Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laminin cleavage by activated human neutrophils yields proteolytic fragments with selective migratory properties

We studied the interactions between human neutrophils, as well as the purified human neutrophil serine proteases elastase (HNE) and cathepsin G (HNCG), and laminin. Our results show that intact laminin and two proteolytic fragments generated by HNE bind to neutrophils and stimulate cell migration. Domain‐ specific antilaminin monoclonal antibodies, rotary shadowing electron microscopy, and Western blotting mapped the two promigratory fragments on the laminin cross to the apical three‐armed region and long arm, respectively. In contrast, a fragment derived from the terminal ends of short arms neither bound to neutrophils nor stimulated migration. When neutrophils embedded in a reconstituted basement membrane gel were activated with phorbol myristate acetate, several stable, proteolytic laminin fragments were released into supernatants. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting showed that these fragments appeared identical to those generated after digestion of soluble laminin with HNE and HNCG. Furthermore, release of laminin fragments by embedded neutrophils was inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophos‐ phate, and duplicated by incubating the basement membrane gel with purified HNE and HNCG. Our findings therefore suggest that neutrophils, through release of HNE and HNCG, are capable of digesting basement membrane laminin in vivo. In addition, the release of laminin fragments from damaged basement membranes may promote neutrophil migration and thereby accelerate inflammatory processes.
Factors Associated with BMI in Greek Adults with Asthma

Background. The association between asthma and obesity remains controversial and limited to a few studies. Objective. The present study was designed to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical measures of asthma morbidity in Greek asthma patients. Study Design. A cross-sectional study in 100 outpatients at the asthma department of the “Amalia Fleming” General Hospital in Athens, Greece, was conducted. Asthma diagnosis was confirmed by a specialist, according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. Participants were classified, with respect to BMI (kg/m2), in three groups: normal: <25.0, overweight: 25.0–29.9. 0 and obese: ≥30.0. Data were modeled through multiple logistic regression analysis for the association of overweight/obesity with the study variables: demographics, asthma severity, smoking, pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one second; FEV1), asthma control (Asthma Control Test; ACT), disability associated with dyspnea (Medical Research Council [MRC] breathlessness scale), and physical activity in leisure time. Results. Overweight/obesity was detected in 56 participants (56%). Multivariate regression analysis resulted in an excess risk of overweight/obesity for older participants (odds ratio [OR]: 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–2.64 for a 10-year increase in age). Conclusion. Age seems to be highly associated with overweight/obesity in Greek adults with asthma who tend to maintain a similar body weight compared to the general population.
The application and diagnostic utility of immunocytochemistry on direct smears in the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

The importance of subclassifying pulmonary nonsmall cell carcinoma (NSCLC) in cytologic material is becoming increasingly paramount. Occasionally, cell blocks traditionally used for ancillary studies are sparsely cellular or acellular. Hence, we investigated the diagnostic utility of immunocytochemistry for Napsin‐A, TTF‐1, and p63 on direct smears of NSCLC. Immunohistochemistry for Napsin‐A was initially tested on a tissue microarray (TMA) composed of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, in 25 cases, immunocytochemistry for Napsin‐A, TTF‐1, and p63 was performed on cytologic direct smears. Smears were prepared from tumor cells scraped from lung resection specimens (n = 10), endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial fine‐needle aspirates (n = 13), and pelleted cell material from pleural effusions (n = 2). Immunohistochemistry utilizing the TMA revealed Napsin‐A positivity in 73% of pulmonary ADCs. Next, immunocytochemistry on direct cytologic smears demonstrated a Napsin‐A(+)/TTF‐1(+) immunophenotype in 15 of 18 adenocarcinomas; p63 was completely negative (n = 12) or only focally positive (n = 3) in these 15 adenocarcinomas. The remaining three adenocarcinomas were negative for all three markers. All six squamous cell carcinomas were Napsin‐A(−)/TTF‐1(−) and diffusely p63(+). In conclusion, direct smears represent a feasible and robust source of cellular material for immunocytochemical studies to diagnose pulmonary ADC and SQC. Our method allows the cytologist to confirm on site that material for diagnostic immunocytochemistry is present thereby serving as a safeguard in instances where the cell block is of insufficient cellularity. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Fiberscopic Analysis of Velopharyngeal Movement before and after Primary Palatoplasty in Cleft Palate Infants

&NA; There have been few studies done on the abnormal function of velopharyngeal muscles in unrepaired cleft palate infants. To examine and assess velopharyngeal movement before primary palatoplasty offers supposedly any valuable information for the successful operation and the restoration of excellent velopharyngeal function. We designed to investigate and analyze velopharyngeal movement before and after primary palatoplasty in 26 cleft palate infants with a fine nasopharyngeal fiberscope. We found three different patterns of velopharyngeal movement in unrepaired cleft palate infants when crying or strangulation reflex occurred: (1) posterior movement type (10 cases, 38.5 percent), where the soft palates moved only posteriorly and cephalically and did not move medially; (2) medial movement type (10 cases, 38.5 percent), where the soft palates moved only medially and did not move posteriorly or cephalically; and (3) posteromedial movement type (6 cases, 23.0 percent), where the soft palates moved both posteriorly and cephalically as well as medially. Postoperative velopharyngeal closure was classified into three patterns: (1) the soft palate type, in which the soft palate mainly operates; (2) the lateral wall type, in which compensational medial movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall is mainly observed; and (3) the mixed type, in which both the soft palate and the lateral pharyngeal wall operate. Also, we demonstrated a close relationship between velopharyngeal movement before and after primary palatoplasty in cleft palate infants. In total, 10 of 16 cleft palate infants with the posterior movement type or posteromedial movement type, in which posterior movement of the soft palates was observed before primary palatoplasty, postoperatively showed the soft palate type of velopharyngeal closure. On the other hand, only 2 of 10 cleft palate infants with the medial movement type, in which the soft palates did not move posteriorly but medially before primary palatoplasty, postoperatively showed the soft palate type of velopharyngeal closure. The Fisher's exact probability test clarified that cleft palate infants with the posterior movement type or posteromedial movement type were more likely to show postoperatively the soft palate type of the velopharyngeal closure compared with those with the medial movement type (p = 0.051). This is the first trial to examine velopharyngeal movement in unrepaired cleft palate infants. Our Findings indicate the probability that velopharyngeal closure mechanism in repaired cleft palate infants is able to be predicted by velopharyngeal movement behavior before primary palatoplasty. Next, we must clarify a correlation between preoperative velopharyngeal movement and postoperative velopharyngeal function and speech outcome. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 102: 668, 1998.)
RNA Silencing in Plants--Defense and Counterdefense

RNA silencing is a remarkable type of gene regulation based on sequence-specific targeting and degradation of RNA. The term encompasses related pathways found in a broad range of eukaryotic organisms, including fungi, plants, and animals. In plants, it serves as an antiviral defense, and many plant viruses encode suppressors of silencing. The emerging view is that RNA silencing is part of a sophisticated network of interconnected pathways for cellular defense, RNA surveillance, and development and that it may become a powerful tool to manipulate gene expression experimentally.
Oxidative stress during peripheral angioplasty. Implication for late restenosis?

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is routine treatment for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The procedure induces local generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as H2O2. Since these have been shown to stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell growth (VSMCG), we investigated peroxide levels in patients with PAD during PTA and related these results to late clinical outcome. METHODS Thirty patients (17 male, 13 female, 20 Fontain stage II, 10 Fontaine stage IV, median age 68 years) undergoing PTA of a 2-6 cm stenosis of the femoral or popliteal artery were included. The procedure was performed successfully in all patients. At follow-up six months thereafter restenosis was evaluated by duplex sonography. Total peroxide concentrations were determined in plasma drawn before, 6, 24 and 48 hours after the procedure by the Operoxide activityO assay, which is based on the reaction of horseradish peroxidase with plasma peroxides, using tetramethylbenzidine as the chromogenic substrate. RESULTS The median peroxide level before angioplasty was 280 mmol/L (range 47-549). Levels were higher in patients with advanced disease, in smokers and in patients with diabetes. In response to angioplasty, peroxide levels increased within 48 hours (p<0.001). Six months after the procedure, restenosis was observed in 10/30 (33 percent) of patients. Clinical outcome was not dependent upon baseline or postinterventional peroxide levels. CONCLUSIONS Elevated peroxide levels are seen in patients with advanced arteriosclerotic disease and in those with diabetes, but are not predictive for late restenosis.
A multi-agent reinforcement learning model of common-pool resource appropriation

Humanity faces numerous problems of common-pool resource appropriation. This class of multi-agent social dilemma includes the problems of ensuring sustainable use of fresh water, common fisheries, grazing pastures, and irrigation systems. Abstract models of common-pool resource appropriation based on non-cooperative game theory predict that self-interested agents will generally fail to find socially positive equilibria---a phenomenon called the tragedy of the commons. However, in reality, human societies are sometimes able to discover and implement stable cooperative solutions. Decades of behavioral game theory research have sought to uncover aspects of human behavior that make this possible. Most of that work was based on laboratory experiments where participants only make a single choice: how much to appropriate. Recognizing the importance of spatial and temporal resource dynamics, a recent trend has been toward experiments in more complex real-time video game-like environments. However, standard methods of non-cooperative game theory can no longer be used to generate predictions for this case. Here we show that deep reinforcement learning can be used instead. To that end, we study the emergent behavior of groups of independently learning agents in a partially observed Markov game modeling common-pool resource appropriation. Our experiments highlight the importance of trial-and-error learning in common-pool resource appropriation and shed light on the relationship between exclusion, sustainability, and inequality.
Investigating the Moderating Role of Culture on the Relationship Between Appraisals and Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Appraisals play a central role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Accumulating cross-cultural psychology research has demonstrated that culture affects the way in which individuals appraise an experience. However, there is little empirical work considering the influence of culture on appraisals in PTSD. In this study, we investigated the influence of culture on trauma-related appraisals and PTSD symptoms, with a particular focus on appraisals related to control. Trauma-related appraisals and PTSD symptoms were assessed in European Australian (n = 71) and Asian Australian (n = 73) adult trauma survivors. The group (European Australian vs. Asian Australian) was found to moderate the relationship between control, responsibility, and agency-focused appraisals (mental defeat, mastery, present control, and self-blame) and PTSD symptoms. Findings suggest that the relationship between these appraisal types and PTSD is influenced by the extent to which an individual emphasizes the independent self-construal. The cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences being drawn from the findings. Implications for culturally informed PTSD models and treatments are discussed.
Quantifying the value teachers place on non-monetary factors when evaluating job opportunities

The way in which working conditions, personal characteristics, and school factors influence teacher recruitment and retention is an oft-studied topic in the field of education finance and policy. Through decades of research, it has become increasingly clear that teachers respond to a set of monetary and non-monetary factors when making decisions in the teacher labor market. What is less clear is the relative or absolute value teachers place on factors such as salary, student demographic factors, school conditions, and other working conditions such as class size, curricular autonomy, and principal support, to name a few. This project introduces the use of a novel survey methodology to the field to aim to answer these questions. This study utilizes Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) analysis to quantify the relative importance of various monetary and non-monetary job factors to practicing teachers as they consider the desirability of various hypothetical schools. The use of ACBC in an estimate of the value placed on various working condition factors by secondary teachers in Utah and an analysis of how those valuations vary with personal and demographic factors. The results of this research provide practical recommendations for administrators and policymakers that aim to make schools more desirable for teachers and demonstrates the use of a novel methodology to answer outstanding questions in the field of teacher recruitment and retention.
Accounting Discretion and Managerial Conservatism: An Intertemporal Analysis

Accounting discretion and the principle of conservatism are two salient features embedded in financial reporting systems. Arguably, the practice of conservative accounting choices can never be well understood without incorporating their effect on future periods (the intertemporal effect). This paper provides one explanation for managerial conservatism in a two-period agency model with hidden information (a binary project type) and hidden actions (the agent's efforts). A piece-wise linear incentive scheme with accounting earnings as the performance measure is employed. The agent's discretion is the choice of a depreciation method. Discretion is valuable if and only if the agent's marginal productivity of a bad project is greater than that of a good project but not to an extreme degree. A conservative depreciation method decreases current compensation in exchange for a bet on future compensation and, hence, serves as a commitment device for the agent to signal the prospect is indeed good. The accounting mechanism replicates the performance of the optimal direct mechanism.
Rural Electrification and Domestic Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

One third of all women experience violence within their lifetime, most frequently perpetrated by their intimate partner (IPV). It impacts women's sexual, reproductive, and mental health, and increases the risk of chronic disease. Ways to reduce IPV are less obvious, though. Especially in rural areas, electrification is frequently said to foster women's development and contribute to a modernization of gender roles. Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from rural areas in 22 Sub-Saharan countries, the present paper analyses the effect of electrification on IPV by means of pseudo-panel and propensity score matching approaches. Women in households with electricity report significantly lower acceptance of IPV. It is especially access and higher exposure to information via TV sets that causes the difference in IPV acceptance. Accordingly, rural electrification might potentially play an important role in eliminating violence against women.
Political connections and IPO underpricing: An efficiency problem

We frame IPO pricing as an efficiency problem for prospective issuers and explore the effect of connections formed via lobbying and PAC (Political Action Committee) contributions. We develop an approach of general application in finance, where relationships of influence are suspected. Rather than imposing a regression-based framework, we allow relationships to manifest themselves in a data-driven manner. Our analysis reveals nonlinearities between IPO pricing efficiency and the two contribution avenues (justifying the fully nonparametric treatment). We are able to uncover relationships separately according to business sector, which we interpret in terms of varied competitive environments.
The Effects of Enhancing Competitiveness on FDI Inflows in CEE Countries

The objective of this paper is to identify how an increase in competitiveness could improve FDI in ten Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. For assessing competitiveness, we employ the variables used by World Economic Forum in designing the Global Competitiveness Index and find that half of the analyzed countries could see the most important increases in FDI/capita if making institutions more competitive, four other countries should accelerate on improving innovation and infrastructure while another country should work on labour market efficiency. We also calculate the potential increase in FDI/capita due to similar changes in different competitiveness variables.
Geographic Disparities in Availability of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment for Medicaid Enrollees

OBJECTIVE To examine county-level geographic variation in treatment admissions among opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that accept Medicaid in the continental United States. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Data come from the 2012 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. STUDY DESIGN/DATA COLLECTION We used local measures of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) analysis to identify (1) clusters of counties with higher and lower than average rates of opioid use disorders and (2) clusters of counties with higher and lower than average treatment admissions among OTPs that accept Medicaid, adjusting for county population size. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Our results reveal several clusters of counties with higher than average rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) and lower than average treatment admissions among OTPs that accept Medicaid. These clusters are highly concentrated in the Southeast region of the country and include Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. CONCLUSIONS Medicaid enrollees in areas in the Southeast have the largest gaps between county-level OUD rates and estimated county-level capacity for treatment, as measured by county-level total treatment admissions among OTPs that accept Medicaid. Policy makers should consider strategies to increase the availability of OTPs with the capacity to serve Medicaid enrollees.
Increased Proportions of Sensed Presences and Occipital Spikes with 1- and 10-Msec. Point Duration of Continuous 7-HZ Transcerebral Magnetic Fields

To test the hypothesis that the numbers of “sensed presences” induced by the application of weak (1 microTesla) magnetic fields over the right hemisphere was subject to an optimal time of presentation, digital-to-analogue computer generated 7-Hz sine-waves were applied with point (“pixel”) durations of 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, or 20 msec. for 5 min. each in a sequential counterbalanced order for six subjects. The proportion of numbers of sensed presences reported along the subjects' left sides and the proportions of electroencephalographic spikes over the occipital regions were greatest when 1- or 10-msec. point durations were employed. These results indicate that the specific duration of each successive field strength composing a complex sequence should be considered when designing optimal configurations for intercalating with neurecognition.
Family history of heart disease and cardiovascular disease risk-reducing behaviors

Background: Family history is an important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Preventive behaviors, including lifestyle modifications, can attenuate CVD risk. We studied the association between family history–based heart disease (HD) risk and CVD risk-reducing behaviors.Methods: Using data from the 2001 Healthstyles survey, we compared frequencies of CVD risk-reducing behaviors among adults without known CVD in categories defined by family history–based HD risk. We classified respondents’ HD risk as average (no first-degree relatives with HD), moderate (one relative), or high (≥ two relatives). Behaviors studied included lifestyle modifications, cholesterol measurement, and aspirin use.Results: Of 3383 respondents without known CVD, 28% were classified as being at moderate risk and 15% as being at high risk for HD based on family history. Adjusted odds ratios indicated that moderate- and high-risk respondents were more likely to report having cholesterol measured within the previous 5 years (OR = 1.39, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.16–1.67 and 1.29, 95% CI = 1.01–1.64, respectively), and aspirin use to reduce CVD risk (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.23–1.79 and 1.67, 95% CI = 1.33–2.09, respectively) than average-risk respondents.Conclusion: Almost one half of respondents reported a family history of HD. Aspirin use and cholesterol measurement (i.e., behaviors that health-care providers might suggest) were more likely to be reported by moderate- and high-risk respondents than were lifestyle changes. Family history merits further investigation as a public health tool to identify persons with increased HD risk who might benefit from enhanced prevention strategies.