Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Hyperalgesia by Regulating CB1 Receptor of Spinal Cord in Incisional Neck Pain Rats

Acupuncture therapy is effective in relieving postoperative pain of neck surgery, but its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study, in the incisional neck pain rat model, was designed to explore whether the endocannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the cervical spinal cord is involved in the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) or not.The incisional neck pain model was established by making a longitudinal incision and applied EA treatment of Futu (LI18), Hegu-Neiguan (LI4-PC6), or Zusanli-Yanglingquan (ST36-GB34) for pain relief. The results showed that EA LI18 and EA LI4-PC6 effectively relieve allodynia caused by neck incision, which was obviously better than EA ST34-GB34 (P < 0.05). After EA, the expression levels of CB1 mRNA at 4h in the EALI18 group, and 24 and 48h in both EALI18 and EALI4-PC6 groups, and those of CB1 protein at 4, 24, and 48h in the EALI18 group, and the immunoactivity of CB1 in both EALI18 and EALI4-PC6 groups at 4h were significantly upregulated in contrast to those of the model group (P < 0.05). EA of either acupoint group had no effect on the expression of CB2 protein (P > 0.05). Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of EA was reversed by AM251 (CB1 antagonist). Immunofluorescence dual staining showed that CB1 expressed in astrocytes in the superficial layer (laminae I and II) of dorsal horns of the cervical spinal cord. Therefore, the findings of this study revealed that upregulation of CB1 expression in the cervical spinal cord contributes to the analgesic effect of EA in incisional neck pain rats. The CB1 receptor expresses on astrocytes.
The Phanaeus tridens species group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): a dung beetle group with genital morphological stasis but a changing ecological niche

The Phanaeus tridens species group is revised and found to consist of twelve species: P. tridens Castelnau, 1840, P. moroni Arnaud, 2001 stat. rev., P. balthasari Arnaud, 2001 stat. rev., P. daphnis Harold, 1863, P. coeruleus Bates, 1887 stat. rev., P. herbeus Bates, 1887 stat. rev., P. substriolatus Balthasar, 1939 stat. rev., P. furiosus Bates, 1887, P. pseudofurcosus Balthasar, 1939 stat. rev., P. nimrod Harold, 1863, P. victoriae Moctezuma sp. nov., and P. eximius Bates, 1887. The majority of the name-bearing types of the group were revised. The neotype for P. tridens is suggested herein. The following junior subjective synonymies are recognized: P. frankenbergeri Balthasar, 1939 = P. tridens Castelnau, 1840, P. tricornis Olsoufieff, 1924 = P. herbeus Bates, 1887, and P. babori Balthasar, 1939 = P. nimrod Harold, 1863; while P. furcosus Felsche, 1901 = P. furiosus Bates, 1887 is recognized as a junior objective synonymy. The species within the P. tridens species group are diagnosed by the morphology of the pronotum and elytra, while the genital morphology of males is found to be homogeneous and uninformative for species delimitation. Most species within the group show a wide diversity of colouration (showing green, red, and blue chromatic phases). This probably led to taxonomical confusion by previous authors. Here, we present a new identification key, species distribution models. Habitus photographs and character illustrations for all the species within the group are provided. The climatic niches overlap widely in P. herbeus and P. daphnis, but the other species within the group show a reduced overlap in their climatic niches. Consequently, the P. tridens species group is proposed as a case of morphological stasis that might be explained by a trade-off between the evolution of pronotal structures and genitalia, while differences in the ecological niche might promote speciation.
Diagnostic and prognostic significance of miR-451a in patients with atherosclerosis

Objectives Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease. This study aimed to detect the expression level of miR-451a and investigate the diagnostic and prognostic values of miR-451a for AS patients. Methods The relative expression of miR-451a was assessed by qRT-PCR. Comparison of groups was analyzed with the t-test and chi-squared test. Pearson analysis was used to validate the correlation of miR-451 with CRP and CIMT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, K-M analysis, and Cox regression analysis were conducted to explore the roles of miR-451a in diagnosing AS patients and predicting outcomes of AS patients. Results The expression of miR-451a was significantly decreased in the serum of AS patients. The results of Pearson analysis showed the expression of miR-451a was negatively correlated with CRP and CIMT. The data of ROC proposed miR-451a could differentiate AS patients from healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity. K-M analysis and Cox regression showed miR-451a might be an independent biomarker of suffering cardiovascular endpoint diseases in AS patients. The expression of miR-451a was obviously inhibited in AS patients with cardiovascular endpoint events. Conclusion Deregulation of miR-451a might be associated with the development of AS. MiR-451a might be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for clinical treatment of AS patients.
Numerical Study of a Rotor/Stator Interaction Case Experimentally Simulated With an Industrial Compressor

Higher aircraft energy efficiency may be achieved by minimizing the clearance between the rotating blade tips and respective surrounding casing. A common technical solution consists in the implementation of an abradable liner which improves both the operational safety and the efficiency of modern turbomachines. Recently, unexpected abradable wear removal mechanisms were observed in experimental set-ups and during maintenance procedures. The present study introduces a numerical strategy capable to address this occurrence.After focusing on the analysis of the experimental results, the good agreement between experimental observations and numerical results is illustrated in terms of critical stress levels within the blade as well as final wear profiles of the abradable liner. New blade designs are also explored in order to assess the impact of blade design on the outbreak of the interaction phenomenon. The prevalence of three dominant parameters in the interaction onset is shown: (1) blade design, (2) abradable material mechanical properties and (3) the need for a global distortion of the casing to synchronize blade-tip/abradable coating contacts.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Mapping the Submittal Process in a Design-Bid-Build Project

Submittals are documents used by construction practitioners to exchange and document information about products, processes, and decisions made regarding what is to be used in a construction project. Shop drawings, samples, and product data are examples of submittals and used not only to convey information but they are also used to complete the design when construction projects are already under way. This paper presents a study of the submittal process in a mixed-use design-bid-build project in Southern California. During a six-month period the authors used a mix of quantitative and qualitative tools to build a chain of evidence related to how submittals were managed in the project. Swimlane diagrams showing the interactions between different project participants were built based on direct observation of activities, interviews, and analysis of documents. The authors have found that submittals that are reviewed by the general contractor with the subcontractors and suppliers before they are sent to the A/E have a higher success rate when compared to those not reviewed before submission. This shows that close collaboration between parties results in faster cycles of review and approval. The study sheds light on the need to manage the submittal process from a production system standpoint.
Prediction of Prophages and Their Host Ranges in Pathogenic and Commensal Neisseria Species

Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major threat to human health. Commensal Neisseria species are thought to serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes for the pathogenic species N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. ABSTRACT The genus Neisseria includes two pathogenic species, N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, and numerous commensal species. Neisseria species frequently exchange DNA with one another, primarily via transformation and homologous recombination and via multiple types of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Few Neisseria bacteriophages (phages) have been identified, and their impact on bacterial physiology is poorly understood. Furthermore, little is known about the range of species that Neisseria phages can infect. In this study, we used three virus prediction tools to scan 248 genomes of 21 different Neisseria species and identified 1,302 unique predicted prophages. Using comparative genomics, we found that many predictions are dissimilar from prophages and other MGEs previously described to infect Neisseria species. We also identified similar predicted prophages in genomes of different Neisseria species. Additionally, we examined CRISPR-Cas targeting of each Neisseria genome and predicted prophage. While CRISPR targeting of chromosomal DNA appears to be common among several Neisseria species, we found that 20% of the prophages we predicted are targeted significantly more than the rest of the bacterial genome in which they were identified (i.e., backbone). Furthermore, many predicted prophages are targeted by CRISPR spacers encoded by other species. We then used these results to infer additional host species of known Neisseria prophages and predictions that are highly targeted relative to the backbone. Together, our results suggest that we have identified novel Neisseria prophages, several of which may infect multiple Neisseria species. These findings have important implications for understanding horizontal gene transfer between members of this genus. IMPORTANCE Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major threat to human health. Commensal Neisseria species are thought to serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes for the pathogenic species N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. Therefore, it is important to understand both the diversity of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that can mediate horizontal gene transfer within this genus and the breadth of species these MGEs can infect. In particular, few bacteriophages (phages) are known to infect Neisseria species. In this study, we identified a large number of candidate phages integrated in the genomes of commensal and pathogenic Neisseria species, many of which appear to be novel phages. Importantly, we discovered extensive interspecies targeting of predicted phages by Neisseria CRISPR-Cas systems, which may reflect their movement between different species. Uncovering the diversity and host range of phages is essential for understanding how they influence the evolution of their microbial hosts.
An exploratory study on the effects of goal alignment, interventions, and motivational factors on innovative engineering design projects

i DEDICATION ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iii LIST OF TABLES vii LIST OF FIGURES viii : Research Overview 1 Chapter One 1.1 The Forest before the Trees 1 1.2 Research Gaps and Opportunities 3 1.3 Research Questions and Hypotheses 8 1.4 Research Tasks 9 1.5 Thesis Outline 10 : Innovation, Motivation, Goal Alignment, and Chapter Two Internterventions in Current Literature 12 2.1 Innovation in the World 12 2.2 Motivation Literature 15 2.3 Goal Alignment Literature 30 2.4 Intervention Literature 32 2.5 Chapter Conclusions 33 : Research Approach 35 Chapter Three 3.1 Overview of Surveys 35 3.2 Development and Testing of Initial Survey 36 3.3 Administering the Refined Motivation Survey 44 3.4 Procedure Used to Measure the Effects of Goal Alignment Interventions 45 3.5 Chapter Conclusions 52 : Findings from Motivational Factors Survey 54 Chapter Four
Fluvastatin suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and migration and promotes the apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells by upregulating Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6)

ABSTRACT Fluvastatin, the first fully synthesized 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGCR) inhibitor, has been reported to inhibit the development and metastasis of multiple cancers. The present study aimed to explore the effects of fluvastatin on endometrial cancer (EC) as well as reveal its potential mechanism. After exposure to fluvastatin, the cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (EDU), wound healing, and invasion assays, respectively. The apoptosis and its related proteins of fluvastatin-treated EC cells were detected by TUNEL and Western blot, separately. In order to figure out the effects of SIRT6 silence on EC cells, a series of cellular activities were performed again. Fluvastatin suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells, but induced the apoptosis. The expression of SIRT6 was elevated in EC cells upon fluvastatin exposure. After silencing SIRT6 in fluvastatin-treated EC cells, the proliferation, migration, and invasion were promoted whereas the apoptosis was decreased. To sum up, this study firstly evidenced that fluvastatin suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and migration and promotes the apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells by regulating SIRT6 expression.
p166 links membrane and intramitochondrial modules of the trypanosomal tripartite attachment complex

The protist parasite Trypanosoma brucei has a single mitochondrion with a single unit genome termed kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). Faithfull segregation of replicated kDNA is ensured by a complicated structure termed tripartite attachment complex (TAC). The TAC physically links the basal body of the flagellum with the kDNA spanning the two mitochondrial membranes. Here, we characterized p166 as the only TAC subunit that is anchored in the inner membrane. Its C-terminal transmembrane domain separates the protein into a large N-terminal region that interacts with the kDNA-localized TAC102 and a 34 aa C-tail that binds to the intermembrane space-exposed loop of the integral outer membrane protein TAC60. Thus, in contrast to the outer membrane TAC region which requires four essential subunits for proper function a single inner membrane TAC subunit is sufficient to bridge the distance from the OM to the kDNA. Surprisingly, non-functional p166 lacking the C-terminal 34 aa still localizes to the TAC region. This suggests the existence of non-essential TAC-associated proteins in the OM. These proteins can loosely bind to non-functional p166 lacking the C-terminal 34 aa and keep it at the TAC but their binding would not be strong enough to withstand the mechanical force upon kDNA segregation. AUTHOR SUMMARY Mitochondria evolved from a single endosymbiotic event and are a hallmark of eukaryotes. The large majority of genes for mitochondrial proteins are nuclear encoded now and only a small number are found in the mitochondrial genome. The protist Trypanosoma brucei is an extreme eukaryote in many aspects. For instance, trypanosomes have a single mitochondrion and its genome – called kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) – locates as a single unit inside the mitochondrion close to the basal body of the flagellum. The tripartite attachment complex (TAC) forms a connection between the basal body and the kDNA ensuring faithful segregation of kDNA among the daughter cells upon cytokinesis. Recently, several TAC subunits of the cytoplasm, the outer mitochondrial membrane (OM) and the mitochondrial matrix have been characterized. Here, we identify p166 as the first TAC subunit of the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is anchored with a single transmembrane domain separating the protein into a N-terminal moiety located in the matrix and a short C-tail. The latter reaches into the intermembrane space and binds the OM subunit TAC60 whereas the N-terminus interacts with the matrix subunit TAC102. Thus, with p166 we identified the missing link required to connect different modules of the TAC.
On the role of communication and management engagement for acquisition success: A study of Israeli startups

Objective: The aim of this paper is to shed light on the effects of communication and management engagement on start-up acquisition success. Research Design & Methods: The present paper adopts a behavioural perspective and uses a set of quantitative data collected from start-up companies from Israel, which were taken over by international firms, in order to explore the role of acquired firm’s management. Particular emphasis is put on communication and the managerial engagement in the post-acquisition stage. Findings: Partial empirical support for these relationships can be found. Subsequently, a number of avenues for future research are discussed. Implications & Recommendations: Specifically, it is argued that communication and management engagement mediates the influence of a number of employee-related and organisational factors on acquisition performance. Contribution & Value Added: Taking into account the significant failure rate of international acquisitions, the identification of their critical success factors is an important issue. This pertains also to the acquisition of startups by established firms, for which it is a strategy for enhancing their technological base. The paper also con-tributes to extant literature by adopting the acquired firm’s perspective.
Evaluation of Predictive Models for Estimating Dynamic Modulus of Hot-Mix Asphalt in Oklahoma

Long-term performance of an asphalt pavement depends not only on the material properties but also on the stiffness achieved during compaction. Because the determination of stiffness during construction is not straightforward, a common approach uses predictive models to estimate the dynamic modulus of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) specimens. Four predictive models—the Witczak 1999, Witczak 2006, Hirsch, and Al-Khateeb models—were evaluated for their use in estimating the dynamic modulus of selected HMA mixtures that are commonly used in Oklahoma. Five mixes representing various aggregate sources, aggregate sizes, binder grades, and air void levels were tested in the laboratory, and the measured dynamic modulus of each mix was compared with the value predicted by each of the models. The performance of each predictive model was evaluated by three approaches: goodness-of-fit statistics, comparison of the measured and predicted values, and local bias statistics (slope, intercept, and average error). Analyses of the results showed that the predictive power of each model varied with the temperature and air void levels of a compacted specimen. Calibration factors were developed for each model to obtain an accurate estimate of dynamic modulus. The calibration factors are helpful for Level 2 and Level 3 designs of the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide.
Factors affecting the choice of Incoterms: The case of companies operating in Poland

Objective: The main objective of this paper is to identify and examine the main factors which affect the choice of Incoterms® rules that are used in international sales contracts by enterprises operating in Poland. Research Design & Methods: Mixed methods research was conducted to achieve this goal. The methods applied include the critical review of existing literature on Incoterms® and their use in international sales contracts and a survey carried out among export/import managers of companies operating in Poland. Findings: Results of this study proved that there are many external and internal factors to consider in the Incoterms® selection process, which can affect cost, risks, liabilities and formalities of international transactions. The main problem faced by many companies is making incorrect or decisions on Incoterms®, as traders often underestimate their potential, misuse or apply certain terms too much, choosing them without much reflection and continuing to use the same Incoterms® even if other conditions of transactions differ significantly. The fact that most of companies don’t consider domestic and foreign competition as a factor strongly affecting their decisions on Incoterms® may suggest that the use of Incoterms® as a strategic tool for building competitive advantage is often underestimated. Also, many traders seem to be mainly focused on cost of transportation but do not see the link between Incoterms® and terms of payment or other financial aspects of transaction. The results revealed also that the selection of Incoterms® is often considered as a difficult task because of the insufficient knowledge on the topic and that entrepreneurs point out the need for further training that would increase their knowledge and skills in the proper use of Incoterms®. Implications & Recommendations: The obtained results can be used both by entrepreneurs making decisions about Incoterms®, who need guidance on their correct application. They also give indications for the education sector on how to better respond to the need for expanding knowledge and skills about Incoterms®, especially with respect to Incoterms® selection and its determinants, by shaping its educational offer appropriately. Contribution & Value Added: The research provides deeper understanding and fills the gap in knowledge regarding Incoterms® and their appropriate use in international trade. It considers different factors affecting decisions on selection of Incoterms® made by companies operating in Poland. trade laws” and “complicated documents”. Relatively less significant was “cooperation and bargaining power”, involving such sub-criteria as: “negotiation between the buyer and seller”, “trust between the seller and buyer”, “collaboration within the company”, “agreed terms between the seller and buyer”. “Operation duration” divided into four sub-criteria: “payment terms”, “transportation period”, “duration to change carriers”, “duration for risk taking”, ranked lowest among the criteria for consideration.
Internally Pressurized Machined Domed Ends—a Comparison of the Plastic Buckling Predictions of the Deformation and Flow Theories

The present series of tests, involving six machined steel torispherical shells subjected to internal pressure, was designed to highlight the difference in the buckling predictions of the deformation and the flow theories of plasticity. For the geometries selected, deformation theory predicted that bifurcation buckling would occur for all the domes tested, whereas flow theory predicted buckling in only two of them. In the tests, low-amplitude waves (detected by probes) appeared in all six of the domes. In four of the domes, the low-amplitude waves grew with increasing pressure and became buckles which were visible to the naked eye. Assuming that the occurrence of low-amplitude waves can be considered as buckling of a dome, then deformation theory predicted the failure mode correctly in all six cases. Flow theory was correct in only two cases. The agreement between the initial experimental buckling pressures and those predicted by deformation theory was reasonably good, the ratios varying between 0.71 and 0.94. For three of the domes, the buckling pressures were also found by the Southwell plot technique. These latter agreed best with the deformation theory predictions. The shell buckling program used for analysis purposes was BOSOR 5 and its predictions were checked using five other independent shell buckling programs. One reason for the incorrect prediction of the failure mode by flow theory may be the neglect of initial geometric imperfections in the analysis. Some preliminary calculations including them seem to confirm the hypothesis.