Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Change in Strategy Formulation and Performance Measurement Practices Under Turbulence

ABSTRACT This article adds to the growing literature exploring the impact of cutbacks and environmental turbulence on organizational operations by studying the changes in strategy formulation and performance measurement practices in the public sector in the wake of the Great Recession. Survey data were collected from public transit agencies in small and medium-sized cities at the beginning of the recession in 2009 and again in 2013. The analyses found that transit agencies dealt with the fallout from the economic crisis by increasing their use of logical incrementalism approaches to strategy formulation through negotiating with organizational stakeholders and responding to newly emerging information through continuing changes in strategy. Agencies also placed greater emphasis on performance measurement practices. While the use of formal strategic planning itself remained constant under turbulence, the blended approach of formal strategic planning and logical incrementalism showed significant increase. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in the conclusion.
Environmental correlates of internal coloration in frogs vary throughout space and lineages

Internal organs of ectotherms have melanin-containing cells. Several studies analyzed their developmental origin, role in immunity, and hormonal regulation. However, little is known about how environmental variables influence the distribution and quantity of organ coloration. Here, we addressed how environmental variables (temperature, UV, and photoperiod) influence the internal coloration of amphibians after controlling for spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelations. Coloration in all organs was correlated with phylogeny. However, the coloration of the heart, kidneys, and rectum of hylids, R. schneideri, some Leptodactylus, and Proceratophrys were influenced by temperature and photoperiod, whereas that of the testicle, lumbar parietal peritoneum, lungs, and mesenterium of Leiuperinae, Hylodidae, Adenomera, most Leptodactylus were influenced by UVB and temperature variation. Therefore, the amount of internal melanin seems to be a key trait influencing species distribution of frogs throughout space, since it can protect internal organs against the deleterious effect of high UV-B, temperature variation, and photoperiod. Significance The functions of internal coloration in fishes and frogs are little known. Internal pigmentation is commonly altered in fish and the degree of response is correlated with body transparency levels, suggesting possible adaptive functions. Here, we assume that internal melanin has protective functions against UV-B, temperature variation, and photoperiod. Thus it could influence frogs species distribution throughout space. The melanin coloration of each organ was influenced by distinct environmental variables depending on the lineages of species. Our results could direct further studies about the functions of internal coloration.
Identification of the Hydroxyl Radical and Other Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Neutrophil Granulocytes Exposed to a Fragment of the Amyloid Beta Peptide

A fragment of the amyloid beta protein, g A(25-35), was investigated for its effect on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophil granulocytes. The formation and identification of ROS were examined by using a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCF) fluorescence assay, a luminol chemiluminescence assay, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with DEPMPO as a spin trap, and hydroxylation of 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HBA). The DCF assay showed that g A(25-35) stimulated formation of ROS in a concentration and time dependent manner. The inverted peptide, g A(35-25), gave no response. Also, luminol-amplified chemiluminescence was stimulated by g A(25-35). Incubation with diethyldithiocarbamate (a superoxide dimustase inhibitor) and salicylhydroxamate (SHA; a myeloperoxidase inhibitor) reduced the chemiluminescence. This indicates that hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is formed after exposure to g A(25-35). The EPR spectra indicated a concentration dependent formation of superoxide ( O 2 ” m ) - and hydroxyl ( ” OH)- radicals. Hydroxylation of 4-HBA to 3,4,-dihydroxybenzoate confirmed production of ” OH. This response was attenuated by SHA, indicating involvement of HOCl in formation of ” OH. The DCF fluorescence was inhibited with U0126 (an extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor). Further analysis with western blot confirmed phosphorylation of ERK1/2 after exposure to g A(25-35). The phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) inhibitor 7,7-dimethyl-(5Z,8Z)-eicosadienoic acid, and diphenyleneiodonium, which inhibits the NADPH oxidase, also led to a reduction of the DCF fluorescence. The present findings indicate that g A(25-35) stimulates the NADPH oxidase by activating the ERK pathway and PLA 2 . Production of O 2 ” m can lead to HOCl and further formation of ” OH, which both have a cytotoxic potential.
Physical and Psychosocial Factors Associated with Health-promoting Behaviors among Elderly Chinese with Type-2 Diabetes

This study explored how physical and psychosocial factors influenced the practice of health-promoting behaviors among elderly Chinese patients with type-2 diabetes. Individual structured interviews were conducted with 191 elderly Chinese attending an outpatient clinic in Hong Kong. Results showed that demographic and illness characteristics were unrelated to health practices. Participants were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors when they were physically well, valued their health, were confident of practicing the behaviors and viewed their illness as controllable by both doctors and themselves. The above factors exerted their respective main effects, instead of interaction effects, in predicting health practices.
Homeland security and emergency management education: An investigation into workforce needs

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in the wake of the September 11th 2001 terrorist events. DHS’s formation, the largest reorganization of a governmental agency in over 50 years, brought a new emphasis on the protection of the nation, its citizens and its infrastructure to government emergency management policy. Previously, the locus of emergency management had lain with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which had strongly emphasized natural disaster response. The rise of FEMA and DHS were only the latest iterations in a long history of policy shifts in this space driven by the perceived threats and prevailing political dynamics of the day. Arguably, the complex and intertwined nature of contemporary hazards calls for a dual emphasis in the homeland security and emergency management (HSEM) enterprise; that is, awareness and capabilities that span both fields. As applied disciplines, scholarship in homeland security and emergency management has always had strong links to the evolving practice of the HSEM enterprise. In addition to providing research to guide practice, baccalaureate programs in both homeland security and emergency management have emerged to address the operational and educational capabilities required by practitioners. In the post-9/11 environment, the increasingly complex demands placed upon our homeland security and emergency management enterprise require a better-integrated education. This study serves to demonstrate consensus regarding the significance of an integrated curricula in homeland security and emergency management meeting the needs of the workforce.
Fine mapping of Xq28: both MECP2 and IRAK1 contribute to risk for systemic lupus erythematosus in multiple ancestral groups

Objectives The Xq28 region containing IRAK1 and MECP2 has been identified as a risk locus for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in previous genetic association studies. However, due to the strong linkage disequilibrium between IRAK1 and MECP2, it remains unclear which gene is affected by the underlying causal variant(s) conferring risk of SLE. Methods We fine-mapped ≥136 SNPs in a ∼227 kb region on Xq28, containing IRAK1, MECP2 and seven adjacent genes (L1CAM, AVPR2, ARHGAP4, NAA10, RENBP, HCFC1 and TMEM187), for association with SLE in 15 783 case-control subjects derived from four different ancestral groups. Results Multiple SNPs showed strong association with SLE in European Americans, Asians and Hispanics at p<5×10−8 with consistent association in subjects with African ancestry. Of these, six SNPs located in the TMEM187-IRAK1-MECP2 region captured the underlying causal variant(s) residing in a common risk haplotype shared by all four ancestral groups. Among them, rs1059702 best explained the Xq28 association signals in conditional testings and exhibited the strongest p value in transancestral meta-analysis (pmeta = 1.3×10−27, OR=1.43), and thus was considered to be the most likely causal variant. The risk allele of rs1059702 results in the amino acid substitution S196F in IRAK1 and had previously been shown to increase NF-κB activity in vitro. We also found that the homozygous risk genotype of rs1059702 was associated with lower mRNA levels of MECP2, but not IRAK1, in SLE patients (p=0.0012) and healthy controls (p=0.0064). Conclusions These data suggest contributions of both IRAK1 and MECP2 to SLE susceptibility.
Low blood pressure and five-year mortality in a Stockholm cohort of the very old: possible confounding by cognitive impairment and other factors.

OBJECTIVES Low blood pressure has often been reported to be related to excess mortality in people over the age of 75 years. This study examined whether other predictors may account for the association. METHODS A community-based cohort of 1810 people who were aged 75 years and older was followed for 5 years. RESULTS The relative risk of death was 1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11, 1.73) for people with systolic pressure lower than 130 mm Hg and 1.21 (95% CI = 1.02, 1.43) for those with diastolic pressure lower than 75 mm Hg, compared with corresponding reference groups, when all other variables were simultaneously considered in Cox proportional hazards models. The observed association was present mainly in subjects with at least two of the three conditions (cardiovascular disease, limitation in activities of daily living, or cognitive impairment). The effect of low diastolic pressure on mortality was also significant in those with only cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS Preexisting cardiovascular disease, limitation in activities of daily living, and, more important, cognitive impairment may be responsible for the association of low blood pressure with increased mortality in the very old in that they cause both reductions in blood pressure and excess deaths.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 3.0 Tesla: Challenges and Advantages in Clinical Neurological Imaging

MR imaging at very high field (3.0 T) is a significant new clinical tool in the modern neuroradiological armamentarium. In this report, we summarize our 40-month experience in performing clinical neuroradiological examinations at 3.0 T and review the relevant technical issues. We report on these issues and, where appropriate, their solutions. Issues examined include: increased SNR, larger chemical shifts, additional problems associated with installation of these scanners, challenges in designing and obtaining appropriate clinical imaging coils, greater acoustic noise, increased power deposition, changes in relaxation rates and susceptibility effects, and issues surrounding the safety and compatibility of implanted devices. Some of the these technical factors are advantageous (eg, increased signal-to-noise ratio), some are detrimental (eg, installation, coil design and development, acoustic noise, power deposition, device compatibility, and safety), and a few have both benefits and disadvantages (eg, changes in relaxation, chemical shift, and susceptibility). Fortunately solutions have been developed or are currently under development, by us and by others, for nearly all of these challenges. A short series of 1.5 T and 3.0 T patient images are also presented to illustrate the potential diagnostic benefits of scanning at higher field strengths. In summary, by paying appropriate attention to the discussed technical issues, high-quality neuro-imaging of patients is possible at 3.0 T.
The Condition of the Literature on Differences in Hospital Mortality

The quiescent interest in understanding the variations in the quality of hospital care has been revitalized recently with the government's release of hospital-specific mortality data. The authors reviewed all published studies that either named hospitals and gave their death rates or explored which of their characteristics explained the differences in their rates. The literature is only in fair condition. It is sparse and flawed, and, before the government's release, did not identify an individual hospital's mortality experience by name. Twenty-two studies were analyzed; only five (23%) met criteria for validity. Seventeen (77%) focused on in-hospital mortality. Data were collected for a short time, were not gathered uniformly, and came from a sample of local hospitals. Researchers identified and explained limitations in their studies and were particularly concerned with their inability to measure differences in patients that might affect death rates. Several characteristics of hospital care were found to be associated with lower inpatient mortality: communication among and commitment of staff, clinical experience and performing operations frequently, board certification, size, and teaching status. The authors urge caution in applying the literature's findings to evaluations of hospital quality and offer suggestions for researchers. Improved research is critically important in facilitating current policy discussions regarding the use of mortality as a measure of hospital quality.
The expression of Huntingtin‐associated protein (HAP1) mRNA in developing, adult and ageing rat CNS: implications for Huntington's disease neuropathology

Using radioactive in situ hybridization, we have mapped the expression of Huntingtin‐associated protein (HAP1) mRNA in rat brain at developmental stages (E12–E19, P0–P21), in adult rats (3 months) and in ‘aged’ (19–21 months) rats. Using two pairs of 45mer oligonucleotide probes specific for HAP1A and a probe which recognizes regions of both the HAP1A and HAP1B mRNA sequences (panHAP1), we find that the expression of HAP1 mRNA is specific to the CNS and restricted predominantly to anatomically connected limbic structures, particularly the amygdala (medial and corticomedial nuclei), the hypothalamus (arcuate, preoptic, paraventricular and lateral hypothalamic area), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the lateral septal nuclei. HAP1 mRNA was detected in embryos at E12 and displayed a prevalent distribution in the developing limbic structures by E15. In aged, 19–21‐months‐old, rats there is a downregulation of HAP1 mRNA expression across all CNS loci where HAP1 was previously abundant. The lowest levels of HAP1 mRNA expression corresponded with the areas of greatest pathological cell loss in Huntington's disease (HD); the caudate putamen, globus pallidus and neocortex. These observations support the suggestion that HAP1 plays an important role in the neuropathology of HD.
The application of Deep Reinforcement Learning in Coordinated Control of Nuclear Reactors

The nuclear reactor control system plays a crucial role in the operation of nuclear power plants. The coordinated control of power control and steam generator level control has become one of the most important control problems in these systems. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model of the coordinated control system, and then transform it into a reinforcement learning model and develop a deep reinforcement learning control algorithm so-called DDPG algorithm to solve the problem. Through simulation experiments, our proposed algorithm has shown an extremely remarkable control performance.
Activated protein C prevents inflammation yet stimulates angiogenesis to promote cutaneous wound healing

Activated protein C (APC) is a serine protease that plays a central role in physiological anticoagulation, and has more recently been shown to be a potent anti‐inflammatory mediator. Using cultured human cells, we show here that APC up‐regulates the angiogenic promoters matrix metalloproteinase‐2 in skin fibroblasts and umbilical vein endothelial cells, vascular endothelial growth factor in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in fibroblasts. In the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay, APC promoted the granulation/remodeling phases of wound healing by markedly stimulating angiogenesis as well as promoting reepithelialization. In a full‐thickness rat skin‐healing model, a single topical application of APC enhanced wound healing compared to saline control. APC‐treated wounds had markedly more blood vessels on day 7 and a significantly lower infiltration of neutrophils at days 4 and 7. The broad spectrum matrix metallo‐proteinas, GM6001, prevented the ability of APC to promote wound healing. In summary, our results show that APC promotes cutaneous wound healing via a complex mechanism involving stimulation of angiogenesis and inhibition of inflammation. These unique properties of APC make it an attractive therapeutic agent to promote the healing of chronic wounds.
Step-and-Shoot: a new low radiation coronary computed tomography angiography technology: our initial experience with 125 consecutive asymptomatic patients.

BACKGROUND Coronary CTangiography is an accurate imaging modality; however, its main drawback is the radiation dose. A new technology, the "step and shoot," which reduces the radiation up to one-eighth, is now available. OBJECTIVES To assess our initial experience using the "step-and-shoot" technology for various vascular pathologies. METHODS During a 10 month period 125 consecutive asymptomatic patients (111 men and 14 women aged 25-82, average age 54.9 years) with various clinical indications that were appropriate for step-and-shoot CCTA (regular heart rate < 65 beats/minute and body weight < 115 kg) were scanned with a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography Brilliance scanner (Philips, USA). The preparation protocol for the scan was the same as for regular coronary CTA. All examinations were interpreted by at least one experienced radiologist and one experienced interventional cardiologist. The quality of the examinations was graded from 1 (excellent imaging quality of all coronary segments) to 4 (poor quality, not diagnostic). There were 99 patients without a history of coronary intervention, 13 after coronary stent deployment (19 stents) and 3 after coronary artery bypass graft. RESULTS Coronary interpretation was obtained in 122 examinations (97.6%). The imaging quality obtained was as follows: 103 patients scored 1 (82.4%), 15 scored 2 (12%), 4 scored 3 (3.2%) and 3 scored 4 (2.4%). The grades were unrelated to cardiac history or type of previous examinations. Poor image quality occurred because of sudden heart rate acceleration during the scan (one patient), movement and respiration (one patient), and arrhythmia and poor scan timing (in one). Two patients were referred to percutaneous coronary intervention based on the CCTA findings, which correlated perfectly. CONCLUSIONS Step-and-shoot CCTA is a reliable technique and CCTA algorithm comparable to regular CCTA. This technique requires the lowest radiation dose, as compared to other coronary imaging modalities, that can be used for all CCTA indications based on the inclusion criteria of low (> 65 bpm) and stable heart rate.
RelB/p52-mediated NF-κB signaling alters histone acetylation to increase the abundance of corticotropin-releasing hormone in human placenta

Glucocorticoids epigenetically induce the expression of a stress hormone gene associated with labor in human placenta cells. Epigenetics in stress and labor Pregnancy and labor are regulated by fluctuating hormone levels. Glucocorticoids stimulate production of the stress-responsive corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the placenta as the fetus nears full term. Using cultured primary trophoblasts isolated from midtrimester and full-term placenta, Di Stefano et al. found that glucocorticoids promote the expression of CRH by stimulating dynamic histone acetylation mediated by the binding of a complex containing the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), a histone lysine acetyltransferase, and a histone deacetylase to the CRH promoter. The findings reveal an epigenetic mechanism regulating the duration of pregnancy. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) produced in the placenta may be part of a clock that regulates the length of human gestation. Maternal plasma CRH abundance exponentially increases as pregnancy advances. Glucocorticoid stimulates CRH expression in full-term human placenta by promoting noncanonical (RelB/p52 heterodimer-mediated) nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway activity. Using dexamethasone to mimic glucocorticoid exposure, we found that an epigenetic switch mediated the glucocorticoid-induced expression of CRH as gestation advances. The amount of acetylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) associated with the CRH promoter was greater in cytotrophoblasts from full-term placenta than in those from midterm placenta. Knocking down the lysine acetyltransferase CBP reduced H3K9 histone acetylation and prevented dexamethasone-induced CRH expression. Unexpectedly, knocking down the histone deacetylase HDAC1 or pharmacologically inhibiting type I and II HDACs also decreased the expression of CRH yet increased the acetylation of H3K9 and other histone regions. Both CBP and HDAC1 bound at the CRH promoter in a complex with the RelB/p52 heterodimer in a mutually dependent manner; knocking down any one factor in the complex prevented binding of the others as well as the dexamethasone-induced CRH expression. Our results suggest that glucocorticoids induce a transcription complex consisting of RelB/p52, CBP, and HDAC1 that triggers a dynamic acetylation-mediated epigenetic change to induce CRH expression in full-term human placenta.
How to Defend against Sophisticated Intrusions in Home Networks Using SDN and NFV

Software-defined Home Networks (SDHN) is a key development trend of smart home. Security is still an important issue in SDHN. In this paper, a multi-stage attack mitigation mechanism is proposed for SDHN using Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Firstly, an evidence-driven security assessment method using SDN factors and NFV-based detection is designed to perform security assessment along with observed security events. Secondly, an attack mitigation countermeasure selection method is proposed. The evaluation shows that the proposed mechanism is effective for multi-stage attack mitigation in SDHN.