Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platelet decoys inhibit thrombosis and prevent metastatic tumor formation in preclinical models

Human platelet decoys prevented thrombosis in rabbits and inhibited cancer cell aggregation and extravasation in vitro and in a mouse model. Deceiving platelets Platelets play a key role in homeostasis; however, platelet activation also contributes to several disorders, including cardiac diseases and cancer. Platelet inhibitors have been developed; however, slow reversal time increases the risk of adverse events. Now, Papa et al. produced rapidly reversible drug-free antiplatelet agents by modifying human platelets. The modified platelets, called platelet decoys, prevented thrombus formation in rabbits. Moreover, platelet decoys decreased metastasis formation in a mouse model of breast cancer by preventing cancer cell extravasation. The results suggest that platelet decoys might be an effective rapidly reversible therapy for treating thrombosis and possibly metastasis formation. Platelets are crucial for normal hemostasis; however, their hyperactivation also contributes to many potentially lethal pathologies including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cancer. We hypothesized that modified platelets lacking their aggregation and activation capacity could act as reversible inhibitors of platelet activation cascades. Here, we describe the development of detergent-extracted human modified platelets (platelet decoys) that retained platelet binding functions but were incapable of functional activation and aggregation. Platelet decoys inhibited aggregation and adhesion of platelets on thrombogenic surfaces in vitro, which could be immediately reversed by the addition of normal platelets; in vivo in a rabbit model, pretreatment with platelet decoys inhibited arterial injury–induced thromboembolism. Decoys also interfered with platelet-mediated human breast cancer cell aggregation, and their presence decreased cancer cell arrest and extravasation in a microfluidic human microvasculature on a chip. In a mouse model of metastasis, simultaneous injection of the platelet decoys with tumor cells inhibited metastatic tumor growth. Thus, our results suggest that platelet decoys might represent an effective strategy for obtaining antithrombotic and antimetastatic effects.
On the Feasibility of In-Venue Observations of Electronic Gaming Machine Gamblers and Game Characteristics

Detailed observational studies of undisturbed gambler behaviour in venues are rare, especially when the focus is on continuous gambling such as electronic gaming machines (EGMs). EGMs are the main source of harmful gambling in New Zealand and all EGMs in New Zealand now include a mandatory pop-up message feature. The present study reports on 48 hours of in situ observations of EGM gamblers in casino and non-casino (pub) venues in New Zealand. We sought to establish whether relatively detailed observations of EGM features and gambler behaviour in venues were possible. The EGM feature that we focused on were pop-up messages, given their harm-minimization potential and the relative ease with which they can be observed. However, other EGM features were also documented, along with descriptive accounts of associated gambler behaviour. The results establish that relatively detailed (quantitative or qualitative) observational data can be collected in venues by using smart phones. The data showed that pop-up messages were generally attended to, but had little observable effect on gambler behaviour in venues. Direct in situ observation of gamblers can provide ecologically valid information to complement more common experimental and survey-based approaches. Suggestions are made for developing the procedure. Les etudes d’observation detaillee in situ sur le comportement non perturbe de joueurs sont rares, surtout si on met l’accent sur le jeu continu, comme avec les appareils de jeux electroniques. En Nouvelle-Zelande, ces appareils sont la principale source de jeux compulsifs, et tous les appareils dans ce pays incluent dorenavant une fonctionnalite obligatoire de message contextuel. La presente etude fait etat de 48 heures d’observation in situ de joueurs sur appareils dans des casinos ou d’autres lieux (bars) en Nouvelle-Zelande, et on a cherche a determiner s’il etait possible de faire des observations relativement detaillees des caracteristiques et du comportement de joueurs dans ces lieux. On a mis l’accent sur la fonctionnalite des messages contextuels pour analyser leur potentiel de diminuer des mefaits et leur relative facilite a les observer. On a aussi consigne d’autres fonctionnalites d’appareils de jeu, ainsi que des comptes-rendus descriptifs du comportement des joueurs associes. Les resultats montrent que l’on peut recueillir des donnees d’observation in situ relativement detaillees (quantitatives ou qualitatives) a l’aide de telephones intelligents. Les donnees montrent que les messages contextuels ont generalement ete pris en compte, mais qu’ils ont eu peu d’effet observable sur le comportement des joueurs. L’observation directe de joueurs peut fournir des informations ecologiquement valables pour appuyer les approches experimentales communes par sondage. On y fait aussi quelques suggestions pour mettre en œuvre une procedure.
EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SWEET CORN (ZEA MAYS L. SSP.SACCHARATA)

A field experiment was conducted at Udaipur during rainy season of 200. The soil was clay loam having alkaline reaction (pH 7.8). It was medium in total nitrogen (260.40 kg/ha), available phosphorus (18.26 kg/ha) and high in available potassium (283.30 kg/ha). The experiment comprised of 20 treatment combinations consisting of 4 fertility levels (50 + 25, 70 + 35. 90 + 45 and 110 + 55 kg N + P2O5/ha) and 5 nutrient sources (fertilizers. Vernicompost, 50% fertilizers + 50% vermicompost, 40% fertilizers + 40% vermicompost + seed treatment with Azotobacter + PSB and 50% fertilizer + 50% vermicompost + seed treatment with Azotobacter + PSB). The maximum number of cobs/plant (1 .2) was seen by giving the entire quantity of nutrients through fertilizers which was at par with 50% fertilizer + 50% vermicompost with and without seed inoculation. The maximum single cob weight, green crop, green fodder and biological yields were recorded when the entire quantity of nutrient was applied through chemical fertilizers which was significantly greater in comparison to the different other sources in question except fertilizers + vermicompost (50:50) + seed inoculation. Also the minimum yields were obtained by 100% vermicompostapplication.
A COMPARISON OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AT TWO CAMPUSES: A CASE STUDY OF A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY OF BANGLADESH

This study aims to observe the differences in faculties‟ instructional technology adoption at two campuses of a university and to discuss reasons behind the differences. As ICT revolution has dramatically changed educational context, most higher education institutions are asking their faculties to adopt the new technologies in pedagogy. Many studies emphasize on faculties‟ adoption of instructional technology in different institutions but say little about the faculties‟ adoption at campuses within a single university. In this paper, triangulation methodology was adopted for collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Collected data were analyzed to discover obstacles and incentives to the adoption. The result shows that the main obstacle is infrastructure problem whereas the incentives are stipend for research and attending conferences on technologies, seminar of new technology and so on. The findings also suggest that faculty‟s adoption of technology may depend on faculty‟s objective of using technology as well as their respective subjects.
Parent stress in neonatal intensive care unit: an unattended aspect in medical care

Background: The birth of an infant that needs care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be stressful for the parents. The parent-infant bonding process that occurs during the newborn period establishes the foundation for a lifelong relationship. This typical process does not occur when the infant spends the first several weeks or months in the NICU. Quantifying stress levels of parents and identifying the greatest environmental stressor by understanding the aspects of infants, parents and the environment that can cause stress may be useful in assisting the health personnel in understanding their importance and in improving the quality of care. The objective of the study was to quantify stress levels of parents of babies admitted in NICU and compare the sources of stress for mothers and fathers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational, hospital based study where stress levels were assessed using Parental Stressor Scale: neonatal intensive care unit (PSS: NICU) questionnaire among parents of 400 newborn admitted in NICU. Stress was quantified using 5 point Likert scale from 1 (not at all stressful) to 5 (extremely stressful). The overall stress levels were calculated for each subscale and total scale and compared . Results: NICU environment is moderately stressful for both mother and father. The highest score was in the field of Relationship with the baby and parental role for mothers as well as for fathers. Mothers had significantly higher stress scores for each subscale and the total scale compared to fathers. Conclusions: NICU parents are under significant stress and this is need of time to give family centered care.
Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species enable proinflammatory signaling through disulfide linkage of NEMO

Bacterial infection induces macrophages to produce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species that covalently link NEMO molecules. Mitochondrial ROS in proinflammatory signaling In addition to releasing proinflammatory cytokines that orchestrate immune responses to pathogens, macrophages also generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that directly target the pathogen and specific host signaling pathways. Herb et al. found that infection with Listeria monocytogenes caused mouse macrophages to generate mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) that entered the cytosol and induced the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) essential modulator (NEMO), a component of the inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK) complex. This covalent linkage of NEMO was required for activation of the ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways and for the subsequent secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, disulfide linkage of NEMO is critical for activation of the IKK complex and can be triggered by the infection-induced production of mtROS. A major function of macrophages during infection is initiation of the proinflammatory response, leading to the secretion of cytokines that help to orchestrate the immune response. Here, we identify reactive oxygen species (ROS) as crucial mediators of proinflammatory signaling leading to cytokine secretion in Listeria monocytogenes–infected macrophages. ROS produced by NADPH oxidases (Noxes), such as Nox2, are key components of the macrophage response to invading pathogens; however, our data show that the ROS that mediated proinflammatory signaling were produced by mitochondria (mtROS). We identified the inhibitor of κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) complex regulatory subunit NEMO [nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) essential modulator] as a target for mtROS. Specifically, mtROS induced intermolecular covalent linkage of NEMO through disulfide bonds formed by Cys54 and Cys347, which was essential for activation of the IKK complex and subsequent signaling through the extracellular signal–regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and NF-κB pathways that eventually led to the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. We thus identify mtROS-dependent disulfide linkage of NEMO as an essential regulatory step of the proinflammatory response of macrophages to bacterial infection.
Effects of kraal manure application rates on growth and yield of wild okra (Corchorus olitorius L) in a sub-tropical environment

Wild okra (Corchorus olitorius L) is an important indigenous vegetable in Swaziland. Although the crop is a popular vegetable among rural communities, not much has been done to produce organic fertilizer application recommendations for its production. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of kraal manure application rates on growth and yield of wild okra. Kraal manure was applied at varying rates of 20, 40 and 60 tons/ha in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) where 2.3. 2 (22) an inorganic fertilizer was used as a control, and was applied at the rate of 150 kg/ha. For every increase in the application level of kraal manure there were significant (p<0.05) increases in all the growth parameters that were measured. There were also significant (p<0.05) differences of fresh mass and dry mass yield of wild okra. There was an increase in fresh and dry mass yield with every increase in application level of kraal manure while the least fresh and dry mass was recorded in plants provided with 2.3. 2 (22). Kraal manure applied at 60 ton/ha gave the highest yield of wild okra under the conditions of this experiment.
The early proximal αβ TCR signalosome specifies thymic selection outcome through a quantitative protein interaction network

Quantitative activity through the TCR-proximal protein network specifies thymic positive versus negative selection. Instructional signals for nascent T cells Signals relayed through the TCR/CD3 complex are critical to determining whether immature T cells in the thymus undergo positive selection, enabling their survival and subsequent export to the periphery, or negative selection leading to death. Neier et al. developed a proteomics-based approach to profile proteins bound to the TCR/CD3 complex that enabled a comparison of differences between signaling associated with thymocyte survival versus death. They observed that the full range of cellular outcomes after thymic selection can be attributed to quantitative differences in a shared core set of biochemical signals. These findings indicate that differences in the affinity of TCRs for peptide-MHC complexes are transduced into downstream signals that are quantitatively variable but qualitatively similar. During αβ T cell development, T cell antigen receptor (TCR) engagement transduces biochemical signals through a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network that dictates dichotomous cell fate decisions. It remains unclear how signal specificity is communicated, instructing either positive selection to advance cell differentiation or death by negative selection. Early signal discrimination might occur by PPI signatures differing qualitatively (customized, unique PPI combinations for each signal), quantitatively (graded amounts of a single PPI series), or kinetically (speed of PPI pathway progression). Using a novel PPI network analysis, we found that early TCR-proximal signals distinguishing positive from negative selection appeared to be primarily quantitative in nature. Furthermore, the signal intensity of this PPI network was used to find an antigen dose that caused a classic negative selection ligand to induce positive selection of conventional αβ T cells, suggesting that the quantity of TCR triggering was sufficient to program selection outcome. Because previous work had suggested that positive selection might involve a qualitatively unique signal through CD3δ, we reexamined the block in positive selection observed in CD3δ0 mice. We found that CD3δ0 thymocytes were inhibited but capable of signaling positive selection, generating low numbers of MHC-dependent αβ T cells that expressed diverse TCR repertoires and participated in immune responses against infection. We conclude that the major role for CD3δ in positive selection is to quantitatively boost the signal for maximal generation of αβ T cells. Together, these data indicate that a quantitative network signaling mechanism through the early proximal TCR signalosome determines thymic selection outcome.
Early psychological development of very preterm and/or low birth weight children: a review of the literature

Objective – The aim of this paper is to describe the psychological development in three areas (cognitive, communicative-linguistic and social-emotional domains) of very preterm children and/or low birth weight, aged from 0 to 6 years, to discover if problems exist and if these difficulties remain, decrease or increase over time, up to 6 years of age, through of review of studies done in this population. Materials and methods – Seven databases were searched. The search yielded 975 studies and those related to cognitive, communicative-linguistic and social-emotional development in children without physical problems, ranging in age from birth to 6 years, gestational age less than 32 weeks and/or birth-weight less than 2499 grams were analyzed. Most of the 47 studies analyzed were conducted after 2005, focused on children aged 3-5 years, and compared preterm and full-term infants. Results – The studies agree that preterm children differ in many developmental domains but there is no consensus on others. Several studies found a close association between the three different areas analyzed. Conclusion – Early intervention of preterm and/or low birth weight children is the most important way to prevent and/or reduce academic, communicative and social-emotional (anxiety/depression) problems, and improve long-term adaptation to the environment, self-regulation, communication skills, social competence and academic performance in general.
Sequential Processing of Lexical, Grammatical, and Phonological Information Within Broca's Area

TRCs, with taste at the periphery proposed to be encoded via labeled lines [i.e., a sweet line, a sour line, a bitter line, etc. (21)]. Given that Car4 is specifically tethered to the surface of sour-sensing cells, and thus ideally poised to provide a highly localized acid signal to the sour TRCs, we reasoned that carbonation might be sensed through activation of the sour-labeled line. A prediction of this postulate is that prevention of sour cell activation should eliminate CO2 detection, even in the presence of wild-type Car4 function. To test this hypothesis, we engineered animals in which the activation of nerve fibers innervating sour-sensing cells was blocked by preventing neurotransmitter release from the PKD2L1-expressing TRCs. In essence, we transgenically targeted expression of tetanus toxin light chain [TeNT, an endopeptidase that removes an essential component of the synaptic machinery (34–36)] to sour-sensing TRCs, and then monitored the physiological responses of these mice to sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami and CO2 stimulation. As predicted, taste responses to sour stimuli were selectively and completely abolished, whereas responses to sweet, bitter, salty and umami tastants remained unaltered (Fig. 4 and fig. S5). However, these animals also displayed a complete loss of taste responses to CO2 even though they still expressed Car4 on the surface of PKD2L1 cells. Together, these results implicate the extracellular generation of protons, rather than intracellular acidification (15), as the primary signal that mediates the taste of CO2, and demonstrate that sour cells not only provide the membrane anchor for Car4 but also serve as the cellular sensors for carbonation. Why do animals need CO2 sensing? CO2 detection could have evolved as a mechanism to recognize CO2-producing sources (18, 37)—for instance, to avoid fermenting foods. This view would be consistent with the recent discovery of a specialized CO2 taste detection in insects where it mediates robust innate taste behaviors (38). Alternatively, Car4 may be important to maintain the pH balance within taste buds, and might gratuitously function as a detector for carbonation only as an accidental consequence. Although CO2 activates the sour-sensing cells, it does not simply taste sour to humans. CO2 (like acid) acts not only on the taste system but also in other orosensory pathways, including robust stimulation of the somatosensory system (17, 22); thus, the final percept of carbonation is likely to be a combination of multiple sensory inputs. Nonetheless, the “fizz” and “tingle” of heavily carbonated water is often likened to mild acid stimulation of the tongue, and in some cultures seltzer is even named for its salient sour taste (e.g., saurer Sprudel or Sauerwasser).
External Debt and Nigerian Economic Growth Connection: Evidence from Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach

This study examined the impact of external debt in bridging the gap resource required for economic growth in Nigeria. After preliminary evaluation of the data which indicated the non-normality of all the variables, the research deployed the Autoregressive Bounds testing method Distributed Lag (ARDL) method using the Ordinary Least Squares technique. Evidence of long run association was reported. The follow-up error correction mechanism found out that 45 present of disequilibrium errors are corrected after short run shock. External debt is negatively related to economic growth. On the average, one per cent increase in export will decrease the real GDP by 0.25 per cent in the long run. Although statistically significant at 1 per cent it did not fill savings and/or external finance gap. Furthermore, the pairwise granger causality test showed that external debt does not cause economic growth at 5% level of significance. The study recommended that adequatemeasures be put in place to ensure that borrowed funds are expended on development-promoting capital projects. In addition, appropriate institutional checks and balances on government fiscal performances are prerequisite for analyzing and managing public investment projects
The Groningen Radiocarbon Calibration Program

Variations in atmospheric 14C content complicate the conversion of conventional 14C ages BP (i.e., years before AD 1950) into real calendar ages (AD/BC) (de Vries 1958; Willis, Tauber & Münnich 1960). These variations are indirectly observed in tree rings from European and North American wood. In recent decades, measurements made on dendrochronologically dated wood have resulted in the generally accepted Stuiver and Pearson calibration curves. These curves, together with other calibration data, were published in the first Radiocarbon Calibration Issue (Stuiver & Kra 1986), and are extended in the present Calibration Issue (Stuiver, Long & Kra 1993).
Beam energy measurements for an experiment on elastic e±p scattering at the VEPP-3 storage ring

A precise comparison of the cross sections for the elastic scattering of electrons and positrons on protons was performed recently at the VEPP-3 storage ring in Novosibirsk, Russia. To provide the proposed accuracy, the energies of the electron and positron beams used during the experiment needed to be carefully maintained. This paper describes the special beam energy measurement system used in this experiment. This system is based on measuring the maximum energy of laser photons backscattered from electron and positron beams. It provides continuous beam energy measurements with a total relative uncertainty of less than 4.4·10−5.