Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Basis of Downregulation of G-Protein–Coupled Inward Rectifying K+ Current (IK,ACh) in Chronic Human Atrial Fibrillation: Decrease in GIRK4 mRNA Correlates With Reduced IK,ACh and Muscarinic Receptor–Mediated Shortening of Action Potentials

Background—Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that the parasympathetic nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is unclear whether changes in G-protein-coupled inward rectifying K+ current (IK,ACh) contribute to chronic AF. Methods and Results—In the present study, we used electrophysiological recordings and competitive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to study changes in IK,ACh and the level of the IK,ACh GIRK4 subunit in isolated human atrial myocytes and the atrial tissue of 39 patients with sinus rhythm and 24 patients with chronic AF. The density of IK,ACh was ≈50% smaller in myocytes from patients with AF compared with those in sinus rhythm, and this was accompanied by decreased levels of GIRK4 mRNA. The current density of the inward rectifying K+ current (IK1) was 2-fold larger during AF than in sinus rhythm, in correspondence with an increase in Kir2.1 mRNA. The larger IK1 in AF is consistent with more negative membrane potentials in right atrial trabeculae from AF patients. Moreover, action potential duration was reduced in AF, and the action potential shortening produced by muscarinic receptor stimulation was attenuated, indicating that the changes of IK1 and IK,ACh were functionally relevant. Conclusions—Chronic human AF induces transcriptionally mediated upregulation of IK1 but downregulation of IK,ACh and attenuates the muscarinic receptor–mediated shortening of atrial action potentials. This suggests that atrial myocytes adapt to a chronically high rate by downregulating IK,ACh to counteract the shortening of the atrial effective refractory period due to electrical remodeling.
Bringing the past to the present: Temporal self-comparison processes moderate nostalgia’s effect on well-being

This research tested the theory that the effect of nostalgia on well-being depends on temporal comparison processes. Five studies (N = 501) apply established models of self and social judgment and demonstrate that nostalgia is a resource for well-being when contextual variables prompt inclusion of the past self in current self-conceptions. Study 1 (n = 76) showed initial evidence that inclusion of the nostalgic (vs. ordinary) past self in the current self-concept leads to higher self-concept clarity. Study 2 (n = 78) aimed to replicate this pattern for well-being. Supporting hypotheses, recalling a nostalgic (vs. ordinary) memory led to higher psychological well-being when the past self was included in the current self-concept. Study 3 (n = 122) conceptualized inclusion as the tendency to focus on similarities (vs. differences) between the current and past selves, and experimentally demonstrated that nostalgia results in higher psychological well-being when a focus on similarities (vs. differences) is induced. Finally, Studies 4 (n = 145) and 5 (n = 80) examined broader contextual variables that were hypothesized to influence both inclusion and similarity focus mechanisms. In Study 4, recalling a nostalgic memory promoted well-being when a reflective (vs. evaluative) mindset was experimentally primed. In Study 5, individual differences in trait self-reflection moderated nostalgia’s contribution to well-being such that nostalgia (vs. control) resulted in higher well-being but particularly when trait self-reflection was high. Taken together, the current research establishes a cognitive mechanism that determines when and how nostalgia contributes to well-being and provides a richer understanding of nostalgia, temporal comparison processes, and mechanisms that maintain and enhance the self.
A Nonthiazolidinedione Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Agonist Reverses Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic (db/db-/-) Mice

We have previously reported that endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine is impaired in small mesenteric arteries from spontaneously diabetic (db/db) mice. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of treatment of the db/db and the insulin-resistant ob/ob mice with the PPARγ agonist 2-(2-(4-phenoxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethyl)indole-5-acetic acid (COOH). In the db/db model, an 8-week treatment with COOH (30 mg/kg/day) reduced plasma glucose from 48.0 ± 2.5 (untreated) to 12.6 ± 1.1 mM. In contrast, plasma glucose was not elevated in untreated ob/ob mice. Relaxation of small mesenteric arteries mediated by acetylcholine was impaired in the untreated db/db diabetic mice (51.7 ± 7.4% maximal relaxation, n = 6) but not in the ob/ob mice (70.8 ± 8.6% maximal relaxation, n = 3). This impairment was reversed with COOH treatment (86.9 ± 0.4% maximal relaxation, n = 5). Malondialdehyde was elevated in plasma from diabetic db/db mice (13.9 ± 1.1 versus 12.0 ± 0.7 μmol/ml); however, when normalized to total cholesterol, no significant differences in the ratio of lipid peroxidation in plasma were identified. Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for eNOS was performed on the isolated mesenteric vessels and revealed no differences in the relative levels of eNOS expression in diabetic and control animals; in addition, treatment with COOH had no significant effect on eNOS levels in either group. In summary, endothelial dysfunction and hyperglycemia were completely normalized in COOH-treated db/db mice. In contrast, nonhyperglycemic ob/ob mice exhibited normal vasodilatory responses to acetylcholine and, consequently, COOH treatment had no effect on endothelial function.
Cyber-Harassment: A Study of a New Method for an Old Behavior

A total of 432 students from grades 7–9 in Canadian schools reported their experiences of cyber-harassment, which is a form of harassment that occurs through the use of electronic communications such as e-mail and cell phones. More than two-thirds of students (69%) have heard of incidents of cyber-harassment, about one quarter (21%) have been harassed several times, and a few students (3%) admitted engaging in this form of harassment. In addition, victims of cyber-harassment reported a variety of negative consequences, especially anger and sadness, and had experienced other forms of harassment. These results suggest several avenues of research needed to explain how and why adolescents use technological advances to harass their peers.
Antibodies That Inhibit Plasmodium falciparum Adhesion to Chondroitin Sulfate A Are Associated with Increased Birth Weight and the Gestational Age of Newborns

ABSTRACT Antibodies that inhibit Plasmodium falciparum adhesion to the placental receptor chondroitin sulfate A are associated with a reduced risk of placental malaria, but whether these antibodies lead to improved pregnancy outcomes is unknown. We measured antiadhesion antibody levels in parturient women in western Kenya, where malaria transmission is intense. Secundigravid women with antiadhesion activity in their plasma delivered babies that were on average 398 g heavier (P = 0.019) and 2 weeks more mature (P = 0.002) than babies delivered to secundigravidas without antiadhesion activity. Our findings support the development of antiadhesion vaccines to prevent poor fetal outcomes due to pregnancy malaria.
ESPR analysis and synthesis of discrete-time systems with polytopic uncertainty

The problems of Extended Strict Positive Realness (ESPR) analysis and synthesis for a class of discrete-time systems with polytopic uncertainty are considered. An equivalent condition of ESPR for discrete-time systems is first given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Moreover, a sufficient condition for the uncertain systems to be robustly stable with ESPR is established by stability with ESPR of vertex systems. Furthermore, a condition on robust stability with ESPR for the uncertain systems is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Based on this result, a simple approach to the design of a linear state-feedback controller which stabilizes robustly the uncertain systems and achieves ESPR is proposed. A numerical example is worked out to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Do Parents Selectively Time Birth Relative to Ramadan? Evidence from Matlab, Bangladesh∗

Studies examining in utero health effect of maternal fasting during Ramadan assume that parents do not selectively time birth relative to Ramadan. In Matlab, a region in Bangladesh, family planning program started in 1977 where women in treatment areas received free contraceptives door to door but control areas were not part of the program. Both treatment and control areas were very similar in observable characteristics before the program placement. Using MHSS 1996, we find women living in treatment areas six percentage points less likely to give birth 8 to 9 months after Ramadan after program placement. Moreover, mothers with more education are less likely to overlap pregnancy with Ramadan upon receiving free contraceptives. We examine the height, which reflects both genotype and phenotype influences in utero, of the children to their births relative to Ramadan. We find evidence which suggests presence of selection problem may lead us to wrong conclusion about the effect of maternal fasting on child height. JEL: C52, I12, O15, 017, Z12
Evaluation of Single-Copy and Multiple-Copy Routing Protocols in a Realistic VDTN Scenario

In this paper, we evaluate and compare the performance of single-copy and multiple-copy routing protocols in a realistic Vehicular Delay Tolerant Network (VDTN) scenario. The simulations are conducted with the Opportunistic Network Environment (ONE) simulator. The performance is analyzed using delivery probability, overhead ratio, average latency, average number of hops and average buffer time metrics. The simulation results show that multiple-copy protocols perform better in terms of delivery probability compared with singlecopy protocol. The single-copy protocol uses the highest average number of hops and higher average latency compared with multiple-copy protocols. Maxprop achieves the highest delivery ratio and lowest average latency. Spray and wait results are the lowest for overhead ratio, but the longest for average buffer time. First contact have a short buffer time, but it uses a big number of hops.
Impact of initial topical medical therapy on short-term quality of life in newly diagnosed patients with primary glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of initial topical medical therapy on newly diagnosed glaucoma patients using the Indian Vision Function Questionnaire (IND-VFQ33). Patients and Methods: The IND-VFQ33 was used to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in 62 newly diagnosed patients with moderate to severe primary glaucoma and 60 healthy controls. IND-VFQ33 is a 33 item QoL assessment tool with three domains: General functioning, psychosocial impact and visual symptoms. The glaucoma patients were started on medical therapy and the QoL assessment was repeated after 3 months. Results: Glaucoma patients (mean age: 55.6 ± 9.6 years, range 40–77 years) and controls (mean age: 54.9 ± 6.7 years, 42–73 years) were matched with respect to age (P = 0.72), gender (P = 0.91) and literacy (P = 0.18). Glaucoma patients had significantly worse QoL as compared to controls at baseline across all the three domains (P < 0.001). 3 months after initiation of treatment, the overall QoL life significantly worsened from baseline with a decrease in general functioning (P < 0.001) and psychosocial impact (P = 0.041). Visual acuity in better eye significantly co-related to poor QoL at baseline (P < 0.001) and at 3 months (P = 0.04). In addition, the use of >2 topical medications significantly co-related to poor QoL at 3 months (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Evaluation using the IND-VFQ33 revealed that newly diagnosed glaucoma patients have a significant worsening of QoL after initiation of topical ocular hypotensive therapy. This should be an important consideration when educating patients about the disease and its therapy.
IMMUNOBIOLOGY C 3 a modulates IL-1 b secretion in human monocytes by regulating ATP ef fl ux and subsequent NLRP 3 in fl ammasome activation

Inflammatory Diseases, King’s College School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Division of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; and Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
The Antecedents and Consequences of Consumers'online Perceived Trust

The article proposes a model that related online shopping experience, attitude, reputation, privacy policy, positive rating, word of mouth to purchase intention, medicated by perceived trust. Respondents to the questionnaires were restricted to consumers who had experiences in online shopping in the most recent months. A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, of which 232 were successfully replied respondents, yielding a usable response rate of 51.5%. Multiple regression analyses were used for hypothesis testing. The results of the study show that attitude, reputation, positive rating have a significant impact on purchase intention. In addition, the mediating impact of perceived trust is partially supported. Suggestions for implications of the research and future research are also presented. (Abstract)
Disturbing Effects of Chronic Low-dose 4-Nonylphenol exposing on Gonadal Weight and Reproductive Outcome over One-generation

ABSTRACT 4-Nonylphenol (NP) is a surfactant that is a well-known and widespread estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). Although it has been known that the affinity of NP to ERs is low, it has been suggested that low-dose NP has toxicity. In the present study, the endocrine disrupting effects on reproduction, and the weight of gonads, epididymis, and uterus were evaluated with the chronic lower-dose NP exposing. This study was designed by following the OECD test guideline 443 and subjected to a complete necropsy. In male, NP had an effect on the weight of the testis and epididymis in both F0 and F1. In females, NP decreased the weight of ovary and uterus in F0 but not in pre-pubertal F1 pubs. Fertility of male and female in F0 or F1 was no related with NP administration. The number of caudal-epididymal sperm by body weight (BW) was not different between groups in both F0 and F1. Besides, the difference of the sperm number between generations was not detected. The number of ovulated oocytes was similar between groups in F0, but significantly decreased in NP 50 group of F1. The litter size and sex ratios of offspring in F1 and F2 were not different. The accumulated mating rate and gestation period were not affected by the NP administration. Those results shows that chronic lower-dose NP administration has an effect of endocrine disruptor on the weight of gonads and epididymis of F0 and F1 but not in reproduction. Based on the results, it is suggested that chronic lower-dose NP exposing causes endocrine disruption in the weight of gonad and epididymis but not in the reproductive ability of next generations.
FEELING OF REDUCED PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: STRAIN-BASED WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT AS A CORRELATE

This study investigated strain-based work-family conflict as correlate of feeling of reduced personal accomplishment among married female teachers with children. A total of 304 female secondary school teachers between the ages of 26 to 54 years (M= 40.37 and SD =4.09) with educational qualifications ranging from National Certification of Education to Masters of Education Degree were drawn from 24 Government Secondary Schools within Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State in the South-eastern part of Nigeria using criterion sampling technique. A 6-item strain-based work interference with family and 4-item strain-based family interference with work scales drawn from Okonkwo (2011) 32-item Work-Family Conflict Scale, and 8-item feeling of reduced personal accomplishment scale drawn from Maslach and Jackson (1986) 22-item Burnout Inventory were administered. Correlational design was used. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used as statistical test for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between strain-based work interference with family and feeling of reduced personal accomplishment, r (302) = 0.18, p <. 01. Also, a significant positive relationship between family interference with work and feeling of reduced personal accomplishment, r (302) = 0.14, p <. 01.
DBSCALE: An efficient density-based clustering algorithm for data mining in large databases

This work presents a novel clustering algorithm that incorporates neighbor searching and expansion seed selection into a density-based clustering algorithm. Data Points that have been clustered need not be input again when searching for neighborhood data points, and the algorithm redefines eight Marked Boundary Objects to add expansion seeds according to far centrifugal force, which increases coverage. Experimental results indicate that the proposed DBSCALE has a lower execution time cost than DBSCAN, mBSCAN and KIDBSCAN clustering algorithms. DBSCALE has a maximum deviation in clustering correctness rate of 0.29%, and a maximum deviation in noise data clustering rate of 0.14%.
A hybrid Quantum Estimation of Distribution Algorithm (Q-EDA) for Flow-Shop Scheduling

Intrinsically, the Permutation Flow-Shop Scheduling Problem (PFSSP) is a typical combinatorial optimization problem. It encompasses a strong scientific and engineering background and remains a NP-hard problem over decades. Scheduling and sequencing have played a vital role and had massive applications in modern industries and manufacturing systems. Therefore in order to improve and enhance the performance and efficiency of industrial manufacturing systems in present competitive era, it is worthwhile to develop effective scheduling techniques and approaches. In this paper, a hybrid approach is proposed which is based on standard Quantum Genetic Algorithm (QGA) and Estimation of Distribution Algorithm (EDA), aiming at permutation flow-shop scheduling problems (PFSSP). The quantum population is merged with population produced by EDA with a comparative criterion to ensure that the best individual will remain from both populations. The EDA is integrated with standard QGA to produced fitter populations and guide QGA to find promising solution space. Utilizing the advantages of both algorithms, a faster and efficient algorithm is developed, which has produced better results than previous similar approaches for medium scale problems.
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Empirically Derived Decision Trees for the Treatment of Late-Life Depression

Objective:Several predictors of treatment response in late-life depression have been reported in the literature. The aim of this analysis was to develop a clinically useful algorithm that would allow clinicians to predict which patients will likely respond to treatment and thereby guide clinical decision making. Method: A total of 461 patients with late-life depression were treated under structured conditions for up to 12 weeks and assessed weekly with the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17). The authors developed a hierarchy of predictors of treatment response using signal-detection theory. The authors developed two models, one minimizing false predictions of future response and one minimizing false predictions of future nonresponse, to offer clinicians two clinically useful treatment algorithms. Results: In the first model, early symptom improvement (defined by the relative change in HAM-D-17 total score from baseline to week 4), lower baseline anxiety, and an older age of onset pred.
A REVIEW ON OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualized behaviours. It is a good example for neuropsychiatric disorder. It can vary from mild to severe forms. There is no known specific cause for OCD. However, genes and chemical imbalances in the brain may contribute to the illness. Symptoms include obsessions and compulsions, sometimes any one or other. It can be treated by pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and finally by using psychosurgery. In the future we can expect the exact origin of this disorder.
Telomere Attrition Due to Infection

Background Telomeres–the terminal caps of chromosomes–become shorter as individuals age, and there is much interest in determining what causes telomere attrition since this process may play a role in biological aging. The leading hypothesis is that telomere attrition is due to inflammation, exposure to infectious agents, and other types of oxidative stress, which damage telomeres and impair their repair mechanisms. Several lines of evidence support this hypothesis, including observational findings that people exposed to infectious diseases have shorter telomeres. Experimental tests are still needed, however, to distinguish whether infectious diseases actually cause telomere attrition or whether telomere attrition increases susceptibility to infection. Experiments are also needed to determine whether telomere erosion reduces longevity. Methodology/Principal Findings We experimentally tested whether repeated exposure to an infectious agent, Salmonella enterica, causes telomere attrition in wild-derived house mice (Mus musculus musculus). We repeatedly infected mice with a genetically diverse cocktail of five different S. enterica strains over seven months, and compared changes in telomere length with sham-infected sibling controls. We measured changes in telomere length of white blood cells (WBC) after five infections using a real-time PCR method. Our results show that repeated Salmonella infections cause telomere attrition in WBCs, and particularly for males, which appeared less disease resistant than females. Interestingly, we also found that individuals having long WBC telomeres at early age were relatively disease resistant during later life. Finally, we found evidence that more rapid telomere attrition increases mortality risk, although this trend was not significant. Conclusions/Significance Our results indicate that infectious diseases can cause telomere attrition, and support the idea that telomere length could provide a molecular biomarker for assessing exposure and ability to cope with infectious diseases.