Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corticosterone Preexposure Increases NF-κB Translocation and Sensitizes IL-1β Responses in BV2 Microglia-Like Cells

Corticosterone (CORT), a critical mediator of the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis in rodents, is a stress hormone that is classically viewed as possessing immune-suppressive properties. CORT is now appreciated to also mediate the neuroimmune-priming effect of stress to innate-immune stimulation, and hence serves as a mechanistic link to the neuroimmune involvement in stress-related disorders. However, these dichotomous actions of CORT remain poorly defined. This study investigated the conditions and concentration dependency of CORT’s actions required to prime the innate-immune system. Here, we measured the effect of CORT pretreatment on the downstream pro-inflammatory responses of BV2 mouse microglia-like cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We quantified the concentration-dependent CORT-mediated attenuation and enhancement of LPS-stimulated inflammatory response. A high physiological concentration (500 nM) of CORT attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory IL-1β cytokine production in a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent manner. However, a low concentration (50 nM) of CORT increased expression and release of IL-1β in a mineralocorticoid receptor-dependent manner, with accompanied increases in NF-κB translocation and changes to related gene transcription. These results suggest that a mild elevation in CORT may cause selective adaptations in microglia-like cells to overrespond to a second immune challenge in a non-classical manner, thus partially explaining both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of CORT reported in the literature.
The price impact of share repurchases and the managerial timing ability on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

This thesis examines the price impact and the management’s ability to repurchase shares at a discount for repurchases on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange between 2004 and 2012. Evidence is found for information signalling and return reversal on the short-term. For the long horizon no evidence is found for the buyback anomaly. Value stocks outperform glamour stocks on the long-term. When analysing the repurchase price relative to the average market price, a discount of 1.685% is observed, which can be explained partly by abnormal returns, prior and following the repurchase, book-to-market ratio and repurchase size relative to trading volume.
Outcome of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis undergoing colectomy.

AIM To study the outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergoing colectomy. METHODS We identified 193 patients with PSC and UC undergoing colectomy at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, United States), between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2008 using a computerized record system. Eighty-nine patients were excluded due to unclear diagnosis, liver transplantation prior to colectomy, age less than 18 years, inadequate follow-up data or known cases of cholangiocarcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed data from patient medical records. Clinical information, date of colectomy, preoperative and follow-up liver tests and pathological findings of the colon were reviewed. The Mayo risk score at baseline was calculated to obtain survival estimates for up to 4 years of follow-up. The primary endpoint was defined by the presence of all-cause mortality and/or liver decompensation requiring liver transplantation. All patients who did not have a clinical note on December 31, 2008 were considered as patients with an incomplete follow-up unless they reached a study endpoint (death or underwent liver transplantation) prior to that date. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the Mayo Clinic. RESULTS Of the 2441 patients with PSC observed in this period, 104 patients (4.3%) had UC and underwent colectomy and were included. The median age was 43.2 years, and 67% were male. The leading indications for colectomy were severe colonic inflammation (49%), the presence of colonic dysplasia during routine surveillance (42%) and bowel perforation (3%). Twenty-six patients were lost to follow-up after a median duration of 3.9 years. The remaining 78 patients included 52 patients (66.7%) who were followed for a median duration of 5.5 years and 26 patients (33.3%) who developed primary endpoints including death (n = 13) or underwent liver transplantation (n = 13) with a median follow up of 2.6 years. For the secondary endpoint, the liver complications within 1 mo following the colectomy were found in 9 patients (8.6%) and included worsening liver tests (n = 3), liver failure requiring liver transplantation (n = 2), acute cholangitis (n = 3) and right hepatic vein thrombosis with hepatic infarct (n = 1). A multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that only lower platelet count and lower albumin level preoperatively were significantly associated with more primary endpoints (OR = 0.99 and 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSION One third of patients with PSC and UC undergoing colectomy died or underwent liver transplantation within 2.6 years. PSC patients with lower platelet counts and lower albumin levels were significantly more likely to have a poorer outcome.
The Game of Performing Play: Understanding Streaming as Cultural Production

Live streaming has become pervasive in digital game culture. Previous work has focused largely on technological considerations in streaming platforms. However, little is known about how streamers enter the practice, gain skills, and operate as content producers. We present a qualitative study of an online forum dedicated to streaming. By observing the conversations between veterans and newcomers to the practice, we develop an understanding of how streamers must tie together technological, social, and gameplay-based skills to craft an appealing performance of play. We find that a key skill in streaming is the development of a unique attitude and persona as a gamer, which permeates into every element of a streamer's performance. As individual identity becomes important in streaming practice, design considerations for platform features such as community moderation and stream metrics may help improve equitable participation in this increasingly important aspect of game culture.
Hormone-dependent regulation of GABAA receptor γ subunit mRNAs in sexually dimorphic regions of the rat brain

Transmission mediated by gamma–aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors expressed within the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus is known to play critical, but contrasting, roles in regulating steroid–dependent sexual behaviours in rats. Previous studies have demonstrated a striking dichotomy in receptor composition between the two regions with regard to α, but not α or β, subunit expression. To test if gonadal steroids regulate the expression of the γ subunit genes within the mPOA and the VMN, in situ hybridization analysis for messenger RNAs encoding the γ1, γ2Short (γ2S) and γ2Long (γ2L) subunits was done in gonadectomized male and female rats and in gonadally intact females over the oestrous cycle. No significant differences in the expression of the γ subunit mRNAs were observed in gonadectomized male versus female rats. Significant effects of gonadal state in female rats were observed for γ1 mRNA levels in the mPOA and γ2L levels in the VMN. These data demonstrate that gonadal hormones exert activational control of expression of GABAA receptor γ subunit mRNAs and suggest that differences in receptor structure may contribute to the functional modulation of female sexual behaviours mediated by GABAergic transmission in these regions.
Dual-Band Circularly Polarized  $S$-Shaped Slotted Patch Antenna With a Small Frequency-Ratio

A dual-band single-feed circularly polarized, S-shaped slotted patch antenna with a small frequency-ratio is proposed for GPS applications. An S-shaped slot is cut at the centre of a square patch radiator for dual-band operation. A single microstrip feed-line is underneath the center of the coupling aperture ground-plane. The frequency-ratio of the antenna can be controlled by adjusting the S-shaped slot arm lengths. The measured 10-dB return loss bandwidths for the lower and upper-bands are 16% (1.103-1.297 GHz) and 12.5% (1.444-1.636 GHz), respectively. The measured 3-dB axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth is 6.9% (1.195-1.128 GHz) for the lower-band and 0.6% (1.568-1.577 GHz) for the upper-band. The measured gain is more than 5.0 dBic over both the bands. The measured frequency-ratio is 1.28. The overall antenna size is 0.46 ¿o × 0.46¿o × 0.086¿o at 1.2 GHz.
Lower Limb Functional Index: Development and Clinimetric Properties

Background Existing lower-limb, region-specific, patient-reported outcome measures have clinimetric limitations, including limitations in psychometric characteristics (eg, lack of internal consistency, lack of responsiveness, measurement error) and the lack of reported practical and general characteristics. A new patient-reported outcome measure, the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), was developed to address these limitations. Objective The purpose of this study was to overcome recognized deficiencies in existing lower-limb, region-specific, patient-reported outcome measures through: (1) development of a new lower-extremity outcome scale (ie, the LLFI) and (2) evaluation of the clinimetric properties of the LLFI using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) as a criterion measure. Design This was a prospective observational study. Methods The LLFI was developed in a 3-stage process of: (1) item generation, (2) item reduction with an expert panel, and (3) pilot field testing (n=18) for reliability, responsiveness, and sample size requirements for a larger study. The main study used a convenience sample (n=127) from 10 physical therapy clinics. Participants completed the LLFI and LEFS every 2 weeks for 6 weeks and then every 4 weeks until discharge. Data were used to assess the psychometric, practical, and general characteristics of the LLFI and the LEFS. The characteristics also were evaluated for overall performance using the Measurement of Outcome Measures and Bot clinimetric assessment scales. Results The LLFI and LEFS demonstrated a single-factor structure, comparable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,1]=.97), scale width, and high criterion validity (Pearson r=.88, with 95% confidence interval [CI]). Clinimetric performance was higher for the LLFI compared with the LEFS on the Measurement of Outcome Measures scale (96% and 95%, respectively) and the Bot scale (100% and 83%, respectively). The LLFI, compared with the LEFS, had improved responsiveness (standardized response mean=1.75 and 1.64, respectively), minimal detectable change with 90% CI (6.6% and 8.1%, respectively), and internal consistency (α=.91 and .95, respectively), as well as readability with reduced user error and completion and scoring times. Limitations Limitations of the study were that only participants recruited from outpatient physical therapy clinics were included and that no specific conditions or diagnostic subgroups were investigated. Conclusion The LLFI demonstrated sound clinimetric properties. There was lower response error, efficient completion and scoring, and improved responsiveness and overall performance compared with the LEFS. The LLFI is suitable for assessment of lower-limb function.
Paradigms in information science: Steps towards a systemic paradigm for information science

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is the conceptual expansion of the science-theoretical foundations of information science, i.e. to develop new thought schemes for information science. Design/methodology/approach – The design of the paper is as follows: first, the paper will discuss the foundation of the systemic paradigm (SP). Then the authors will consider the history of information science related to the philosophy of science. In the remaining part of the paper, the authors will investigate information science and its relation to the philosophy of science, focusing on SP. Findings – In conclusion, the authors will summarise the seven criteria for the application of SP in information science. Research limitations/implications – Paradigms in information science have rarely reflected upon the use of a SP in information science. Practical implications – The practical use of the seven criteria in information science Criterion 1: make your premises, suppositions, prerequisites and motives explicit. Criter.
Specific resistance to malathion in laboratory and field populations of the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Adults and third instars of the RM strain of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) were highly resistant to malathion and phenthoate, but not to diazinon. The carboxylesterase inhibitor, triphenyl phosphate, completely suppressed the resistance to malathion in RM, while enzyme preparations from this strain showed higher levels (1.5–3.6-fold) of carboxylesterase activity than similar preparations from a reference susceptible strain. In genetic studies on RM using a multimarker susceptible strain, malathion resistance was inherited as a single, dominant gene on chromosome 4, which may be allelic to the gene for general organophosphorus resistance. The malathion-specific resistance was detected in 11% of individuals from field samples collected over a wide area of Australia.
Internal integration in humanitarian supply chain management: Perspectives at the logistics-programmes interface

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare perspectives on humanitarian logistics (HL) and supply chain management (SCM) among programmes and logistics/support staff. Design/methodology/approach Underpinned by services supply chain management (SSCM) theory, a single case study of a leading international non-governmental organisation is presented based on a web-based survey of the organisation’s global operations staff, supplemented by semi-structured interviews conducted with senior representatives. Findings The study is believed to be the first to consider the different perspectives of programmes and logistics staff on the interpretation of logistics and SCM. The results indicate both significant divergence between the views of these two cohorts, as well as a general lack of clarity over the concept of SCM, its relationship with logistics and the cross-functional nature of SCM. Research limitations/implications Insufficient responses from programme staff limit the generalisability of the findings. Suggestions for future research include further examination of the potential of applying SSCM and demand chain management concepts to the humanitarian context. Practical implications The results support the notion that a broader, more strategic interpretation of SCM, more clearly distinguished from the practice of HL, may assist in breaking down perceived jurisdictional boundaries, bridging the gap between programmes and logistics teams, and strengthening demand-chain influences and the “voice of the beneficiary”. Originality/value By taking into account the views of non-logisticians, a broader, cross-functional interpretation of SCM is offered leading to revised definitions for both SCM and HL within this sector, together with a framework that integrates SCM across humanitarian relief and development contexts.
Electric vehicle scheduling and optimal charging problem: complexity, exact and heuristic approaches

This paper deals with the Electric Vehicle (EV) Scheduling and Optimal Charging Problem. More precisely, given a fleet of EVs and Combustion Engine Vehicles (CVs), a set of tours to be processed by vehicles and a charging infrastructure, the problem aims to optimise the assignment of vehicles to tours and minimise the charging cost of EVs while considering several operational constraints mainly related to chargers, electricity grid and EVs driving range. We prove that the Electric Vehicle Scheduling and Charging Problem (EVSCP) is NP-hard in the ordinary sense. We provide a mixed-integer linear programming formulation to model the EVSCP and use CPLEX to solve small and medium instances. To solve large instances, we propose two heuristics: a Sequential Heuristic (SH) and a Global Heuristic (GH). The SH considers the EVs sequentially. To each EV, it assigns a set of tours and guarantees the feasibility of a charging schedule. Then, it generates an optimal charging schedule for this EV. However, the GH computes, in the first step, a feasible assignment of tours to all EVs. In the second step, it applies a global Min-Cost-Flow-based charging algorithm to minimise the charging cost of the EVs fleet. To evaluate the efficiency of our solving approaches, computational results on a large set of real and randomly generated test instances are reported and compared.
Dose Response Effect of Conjugated Equine Oestrogen on Blood Pressure in Postmenopausal Women with Hypertension

Objective: This study was designed to compare with placebo the dose-response of conjugated equine oestrogen (CEE) on blood pressure in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Design and Methods: Fourteen postmenopausal women with grade 1-2 hypertension participated in the study which used a double-blind crossover design. There were four randomised treatment phases, each lasting 4 weeks. The four treatments were CEE 0.3 mg, CEE 0.625 mg, CEE 1.25 mg and placebo. Each subject also received non-blinded medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 10 mg for the final 14 days of each 28-day treatment cycle. Clinic blood pressure was measured weekly with the mean values of weeks 3 and 4 of each phase used for analysis. Ambulatory blood pressure was performed in week 4 of each phase. Results: Compared with placebo, clinic systolic blood pressure was reduced in the CEE 0.3 mg and CEE 0.625 mg phases (p < 0.05) and clinic diastolic blood pressure was reduced in the CEE 0.625 mg phase (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect of CEE on ambulatory blood pressure, although the blood pressure pattern was similar to clinic measurements. Conclusion: In hypertensive postmenopausal women, daily CEE together with cyclical MPA has a variable effect on blood pressure depending on CEE dose. The ? lower? and ? middle? doses of CEE produced a small reduction in blood pressure which reached a nadir and tended to reverse with the ? higher? CEE dose.
Surgical Theatre (Operating Room) Measure STEEM (OREEM) Scoring Overestimates Educational Environment: The 1-to-L Bias.

The surgical theatre educational environment measures STEEM, OREEM and mini-STEEM for students (student-STEEM) comprise an up to now disregarded systematic overestimation (OE) due to inaccurate percentage calculation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the magnitude of and suggest a correction for this systematic bias. After an initial theoretical exploration of the problem, published scores were retrieved from the literature and corrected using statistical theorems. Overestimations and differences between pseudo-percentages and real percentages were plotted against real percentages. Reported STEEM overall mean score of 74.4% (pseudopercentage) was corrected to 67.9% (real percentage), eliminating thus the 6.4% OE. Corresponding figures for OREEM and student-STEEM are 73.6%, 67.0%, 6.6% and 69.1%, 61.4%, 7.7% respectively. A total of 45 overestimated scores were retrieved and corrected. OE (range 2.8 to 13.6%, mean 7.3%) showed a complete (r = -1, p < 0.001) negative linear regression of real percentages (RP), namely, OE = 20-0.2*RP. No uncorrected score can achieve less than 20%. The non-0-based 1-to-5 coding overestimates STEEM, OREEM and student-STEEM educational environment scores if expressed as percentages due to the '1-to-5 bias', or rather 1-to-L bias, whereupon L correlates to the number of points in the Likert scale, the number of options. The worse the educational environment the greater the overestimation, reducing instruments' usefulness exactly then when alarm bells should be ringing. Hence, question coding should always be zero (0) based, as proposed by Likert. The 1-to-L bias applies to any questionnaire at any field of research.
Collimator for Variable Sensitivity and Spatial Resolution Without the Need for Exchange

A new design of collimator is proposed that has variable sensitivity and spatial resolution, eliminating the need for exchanging collimators in a gamma camera. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the present article evaluates the shielding of undesirable gamma rays in a parallel-hole collimator. It consists of a number of layers of rectangular holes. These layers consist of alternately stacked fixed and movable collimators. In high-resolution mode, the movable collimators are shifted by half the aperture pitch along the diagonal direction. The first collimator (type A) has 50 layers with fixed thicknesses of 1.2 mm. The second collimator (type B) has 25 layers with a thickness of 1.0 mm on the object side and 25 layers with a thickness of 1.4 mm on the opposite side. The third collimator (type C) has 20 layers with non-uniform thicknesses. The ratios of the maximum artificial peak to the main-peak are calculated for point-source responses. The ratios for types A, B, and C collimators are 0.78, 0.08, and 0.03, respectively. The same performance for shielding undesirable gamma rays is achieved in the type C collimator as for a conventional collimator.
The Power of Existing Design for Establishing the Dominant “Industrial” Design

Digital cameras were initially developed as video memo devices and televisions with cameras and had appearances and designs that differed from film-based cameras. However, improvements in pixel number led to them becoming replacements for film-based cameras. Radical innovations, such as the function of optical zoom and image stabilization that were required to take quality photographs, were then developed. At the same time, digital cameras took on the appearance of film-based cameras, leading to frame that they could replace film-based cameras for consumers. In this manner, though film-based cameras came to be replaced by digital cameras, the appearance of film-based cameras became their dominant “industrial” design.