focus group research which identified wide differences in frequency and quality of use, and in skills, confidence and trust. It identifies pathways to digital use (or non-use) related to existing socioeconomic inequities which mean that lack of (or limited) digital access or use creates further barriers to improving the underlying determinants of that use. Technological solutions to the digital divide must therefore be accompanied by a broader digital inclusion approach.
Countercyclical Capital Rules for Small Open Economies

The growing literature on macroprudential regulation focuses on how a combination monetary and macroprudential policies can boost financial stability. We contribute to this literature by developing a DSGE model that assesses the effectiveness of countercyclical capital regulation in small open economies, in monetary unions or with exchange rate pegs, where policymakers do not have full control over traditional stabilisation instruments such as nominal interest and exchange rates. Our model shows that, in such economies, macroprudential policy must play an outsized role in mitigating the adverse effects of macro-financial feedback loops. To validate the model’s ability to replicate the stylised facts of financial crises, we calibrate using data for the Irish economy the recent housing crash. Our results demonstrate that the pro-active use of countercyclical capital regulation can indeed help ensure financial stability. In terms of policy advice, we find that bestowing even greater flexibility on regulators to act against the credit cycle has positive benefits. We also find that more aggressive action during the release phase can bolster the economy’s ability to absorb a negative shock.
Food Cravings, Endogenous Opioid Peptides, and Food Intake: A Review

Extensive research indicates a strong relationship between endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) and food intake. In the present paper, we propose that food cravings act as an intervening variable in this opioid-ingestion link. Specifically, we argue that altered EOP activity may elicit food cravings which in turn may influence food consumption. Correlational support for this opioidergic theory of food cravings is provided by examining various clinical conditions (e.g. pregnancy, menstruation, bulimia, stress, depression) which are associated with altered EOP levels, intensified food cravings, and increased food intake.
Pharmacologic paralysis and withdrawal of mechanical ventilation at the end of life.

The right of a patient or surrogate to refuse life-sustaining treatment, including mechanical ventilation, is firmly established in American law and bioethics.1 Moreover, practice standards now encourage clinicians to administer sedatives and analgesics in doses that fully relieve the pain and suffering of terminally ill patients, including patients from whom life support is being withdrawn.2 In addition to receiving these medications, however, some patients from whom mechanical ventilation is being withdrawn have been receiving or are given neuromuscular blocking agents at the time of death. By blocking neuromuscular transmission, these agents cause paralysis until they are metabolized or their action .
Irisin does not mediate resistance training-induced alterations in resting metabolic rate.

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-month preventive resistance training program on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and its associations with fat-free mass (FFM) and the newly described myokine irisin as two potential mechanistic links between exercise training and RMR. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, 74 sedentary healthy male and female participants either completed 6 months of high-repetition resistance training 3 d·wk in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations (RT: n = 37; 47 ± 7 yr; body mass index, 25.0 ± 3.4 kg·m) or served as controls (CO: n = 37; 50 ± 7 yr; body mass index, 24.2 ± 3.2 kg·m). Strength (one-repetition maximum), RMR (indirect calorimetry), body fat (caliper method), and serum irisin concentration (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were measured before and after 6 months of training. RESULTS Training led to an increase in strength (one-repetition maximum leg press, 16% ± 7%; P < 0.001). RMR increased in RT (1671 ± 356 vs 1843 ± 385 kcal·d, P < 0.001) but not in CO (1587 ± 285 vs 1602 ± 294 kcal·d, P = 0.97; group-time interaction, P < 0.01). Body weight (RT, -0.5 ± 2.4 kg; CO, 0.1 ± 2.3 kg), body fat percentage (RT, -1.1% ± 2.5%; CO, -0.7% ± 2.9%), and FFM (RT, 0.4 ± 2.1 kg; CO, 0.6 ± 1.9 kg) did not develop differently between groups (group-time interaction: P = 0.29, P = 0.54, and P = 0.59, respectively). Serum irisin concentration increased in CO (70.8 ± 83.4 ng·mL, P < 0.001) but not in RT (22.4 ± 92.6 ng·mL, P = 0.67; group-time interaction, P < 0.01). The change in RMR was not associated with the change in FFM (r = -0.11, P = 0.36) or irisin (r = -0.004, P = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS Preventive resistance training elicits an increase in RMR. However, in contrast to currently discussed hypotheses, this increase does not seem to be mediated by training-induced changes in FFM or circulating irisin concentration, which casts doubt in the meaning of irisin for human energy balance.
Single-dose pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anacetrapib, a potent cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, in healthy subjects.

AIMS Anacetrapib is an orally active and potent inhibitor of CETP in development for the treatment of dyslipidaemia. These studies endeavoured to establish the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rising single doses of anacetrapib, administered in fasted or fed conditions, and to preliminarily assess the effect of food, age, gender and obesity on the single-dose pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anacetrapib. METHODS Safety, tolerability, anacetrapib concentrations and CETP activity were evaluated. RESULTS Anacetrapib was rapidly absorbed, with peak concentrations occurring at approximately 4 h post-dose and an apparent terminal half-life ranging from approximately 9 to 62 h in the fasted state and from approximately 42 to approximately 83 h in the fed state. Plasma AUC and C(max) appeared to increase in a less than approximately dose-dependent manner in the fasted state, with an apparent plateau in absorption at higher doses. Single doses of anacetrapib markedly and dose-dependently inhibited serum CETP activity with peak effects of approximately 90% inhibition at t(max) and approximately 58% inhibition at 24 h post-dose. An E(max) model best described the plasma anacetrapib concentration vs CETP activity relationship with an EC(50) of approximately 22 nm. Food increased exposure to anacetrapib; up to approximately two-three-fold with a low-fat meal and by up to approximately six-eight fold with a high-fat meal. Anacetrapib pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were similar in elderly vs young adults, women vs men, and obese vs non-obese young adults. Anacetrapib was well tolerated and was not associated with any meaningful increase in blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Whereas food increased exposure to anacetrapib significantly, age, gender and obese status did not meaningfully influence anacetrapib pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
The sustainable development oxymoron: quantifying and modelling the incompatibility of sustainable development goals

ABSTRACT In 2015, the UN adopted a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate poverty, establish socioeconomic inclusion and protect the environment. Critical voices such as the International Council for Science (ICSU), however, have expressed concerns about the potential incompatibility of the SDGs, specifically the incompatibility of socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. In this paper, we test, quantify and model the alleged inconsistency of SDGs. Our analyses show which SDGs are consistent and which are conflicting. We measure the extent of inconsistency and conclude that the SDG agenda will fail as a whole if we continue with business as usual. We further explore the nature of the inconsistencies using dynamical systems models, which reveal that the focus on economic growth and consumption as a means for development underlies the inconsistency. Our models also show that there are factors which can contribute to development (health programmes, government investment) on the one hand and ecological sustainability (renewable energy) on the other, without triggering the conflict between incompatible SDGs.
Phenotypes of articular disc cells in the rat temporomandibular joint as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry for nestin and GFAP

The articular disc is a dense collagenous tissue containing disc cells that are phenotypically described as chondrocyte‐like cells or fibrochondrocytes. Despite the possible existence of these phenotypes in systemic joints, little is known about the detailed classification of the articular disc cells in the temporomandibular joint. In this immunocytochemical study we examined the localization and distribution patterns of nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the articular disc of the rat temporomandibular joint at postnatal day 1, and weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8, based on the status of tooth eruption and occlusion. Nestin and GFAP are intermediate filament proteins whose expression patterns are closely related to cell differentiation and cell migration. Both types of immunopositive cell greatly increased postnatally to a stable level after postnatal week 4, but they showed different distribution patterns and cell morphologies. Nestin‐reactive disc cells, which were characterized by a meagre cytoplasm and thin cytoplasmic processes, were scattered in the articular disc, whereas GFAP‐positive cells, characterized by broader processes, existed exclusively in the deeper area. In mature discs, the major proportion of articular disc cells exhibited GFAP immunoreactivity. Furthermore, a double‐immunostaining demonstrated that the nestin‐negative cells, consisting of GFAP‐positive and ‐negative cells, exhibited immunoreactions for heat shock protein 25. These findings indicate that the articular disc cells comprise at least three types in the rat temporomandibular joint and suggest that their expressions closely relate to mechanical loading forces within the joint, including occlusal force, as observed through postnatal development.
Clinician and caregiver agreement on neuropsychiatric symptom severity: a study using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory – Clinician rating scale (NPI-C)

ABSTRACT Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are highly prevalent in dementia. The recently developed Neuropsychiatric Inventory – Clinician rating scale (NPI-C) includes clinical judgment and new symptom domains. Our objective was to evaluate NPI-C reliability and to compare caregiver and clinician ratings across the range of mild to severe cognitive impairment. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study. Participants were geriatric memory clinic patients and nursing-home residents (n = 30) with an established diagnosis of dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). A psychiatrist (MK) interviewed caregiver–patient dyads using the NPI-C. Neuropsychological tests and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive impairment. Two NPI-C caregiver interviews were videotaped and rated by psychologists and geriatricians. Intra-class correlations (ICCs) were used to examine inter-rater agreement. Correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate caregiver and psychiatrist NPI-C ratings. Disagreement between caregiver and clinician was expressed in delta scores and examined across the range of mild to severe cognitive impairment, using Levene's homogeneity of variances tests. Results: Inter-rater agreement on ratings of two caregiver videos was high (ICC = 0.99–1.0). Clinician–caregiver concordance on NPI-C total severity ratings was high (r = 0.77). Variability in clinician–caregiver concordance was associated with cognitive impairment: MMSE (P = 0.02), CAMCOG-R (Cambridge Cognitive Examination-revised) total scores (P = 0.02), CAMCOG-R Memory scores (P = 0.04) and Language scores (P = 0.01). Conclusions: The NPI-C is a reliable measure of NPS in patients with MCI or dementia. Clinician–caregiver agreement on NPS severity may vary with cognitive impairment, underlining the importance of clinician-based measures of NPS.
Current Steering and Current Focusing in Cochlear Implants: Comparison of Monopolar, Tripolar, and Virtual Channel Electrode Configurations

Objectives: To compare the effects of Monopole (Mono), Tripole (Tri), and “Virtual channel” (Vchan) electrode configurations on spectral resolution and speech perception in a crossover design. Design: Nine experienced adults who received an Advanced Bionics CII/90K cochlear implant participated in a crossover design using three experimental strategies for 2 wk each. Three strategies were compared: (1) Mono; (2) Tri with current partly returning to adjacent electrodes and partly (25 or 75%) to the extracochlear reference; and (3) a monopolar “Vchan” strategy creating seven intermediate channels between two contacts. Each strategy was a variant of the standard “HiRes” processing strategy using 14 channels and 1105 pulses/sec/channel, and a pulse duration of 32 &mgr;sec/phase. Spectral resolution was measured using broadband noise with a sinusoidally rippled spectral envelope with peaks evenly spaced on a logarithmic frequency scale. Speech perception was measured for monosyllables in quiet and in steady-state and fluctuating noises. Subjective comments on music experience and preferences in everyday use were assessed through questionnaires. Results: Thresholds and most comfortable levels with Mono and Vchan were both significantly lower than levels with Tri. Spectral resolution was significantly higher with Tri than with Mono; spectral resolution with Vchan did not differ significantly from the other configurations. Moderate but significant correlations between word recognition and spectral resolution were found in speech in quiet and fluctuating noise. For speech in quiet, word recognition was best with Mono and worst with Vchan; Tri did not significantly differ from the other configurations. Pooled across the noise conditions, word recognition was best with Tri and worst with Vchan (Mono did not significantly differ from the other configurations). These differences were small and insufficient to result in a clear increase in performance across subjects if the result from the best configuration per subject was compared with the result from Mono. Across all subjects, music appreciation and satisfaction in everyday use did not clearly differ between configurations. Conclusions: (1) Although spectral resolution was improved with the tripolar configuration, differences in speech performance were too small in this limited group of subjects to justify clinical introduction. (2) Overall spectral resolution remained extremely poor compared with normal hearing; it remains to be seen whether further manipulations of the electrical field will be more effective.
Developmental pattern of GFAP and vimentin gene expression in rat brain and in radial glial cultures

In the present study we analyze the events which occur during the early stages of astrogliogenesis by examining the pattern of both GFAP and vimentin gene expression and their corresponding immunoreactive proteins during rat brain development. This study was carried out “in vivo” (whole brain) and “in vitro” (primary culture of radial glia) using immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and Northern blot analysis. Our results demonstrate that although GFAP immunostaining appeared late in gestation and at day 5 in radial glia cultures, GFAP mRNA expression was first detected, at very low levels, on fetal (F) day 15 and increased to F21. During postnatal development a striking increase in GFAP and its encoding messenger occurs. In contrast, the levels of vimentin and its mRNA expression were very high during the fetal stage (F15 to F21). Thereafter vimentin expression declined during postnatal (P) development until P21 and then remained constant at adult levels. In contrast, an increase in vimentin expression was observed in glial cells throughout the entire culture period. The biological significance of the developmental patterns of GFAP and vimentin expression in astroglial cells during brain development is discussed. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intra‐articular electrotransfer of mouse soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the joints. In the collagen‐induced arthritis mouse model of RA, we developed a nonviral gene therapy method designed to block in situ the main cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α
Progression of radiographic damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: defining the central role of syndesmophytes

Background: Structural changes such as erosions, syndesmophytes and ankylosis are characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). These can be quantified by the modified Stokes Anklylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). It is unknown which radiographic feature is most relevant for the assessment of change and the prediction of future damage in AS. Objectives: To analyse radiographic progression in AS by using different assessments to define the most important changes. Methods: Spinal radiographs of 116 patients with AS were scored by the mSASSS at baseline (BL) and after 2 years. Radiographic progression was assessed by differentiating (1) any change; (2) progression to syndesmophytes/ankylosis (definite change); and (3) changes exceeding the smallest detectable change (SDC) as predefined. A growth angle of 45° was used to differentiate syndesmophytes from spondylophytes. Results: Some radiographic progression after 2 years was detected in 42% of patients, novel syndesmophytes in 31% of patients, and, using the SDC (calculated at 2 mSASSS units) as cut-off, progression was seen in 28% of patients. Thus, in 74% of the patients changes were because of syndesmophytes and/or ankylosis. Using the predefined cut-off, only 12% of all syndesmophytes were spondylophytes. Patients with such changes were of older age. Definite radiographic progression was found in 44% of the patients with syndesmophytes/ankylosis at BL (n = 57) versus 19% (p = 0.03) of the patients without such changes (n = 59). Conclusions: Syndesmophytes and ankylosis are the most relevant structural changes in AS, and also in the mSASSS. Development of just one syndesmophyte within 2 years indicates progression of structural changes in AS; this is relevant for clinical practice. Syndesmophytes are the best predictors of radiographic progression.
Impacts of Intellectual Property Rights on Trade Flows in ASEAN Countries

� This study provides new evidence regarding the linkage between the enforcement of IPR and trade flows in ASEAN countries. Based on the analysis of a gravity model and using the categorized panel data, the study finds robust empirical results. First, reinforced IPR protection in the importing countries (non-ASEAN countries) has a positive impact on ASEAN's exports, indicating the prevalence of the market expansion effect. Stronger effects are found in the high-tech sectors such as chemicals, machinery and transport equipment. Second, increased IPR protection in the importing countries (ASEAN) has a negative effect on ASEAN's imports, exhibiting the dominance of the market power effect. Stronger effects are found in the manufactured goods, beverage and tobacco industries. Third, since the coefficient on the IPR index is positive and statistically insignificant, we conclude that stronger protection of IPRs in both the ROW and ASEAN leads to an ambiguous increase in bilateral trade between ASEAN and the ROW. This is because of the fact that the increase in ASEAN's exports due to stronger IPR protection in the ROW is partly cancelled out by the decrease in ASEAN's imports as the result of stronger IPR protection in ASEAN.