Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of emotion regulation and psychopathology

Abstract Emotion regulatory strategies such as higher expressive suppression and lower cognitive reappraisal may be associated with increased psychopathology (Gross & John, 2003). Yet, it is unclear whether these strategies represent distinct cognitive styles associated with psychopathology, such that there are individuals who are predominantly “suppressors” or “reappraisers. ” Using cluster analysis, we examined whether women with and without exposure to potentially traumatic events evidence distinct patterns of emotion regulation frequency, capacity, suppression, and cognitive reappraisal. Four patterns emerged: high regulators; high reappraisers/low suppressors; moderate reappraisers/low suppressors; and low regulators. Individuals who reported infrequently and ineffectively regulating their emotions (low regulators) also reported higher depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In contrast, individuals who reported frequently and effectively using reappraisal and low levels of suppression (high reappraisers/low suppressors) reported the lowest levels of these symptoms, suggesting that this specific combination of emotion regulation may be most adaptive. Our findings highlight that the capacity to regulate emotions and the ability to flexibly apply different strategies based on the context and timing may be associated with reduced psychopathology and more adaptive functioning.
A Cytological Map of the Short Arm of Rye Chromosome 1R Constructed with 1R Dissection Stocks of Common Wheat and PCR-Based Markers

The short arm of rye chromosome 1R (1RS) is introduced into many common wheat cultivars because of its agronomic importance. The gametocidal system has been used to produce dissection lines carrying segments of rye chromosome 1R. We focused on establishing more dissection lines for 1RS and on obtaining PCR-based markers specific to 1RS. We established 66 1RS dissection lines carrying 1RS segments of chromosome 1R derived from a common wheat cultivar ‘Burgas 2’ and obtained 27 markers. We conducted a PCR analysis using the dissection lines and markers, and divided 1RS into 17 regions separated by the breakpoints. Comparison of the ‘Burgas 2’ 1RS map with another map of 1RS derived from ‘Imperial’ rye implied a restructuring between the 2 1RS chromosomes.
A nonlinear formation control of wheeled mobile robots with virtual structure approach

In this paper, we address the formation control problem of a group of wheeled mobile robots with a virtual robot. Firstly, the desired position of each robot is calculated from the virtual structure, which is determined by the virtual robot and the desired formation shape. Then, with applying a virtual orientation control input, a nonlinear control algorithm is designed via backstepping technique. After that a mathematical stability analysis is given with adopting the cascaded system theorem. The strict stability analysis shows that the formation tracking errors are globally uniformly asymptotically convergent to zero. Finally, simulation examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Piezoresistive behavior of Epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposites thin films for strain sensing application

In this present work, the influence of processing parameters such as sonication time and curring time on the electromechanical properties of thin films based thermosetting polymer known as Epoxy filled with untreated multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNTs) were investigated systematically. For this reason, a predefined CNT content (0.3 wt.%) was directly mixed with epoxy at different sonication time i.e. (20, 25, 30 and 35 min) and differnt curring time i.e. (3 and 5 hours). Experimental results show that these processing parameters have an inversal effect on the electrical and mechanical behavior. It was found that, the films made based on nanocomposite sonicated for 30 min and curried for 5 hours had the highest conductivity. On the other side, under a cyclic loading, thin films show higher sensitivity in compression and especially sample has a high sensitivity in both tension and compression.
Steady-state security assessment for transmission systems and its application to the Dubai network

Power system security is defined as the ability of a power system to maintain supply without unduly allowing network variables to stray from prescribed ranges. Traditionally, security has been assessed using deterministic criteria e.g. `N-1' or `N-2' under prescribed severe system loading levels. However, such worst-case deterministic approach does not provide explicitly an assessment of the probability of failure of the system, and the likelihood of the outages is treated equally. This approach may result in either over or under estimation of system planning reinforcement requirements and, hence, a corresponding excessive or insufficient system security. On the other hand, probabilistic security assessment may offer advantages by considering (i) a statistical description of the performance of the system over an annual cycle together with (ii) the application of historical fault statistics that provide a measure of the probability of faults leading to systems outages. This paper reviews approaches to probabilistic security assessment. Such approaches include (i) identifying various security indices, (ii) reviewing different techniques, (iv) utilizing Monte Carlo simulation, and (iv) integrating deterministic & probabilistic techniques. The application of probabilistic security assessment in real-time operation and system planning is further considered in detail. Preliminary application of the security assessment is presented to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) transmission network.
Innate Lung Defenses and Compromised Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clearance in the Malnourished Mouse Model of Respiratory Infections in Cystic Fibrosis

ABSTRACT Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by dysfunction of the digestive and respiratory tracts resulting in generalized malnutrition and chronic respiratory infections. Chronic lung infections withPseudomonas aeruginosa, intense neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation, and progressive lung disease are the major cause of high morbidity and mortality in CF. Here we investigated the effects of malnutrition in CF on innate lung defenses, susceptibility to P. aeruginosa colonization, and associated inflammation, using aerosol models of acute and chronic infections in normal, malnourished, and transgenic mice. CFTRm1Unc−/− knockout mice displayed body weight variations and showed variable pulmonary clearance of P. aeruginosa. This variability was not detected in bitransgenicCFTRm1Unc−/−(FABP-hCFTR) mice in which the intestinal defect had been corrected. Diet-induced protein calorie malnutrition in C57BL/6J mice resulted in impaired pulmonary clearance of P. aeruginosa. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nitrite levels detected upon exposure to P. aeruginosaaerosols were lower in the lungs of the malnourished C57BL/6J mice relative than in lungs of mice fed a normal diet. The role of TNF-α and reactive nitrogen intermediates in P. aeruginosaclearance was tested in TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) knockout mice. P. aeruginosa clearance was diminished in transgenic TNF-α- and iNOS-deficient mice. In contrast to the effects of TNF-α and iNOS, gamma interferon knockout mice retained a full capacity to eliminate P. aeruginosafrom the lung. Malnutrition also contributed to excessive inflammation in C57BL/6J mice upon chronic challenge with P. aeruginosa. The repeatedly infected malnourished host did not produce interleukin-10, a major anti-inflammatory cytokine absent or diminished in the bronchoalveolar fluids of CF patients. These results are consistent with a model in which defective CFTR in the intestinal tract leads to nutritional deficiency which in turn contributes to compromised innate lung defenses, bacterial colonization, and excessive inflammation in the CF respiratory tract.
Chronically increased ciliary neurotrophic factor and fibroblast growth factor‐2 expression after spinal contusion in rats

Demyelination and oligodendrocyte loss following spinal cord injury (SCI) are well documented. Recently, we showed oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) accumulation and robust oligodendrocyte genesis occurring along SCI lesion borders. We have since begun investigating potential mechanisms for this endogenous repair response. Here, we examined ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) expression, because both factors alter progenitor proliferation and differentiation and are increased in several CNS disorders. We hypothesized that CNTF and FGF‐2 would increase after SCI, especially in regions of enhanced oligogenesis. First, CNTF protein was quantified using Western blots, which revealed that CNTF protein continually rose through 28 days post injury (dpi). Next, by using immunohistochemistry, we examined the spatiotemporal expression of CNTF in cross‐sections spanning the injury site. CNTF immunoreactivity was observed on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in naïve and contused spinal cords. Significantly increased CNTF was detected in spared white and gray matter between 5 and 28 dpi compared with uninjured controls. By 28 dpi, CNTF expression was significantly higher along lesion borders compared with outlying spared tissue; a similar distribution of phosphorylated STAT3, a transcription factor up‐regulated by CNTF and to a lesser extent FGF‐2, was also detected. Because CNTF can potentiate FGF‐2 expression, we examined the distribution of FGF‐2+ cells. Significantly more FGF‐2+ cells were noted along lesion borders at 7 and 28 dpi. Thus, both CNTF and FGF‐2 are present in regions of elevated OPC proliferation and oligodendrocyte generation after SCI and therefore may play a role in injury‐induced gliogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:129–144, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strong responses of Drosophila melanogaster microbiota to developmental temperature

ABSTRACT Physiological responses to changes in environmental conditions such as temperature may partly arise from the resident microbial community that integrates a wide range of bio-physiological aspects of the host. In the present study, we assessed the effect of developmental temperature on the thermal tolerance and microbial community of Drosophila melanogaster. We also developed a bacterial transplantation protocol in order to examine the possibility of reshaping the host bacterial composition and assessed its influence on the thermotolerance phenotype. We found that the temperature during development affected thermal tolerance and the microbial composition of male D. melanogaster. Flies that developed at low temperature (13°C) were the most cold resistant and showed the highest abundance of Wolbachia, while flies that developed at high temperature (31°C) were the most heat tolerant and had the highest abundance of Acetobacter. In addition, feeding newly eclosed flies with bacterial suspensions from intestines of flies developed at low temperatures changed the heat tolerance of recipient flies. However, we were not able to link this directly to a change in the host bacterial composition.
Paramyxovirus Accessory Proteins as Interferon Antagonists

A new role of the Paramyxovirus accessory proteins has been uncovered. The P gene of the subfamily Paramyxovirinae encodes accessory proteins including the V and/or C protein by means of pseudotemplated nucleotide addition (RNA editing) or by overlapping open reading frame. The Respirovirus (Sendai virus and human parainfluenza virus (hPIV)3) and Rubulavirus (simian virus (SV)5, SV41, mumps virus and hPIV2) circumvent the interferon (IFN) response by inhibiting IFN signaling. The responsible genes were mapped to the C gene for SeV and the V gene for rubulaviruses. On the other hand, wild type measles viruses isolated from clinical specimens suppress production of IFN, although responsible viral factors remain to be identified. Both human and bovine respiratory syncytial viruses (RSVs) counteract the antiviral effect of IFN with inhibiting neither IFN signaling nor IFN production. Bovine RSV NS1 and NS2 proteins cooperatively antagonize the antiviral effect of IFN. Studies on the molecular mechanism by which viruses circumvent the host IFN response will not only illustrate co‐evolution of virus strategies of immune evasion but also provide basic information useful for engineering novel antiviral drugs as well as recombinant live vaccine.
Environmental Policy Reforms under Asymmetric Oligopoly

We develop a general two-country model with oligopolistic interdependence in which the firms make their output and emission decisions simultaneously. In this framework, we examine the eect of unilateral and multilateral reforms of emission taxes and abatement subsidies on global emission levels. We find that an increase in abatement subsidies — either unilateral or multilateral — unambiguously reduces global emission levels. In the presence of sucient asymmetry in pollution intensities between the two countries, a unilateral or equiproportional multilateral increase in emission taxes can increase global emission levels. However, a multilateral increase of emission taxes of the concertina type unambiguously reduces global emission levels.
Alteration in Glutathione Level During Carcinogenesis of Hamster Buccal Pouch Mucosa

This study examined the level of glutathione (GSH)-a tripeptide that may have an important role in detoxification of carcinogens-in the hamster buccal pouch mucosa (HBPM) by a 12-week regimen of tri-weekly topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in mineral oil. GSH was quantified periodically and shown to be doubled in carcinogen-treated vs. control pouch mucosa. In the tumors that developed, the level of GSH was three times that of the controls. Previous studies showed that gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), one of the enzymes that may be responsible for the detoxification of carcinogens, was increased in the hamster mucosa pre-neoplastic foci, but decreased with the formation of overt neoplasia. GGT and GSH are intimately related, since GGT is the only enzyme that can cleave the intact GSH molecule. The increase in both GSH and GGT levels may be responsible for the increased resistance of the pre-neoplastic pouch epithelium to the toxic effects of the carcinogen.
Corporate Financial Crisis in Ireland

Corporate Financial Crisis in Ireland, Edward Cahill. Gill and Macmillan: 1997, Dublin, L35 (hb). Over the last ten years a number of major Irish companies such as Goodman International, GPA and PMPA have either collapsed or been on the verge of extinction. Many of these had previously been highly successful. Some were even on the verge of becoming industry leaders in the global marketplace. So why did they fail? Edward Cahill claims that in many instances the founding entrepreneurs and their families were at fault. By combining the roles of major shareholder, chairman and chief executive they were able to dominate other shareholders and directors to the point where high risk expansion projects were pursued with the willing assistance of 'soft' banks despite weak financial control, poor management accounting systems and limited human resources. Variations of this argument emerge repeatedly in his detailed case studies of recent financial crisis in nine major Irish companies: Goodman International, Kentz Corporation, Xtra-vision, GPA, Arthur Guinness, P.J. Carroll, Irish Press, Waterford Wedgwood and Irish Shipping. For example, the dominance of the founder's instincts as a 'trader and dealmaker' in Goodman led the company into an unbalanced growth strategy. Mistakes in the assessing the risk associated with Iraqi deals, an overly ambitious diversification project and excessive short-term debt led ultimately to the appointment of an examiner and partial takeover. Similarly, Don Carroll's dominance at P.J. Carroll resulted in the company launched into a series of expensive aquaculture and direct marketing projects with little challenge from other directors and institutional investors. These projects became a drain on the company's resources to the point where Carrolls were forced to divest some years later. Cahill's wide-ranging account of these crises is explicitly prescriptive in orientation. He sets out to understand patterns of mismanagement in order to provide practical advice on how to recognize and avoid failure. The case study design is chosen because the author believes it is the most effective device for finding the causes of financial failure and for providing lessons to improve knowledge and future practices. However, this book is no mere distillation of company stories and anecdotes of the kind found in management bestsellers. The author draws extensively from the academic literature relating to organizational decline and failure. Considerable use is made of the organization life-cycle model, downward spirals, and syndromes or behaviour patterns found in distressed firms. Since the author is a Professor of Accountancy it is not surprising to find that much of the analysis concentrates on financial performance (growth, profitability, cash flow/total debt, total debt/equity, etc.) and on financial control and accounting practices within the case study companies. …
Preclinical studies of methylthioadenosine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Background: Methylthioadenosine (MTA) is a natural metabolite with immunomodulatory properties. MTA improves the clinical course and pathology of the animal model of multiple sclerosis, even when therapy is started after disease onset. Objective: Our aim was to compare the efficacy of MTA in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) compared with first line approved therapies, to develop an oral formulation of MTA and to assess its pharmacokinetic profile. Methods: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice by immunization with MOG35-55 peptide in Freund’s Adjuvant. Animals were treated with MTA, interferon-beta or Glatiramer acetate starting the day of immunization and the clinical score was collected blind. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in Sprague Dawley rats by administering MTA by intraperitoneal injection and orally, and collecting blood at different intervals. MTA levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: We found that MTA ameliorated EAE in a dose—response manner. Moreover, the highest dose of MTA (60 mg/kg) was more efficacious than mouse interferon-beta or Glatiramer acetate. We developed a salt of MTA for oral administration, with similar dose—response effect in the EAE model. Combination therapy assays between MTA and interferon-beta or Glatiramer acetate were more effective than the individual therapies. Finally, oral MTA half-life was 20 min, with a Cmax of 80 mg/L and without signs of obvious toxicity (animal death, behavioural changes, liver enzymes). Conclusions: In the EAE model MTA is more efficacious than first line therapies for multiple sclerosis, with a dose— response effect and higher efficacy when combined with interferon-beta or Glatiramer acetate. Oral MTA was also effective in the animal model of multiple sclerosis.
The cyclic di‐GMP phosphodiesterase gene Rv1357c/BCG1419c affects BCG Pellicle production and In Vivo maintenance

Bacteria living in a surface‐attached community that contains a heterogeneous population, coated with an extracellular matrix, and showing drug tolerance (biofilms) are often linked to chronic infections. In mycobacteria, the pellicle mode of growth has been equated to an in vitro biofilm and meets several of the criteria mentioned above, while tuberculosis infection presents a chronic (latent) phase of infection. As mycobacteria lack most genes required to control biofilm production by other microorganisms, we deleted or expressed from the hsp60 strong promoter the only known c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) gene in Mycobacterium bovis BCG. We found changes in pellicle production, cellular protein profiles, lipid production, resistance to nitrosative stress and maintenance in lungs and spleens of immunocompetent BALB/mice. Our results show that pellicle production and capacity to remain within the host are linked in BCG. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(2):129–138, 2015
Multiangle BSAR Imaging Based on BeiDou-2 Navigation Satellite System: Experiments and Preliminary Results

This paper analyzes the multiangle imaging results for bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BSAR) based on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS-BSAR). Due to the shortcoming of GNSS-BSAR images, a multiangle observation and data processing strategy based on BeiDou-2 navigation satellites was put forward to improve the quality of images and the value of system application. Twenty-six BSAR experiments were conducted and analyzed in different configurations. Furthermore, a region-based fusion algorithm using region-of-interest (ROI) segmentation was proposed to generate a high-quality fusion image. Based on the fusion image, typical targets such as water area, vegetation area, and artificial targets were compared and interpreted among single/multiple-angle images. The results reveal that the multiangle imaging method was a good technique to enhance image information, which might extend the applications of GNSS-BSAR.
The Effects of Captivity on the Mammalian Gut Microbiome

Synopsis Recent studies increasingly note the effect of captivity or the built environment on the microbiome of humans and other animals. As symbiotic microbes are essential to many aspects of biology (e.g., digestive and immune functions), it is important to understand how lifestyle differences can impact the microbiome, and, consequently, the health of hosts. Animals living in captivity experience a range of changes that may influence the gut bacteria, such as diet changes, treatments, and reduced contact with other individuals, species and variable environmental substrates that act as sources of bacterial diversity. Thus far, initial results from previous studies point to a pattern of decreased bacterial diversity in captive animals. However, these studies are relatively limited in the scope of species that have been examined. Here we present a dataset that includes paired wild and captive samples from mammalian taxa across six Orders to investigate generalizable patterns of the effects captivity on mammalian gut bacteria. In comparing the wild to the captive condition, our results indicate that alpha diversity of the gut bacteria remains consistent in some mammalian hosts (bovids, giraffes, anteaters, and aardvarks), declines in the captive condition in some hosts (canids, primates, and equids), and increases in the captive condition in one host taxon (rhinoceros). Differences in gut bacterial beta diversity between the captive and wild state were observed for most of the taxa surveyed, except the even-toed ungulates (bovids and giraffes). Additionally, beta diversity variation was also strongly influenced by host taxonomic group, diet type, and gut fermentation physiology. Bacterial taxa that demonstrated larger shifts in relative abundance between the captive and wild states included members of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Overall, the patterns that we observe will inform a range of disciplines from veterinary practice to captive breeding efforts for biological conservation. Furthermore, bacterial taxa that persist in the captive state provide unique insight into symbiotic relationships with the host.