Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platelet shape change and Ca2+ mobilization induced by collagen, but not thrombin or ADP, are inhibited by phenylarsine oxide

Summary. In this report we have examined the effects of the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor phenylarsine oxide (PAO) on receptor‐mediated platelet shape change, secretion and aggregation. PAO was found to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin, ADP and epinephrine at IC50 values of 0.35 μmol/l, 2.5 μmol/l, 0.2 μmol/l and 0.3 μmol/l, respectively. Agonist‐induced secretion of ATP was inhibited at similar or lower concentrations of PAO. The specificity of the interaction of PAO with platelet proteins was demonstrated by the ability of the disulfhydryl compound 2,3‐dimercaptopropanol, which abstracts PAO from proteins to form a stable cyclic adduct, to reverse PAO inhibition of both agonist‐induced platelet secretion and aggregation. Dimercaptopropanesulphonic acid, a membrane‐impermeable analogue of dimercaptopropanol, did not reverse inhibition of collagen‐induced shape change or aggregation by PAO, thereby demonstrating that PAO acted intracellularly. PAO inhibited collagen‐induced shape change and internal Ca2+ mobilization but had no effect on these two phenomena when induced by thrombin or ADP. PAO was also unable to prevent arachidonic acid‐induced shape change, indicating that PAO acts at a site prior to the phospholipase A2‐mediated release of arachidonic acid to inhibit collagen‐induced shape change. PAO induced the accumulation of a number of phosphotyrosine‐containing proteins and inhibited the collagen‐induced phosphorylation of a 40 kD protein. The potency and agonist‐specific effects of PAO on platelet activation suggest that this inhibitor will be of value in elucidation of signal transduction pathways involved in receptor‐mediated platelet function.
Example-Based Learning for Face Image Recognition

Appearance-based face recognition was extended into across poses scenarios in this paper. Information related with pose rotation was discarded in traditional multi-view works but was learned from sample face images in present. Face recognition was implemented by reconstructing frontal view features using transformation matrix. Experiments proved that the proposed method was a much effective approach for recognition across poses. Compared with model-based approaches in face recognition, the proposed work is not dependent on heavy computation and has merit of easy implementing in real conditions. Popular feature extractions, least square (LS) and total least square (TLS) solution were compared as well.
Starting with ABC and finishing with XYZ: what financial reporting model best fits a faculty and why?

This article looks at the range of financial reporting models available for use in the Australian higher education sector, the possible application of activity-based costing (ABC) in faculties and the eventual rejection of ABC in favour of a more qualitative model designed specifically for use in one institution, in a particular Faculty. The decision not to implement ABC in the Faculty is examined, looking to the overall purpose and outcomes of Faculty activities. The broader question will be asked, what kinds of obstacles are likely to sound the death knell for ABC use in universities?
BREF: BRowser-based Evaluation Framework

In this demo we present BREF, a lightweight BRowser-based Evaluation Framework for easily conducting large-scale visualization-based evaluations of interaction tasks running in web browsers. BREF offers great flexibility to create, manage, and analyze single or multiple evaluations. Built-in assistants simplify and reduce the management workload for a large number of participants, tasks, and complementary questionnaires. Subjects can easily participate after logging in on any browser without the need of installing additional software.
Genetic Risk, Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle, and Coronary Disease.

BACKGROUND Both genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to individual-level risk of coronary artery disease. The extent to which increased genetic risk can be offset by a healthy lifestyle is unknown. METHODS Using a polygenic score of DNA sequence polymorphisms, we quantified genetic risk for coronary artery disease in three prospective cohorts - 7814 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, 21,222 in the Women's Genome Health Study (WGHS), and 22,389 in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS) - and in 4260 participants in the cross-sectional BioImage Study for whom genotype and covariate data were available. We also determined adherence to a healthy lifestyle among the participants using a scoring system consisting of four factors: no current smoking, no obesity, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet. RESULTS The relative risk of incident coronary events was 91% higher among participants at high genetic risk (top quintile of polygenic scores) than among those at low genetic risk (bottom quintile of polygenic scores) (hazard ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75 to 2.09). A favorable lifestyle (defined as at least three of the four healthy lifestyle factors) was associated with a substantially lower risk of coronary events than an unfavorable lifestyle (defined as no or only one healthy lifestyle factor), regardless of the genetic risk category. Among participants at high genetic risk, a favorable lifestyle was associated with a 46% lower relative risk of coronary events than an unfavorable lifestyle (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.63). This finding corresponded to a reduction in the standardized 10-year incidence of coronary events from 10.7% for an unfavorable lifestyle to 5.1% for a favorable lifestyle in ARIC, from 4.6% to 2.0% in WGHS, and from 8.2% to 5.3% in MDCS. In the BioImage Study, a favorable lifestyle was associated with significantly less coronary-artery calcification within each genetic risk category. CONCLUSIONS Across four studies involving 55,685 participants, genetic and lifestyle factors were independently associated with susceptibility to coronary artery disease. Among participants at high genetic risk, a favorable lifestyle was associated with a nearly 50% lower relative risk of coronary artery disease than was an unfavorable lifestyle. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.).
Metastatic testicular teratoma of the nasal cavity: a rare cause of severe intractable epistaxis

Abstract Malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are uncommon. Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant germ cell tumour occurring in the reproductive organs. Metastasis may be principally by the lymphatic route as in other germ cell tumours but choriocarcinoma is also known to spread haematogenously. We present a rare case of metastatic choriocarcinoma to the nasal cavity from testicular teratoma presenting with intractable epistaxis in a 32-year-old Caucasian male, who ultimately succumbed to this disease.
A Dynamic Model of Advertising and Market Shares

This paper presents a model of strategic advertising and the battle for market shares between incumbents and entrants. The lagged impact of advertising allows incumbents strategically to use preentry advertising to effect the postentry equilibrium solution. However, because the advantages to advertising are erodable by counter-persuasive advertising strategies of entrants, the threat of entry may cause incumbents to take retreative or aggressive strategies. The incumbants' retreative or aggressive posture depends crucially on the erosion impact on their advertising.
Interleukin‐6 stimulates neutrophil production of platelet‐activating factor

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is an integral mediator of the acute phase response to injury and infection; an exaggerated IL‐6 response has been associated with adverse clinical events. The precise role of IL‐6 is unclear, but it appears capable of modulating the functional repertoire of mature neutrophils (PMNs). Our previous work demonstrated that IL‐6‐stimulated PMNs are primed by lower concentrations of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) than nonstimulated PMNs. Recently, we have found that IL‐6 suppresses PMN apoptosis via a PAF‐like mechanism. We hypothesized that IL‐6 stimulates PMNs to produce PAF. PMNs isolated from healthy human donors were incubated with IL‐6 (0.1–100 ng/ml) at 37°. Lipid production was measured by use of thin‐layer chromatography, and PAF quantitated with a scintillation proximity assay. IL‐6 (1 and 10 ng/ml) stimulated PMNs to produce increased quantities of PAF. PAF production was associated with an increase in PMN cytosolic calcium. These data may provide mechanistic insight into IL‐6 regulation of PMN‐mediated cytotoxicity and the role of PAF in mediating IL‐6 effects on PMNs.
What is the effect of radioiodine therapy on Helicobacterpylori infection?

BACKGROUND/AIM Helicobacter pylori is an important human pathogen associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric mucosa- associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma. Radioiodine (RAI) treatment plays an important role in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer and primary hyperthyroidism. It is known that during RAI treatment, a considerable amount is absorbed by the stomach as well. In this study we aimed to reveal any therapeutic impact of RAI on H. pylori infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-seven patients who were hospitalized for RAI treatment were consecutively included in this study. Of those, 76 patients had differentiated thyroid cancer and 11 had primary hyperthyroidism. The urea breath test (UBT) was performed on the day before RAI, and the test was repeated after 2 months. RESULTS The dose of RAI was 115 ± 3.3 mCi (range: 100-150 mCi) in the patients with malignant disease and 22.7 ± 1.4 mCi (range: 20-30 mCi) in the remaining patients. Among the patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, 44 (57%) had positive and 32 (43%) had negative UBT tests prior to RAI. Four (36%) patients with hyperthyroidism had pretreatment positive UBT tests and 7 (64%) had negative tests. The results of UBT conducted 2 months after RAI therapy were identical in every patient, which means that none of the patients with positive UBT became UBT-negative (P = 1). CONCLUSION RAI does not have any therapeutic effect on H. Ovlori infection.
Dermatological Applications of Carbon Dioxide Laser

Address for correspondence: Dr. Vishal Madan Consultant Dermatologist, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD, Manchester, United Kingdom. E-mail: vishal.madan@srft.nhs. uk From the punch biopsy instrument to the most advanced laser systems, procedural dermatology has come of age. Many technologies are being developed as others become obsolete. Some perished giving way to more refined and sophisticated systems giving the procedural dermatologist a choice of treatments options whilst making them safer and more effective for the patients. Compared to a decade ago, it would be fair to say that today’s procedural dermatologist is much better equipped.
Physiological and Pathological Transcriptional Activation of Endogenous Retroelements Assessed by RNA-Sequencing of B Lymphocytes

In addition to evolutionarily-accrued sequence mutation or deletion, endogenous retroelements (EREs) in eukaryotic genomes are subject to epigenetic silencing, preventing or reducing their transcription, particularly in the germplasm. Nevertheless, transcriptional activation of EREs, including endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), is observed in somatic cells, variably upon cellular differentiation and frequently upon cellular transformation. ERE transcription is modulated during physiological and pathological immune cell activation, as well as in immune cell cancers. However, our understanding of the potential consequences of such modulation remains incomplete, partly due to the relative scarcity of information regarding genome-wide ERE transcriptional patterns in immune cells. Here, we describe a methodology that allows probing RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data for genome-wide expression of EREs in murine and human cells. Our analysis of B cells reveals that their transcriptional response during immune activation is dominated by induction of gene transcription, and that EREs respond to a much lesser extent. The transcriptional activity of the majority of EREs is either unaffected or reduced by B cell activation both in mice and humans, albeit LINEs appear considerably more responsive in the latter host. Nevertheless, a small number of highly distinct ERVs are strongly and consistently induced during B cell activation. Importantly, this pattern contrasts starkly with B cell transformation, which exhibits widespread induction of EREs, including ERVs that minimally overlap with those responsive to immune stimulation. The distinctive patterns of ERE induction suggest different underlying mechanisms and will help separate physiological from pathological expression.
Markets, Information, and Benevolence

In the January 6, 1991, issue of the Washington Post Magazine, reporter Walt Harrington wrote a profile of Bryan Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson is a 31-year-old working-class African-American from Delaware who graduated from Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government. Like the typical graduate of Harvard Law School, Mr. Stevenson had the opportunity to join the worlds of six-figure corporate law or high-visibility politics. Rather than follow his colleagues, however, Mr. Stevenson works seven-day, eighty-hour weeks as director of the Alabama Capital Representation Center. He appeals death sentences, handling twenty-four death-row cases himself, supervises five other lawyers who cover about thirty cases, and raises federal government and foundation funding. He does this living a Spartan existence on a salary of $24,000, refusing even the $50,000 directorship salary offered to him.
Economic Reform and Performance: A Comparative Study of China and Vietnam

Since the launch of economic reforms in China in 1978 and Vietnam in 1986, both countries have made impressive achievements. However, the two countries have experienced a notable divergence in growth, even though the context and characteristics of their reforms were broadly similar. This paper documents three principal findings: (1) China and Vietnam were similar in their initial conditions and approaches to reform and economic management; (2) the growth divergence between the two countries is substantial not only quantitatively but also qualitatively, and the growth gap widened during good times, when both the countries enjoyed accelerated growth; and (3) the growth divergence between China and Vietnam can be explained mainly by considerable disparity in government effectiveness rather than by a significant gap in the quality of institutions or human capital.
Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Hyperintensity in Acute Ischemic Stroke May Not Predict Hemorrhagic Transformation

Background: Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity within an acute cerebral infarct may reflect delayed onset time and increased risk of hemorrhage after thrombolysis. Given the important implications for clinical practice, we examined the prevalence of FLAIR hyperintensity in patients 3–6 h from stroke onset and its relationship to parenchymal hematoma (PH). Methods: Baseline DWI and FLAIR imaging with subsequent hemorrhage detection (ECASS criteria) were prospectively obtained in patients 3–6 h after stroke onset from the pooled EPITHET and DEFUSE trials. FLAIR hyperintensity within the region of the acute DWI lesion was rated qualitatively (dichotomized as visually obvious or subtle (i.e. only visible after careful windowing)) and quantitatively (using relative signal intensity (RSI)). The association of FLAIR hyperintensity with hemorrhage was then tested alongside established predictors (very low cerebral blood volume (VLCBV) and diffusion (DWI) lesion volume) in logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 49 patients with pre-treatment FLAIR imaging (38 received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), 5 developed PH). FLAIR hyperintensity within the region of acute DWI lesion occurred in 48/49 (98%) patients, was obvious in 18/49 (37%) and subtle in 30/49 (61%). Inter-rater agreement was 92% (ĸ = 0.82). The prevalence of obvious FLAIR hyperintensity did not differ between studies obtained in the 3–4.5 h and 4.5–6 h time periods (40% vs. 33%, p = 0.77). PH was poorly predicted by obvious FLAIR hyperintensity (sensitivity 40%, specificity 64%, positive predictive value 11%). In univariate logistic regression, VLCBV (p = 0.02) and DWI lesion volume (p = 0.03) predicted PH but FLAIR lesion volume (p = 0.87) and RSI (p = 0.11) did not. In ordinal logistic regression for hemorrhage grade adjusted for age and baseline stroke severity (NIHSS), increased VLCBV (p = 0.002) and DWI lesion volume (p = 0.003) were associated with hemorrhage but FLAIR lesion volume (p = 0.66) and RSI (p = 0.35) were not. Conclusions: Visible FLAIR hyperintensity is almost universal 3–6 h after stroke onset and did not predict subsequent hemorrhage in this dataset. Our findings question the value of excluding patients with FLAIR hyperintensity from reperfusion therapies. Larger studies are required to clarify what implications FLAIR-positive lesions have for patient selection.
Consuming Schooling: Choice, Commodity, Gift and Systems of Exchange

Schooling is a relational good, its consumption founded in social reciprocities. A qualitative study of the purchase and use of schooling by three middle class families challenges the view of identity formation as a project of individual self-realization. Traversing the public domain of the quasi-market of education and the private domain of the family, schooling switches from commodity to gift, entering the associated systems of commodity exchange and moral reciprocities. The tailoring to parental ends of the education offered by schools, and the co-labour of consumption within the household in the form of homework, shaped young people's identity, colonized and reproduced the family.
Low level laser (LLL) attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in mesenchymal stem cells via the suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro

Background Considering promising results in animal models and patients, therapeutic use of MSCs for immune disease is likely to undergo continued evaluation. Low-lever laser (LLL) has been widely applied to retard the inflammatory reaction. LLL treatment can potentially be applied in anti-inflammatory therapy followed by stem cell therapy. Aim of the study The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of LLL (660 nm) on the inflammatory reaction induced by LPS in human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) and pertinent mechanism. Materials and methods Anti-inflammatory activity of LLL was investigated by LPS-induced mesenchymal stem cells. The production and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by ELISA kits and RT-qPCR. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB was indicated by immunofluorescent staining. Phosphorylation status of NF-κB p65 and IκBα were illustrated by western blot assay. ROS generation was measured with CM-H2DCFDA, and NO secretion was determined by DAF-FM. We studied surface expression of lymphocyte activation markers when Purified peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) were activated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence of 3 types of treated MSCs. Results LLL reduced the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL8, ROS and NO in LPS treated MSCs. Immunofluorescent assay demonstrated the nuclear translocation decrease of NF-κB in LLL treated LPS induced MSCs. Western blot analysis also suggested that LLL suppressed NF-κB activation via regulating the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα. MSC significantly reduced the expression of activation markers CD25 and CD69 on PHA-stimulated lymphocytes. Conclusion The results indicate that LLL suppressed the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS treated MSCs through inhibiting phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα, which results in good anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, LLL attenuated activation-associated markers CD25 and CD69 in co-cultures of PBMC and 3 types of treated MSCs.
Finite-Element Calculation of 3-D Transient Electromagnetic Field in End Region and Eddy-Current Loss Decrease in Stator End Clamping Plate of Large Hydrogenerator

The stator clamping plate is an important component of hydrogenerators used to fasten the stator end core. Due to the complex leakage electromagnetic field in the end region, eddy-current loss in the stator clamping plate is usually very large, which will lead to partial overheat. Evaluation of eddy-current losses in stator clamping plates and reasonable structure design are the premise of ensuring the safe and stable operation of a large hydrogenerator. A 278-MVA hydrogenerator is taken as an example in this paper, and the calculation model of 3-D transient electromagnetic field of end region is established and validated by temperature test value. Then, a new arch-shaped clamping plate structure is presented. The transient electromagnetic field and eddy-current losses of end regions with traditional fan-shaped and new arch-shaped stator clamping plate structures are calculated by time-stepping finite-element method and are compared. Calculation results indicate that the new arch-shaped clamping plate structure can effectively reduce the eddy-current loss of stator clamping plate.
To what extent is intoxication associated with aggression in bars? A multilevel analysis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between level of intoxication and the frequency and severity of aggression at the person, incident, visit, and bar level for aggressive incidents observed in bars or clubs. METHOD Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analysis of 1025 incidents of aggression documented by trained observers during 1334 nights of observation in 118 bars and clubs in Toronto, Canada, was conducted. RESULTS Both level of intoxication of the crowd during the visit as well as mean level of intoxication at the bar level significantly predicted frequency of aggression. There was a positive association between level of intoxication and severity of aggression at both the incident and person level except for the highest level of intoxication at the person level, where severity of aggression was less than for moderate intoxication. A person-incident level interaction between intoxication and severity of aggression was also found. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that prevention efforts should focus on both identifying bars that typically have more intoxicated patrons and reducing the intoxication levels of patrons across bars generally. The results also showed a strong positive relationship between level of intoxication and severity of aggression (except at the highest levels), indicating that intoxication increases risk in terms of both frequency and severity of aggression. The significant interaction between person- and visit-level intoxication suggests that greater attention needs to be paid to group dynamics in alcohol-related aggression.
The Economic Consequences of Schooling and Learning

Excerpt] Concern about slackening productivity growth and deteriorating competitiveness has resulted in a new public focus on the quality and rigor of the elementary and secondary education received by the nation's front line workers. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, for example, reports that 93 percent of 17 year olds do not have "the capacity to apply mathematical operations in a variety of problem settings. " (1988 p. 42) Higher order thinking and problem solving skills are believed to be in particularly short supply so much attention has been given to mathematics and science education because it is thought that these subjects are particularly relevant to their development.