Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Control for Democratic Community

This study investigated the tensions between democratic community and social control through qualitative data (focus group discussions) and inductive reasoning. Data indicated that school leaders struggle to balance authority and the required accountability while engendering a socially just democratic community. This struggle is largely attributed to external pressures that are not always aligned with internal circumstances.
Myocardial viability: assessment with three-dimensional MR imaging in pigs and patients.

PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate the correlation between a three-dimensional (3D) delayed enhancement magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequence and a two-dimensional (2D) delayed enhancement MR imaging sequence for noninvasive assessment of myocardial viability in pigs and patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS The pig and patient studies were approved by the responsible authorities, and patients gave written informed consent. MR imaging was performed by using a rapid 3D inversion-recovery balanced steady-state free precession sequence and a 2D segmented inversion-recovery fast low-angle shot sequence as the reference standard. Fourteen pigs with reperfused (n=7) or nonreperfused (n=7) myocardial infarction and 17 patients (13 men, four women; mean age, 64.9 years+/-8.6 [standard deviation]) suspected of having myocardial infarction were included. Linear regression analysis and Bland-Altman analysis were used to compare the infarction volumes. RESULTS In 10 of the 14 pigs the induction of myocardial infarction was successful. In these pigs, altogether 81 segments with myocardial infarction were demonstrated by both MR sequences, and agreement between the two sequences for classification of transmural extent of myocardial infarction was 99.7%. The infarction volume determined by using 3D MR imaging (4.64 cm3+/-2.48) in the pigs highly correlated with that of 2D MR imaging (4.65 cm3+/-2.39, r=0.989, P<.001) and that of staining by using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (4.67 cm3+/-2.44, r=0.996, P<.001). Thirteen of the 17 patients examined showed myocardial infarction in 34 myocardial segments with both sequences, and agreement between the two sequences for classification of transmural extent of myocardial infarction was 98.6%. In the patients, the infarction volume determined with both sequences highly correlated (9.71 cm3+/-7.47 for the 3D sequence vs 10.01 cm3+/-8.04 for the 2D sequence, r=0.982, P<.001). The breath-hold time necessary for the 3D MR imaging (21.0+/-2.3 seconds) was significantly shorter than that for 2D MR imaging (188.3+/-20.2 seconds, P<.001). CONCLUSION Myocardial infarction volumes obtained with the 3D MR imaging sequence are highly correlated and in good agreement with volumes obtained with the 2D MR imaging standard approach and reduced the acquisition time by a factor of nine.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of esomeprazole for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for the treatment of acid-related diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They are recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology for healing erosive esophagitis (EO) and as long-term treatment in patients with healed EO. The available PPIs differ somewhat in their pharmacokinetics and clinical properties, but whether these differences are of clinical relevance is a matter of debate. Some safety concerns have been raised with the use of PPIs, mostly an increased incidence of infectious diseases such as community-acquired pneumonia or Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Areas covered: This article explores the results of clinical studies on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of esomeprazole, as well as on its clinical efficacy to manage patients with GERD. Expert opinion: GERD is a public health concern as its worldwide incidence and associated complications are increasing alongside the exponentially increasing problem of obesity. PPIs are the first pharmacological option because of their efficacy and overall positive risk-to-benefit ratio. Improved efficacy with the use of stereospecific isomers of PPIs, such as esomeprazole, has not yet been convincingly demonstrated. Nevertheless, because of individual experience with former treatment, some patients may report better symptom control when treated with a specific PPI rather than with others.
Asymmetric News Responses of High‐Frequency and Non‐High‐Frequency Traders

Using NASDAQ trade and Reuters news data, I show that the response of aggressive non&#8208;high&#8208;frequency traders (nHFTs) to news is stronger than that of aggressive high&#8208;frequency traders (HFTs). Classifying news into quantitative (&#8220;hard&#8221;) and less quantitative (&#8220;softer&#8221;) news, the trading response of aggressive nHFTs to softer news exceeds HFTs&#8217; response. Positive news elicits greater return and nHFT responses than negative news during the 2008 financial crisis period. As this phenomenon persists even after excluding the 2008 short&#8208;sale ban, the results support the hypothesis of nHFTs exhibiting stronger asymmetric responses during crisis periods.
Radiation doses received in the United Kingdom breast screening programme in 2010 to 2012.

OBJECTIVES To review the radiation doses received by women attending the UK breast-screening programme between 2010 and 2012. To compare doses with previous years and to quantify the impact on dose of changing from analogue to digital imaging and to analyse doses by type of imaging system. METHODS Measurements of doses to samples of about 50-100 women attending for screening were collected across the whole of the UK breast-screening programme. RESULTS Data were collected for 87,122 exposures, using 449 X-ray sets, for 25,408 women. The average mean glandular dose (MGD) was 1.79 mGy for mediolateral oblique images and 1.58 mGy for craniocaudal images. The average MGD per two-view examination was 4.01 mGy for film-screen imaging and 3.03 mGy for direct digital radiography (DR) and 4.69 mGy for computed radiography. CONCLUSION The MGD to women attending breast screening has been reduced on average by about 25% where DR systems have replaced film-screen systems. The dose reduction was greatest for breasts with the largest compressed thickness. There are large variations in dose between the different models of DR system provided by different manufacturers. There should be further work to ensure that all DR systems are operated at the optimal dose level to ensure the best cancer detection while balancing the detriment caused by using radiation. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Changes in the radiation dose in breast screening over time have been determined. Specifically, the impact on radiation dose of introducing different types of DR and computed radiography system into breast screening has been quantified.
Factors influencing secondary care pharmacist and nurse independent prescribers’ clinical reasoning: An interprofessional analysis

ABSTRACT In the United Kingdom, pharmacist and nurse independent prescribers are responsible for both the clinical assessment of and prescribing for patients. Prescribing is a complex skill that entails the application of knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning to arrive at a clinically appropriate decision. Decision-making is influenced and informed by many factors. This study, the first of its kind, explores what factors influence pharmacist and nurse independent prescribers during the process of clinical reasoning. A think-aloud methodology immediately followed by a semi-structured interview was conducted with 11 active nurse and 10 pharmacist independent prescribers working in secondary care. Each participant was presented with validated clinical vignettes for the think-aloud stage. Participants chose the clinical therapeutic areas for the vignettes, based on their self-perceived competencies. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and a constant-comparative approach was used for analysis. Influences on clinical reasoning were broadly categorised into themes: social interaction, intrinsic, and contextual factors. These themes showed that intrinsic, sociocultural, and contextual aspects heavily influenced the clinical reasoning processes of prescribers. For example, prescribers were aware of treatment pathways, but chose to refer patient cases to avoid making the final prescribing decision. Exploration of this behaviour in the interviews revealed that previous experience and attitudes such as confidence and cautiousness associated with responsibility were strong influencers within the decision-making process. In addition, strengthening the professional identity of prescribers could be achieved through collaborative work with interprofessional healthcare teams to orient their professional practice from within the profession. Findings from this study can be used to inform the education, training, and practice of independent prescribers to improve healthcare services by improving their professional and interprofessional development.
Oral mucosal desquamation caused by two toothpaste detergents in an experimental model.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the most widely used detergent in toothpastes, has been reported to cause adverse effects on oral soft tissues. This double-blind cross-over study describes the oral mucosal effects of SLS-containing toothpastes and pastes containing a zwitterionic detergent, cocoamidopropyl-betaine (CAPB) in an experimental model in 28 healthy females. Seven toothpastes, differing only in detergent concentration and/or type, were used: SLS (0.5, 1.0, 1.5%), CAPB (0.64, 1.27, 1.90%) and a placebo. Each participant applied 1 cm of assigned test toothpaste via a cap splint to the teeth and the mucosa of the upper jaw. The splints were used twice daily for 2 min during a period of 4 d, after which the participants were examined for oral desquamation. No other oral hygiene was allowed during the test periods. Ten days brushing with a detergent-free toothpaste was performed between each test period. Forty-five desquamative reactions were observed in 21 of 27 subjects (one was excluded) during the trial. Forty-two reactions were recorded during the SLS periods and the remaining three during the CAPB periods. The detergent-free toothpaste did not result in oral desquamation. SLS in toothpastes significantly increased the incidence of desquamation of the oral mucosa compared with toothpastes containing the detergent CAPB. The model used is not directly relevant to normal toothbrushing with toothpaste, but indicates that sensitive patients may contract mucosal irritation through SLS in toothpastes. Less toxic detergents, e.g. CAPB, are desirable in oral hygiene products.
MicroRNA‐15b promotes neurogenesis and inhibits neural progenitor proliferation by directly repressing TET3 during early neocortical development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of mouse brain development. However, their precise roles in this context remain to be elucidated. Through screening of expression profiles from a miRNA microarray and experimental analysis, we show here that miR‐15b controls several aspects of cortical neurogenesis. miR‐15b inhibits cortical neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation and promotes cell‐cycle exit and neuronal differentiation. Additionally, miR‐15b expression decreases the number of apical progenitors and increases basal progenitors in the VZ/SVZ. We also show that miR‐15b binds to the 3′ UTR of TET3, which plays crucial roles during embryonic development by enhancing DNA demethylation. TET3 promotes cyclin D1 expression, and miR‐15b reduces TET3 expression and 5hmC levels. Notably, TET3 expression rescues miR‐15b‐induced impaired NPC proliferation and increased cell‐cycle exit in vivo. Our results not only reveal a link between miRNAs, TET, and DNA demethylation but also demonstrate critical roles for miR‐15b and TET3 in maintaining the NPC pool during early neocortical development.
Stress-induced inhibition of translation independently of eIF2α phosphorylation

ABSTRACT Exposure of fission yeast cells to ultraviolet (UV) light leads to inhibition of translation and phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α). This phosphorylation is a common response to stress in all eukaryotes. It leads to inhibition of translation at the initiation stage and is thought to be the main reason why stressed cells dramatically reduce protein synthesis. Phosphorylation of eIF2α has been taken as a readout for downregulation of translation, but the role of eIF2α phosphorylation in the downregulation of general translation has not been much investigated. We show here that UV-induced global inhibition of translation in fission yeast cells is independent of eIF2α phosphorylation and the eIF2α kinase general control nonderepressible-2 protein (Gcn2). Also, in budding yeast and mammalian cells, the UV-induced translational depression is largely independent of GCN2 and eIF2α phosphorylation. Furthermore, exposure of fission yeast cells to oxidative stress generated by hydrogen peroxide induced an inhibition of translation that is also independent of Gcn2 and of eIF2α phosphorylation. Our findings show that stress-induced translational inhibition occurs through an unknown mechanism that is likely to be conserved through evolution. Summary: In contrast to textbook knowledge, the phosphorylation of translation initiation factor eIF2α is not required for UV-induced inhibition of protein synthesis, which we show in three different cell types.
Comparing the Use of Visual Analogue Scales and Likert-type Scales in International Agricultural and Extension Education Surveys

Data collected using survey methodology is readily used to provide insight into improving international agricultural and extension education programs. The evolution of survey technology has allowed educators access to a growing number of audiences; however, the escalating quantity of surveys contributes to greater survey fatigue. Utilizing multiple forms of response, such as Likert-type scales and visual analog scales, may relieve some symptoms of survey fatigue. The use of visual analog scales may allow respondents the ability to respond more freely to questions where fractional differences can hold a wealth of information. This study examined the possible advantages of utilizing visual analog scales rather than Likert-type scales in surveys. A Web-based survey was conducted with respondents randomly assigned to one of two treatments: comparison constructs in traditional Likert-type scale presentation form using radio buttons or comparison constructs with a Visual Analog Scale presentation. Results indicated responses from visual analog scales were similar to those on Likert-type scale questions. No significant additional time to complete the constructs was found; however, a significantly lower non-response rate existed for one construct using the Likert-type scale (10% compared to 32%). Seventy-five percent of the respondents given visual analog scales utilized the freedom to select increments between the restricted points of radio buttons.
Disruptions in functional network connectivity during alcohol intoxicated driving.

BACKGROUND Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a major public health problem whose neural basis is not well understood. In a recently published functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study (Meda et al., 2009), our group identified 5, independent critical driving-associated brain circuits whose inter-regional connectivity was disrupted by alcohol intoxication. However, the functional connectivity between these circuits has not yet been explored in order to determine how these networks communicate with each other during sober and alcohol-intoxicated states. METHODS In the current study, we explored such differences in connections between the above brain circuits and driving behavior, under the influence of alcohol versus placebo. Forty social drinkers who drove regularly underwent fMRI scans during virtual reality driving simulations following 2 alcohol doses, placebo and an individualized dose producing blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.10%. RESULTS At the active dose, we found specific disruptions of functional network connectivity between the frontal-temporal-basal ganglia and the cerebellar circuits. The temporal connectivity between these 2 circuits was found to be less correlated (p < 0.05) when driving under the influence of alcohol. This disconnection was also associated with an abnormal driving behavior (unstable motor vehicle steering). CONCLUSIONS Connections between frontal-temporal-basal ganglia and cerebellum have recently been explored; these may be responsible in part for maintaining normal motor behavior by integrating their overlapping motor control functions. These connections appear to be disrupted by alcohol intoxication, in turn associated with an explicit type of impaired driving behavior.
Subjective and objective indices of the satiating effect of foods. Can people predict how filling a food will be?

OBJECTIVE These two studies compared the subjective assessment of how filling a snack type would be, with actual consumption of that type of snack at a snack meal. DESIGN Four snack types: savory high-fat, savory high-carbohydrate, sweet high-carbohydrate, each comprising of five food items, were used. Study 1 consisted of tasting followed by perceptual evaluations. Study 2 was a consumption test with a within-subjects design, each subject received each of the snack types in a counterbalanced order. A no snack condition was also included. SETTING The studies were carried out in the Human Appetite and Nutrition Research Unit. SUBJECTS Twenty-four lean male and female individuals took part in Study 1. Sixteen lean young male University students took part in Study 2. INTERVENTIONS In Study 1 subjects tasted 10 of the 20 food items comprising the snack types, and rated the saltiness, sweetness, fillingness and pleasantness of these on 100 mm visual analogue rating scales (VAS). In Study 2, a fixed breakfast and lunch were consumed, subjects were then offered an ad libitum selection of one of the 4 snack types. VAS to record subjective feelings of hunger and fullness were completed periodically. RESULTS The results of Study 1 showed the sweet high-fat snack type was rated more filling, but similar in pleasantness, than the other snack types. Study 2 showed the sweet high-fat snack type resulted in a higher energy intake than the other snack types. CONCLUSIONS The subjective assessment of snacks suggested sweet high-fat snacks could be filling, however when consumed these snacks resulted in a higher energy intake than the sweet high-carbohydrate and both types of savory snacks.
How Much Would Bangladesh Gain from the Removal of Subsidies on Electricity and Natural Gas?

As in many countries around the world, subsidies to energy in Bangladesh impose a significant fiscal burden, with benefits that disproportionately accrue to high-income households. Any reforms of energy subsidies should benefit the overall economy rather than those who use energy the most. Using a computable general equilibrium model, this study investigates the economywide impacts of the removal of direct subsidies in the electricity sector and indirect subsidies in natural gas in Bangladesh. The study finds that removal of energy subsidies would be beneficial to the economy and would increase gross domestic product. The magnitude of the economic impact depends on how the budgetary savings from the removal of the electricity subsidies and increased revenues due to the removal of indirect subsidies to natural gas are reallocated to the economy. Recycling the savings (or the new revenues) to fund investment would benefit the country most, followed by the case of utilizing them to fund cuts in income taxes, and finally to fund cuts in indirect taxes. Although the reallocation of budgetary savings to households through lump-sum transfers is found to be inferior to the other recycling options considered, it would be the preferred option from the distributional perspective.
The Cannabinoid Receptor CB1 Modulates the Signaling Properties of the Lysophosphatidylinositol Receptor GPR55*

Background: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) can form heteromers and thereby alter their signaling properties. Results: GPR55 and cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor signaling is modulated if receptors are co-expressed. Conclusion: GPR55 signaling is inhibited in the presence of CB1 receptors; in contrast, CB1 receptor-mediated signaling is enhanced if GPR55 is co-expressed. Significance: Cross-regulation of CB1 receptor and GPR55 may affect cell function when endogenously co-expressed. The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) 55 (GPR55) and the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) are co-expressed in many tissues, predominantly in the central nervous system. Seven transmembrane spanning (7TM) receptors/GPCRs can form homo- and heteromers and initiate distinct signaling pathways. Recently, several synthetic CB1 receptor inverse agonists/antagonists, such as SR141716A, AM251, and AM281, were reported to activate GPR55. Of these, SR141716A was marketed as a promising anti-obesity drug, but was withdrawn from the market because of severe side effects. Here, we tested whether GPR55 and CB1 receptors are capable of (i) forming heteromers and (ii) whether such heteromers could exhibit novel signaling patterns. We show that GPR55 and CB1 receptors alter each others signaling properties in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. We demonstrate that the co-expression of FLAG-CB1 receptors in cells stably expressing HA-GPR55 specifically inhibits GPR55-mediated transcription factor activation, such as nuclear factor of activated T-cells and serum response element, as well as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) activation. GPR55 and CB1 receptors can form heteromers, but the internalization of both receptors is not affected. In addition, we observe that the presence of GPR55 enhances CB1R-mediated ERK1/2 and nuclear factor of activated T-cell activation. Our data provide the first evidence that GPR55 can form heteromers with another 7TM/GPCR and that this interaction with the CB1 receptor has functional consequences in vitro. The GPR55-CB1R heteromer may play an important physiological and/or pathophysiological role in tissues endogenously co-expressing both receptors.
Generic tendency of metal salt cytotoxicity for six cell lines.

Systematic cytotoxicity evaluation of various metallic elements may contribute to the development of new metallic biomaterials with superior biocompatibility. It is generally reported that the cytotoxicity of a chemical differs with cell lines. However, our previous study revealed a high correlation in the cytotoxicity of 43 metal salts between two murine cell lines. If there is any generic tendency toward metal salt cytotoxicity for many kinds of cells, that information is helpful for the determination of the chemical composition of new metallic biomaterials that are expected to have lower cytotoxicity. In this study, the cytotoxicity of 12 metal salts was evaluated using four cell lines, and the results were compared, including those for two other cell lines obtained in our previous study. A metal salt concentration that reduced cell viability to 50% of that without any metal salt (IC(50)) was used as an index to compare the metal salt cytotoxicity between cell lines. The correlation was statistically proved by the IC(50)s of 12 metal salts among these cell lines (p < 0.01), suggesting the existence of a generic tendency to metal salt cytotoxicity beyond cell lines. The metal salt order of toxicity from the highest was K(2)Cr(2)O(7), AgNO(3), VCl(3), SbCl(3), CuCl(2), CoCl(2), NiCl(2), ZnCl(2), Cr(NO(3))(3), FeCl(3), TiCl(4), and Al(NO(3))(3). The sensitivity for metal salt cytotoxicity differed with cell lines; IMR-32 had the highest sensitivity among the six cell lines.