Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INTEGRATING SCIENCE INTO THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM: DO SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE TEACHERS AGREE?

Agriculture teachers and science teachers who taught in a high school with an agricultural education program were targeted for this study to determine and compare their perceptions of integrating science into agricultural education programs. The data indicate that while both groups have responded positively to the call to integrate science into the agricultural education curriculum, some differences in attitudes do exist. A majority of the teachers indicated that teacher preparation programs should provide instruction on how to integrate science both at the preservice and inservice levels. More agriculture teachers were in agreement than science teachers that integrating science would help agriculture programs meet state standards and help students meet requirements for state standards. Although a majority of science teachers agreed, a significantly greater number of agriculture teachers agreed that students will be better prepared for standardized testing if they learn science through an agriculture context.
Urban renewal and social development in Morocco in an age of neoliberal government

In this article we argue that Morocco has experienced fundamental political change over the past decades. This transition however cannot be understood in terms provided by the mainstream narratives linking economic liberalisation to democratisation. Rather, transition reflects a shift towards authoritarian modalities of neoliberal government. We focus on how political power has been reconfigured into new forms of ‘hybrid’ government where ‘state’, ‘market’ and ‘civil society’ interact in novel ways, by discussing the political dynamics of high-end urban development and the rationales underpinning social development policies to explain how ‘poor people’ are integrated into the realm of the market.
The p38 Pathway Regulates Oxidative Stress Tolerance by Phosphorylation of Mitochondrial Protein IscU*♦

Background: The p38 pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that responds to a variety of stresses. Results: dIscU can be phosphorylated by dMK2, thereby impacting mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity. Conclusion: Iron-sulfur cluster protein IscU phosphorylation by MK2 downstream of p38 signaling may regulate oxidative stress tolerance. Significance: IscU is a novel substrate of MK2, mechanistically connecting the p38 pathway and mitochondria iron-sulfur clusters for the first time. The p38 pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that responds to a variety of stresses. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that p38b is a major p38 MAPK involved in the regulation of oxidative stress tolerance in addition to p38a and p38c in Drosophila. We further show the importance of MK2 as a p38-activated downstream kinase in resistance to oxidative stresses. Furthermore, we identified the iron-sulfur cluster scaffold protein IscU as a new substrate of MK2 both in Drosophila cells and in mammalian cells. These results imply a new mechanistic connection between the p38 pathway and mitochondria iron-sulfur clusters.
What Determines the Stock Market's Reaction to Monetary Policy Statements?

We find that information communicated through monetary policy statements has important business cycle dependent implications for stock prices. For example, during periods of economic expansion, stocks tend to respond negatively to announcements of higher rates ahead. In recessions, however, we find a strong positive reaction of stocks to seemingly similar signals of future monetary tightening. We provide evidence that the state dependence in the stock market's response is explained by information about the expected equity premium and future corporate cash flows contained in monetary policy statements. We also show state dependence in the average stock returns on days of scheduled FOMC meetings and in the impact of monetary policy statements on stock and bond return volatility.
The force-producing mechanism for centrosome separation during spindle formation in vertebrates is intrinsic to each aster

A popular hypothesis for centrosome separation during spindle formation and anaphase is that pushing forces are generated between interacting microtubules (MTs) of opposite polarity, derived from opposing centrosomes. However, this mechanism is not consistent with the observation that centrosomes in vertebrate cells continue to separate during prometaphase when their MT arrays no longer overlap (i.e., during anaphase-like prometaphase). To evaluate whether centrosome separation during prophase/prometaphase, anaphase-like prometaphase and anaphase is mediated by a common mechanism we compared their behavior in vivo at a high spatial and temporal resolution. We found that the two centrosomes possess a considerable degree of independence throughout all stages of separation, i.e., the direction and migration rate of one centrosome does not impart a predictable behavior to the other, and both exhibit frequent and rapid (4-6 microns/min) displacements toward random points within the cell including the other centrosome. The kinetic behavior of individual centrosomes as they separate to form the spindle is the same whether or not their MT arrays overlap. The characteristics examined include, e.g., total displacement per minute, the vectorial rate of motion toward and away from the other centrosome, the frequency of toward and away motion as well as motion not contributing to separation, and the rate contributed by each centrosome to the separation process. By contrast, when compared with prometaphase, anaphase centrosomes separated at significantly faster rates even though the average vectorial rate of motion away from the other centrosome was the same as in prophase/prometaphase. The difference in separation rates arises because anaphase centrosomes spend less time moving toward one another than in prophase/prometaphase, and at a significantly slower rate. From our data we conclude that the force for centrosome separation during vertebrate spindle formation is not produced by MT-MT interactions between opposing asters, i.e., that the mechanism is intrinsic to each aster. Our results also strongly support the contention that forces generated independently by each aster also contribute substantially to centrosome separation during anaphase, but that the process is modified by interactions between opposing astral MTs in the interzone.
Antibiotic management of sepsis: current concepts.

BACKGROUND The development of guidelines for sepsis management has improved disease survival and reduced treatment costs. Adequate antibiotic therapy is the cornerstone of sepsis treatment. Specific rules should be established in every institution according to its profiles. OBJECTIVES To review the current knowledge about the best drugs to be used as empiric treatment for sepsis based on their clinical efficacy and costs. METHODS Medline 1950 - 2008 was searched using the following terms: sepsis, organ failure, system failure, SIRS, septic shock, antibiotic, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, urosepsis, catheter-related infection, bloodstream, abdominal infection, and surgical wound. RESULTS/CONCLUSION For most septic shock patients, monotherapy is adequate and treatment should be initiated in the first hour after first sepsis-induced organ dysfunction. The drug of choice varies in different situations and choosing the right antibiotic enables better survival, fewer complications and shorter stays in intensive care.
Two Decades of Change in Europe: The Emergence of the Social Investment State

Abstract Since the late 1970s, the developed welfare states of the European Union have been recasting the policy mix on which their systems of social protection were built. They have adopted a new policy orthodoxy that could be summarised as the ‘social investment strategy’. Here we trace its origins and major developments. The shift is characterised by a move away from passive transfers and towards the maximalisation of employability and employment, but there are significant national distinctions and regime specific trajectories. We discuss some caveats, focusing on the question whether the new policy paradigm has been established at the expense of social policies that mitigate poverty and inequality.
Integrating adaptation into policy: upscaling evidence from local to global

Historically, climate change has been viewed as an environmental pollution issue with international agreements narrowly focused on mitigation, while neglecting other responses including adaptation. This article discusses barriers and opportunities for the upscaling of adaptation into the international policy arena. It argues for the development of global adaptation models accounting for actual adaptation actions; for the refinement of processes that lead to adaptation; and for the accumulation of evidence from a growing number of adaptation case studies. A new challenge for adaptation science will be to integrate adaptation into the next phases of mitigation and development policy.
Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3 Reduces Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells

Angiogenesis induced by proangiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key process in the progression and metastasis of gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of VEGF-C/VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR3) axis in cell proliferation and migration/invasion of human gastric cancer cells (hGCCs). VEGF-C did not enhance cell proliferation but increased cell migration/invasion by approximately ∼50% in hGCCs (AGS and SNU-484). MAZ51, a VEGFR3 inhibitor, reduced the VEGF-C-induced increase in migration/invasion by ∼30% (p < 0.05). These results suggest that VEGFR3 could be a therapeutic target for reducing the metastasis of gastric cancer cells.
Outside director‐shareholder agency conflicts: evidence from bank consolidation

Purpose – Takeovers create a potential conflict of interest between target shareholders and directors. While mergers generally create value for the target shareholders, their directors will typically lose their board seats and likely face a financial loss or loss of prestige. The purpose of this paper is to examine evidence to support or refute that directors may act in their own best interests at the expense of shareholders.Design/methodology/approach – The authors reason that if directors act in their own best interests, then acquiring firms will seek targets with older board members who are closer to director retirement and are therefore less reluctant to give up their board seats. The paper uses data of 528 banks between 1999 and 2004 to estimate logistic regressions controlling for variables relevant to takeover probability. In the hypotheses, the authors test for the significance of the average director age on a board.Findings – The paper finds a highly positive significant relation between the aver.
Cbl Controls EGFR Fate by Regulating Early Endosome Fusion

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl mediates the fusion of early endosomes necessary to target EGFR for lysosomal degradation. Cbl and Endosomes The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl causes the mono- and polyubiquitination of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thereby targeting these proteins for degradation in lysosomes. RTK trafficking also depends on the modification of other Cbl-associated proteins at the plasma membrane and in endosomes, but how these work together to control RTK trafficking is not well understood. Critical to the ubiquitination function of Cbl is the really interesting new gene (RING) finger (RF) tail region, which prompted Visser Smit et al. to investigate the effects of single substitution mutants in this region of Cbl on the ubiquitination, down-regulation, and degradation of EGFR. They found that individual amino acid residues in the RF tail contributed differently to these processes and that Cbl played a role in EGFR internalization independently of its ability to ubiquitinate the receptor. In particular, Cbl was required for the fusion of early endosomes that trafficked EGFR to lysosomes, which depended, in part, on Hrs, a regulator of EGFR trafficking. Given the role of Cbl in mediating the down-regulation of multiple RTKs, its ability to control endosomal maturation may have general implications for controlling RTK activity. Amino acid residues 1 to 434 of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl control signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by enhancing its ubiquitination, down-regulation, and lysosomal degradation. This region of Cbl comprises a tyrosine kinase–binding domain, a linker region, a really interesting new gene finger (RF), and a subset of the residues of the RF tail. In experiments with full-length alanine substitution mutants, we demonstrated that the RF tail of Cbl regulated biochemically distinct checkpoints in the endocytosis of EGFR. The Cbl- and ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the regulator of internalization hSprouty2 was compromised by the Val431→ Ala mutation, whereas the Cbl- and EGFR-dependent dephosphorylation or degradation of the endosomal trafficking regulator Hrs was compromised by the Phe434→ Ala mutation. Deregulated phosphorylation of Hrs correlated with inhibition of the fusion of early endosomes and of the degradation of EGFR. This study provides the first evidence that Cbl regulates receptor fate by controlling the fusion of sorting endosomes. We postulate that it does so by modulating the abundance of tyrosine-phosphorylated Hrs.
Comment on Forward Markets, Stock Markets, and the Theory of the Firm

In a recent article, MacMinn [5] argues that the presence of forward markets eliminates the incentives of the firm's manager to choose production levels that maximize firm value. In this comment, we show that his results do not depend on the presence of forward markets. The critical assumptions are that the manager is endowed with money rather than stock in the firm and that there is no competitive labor market for managers. In addition, his results require time-inconsistent behavior on the part of the firm's manager.
An exploratory study of women club members’ experiences with an NFL franchise brand extension

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to arrive at a better understanding of the experiences of the women who comprise a distinct National Football League (NFL) women’s only fan club. Design/methodology/approach – A semi-structured focus group interview was conducted and analyzed using margin coding for a NFL fan club. The focus group data were triangulated with secondary sources such as participant observation, field notes, and documents (e.g. web site and written documents from fan club). Findings – The data analysis revealed the following eight themes: philanthropy, team affiliation, events, social media, brand elements, fan identity, apparel, perks. Research limitations/implications – The paper examines the experiences of women fan club members, which could potentially provide the franchise with insights on how to enhance the member experience. While the present study represents only one case, the researchers believe there are key factors to call attention to for NFL marketers considering a brand ext.
Postsecondary Educational Access for Undocumented Students: Opportunities and Constraints

Introduction Each year, U.S. high schools graduate an estimated 65,000 undocumented students, of whom only 5 percent ever attend college. For most undocumented immigrants, the major barriers to postsecondary access are both financial and legal. For instance, 39 percent of undocumented children live below the federal poverty level (compared to 17 percent of native-born children) while the average income of an undocumented immigrant’s family is 40 percent lower than that of either native-born families or legal immigrant families. Although states are required to provide undocumented students access to free public K-12 education, once they reach college age such students are in some respects abandoned by the public educational system. For instance, even if an undocumented student was brought by his/her parents to the United States as a young child, graduated from a U.S. high school, and is accepted to a public college or university, in 40 states that student is required to pay non-resident or out-of-state tuition, which costs an average 140 percent more than resident tuition. Equally, under federal law these same undocumented students are prohibited from receiving federal financial aid for their education. This prohibition, which applies to undocumented students but not to their counterpart non-citizens who are legal permanent residents, prevents undocumented students from receiving Pell Grants and participating in federally funded work study programs. Furthermore, even if they could afford to attend college or university, such students’ undocumented status means they cannot legally work after graduation under current law. This is another restriction that distinguishes undocumented students from their counterpart documented non-citizens, who may obtain permission to work legally in the United States.
Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Patients with De Novo, Drug Naïve Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Objective Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is reported to be neuroprotective in the setting of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and there is increasing interest in the possible association of serum IGF-1 levels with PD patients, but with conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of serum IGF-1 levels in de novo, drug naïve PD patients compared with healthy controls. Methods Pubmed, ISI Web of Science, OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases from 1966 to October 2014 were utilized to identify candidate studies using Medical Subjective Headings without language restriction. A random-effects model was chosen, with subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis conducted to reveal underlying heterogeneity among the included studies. Results In this meta-analysis, we found that PD patients had higher serum IGF-1 levels compared with healthy controls (summary mean difference [MD] = 17.75, 95%CI = 6.01, 29.48). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the source of heterogeneity was population differences within the total group. Sensitivity analysis showed that the combined MD was consistent at any time omitting any one study. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that serum IGF-1 levels were significantly higher in de novo, drug-naïve PD patients compared with healthy controls. Nevertheless, additional endeavors are required to further explore the association between serum IGF-1 levels and diagnosis, prognosis and early therapy for PD.
Implications of B2B marketplace to supply chain development

This paper illustrates recent development of the fast advancing B2B marketplace and its impact on changing the business environment as a whole. By recognising the need to adapt to a new form of inter-organisational relationships, the issues of supply chain development, in particular, have been specifically brought to a focal point of discussion. It then moves on to identify and evaluate the benefits and challenges that face the supply chain development process, emphasising primarily on the emerging B2B marketplace’s impact on supplier relationship, business competitiveness, responsiveness to the market needs and across tiers information sharing. Views on the formulation of new supply chain strategy and operational tactics have also been argued in an attempt to explore alternatives
Medication non-adherence in adult patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease: a critical review and update of the determining factors, consequences and possible interventions

ABSTRACT Introduction: Achieving adherence to medications can be a serious challenge for patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Medical treatment is fundamental for inducing and maintaining remission, preventing flares and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Non-adherence may affect patients’ quality of life resulting in unfavourable treatment outcomes, more hospitalizations and higher healthcare-related costs. Recognising and improving adherence is therefore a primary aim for the treatment of IBD. Areas covered: We critically discuss the current knowledge on medication non-adherence in adult patients affected by IBD, also mentioning a few issues concerning the paediatric and adolescent populations. In particular, we reviewed the literature focusing on the definition and detection of non-adherence, on its extent and on the possible non-modifiable and modifiable factors involved (patient-centred, therapy-related, disease-related and physician-related). Furthermore, we analysed the interventional studies performed so far. The literature review was conducted through PubMed addressing medication non-adherence in IBD, using the keywords ‘adherence’ and related terms and ‘IBD, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease’. Expert commentary: Adherence to therapy for IBD is a complex yet fundamental issue that cannot be solved by addressing a single aspect only. Future studies should focus on patient-tailored and multidimensional interventions.
Negative inotropic effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta are ameliorated by alfentanil in rat ventricular myocytes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) increase during an inflammatory response and have been reported to induce a negative inotropic effect on the myocardium. Alfentanil, an opioid analgesic often used in the critical care of patients with sepsis, has been shown to enhance ventricular contractility. This study characterised the effects of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta on contraction and the Ca(2+) transient and investigated whether depressed ventricular function was ameliorated by alfentanil. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Isolated rat ventricular myocytes were loaded with fura-2 and electrically stimulated at 1 Hz. Contraction and Ca(2+) transients were measured after 60, 120 and 180 min incubations in TNF-alpha (0.05 ng ml(-1)) and IL-1beta (2 ng ml(-1)). The effects of 10 microM alfentanil on contractility and Ca(2+) transients of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta treated cells were determined. KEY RESULTS After 180 min of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta treatment, the amplitude of contraction, the Ca(2+) transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content were significantly reduced. Alfentanil significantly increased contraction of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta treated cells via a small increase in the Ca(2+) transient and a larger increase in myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity, effects that were not blocked by 10 microM naloxone, a broad spectrum opioid receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS TNF-alpha and IL-1beta induce a significant negative inotropic effect on ventricular myocytes in a time dependent manner through disruption of SR Ca(2+) handling and the Ca(2+) transient. This negative inotropic effect was ameliorated by alfentanil, but this response may not be mediated via opioid receptors.
Changing a Decision Taken under Uncertainty: The Case of the Criminal's Location Choice

In this paper we analyse the allocation of criminal activity over the metropolitan area over time. At each period of time, the criminal must choose in which area to commit his/her next offence. The criminal's expectations regarding his/her utility as a function of the probability to be apprehended are updated in the process of work. We find general conditions, under which the criminal determines his optimal location strategy. A direct policy implication of our model suggests that spillover effect is the result of changing police activities.