Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Work-Family Spillover and Health during Midlife: Is Managing Conflict Everything?

Purpose. To examine the association between multiple dimensions of work-family spillover, and physical and mental health among working midlife adults. Design. Cross-sectional analyses of self reported data. Setting. The National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), 1995. Subjects. Employed adults aged 35–65 years (n = 1547) who participated in the telephone interview and returned the mail-back questionnaires of the MIDUS (overall response rate of 60.8%). Measures. Independent variables included negative spillover from work to family, positive spillover from work to family, negative spillover from family to work, positive spillover from family to work. Self-rated physical health, chronic conditions, obesity, self-rated mental health, negative psychological well-being, and positive psychological well-being were outcomes. Results. Independent of negative spillover between work and family, more positive spillover from work to family was associated with better physical health (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, p ≤ .05) and mental health (OR = 1.28, p ≤ .01). More positive spillover from family to work was associated with less chronic conditions (OR = .85, p ≤ . 05), less negative well-being (OR = .67, p ≤ 001), as well as better mental health (OR = 1.45, p ≤ .01) and more positive well-being (OR 1.76, p ≤ 001). Conclusions. Health promotion or employment programs and policies may need to focus on minimizing negative spillover between work and family and promoting positive spillover between work and family.
Feed-Forward Compensator of Operating Frequency for APWM HB Flyback Converter

A feed-forward frequency compensator for an asymmetrical pulsewidth modulated (APWM) half-bridge (HB) flyback converter is proposed to increase its power conversion efficiency. Under a variable input voltage, the APWM HB flyback converter cannot be satisfied with the zero-current switching (ZCS) condition of output rectifiers because the variation of the turn-ON duration of main switches, which regulate the output voltage, induces their improper turn-OFF duration. This means that the resonance of a primary current during the turn-OFF of the switches is out of the ZCS operation of the output rectifiers. To avoid this improper operation, the resonant network should be designed with a marginal turn-OFF duration that guarantees the ZCS. However, this makes the converter operate with poor efficiency because of increasing conduction losses. The proposed feed-forward frequency compensator can properly change the converter's operating frequency to reduce the conduction losses according to the variation of the input voltage satisfying the ZCS condition of the output rectifiers. Operation principles, steady-state analysis, and soft-switching conditions are analyzed to derive the frequency compensation algorithm of the APWM HB flyback converter. Experimental results using a 240-W prototype converter show that the proposed compensation algorithm can improve the power conversion efficiency of the APWM HB flyback converter under the input-voltage variation.
KARAKTERISTIK GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PADA BANK SYARIAH DAN BANK KONVENSIONAL

Basically, good corporate governance is the implementation of the vision and mission of Islamic banking. The main point is the reference of this visionis to fulfil the principle of prudence (prudential banking). Meanwhile, point mission is to prepare and implement the concept of risk-based regulation and supervision to ensure the sustainability of Islamic banking operations in accordance with the characteristics that Islamic corporate governance meant that economic activity actually undertake into achieve its goal, both goals hablumminallah and hablumminannas. This is reasonable, because Islamic Corporate Governance has become the soul of all parties involved in the company (stakeholders), the fraud, speculation, insider-trading, or else can be minimized. Keywords: GCG, sharia banking, conventional banking.
Using FMECA to design sustainable products

In the past, customers were mainly concerned with buying products that were both reliable and easy to maintain. While still important, today's customers are more and more interested in purchasing products that are also sustainable. This poses new challenges for companies who develop either commercial or military products. Now, their products not only need to work well and be easy to service, but they also need to use less energy, resources, and be environmentally responsible. These criteria apply to the entire life cycle of products, from when they are first manufactured and put into service, and later when they are discarded or decommissioned. FMECA can be a key enabler to help companies design and pro duce more sustainable products For many years now Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) has been a very effective tool or technique used for identifying possible failures and mitigating their effect. Although mainly used to identify failures associated with the design of a product (DFMEA) or flaws involved in the manufacturing process (PFMEA), it can easily be expanded to address concerns associated with sustainability. Chief among these are ecological risks that may be associated wi th a particular design or the manufacture, use, and disposal of a product. FMECA can be used effectively in each of these areas to not only identify potential risks, but to mitigate adverse effects on the environment.
Thymoquinone ameliorates lead-induced suppression of the antioxidant system in rat kidneys

Objective Alteration of the antioxidant status in the kidneys may be related to lead (Pb) intoxication. The present study aimed to investigate the possible beneficial effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the major active ingredient of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, on Pb-induced renal antioxidant defense system impairment. Methods A total of thirty two healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups as follows: a control group, which received no treatment; a Pb group, which was exposed to 2,000 ppm of Pb acetate in drinking water; a Pb-TQ group, which was cotreated with Pb plus TQ (5 mg/kg/day, per os); and a TQ group receiving only TQ. All treatments were applied for five weeks. Results TQ alone did not induce any significant changes in the antioxidant defense system. By contrast, Pb exposure significantly decreased reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities in the renal tissue. Interestingly, supplementation with TQ significantly improved the affected antioxidant parameters. Conclusion Our data are the first to provide evidence on the protective effect of TQ against Pb-induced renal antioxidant capacity impairment and suggest that this component might be a clinically promising alternative in Pb nephrotoxicity.
In vitro study on influence of nano particles of CuO on CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus potassium currents

The effects of nano particles of CuO on voltage‐dependent potassium currents were studied in acutely isolated CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques. Nano particles of CuO had small effects on transient outward potassium current (IA, no statistical significance) and mainly inhibited delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) in the concentration of 5 × 10−5 g/mL. Nano particles of CuO didn't shift the steady‐state activation curve of IK and IA but negatively shifted the inactivation curve of IK. The effects on inactivation curve of IA had no statistical significance. These results suggested that blockades of K+ currents by nano particles of CuO could be preferential for Ik for the first time. This may interfere with the normal function of nerve cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Relapsing Fever Spirochetes Borrelia recurrentis and B. duttonii Acquire Complement Regulators C4b-Binding Protein and Factor H

ABSTRACT Relapsing fever is a rapidly progressive and severe septic disease caused by certain Borrelia spirochetes. The disease is divided into two forms, i.e., epidemic relapsing fever, caused by Borrelia recurrentis and transmitted by lice, and the endemic form, caused by several Borrelia species, such as B. duttonii, and transmitted by soft-bodied ticks. The spirochetes enter the bloodstream by the vector bite and live persistently in plasma even after the development of specific antibodies. This leads to fever relapses and high mortality and clearly indicates that the Borrelia organisms utilize effective immune evasion strategies. In this study, we show that the epidemic relapsing fever pathogen B. recurrentis and an endemic relapsing fever pathogen, B. duttonii, are serum resistant, i.e., resistant to complement in vitro. They acquire the host alternative complement pathway regulator factor H on their surfaces in a similar way to that of the less serum-resistant Lyme disease pathogen, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. More importantly, the relapsing fever spirochetes specifically bind host C4b-binding protein, a major regulator of the antibody-mediated classical complement pathway. Both complement regulators retained their functional activities when bound to the surfaces of the spirochetes. In conclusion, this is the first report of complement evasion by Borrelia recurrentis and B. duttonii and the first report showing capture of C4b-binding protein by spirochetes.
Compact batteryless photodiode module for measurement of radiation characteristics

Antenna measurement using the radio on fiber method instead of coaxial cables is widely used to accurately measure the characteristics of small antennas. The authors have shown that a prototype of a photodiode module, which is 16 mm × 16 mm × 5 mm in size, is practical for small antenna measurements. In this study, we fabricated a more compact photodiode module, which is 9.5 mm × 9.5 mm × 3 mm in size, and measured radiation characteristics using this prototype. We confirmed good agreement between the measured and calculated radiation patterns of a monopole antenna on a small terminal. The effect of miniaturization of the module was also clarified using simulations.
The mERG1a channel modulates skeletal muscle MuRF1, but not MAFbx, expression

Introduction: We investigated the mechanism by which the MERG1a K+ channel increases ubiquitin proteasome proteolysis (UPP). Methods: Hindlimb suspension and electro‐transfer of Merg1a cDNA into mouse gastrocnemius muscles induced atrophy. Results: Atrophic gastrocnemius muscles of hindlimb‐suspended mice express Merg1a, Murf1, and Mafbx genes. Electrotransfer of Merg1a significantly decreases muscle fiber size (12.6%) and increases UPP E3 ligase Murf1 mRNA (2.1‐fold) and protein (23.7%), but does not affect Mafbx E3 ligase expression. Neither Merg1a‐induced decreased fiber size nor Merg1a‐induced increased Murf1 expression is curtailed significantly by coexpression of inactive HR‐Foxo3a, a gene encoding a transcription factor known to induce Mafbx expression. Conclusions: The MERG1a K+ channel significantly increases expression of Murf1, but not Mafbx. We explored this expression pattern by expressing inactive Foxo3a and showing that it is not involved in MERG1a‐mediated expression of Murf1. These findings suggest that MERG1a may not modulate Murf1 expression through the AKT/FOXO pathway. Muscle Nerve 49:378–388, 2014
Probabilidades de admissão e desligamento no mercado de trabalho brasileiro

This paper evaluates the probabilities of admission and dismissal in the Brazilian labor market, and measures its contribution to the variability of the unemployment rate in the country. It uses a new methodology, which allows obtaining the probabilities through stocks of employed and unemployed correcting the time aggregation bias. We found that for the period of 1983 to 2001, the oscillations of the rate of admission were responsible for 75% of the variability in the unemployment rate in major metropolitan areas of Brazil. Between 2004 and 2013 that rate explains 80% of those variations.
Improving health-related fitness in adolescents: the CrossFit Teens™ randomised controlled trial

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of the CrossFit Teens™ resistance training programme for improving health-related fitness and resistance training skill competency in adolescents. This assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted in one secondary school in the Hunter Region, Australia, from July to September 2013. Ninety-six (96) students (age = 15.4 (.5) years, 51.5% female) were randomised into intervention (n = 51) or control (n = 45) conditions for 8-weeks (60 min twice per week). Waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), BMI-Z score (primary outcomes), cardiorespiratory fitness (shuttle run test), muscular fitness (standing jump, push-up, handgrip, curl-up test), flexibility (sit and reach) and resistance training skill competency were measured at baseline and immediate post-intervention. Feasibility measures of recruitment, retention, adherence and satisfaction were assessed. Significant group-by-time intervention effects were found for waist circumference [−3.1 cm, P < 0.001], BMI [−1.38 kg · m‒2, P < 0.001], BMI-Z [−0.5 z-scores, P < 0.001], sit and reach [+3.0 cm, P < 0.001], standing jump [+0.1 m, P = 0.021] and shuttle run [+10.3 laps, P = 0.019]. Retention rate was 82.3%. All programme sessions were delivered and participants’ mean satisfaction scores ranged from 4.2 to 4.6 out of 5. The findings demonstrate that CrossFit Teens™ is a feasible and efficacious programme for improving health-related fitness in adolescents.
Roles of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Brain Plasticity and Pathology

In summary, the mGluRs are a large family of receptor subtypes with diverse properties in terms of transduction coupling, pharmacology, and anatomical distribution. Many divergent studies have demonstrated that activation of these receptors can result in either neuroprotection or neuropathology. We hypothesized that the mGluRs of astrocytes may have a role in determining the response following administration of mGluR agonists in vivo, and we have defined a suitable in vitro model for the study of these receptors. The experimental plasticity demonstrated in the astrocyte culture model may represent a more general principle that conditions in the microenvironment may differentially alter mGluR subtype expression as part of development, functional specialization, or pathology. This astrocyte model of receptor regulation provides a system suitable for studying the effects of specific growth factors, neurotrophins, cytokines, and other substances released by neurons and glia that may act in both autocrine and paracrine fashions. Alteration in the ratios of receptors by such variables could then modify future signaling properties and neuroglial interactions, a form of conditioning of the astrocytic response that would alter the physiological output following glutamate release. One measure of the value of this model will be its usefulness in stimulating the generation of hypotheses that can be tested in vivo. For example, the morphology of the astrocytes when cultured in the defined medium has similarities to the morphology of astrocytes undergoing reactive gliosis in pathological states. It is also interesting to note that treatments that have been reported to increase excitatory amino acid-stimulated PI hydrolysis in ex vivo brain slices (lesions, ischemia, and kindling) are accompanied by reactive gliosis. Those findings combined with the present in vitro results lead us to speculate that mGluR5 expression may also be altered in vivo during reactive gliosis. If so, it will be important to examine the functional consequences of such a change with regard to the astrocytic response to injury and maintaining the balance between excitatory transmission and excitotoxicity.
VCExplorer: A Interactive Graph Exploration Framework Based on Hub Vertices with Graph Consolidation

Graphs have been widely used to model different information networks, such as the Web, biological networks and social networks (e.g. Twitter). Due to the size and complexity of these graphs, how to explore and utilize these graphs has become a very challenging problem. In this paper, we propose, VCExplorer, a new interactive graph exploration framework that integrates the strengths of graph visualization and graph summarization. Unlike existing graph visualization tools where vertices of a graph may be clustered into a smaller collection of super/virtual vertices, VCExplorer displays a small number of actual source graph vertices (called hubs) and summaries of the information between these vertices. We refer to such a graph as a HA-graph (Hub-based Aggregation Graph). This allows users to appreciate the relationship between the hubs, rather than super/virtual vertices. Users can navigate through the HA- graph by "drilling down" into the summaries between hubs to display more hubs. We illustrate how the graph aggregation techniques can be integrated into the exploring framework as the consolidated information to users. In addition, we propose efficient graph aggregation algorithms over multiple subgraphs via computation sharing. Extensive experimental evaluations have been conducted using both real and synthetic datasets and the results indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of VCExplorer for exploration.
Lack of efficacy of probiotics in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia probiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common hazardous complication in patients who are mechanically ventilated and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics for the prevention of VAP. METHODS The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing probiotics with control for VAP in adult patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.The primary outcome was the incidence of VAP. Secondary outcomes included ICU mortality,hospital mortality, urinary tract infection, catheter-related bloodstream infection, diarrhea, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS A total of 1,142 patients from seven trials were subjected to meta-analysis. Probiotics did not significantly decrease the incidence of VAP (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.55-1.24; P 5 .35), with low heterogeneity among the studies ( I 2 5 36.5%, P 5 .15). Probiotics also did not appear to significantly alter any of the other meta-analysis end points. CONCLUSIONS The limited evidence suggests that probiotics show no beneficial effect in patients who are mechanically ventilated; thus, probiotics should not be recommended for routine clinical application. However, the results of this meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution because of the heterogeneity among study designs. Future studies should focus on the safety of probiotics.
Influence of opinion leaders on dynamics and diffusion of network public opinion

Network public opinion (NPO) has two mechanism to spread: internal spreading mechanism is the internal opinion evolvement process, which explores the mechanism of how NPO evolves from chaotic individual opinion at the initial moment to consensus, polarization, or clusterization; external spreading mechanism is the process of the external influence pervasion, which focus on how NPO spread from a few individuals to a broad range group in a short time. As a kind of distinctive individuals, opinion leaders have a major impact on both processes. This paper introduces a new model of continuous NPO dynamics with opinion leaders by modifying the Weisbuch-Deffuant model and analyzes the diffusion of NPO under the influence of opinion leaders based on SIR model and the complex networks. It is found that the NPO is more likely to be polarized when there're opinion leaders in the group especially when the leader's initial opinion is of great extreme, and as the rich nodes on the spreading networks of NPO, opinion leaders with the connection between them are of great importance in pushing the diffusion of NPO.
Identification of Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence Motifs in Truffles: a First Step toward Their DNA Bar Coding

ABSTRACT This work presents DNA sequence motifs from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear rRNA repeat unit which are useful for the identification of five European and Asiatic truffles (Tuber magnatum, T. melanosporum, T. indicum, T. aestivum, and T. mesentericum). Truffles are edible mycorrhizal ascomycetes that show similar morphological characteristics but that have distinct organoleptic and economic values. A total of 36 out of 46 ITS1 or ITS2 sequence motifs have allowed an accurate in silico distinction of the five truffles to be made (i.e., by pattern matching and/or BLAST analysis on downloaded GenBank sequences and directly against GenBank databases). The motifs considered the intraspecific genetic variability of each species, including rare haplotypes, and assigned their respective species from either the ascocarps or ectomycorrhizas. The data indicate that short ITS1 or ITS2 motifs (≤50 bp in size) can be considered promising tools for truffle species identification. A dot blot hybridization analysis of T. magnatum and T. melanosporum compared with other close relatives or distant lineages allowed at least one highly specific motif to be identified for each species. These results were confirmed in a blind test which included new field isolates. The current work has provided a reliable new tool for a truffle oligonucleotide bar code and identification in ecological and evolutionary studies.
The selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase is expressed in peripheral blood monocytes and THP1 human myeloid leukemia cells ‐ regulation by 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and selenite

1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and adhesion propagate monocyte differentiation. We identified the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) as a new molecular target for 1,25(OH)2D3 in monocytes during this process. In THP1 monocytic leukemia cells 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulated TrxR mRNA levels 2—4‐fold by 4—8 h and enhanced TrxR activity (60%) (as measured by the dithionitrobenzole‐assay) after 24 h, which declined below baseline after 96 h. The addition of 100 nM selenite enhanced (approx. 50%) basal and stimulated enzyme activity in THP1 cells. The relative stimulation by 1,25(OH)2D3 was very similar but peak levels were sustained in THP1 cells up to 48 h. Human peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) of different donors showed very low basal TrxR steady state mRNA levels which were markedly enhanced (as analyzed by Northern blotting) after 4 h of adherence to culture dishes. 1,25(OH)2D3 (100 nM) further stimulated TrxR mRNA expression (4 h, 3‐fold). TrxR enzyme activity mirrored the mRNA changes. Basal activity was stimulated approx. 25% by adhesion in culture alone and was further stimulated (∼15%) by 1,25(OH)2D3 after 4 h. By 24 h similar results were achieved but the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 could be seen in the presence of 100 nM selenium only. The expression of TrxR and its regulation by 1,25(OH)2D3 and selenite in monocytes might be important for their induction of differentiation and maintenance of function.