Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase by Borrelia burgdorferi in human immune cells correlates with pathogenic potential

Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial agent of Lyme disease, induces the production of type I IFNs by human DCs through TLR7 and TLR9 signaling. This type I IFN response occurs in a genotype‐dependent manner, with significantly higher levels of IFN‐α elicited by B. burgdorferi strains that have a greater capacity for causing disseminated infection. A B. burgdorferi strain that was previously shown to induce IFN‐α was found to elicit significantly higher levels of IDO1 protein and its downstream metabolite, kynurenine, compared with a B. burgdorferi mutant that lacks a single linear plasmid (lp36); this mutant is unable to induce IFN‐α and is severely attenuated for infectivity in mice. Production of IDO by mDC and pDC populations, present within human PBMCs, was concomitant with increased expression of the DC maturation markers, CD83 and CCR7. The defects in IDO production and expression of CD83 and CCR7 could be restored by complementation of the mutant with lp36. Maximal IDO production in response to the wild‐type strain was dependent on contributions by both type I IFN and IFN‐γ, the type II IFN. Induction of IDO was mediated by the same TLR7‐dependent recognition of B. burgdorferi RNA that contributes to the production of type I IFNs by human DCs. The ability of IFN‐α‐inducing B. burgdorferi strains to stimulate production of IDO and kynurenines may be a mechanism that is used by the pathogen to promote localized immunosuppression and facilitate hematogenous dissemination.
Apilarnil reduces fear and advances sexual development in male broilers but has no effect on growth

1. An experiment was conducted to determine the possibility of stimulating sexual development at an early age in male and female broiler chickens by administration of apilarnil, a natural bee product, in the pre-pubertal period. 2. From 28 to 55 d of age, birds were given apilarnil orally. The effects of low (2.5 g/bird) and high (7.5 g/bird) doses of apilarnil on growth performance, testicular weight, secondary sexual characteristics, blood lipids, testosterone and fearful behaviour were evaluated. 3. Apilarnil administration did not cause a positive effect on growth performance of male and female broilers suggesting that apilarnil did not have an anabolic effect. 4. Apilarnil administration suppressed blood glucose and cholesterol. 5. Birds receiving apilarnil remained immobile for a shorter period in a tonic imobiliy test and showed less home-cage avoidance responses suggesting a lower level of fearfulness. 6. Increases in testicular weight, testosterone concentration and comb growth in males receiving apilarnil implied that it stimulates the sexual maturation at an early age. However, a similar stimulation of secondary sexual characteristics was not observed in females.
Teacher Pension Workshop: Connecting Evidence-Based Research to Pension Reform: Cross-Subsidization of Teacher Pension Costs: The Impact of the Discount Rate

This paper builds on previous work (Costrell and McGee, 2017a) on the redistribution of teacher pension benefits, as measured by the wide variation in individual normal cost rates by age of entry and exit, and the associated cross-subsidies embedded in the funding plan. The further step taken here is to consider the impact of the discount rate on the degree of redistribution. We know that a reduction in the discount rate raises the normal cost of the plan, but the impact on the distribution of individual normal costs has not been previously explored. There are two possible interpretations and motivations for this inquiry: (i) if the discount rate is the expected return, this analysis considers how the cross-subsidies vary as the expected return is reduced in funding plans, to better align with the market; and (ii) since the expected return includes a risk premium, netting that out of the discount rate (i.e. using the risk-free rate) tacks on a measure of the value of the benefit guarantee to the plan participants (Brown and Wilcox (2009), Novy-Marx and Rauh (2009), and, relatedly, Biggs (2011)). We know that the guarantee raises the value of benefits, as measured by the normal cost (Richwine and Biggs (2011)). In this paper I examine whether it raises the individual values uniformly or whether – and how much – it tilts the distribution of benefits. Analytically, the impact is not obvious, as the impact of the discount rate varies with the age of exit for multiple reasons, and does not vary monotonically. Overall, however, using the illustration of California, I find that a lower discount rate raises the degree of redistribution substantially. Put differently, although the cross-subsidies embedded in the funding plan are quite significant, these understate the redistribution of benefits as the assumed return is reduced, and, dramatically more so, when the value of the guarantee is included.
Initial Teacher Training and the National Plan for Digital Education (NOP - ESF)

This paper focuses on new teachers who attended the Italian National Plan for Digital Education (NPDE) training courses between 2015 and 2017. Started in 2016, the NPDE was further developed thanks to the contribution of the 2014-2020 National Operational Programme for the School, “skills and learning environments” which supported 275 NPDE local training hubs in order to organize four training modules aimed both at new teachers and the more experienced ones. This paper analyses the feedback provided by the 1,342 new teachers who filled in the evaluation questionnaires handed out at the beginning and at the end of the modules. The objective of this chapter is to highlight the relations between the preferences expressed by the new teachers within the initial skill assessment and the issues raised in the final questionnaires about the perception of the training programme.
On the motivations for the dual-use of electronic and traditional cigarettes

ABSTRACT We apply a classical economic categorization of preferences to identify the motivations of dual-users of electronic and traditional cigarettes. The responses of 2406 US adults (including 413 dual-users) in 2015 were collected using a novel online survey along with a follow-up in 2016 of 143 of these adults (68 dual-users). A sizeable minority of 37% of dual-users reported viewing electronic and conventional cigarettes primarily as complements. Of those who had never smoked or used electronic cigarettes, only 27% thought the complementarity motive would be primary. Dual-user motivations were associated with quit-attempt, cessation methods, gender and age. 1 year on, there was a positive relationship between the level of complementarity in the dual-user’s motives and their change in self-reported traditional cigarette consumption. It is concluded that the application of a canonical economic classification of preferences may reveal important heterogeneities among the dual-user population.
Taiwanese long-term care facility residents' experiences of caring: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND Until now, caring research has focused on constructs, processes and outcomes of caring traits exhibited mainly by nurses or nursing students in hospitals. Few studies have considered the perspectives of elderly residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). AIMS The aim of this study was to elucidate the nature of caring by describing the experience of elderly residents of Taiwan LTCFs. METHODS Data collected by semi-structured interviews with 12 elderly residents of LTCFs were analysed by content analysis. RESULTS The caring perceived by the sample was thematically categorized as calming the body, respectful communication and enriching life. CONCLUSION The findings of this study confirm the need for managers of LTCFs to address the physical and psychosocial needs of their residents. The findings can be used to develop education programmes and clinical protocols for nurses in the caring field and to develop instruments for measuring perceived caring in LTCFs.
Economic impact of language tourism on mature sun and sand destinations: The case of Alicante (Spain)

The objective of this research is to measure the economic impact of language tourism in a medium-sized Spanish city, Alicante, which has been traditionally considered a sun and sand destination on the Mediterranean coast. This analysis aims to highlight the importance of developing a tourism diversification strategy and the desirability of promoting alternative forms of tourism. This investigation demonstrates the significant economic impact that language tourism has on a consolidated tourism destination as Alicante, which is higher, in relative terms, than the impact generated by conventional tourism. Based on the findings, the implications of the study are also discussed.
Oral subchronic immunotoxicity study of ethyl tertiary butyl ether in the rat

The potential for immunotoxicological effects of ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE, CAS RN 637-92-3) was studied in young adult female Crl:CD(SD) rats following subchronic oral exposures. Rats were exposed by gavage once daily for 28 consecutive days to 0, 250, 500, or 1000 mg ETBE/kg body weight (BW)/day; a concurrent positive control group received four intraperitoneal injections of at 50 mg cyclophosphamide monohydrate (CPS)/kg/day on study Days 24–27. Immunotoxicity was evaluated using a splenic antibody-forming cell (AFC) assay to assess T-cell-dependent antibody responses in rats sensitized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). All rats survived to the scheduled necropsy. There were no effects on clinical observations, body weights, feed or water consumption, or macroscopic pathology findings in the ETBE-treated rats. No ETBE-related effects were observed on absolute or relative (to final body weight) spleen or thymus weights, spleen cellularity, or on the specific (AFC/106 spleen cells) or total activity (AFC/spleen) of splenic IgM AFC to the T-cell-dependent antigen SRBC. CPS produced expected effects consistent with its known immunosuppressive properties and validated the appropriateness of the AFC assay. Based on the results of this study, ETBE did not suppress the humoral component of the immune system in female rats. The no-observed-effect level for immunotoxicity was the highest dosage tested at 1000 mg/kg/day.
Advancing Otherness and Othering of the Cultural Other during “Intercultural Encounters” in Cross-Cultural Management Research

Abstract This article argues that theorising Otherness and Othering of the cultural Other is integral to identity construction during intercultural encounters, but has largely been neglected in Cross-Cultural Management (CCM) research. Intercultural encounters entail the exchange of cultural identities and ideas when individuals from different cultures interact with each other or multicultural organizations. Otherness signals the ascribed qualities attributed to the Other and is expressed through conceptual boundary markers regarding what constitutes Us and Them. Othering, however, reflects the above boundary-production as an underlying cultural process which maintains (and reproduces) such boundaries. Consequently, the CCM research agenda has overly focused on “cultural differences,” values and broad-stroke dimensions of fixed “national cultures” at the expense of identity constructions that transpire when individuals from different cultures are interacting. This article builds theory through advancing the Otherness and Othering concepts, which are key missing interrelationships to Self in CCM research. This is achieved by coupling CCM theory with intellectual developments in Social Anthropology and Sociology.
Computing of antenna arrays with an unified theory

The Fourier relation theory, developed by the authors, relates the array factor of an antenna array with the source distribution through the Fourier transform. In this paper, it will be demonstrated that some very well known deterministic synthesis methods of continuous and discrete antenna arrays are particular applications of this theory. Furthermore, using a method based on the Fourier relation, that involves the utilisation of the fast Fourier transform, it is possible to reduce much of the work done in the analysis and synthesis of antenna arrays. With the correct application of this theory, the numeric results obtained to the known synthesis methods are exact, unless the internal error of the used computer, or the error obtained in the approximations are directly controlled to the desired values. As it will be shown, the method presented in this paper is a fundamental tool to lead with the synthesis problem of antenna arrays.
Quantification of quantum dot murine skin penetration with UVR barrier impairment

Abstract Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) skin exposure is a common exogenous insult that can alter skin barrier and immune functions. With the growing presence of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer goods and technological applications the potential for NPs to contact UVR-exposed skin is increasing. Therefore it is important to understand the effect of UVR on NP skin penetration and the potential for systemic translocation. Previous studies qualitatively showed that UVR skin exposure can increase the penetration of NPs below the stratum corneum. In this work, an in vivo mouse model was used to quantitatively examine the skin penetration of carboxylated (CdSe/ZnS, core/shell) quantum dots (QDs) through intact and UVR barrier-disrupted murine skin by organ Cd mass analysis. Transepidermal water loss was used to measure the magnitude of the skin barrier defect as a function of UVR dose and time post-UVR exposure. QDs were applied to mice 3–4 days post-UVR exposure at the peak of the skin barrier disruption. Our results reveal unexpected trends that suggest these negative-charged QDs can penetrate barrier intact skin and that penetration and systemic transport depends on the QD application time post-UVR exposure. The effect of UVR on skin-resident dendritic cells and their role in the systemic translocation of these QDs are described. Our results suggest that NP skin penetration and translocation may depend on the specific barrier insult and the inflammatory status of the skin.
Role of growth hormone in regulating lipolysis, proteolysis, and hepatic glucose production during fasting.

CONTEXT Fasting is associated with suppressed insulin and augmented GH secretion. The involvement of each mechanism in the regulation of fuel mobilization during fasting is unknown. OBJECTIVE To ascertain the role of GH in the regulation of the rates of lipolysis, proteolysis, and hepatic glucose production (HGP) during the physiological daily feed/fast cycle and after 2 d of complete fasting, we used a model of selective GH suppression by the administration of GHRH receptor antagonist (GHRH-A). DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted an open label in-patient study in the General Clinical Research Center at the University of Michigan. PARTICIPANTS Six healthy, nonobese volunteers participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We assessed 24-h plasma GH concentration and rates of lipolysis, proteolysis, and HGP using stable isotope techniques after an overnight fast and after 2 d of fasting. RESULTS GHRH-A suppressed plasma GH by about 65% during the fed state (P = 0.015) but did not alter the rates of lipolysis, proteolysis, or HGP. Fasting for 2 d suppressed plasma insulin concentration by about 80% and elevated plasma GH about 4-fold (both P < 0.01). This was accompanied by a doubling in the rate of lipolysis, an approximately 40% increase in proteolysis, and an approximately 30% decline in HGP (all P < 0.05). Preventing the fasting-induced increase in GH with GHRH-A largely abolished the increase in the rate of lipolysis. GHRH-A also augmented the fasting-induced reduction in HGP but did not alter proteolysis. CONCLUSIONS Endogenous GH plays a very limited metabolic role during the daily feed/fast cycle but is essential for the increased lipolytic rate found with more prolonged fasting.
Proteomic Analysis of a Sea-Ice Diatom: Salinity Acclimation Provides New Insight into the Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Production Pathway1[C][W][OA]

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) plays important roles in oceanic carbon and sulfur cycling and may significantly impact climate. It is a biomolecule synthesized from the methionine (Met) pathway and proposed to serve various physiological functions to aid in environmental stress adaptation through its compatible solute, cryoprotectant, and antioxidant properties. Yet, the enzymes and mechanisms regulating DMSP production are poorly understood. This study utilized a proteomics approach to investigate protein changes associated with salinity-induced DMSP increases in the model sea-ice diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus (CCMP 1102). We hypothesized proteins associated with the Met-DMSP biosynthesis pathway would increase in relative abundance when challenged with elevated salinity. To test this hypothesis axenic log-phase cultures initially grown at a salinity of 35 were gradually shifted to a final salinity of 70 over a 24-h period. Intracellular DMSP was measured and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to identify protein changes at 48 h after the shift. Intracellular DMSP increased by approximately 85% in the hypersaline cultures. One-third of the proteins increased under high salinity were associated with amino acid pathways. Three protein isoforms of S-adenosylhomo-cysteine hydrolase, which synthesizes a Met precursor, increased 1.8- to 2.1-fold, two isoforms of S-adenosyl Met synthetase increased 1.9- to 2.5-fold, and S-adenosyl Met methyltransferase increased by 2.8-fold, suggesting active methyl cycle proteins are recruited in the synthesis of DMSP. Proteins from the four enzyme classes of the proposed algal Met transaminase DMSP pathway were among the elevated proteins, supporting our hypothesis and providing candidate genes for future characterization studies.
Outpatient psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder: randomized trial of schema-focused therapy vs transference-focused psychotherapy.

CONTEXT Borderline personality disorder is a severe and chronic psychiatric condition, prevalent throughout health care settings. Only limited effects of current treatments have been documented. OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of schema-focused therapy (SFT) and psychodynamically based transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) in patients with borderline personality disorder. DESIGN A multicenter, randomized, 2-group design. SETTING Four general community mental health centers. PARTICIPANTS Eighty-eight patients with a Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index, fourth version, score greater than a predetermined cutoff score. INTERVENTION Three years of either SFT or TFP with sessions twice a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index, fourth version, score; quality of life; general psychopathologic dysfunction; and measures of SFT/TFP personality concepts. Patient assessments were made before randomization and then every 3 months for 3 years. RESULTS Data on 44 SFT patients and 42 TFP patients were available. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the groups were similar at baseline. Survival analyses revealed a higher dropout risk for TFP patients than for SFT patients (P = .01). Using an intention-to-treat approach, statistically and clinically significant improvements were found for both treatments on all measures after 1-, 2-, and 3-year treatment periods. After 3 years of treatment, survival analyses demonstrated that significantly more SFT patients recovered (relative risk = 2.18; P = .04) or showed reliable clinical improvement (relative risk = 2.33; P = .009) on the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index, fourth version. Robust analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that they also improved more in general psychopathologic dysfunction and measures of SFT/TFP personality concepts (P<.001). Finally, SFT patients showed greater increases in quality of life than TFP patients (robust ANCOVAs, P=.03 and P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Three years of SFT or TFP proved to be effective in reducing borderline personality disorder-specific and general psychopathologic dysfunction and measures of SFT/TFP concepts and in improving quality of life; SFT is more effective than TFP for all measures.
Perceived Happiness and Economic Development：Easterlin Paradox and the Latin American Case

The aim of this study is to explore the link between subjective wellbeing and economic development. Our theoretical framework builds on the well mentioned Easterlin Paradox which suggests that there is no link between life satisfaction and economic growth. Using data from World Values Survey and World Bank we ran a number of econometric regressions. Our results showed that there is positive link between income and happiness across the globe, while for Latin America economic development is not a predictor of life satisfaction.
Multiple models reduction approach using gap metric for control of uncertain systems

In this paper, an internal multiple model control (IMMC) based on linear model’s library is introduced. This approach supposes the definition of a set of local linear models. However, it remains beset with several difficulties such as the determination of the local models base. A new approach that combines fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm and gap metric able to find the optimal number of local models is presented. The fuzzy clustering is used to divide the dataset into a large number of clusters where a local linear model is associated for each cluster. Then the gap metric analysis is applied to analyse the relationships among candidate local models, resulting in a reduced local models set. Such decomposition is shown to result in a set of stable and parsimonious models which can be deployed for online control.
Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Phytochromes from the Filamentous Fungus Neurospora crassa

ABSTRACT Phytochromes (Phys) comprise a superfamily of red-/far-red-light-sensing proteins. Whereas higher-plant Phys that control numerous growth and developmental processes have been well described, the biochemical characteristics and functions of the microbial forms are largely unknown. Here, we describe analyses of the expression, regulation, and activities of two Phys in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. In addition to containing the signature N-terminal domain predicted to covalently associate with a bilin chromophore, PHY-1 and PHY-2 contain C-terminal histidine kinase and response regulator motifs, implying that they function as hybrid two-component sensor kinases activated by light. A bacterially expressed N-terminal fragment of PHY-2 covalently bound either biliverdin or phycocyanobilin in vitro, with the resulting holoprotein displaying red-/far-red-light photochromic absorption spectra and a photocycle in vitro. cDNA analysis of phy-1 and phy-2 revealed two splice isoforms for each gene. The levels of the phy transcripts are not regulated by light, but the abundance of the phy-1 mRNAs is under the control of the circadian clock. Phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of PHY-1 were detected; both species were found exclusively in the cytoplasm, with their relative abundances unaffected by light. Strains containing deletions of phy-1 and phy-2, either singly or in tandem, were not compromised in any known photoresponses in Neurospora, leaving their function(s) unclear.