Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gremlin regulates renal inflammation via the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 pathway

Inflammation is a main feature of progressive kidney disease. Gremlin binds to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), acting as an antagonist and regulating nephrogenesis and fibrosis among other processes. Gremlin also binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2) in endothelial cells to induce angiogenesis. In renal cells, gremlin regulates proliferation and fibrosis, but there are no data about inflammatory‐related events. We have investigated the direct effects of gremlin in the kidney, evaluating whether VEGFR2 is a functional gremlin receptor. Administration of recombinant gremlin to murine kidneys induced rapid and sustained activation of VEGFR2 signalling, located in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Gremlin bound to VEGFR2 in these cells in vitro, activating this signalling pathway independently of its action as an antagonist of BMPs. In vivo, gremlin caused early renal damage, characterized by activation of the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathway linked to up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune inflammatory cells. VEGFR2 blockade diminished gremlin‐induced renal inflammatory responses. The link between gremlin/VEGFR2 and NF‐κB/inflammation was confirmed in vitro. Gremlin overexpression was associated with VEGFR2 activation in human renal disease and in the unilateral ureteral obstruction experimental model, where VEGFR2 kinase inhibition diminished renal inflammation. Our data show that a gremlin/VEGFR2 axis participates in renal inflammation and could be a novel target for kidney disease. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Model for Information

This paper uses an approach drawn from the ideas of computer systems modelling to produce a model for information itself. The model integrates evolutionary, static and dynamic views of information and highlights the relationship between symbolic content and the physical world. The model includes what information technology practitioners call “non-functional” attributes, which, for information, include information quality and information friction. The concepts developed in the model enable a richer understanding of Floridi’s questions “what is information? ” and “the informational circle: how can information be assessed? ” (which he numbers P1 and P12).
Mouse placenta is a major hematopoietic organ

Placenta and yolk sac from 8- to 17-day-old (E8-E17) mouse embryos/fetuses were investigated for the presence of in vitro clonogenic progenitors. At E8-E9, the embryonic body from the umbilicus caudalwards was also analysed. Fetal liver was analysed beginning on E10. At E8, between five and nine somite pairs (sp), placenta, yolk sac and embryonic body yielded no progenitors. The first progenitors appeared at E8.5 at the stage of 15 sp in the yolk sac, 18 sp in the embryonic body, 20 sp in the placenta and only at E12 in the fetal liver (absent at E10, at E11 not determined). Progenitors with a high proliferation potential that could be replated for two months, as well as the whole range of myeloid progenitors, were found at all stages in all organs. However, the earliest of these progenitors (these yielding large, multilineage colonies) were 2-4 times more frequent in the placenta than in the yolk sac or fetal liver. In the fetal liver, late progenitors were more frequent and the cellularity increased steeply with developmental age. Thus, the fetal liver, which is a recognized site for amplification and commitment, has a very different hematopoietic developmental profile from placenta or yolk sac. Placentas were obtained from GFP transgenic embryos in which only the embryonic contribution expressed the transgene. 80% of the colonies derived from these placental cells were GFP+, and so originated from the fetal component of the placenta. These data point to the placenta as a major hematopoietic organ that is active during most of pregnancy.
Knowledge and attitude towards patient safety among a group of undergraduate medical students in saudi arabia.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to measure knowledge and attitude of undergraduate medical students towards patient safety concepts, and to detect variation by the mode of learning. METHODOLOGY A cross sectional study administrated an anonymous questionnaire to a random sample of 150 medical students graduated from two national medical schools, one follow the traditional lecture based learning (LBL) and the other applies innovative learning strategy (ILS). Students' self-ratings of knowledge level and attitude towards patient safety in relation to the mode of learning were measured. The study was conducted in April 2010. RESULTS More than half of the participants (52.7%) self-rated their general knowledge on patient safety on good level compared to 27.3% for the specific knowledge issues score. Most participants (60.7%) agreed the importance of patient safety. The majority agreed to support peers who make unintentional errors and not to blame them for their own mistake (76.0 and 80.7% respectively). Less than half (44.7%) of the participants agreed the patients' role in error prevention and 47.3% agreed error disclosure to the patient. ILS participants were significantly more recognizable of the patient safety issues: problem solving (P< 0.01 OR: 3.0) and error management (P< 0.001 OR: 2.4) than the ILS colleagues. CONCLUSION The study revealed unsatisfied percentages of the participants who self-rated 'good' for their general and specific knowledge on patient safety. The unsatisfied rate was reported for the participants' 'agree' score towards patient safety issues. Basic relevant educational interventions with focus on deficient issues are recommended.
Curiosity to cupboard: self reported disengagement with energy use feedback over time

This paper discusses findings made during a study of energy use feedback in the home (eco-feedback), well after the novelty has worn off. Contributing towards four important knowledge gaps in the research, we explore eco-feedback over longer time scales, focusing on instances where the feedback was not of lasting benefit to users rather than when it was. Drawing from 23 semi-structured interviews with Australian householders, we found that an initially high level of engagement gave way over time to disinterest, neglect and in certain cases, technical malfunction. Additionally, preconceptions concerned with the "purpose" of the feedback were found to affect use. We propose expanding the scope of enquiry for eco-feedback in several ways, and describe how eco-feedback that better supports decision-making in the "maintenance phase", i.e. once the initial novelty has worn off, may be key to longer term engagement.
RELATIONSHIP OF INTERFACE FRACTURE ENERGY AND INTERLAMINAR SHEAR STRENGTH OF CARBON FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE UNDER HYDROTHERMAL TREATMENT

The mechanical and physical properties of composite materials are greatly influenced by the structure and properties of fiber/matrix interface. Short beam shear test is often performed to evaluate the laminar interface properties in real applications, especially for studying them after a given hydrothermal treatment. However, the results depend on the interface and the matrix properties, so the degradation mechanism of composite under hydrothermal condition is difficult to analyze only based on the short beam shear test. In this study, carbon fiber/epoxy resin interface properties, quantified by means of interface fracture energy, are tested in various hydrothermal conditions, such as hygroscopic treatments, re-drying treatment, temperature from 25°C to 130°C and 130°C after hygroscopic treatment. In addition, to analyze the relationship of interface properties measured by micro-mechanical and macro methods, short beam shear tests are simultaneously performed in the same treatments. The results show that interface fracture energy degrades obviously after hygroscopic treatments rather than under high temperature, while the degradation degree of interlaminar shear strength is more sensitive to temperature. Moreover, interlaminar shear strength for studied composite under various treatments largely depends on the mechanics property of matrix than interface property.
Invasion of human aortic endothelial cells by oral viridans group streptococci and induction of inflammatory cytokine production.

Oral viridans group streptococci are the major commensal bacteria of the supragingival oral biofilm and have been detected in human atheromatous plaque. Atherosclerosis involves an ongoing inflammatory response, reportedly involving chronic infection caused by multiple pathogens. The aim of this study was to examine the invasion of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) by oral viridans group streptococci and the subsequent cytokine production by viable invaded HAECs. The invasion of HAECs by bacteria was examined using antibiotic protection assays and was visualized by confocal scanning laser microscopy. The inhibitory effects of catalase and cytochalasin D on the invasion of HAECs were also examined. The production of cytokines by invaded or infected HAECs was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and a real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used to evaluate the expression of cytokine messenger RNA. The oral streptococci tested were capable of invading HAECs. The number of invasive bacteria increased with the length of the co-culture period. After a certain co-culture period, some organisms were cytotoxic to the HAECs. Catalase and cytochalasin D inhibited the invasion of HAECs by the organism. HAECs invaded by Streptococcus mutans Xc, Streptococcus gordonii DL1 (Challis), Streptococcus gordonii ATCC 10558 and Streptococcus salivarius ATCC 13419 produced more cytokine(s) (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) than non-invaded HAECs. The HAECs invaded by S. mutans Xc produced the largest amounts of cytokines, and the messenger RNA expression of cytokines by invaded HAECs increased markedly compared with that by non-invaded HAECs. These results suggest that oral streptococci may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Load forecasting by ANN

A description of artificial neural networks (ANNs) is given. Reasons why interest in ANNs has increased are discussed. Steps used to train neural networks (NNs) are described, including gathering and normalizing data, selecting NN architecture, training and testing networks, selecting alternative network architectures, and performing additional training. A case study in load forecasting performed by Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) is discussed. The ANN method was chosen for its ability to learn historical data, draw inferences, and adapt to new situations. The software used to simulate the ANN was developed in-house, allowing a custom interface to be built to the specifications of the system dispatchers. How data is selected, the training process, guidelines for designing neuron configurations, and error tolerances are discussed. <<ETX>>
Effects of Social Relations at Work and Support From Family and Friends on the Consequences of Inmate Violence on Correctional Staff Burnout

This article explores (a) the influence of positive relationships with direct supervisors and co-workers, and feelings of support from family and friends, on burnout and the sense of security and (b) their hypothetical buffering influence on the harmful effects of being a victim of inmate violence or observing violence between inmates in a sample of Swiss correctional staff (N = 2,045). Moderated mediation path models indicated that all forms of social relationships increased the sense of security and decreased burnout. A positive relationship with direct supervisors had no significant moderating effect. A high degree of cohesion with colleagues ameliorated the adverse effects of observing violence between inmates on the sense of security and, mediated by the sense of security, on burnout. This buffering effect was only significant for male employees. Support from family and friends did not act as a buffer; on the contrary, it amplified the effects of violence.
Key elements in the successful clinical experience of pre- service teachers / Norshiha Saidin

This paper explores final year pre-service teachers’ perception of the key elements critical to successful in-school clinical experience. The paper focuses on how a teacher education program aids prospective teachers in their transition from students to professionals who are able to take responsibility for others. Data was collected through a survey given to 104 TESL student teachers who had undergone 14 weeks of guided clinical experience. A focus group interview provided further data to explore the learning moments from the perspective of these student teachers. The key elements identified by student teachers for successful school placement are effective communication, especially in building positive personal and professional relationships with mentor teachers and supervisors as well as verbalizing shared reflections. The data provide insight into how ideas about teaching, learning and mentoring evolve and about the role of mentors and student teachers. Another critical element concerned how to communicate and reach out to troubled and reluctant learners.
Decline in adult neurogenesis during aging follows a topographic pattern in the mouse hippocampus

In the rodent brain, diverse functions are topographically distributed within the hippocampus. For instance, the dorsal (septal) hippocampus is involved in spatial memory, whereas the ventral (temporal) hippocampus is related to emotion and anxiety. Accumulating evidence shows that age‐dependent decline in hippocampal neurogenesis is associated with impairments of these functions. However, little is known about whether the decline in dentate granule cell production during aging follows a topographic pattern. Here we quantitatively estimated specific populations of adult‐born cells in young adult and middle‐aged mice by using endogenous markers and determined whether age‐dependent reductions in adult neurogenesis exhibited topographic differences. The numerical densities (NDs) of putative primary progenitors, intermediate neuronal progenitors, and neuronal lineages were higher in the dorsal dentate gyrus (DG) than in the ventral DG both in young adult and in middle‐aged mice, but the ratios of the NDs in the dorsal DG to the NDs in the ventral DG noticeably increased with age. The age‐related reductions in the numbers of these populations were larger in the ventral DG than in the dorsal DG. By contrast, the NDs of glial lineages were higher in the ventral DG than in the dorsal DG during life, and the numbers of glial lineages showed no significant age‐related changes. Our findings suggest that neurogenesis, but not gliogenesis, wanes faster in the ventral hippocampus than in the dorsal hippocampus during aging. Such age‐related topographic changes in hippocampal neurogenesis might be implicated in memory and affective impairments in older people. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:451–466, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lyme disease: a proposed ecological index to assess areas of risk in the northeastern United States.

BACKGROUND Recent public awareness has resulted in a demand for information about ways to reduce the risk of acquiring Lyme disease. METHODS Twenty-two school properties and recreational areas within a Lyme disease endemic area of central Monmouth County, New Jersey were evaluated for risk of transmission using an ecological index on the suitability, amount, and access to Ixodes dammini habitat by target human populations and the abundance of infected adult ticks. RESULTS The characterization of tick habitat accurately predicted the elimination of 11 sites from concern. Of the remaining 11 sites, six were classified high risk and five as moderate risk. On-site tick surveys identified infected I. dammini adults at only four sites (three risk; one moderate risk). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the use of selected ecological parameters provides a cost-effective method to rapidly identify areas at risk for Lyme disease transmission.
Monitoring of Hip and Knee Joint Angles Using a Single Inertial Measurement Unit During Lower Limb Rehabilitation

This paper investigated the possibility of estimating 3D lower limb joint kinematics during five popular rehabilitation exercises of the hip and knee joints based on the data collected from a single inertial measurement unit located on the shank. The leg was modeled as a four-degree-of-freedom serial chain, and the relevant joint angles were represented by Fourier series. A least square approach based on the minimization of the difference between the measured and estimated 3D linear accelerations and angular velocities was used to solve the related analytical problem. The approach was validated on ten healthy young volunteers (ten trials each), comparing the proposed approach with the measurements collected through a stereophotogrammetric system. The average root mean square differences between the estimated joint angles and those reconstructed with the stereophotogrammetric system were inferior than 3.2° with correlation coefficients higher than 0.85.
Influenza: Propagation, Quantification, and Storage

Influenza viruses are negative‐sense, single‐stranded, enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae. Three types exist, influenza A, B, and C. All infect humans, but only A and B are major human pathogens. Influenza type A viruses are divided into subtypes based on genetic and antigenic differences in the two surface spike proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The appropriate cell lines to be used for isolation of influenza A or B viruses depend on the clinical information and the host of origin. MDCK cells are the preferred cell line for isolation of human influenza viruses from clinical specimens.
Common Factors in the Treatment of Chronic Depression – Comparison of 2 Psychotherapy Methods

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Das Ausmaß, in dem allgemeine Wirkfaktoren die Wirksamkeit von Psychotherapie bei chronischer Depression beeinflussen, ist bisher wenig untersucht: Welche allgemeinen Wirkfaktoren unterscheiden erfolgreiche und weniger erfolgreiche Psychotherapien bei chronisch depressiven Patienten? Patienten und Methoden: Mit Hilfe des Berner Patientenund Therapeutenstundenbogens (TSTB/PSTB) wurden bei 29 chronisch depressiven Patienten während einer 16-wöchigen Behandlung mit dem Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) oder der Interpersonellen Psychotherapie (IPT) wöchentlich die Wirkfaktoren erhoben und mittels Varianzanalyse verglichen. Als primäres Erfolgsmaß diente die 24-Item Hamilton Depressionsskala (HRSD-24). Ergebnisse: Aus Patientensicht zeigten sich signifikante Unterschiede zwischen erfolgreichen (Response-Kriterium definiert als mindestens 50%-Verbesserung im HRSD-24) und weniger erfolgreichen Therapien im Ausmaß «Motivationaler Klärung» (p = 0,02) und «Problembewältigung» (p = 0,01). Es konnten keine bedeutsamen Unterschiede bezüglich allgemeiner Wirkfaktoren von CBASPversus IPT-Therapien nachgewiesen werden. Diskussion: Unabhängig von der spezifischen Therapiemethode bestätigt sich aus Patientensicht die Bedeutung intensiver Motivationaler Klärung sowie bewältigender Strategien für eine erfolgreiche Behandlung chronischer Depressionen.
First-Class in-Flight Services and Advertising Effectiveness: Antecedents of Customer-Centric Innovativeness and Brand Loyalty in the United States (US) Airline Industry

ABSTRACT In this study we consider the first-class passenger market to identify in-flight service-related triggers of customer-centric innovativeness, test the effect of customer-centric innovativeness on brand loyalty, and examine the moderating role of advertising effectiveness. A series of theory-based hypotheses was examined through structural equation modeling using empirical data collected from a sample of 205 first-class airline passengers in the United States (US). The results indicate that various experiential dimensions of in-flight service designs (including food, entertainment, physical environment, and flight attendant performance/physical appearance) in the first-class passenger market had significant effects on perceived firm innovativeness. In addition, advertising effectiveness moderated the effects of in-flight food services and flight attendant physical appearance on perceived firm innovativeness. These results clearly suggest that customer-centric innovativeness is a strong driver of brand loyalty in the first-class passenger market. The study provides a theoretical basis for future research and offers some effective management methods for enhancing first-class passengers’ loyalty in the airline industry.
Disentangling the Enterprise Book-to-Price and Leverage Effects in Stock Returns - A Commentary on Penman, Richardson and Tuna (2007)

In contrast to the theory based propositions in Modigliani and Miller (1958; 1963) of a positive relationship between the cost of equity capital and financial leverage, claims of a negative empirical relationship between stock returns and leverage have been made in the article 'The Book-to-Price Effect in Stock Returns: Accounting for Leverage' (Penman, Richardsson and Tuna, 2007). This commentary contributes through some additional modeling and tests of the association between stock returns and leverage, explicitly taking account of the twofold effect of leverage on equity returns – a risk enhancing, compounding operating risk effect, and a negative interest cost effect. Given that the equity book-to-price ratio (B/P) constitutes a valid measure of equity investment risk, Penman et al proposed that the enterprise book-to-price ratio (NOA/PNOA) should reflect the firm´s operating risk. In line with this idea, stock returns have been regressed on the enterprise book-to-price ratio, the compounding operating risk effect and financial leverage in our tests. With a U.S. sample from the period 1962–2006 (subsuming the sample used in Penman et al, 2007), our results show – in line with Modigliani and Miller (1958; 1963) − that there is a robust positive association between stock returns and this compounding risk effect of leverage. We also find a robust negative association between stock returns and leverage itself, presumably reflecting the interest cost of debt. Regressions including the difference between the enterprise book-to-price and the equity book-to-price, show that the comprehensive effect of leverage (as implied by the equity book-to-price ratio) is positive for the sample partition where the enterprise-book-to-price is less than 1. Our modeling and empirical results indicate that the negative relationship between stock returns and leverage found by Penman et al, does not appropriately reflect the risk effect of leverage but might just be driven by the negative interest cost effect of debt.