Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of tumor necrosis factor as a transcriptional regulator of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene following endotoxin treatment of mice

The decreased synthesis of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the rate-limiting enzyme of gluconeogenesis, that occurs during endotoxemia was shown previously in rats to occur at the transcriptional level. In the current study, the exogenous administration of human recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a proximal mediator of endotoxic shock, reduced the PEPCK transcription rate, mRNAPEPCK levels, and PEPCK enzyme activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner in CD-1 mice. Comparable amounts of circulating TNF were measured in mice 2 h after injection of human recombinant TNF (10(5) U) or a 50% lethal dose of Escherichia coli endotoxin (20 mg/kg). Direct action of TNF to decrease the PEPCK transcription rate was confirmed in vitro with H-4-II-E Reuber hepatoma cells, in which a dose-dependent inhibition of PEPCK transcription was observed with 1 to 100 U of TNF per ml. A role for TNF-elicited changes in PEPCK gene expression during endotoxemia was confirmed by the protective effect of rabbit polyclonal antibodies to recombinant murine TNF. C57BL/6 mice passively immunized with anti-TNF 4 h prior to endotoxin challenge exhibited normal PEPCK enzyme activity. Neutralization of circulating TNF with anti-TNF failed, however, to prevent the hypoglycemia commonly observed during endotoxemia, suggesting the participation of other mediators. Anti-TNF treatment reduced circulating interleukins 1 and 6 at 3 and 6 h after endotoxin treatment, respectively. These results suggest that during endotoxemia, the development of hypoglycemia is multifaceted and that several cytokines are most likely involved. The findings from the Reuber hepatoma cell model afford an opportunity in future work to map putative cytokine response elements in the PEPCK promoter responsible for perturbed hormonal regulation of the gene during endotoxemia.
Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation after acquired brain injury: A systematic review of content of treatment

We reviewed all randomised trials on cognitive rehabilitation in order to determine the effective elements in terms of patients' and treatment characteristics, treatment goals and outcome. A total of 95 random controlled trials were included from January 1980 until August 2010 studying 4068 patients in total. Most studies had been conducted on language (n = 25), visuospatial functioning (n = 24), and memory (n = 14). Stroke patients were the commonest subjects (57%; overall mean age = 52.2, SD = 15.0 years). Of the interventions 39% were offered more than 12 months after onset and 23% were offered within two months of onset. The mean (SD) number of hours of treatment actually delivered was 4.1 (3.6) per week; treatment was mostly offered individually. No papers gave specific information on the expertise or competences of the staff involved. With 95 RCTs there is a large body of evidence to support the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation, and the current study can serve as a database for clinicians and researchers. But most studies have given little information about the actual content of the treatment which makes it difficult to use the studies when making treatment decisions in daily clinical practice. We suggest developing an international checklist to make standardised description of non-pharmacological complex interventions possible.
Outside the Box: Unconventional Monetary Policy in the Great Recession and Beyond

In November 2008, the Federal Reserve faced a deteriorating economy and a financial crisis. The federal funds rate had already been reduced to virtually zero. Thus, the Federal Reserve turned to unconventional monetary policies. Through “quantitative easing,” the Fed announced plans to buy mortgage-backed securities and debt issued by government-sponsored enterprises. Subsequent purchases would eventually lead to a five-fold expansion in the Fed’s balance sheet, from $900 billion to $4.5 trillion, and leave the Fed holding over 20 percent of all mortgage-backed securities and marketable Treasury debt. In addition, Fed policy statements in December 2008 began to include explicit references to the likely path of the federal funds interest rate, a policy that came to be known as “forward guidance. ” The Fed ceased its direct asset purchases in late 2014. Starting in October 2017, it has allowed the balance sheet to shrink gradually as existing assets mature. From December 2015 through June 2018, the Fed has raised the federal funds interest rate seven times. Thus, the time is ripe to step back and ask whether the Fed’s unconventional policies had the intended expansionary effects—and by extension, whether the Fed should use them in the future.
A Balanced Type 1/Type 2 Response Is Associated with Long-Term Nonprogressive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection

ABSTRACT Previous reports have emphasized the requirements for strong type 1 cell-mediated responses in the control of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 Gag p24-specific CD4 helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) responses have been shown to inversely correlate with viral burden in HIV-1-infected individuals. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 70 individuals with chronic progressive HIV-1 infection (clinical progressors), 10 clinical nonprogressors, and 3 immunologically discordant progressors were assessed for HTL proliferation and type 1/type 2 cytokine production. Clinical progressors lacked functional HIV-1-specific HTLs with proliferative and cytokine-producing capacity. Clinical nonprogressors were found to respond to a wide range of HIV-1 antigens from different clades, producing both type 1 and type 2 cytokines. Immunologically discordant progressors responded strongly to clade B Gag p24 with a type 1 cytokine profile but not to other antigens. Thus, in contrast to clinical nonprogressors, neither progressors nor immunologically discordant progressors secreted interleukin-4 (IL-4) in response to HIV-1 antigens. Both clinical nonprogressors and immunologically discordant progressors responded broadly to B clade Gag p24-overlapping peptides. However, IL-4 production in the nonprogressors was restricted to a limited number of p24 peptides. No HIV-1-specific T-cell responses were seen in 20 seronegative controls. Additionally, we observed a rapid type 1 to type 2 shift in the response of one immunologically discordant progressor upon onset of clinical symptoms. These results suggest that a balanced type 1/type 2 profile correlates with successful long-term control of HIV-1.
Left ventricular diastolic function in hypertension and role of plasma glucose and insulin. Comparison with diabetic heart.

BACKGROUND Experimental production of glucose intolerance has been associated with increased diastolic stiffness of the left ventricle, accompanied by interstitial fibrosis. Because carbohydrate metabolism is altered in hypertension, we undertook the present study to assess the relation of diastolic dysfunction in hypertension to plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. The latter are also affected by obesity. To facilitate this analysis, we studied moderately obese hypertensives. Elucidation of these relations was then sought in diabetic subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS Subjects undergoing catheterization for chest pain were included in the study when significant coronary disease was not present. In groups 1 (lean), 2 (obese), 3 (lean hypertensive), and 4 (obese hypertensives), intraventricular pressures and volumes were determined. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobinAIC, and glucose tolerance were assessed. Basal ejection fraction and end-systolic wall stress were normal in the four groups. Chamber stiffness was significantly elevated in the hypertensives and was higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P < .05). Diastolic dysfunction was correlated with fasting blood glucose (r = .69, P < .006) but not with plasma insulin or left ventricular mass. Chamber stiffness was also increased in diabetics, with a larger effect in the obese. CONCLUSIONS Hypertension is associated with increased diastolic stiffness of the left ventricle, which is enhanced by moderate obesity, and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Experimentally and in humans, hypertension is associated with interstitial fibrosis of mycardium, the presumed basis for the diastolic dysfunction. Chamber stiffness in group 4 hypertensives was similar to that in the lean diabetics but less than that in the obese diabetics. Although the latter exhibited a correlation with plasma hemoglobinAIC, the large rise in stiffness suggests a potential role for growth factors in further alteration of myocardial composition.
Facemasks versus mouthpieces for aerosol treatment of asthmatic children

Mouthpieces and facemasks are being used with nebulizers for delivery of medication in acute asthma. To compare the effectivity of the two devices, 64 children age 6 to 19 years presenting to the hospital with acute asthma were enrolled in a randomized, single‐blind study. Group 1 used a facemask. Group 2 used a mouthpiece connected to the nebulizer via short T‐shaped tubing. Clinical evaluation and spirometry were performed at baseline and 20, 40, and 60 minutes after a single treatment with albuterol. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and forced expiratory flow over the middle 50% of FVC (FEF25‐75) were determined at each point. Adverse effects were recorded. There was no significant difference in improvement between the groups. Patients with nasal congestion, age below 10 years, or severe airway obstruction did equally well with each method. Patients in the facemask group had a higher incidence of tremor. We conclude that the mouthpiece is an effective as the facemask and produces less tremor. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Challenges and opportunities for including EU migrant pupils in English educational system.

Schools in England are experiencing changes in pupil composition as a result of the current influx of EU migrant pupils in education. They are transforming themselves to meet with challenges of inclusion and standards for all pupils. However, there are increasing concerns by schools, individuals and local authorities on their background and the processes of meeting their needs. The main purposes of this research are to (a) explore the processes for including EU migrant pupils; (b) assess the challenges and opportunities faced by teachers and their leaders in schools; and (c) suggest fruitful ways for inclusion of EU migrant pupils. This study particularly examined the role of the school leaders and teachers in inclusion, the responses and reorganisation in teaching and learning to meet the needs of the EU migrant pupils, and the requirements of policies of inclusion and standards. The study adopts exploratory qualitative study utilising two stages of study whereby the first stage was designed to inform the second stage in order to explore the associated research objectives and questions. The study adopted multiple case methodology which consists of four case study schools. It also utilised critical review of literature to explore leadership ideas, education policies, teacher beliefs and values and pedagogical practices. Document analysis was used to analyse schools policy documents. In-depth interviews were carried out to get the views and experiences of head teachers and teachers. The data analysis was based on interpretivist approaches and underpinned by institutional theory concepts such as loose coupling, legitimacy and sensemaking.There are evidence that although schools change leadership structure and made provision for leading inclusion, there were traces of weak commitment. Teachers believe that inclusion of EU migrant pupils is enhanced by teaching assistants (TAs). Continuing professional development (CPD) was mostly internal. Mainstreaming and pull-out programs are jeopardized by best practices that seem not to work. The findings suggest evidence of loose coupling across the macro and micro domains. However, schools recoupled to face the challenging and uncertain future of EU migrant pupils through novel teaching and learning practices such as Pre-teaching, Teaching and Post teaching (PTP) approaches, and LOVE writing. This study contributes to theory building through an integrated look at inclusion problems across shifting policy epochs. It suggests pathways for improving the coupling and intervention processes with respect to inclusive education. This is the first time that such an in-depth look at inclusive learning is conducted across key policy and intervention domains.
Synthesis and processing of bovine herpesvirus 1 glycoproteins

Four unique glycoproteins or glycoprotein complexes were recognized by a panel of monoclonal antibodies to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), i.e., GVP 6/11a/16 (130,000-molecular-weight glycoprotein [130K glycoprotein]/74K/55K), GVP 7 (108K), GVP 3/9 (180K/91K), and GVP 11b (71K). The absence of any antigenic or structural relationship between GVP 11a and GVP 11b, which were previously identified as one glycoprotein, GVP 11, demonstrated that these two GVP 11 species are unique glycoproteins. GVP 3 and GVP 9 showed complete sequence homology, as shown by the identity of their antigenic determinants and by partial peptide mapping. This observation, as well as the ratio of their apparent molecular weights, indicated that GVP 3 (180K) is a dimeric form of GVP 9 (91K). GVP 6 and GVP 11a, as well as GVP 6 and GVP 16, showed at least partial sequence homology, since they shared several antigenic determinants and peptides. In addition, GVP 6, GVP 11a, and GVP 16 were derived from one primary precursor. These results, as well as the ratio of their apparent molecular weights, indicated that the GVP 6/11a/16 complex consists of two forms: one in which GVP 6 (130K) is uncleaved and the other one in which GVP 6 is cleaved and composed of GVP 11a (74K) and GVP 16 (55K), linked by disulfide bridges. An antigenically distinct precursor to each of the four BHV-1 glycoproteins or glycoprotein complexes was identified by monoclonal antibodies. These precursors, pGVP 6 (117K), pGVP 11a (62K), pGVP 7 (100K), pGVP 9 (69K), and pGVP 11b (63K) were sensitive to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H treatment, indicating that they represent the partially glycosylated high-mannose-type intermediate forms generated by cotranslational glycosylation of the primary, unglycosylated precursors to GVP 6/11a/16, GVP 7, GVP 3/9, and GVP 11b, which were identified as having apparent molecular weights of 105,000, 90,000, 61,000, and 58,000, respectively. A new nomenclature for the BHV-1 glycoproteins, based on roman numerals, is proposed.
Nontariff Measures and Standards in Trade and Global Value Chains

We assess the literature on public and private quality standards and their impact in food markets, international trade, and global supply chains. We focus on their effects on welfare, trade, industrial organization, and labor markets and with special attention to the North-South context. We also attempt to better characterize when these measures constitute protectionism, a complicated task. We look at studies investigating public and private standards and across various quantitative approaches and countries. These standards have complex effects. The evidence is mixed regarding standards as catalyst for or as impediment against trade and development, reflecting the complexity of these effects and their specificity to industries and countries. The analysis of standard-like non-tariff measures and their impacts does not lead to sweeping prescriptions for policy reforms. We identify more modest prescriptions and make some recommendations for fruitful research directions.
High-Osmolar and Low-Osmolar Contrast Media

During the past 3 years a great number of papers about adverse drug reactions to intravascular injection of high-osmolar and low-osmolar iodinated contrast media (CM) have been published. They include observational studies, randomized trials, meta-analyses and committee reports. Thorough analysis of this material substantiates an improvement in safety of at least 6-fold using nonionic low-osmolar CM compared with ionic high-osmolar CM. The point where only a small minority is continuing to argue effectively that low-osmolar CM are not better than conventional high-osmolar CM has now been reached. High-osmolar CM are used less and less for intravascular purposes, and, in fact, have been totally replaced by low-osmolar CM in 4 countries.
A Science Education that Promotes the Characteristics of Science and Scientists: Features of Content, Activities and Materials

Those involved in STEM research are well aware of why what they are investigating is worth pursuing. They also conceptually understand the rationale for the research activities and tasks they undertake and why the equipment and other materials they employ are needed in their work. Similarly, STEM education students should understand what makes the content they are studying worthwhile, the conceptual basis for the activities and tasks they partake, and conceptually understand the role materials play in their work. Moreover, STEM educators at all levels should deliberately think about their rationale for all of this, and overtly draw students’ attention to, and have them reflect on, the conceptual nature of these issues.
The Long-Run Effects of Recessions on Education and Income

This paper examines the long-run effects of the 1980-1982 recession on education and income. Using confidential Census data, I estimate difference-in-differences regressions that exploit variation across counties in recession severity and across cohorts in age at the time of the recession. For individuals age 0-10 in 1979, a 10 percent decrease in earnings per capita in their county of birth reduces four-year college degree attainment by 15 percent and earnings in adulthood by 5 percent. Simple calculations suggest that, in aggregate, the 1980-1982 recession led to 1.3-2.8 million fewer college graduates and $66-$139 billion less earned income per year.
The provision of brain injury rehabilitation services for people living in rural and remote New South Wales, Australia

Abstract Objectives: The objectives of this research were to investigate the equity of brain injury rehabilitation services to rural and remote areas of the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and to describe the experience of people who access and who deliver these services. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from people with acquired brain injury (ABI), their families and rural and remote NSW health, rehabilitation and support services staff who worked with people with a brain injury. Data analysis was guided by an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Findings: Fifty-nine service providers representing 35 organizations, six people with ABI and seven family members participated in the research. Three key issues emerged from the data: (1) Limited access to appropriate brain injury rehabilitation; (2) Difficulties funding, recruiting and retaining appropriately skilled health, rehabilitation and support staff; and (3) Inadequate current services resulting in a number of unmet needs. Conclusion: Current models of practice for ABI rehabilitation are not appropriate to address the significant inequalities and gaps in available services for people with brain injury in rural and remote NSW. Alternative innovative models are needed to reduce the disparity of access and outcomes for these people.
Increased carbon monoxide levels in the nasal airways of subjects with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis and in patients with upper respiratory tract infection

Carbon monoxide (CO) has emerged as an endogenously produced gaseous mediator known to be involved in bronchial smooth muscle regulation. Increased amounts of CO have been found in exhaled air during asthma and lower airway inflammation. Recently CO has been shown to be produced in the nasal airways, but there are no reports of altered CO levels in nasal airways during inflammation.
Social Impact of Agro-Allied Industries on the Rural Dwellers in Benue State, Nigeria

The study examined the impact of agro-allied industries on rural dwellers in Benue state, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered on 366 respondents from the selected communities; the data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of MannWhitney (U) statistics showed that water availability (14 350) and good road network (15 082.00) were the only social impact derived from the industries by the rural dwellers. The study recommended that government should ensure that infrastructural facilities such as schools, electricity, hospitals, good roads and portable water are provided for the rural dwellers who are residing where the agro-allied industries are situated.
The Cardiac-specific Nuclear δB Isoform of Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II Induces Hypertrophy and Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated with Increased Protein Phosphatase 2A Activity*

The δ isoform of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) predominates in the heart. To investigate the role of CaMKII in cardiac function, we made transgenic (TG) mice that express the nuclear δB isoform of CaMKII. The expressed CaMKIIδB transgene was restricted to the myocardium and highly concentrated in the nucleus. Cardiac hypertrophy was evidenced by an increased left ventricle to body weight ratio and up-regulation of embryonic and contractile protein genes including atrial natriuretic factor, β-myosin heavy chain, and α-skeletal actin. Echocardiography revealed ventricular dilation and decreased cardiac function, which was also observed in hemodynamic measurements from CaMKIIδB TG mice. Surprisingly, phosphorylation of phospholamban at both Thr17 and Ser16 was significantly decreased in the basal state as well as upon adrenergic stimulation. This was associated with diminished sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake in vitro and altered relaxation properties in vivo. The activity and expression of protein phosphatase 2A were both found to be increased in CaMKII TG mice, and immunoprecipitation studies indicated that protein phosphatase 2A directly associates with CaMKII. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that CaMKII can induce hypertrophy and dilation in vivo and indicate that compensatory increases in phosphatase activity contribute to the resultant phenotype.
The Structural Simplification Hypothesis and the Premodifiers in Nigerian English

This paper conducts a corpus-based study of the occurrence/non-occurrence, structural pattern, and forms of the premodifier in the Nigerian English noun phrase, comparing the scenarios that emerge with those of the British and Ghanaian varieties of English. These three phenomena, which are crucial to the nature of premodifier in new varieties of English, are investigated in relation to predictors representing syntactic function, register, post-dependent syntactic weight, and animacy, showing, among other things, the extent to which structural complexity/simplicity is present in the structure of the premodifiers studied. Corpus findings indicate that premodifiers are more likely to occur (53%) than not (47%) and that simple premodifiers (i.e. one-word premodifier structural pattern (79%)) are significantly preferred to complex premodifiers (i.e. two-word at 17% and longer patterns at 4%). Relating to form, single premodifiers are most likely to be realized as adjectives. It is also found that the alternation between simple and complex premodifiers is most strongly predicted by the syntactic functions that the NP performs, as well as the syntactic weight present in the post dependent slot. Register, which is reputed as a very strong indicator of structural variation (Schils and De Haan 1993; Biber et al. 2007; Schilk and Schaub 2016) is outweighed by syntactic function and post-dependent weight.