Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leukotriene signaling as molecular correlate for cognitive heterogeneity in aging: an exploratory study

Introduction Aging is in general associated with a decline in cognitive functions. Looking more closely, there is a huge heterogeneity in the extent of cognitive (dys-)abilities in the aged population. It ranges from the population of resistant, resilient, cognitively unimpaired individuals to patients with severe forms of dementias. Besides the known genetic, environmental and life style factors that shape the cognitive (dys-)abilities in aging, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signals related to cognitive heterogeneity are completely unknown. One putative mechanism underlying cognitive heterogeneity might be neuroinflammation, exerted through microglia, the brain’s innate immune cells, as neuroinflammation is central to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, leukotrienes (LTs), i.e., small lipid mediators of inflammation produced by microglia along aging and neurodegeneration, got in the focus of geroscience as they might determine cognitive dysfunctions in aging. Methods Here, we analyzed the brain’s expression of key components of the LT synthesis pathway, i.e., the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox), the key enzyme in LT production, and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) in young and aged rats. More specifically, we used a cohort of rats, which, although grown up and housed under identical conditions, developed into aged cognitively unimpaired and aged cognitively impaired traits. Results Expression of 5-Lox was increased within the brain of aged rats with the highest levels detected in cognitively impaired animals. The number of microglia cells was higher in the aged compared to the young brains with, again, the highest numbers of 5-Lox expressing microglia in the aged cognitively impaired rats. Remarkably, lower cognitive scores in the aged rats associated with higher numbers of 5-Lox positive microglia in the animals. Similar data were obtained for FLAP, at least in the cortex. Our data indicate elevated levels of the LT system in the brain of cognitively impaired animals. Discussion We conclude that 5-Lox expressing microglia potentially contribute to the age-related cognitive decline in the brain, while low levels of the LT system might indicate and foster higher cognitive functions and eventually cognitive reserve and resilience in aging.
Lipschitz Restrictions of Continuous Functions and a Simple Construction of Ulam-Zahorski \(C^1\) Interpolation

We present a simple argument that for every continuous function f : R → R its restriction to some perfect set is Lipschitz. We will use this result to provide an elementary proof of the C 1 free interpolation theorem, that for every continuous function f : R → R there exists a continuously diﬀerentiable function g : R → R which agrees with f on an uncountable set. The key novelty of our presentation is that no part of it, including the cited results, requires from the reader any prior familiarity with the Lebesgue measure theory
Psychological Barriers: Lurker and Poster Motivation and Behavior in Online Communities

Virtual communities provide an attractive place for organizations to mine information regarding customer perceptions, needs, and demographics; as well as to generate revenue through sales of products, services, information, and advertising. However, the community conversation provides information about only one type of community user, the poster. Information about the lurker, who never posts, is conspicuously absent from the obvious community data source, the postings. Lurkers may be a large portion of the user community and could provide key revenue sources and vital information, or they potentially could turn into posters. This research contrasts the differences in the underlying motivations of lurkers, infrequent posters, and posters in order to understand the resulting differences in their behavior. 518 users from 20 virtual communities were categorized into three groups based upon their posting behaviors: lurkers who never posted, infrequent posters who posted three or less times per month, and frequent posters. Results revealed that lurkers differed significantly from posters, especially in their willingness to give information and exchange social support. There was a gradual progression from lurker to poster regarding the desires to get knowledge and obtain shopping information. Implications about a possible psychological barrier regarding giving information and social support are discussed.
The Role of Habit in Post-Adoption Switching of Personal Information Technologies: An Empirical Investigation

Unlike technology users in business organizations, users of personal information technologies are usually not bound to specific products and have the freedom to switch from one product to a substitute. As a unique and widespread product level post-adoption behavior, IT user switching has not garnered sufficient attention in the current literature. Prior research has suggested that a consumer‘s decision to switch follows careful reasoning on three distinct groups of factors: push, pull, and mooring. Given the highly routinized nature of post-adoption IT use, we draw from research on habit in social psychology and post-adoption user behavior literatures, and argue that users‘ habit plays a critical role in post-adoption IT switching. Specifically, we posit that the habit of using the incumbent product both contributes to the mooring effects during the formation of intention to switch, and moderates the relationship between intention and switching. We tested our hypotheses on a sample of 414 users presented with a choice of switching their Web browsers. Our findings confirm the direct influence of potential switchers‘ habit on switching intention, and the interaction between habit and switching intention on switching. Our overall model explains 55 percent of total variance in users‘ intention to switch and 23 percent of total variance in user switching. This study advances the theoretical and empirical understanding of post-adoption technology switching, valuable to both researchers and practitioners.
Measuring Implicit Attitude in Information Systems Research with the Implicit Association Test

: IS research has primarily focused on explicit perceptions, attitudes, and intentions of which users are largely aware. In this tutorial, we argue that this is a narrow view and present the concept of implicit attitude, defined as a stable subconscious evaluation of an IS that is developed a-priori, stored in memory, and triggered with limited or no awareness and intentional effort when users are exposed to system-related stimuli. We further discuss the theoretical aspects of implicit attitude toward IS and document a set of guidelines regarding a technique for implicit attitude measurement – the Implicit Association Test (IAT). We further present an overview of the FreeIAT software package and offer a practical example and configuration of the IAT including its administration and scoring. Overall, this tutorial builds methodological foundations for future inquiries into the role of implicit attitude in IS research.
DIFFUSE AURORA ON GANYMEDE DRIVEN BY ELECTROSTATIC WAVES

The role of electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves in producing diffuse auroral emission O i 1356 Å on Ganymede is investigated. Electron precipitation flux entering the atmosphere of Ganymede due to pitch-angle diffusion by ECH waves into the atmospheric loss-cone is calculated. The analytical yield spectrum approach for electron energy degradation in gases is used for calculating diffuse auroral intensities. It is found that calculated O i 1356 Å intensity resulting from the precipitation of magnetospheric electrons observed near Ganymede is insufficient to account for the observed diffuse auroral intensity. This is in agreement with estimates made in earlier works. Heating and acceleration of ambient electrons by ECH wave turbulence near the magnetic equator on the field line connecting Ganymede and Jupiter are considered. Two electron distribution functions are used to simulate the heating effect by ECH waves. Use of a Maxwellian distribution with temperature 100 eV can produce about 50–70 Rayleigh O i 1356 Å intensities, and the kappa distribution with characteristic energy 50 eV also gives rise to intensities with similar magnitude. Numerical experiments are performed to study the effect of ECH wave spectral intensity profile, ECH wave amplitude, and temperature/characteristic energy of electron distribution functions on the calculated diffuse auroral intensities. The proposed missions, joint NASA/ESA Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer and the present JUNO mission to Jupiter, would provide new data to constrain the ECH wave and other physical parameters near Ganymede. These should help confirm the findings of the present study.
Fast Numerical Algorithms for Euler's Elastica Inpainting Model

Euler’s elastica digital inpainting model of Chan, Kang and Shen introduced in [SIAM J. Appl. Math., 63(2):564‐592, 2002] is well known for its attractive features of reconnecting contours along large distances and reconstructing the curvature of missing parts of objects and its ability to denoise outside the inpainting region. Since the underlying Euler Lagrange partial differential equation (PDE) is of fourth order and highly nonlinear, unfortunately, the usual numerical algorithm to find the solution is a very slow time marching method (due to stability restriction). In this paper we address this fast solution issue by progressively proposing first a new unconditionally stable time marching method and then a novel fixed point method. The latter turns out to be two orders of magnitude faster than the time marching method. Moreover, taking this new fixed point method as a smoother, we develop an even faster nonlinear multigrid method for optimal performance. Numerical results will be presented to illustrate the improved results obtained.
Spontaneous Rupture of Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon: Clinical and Occupational Implications, Treatment Approaches and Prognostic Outcome in Non-Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Retrospective Study

Background: Spontaneous rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a rare condition often found in patients actively having regular extensive use of hands and ﬁ ngers especially the thumb. In this article, we report 7 cases of spontaneous rupture of EPL tendon and investigate the associated factors and treatment outcome. Methods: Retrospectively, the databases for the 7 cases were retrieved and studied. These cases represent all cases of spontaneous rupture of EPL in our institution. Demographic data, clinical presentation, any history of trauma or steroid injection, laboratory and clinical ﬁ ndings suggestive for rheumatoid arthritis, co-morbidities and imaging ﬁ ndings were obtained. In addition, the operative technique and ﬁ ndings were retrieved. Moreover, histopathological studies and follow-up assessment were included. Results: Six males and one female were included. The mean age was 45.2 years. No prior history of trauma, rheumatological disease or steroid use was detected in any patient. All patients experienced prodromal pain in the radial side. Clinical examination was the most effective diagnostic measure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to con ﬁ rm the diagnosis and to look for other abnormalities that may predispose to rupture. Five patients underwent extensor indicis proprius to EPL tendon transfer employing Pulvertaft weave technique and one patient underwent primary repair as there was a little gap in the tendon ends. In this study, one patient refused any treatment. All patients achieved a favorable outcome at the last follow-up. Conclusion: Diagnosis of spontaneous ruptures of EPL tendon can be con ﬁ rmed through clinical examination and MRI for patients with restricted thumb movement even with the absence of any identi ﬁ able predisposing risk factor. During surgery, detailed attention must be drawn towards the tendon ends which can have unusual gaps and bone abnormalities.
Rediscovery and ITS-barcoding of Entonaema cinnabarinum (Xylariales, Ascomycota) from Bulgaria

Entonaema is a peculiar and morphologically easily recognised fungal genus with disjunct and predominantly tropical-subtropical distribution. Entonaema cinnabarinum is typified on material from Australia and is the sole known species in Europe. It was first reported on this continent three decades ago, based on a collection from Bulgaria and remains so far one of the utmost rare European fungi with merely five sites known on the continent. After diligent search, the Bulgarian Entonaema was rediscovered in the area where it was first collected, and new sites were also found. Two ITS rDNA sequences of Bulgarian collections were obtained, appearing to be the first verified accessions of European origin. In the phylogenetic inference they appear closely related to an accession from South Korea, dubbed E. splendens. The outcomes of the phylogenetic analysis confirm the self-standing status of Entonaema, but its precise affiliation within the order Xylariales remains to be assessed further. Morphological characterisation, ample macroscopic and microscopic illustrations, as well as SEM images of ascospores of the new Bulgarian findings are included.
Design and Analysis of Z-Trench-Assisted 9-LP-Mode Fiber With Low Differential Modal Group Delay and High Spatial Density

We present a novel Z-trench-assisted (Z-TA) graded index 9-LP-mode fiber that significantly suppresses the maximum absolute differential modal group delay (Max <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert $ </tex-math></inline-formula>DMGD<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) while obtaining a high normalized spatial density (NSD). The finite element method (FEM) is applied for numerical simulations, and the results show that the Max <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert $ </tex-math></inline-formula>DMGD<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert $ </tex-math></inline-formula> is 18.9-ps/km at 1550-nm. To the best of our knowledge, it is improved by more than 30% compared to that of the theoretical optimal value in TA structure so far. Furthermore, the NSD of the proposed fiber can reach 44.64 at 1550-nm. Over the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$C$ </tex-math></inline-formula> band, the Z-TA 9-LP-mode fiber exhibits Max <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert $ </tex-math></inline-formula>DMGD<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert < 32.6$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-ps/km, mode field area (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$A_{eff}) > 100~\mu \text{m}^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and low bending loss. In addition, the Z-TA structure is able to maintain relatively low degradation of DMGD characteristics when strict manufacturing variabilities are considered.
Characterization of Pectobacterium Carotovoratum Subsp. Carotovorum causing Bacterial Soft Rot Disease of Turnip in Pakistan

This study aims to identify the Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) causing bacterial soft rot disease of turnip in Pakistan through conventional and molecular techniques. During the survey, four different bacterial isolates (VRSPCC01-04) were obtained from symptomatic turnip steckling (cv. purple top) at Vegetable Research Station Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan, and subjected for further analysis. All the isolates were characterized and identified based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular analysis (16S Ribosomal RNA). During morphological studies, the colony characters found deep cavities or pits formation in Crystal violet pectate medium (CVP), Creamy yellowish colony color was found on Yeast Extract Glucose calcium carbonate Medium (YGC), while creamy in color with the oval-shaped colony was observed on nutrient agar (NA) medium. In addition, the Pathogenicity test proved that all the tested isolates developed a typical water-soak symptom after 24 h and initiation of soft rot began the 48 h after inoculation on turnip roots. Results of biochemical tests showed that all isolates had a positive reaction for catalase, citrate, and an adverse reaction for Phosphatase and Indole test. The 16S rRNA sequences of isolates were 99-100% similar to the corresponding 16S rRNA sequence of the Pectobacterium carotovorum (PCC) reference isolates. Based on this, all identified bacterial isolates are first time reported as a causative agent of soft rot disease of turnip in Pakistan.
International Journal of General Medicine Morgellons Disease: a Filamentous Borrelial Dermatitis

you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: Abstract: Morgellons disease (MD) is a dermopathy characterized by multicolored filaments that lie under, are embedded in, or project from skin. Although MD was initially considered to be a delusional disorder, recent studies have demonstrated that the dermopathy is associated with tickborne infection, that the filaments are composed of keratin and collagen, and that they result from proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in epithelial tissue. Culture, histopathologi-cal and molecular evidence of spirochetal infection associated with MD has been presented in several published studies using a variety of techniques. Spirochetes genetically identified as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto predominate as the infective agent in most of the Morgellons skin specimens studied so far. Other species of Borrelia including Borrelia garinii, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Borrelia hermsii have also been detected in skin specimens taken from MD patients. The optimal treatment for MD remains to be determined.
Statistical Mechanics of Braiding

In this thesis we developed a coarse-grained model based on Brownian Dynamics which allowed us to simulate the formation of two-strands braids. The statics of the buckling transition was deeply investigated confirming previous results obtained via a statistical-mechanical model. Furthermore we observed that the origin of this transition isn’ t necessarily related to plectonemic nucleation, but it can be due also to a solenoidal phase arising when the pulling force is large enough. We then studied the equilibrium dynamics and the statistics of plectonemic domains in strands with both homogeneous and heterogeneous stiffness. The latter case is represented by chains containing little fully flexible regions that thoroughly change the time evolution of plectonemes, whose end-loops often coincide with these local kinks.
The impact of information technology on accounting systems towards SME performance in Malaysia

This study seeks to investigate the impact of accounting information systems on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. SMEs were the focus of this study due to their importance to the economy. The features of an accounting system, namely accuracy, efficiency, reliability, data quality, and ease of use, were tested against the performance of a sample of SMEs that implemented an Accounting Information System (AIS) in their companies. A closed-ended questionnaire consisting of a five-point Likert scale was used to gather the data. Convenience sampling was utilized to collect data from a sample size of 112 respondents using questionnaires distributed via online platforms, including social media, messaging applications, and email. The findings revealed that only three features of an accounting information system were positively related to the performance of SMEs in Malaysia, namely accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Therefore, an accounting system must generate accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use data to assist management in making informed decisions. Companies need to provide internal and external training for accountants and decision-makers and give organizational culture the attention it deserves as it impacts accounting data quality. This training should aim to promote a strong work ethic and a culture of excellence.
Transforming Growth Factor- (cid:1) 1 Modulates Oxidatively Modified LDL–Induced Expression of Adhesion Molecules Role of LOX-1

—Oxidatively modified LDL (ox-LDL) activates a lectin-like receptor, LOX-1, which results in the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial surface. We investigated the regulation of the expression of transforming growth factor- (cid:1) 1 (TGF- (cid:1) 1 ) and its receptors by ox-LDL and the functional significance of this interaction with regard to adhesion molecule expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Ox-LDL, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, upregulated the expression of all 3 subtypes (1, 2, and 3 [including endoglin]) of TGF- (cid:1) 1 receptors and decreased active TGF- (cid:1) 1 synthesis (all P (cid:1) 0.05 versus control and native-LDL–treated cells). Treatment of HCAECs with a monoclonal antibody to LOX-1 attenuated ox-LDL–mediated upregulation of TGF- (cid:1) 1 receptors and decrease in TGF- (cid:1) 1 synthesis ( P (cid:1) 0.05 versus ox-LDL alone). Ox-LDL also enhanced the expression of P-selectin and ICAM-1 as well as monocyte adhesion to HCAECs ( P (cid:1) 0.05 versus control untreated cells). Pretreatment with recombinant TGF- (cid:1) 1 attenuated the enhanced expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte adhesion to HCAECs ( P (cid:1) 0.05 versus ox-LDL alone). Effects of recombinant TGF- (cid:1) 1 were blocked by antibody to TGF- (cid:1) 1 receptor type 2, but not by antibody to endoglin. Thus ox-LDL, via activation of LOX-1, increases the expression of TGF- (cid:1) 1 receptors and decreases TGF- (cid:1) 1 synthesis in HCAECs. Recombinant TGF- (cid:1) 1 , by binding to TGF- (cid:1) 1 type 2 receptors, modulates ox-LDL–mediated expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte adhesion to HCAECs. ( Circ Res . 2001; 89:1155-1160.)
Gait Analysis, Metabolic Parameters and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Compared with Healthy Controls: A Pilot Study

Background and purpose: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prone to developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with an increased risk of injuries while walking, potentially leading to plantar ulcers. We aimed to assess the early gait changes in T2DM patients without clinical signs of DPN in comparison to age-matched healthy controls (HC). Subjects and Methods: One hundred T2DM patients (78 women, mean age: 66.4 ± 11.5 years) and 50 age-matched HC (34 women, mean age 62.1 ± 7.9 years) were evaluated with the PODOSmart® gait analysis device. Anthropometric and biochemical data, as well as dietary habits were collected for all participants. T2DM patients also completed the Diabetes Distress (DS) self-report validated questionnaire. Results: One patient was excluded from the study due to lack of recent biochemical data. Among the T2DM patients, 88.9% reported little or no DS and 11.1% moderate DS. The T2DM group had higher body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin A1c, sodium, white blood cell count, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than HC (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The MedDiet score was satisfactory in both groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found between the two study groups in gaitline heel off, propulsion speed, foot progression angle, time taligrade phase, stride length, walking speed, angle attack, oscillation speed, pronation-supination toe off and clearance. Conclusions: The T2DM patients without self-reported DS or clinical signs of DPN may exhibit significant differences in several gait parameters analyzed with PODOSmart®. Whether gait analysis can be used as an early diagnostic tool of T2DM complications should be further explored.