Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanisms of adenosine-induced apoptosis in human HepG2 cells

AbstractAim:To investigate effects of adenosine on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human HepG2 cells.Methods:HepG2 cells were incubated in the presence of adenosine (0.1–5 mmol/L) for 12–48 h, and the effect of adenosine on cell proliferation was evaluated by using 3-(4,5 -dimethyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Hoechst 33342 fluorescent staining, dUTP-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) fluorescence and flow cytometric analysis techniques were used to observe cell apoptosis. The effects of adenosine receptor (A1, A2a, A3 and nonspecific receptor) antagonists (8-cpt, DMPX, MRS 1191, and theophylline) and an adenosine transporter protein inhibitor (dipyridamole) on adenosine-induced cell apoptosis were observed. Mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed using DePsipher fluorescent staining, and caspase activity was detected using a Fluorometric assay kit and a fluorescence microplate reader.Results:Adenosine significantly reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity of adenosine was related to the induction of cell apoptosis. Four adenosine receptor antagonists had no effect on cell apoptosis. However, dipyridamole significantly reduced the percentage of adenosine-induced apoptotic cells from 27.3% to 7.1% (P<0.05). At 48 h after treatment, 3 mmol/L adenosine increased caspase-3 activity 3.5-fold; dipyridamole markedly decreased caspase-3 activity 1.6-fold, and decreased apoptotic cell numbers. When HepG2 cells were treated with 3 mmol/L adenosine, mitochondrial membrane potential and the activity of caspase-8 or -9 remained unchanged.Conclusion:Our results suggest that adenosine-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells is related to intracellular events rather than cell surface receptors, and that a caspase-3 cascade activation is required, which is not mediated via a mitochondrial pathway.
Dynamic Selection of Suitable Wavelet for Effective Color Image Compression using Neural Networks and Modified RLC

Image Compression has become extremely important today with the continuous development of internet, remote sensing and satellite communication techniques. In general, single Wavelet is not suitable for all types of images. This paper proposes a novel approach for dynamic selection of suitable wavelet and effective Image Compression. Dynamic selection of suitable wavelet for different types of images, like natural images, synthetic images, medical images and etc, is done using Counter Propagation Neural Network which consists of two layers: Unsupervised Kohonen (SOFM) and Supervised Gross berg layers. Selection of suitable wavelet is done by measuring some of the statistical parameters of image, like Image Activity Measure (IAM) and Spatial Frequency (SF), as they are strongly correlated with each other. After selecting suitable wavelet, effective image compression is done with MLFFNN with EBP training algorithm for LL2 component. Modified run length coding is applied on LH2 and HL2components with hard threshold and discarding all other sub-bands which do not effect much the quality (both subjective and objective) (HH2, LH1, HL1 and HH1). Highest CR (191.53), PSNR (78.38 dB), and minimum MSE (0.00094) of still color images are obtained compared to SOFM, EZW and SPIHT.
"Pass-through" Cambial e Ambiente Inflacionário no Brasil: Existe Alguma Relação?

Recent studies have suggested that the shift from a high to a low inflation environment induces a decline in the degree of exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) into prices. In this paper we present empirical evidence on this matter for Brazil, applying a smooth transition regression model and testing lagged inflation as a potential transition variable. The results presented in this paper go in line with the literature, and suggest that the lower ERPT largely documented for Brazil in recent years may also be a corollary of low and stable inflation.
Novel Delay-Dependent Robust Stability Analysis for Switched Neutral-Type Neural Networks With Time-Varying Delays via SC Technique

This paper studies a class of new neural networks referred to as switched neutral-type neural networks (SNTNNs) with time-varying delays, which combines switched systems with a class of neutral-type neural networks. The less conservative robust stability criteria for SNTNNs with time-varying delays are proposed by using a new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and a novel series compensation (SC) technique. Based on the new functional, SNTNNs with fast-varying neutral-type delay (the derivative of delay is more than one) is first considered. The benefit brought by employing the SC technique is that some useful negative definite elements can be included in stability criteria, which are generally ignored in the estimation of the upper bound of derivative of Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional in literature. Furthermore, the criteria proposed in this paper are also effective and less conservative in switched recurrent neural networks which can be considered as special cases of SNTNNs. The simulation results based on several numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed criteria.
Effectiveness of information security awareness methods based on psychological theories

Effective user security awareness campaign can greatly enhance the information assurance posture of an organization. Information security includes organizational aspects, legal aspects, institutionalization and applications of best practices in addition to security technologies. User awareness represents a significant challenge in the security domain, with the human factor ultimately being the element that is exploited in a variety of attack scenarios. Information security awareness program is a critical component in any organizations strategy. In contrast to other information security awareness work which mostly explains methods and techniques for raising information security awareness; this paper discusses and evaluates the effectiveness of different information security awareness tools and techniques on the basis of psychological theories and models. Finally, it describes how to measure information security awareness in an organization.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Relationship Dissatisfaction in Women During the First Year After Childbirth: Implications for Family and Relationship Counseling

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of relationship dissatisfaction among Australian women during the first year after childbirth and to uncover factors affecting their relationships. Postnatal women who had given birth during the previous 12 months were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online study. A comprehensive, multisection questionnaire, as well as the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Patient Health Questionnaire - 8 (PHQ-8), were used to collect data. Responses were analyzed using SPSS for Windows. Results showed that 37.2% of the participants experienced relationship dissatisfaction. Results of the multiple logistic regression revealed that the following were significant risk factors for relationship dissatisfaction during the first postpartum year: annual income of less than AU$50,000, sexual dysfunction, and a clinical diagnosis of depression and having symptoms of depression according to the PHQ-8 scores (p < 0.05). Compared to women in a heterosexual relationship, women who were in a same-sex relationship were less likely to have relationship dissatisfaction. In addition, in the period six to 12 months postpartum, women were less likely to have relationship dissatisfaction compared to the period 5 months or less postpartum (p < 0.05).
Descriptive menus and branding in hospital foodservice: a pilot study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate consumer's perceptions towards descriptive menus and branding in hospital foodservice. This research is unique in its focus; earlier work has tended to concentrate on palatability and the variety of the menu rather than on dish description.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected by means of a questionnaire in both medical and surgical wards (n=42). In addition, qualitative comments were sought from patients and foodservice management to enhance and add weight to results and conclusions drawn.Findings – Menu description was welcomed with patients preferring familiar foods. The general consensus was that an unfamiliar dish would not be selected on brand name alone.Practical implications – The potential impact of the proposed work could be significant with regard to hospital foodservice strategy particularly as greater emphasis has been given to the role of food in clinical outcomes. Any initiative such as improved dish description or use of famili.
MR image texture analysis applied to the diagnosis and tracking of Alzheimer's disease

The authors assess the value of magnetic resonance (MR) image texture in Alzheimer's disease (AD) both as a diagnostic marker and as a measure of progression. T/sub 1/-weighted MR scans were acquired from 40 normal controls and 24 AD patients. These were split into a training set (20 controls, 40 AD) and a test set (20 controls, 14 AD). In addition, five control subjects and five AD patients were scanned repeatedly over several years. On each scan a texture feature vector was evaluated over the brain; this consisted of 260 measures derived from the spatial gray-level dependence method. A stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to the training set, to obtain a linear discriminant function. In the test set, this function yielded significantly different values for the control and AD groups (p<10/sup -4/) with only small group overlap; a classification rate of 91% was obtained. For the repeatedly scanned control subjects, the median increment in the discriminant function between successive scans of 0.12 was not significantly different from zero (p>0.05); for the repeatedly scanned AD patients the corresponding median increment of 1.4 was significantly different from zero (p<0.05). MR image texture may be a useful aid in the diagnosis and tracking of Alzheimer's disease.
From multi-porting to a hub port configuration: the South African container port system in transition

This paper addresses the tension that exists between multi-porting and a hub configuration in the South African container port system. We apply a generalised cost model to two alternative network configurations: the actual situation of multi-porting and an alternative hub port configuration. The results demonstrate that South African import and export flows are likely to face small cost increases when the port system moves to a hub port configuration. However, from a ship operator's perspective, the hub configuration is more attractive given considerable cost reductions in marine charges, port dues and ship costs. The paper concludes by underlining Transnet's pivotal role in the attractiveness of the hub option and the need for a wider Sub-Saharan strategy in view of making the hub port concept work.
Social risks and the Corporatist state: A successful means of responding to social risks?

This article addresses questions of how and why the Dutch corporatist welfare state has succeeded in responding to social risks where others have struggled. Summarizing the major findings from a primarily qualitative, historical, in-depth case study carried out in the Netherlands (including 52 in-depth interviews and extensive document analysis of +/− 120 policy documents from 1995 to 2009), this article provides suggestions for developing our theoretical understanding of the role of the state in social risk protection. How does the Dutch welfare state respond to changing and emerging social risks? Why does the Dutch welfare state succeed in its response? The answers to these questions demonstrate a transformation of the welfare state, and challenge existing theoretical understandings of social risk protection. The consequences of this response, however, include a possible increase in social inequality.
The Dogs that Sometimes Bark: Globalization and Works Council Bargaining in Germany

This article investigates how international economic openness affects works council bargaining. The focus is on how bargaining over working time, payment systems and non-standard employment in eight German factories is affected by not only various measures of ‘bite’ (exit via trade and FDI flows) but also measures of ‘bark’ (employer threats of foreign production relocation). The main conclusion is that greater foreign investment and trade tend to trigger deeper concessions in works council bargaining. The study also suggests how biting and barking interact. The research suggests that the less studied manifestations of globalization may constrain labour organization more than previous studies focused on flows have suggested.
Optimising a targeted fund of strategies using genetic algorithms

This paper examines the use of Genetic Algorithm in order to perform the task of continuously rebalancing a portfolio targeting specific risk and return characteristics. The portfolio is comprised of a number of arbitrarily performing trading strategies, plus a risk-free strategy in order to rebalance in a similar method to the traditional CAPM method of rebalancing portfolios. A format is proposed for designing a fitness function appropriate to the task, and evaluated through the final results. Results of targeting both risk and return are investigated and compared, as well as optimising the non-targeted variable in order to create efficient portfolios. The findings show that a Genetic Algorithm is indeed a viable tool for optimising a targeted portfolio, using the proposed fitness function.
First-Episode Psychosis, Early Intervention, and Outcome: What Have We Learned?

Objective: There has been increased interest in the potential of early intervention to positively influence outcome in first-episode psychosis (FEP) and, consequently, to influence mental health policy and practice. This study's objective was to examine the concept of early intervention and the evidence that currently exists to support such a shift in the delivery of care. Method: We examined the evidence for phase-specific treatment of FEP, looking for interventions that attempt to arrest the transition from a putative prodromal state to full psychosis, as well as for interventions that attempt to reduce delay in treatment. Results: Some evidence supports specialized FEP interventions for short-term outcome in terms of symptom reduction, relapse rates, and greater adherence to and retention in treatment. As well, there is modest support for benefits to aspects of social and community functioning and satisfaction with life. Limited evidence supports a positive effect of community-wide case detection in terms of reduced delays in treatment and pharmacologic and psychological interventions in the prodromal phase. Conclusions: The field of early intervention in psychosis is young, with encouraging preliminary results, especially for improving outcome in established FEP. It requires further study, especially of longer-term outcome. Further studies need to examine the effects of a specialized approach on longer-term outcome and to explore cost-effective methods to reduce delays in treatment and provide interventions in the prodromal phase.
The Environmental Impact of Highway Congestion Pricing

We estimate reductions in vehicle emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons from highway congestion pricing in New Castle County (NCCo), Delaware. Our computer simulation model includes elastic travel demand with routes chosen to minimize average private cost (no pricing) or marginal social cost (congestion pricing) of all trips between pairs of 257 zones in NCCo. We model vehicle emissions using the EPA's Mobile 5a emissions model. Using Delaware's household travel-demand and highway traffic-count data, we simulate pricing all roadways and pricing only major highways. We estimate reductions of emissions from five to fifteen percent on major highways, depending on demand elasticity and extent of pricing.
Transcriptional Regulation of Zein Gene Expression in Maize through the Additive and Synergistic Action of opaque2, Prolamine-Box Binding Factor, and O2 Heterodimerizing Proteins

Three transcription factors serve as master regulators of zein gene expression, which helps determine the hardness and nutritional composition of maize kernels. Maize (Zea mays) zeins are some of the most abundant cereal seed storage proteins (SSPs). Their abundance influences kernel hardness but compromises its nutritional quality. Transcription factors regulating the expression of zein and other SSP genes in cereals are endosperm-specific and homologs of maize opaque2 (O2) and prolamine-box binding factor (PBF). This study demonstrates that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factors, O2 heterodimerizing proteins (OHPs), specifically regulate 27-kD γ-zein gene expression (through binding to an O2-like box in its promoter) and interact with PBF. The zein content of double mutants OhpRNAi;o2 and PbfRNAi;o2 and the triple mutant PbfRNAi;OhpRNAi;o2 is reduced by 83, 89, and 90%, respectively, compared with the wild type. The triple mutant developed the smallest zein protein bodies, which were merely one-tenth the wild type’s size. Total protein levels in these mutants were maintained in a relatively constant range through proteome rebalancing. These data show that OHPs, O2, and PBF are master regulators of zein storage protein synthesis, acting in an additive and synergistic mode. The differential expression patterns of OHP and O2 genes may cause the slight differences in the timing of 27-kD γ-zein and 22-kD α-zein accumulation during protein body formation.
Absentee Voting, Mobilization, and Participation

Liberal absentee laws are designed to make voting easier, which should stimulate turnout. Using data from the National Election Studies, we test the hypothesis that persons who choose to vote early are already highly motivated to participate in the political process. We find support for this hypothesis, which raises questions about the extent to which liberal absentee laws can expand the electorate. Furthermore, contrary to past research, we see the Republican advantage in absentee voting as a result of self-selection rather than party mobilization.
Application of bacteriophages in post-harvest control of human pathogenic and food spoiling bacteria

Abstract Bacteriophages have attracted great attention for application in food biopreservation. Lytic bacteriophages specific for human pathogenic bacteria can be isolated from natural sources such as animal feces or industrial wastes where the target bacteria inhabit. Lytic bacteriophages have been tested in different food systems for inactivation of main food-borne pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp. , Campylobacter jejuni and Cronobacter sakazkii, and also for control of spoilage bacteria. Application of lytic bacteriophages could selectively control host populations of concern without interfering with the remaining food microbiota. Bacteriophages could also be applied for inactivation of bacteria attached to food contact surfaces or grown as biofilms. Bacteriophages may receive a generally recognized as safe status based on their lack of toxicity and other detrimental effects to human health. Phage preparations specific for L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica serotypes have been commercialized and approved for application in foods or as part of surface decontamination protocols. Phage endolysins have a broader host specificity compared to lytic bacteriophages. Cloned endolysins could be used as natural preservatives, singly or in combination with other antimicrobials such as bacteriocins.
The Secondary Economic Impacts of Irrigation Development in Washington

Two potential projects in Washington are examined for their secondary impacts on the economy of the state. A major impact of these projects is to increase the energy costs to regional power consumers. After accounting for the negative impacts of rising energy costs, the long run state level residual income increases by $209 million after irrigating an additional 700,000acres. The distribution of potential benefits is uneven among sectors of the economy and some sectors will possibly experience substantial decreases in returns to stockholder equity as a result of irrigation expansion.
A station regrouping method for contention based IEEE 802.11ah wireless LAN

The enhancement of wireless technologies for machine-type communications and the Internet of things attracts the attention of recent communications research. The IEEE 802.11 task group TGah proposes to use group-based contention scheme in the MAC of its proposed amendment 11ah in order to cope with massive power constrained stations (STAs) per access point (AP). However the detailed regrouping technique is described as implementation specific. In this paper, we propose a novel method consisting of a signalling process and a regrouping algorithm. The aim of the regrouping is to minimise the potential transmission collisions caused by the hidden node problem. Firstly, the AP acquires knowledge of potential hidden node pairs and the traffic requirement of the STAs in the network. The AP then regroup the STAs into different contention groups according to either a centralised Viterbi-like algorithm or a decentralised iterative updating manner. The proposed technique can also be used in other contention based wireless networks where grouping is supported in the MAC protocol. System level simulation results show superior performance of the proposed technique in terms of the reduction in collision.
From Them to Us: An International Study of Inclusion in Education

Inclusive education has become a phrase with international currency shaping the content of conferences and national educational policies around the world. But what does it mean? Is it about including a special group of disabled learners or students seen to have 'special needs' (them) or is it concerned with making educational institutions inclusive, responsive to the diversity of all their students (us)? In this unique comparative study, the editors have brought together an international team of researchers from eight countries to develop case-studies which explore the processes of inclusion and exclusion within a school or group of schools set in its local and national context. The study includes classroom observation, the experiences of the school day of students and interviews with staff, students, parents and school governors. Through an innovative juxtaposition of the case-studies and commentaries on them, differences of perspective within and between countries are revealed and analysed. The study arose from a dissatisfaction with previous research, which presents 'national perspectives' or seeks findings that have global significance. This book avoids such simplification and draws attention to the problems of translation of practice across cultures. The editors start from an assumption of diversity of perspective which like the diversity of students within schools can be viewed as problematic or as a resource to be recognized and celebrated.