Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
J-Tweeters

This paper studies the process of normalizing in journalism by examining journalists’ use of Twitter. Who are the active j-tweeters, and how do they use Twitter? And how do j-tweeters deviate from other journalists concerning professional practices and norms? The study draws from a representative large-N mail survey of Swedish journalists. The findings indicate that there are substantive differences in norms and values between the most active j-tweeters and their colleagues concerning the “Twitter-specific” features of interaction and networking and their views on personal branding. On the other hand, as the most active j-tweeters do not deviate on core professional values, it appears that Twitter is being normalized in journalism. However, due to the ongoing generational shift in the newsrooms, the views held by the active j-tweeters could lead to a new professional view on journalism in which audience orientation and professional positioning gain importance.
Collaborative Mechanisms in Interlocal Cooperation

Local government administrators have embraced intergovernmental collaboration as a viable alternative in the delivery of public programs for many years, characterizing an increasing emphasis on interlocal cooperation as a response to common problems and situational needs. In the process of collaboration, local governments often use a combination of linking mechanisms, ranging in degrees of formality and specificity. This study longitudinally examines the administrative networks and mutual organizations that comprise the collaborative mechanisms of municipalities in the state of Nebraska. The findings suggest that, over time, the nature and use of interlocal cooperation mechanisms have shifted toward the more informal and general varieties.
Tumor necrosis factor α induces sustained signaling and a prolonged and unremitting inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE The nonresolving character of synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a conundrum. To identify the contribution of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) to the perpetuation of synovitis, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that govern the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-driven inflammatory program in human FLS. METHODS FLS obtained from the synovial tissues of patients with RA or osteoarthritis were stimulated with TNFα and assayed for gene expression and cytokine production by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-κB signaling was evaluated by Western blotting. Histone acetylation, chromatin accessibility, and NF-κB p65 and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) occupancy at the interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter were measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation and restriction enzyme accessibility assays. RESULTS In FLS, TNFα induced prolonged transcription of messenger RNA (mRNA) for IL-6 and progressive accumulation of IL-6 protein over 4 days. Similarly, induction of mRNA for CXCL8/IL-8, CCL5/RANTES, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), and MMP-3 after TNFα stimulation was sustained for several days. This contrasted with the macrophage response to TNFα, which characteristically involved a transient increase in the expression of proinflammatory genes. In FLS, TNFα induced prolonged activation of NF-κB signaling and sustained transcriptional activity, as indicated by increased histone acetylation, chromatin accessibility, and p65 and Pol II occupancy at the IL-6 promoter. Furthermore, FLS expressed low levels of the feedback inhibitors A20-binding inhibitor of NF-κB activation 3 (ABIN-3), IL-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3), and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF-3), which terminate inflammatory responses in macrophages. CONCLUSION TNFα signaling is not effectively terminated in FLS, which leads to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. The results suggest that prolonged and sustained inflammatory responses by FLS in response to synovial TNFα contribute to the persistence of synovial inflammation in RA.
Alterations in the Rumen Liquid-, Particle- and Epithelium-Associated Microbiota of Dairy Cows during the Transition from a Silage- and Concentrate-Based Ration to Pasture in Spring

In spring dairy cows are often gradually transitioned from a silage- and concentrate-based ration (total mixed ration, TMR) to pasture. Rumen microbiota adaptability is a key feature of ruminant survival strategy. However, only little is known on the temporal and spatial microbial alterations involved. This study aims to investigate how the rumen liquid (LAAB), particle (PAAB), and epithelium (EAAB) associated archaea and bacteria are influenced by this nutritional change. A 10-wk trial was performed, including 10 rumen-fistulated dairy cows, equally divided into a pasture- and a confinement- group (PG and CG). The CG stayed on a TMR-based ration, while the PG was gradually transitioned from TMR to pasture (wk 1: TMR-only, wk 2: 3 h/day on pasture, wk 3 & 4: 12 h/day on pasture, wk 5–10: pasture-only). In wk 1, wk 5, and wk 10 samples of solid and liquid rumen contents, and papillae biopsies were collected. The DNA was isolated, and PCR-SSCP and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis were performed. Cluster analysis revealed a higher similarity between LAAB and PAAB, compared to the EAAB, characterized by higher species diversity. At all three locations the microbiota was significantly influenced by the ration change, opposite the generally acknowledged hypothesis that the EAAB remain more consistent throughout dietary changes. Even though the animals in the PG were already on a full-grazing ration for 4–6 days in wk 5, the microbiota at all three locations was significantly different compared to wk 10, suggesting an adaptation period of several days to weeks. This is in line with observations made on animal level, showing a required time for adaptation of 2–3 weeks for production and metabolic variables. A large part of the rumen prokaryote species remained unaltered upon transition to pasture and exhibited a strong host influence, supporting the hypothesis that the rumen microbiota consists of a core and a variable microbiota. For the effect of the location as well as the ration change either very similar or opposite trends among member species of common taxa were observed, demonstrating that microbes that are phylogenetically close may still exhibit substantially different phenotypes and functions.
Managing laundry wastewater

Laundry services are emerging in every corner of Bali, particularly at suburban area, from cities to villages. These services help the community to ease their burden. However, the burden for the environment is increase. The wastewater from the laundries should be controlled, which should be handled natural ways. One way of reducing the dangerous chemical from the laundry wastewater can be done by Vertical-Sub-surface Flow Constructed Wetland system, using volcanic rocks as substrate of plant grow and the plant as filters. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of volcanic rock and Canna plants as a filter for the laundry wastewater. The volcanic rock as substrate for the plant grows was place in layers in a drum and the laundry wastewater was flowed. The parameter of wastewater laundry, such as TDS, BOD, COD and total phosphate were measured before and after treatment. The treatment was run for 6 weeks. The result shows that this system is effective that overall can reduce the parameter measured for 53.86%.
Effects of melatonin administration on daytime sleep after simulated night shift work

Disturbed sleep and on‐the‐job sleepiness are widespread problems among night shift workers. The pineal hormone melatonin may prove to be a useful treatment because it has both sleep‐promoting and circadian phase‐shifting effects. This study was designed to isolate melatonin’s sleep‐promoting effects, and to determine whether melatonin could improve daytime sleep and thus improve night time alertness and performance during the night shift. The study utilized a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, cross‐over design. Subjects (n=21, mean age=27.0 ± 5.0 years) participated in two 6‐day laboratory sessions. Each session included one adaptation night, two baseline nights, two consecutive 8‐h night shifts followed by 8‐h daytime sleep episodes and one recovery night. Subjects took 1.8 mg sustained‐release melatonin 0.5 h before the two daytime sleep episodes during one session, and placebo before the daytime sleep episodes during the other session. Sleep was recorded using polysomnography. Sleepiness, performance, and mood during the night shifts were evaluated using the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) and a computerized neurobehavioral testing battery. Melatonin prevented the decrease in sleep time during daytime sleep relative to baseline, but only on the first day of melatonin administration. Melatonin increased sleep time more in subjects who demonstrated difficulty in sleeping during the day. Melatonin had no effect on alertness on the MSLT, or performance and mood during the night shift. There were no hangover effects from melatonin administration. These findings suggest that although melatonin can help night workers obtain more sleep during the day, they are still likely to face difficulties working at night because of circadian rhythm misalignment. The possibility of tolerance to the sleep‐promoting effects of melatonin across more than 1 day needs further investigation.
Ascorbic acid improves impaired venous and arterial endothelium-dependent dilation in smokers

AbstractAim:To compare the acute effects of ascorbic acid on vasodilation of veins and arteries in vivo.Methods:Twenty-six healthy non-smokers and 23 healthy moderate smokers were recruited in this study. The dorsal hand vein compliance technique and flow-mediated dilation were used. Dose-response curves to bradykinin and sodium nitroprusside were constructed to test the endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation before and after acute infusion of ascorbic acid.Results:Smokers had an impaired venodilation with bradykinin compared with non-smokers (68.3%±13.2% vs 93.7%±20.1%, respectively; P<0.05). Ascorbic acid administration in the dorsal hand vein significantly increased the venodilation with bradykinin in smokers (68.3%± 13.2% vs 89.5%±6.3% before and after infusion, respectively; P<0.05) but not in non-smokers (93.7%±20.1% vs 86.4%±12.4% before and after infusion, respectively). Similarly, the arterial response in smokers had an impaired endothelium-dependent dilation compared with that in non-smokers (8.8%±2.7% vs 15.2%±2.3%, respectively; P<0.05) and ascorbic acid restored this response in smokers (8.8%±2.7% vs 18.7%±6.5% before and after infusion, respectively; P<0.05), but no difference was seen in non-smokers (15.2%±2.3% vs 14.0%±4.4% before and after infusion, respectively). The endothelium-independent dilation did not differ in both the groups studied. No important hemodynamic change was detected using the Portapress device.Conclusion:Smokers had impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation responsiveness in both arterial and venous systems. Ascorbic acid restores this responsiveness in smokers.
Alterations of the retinoblastoma‐related gene RB2/p130 in lung adenocarcinomas induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐hydroxypropyl)amine in rats

Alteration of the retinoblastoma‐related gene RB2/p130 was investigated in lung adenocarcinomas induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) in male Wistar rats. At 6 wk of age, 21 animals were given 2000 ppm of BHP in their drinking water for 12 wk and then maintained without further treatment until they were killed at the end of week 25. A total of 21 lung adenocarcinomas were obtained, and total RNAs were extracted from each for mutation analysis of RB2/p130 by the reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction–single‐strand comformation polymorphism approach. No mutations were found in exons 19–22. However, examination of the expression of the RB2/p130 gene by Northern blot analysis showed mRNA levels to be significantly lower than those of normal lung tissues. Western blot analysis showed reduction of the pRb2/p130 protein in all of the adenocarcinomas examined. These results suggest that alteration of the RB2/p130 gene may play important roles in the development of lung adenocarcinomas induced by BHP in rats. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preservice teachers' perceptions of sustainability as 'professional practice'

Preservice teachers in the School of Education, James Cook University are provided with productive opportunities to develop beliefs, values and practices about sustainability at different points in their education program. Education for sustainability is core practice within the recently refreshed teacher education program at the university. Preservice teachers were asked about their conceptions of sustainability, and familiarity with a range of approaches to teach sustainability education. Data were collected through focus groups. in each year of a four-year (Bachelor of Education) and a one-year program (Graduate Diploma of Education). This paper reports on preservice teachers' familiarity with, and exposure to, a range of approaches that characterize sustainability education, during both oncampus studies and practicum. Their views on the importance of learning how to 'teach sustainability' within these approaches are described. Results from this study provide infonnation on preservice teachers' perceptions of what sustainability means; and the gap between seeing it as important and the extent of opportunities they recognize as contributing to their professional practice as sustainability educators. The paper also explores the confounding effect of preservice teachers' limited views of what constitutes sustainability education, which can result in the rejection of experiences, which program planners saw as explicitly developing environmentally attentive learning.
Distinct protein interfaces in transmembrane domains suggest an in vivo folding model

Given the known high‐resolution structures of α‐helical transmembrane domains, we show that there are statistically distinct classes of transmembrane interfaces which relate to the folding and oligomerization of transmembrane domains. Distinct types of interfaces have been categorized and refer to those between: the same polypeptide chain, different polypeptide chains, helices that are sequential neighbors, and those that are nonsequential. These different interfaces may reflect different phases in the mechanism of transmembrane domain folding and are consistent with the current experimental evidence pertaining to the folding and oligomerization of transmembrane domains. The classes of helix‐helix interfaces have been identified in terms of the numbers and different types of pairwise amino acid interactions. The specific measures used are interaction entropy, the information content of interacting partners compared to a random set of contacts, the amino acid composition of the classes and the abundances of specific amino acid pairs in close contact. Knowledge of the clear differences in the types of helix‐helix contacts helps with the derivation of knowledge‐based constraints which until now have focused on only the interiors of transmembrane domains as compared to the exterior. Taken together, an in vivo model for membrane protein folding is presented, which is distinct from the familiar two‐stage model. The model takes into account the different interfaces of membrane helices defined herein, and the available data regarding folding in the translocation channel.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on microcirculation: use in therapy of retinal vascular disorders.

The physiopathologic effects of oxygen, especially under hyperbaric conditions, on the retina and microcirculation were reviewed. The therapeutic effects of oxygen on ischemic (vascular) retinal disorders toere evaluated in 7 cases—2 with central retinal artery occlusion, one with exudative disciform retinopaihy, one with central serous retinopathy, and 3 with diabetic retinopathy. Whereas no definite improvement in the visual function teas noted under oxygen therapy, the changes in the scotoma related to vascular occlusion and angioscotoma and the vasodilatation noted in diabetic retinopathy are phenomena previously not described and whose significance is yet to be defined.
An economic spreadsheet model to determine optimal breeding and replacement decisions for dairy cattle.

The aim of this paper is to describe a user-friendly spreadsheet culling model that was constructed to support economical, optimal breeding and replacement decisions on dairy farms. The model was based on the marginal net revenue technique. Inputs for the model can be entered for specific farm conditions, and the output is easily accessible. In the model, the retention pay-off (RPO) value of individual dairy cows was calculated. The RPO value of a cow is equal to the total additional profits that a producer can expect from trying to keep the cow until her optimal age, taking into account the changes of involuntary removal compared with her immediate replacement. To calculate the RPO values, the future production, revenues, and costs of dairy cows at different levels of milk production with different numbers of days open (DO) were determined. Furthermore, the ranges of carcass value, calf revenues, and the range of involuntary disposal rates of cows within and across lactations were taken into account. To illustrate the model, parameters in the model were chosen to represent a typical Holstein dairy herd in Pennsylvania. The results of this model are very comparable with earlier, more complex models that are more difficult to use on the farm. In addition to using the RPO values to evaluate the decision to breed or replace a cow, the costs per additional DO were estimated. Early conception was most profitable with the costs per additional DO varying from $0 to more than $3/d. The model can be used as a decision-supporting tool for producers, extension personnel, veterinarians, and consultants. In addition, researchers, economists, and government organizations can use the model to determine the costs of culling dairy cows in a disease control program. The model and manual are available at http://cahpwww.vet. upenn.edu/software/econcow.html.
Prevalence and determinants of SHS exposure in public and private areas after the 2010 smoke-free legislation in Greece

The objective of the present survey was to assess the extent and socio-economic determinants of population exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in Greece in 2011. The national household survey Hellas Health IV was conducted in October 2011. SHS exposure was based on self-reported exposure within home, workplace and public places. Thirty-three per cent of the respondents reported living in a smoke-free home. Smokers (p < 0.001) and single individuals (p < 0.017) were less likely to prohibit smoking at home. SHS exposure at work, in restaurants and in bars/clubs/cafes was frequently mentioned by 41.6, 84.2 and 90.5%, respectively. SHS exposure in a bar/club/cafe was noted more among single individuals (p = 0.004) and those aged 18–34 years (p = 0.007). Inhabitants of rural areas were more likely to report someone smoking indoors in all the above venues. Public health education and effective enforcement of the nationwide smoke-free legislation are imperative.
Optimal Preoperative Imaging of Spinal Cord Blood Supply

With great interest, we read the article by Uotani and colleagues[1][1] in the February issue of the American Journal of Neuroradiology . The authors compared intravenous and intra-arterial contrast agent application for the localization of the Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) in different patients
Cardiac Structure and Ventricular–Vascular Function in Persons With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction From Olmsted County, Minnesota

Background— Mechanisms purported to contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFnlEF) include diastolic dysfunction, vascular and left ventricular systolic stiffening, and volume expansion. We characterized left ventricular volume, effective arterial elastance, left ventricular end-systolic elastance, and left ventricular diastolic elastance and relaxation noninvasively in consecutive HFnlEF patients and appropriate controls in the community. Methods and Results— Olmsted County (Minn) residents without cardiovascular disease (n=617), with hypertension but no heart failure (n=719), or with HFnlEF (n=244) were prospectively enrolled. End-diastolic volume index was determined by echo Doppler. End-systolic elastance was determined using blood pressure, stroke volume, ejection fraction, timing intervals, and estimated normalized ventricular elastance at end diastole. Tissue Doppler e velocity was used to estimate the time constant of relaxation. End-diastolic volume (EDV) and Doppler-derived end-diastolic pressure (EDP) were used to derive the diastolic curve fitting (α) and stiffness (β) constants (EDP=αEDVβ). Comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, and body size. HFnlEF patients had more severe renal dysfunction, yet smaller end-diastolic volume index and cardiac output and increased EDP compared with both hypertensive and healthy controls. Arterial elastance and ventricular end-systolic elastance were similarly increased in hypertensive controls and HFnlEF patients compared with healthy controls. In contrast, HFnlEF patients had more impaired relaxation and increased diastolic stiffness compared with either control group. Conclusions— From these cross-sectional observations, we speculate that the progression of diastolic dysfunction plays a key role in the development of heart failure symptoms in persons with hypertensive heart disease.
An adaptive noise decorrelation technique for stereophonic acoustic echo cancellation

In this paper, a new signal decorrelation technique, based upon adaptive noise addition is presented for stereophonic acoustic echo cancellation (SAEC), with insignificant additional computational complexity. The added noise level is adjusted according to the characteristics of the speech inputs, hence, the quality of the decorrelated stereo speech signals are kept undisturbed. Test results on recorded speech signals indicate improved performance in both objective and subjective manners.
Scatter factor expression and regulation in human glial tumors

Scatter factor (SF) (also known as hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]) is a cytokine that induces cell motility in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. SF appears to be a determinant of the malignant phenotype in certain systemic cancers. We detected SF in extracts prepared from human gliomas, with the highest levels found in malignant tumors. Human glioblastoma cells expressed both SF and its receptor (c‐met protein) in vivo, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Consistent with these observations, we found moderate to high levels of production of immunoreactive and biologically active SF by cultured human glioblastoma cells (3 of 8 lines) and by neural microvascular endothelial cells (NMVEC) (3 of 3 lines). SF stimulated the proliferation of glioblastoma and NMVEC cell lines by paracrine or autocrine mechanisms. Conditioned medium (CM) from both glioblastoma and NMVEC cells contained SF‐inducing factor (SF‐IF) activity, defined by its ability to stimulate SF production in an indicator cell line (MRC5 human fibroblasts). This activity consisted of a high‐molecular‐weight (>30 kDa), heat‐sensitive component and a low‐molecular weight (<30 kDa), heat‐stable component. Furthermore, glioblastoma CM stimulated NMVEC SF production, and NMVEC CM stimulated glioblastoma cell SF production, by 3‐ to 6‐fold in each case. Our findings demonstrate that SF‐dependent interactions between glioma cells, and between glioma cells and endothelium, can contribute to the heterogeneous proliferative and angiogenic phenotypes of malignant gliomas in vivo. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.