Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Resists Denervation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Activating PGC-1α and Integrating Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Complexes

Denervation-mediated skeletal muscle atrophy results from the loss of electric stimulation and leads to protein degradation, which is critically regulated by the well-confirmed transcriptional co-activator peroxisome proliferator co-activator 1 alpha (PGC-1α). No adequate treatments of muscle wasting are available. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a naturally occurring antioxidant component with multiple functions including mitochondrial modulation, demonstrates the ability to protect against muscle dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether PQQ enhances PGC-1α activation and resists skeletal muscle atrophy in mice subjected to a denervation operation. This work investigates the expression of PGC-1α and mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle of denervated mice administered PQQ. The C57BL6/J mouse was subjected to a hindlimb sciatic axotomy. A PQQ-containing ALZET® osmotic pump (equivalent to 4.5 mg/day/kg b.w.) was implanted subcutaneously into the right lower abdomen of the mouse. In the time course study, the mouse was sacrificed and the gastrocnemius muscle was prepared for further myopathological staining, energy metabolism analysis, western blotting, and real-time quantitative PCR studies. We observed that PQQ administration abolished the denervation-induced decrease in muscle mass and reduced mitochondrial activities, as evidenced by the reduced fiber size and the decreased expression of cytochrome c oxidase and NADH-tetrazolium reductase. Bioenergetic analysis demonstrated that PQQ reprogrammed the denervation-induced increase in the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and led to an increase in the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), a measurement of the glycolytic metabolism. The protein levels of PGC-1α and the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes were also increased by treatment with PQQ. Furthermore, PQQ administration highly enhanced the expression of oxidative fibers and maintained the type II glycolytic fibers. This pre-clinical in vivo study suggests that PQQ may provide a potent therapeutic benefit for the treatment of denervation-induced atrophy by activating PGC-1α and maintaining the mitochondrial ETC complex in skeletal muscles.
Learning the Models of Customer Behavior: From Television Advertising to Online Marketing

ABSTRACT Marketing, advertising, and communications processes have changed to strategically capitalize on an increasingly digitally transformed, technologically empowered, globally interconnected consumer, or what service-dominant logic refers to as actors that are resource integrators. Customers are co-creators of value in the collaborative or sharing economy, and seek to actively reap the benefits of new knowledge growing at an exponential rate. However, developing models of customer behavior, especially the influence of a new kind of advertising based on the integrated use of television, web, and social networks, is a challenge. Our study starts from a preliminary empirical observation of the impact of television cooking shows on the variations of potential demand (queries on Google) and the purchase of branded/unbranded culinary products used on the show. Neural networks were used to determine significant correlations, which resulted in an operative Marketing 3.0 model. This model clearly explicates this impact factor on the consumer-purchasing process generated by a new mode of creating information and communications technology–based communication. As a result, by using these types of models businesses can more strategically plan the presence of products of interest on television programs designed according to M@SECI and M@BA (a pervasive smart-space model for online marketing).
Deep depletion of abundant serum proteins reveals low‐abundant proteins as potential biomarkers for human ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) ranks fifth as a cause of cancer deaths in women. Current diagnostic and monitoring markers have limited reliability for the detection of disease. We have tested the possibility of identifying candidate biomarkers present at low nanogram to picogram levels after removing both the 12 most abundant and 77 moderately abundant proteins from serum samples of EOC patients using antibody affinity columns. We showed that this approach allows the identification of proteins that are expressed at nanogram per liter levels in the serum. Using ICAT/MS/MS analysis, we identified 51 proteins that are differentially expressed by at least twofold. These proteins include leucine‐rich α‐2‐glycoprotein, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H1, insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 6, insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3, isoform 1 of epidermal growth factor receptor, angiopoietin‐like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and phosphatidylcholine‐sterol acyltransferase. We confirmed the differential expression of MMP9 and ANGPTL3 in normal and ovarian cancer sera by ELISA assays. Further robust clinical evaluation of the candidate markers identified is necessary.
FMRQ—A Multiagent Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Fully Cooperative Tasks

In this paper, we propose a multiagent reinforcement learning algorithm dealing with fully cooperative tasks. The algorithm is called frequency of the maximum reward Q-learning (FMRQ). FMRQ aims to achieve one of the optimal Nash equilibria so as to optimize the performance index in multiagent systems. The frequency of obtaining the highest global immediate reward instead of immediate reward is used as the reinforcement signal. With FMRQ each agent does not need the observation of the other agents’ actions and only shares its state and reward at each step. We validate FMRQ through case studies of repeated games: four cases of two-player two-action and one case of three-player two-action. It is demonstrated that FMRQ can converge to one of the optimal Nash equilibria in these cases. Moreover, comparison experiments on tasks with multiple states and finite steps are conducted. One is box-pushing and the other one is distributed sensor network problem. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms others with higher performance.
The State of Tourism Research: A Personal Reflection

Abstract This paper presents a personal view of the state of tourism research. Much of the news is encouraging, as both the range of ideas being researched and the number of publishing opportunities are expanding. The good news must be tempered by some worrying trends relating to the fallacy of misplaced rationalism, research inertia, concentration of authorships and the submission of poor quality of research to journals. Indeed, one wonders if the state of tourism research is growing faster than the abilities of some researchers to keep up with it.
Understanding teachers’ will and capacity to accomplish physical education curriculum reform: the implications for teacher development

The purpose of this study is to examine the receptivity of physical education teachers to curriculum reform and their capacity to accomplish the proposed changes. A sample of 145 secondary physical educators with different years of teaching experience was recruited to participate in this study on a voluntary basis. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, teachers’ responses were surveyed using a questionnaire derived from the teachers’ receptivity to curriculum change (Waugh & Godfrey, 1993; Ha et al., 2004). Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the surveyed data. Subsequently, using Fullan's comprehensive framework for teacher development, a group of 20 teachers was interviewed regarding their views and concerns on the recent reforms in their profession. The results indicate that experienced teachers show statistically significant positive attitudes toward the proposed guidelines (p<0.05) and statistically significant less concern on different issues (p<0.01) as compared to their novice counterparts. In terms of the professional need for reform, the teachers, regardless of their teaching experience, identified ‘pedagogical skills for different types of students,’ ‘teaching of generic skills’ and ‘student assessment’ as the areas which need to be reviewed. Meanwhile, novice teachers consistently require strong leadership and support within and outside the school to promote ‘collegiality’ and ‘knowledge of educational contexts. ’ Experienced teachers are particularly concerned about ‘continuous learning’ and ‘change process,’ which could be attributed to their traditional background and less opportunity for professional development. Ultimately, experienced teachers show a stronger commitment to their career, while novice teachers feel insecure about implementing their professional role under the uncertainties of the reform. It is suggested that a teacher development program be purposefully and systematically designed for teachers of different career stages, and more importantly, that their needs be communicated to the government and the public so as to achieve the best outcome out of professional and educational changes.
6 Pay and Performance: Individuals, Groups, and Executives

AbstractIn this chapter, we address three pay for performance (PFP) questions. First, what are the conceptual mechanisms by which PFP influences performance? Second, what programs do organizations use to implement PFP and what is the empirical evidence on their effectiveness? Third, what perils and pitfalls arise on the way from PFP theory to its execution in organizations? We address these questions in general terms, but also highlight unique issues that arise in PFP for teams and for executives. We highlight the fact that research and practice in the area of PFP requires one to deal with a number of trade‐offs. For example, strengthening PFP links can generate powerful motivation effects, but sometimes these are in unintended and unanticipated directions, resulting in undesirable effects. In addition, there are also trade‐offs in deciding the degree of emphasis to give to individual versus team performance and to results versus behaviors in PFP plans. What all this means is that, as in other areas of ma.
Relationships among gender differences in freshman course grades and course characteristics.

This article examines relationships among gender differences in freshman college course grades and characteristics of the courses. Gender differences in course grades are not adequately explained by gender differences in previous scholastic achievement. In addition, courses in which gender differences favor women tend to be those in which high school grades and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are less important for earning higher course grades. These courses also award higher-than-average grades to freshmen with average high school grades and SAT scores and enroll a higher percentage of female freshmen
Educational Technology in Turkey: Past, Present and Future

This paper explains the past, discusses the present and makes projections for the future of educational technology in Turkey. Technology has an important role in enhancing educational progress. Therefore, educators need to adapt technology within their field of study. Educational materials such as textbooks, films, radio, television, overhead projectors, video recorders and, of course, computers enrich learning environments in schools. Educational materials motivate students and induce them to study subject matter while providing opportunities for students to access and evaluate information. In Turkey, the use of educational technology in schools has been taken very seriously by the Ministry of National Education since the 1930s. Universities and other institutions are also interested in research and application of educational technology to their own settings. La Technologie de l'Education en Turquie: Passé, Présent et Avenir. Cet article explique le passé et le présent et propose des projections dans l'avenir pour la technologie de l'éducation en Turquie. La technologie joue un rÔle important pour favoriser le progrès en éducation. Aussi les enseignants doivent l'adapter dans leur discipline. Les moyens d'enseignement tels que les livres, les films, la radio, la télévision, les rétroprojecteurs et enfin les ordinateurs enrichissent l'environnement éducatif des écoles. Les moyens d'enseignement motivent les élèves et les incitent À étudier les sujets en fournissant l'occasion pour ceux-ci y avoir accès et d'évaluer l'information en Turquie, l'utilisation de la technologie de l'éducation dans les écoles a été prise très au sérieux par le Ministère de l'Education dès les années 30. Les universités et d'autres institutions s'intéressent aussi aux recherches et aux applications de la technolgie de l'éducation dans leurs domaines. Bildungstechnik in der Türkei: Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft. In diesem Beitrag wird die Entwicklung der Bildungstechnologie in der Türkei von der Vergangenheit bis zu Gegenwart dargestellt und ein Einblick in die Planung für die Zukunft gegeben. Technologie spielt eine wichtige Rolle bei der Verbesserung des Bildungsfortschritts. Daher müssen auch Erzieher sie innerhalb ihres Studiengebiets anwenden und anpassen. Bildungsmaterialien wie Lehrbücher, Filme, Rundfunk- und Fernsehsendungen, Einsatz von Overheadprojektoren, Videorekordern und natürlich jetzt auch von Computern bereichern die Lernangebote von Schulen. Bildungsmaterialien motivieren Lernende und bewirken dadurch, dass sie sich schon während des Zusammenstellens von Material durch Zugriff auf Informationen und deren Bewertung mit Inhalten befassen müssen.
Towards Security of Additive Layer Manufacturing

Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM), also broadly known as 3D printing, is a new technology to produce 3D objects. As an opposite approach to the conventional subtractive manufacturing process, 3D objects are created by adding thin material layers over layers. Until recently, they have been used, mainly, for plastic models. However, the technology has evolved making it possible to use high-quality printing with metal alloys. Agencies and companies like NASA, ESA, Boeing, Airbus, etc. are investigating various ALM technology application areas. Recently, SpaceX used additive manufacturing to produce engine chambers for the newest Dragon spacecraft. BAE System plans to print on-demand a complete Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), depending on the operational requirements. Companies expect the implementation of ALM technology will bring a broad variety of technological and economic benefits. This includes, but not limited to, the reduction of the time needed to produce complex parts, reduction of wasted material and thus control of production costs along with minimization of part storage space as companies implement just-in-time and on-demand production solutions. The broad variety of application areas and a high grade of computerization of the manufacturing process will inevitably make ALM an attractive target for various attacks.
IT Innovation Persistence: An Exploratory Analysis

This study introduces absorptive capacity as a necessary and sufficient condition for systematic IT innovation (ITI). Looking at the characteristics of firms who systematically innovate with IT, we argue that ITI is a cumulative and pathdependent capability that is not easily replicated. Companies that have developed the ITI capability and attained the ITI status among their peers are likely to maintain this status over time, thus demonstrating that ITI is a sustained capability. We tested our proposition with cross-sectional data of large US firms that have attained the ITI status from 1997-2004. The results of our exploratory analysis seem to strongly support our position.
17 h-estradiol attenuates a , h-meATP-induced currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons

The effects of 17h-estradiol on the a,h-me ATP-induced currents were studied on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using whole-cell recording technique. Three types of currents (transient, sustained or biphasic) were evoked by a,h-me ATP in acutely dissociated DRG neurons. When neurons were pre-incubated with 17h-estradiol (10–1000 nM) for 4 min, an inhibition of the transient current and the transient component of the biphasic current was observed. In contrast, 17h-estradiol did not have any significant effect on the sustained current evoked by a,hmeATP. The inhibitory effects were concentration-dependent, reversible and could be blocked by the estradiol receptor inhibitor, ICI 182,780 (1 AM). However, bovine serum albumin-conjugated 17h-estradiol (17h-estradiolBSA, 10nM) failed to mimic the effects of 17h-estradiol. 17a-estradiol, the inactive isoform, did not have significant effects on ah-meATP-induced currents, either. Sustained currents induced by ATP (100 AM) in nodose ganglion (NG), superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and otic ganglion (OTG) neurons were not affected by 17hestradiol. These results suggest that the female gonadal hormone, 17h-estradiol, might participate in control of pain by modulating P2X3 receptor-mediated events in sensory neurons. D 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Genetic diversity and virulence of novel sequence types of Streptococcus suis from diseased and healthy pigs in China

Streptococcus suis is a serious threat to swine industry and public health. In this work, a total of 62 S. suis isolates recovered from infected and healthy pigs from four provinces in northern China were classified by multilocus sequence typing into nine sequence types (STs), including six novel ones, namely, ST417, ST418, ST419, ST420, ST421, and ST422. The majority (64.5%) of these 62 isolates belong to serotype 2; all of these serotype 2 isolates can be assigned into ST1 or ST28 clonal complex, indicating at least two parallel routes of clonal dissemination of these isolates. In these serotype 2 isolates, 23 (20 from healthy pigs and three from diseased pigs) were identified as ST7 strains, which were previously characterized as the cause of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome. The novel ST strains lack 89 K pathogenicity island but can cause septicemia and meningitis in a mouse model, showing remarkable differences in virulence. The ST421 strain named HLB causes suppurative encephalitis. Our results highlighted the need for increased surveillance of S. suis in farm-raised pigs in northern China.
New insights into nucleolar structure and function

The nucleolus is a non-membrane-bound nuclear organelle found in all eukaryotes. It is the quintessential ‘RNA-seeded’ nuclear body, forming around specific chromosomal features called nucleolar organizing regions that contain arrays of ribosomal DNA. Assembly is triggered by activation of RNA polymerase I-mediated transcription and regulated in mammalian cells in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Although the nucleolus is best known for its role in coordinating ribosome biogenesis, biochemical and proteomic analyses have revealed a much wider functional complexity than previously appreciated, including roles in cell cycle regulation, DNA damage sensing and repair, pre-mRNA processing, telomere metabolism, processing of non-coding RNAs, and coordination of the cellular response to various stresses. Despite these advances, much remains to be learned about the full range of biological processes that occur within, or involve, this organelle and how its assembly/disassembly and functional reorganization in response to various stimuli are regulated. Here, we review the impact of recent studies that provide major insights into these fundamental questions, and we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting nucleolar pathways.
International Standards for the Control of Avian Influenza

Abstract The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) has developed international standards to reduce the risk of the spread of high-pathogenicity avian influenza though international trade. These standards include providing a definition of high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), procedures for prompt reporting of HPAI outbreaks, requirements that must be met for a country or zone to be defined as free of HPAI, requirements that should be met to import live birds and avian products into a HPAI-free country or zone, and the general provisions that countries should meet to reduce the risk of spread of HPAI through trade. The goal of these standards is to facilitate trade while minimizing the risk of the introduction of HPAI.
Functional neuroimaging and schizophrenia: a view towards effective connectivity modeling and polygenic risk

We review critical trends in imaging genetics as applied to schizophrenia research, and then discuss some future directions of the field. A plethora of imaging genetics studies have investigated the impact of genetic variation on brain function, since the paradigm of a neuroimaging intermediate phenotype for schizophrenia first emerged. It was initially posited that the effects of schizophrenia susceptibility genes would be more penetrant at the level of biologically based neuroimaging intermediate phenotypes than at the level of a complex and phenotypically heterogeneous psychiatric syndrome. The results of many studies support this assumption, most of which show single genetic variants to be associated with changes in activity of localized brain regions, as determined by select cognitive controlled tasks. From these basic studies, functional neuroimaging analysis of intermediate phenotypes has progressed to more complex and realistic models of brain dysfunction, incorporating models of functional and effective connectivity, including the modalities of psycho-physiological interaction, dynamic causal modeling, and graph theory metrics. The genetic association approaches applied to imaging genetics have also progressed to more sophisticated multivariate effects, including incorporation of two-way and three-way epistatic interactions, and most recently polygenic risk models. Imaging genetics is a unique and powerful strategy for understanding the neural mechanisms of genetic risk for complex CNS disorders at the human brain level.
Gender and Risk Assessment

The developers of the Level of Service Inventory—Revised (LSI-R) argue that actuarial risk instruments, and the theoretical framework on which they are based, are “gender neutral” and apply to all offenders in a variety of correctional settings. Although there is empirical support for this perspective, recent research using more representative female offender samples suggests that the LSI-R “works” differently for various offender groups (e.g., women who follow “gendered” pathways to crime). The bulk of research used to support claims of gender neutrality is based on males. This research evaluates these claims by reviewing the empirical research on the LSI-R for female offenders published over a 20-year period (1986 — 2006). Based on the evidence, the authors identify directions for future research on gender and risk assessment and also discuss implications for correctional classification and treatment.