Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement of disjoining pressure of a molecularly thin lubricant film by using a microfabricated groove

A new method for measuring disjoining pressure of molecularly thin lubricant film with a microfabricated groove has been developed. The shape of the meniscus of a thin film in the groove was measured by atomic force microscopy, and the disjoining pressure was obtained from the Laplace pressure obtained from the curvature of the meniscus. The result obtained experimentally for a perfluoropolyether lubricant on a silicon surface agrees well with that predicted theoretically for an apolar polymer liquid. Moreover, we have demonstrated the intermolecular interaction between a thin film and a solid surface can be investigated by the method.
Determinants of quality of life of youths in an English-speaking Caribbean nation

Background: Studies on quality of life (QoL) on youths are limited and have not examined determinants of QoL for this cohort. Aims: The current study seeks to examine the QoL of Jamaican youths and to build a model that identifies factors that explain QoL. Materials and Method: During the period June to August 2006, the Centre of Leadership and Governance, Department of Government, at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, conducted a stratified random probability survey of 1,338 respondents. Data were collected using a 166-item questionnaire. Of the sampled population (N=1,338), the proportion of those respondents age 18 to 25 years was 27% (N=364) and this constitutes the sample for the current study. The data were stored and retrieved in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 12). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, and logistic regression was used to establish the model. Results: The quality of life of Jamaican youths was determined by 4 factors which explain 20% of the variability in quality of life. The parents’ economic wellbeing has the most influence on the quality of life of Jamaican youths (OR=1.348; 95% CI: 1.35, 3.04), followed by moderate religiosity (OR=3.594; 95% CI: 1.47, 8.82), the extent of the welfarism of the state (OR=5.273; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.69) and gender (OR = 1.329, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.69). Conclusion: The current work has offered us an understanding of the determinants of QoL of youths and how interventions can be planned for in the future.
Science of rugby league football: A review

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the science of rugby league football at all levels of competition (i.e. junior, amateur, semi-professional, professional), with special reference to all discipline-specific scientific research performed in rugby league (i.e. physiological, psychological, injury epidemiology, strength and conditioning, performance analysis). Rugby league football is played at junior and senior levels in several countries worldwide. A rugby league team consists of 13 players (6 forwards and 7 backs). The game is played over two 30 – 40 min halves (depending on the standard of competition) separated by a 10 min rest interval. Several studies have documented the physiological capacities and injury rates of rugby league players. More recently, studies have investigated the physiological demands of competition. Interestingly, the physiological capacities of players, the incidence of injury and the physiological demands of competition all increase as the playing standard is increased. Mean blood lactate concentrations of 5.2, 7.2 and 9.1 mmol · l−1 have been reported during competition for amateur, semi-professional and professional rugby league players respectively. Mean heart rates of 152 beats · min−1 (78% of maximal heart rate), 166 beats · min−1 (84% of maximal heart rate) and 172 beats · min−1 (93% of maximal heart rate) have been recorded for amateur, semi-professional and junior elite rugby league players respectively. Skill-based conditioning games have been used to develop the skill and fitness of rugby league players, with mean heart rate and blood lactate responses during these activities almost identical to those obtained during competition. In addition, recent studies have shown that most training injuries are sustained in traditional conditioning activities that involve no skill component (i.e. running without the ball), whereas the incidence of injuries while participating in skill-based conditioning games is low. Collaborative research among the various sport science disciplines is required to identify strategies to reduce the incidence of injury and enhance the performance of rugby league players. An understanding of the movement patterns and physiological demands of different positions at all standards of competition would allow the development of strength and conditioning programmes to meet the precise requirements of these positions. Finally, studies investigating the impact of improvements in physiological capacities (including the effect of different strength and conditioning programmes) on rugby league playing performance are warranted.
Saving-Investment Correlation and Capital Mobility in Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Reappraisal through Inward and Outward Capital Flows’ Correlation

This paper analyses the Feldstein-Horioka puzzle in 15 sub-Saharan African countries accounting for the correlation between inward and outward capital flows. Applying cross section, panel data, and even time series analyses, we show that our results are consistent with previous studies related to developing countries. More interesting, we confirm, for sub-Saharan African countries, the recent hypothesis of Georgepoulos and Hejazi (2009) that the Feldstein-Horioka home bias is unrelated to the correlation between inward and outward capital flows for developing countries. Although the saving-investment coefficient weakens in the correlation adjusted regression, we show that the coefficient on Flows, the variable which accounts for the correlation between inward and outward capital flows is always positive and insignificant. We argue that the downward movement in the saving-investment coefficient is due the omission of some factors (foreign aid and trade openness) which are relevant for developing countries in the framework of the Feldstein-Horioka analysis. We also state that our results are more likely to reflect the poor financial structure of the countries in our sample. Therefore, we suggest that policymakers in Sub-Sahara Africa should put more emphasis in creating and developing efficient financial market which could favor portfolio diversification.
Gender differences in selection into self-competition

ABSTRACT While previous studies demonstrated that, in many settings, women tend to be less willing than men to engage in interpersonal competition, this study focuses on selection into self-competition. Competing against own past performances can be an integral part of life, including job and sports. Using data obtained from a lab-in-the-field experiment, we find empirical evidence that women are, on average, more reluctant than men to compete against their own past performance. Our results suggest that this difference can be mainly explained by gender differences in risk preferences.
The degree of CD8 dependence of cytolytic T cell precursors is determined by the nature of the T cell receptor (TCR) and influences negative selection in TCR‐transgenic mice

Although much has been learned about CD8 structure‐function properties, it has so far not been tested whether the nature of the TCR is sufficient to transfer the property of CD8 dependence versus non‐dependence to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and their precursors differentiating in T cell receptor (TCR)‐transgenic (Tg) mice. In the present study, we compared the characteristics of dependence on CD8 for stimulation of CTL precursors and antigen‐specific cytolysis by CD8+ T cells from two TCR‐Tg mice expressing respectively the TCR (Tg) from a “CD8‐dependent” and from a “CD8‐independent” CTL clone, which were both reactive against the H‐2Kb alloantigen and originated from H‐2k mice. The results indicate that the property of the Tg+CD8+ cells from H‐2k TCR‐Tg mice corresponds to that of the CTL clone of origin, demonstrating that it is linked to the nature of the TCR. Consistent with this property, Tg+CD4+ cells could also differentiate into H‐2Kb‐specific CTL when originating from the “CD8‐independent”, but not from the “CD8‐dependent” Tg‐TCR. The influence of the property of “CD8 dependence” on negative selection occurring in TCR‐Tg H‐2klb mice was apparent at two levels: (i) in the thymus, the extent of deletion was much more pronounced for the “CD8‐independent” TCR‐Tg mice; (ii) in the periphery, Tg+(hi) cells with low to negative CD8 expression were present for the “CD8‐dependent” Tg‐TCR, whereas only Tg+CD4−CD8− cells with low surface Tg‐TCR and CD3 expression were found for the “CD8‐independent” Tg‐TCR, indicating that Tg+CD4−CD8− cells are susceptible to tolerance induction involving TCR/CD3 surface down‐modulation. Furthermore, different in vitro conditions led to H‐2Kb‐induced stimulation of Tg+CD4−CD8− cells to differentiate into CTL detected in an anti‐TCR clonotypic monoclonal antibody redirected cytolysis assay. Culture in interleukin‐2 of H‐2klb Tg+CD4−CD8− cells was sufficient to induce CTL activity in the “CD8‐independent” model, whereas stimulation with cells which overexpressed H‐2Kb was required in addition to interleukin‐2 to induce CTL differentiation in the “CD8‐dependent” model. These data suggest that peripheral Tg+CD4−CD8− cells present in a situation of in vivo tolerance to H‐2Kb can still be triggered by H‐2Kb with a sensitivity correlated with the degree of CD8 dependence.
Yeast β–Glucan Modulates Inflammation and Waist Circumference in Overweight and Obese Subjects

ABSTRACT Increased inflammation occurs with excessive adiposity and yeast β-glucan modulates immune responses. This study investigated the potential effect of yeast β-glucan on inflammatory cytokines in overweight/obese people. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial design enrolled 44 overweight/obese participants with body mass index ≥23 kg/m2, randomized to two groups receiving β–glucan 477 mg/capsule (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) orally for six weeks. At weeks one to two, participants received 1 β–glucan or placebo capsule/day and at four weeks two tablets/day. Anthropometric changes, lipid profiles, liver and renal functions, and inflammatory cytokines were measured. β-glucan reduced waist circumference (p = 0.037) and blood pressure (p = 0.006) compared with controls after six weeks of intervention. No statistical significance between groups was observed for triglyceride, cholesterol, lipid profile, liver and renal function, or energy and nutrient intake compared with controls at week six. β-glucan increased interlukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, by 23.97% from baseline at week two (p < 0.001) and 31.12% at week six (p < 0.001) and was significantly increased compared with controls at week two (p < 0.001) until week six (p < 0.001). β-glucan reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 at week six (p = 0.005) and tumor necrosis factor-α at week two (p = 0.037) compared with controls. Supplementation of yeast β-glucan for six weeks modulated pro-cytokines that accelerate overweight/obese comorbidities and reduced blood pressure as well as waist circumference, the strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in overweight/obese subjects. Thus, β-glucan might have the potential to decrease comorbid conditions associated with overweight/ obesity.
Loss of desmoglein 1 expression associated with worse prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

Aims: Mucosal squamous cell carcinomas are the most common head and neck malignancies. We hypothesised that over‐expression of intracellular signalling proteins and decreased expression of desmoglein molecules would be associated with aggressive tumour behaviour in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Seventy‐eight cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were immunohistochemically stained for desmoglein 1, desmoglein 2, desmoglein 3, p53, bcl‐2, vimentin, cyclin D1, p16, p21, p27, E‐cadherin, and E2F‐1 in paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks in a microarray. Results: The disease‐specific survival was 56% at 5 years and 49% at 10 years. Expression of the desmoglein isotypes correlated positively with each other except for desmoglein 2 and desmoglein 3, which did not show a significant correlation. Desmoglein 1 and E‐cadherin expression also correlated. On univariate analysis, only expression of desmoglein 1 correlated with patient outcome; lack of expression of desmoglein 1 was associated with a significantly worse disease‐specific survival (p = 0.035). Hierarchical clustering analysis identified a subgroup of three patients with an immunophenotype distinct from the other tumours, characterised by co‐expression of p16, p27, E2F‐1 and bcl‐2. Further statistical analysis of the prognostic significance of this small subgroup was not possible, but these three patients are alive and well. Conclusions: Decreased expression of desmoglein 1 is associated with a worse prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Examination of an extended panel of immunomarkers revealed a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma characterised by the expression of multiple proliferation‐associated markers and the anti‐apoptotic protein, bcl‐2; determination of the prognostic significance of this subgroup will require study of a larger case series.
A cellular memory mechanism aids overload hypertrophy in muscle long after an episodic exposure to anabolic steroids

• Training studio folklore suggests that previous strength training, with or without the use of anabolic steroids facilitates re‐acquisition of muscle mass even after long intervening periods of inactivity. This ‘muscle memory’ has previously been attributed to motor learning, but our data suggest the existence of a cellular memory residing in the muscle fibres themselves. • Muscle fibres have multiple nuclei, and the number of nuclei increases when muscle mass increases. • When mice were briefly treated with steroids the muscle mass and number of nuclei increased. The drug was subsequently withdrawn for 3 months and the muscle mass returned to normal, but the excess cell nuclei persisted. When such muscles were subjected to overload they grew by 30% over 6 days while controls grew insignificantly. • Our data suggest that previous strength training might be beneficial later in life, and that a brief exposure to anabolic steroids might have long lasting performance‐enhancing effects.
Rapid TaqMan-Based Quantification of Chlorophyll d-Containing Cyanobacteria in the Genus Acaryochloris

ABSTRACT Reports of the chlorophyll (Chl) d-containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris have accumulated since its initial discovery in 1996. The majority of this evidence is based on amplification of the gene coding for the 16S rRNA, and due to the wide geographical distribution of these sequences, a global distribution of Acaryochloris species was suggested. Here, we present a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective TaqMan-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay that was developed for the specific detection of Acaryochloris species in complex environmental samples. The TaqMan probe showed detection limits of ∼10 16S rRNA gene copy numbers based on standard curves consisting of plasmid inserts. DNA from five Acaryochloris strains, i.e., MBIC11017, CCMEE5410, HICR111A, CRS, and Awaji-1, exhibited amplification efficiencies of >94% when tested in the TaqMan assay. When used on complex natural communities, the TaqMan assay detected the presence of Acaryochloris species in four out of eight samples of crustose coralline algae (CCA), collected from temperate and tropical regions. In three out of these TaqMan-positive samples, the presence of Chl d was confirmed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and corresponding cell estimates of Acaryochloris species amounted to 7.6 × 101 to 3.0 × 103 per mg of CCA. These numbers indicate a substantial contribution of Chl d-containing cyanobacteria to primary productivity in endolithic niches. The new TaqMan assay allows quick and easy screening of environmental samples for the presence of Acaryochloris species and is an important tool to further resolve the global distribution and significance of this unique oxyphototroph.
Housing market cycle in China: An empirical study based on stock-flow model

This paper analyzes the factors driving housing market cycle in China from 1986 to 2009 by extending the traditional stock-flow model. The conclusions are as follows. (1) Land supply, housing stock, population and income affect housing price significantly. (2) Housing price greatly affects housing construction with an elasticity of 1.28. (3) Expectation rather than user cost is the main determining factor of housing price. If the current price increases by 1%, ceteris paribus, the housing price is expected to increase by 0.48% in the next period. (4) Finally, we also identified measurements that are helpful to reduce price volatility in the housing market and to maintain macroeconomic control over the market. These measurements include increasing land supply, managing consumers' expectations, strengthening the monitoring of macroeconomy and real estate market, and focusing on the continuity and consistency among different policies.
Depressive symptomatology, psychological stress, and ovarian reserve: a role for psychological factors in ovarian aging?

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine psychological factors in relation to antral follicle count (AFC), a marker of ovarian reserve, in a multiethnic sample of 683 premenopausal women in the Ovarian Aging (OVA) Study. MethodsIn cross-sectional analyses, linear regression was performed to determine whether AFC decline across women varied over levels of depression as well as depression in combination with psychological stress. The total and subscale scores of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale were used to measure depression, and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure psychological stress. ResultsAfter covariate adjustment, the two-way interaction of age × positive affect and the three-way interaction of age × positive affect × stress were related to AFC (b = 0.047, P = 0.036; b = 0.012, P = 0.099, respectively). In stratified analyses, stress was related to AFC in women with low positive affect (b = –0.070, P = 0.021) but not in women with high positive affect (b = 0.018, P = 0.54). AFC decline across women was progressively higher in women with low positive affect who reported low (–0.747 follicles/year), mid (–0.920 follicles/year), and high (–1.112 follicles/year) levels of stress. Results examining the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale total and remaining subscale scores were all nonsignificant (P values > 0.05). ConclusionsCross-sectional evidence suggests that (1) women with low positive affect may experience accelerated AFC decline and (2) low positive affect may be a vulnerability factor, or, alternatively, high positive affect may be a protective factor, in moderating the negative effects of psychological stress on AFC decline.
Identity strategies in light of a low-prestige occupation: the case of retail apprentices

Abstract Occupations differ in their prestige, but little research has examined how workers manage working in a low-prestige occupation. This case study with retail-clerk apprentices in Switzerland uncovers the identity strategies the apprentices employ to help them normalise the situation they find themselves in: they are learning an occupation that is not assumed to require any specific knowledge or skills. We base our arguments on theories about occupational prestige, identity and stigma management, as well as on a qualitative study in VET (vocational education and training) schools. Three identity strategies are dominant among retail-clerk apprentices and are deeply embedded within the retail context and the Swiss apprenticeship programme. First, apprentices embrace ideas of discontinuous careers and lifelong learning, which encourage them to improve their occupational position through mobility within or outside the retail sector. Second, the VET programme builds on apprentices’ consumer interests and encourages their self-valorisation through the prestige of products and shops. Third, apprentices emphasise that retail work is skilled work, a strategy that is consistent with the positive societal perception of the Swiss VET system. These strategies provide insights into how apprentices construct positive occupational identities although they are placed low on the occupational prestige hierarchy.
Maximal glomerular diameter as a 10-year prognostic indicator for IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND Although there have been many reports on clinicopathological studies of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), reliable outcome predictors are still lacking. We therefore assessed maximal glomerular diameter (Max GD), an indicator of glomerular size, as a predictor of the long-term evolution of renal histopathology. METHODS Forty-three adult patients, diagnosed with IgAN, who had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥50 mL/min/1.73 m(2), were enrolled in this study. Prognostic variables for renal survival were examined by using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards method. The optimal cut-off value of Max GD was 242.3 μm (AUC = 0.78, sensitivity = 62.5%, specificity = 81.5%) by using receiver operating characteristics analysis. In order to assess the characteristics of glomerular hypertrophy, we divided the cases into two groups according to the Max GD value (Group A, ≥242 μm; Group B, <242 μm). Renal survival was also assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test. RESULTS The Max GD was significantly correlated with age, body mass index and serum triglyceride levels at the time of renal biopsy. During the 10-year follow-up period, the Max GD was significantly correlated with eGFR decline per year, and proteinuria, but not with hematuria. A multiple regression analysis by the Cox method adjusted for age, sex and eGFR showed that the Max GD values were significantly associated with a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine (Cr) values (hazard ratio = 1.04, P = 0.03). Renal function in 66.7% of the patients whose Max GD was ≥242 μm had at least a 1.5-fold increase in their serum Cr value at the 10-year follow-up examination (log-rank, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that Max GD is a simple quantitative prognostic indicator of the disease progression in IgAN patients.
Glutamate, GABA and dopamine hydrochloride concentration effects on the conductivity and impedance of cerebrospinal fluid

This paper shows the effect of neurotransmitter concentrations on the local conductivity and impedance of the cerebrospinal fluid in addition to their biological effects. Three neurotransmitters are studied: glutamate and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are the major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters respectively, and dopamine, which is involved in many psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, drug's addiction and schizophrenia. We used different concentrations of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) since its conductivity is too high. Obtained results prove that neurotransmitter concentration can be detected by sensing the conductivity and the impedance of the ACSF. Indeed, when the glutamate concentration increases from 6 mM to 58 mM the conductivity of 0.5% ACSF jumps from 0.03 S/m to 0.07 S/m while its impedance decreases from 2.8 kΩ to 1.5 kΩ. However, GABA concentration does not affect the conductivity of the ACSF but we observed a significant decrease of impedance of the 0.5% ACSF solution from 6.5 kΩ to 4 kΩ when GABA concentration increases from 5 mM to 500 mM. In the case of dopamine hydrochloride, an important change of conductivity and impedance is observed with 10% ACSF solution which varies from 0.3 S/m to 1.2 S/m and from 460 Ω to 200 kΩ respectively when the dopamine concentration drops from 5 mM to 100 mM.