Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TLR9 is up-regulated in human and murine NASH: pivotal role in inflammatory recruitment and cell survival.

Background and aims: TLR9 deletion protects against steatohepatitis due to choline-amino acid depletion and high-fat diet. We measured TLR9 in human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) livers, and tested whether TLR9 mediates inflammatory recruitment in three murine models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: We assayed TLR mRNA in liver biopsies from bariatric surgery patients. Wild-type (Wt), appetite-dysregulated Alms1 mutant (foz/foz), Tlr9-/-, and Tlr9-/-foz/foz C57BL6/J mice and bone marrow (BM) chimeras were fed 0.2% cholesterol, high-fat, high sucrose (atherogenic[Ath]) diet or chow, and NAFLD activity score (NAS)/NASH pathology, macrophage/neutrophil infiltration, cytokines/chemokines, and cell death markers measured in livers. Results: Hepatic TLR9 and TLR4 mRNA were increased in human NASH but not simple steatosis, and in Ath-fed foz/foz mice with metabolic syndrome-related NASH. Ath-fed Tlr9-/- mice showed simple steatosis and less Th1 cytokines than Wt. Tlr9-/-foz/foz mice were obese and diabetic, but necroinflammatory changes were less severe than Tlr9+/+. foz/foz mice. TLR9-expressing myeloid cells were critical for Th1 cytokine production in BM chimeras. BM macrophages from Tlr9-/- mice showed M2 polarization, were resistant to M1 activation by necrotic hepatocytes/other pro-inflammatory triggers, and provoked less neutrophil chemotaxis than Wt Livers from Ath-fed Tlr9-/- mice appeared to exhibit more markers of necroptosis [receptor interacting protein kinase (RIP)-1, RIP-3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)] than Wt, and ∼25% showed portal foci of mononuclear cells unrelated to NASH pathology. CONCLUSION Our novel clinical data and studies in overnutrition models, including those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, clarify TLR9 as a pro-inflammatory trigger in NASH. This response is mediated via M1-macrophages and neutrophil chemotaxis.
An institutional analysis of academic talent management in Malawian universities.

This thesis presents an institutional analysis of academic talent management (TM) in Malawian universities. Through this analysis, the thesis adds to our understanding of why organisations adopt (or fail to adopt) TM practices. In particular, the thesis stretches the boundaries of the use of institutional theory in TM studies. It does this by incorporating the role of institutional logics because isomorphic pressures alone do not adequately explain an organisation’s actions and decisions on TM. Using the unique context of Malawi’s higher education (HE) sector which comprises public, religious and private universities, the study has found that institutional logics combine with isomorphic pressures to explain why organisations within the same context may adopt different TM approaches. In addition to the above the thesis addresses the dearth of empirical studies on academic TM in Africa since TM discourse and practices are shaped by USA and European perspectives. A qualitative method is adopted for data collection. Data processing and organisation is done in NVivo while template analysis is employed to make sense of the data. The findings are based on three case studies: public, religious and private universities. Evidence from the cases supports the contextual nature of TM by linking adoption of a particular talent strategy to specific institutional logics and specific pressures faced by differently owned universities. Although it is clear from the cases that TM is not fully developed and entrenched in Malawi’s universities, the level of development and application of practices is influenced by each university’s unique circumstances. It is therefore possible for organisations within the same sector to respond differently and reject the need to appear homogeneous. Specifically, organisations can display diversity in approach, following institutional logics, to the application of TM practices despite the taken-for-granted notion that organisations that share the same context tend to look more similar and adopt similar practices. While TM studies have been dominated by USA and European ideas particularly those in business organisations, the contribution of this research is that it fills a specific literature gap and adds its voice to the debate on the contextual nature of TM practices as well as the extent to which isomorphic pressures explain adoption of TM practices. It contends that isomorphic pressures alone do not adequately explain an organisation’s decisions and actions regarding TM practices.
Influence of Particle Size on the Distributions of Liposomes to Atherosclerotic Lesions in Mice

ABSTRACT In order to confirm the efficacy of liposomes as a drug carrier for atherosclerotic therapy, the influence of particle size on the distribution of liposomes to atherosclerotic lesions in mice was investigated. In brief, liposomes of three different particle sizes (500, 200, and 70 nm) were prepared, and the uptake of liposomes by the macrophages and foam cells in vitro and the biodistributions of liposomes administered intravenously to atherogenic mice in vivo were examined. The uptake by the macrophages and foam cells increased with the increase in particle size. Although the elimination rate from the blood circulation and the hepatic and splenic distribution increased with the increase in particle size in atherogenic mice, the aortic distribution was independent of the particle size. The aortic distribution of 200 nm liposomes was the highest in comparison with the other sizes. Surprisingly, the aortic distribution of liposomes in vivo did not correspond with the uptake by macrophages and foam cells in vitro. These results suggest that there is an optimal size for the distribution of liposomes to atherosclerotic lesions.
Design of a broadband dipole in close proximity to an EBG ground plane

One of the known advantages of an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) ground plane is the fact that a straight-wire dipole can be located parallel and in very close proximity to the ground plane. For such a structure and geometry, a reasonable impedance match to 50 n) can be achieved with more bandwidth than when the dipole is located in close proximity to a PEC ground plane. However, in addition to impedance, radiation-pattern properties must be considered when evaluating the antenna's overall performance and usable bandwidth. Here, we consider the performance properties of a folded bowtie dipole element in close proximity to an EBG ground plane, with emphasis on examining the bandwidth and pattern characteristics. We demonstrate that a dipole element can be designed to exhibit a matched input impedance over approximately a 1.4:1 bandwidth with respect to a 50 n characteristic impedance, when located in close proximity to the EBG ground plane. While the shape of the radiation pattern of the antenna remains relatively unchanged over much of this operating bandwidth, we show that the usable bandwidth of the antenna-EBG combination is limited to approximately 1.5:1, due to pattern degradation at both the lower and upper frequencies. Details of the design approach and feed structure used to match the impedance of the dipole to 50 fl are discussed. Finally, we show that with this element design, the reflection phase bandwidth of the EBG ground plan-e does not limit the matched impedance bandwidth of the antenna. A -portion of ,t ,he work detailed here was presented at the 2005 Antenna Applications Symposium.
A New Look at the Psychometric Paradigm of Perception of Hazards

The psychometric paradigm has been the most influential model in the field of risk analysis. The “cognitive maps” of hazards produced by the paradigm seem to explain how laypeople perceive the various risks they face. Because most of the studies used aggregated data, analyzed using principal component analysis, it is not known whether the model neglects individual differences in risk perception. There has been much criticism on the fact that few studies have examined individual differences in the cognitive representation of hazards. In order to detect and describe the internal structure of the three‐way data, we conducted a three‐way component analysis (3MPCA). Data for the present analysis were derived from a mail survey conducted in Switzerland. Participants were asked to judge 9 attributes for 26 hazards. Individual differences in the cognitive representation of hazards were correlated with external variables (e.g., general trust). The results suggest that methods permitting individual differences should be used more frequently and that utilizing different methods could provide greater insight into the cognitive representation of risks.
Allergic skin disease: investigation of both immediate‐ and delayed‐type hypersensitivity is essential

Background In our clinic we routinely patch test patients referred from occupational health for the investigation of latex contact urticaria. We also undertake both patch and prick testing (where indicated) in patients referred with persistent dermatitis/eczema. If investigation of allergic skin disease is undertaken by a non‐dermatologist, it is unlikely that patch testing will be performed.
Identifying the efferent projections of leptin‐responsive neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus using a novel conditional tracing approach

Tracing the axonal projections of selected neurons is labor intensive and inherently limited by currently available neuroanatomical methods. We developed an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) that can be used for efficiently tracing identified neuronal populations. The virus encodes a humanized Renilla green fluorescent protein (hrGFP) that is transcriptionally silenced by a neo cassette flanked by LoxH/LoxP sites (AAV‐lox‐Stop‐hrGFP). Thus, hrGFP is expressed only in neurons with Cre recombinase activity. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, the virus was injected unilaterally into the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) of mice that express Cre in neurons expressing the leptin receptor. Animals with DMH injections showed robust hrGFP expression in DMH neurons, as visualized by its endogenous fluorescence or following immunolabeling. We found that hrGFP was expressed in approximately one‐third to one‐half of Cre‐expressing neurons at the site of injection, but not in non‐Cre‐expressing neurons. The expression of GFP allowed us to identify the projection fields of DMH leptin‐responsive neurons. Our results show hrGFP‐positive axonal projections and terminals in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, arcuate nucleus, preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, paraventricular thalamus, periaqueductal gray, and precoeruleus. The aforementioned pattern of projections was similar to DMH projections determined by injections of biotinylated dextran amine in the mouse DMH. Interestingly, some hrGFP‐positive terminals were seen contacting the ependymal layer of the third and fourth ventricles. In summary, this approach is an effective tool for tracing axonal projections of chemically identified neurons, including leptin‐responsive neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:2090–2108, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
When Suffering Begets Suffering

Inter-group competitive victimhood (CV) describes the efforts of members of groups involved in violent conflicts to establish that their group has suffered more than their adversarial group. Such efforts contribute to conflicts’ escalation and impede their peaceful resolution. CV stems from groups’ general tendency to compete with each other, along with the deep sense of victimization resulting from conflicts. The authors point to biases that contribute to groups’ engagement in CV, describe five dimensions of victimhood over which groups may compete, and contend that such competition serves various functions that contribute to the maintenance of conflicts. Drawing on the Needs-Based Model, they suggest that CV may reflect groups’ motivations to restore power or moral acceptance. They then review evidence of the negative consequences of CV for inter-group forgiveness and suggest potential strategies to reduce CV. Finally, the authors discuss potential moderators and directions for future research.
Sports and Physical Activities as Agents of Controlling Social Delinquencies among the Children and Youth (An Approach to Available Literature)

There goes a maxim, an empty mind is a devil’s workshop, it means that when you have nothing to do you are likely to indulge in negatives activities which are seldom approved of by the society. These negatives activities are labeled as a social delinquent behavior. This delinquent behavior can best be controlled by sports. In this article, an attempt is made to review the empirical evidence regarding the role of sports in controlling social delinquencies among the youth. Focusing on the role of sports in controlling the social delinquencies among the youth, 25 research articles written by various researchers from 2001 to 2016 were perused and it was concluded that sports is the basic tool for promoting socialization and reducing the social delinquent behaviors among the youth.
China's Impact on Mongolian Exchange Rate

This paper studies the factors that maintain a long-run equilibrium, short-run impact and causality with the exchange rate of Mongolia over China to shed light on exchange rate determination. Our cointegration analysis shows that in the long run the gross domestic products (GDP) of China and the index of world price have significantly positive effects while Mongolia’s GDP and the Shanghai stock index have significantly negative effects on Mongolian exchange rate. We reveal existence of the short run dynamic interaction and strongly significant multivariate linear and nonlinear causality from all the explanatory variables to Mongolian exchange rate. In addition, we observe that there is strong linear causality from each of GDPs of Mongolia and China and the index of world price to Mongolian exchange rate, but not from the index of world price. Moreover, there is strongly significant nonlinear causality from the Shanghai stock index to Mongolian exchange rate and weakly significant nonlinear causalities from both GDP of China and the index of world price to Mongolian exchange rate but not from Mongolia’s GDP. Our findings are useful to investors, manufacturers and traders for their investment decision making and policy makers for their decisions on both monetary and fiscal policies that could affect Mongolian exchange rate.
Risk factors, pre-morbid functioning and episode correlates of neurological soft signs in drug-naive patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

Background There is a lack of consistent evidence regarding associations of neurological soft signs (NSS) with illness-related variables in schizophrenia. This study examined NSS in first-episode psychotic patients with respect to their factor structure and associations with risk factors, pre-morbid characteristics, psychopathology and spontaneous extrapyramidal syndromes. Method First-episode, drug-naive patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n=177) were assessed for NSS using the Neurological Evaluation Scale, and its 26 constituting items were factor analysed. The identified neurological dimensions were then entered into hierarchical regression models as outcome dependent variables of a set of predictors including risk factors (familial loading for schizophrenia, obstetric complications), pre-morbid characteristics (neurodevelopmental delay, symptoms of attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder, pre-morbid functioning), psychopathological domains (reality distortion, disorganization, negative symptoms, mania, depression, catatonia) and spontaneous extrapyramidal syndromes (parkinsonism, dyskinesia, akathisia). Results Five neurological domains were identified: sequencing, release signs, sensory integration, abnormal movements and coordination. Multivariate analyses showed independent associations (p<0.01) of sequencing with familial liability to schizophrenia, deterioration of pre-morbid adjustment and parkinsonism; release signs with obstetric complications, catatonic symptoms and parkinsonism; sensory integration with familial liability to schizophrenia; abnormal movements with familial liability to schizophrenia, obstetric complications, parkinsonism and dyskinesia; and coordination with neurodevelopmental delay. The empirically derived factors explained additional variance over and above that explained by subscale scores across the examined variables. Conclusions Familial liability to schizophrenia, obstetric complications, neurodevelopmental delay, deterioration in pre-morbid functioning and observable motor disorders appear to contribute independently to domains of neurological dysfunction. The findings support a neurodevelopmental model of NSS in schizophrenia.
Protease-Activated Receptor-2 Deficiency Attenuates Atherosclerotic Lesion Progression and Instability in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the process of atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture. Accumulating evidence suggests that protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 contributes to the pathophysiology of chronic inflammation on the vasculature. To directly examine the role of PAR-2 in atherosclerosis, we generated apolipoprotein E/PAR-2 double-deficient mice. Mice were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks starting at ages of 6 weeks. PAR-2 deficiency attenuated atherosclerotic lesion progression with reduced total lesion area, reduced percentage of stenosis and reduced total necrotic core area. PAR-2 deficiency increased fibrous cap thickness and collagen content of plaque. Moreover, PAR-2 deficiency decreased smooth muscle cell content, macrophage accumulation, matrix metallopeptidase-9 expression and neovascularization in plaque. Relative quantitative PCR assay using thoracic aorta revealed that PAR-2 deficiency reduced mRNA expression of inflammatory molecules, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. In vitro experiment, we found that PAR-2 deficiency reduced mRNA expression of interferon-γ, interleukin-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 in macrophage under unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated conditions. These results suggest that PAR-2 deficiency attenuates the progression and instability of atherosclerotic plaque.
Perfluorocarbon Improves Post-Transplant Survival and Early Kidney Function following Prolonged Cold Ischemia

Background: The two-layer organ preservation method (TLM) based on oxygenated perfluorocarbon overlaid with University of Wisconsin (UW) solution has been successfully used in clinical islet and experimental heart and intestine transplantation. We tested whether this technique would prevent tissue damage and improve kidney function in a model of syngeneic kidney transplantation with prolonged ischemia time. Methods: Kidneys were stored for 24 h either in UW solution (n = 16), with TLM (n = 16) or transplanted immediately (control group, n = 12). In half of the animals, survival was observed and in the other animals grafts were procured for semiquantitative histological scoring and TUNEL apoptosis assessment 24 h after transplantation. Results: One-month survival rates in the UW, TLM and control groups were 12.5, 62.5 and 100%, respectively (UW vs. TLM, p < 0.01). Median creatinine levels 24 h after transplantation were 381, 299 and 121 µM, respectively (UW vs. TLM, p < 0.02). Histological scoring showed more severe tissue damage in the UW group than in the TLM group (p < 0.05). Apoptosis was more frequent in the UW group than in the TLM group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that conservation with TLM significantly improves the outcome of kidney transplantation in a rat model and should therefore be further studied in larger animals.
Perceptions of Adolescents Suspended for School Drug Abuse

Perceptions of Adolescents Suspended for School Drug Abuse by Katherine Bomba-Edgerton Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy General Psychology, Education Track Walden University July 2017 Abstract School drug use has been attributed to the annual suspension of thousands of secondary adolescents, subsequently contributing to poor academics, low graduation rates, and continued school drug use. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of former adolescents who engaged in school drug use. Social learning theory suggests that behaviors observed from within the environment may later beSchool drug use has been attributed to the annual suspension of thousands of secondary adolescents, subsequently contributing to poor academics, low graduation rates, and continued school drug use. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of former adolescents who engaged in school drug use. Social learning theory suggests that behaviors observed from within the environment may later be modeled. Using Bandura’s social learning theory, 10 participants, 18 years old and older responded to open-ended questions about how they processed school drug use. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the responses to the open-ended questions were coded and analyzed. Bandura’s social learning theory supports the key findings. Findings indicated that former students reported being influenced by their environment and others around them, such as friends. Additional findings from the study suggest that boredom was another reason students engaged in school drug use. While a few students enrolled in a new school after being suspended for school drug use, the findings suggest that out-ofschool suspensions are not meaningful to students. After returning to school from their suspension, students felt behind in their school work. Implications for social change include understanding potential influences of school drug use on students and their environment. This understanding can benefit schools, parents, and the community through interventions and proactive measures that target school drug use among
CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms in Tunisian patients with Graves' disease.

Graves' disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder of multifactorial etiology with a polygenic mode of inheritance. A recent report has demonstrated that there is a linkage and an association between the genetic markers of the CTLA-4 gene on chromosome 2q33 and GD. In order to confirm this association in a Tunisian population, three polymorphisms of the CTLA-4 gene were analyzed: the first is at the -318 position from the ATG start codon consisting of a C/T change; the second is in position 49 of exon 1, which lies in the A/G transition; and the third is in the 3' untranslated region with variant lengths of the dinucleotide (AT)n repeat. The genomic DNA from 144 patients with GD and 205 healthy individuals was genotyped after specific polymerase chain reaction amplification. Comparative analysis using a chi(2) test showed a weak yet significant difference in allele frequencies of the A/G dimorphic marker between patients and controls (P < 0.05), and a significant increase of A/A homozygous individuals among patients (21.53 vs 12.7%, P = 0.02, odds ratio (OR) = 1.89) was found. Analyses of CTLA-4 A/G polymorphism with respect to sex showed a significant difference in A/A genotypes between female patients and controls (OR = 2.14; 95%, 1.13 < OR < 4.04, P < 0.05). The distribution of CTLA-4 (AT)n allele frequencies differed between patients and controls (chi(2) = 38.18, 20 degrees of freedom, P = 0.0084) and the highest OR was found with the CTLA-4 (AT)-224-bp allele (OR = 6.43, 1.7 < OR < 28.64; P = 0.001). In conclusion, these results show that the CTLA-4 gene, or one closely associated with it, confers susceptibility to GD in a Tunisian population.