Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long‐duration effect and the postsynaptic compartment: Study using a dopamine agonist with a short half‐life

A possible reason why levodopa induces a sustained, stable motor benefit during the first months to years of therapy may be its long duration of action. This long‐duration effect may be due either to a presynaptic storage mechanism or to postsynaptic pharmacodynamic changes. We previously reported that the dopamine agonist ropinirole induced a long‐duration response (LDR) in levodopa‐naive patients with Parkinson's disease. In this study, we investigated motor responses to the short half‐life dopamine agonist lisuride in a group of levodopa naive parkinsonian patients. Once lisuride reached its maximum effect, it was substituted, in randomized order, with placebo. Neither investigators nor patients knew when the active drug was switched to placebo. When patients were switched from lisuride to placebo, their Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores and tapping test and screw scores declined to baseline values within a mean 9.0 ± 1.9 days. The results confirmed that, like ropinirole and levodopa, the short‐acting dopamine agonist lisuride induces a long‐duration response, probably due to postsynaptic changes. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
A COMMON FIXED POINT THEOREM IN NON- ARCHIMEDEAN MENGER PM-SPACE

M. Alamgir Khan Department of Mathematics, Eritrea Institute of Technology Asmara, Eritrea (N. E. Africa) alam3333@gmail.com Abstract. The aim of this paper is to prove a related common fixed point theorem for four mappings in two complete non-Archimedean Menger PM-spaces which extends and generalizes the result of Fisher [1, 2] , Jain et al. [4] , Nesic [5] and Popa [6]. Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H10, 54H25
Effect of Intraarticular Corticosteroid Foot Injections on Walking Function in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

To evaluate gait dynamics and self‐reported foot‐related disability before and after treatment with intraarticular corticosteroid injections (IACI) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and foot involvement, and determined whether children with polyarticular and oligoarticular disease responded similarly to IACI treatment.
Pimpinella anisum in modifying the quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the effects of anise on quality of life (QOL) of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 180 patients attending the gastroenterology clinic, 107 ones with the diagnosis of postprandial distress syndrome according to Rome III criteria were enrolled. They were randomized into two groups, anise and placebo. Anise group involved 47 patients and received anise powders, 3 g after each meal (3 times/day) for 4 weeks. Control group had 60 patients who received placebo powders (cornstarch), 3 g after each meal (3 times/day) for 4 weeks. The QOL was assessed by short-form (SF)-36 questionnaire. Mean scores of eight health domains of the two groups were compared at baseline and at the end of study. RESULTS The age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, tea and coffee drinking patterns of the two groups were not significantly different. All domains of SF-36 were similar between the two groups at baseline but were significantly different at week 12. At baseline, mean score of physical component summary was 159 in placebo group and 167 in anise group (P = 0.1). At week 12, the score was 141 in placebo group and 251 in anise group (P = 0.0001). Mean baseline score of mental component summary was 172 and 165 in placebo and anise groups, respectively (P = 0.1). At week 12, the score was 135 in placebo group and 233 in anise group (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION The current study revealed the effectiveness of anise in improvement of QOL in patients with FD.
Genetic evolution of enterovirus 71: epidemiological and pathological implications

Since its discovery in the 1970s, enterovirus 71 (EV71) has become one of the most pathogenic enterovirus serotypes causing recurrent outbreaks in different parts of the world. Three waves of outbreaks globally have been recorded over the last three decades and more recently active circulation of EV71 is evident amongst countries in South East Asia and beyond. There is evidence of a continuous evolution in its genetic make up which is likely to impact on its epidemiology and pathological potential. This review examines the molecular genetics and evolution of EV71 in relation to its epidemiological and pathological properties. A thorough understanding of the relationship between the genetic changes and the resulting host–virus interaction is essential for successful control. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust Multi-Modal Cues for Dyadic Human Interaction Recognition

Activity analysis methods usually tend to focus on elementary human actions but ignore to analyze complex scenarios. In this paper, we focus particularly on classifying interactions between two persons in a supervised fashion. We propose a robust multi-modal proxemic descriptor based on 3D joint locations, depth and color videos. The proposed descriptor incorporates inter-person and intra-person joint distances calculated from 3D skeleton data and multi-frame dense optical flow features obtained from the application of temporal Convolutional neural networks (CNN) on depth and color images. The descriptors from the three modalities are derived from sparse key-frames surrounding high activity content and fused using a linear SVM classifier. Through experiments on two publicly available RGB-D interaction datasets, we show that our method can efficiently classify complex interactions using only short video snippet, outperforming existing state-of-the-art results.
Disclosure processes in children and adolescents: Intimacy and self-disclosure in friendships

Intimacy and self-disclosure are important features of friendships in child hood and adolescence. Most theorists and researchers have considered the two features to be highly related, if not synonymous. Sullivan (1953), one of the first theorists to emphasize the importance of intimate friendships, argued that the emergence of such friendships during later childhood has a powerful influence on personality development. He defined intimacy as “closeness, without specifying that which is close other than the persons” (1953, p. 246). Sullivan further suggested that intimacy was partly the result of self-disclosure. Also, he argued that self-disclosure to friends has positive effects on children's personalities. For example, he proposed that conversations with friends help children gain a better understanding of themselves and other people. More generally, Sullivan assumed that intimate friendships involving frequent self-disclosure have positive effects on children's social development. Most researchers who explore adults' relationships agree with Sullivan that intimacy and self-disclosure are closely related and have positive effects on individuals. Clark and Reis (1988), for example, defined intimacy as “a process in which one person expresses important self-relevant feelings and information to another, and as a result of the other's response comes to feel known, validated (i.e., obtains confirmation of his or her world view and personal worth), and cared for” (1988, p. 628).
Serving Latino Farmworker Students in Michigan Summer Migrant Programs: Directors’ Perspectives

ABSTRACT This survey and interview-based study examined the perspectives of 30 of the 38 migrant directors in Michigan, covering 26 summer migrant programs. Among the findings of this study were an unexpected inverse relationship between the size of programs and the frequency and number of external services and referrals they are able to provide for students; a widespread concern with interstate credit accrual and communication between state programs as well as differences in program directors’ perceptions of the ease of interstate communication; and a generally positive response to the suggestion of a new statewide evaluation protocol for migrant programs.
Performance of ZF precoder in downlink massive MIMO with non-uniform user distribution

In this paper, we investigate the achievable sum rate and energy efficiency of downlink massive multiple-input multiple- output antenna systems with zero-forcing precoding, by taking into account the randomness of user locations. Specifically, we propose two types of non-uniform user distributions, namely, center-intensive user distribution and edge-intensive user distribution. Based on these user distributions, we derive novel tight lower and upper bounds on the average sum rate. In addition, the impact of user distributions on the optimal number of users maximizing the sum rate is characterized. Moreover, by adopting a realistic power consumption model which accounts for the transmit power, circuit power and signal processing power, the energy efficiency of the sys- tem is studied. In particular, closed-form solutions for the key system parameters, such as the number of antennas and the optimal transmit signal-to-noise ratio maximizing the energy efficiency, are obtained. The findings of the paper suggest that user distribution has a significant impact on the system performance: for instance, the highest average sum rate is achieved with the center-intensive user distribution, while the lowest average sum rate is obtained with the edge-intensive user distribution. Also, more users can be served with the center-intensive user distribution.
Ras-mediated phosphorylation of a conserved threonine residue enhances the transactivation activities of c-Ets1 and c-Ets2

The Ras oncogene products regulate the expression of genes in transformed cells, and members of the Ets family of transcription factors have been implicated in this process. To determine which Ets factors are the targets of Ras signaling pathways, the abilities of several Ets factors to activate Ras-responsive enhancer (RRE) reporters in the presence of oncogenic Ras were examined. In transient transfection assay, reporters containing RREs composed of Ets-AP-1 binding sites could be activated 30-fold in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and 80-fold in the macrophage-like line RAW264 by the combination of Ets1 or Ets2 and Ras but not by several other Ets factors that were tested in the assay. Ets2 and Ras also superactivated an RRE composed of Ets-Ets binding sites, but the Ets-responsive promoter of the c-fms gene was not superactivated. Mutation of a threonine residue to alanine in the conserved amino-terminal regions of Ets1 and Ets2 (threonine 38 and threonine 72, respectively) abrogated the ability of each of these proteins to superactivate reporter gene expression. Phosphoamino acid analysis of radiolabeled Ets2 revealed that Ras induced normally absent threonine-specific phosphorylation of the protein. The Ras-dependent increase in threonine phosphorylation was not observed in Ets2 proteins that had the conserved threonine 72 residue mutated to alanine or serine. These data indicate that Ets1 and Ets2 are specific nuclear targets of Ras signaling events and that phosphorylation of a conserved threonine residue is a necessary molecular component of Ras-mediated activation of these transcription factors.
A Randomized Trial in Healthy Subjects to Assess the Bioequivalence of an Atazanavir/Cobicistat Fixed-Dose Combination Tablet versus Administration as Separate Agents

Background Cobicistat (COBI) is an alternative pharmacoenhancer to ritonavir. A fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing atazanavir (ATV) and COBI has been developed for the treatment of HIV-1-infected patients. Methods This open-label, single-centre, single-dose, crossover study, randomized 64 healthy subjects to one of eight treatment sequences. Under light meal conditions, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) to infinity (AUCINF) and AUC to the last measurable concentration (AUC0–T) for ATV and COBI administered as an FDC of ATV/ COBI (300/150 mg) were compared to those following administration as separate agents given together; bio-equivalence was concluded if the 90% CIs of the geometric mean ratios fell within the predetermined range of 0.80, 1.25. ATV and COBI pharmacokinetic parameters following administration as the FDC or as separate agents were also compared under fasted conditions. The effect of food (light and high-fat meals) on the pharmacokinetics of ATV and COBI for the FDC was also assessed. Results ATV and COBI administered in an FDC tablet were bioequivalent to the individual agents when given with a light meal. Under fasted conditions, pharmacokinetic parameters for ATV and COBI were similar for the individual components and the FDC. For the FDC, systemic exposure to ATV increased with a light meal compared to fasted conditions, and ATV concentration 24 h post-dose was similar with a light meal compared with a high-fat meal. Conclusions ATV/COBI (300/150 mg) FDC tablet was bio-equivalent to coadministration as separate agents with a light meal in healthy subjects. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01837719.
If the Noise Coming from Next Door were Loud Music, You'd Do Something About It

Up to one-third of intimate partner violence incidents involve witnesses. Bystanders play a significant role when it comes to reporting the incidents to authorities, but are often hesitant to get involved in domestic disputes. In this review paper, 12 advertising campaigns that encourage bystander intervention against intimate partner violence are evaluated in relation to Latané and Darley's (1970) model of the bystander decision-making process. The evaluation shows that these campaigns are sometimes contradictory or ambiguous, which may limit their effectiveness. Recommendations are provided.
Selective down-regulation of extracellular matrix gene expression by bone marrow derived stem cell transplantation into infarcted myocardium.

BACKGROUND Myocardial fibrosis is a major component of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the present study was to determine the outcome of transplantation into ischemic myocardium of bone marrow derived stem cell (MSC) on left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling, and to look closely at extracellular matrix gene expression. METHODS AND RESULTS MI was induced by direct ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats, followed by MSC transplantation into the ischemic myocardium. Hemodynamic evaluations were performed at 7 and 28 days after coronary ligation. Changes in the mRNA expressions of collagen type I and type III, matrix metalloproteinase-1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) were investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization after MI. Heart/body weight ratio in the MI + MSC group decreased after coronary ligation. However, LV systolic pressure and LV peak velocities of contraction and relaxation significantly increased compared with the MI group (p<0.01). There was marked up-regulation of the mRNA expressions of collagen types I and III, TIMP-1 and TGF-beta(1) in the MI rats, all of which were significantly attenuated by MSC transplantation. CONCLUSIONS MSC transplantation could inhibit LV remodeling, improve heart function and reduce the expression of extracellular matrix genes.
Identification of curing kinetics of epoxy molding compounds and mold flow analysis for assessment of die-shift defects

Fan-out processes are widely used in advanced packaging technologies to accommodate broader size variations and functional combinations of dies deployed on reconstituted wafers. However, such a process generates numerous mechanical loadings during the molding and curing phases. Without careful planning, failures such as “die shift” and “fly die” are frequently reported, which cause serious problems for subsequent processing. Among these issues, shear stress generation during molding, which is dominated by the resulted pressure distribution and increase in the viscosity of molding compound due to curing, has been recognized as a major controlling factor for defects of die shift and fly die. Prompted by the need to predict defects beforehand, this work presents an accurate 3D model for mold flow analysis by accounting for the curing kinetics. In conjunction with finite element structural analysis, the die shift induced by mold flow is estimated, and the results compare favorably with fabrication plant observations.
The quality and qualities of information

The paper discusses and analyzes the notion of information quality in terms of a pragmatic philosophy of language. It is argued that the notion of information quality is of great importance, and needs to be situated better within a sound philosophy of information to help frame information quality in a broader conceptual light. It is found that much research on information quality conceptualizes information quality as either an inherent property of the information itself, or as an individual mental construct of the users. The notion of information quality is often not situated within a philosophy of information. This paper outlines a conceptual framework in which information is regarded as a semiotic sign, and extends that notion with Paul Grice's pragmatic philosophy of language to provide a conversational notion of information quality that is contextual and tied to the notion of meaning.
Stationary Distribution Convergence for Generalized Jackson Networks in Heavy Traffic

In a recent paper, Gamarnik and Zeevi [Gamarnik, D. , A. Zeevi. 2006. Validity of heavy traffic steady-state approximations in open queueing networks. Ann. Appl. Probab.16(1) 56--90], it was shown that under suitable conditions stationary distributions of the (scaled) queue-lengths process for a generalized Jackson network converge to the stationary distribution of the associated reflected Brownian motion in the heavy traffic limit. The proof relied on certain exponential integrability assumptions on the primitives of the network. In this note we show that the above result holds under much weaker integrability conditions. We provide an alternative proof of this result assuming (in addition to natural heavy traffic and stability assumptions) only standard independence and square integrability conditions on the network primitives that are commonly used in heavy traffic analysis. Furthermore, under additional integrability conditions we establish convergence of moments of stationary distributions.
Differential Fertility in Population Genetics Models.

ALMOST all investigations of the changes in gene frequency caused by natural selection are based upon the assumption that selection operates through differential survival of the zygote from birth to maturity. It is, no doubt, generally assumed that selection through differential fertility would in most situations give similar qualitative results. There have, however, been very few specific analyses of population genetic models involving fertility differentials. PENROSE ( 1949) showed that, with random mating and one locus with two alleles, a simple additive fertility model gave the same equations as the usual models involving differential survival to maturity. Evidence for fertility differences associated with the hemoglobin sickle-cell trait (see review by RUCKNAGEL and NEEL 1961 ) , has revived interest in models which specifically take account of both differential survival and fertility. Completely general models involving fertility and survival parameters which may be functions of the genotype frequencies (as for example, in the case of Rh incompatible matings) , and survival parameters which may be functions of the mating type (as in the case of competition within families or familial selection ( HALDANE 1924) are analytically intractable. We shall assume random mating, constant fertilities, and viabilities, which latter are the same for all mating types. Then, granted certain restrictions on the fertilities, it will be shown that there is a close correspondence between fertility and viability models. The solutions of some special cases of the models are examined in detail.
The Message is on the Wall? Emotions, Social Media and the Dynamics of Institutional Complexity

In this paper we explore how emotions influence organizations in situations of institutional complexity. In particular we study members' and leaders' emotive responses and influence activities in response to a disruptive event that led to a violation of expectations. Our findings show that when people's expectations of an organization's actions are violated it can trigger a process of emotional escalation that leads to the destabilization of the organization through the emotional-laden influence activities of shaming and shunning. The violation in our case resulted in strong negative emotions expressed on Facebook. Facebook acted as an emotional echo chamber where negative emotions were amplified and led to members' emotion-driven influence activities eventually triggering regret and adaptation by the organization. We discuss implications for the study of emotions in institutional dynamics.
Exploring Teachers' Process of Change in Incorporating Problem Solving into the Mathematics Classroom.

EXPLORING TEACHERS‘ PROCESS OF CHANGE IN INCORPORATING PROBLEM SOLVING INTO THE MATHEMATICS CLASSROOM Vanessa Rutherford, Ph.D. George Mason University, 2012 Dissertation Director: Dr. Elizabeth Sturtevant This study explores how a problem-solving based professional learning community (PLC) affects the beliefs, knowledge, and instructional practices of two sixth-grade mathematics teachers. An interview and two observations were conducted prior to beginning the year-long PLC in order to gather information about the participants‘ beliefs, knowledge, and instructional practices. Five PLC meetings were held throughout the year focused on implementing problem-solving activities into the classroom as a means to create a mathematics learning environment more aligned with the Standards (NCTM, 2000). Three observations of each participant were made while they incorporated a problem-solving activity into their classroom. Finally, a post interview and observation were conducted at the end of the year to again gather information on the participants‘ beliefs, knowledge, and instructional practices. Results indicate that the year-long problem-solving based PLC was effective in moving the participants‘ beliefs, knowledge, and instructional practices towards a more reform-based vision of school mathematics. The similarities and differences between the changes that both participants went through as well as factors that may have influenced them are also discussed.
Approximation of Cahn–Hilliard diffuse interface models using parallel adaptive mesh refinement and coarsening with C1 elements

A variational formulation and C1 finite element scheme with adaptive mesh refinement and coarsening are developed for phase‐separation processes described by the Cahn–Hilliard diffuse interface model of transport in a mixture or alloy. The adaptive scheme is guided by a Laplacian jump indicator based on the corresponding term arising from the weak formulation of the fourth‐order non‐linear problem, and is implemented in a parallel solution framework. It is then applied to resolve complex evolving interfacial solution behavior for 2D and 3D simulations of the classic spinodal decomposition problem from a random initial mixture and to other phase‐transformation applications of interest. Simulation results and adaptive performance are discussed. The scheme permits efficient, robust multiscale resolution and interface characterization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.