Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Cross-cultural Competence Matter when Going Global: Cultural Intelligence and Its Impact on Performance of International Students in Australia

Abstract Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is a critical competency in the modern world. By examining 189 international students from an Australian university, this study investigates the impact of CQ and cultural exposure on intercultural adjustment and academic performance. Significant positive relationships are found between facets of CQ and Interactional Adjustment and General Adjustment, but a significant negative relationship with Academic Performance. We also demonstrate the validity of a new construct of Cultural Exposure (CE) including three dimensions (Geographical, Environmental, and Inherited) with both Geographical and Environmental dimensions producing a strong positive correlation with Academic Performance.
The Success of Bank Mergers Revisited: An Assessment Based on a Matching Strategy

The question of whether or not mergers and acquisitions have helped to enhance banks' efficiency and profitability has not yet been conclusively resolved in the literature. We argue that this is partly due to the severe methodological problems involved. In this study, we analyze the effect of German bank mergers in the period 1995-2000 on banks' profitability and cost efficiency. We suggest a new matching strategy to control for the selection effects arising from the fact that predominantly under-performing banks engage in mergers. Our results indicate a neutral effect of mergers on profitability and a positive effect on cost efficiency. Comparing our results with those obtained from a naive performance comparison of merging and non-merging banks indicates a severe negative selection bias with regard to the former.
Accurate Computation of Geodesic Distance Fields for Polygonal Curves on Triangle Meshes

We present an algorithm for the efficient and accurate computation of geodesic distance fields on triangle meshes. We generalize the algorithm originally proposed by Surazhsky et al. [1]. While the original algorithm is able to compute geodesic distances to isolated points on the mesh only, our generalization can handle arbitrary, possibly open, polygons on the mesh to define the zero set of the distance field. Our extensions integrate naturally into the base algorithm and consequently maintain all its nice properties. For most geometry processing algorithms, the exact geodesic distance information is sampled at the mesh vertices and the resulting piecewise linear interpolant is used as an approximation to the true distance field. The quality of this approximation strongly depends on the structure of the mesh and the location of the medial axis of the distance field. Hence our second contribution is a simple adaptive refinement scheme, which inserts new vertices at critical locations on the mesh such that the final piecewise linear interpolant is guaranteed to be a faithful approximation to the true geodesic distance field.
Decoupling Is not Equal to Decoupling: Structural, Income and Efficiency Effects of Different Ways to Decouple Direct Payments

Decoupling is not equal to decoupling: structural, income and efficiency effects of different ways to decouple direct payments Paper Nr. 21 Abstract The objective of this paper is to work out some fundamental dynamic effects on agricultural structure, farm incomes, and efficiency that result from decoupling direct payments. To do so, we apply the agent-based model AgriPoliS (Agricultural Policy Simulator). AgriPoliS is a normative spatial and dynamic model of regional agricultural structures that takes account of actions and interactions between a large number of individually acting farms. The model is calibrated to the region 'Hohenlohe' in Baden-Württemberg. The simulations show that impacts on structural change, competitiveness, and income distribution vary greatly depending on how the policy scheme is implemented.
Stem Cell-Derived Regulatory T Cells for Therapeutic Use in Arthritis

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be utilized to obtain a renewable source of healthy regulatory T cells (Tregs) to treat autoimmune arthritis as they have the ability to produce almost all cell types in the body, including Tregs. However, the right conditions for the development of antigen (Ag)-specific Tregs from PSCs (i.e., PSC-Tregs) remain unknown. An ongoing project will determine the mechanisms underlying the Ag-specific PSC-Treg treatments that aim to modulate tolerance in autoimmune arthritis. The knowledge gained from these studies will provide new insights into cell-based therapies in autoimmune arthritis, and advance the understanding of fundamental mechanisms underlying Treg differentiation.
Rampant Nuclear Insertion of mtDNA across Diverse Lineages within Orthoptera (Insecta)

Nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (numts) are non-functional fragments of mtDNA inserted into the nuclear genome. Numts are prevalent across eukaryotes and a positive correlation is known to exist between the number of numts and the genome size. Most numt surveys have relied on model organisms with fully sequenced nuclear genomes, but such analyses have limited utilities for making a generalization about the patterns of numt accumulation for any given clade. Among insects, the order Orthoptera is known to have the largest nuclear genome and it is also reported to include several species with a large number of numts. In this study, we use Orthoptera as a case study to document the diversity and abundance of numts by generating numts of three mitochondrial loci across 28 orthopteran families, representing the phylogenetic diversity of the order. We discover that numts are rampant in all lineages, but there is no discernable and consistent pattern of numt accumulation among different lineages. Likewise, we do not find any evidence that a certain mitochondrial gene is more prone to nuclear insertion than others. We also find that numt insertion must have occurred continuously and frequently throughout the diversification of Orthoptera. Although most numts are the result of recent nuclear insertion, we find evidence of very ancient numt insertion shared by highly divergent families dating back to the Jurassic period. Finally, we discuss several factors contributing to the extreme prevalence of numts in Orthoptera and highlight the importance of exploring the utility of numts in evolutionary studies.
Multiplex Reverse Transcription-PCR Screening for EML4-ALK Fusion Transcripts

Purpose: EML4-ALK is a fusion-type protein tyrosine kinase that is generated by inv(2)(p21p23) in the genome of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To allow sensitive detection of EML4-ALK fusion transcripts, we have now developed a multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) system that captures all in-frame fusions between the two genes. Experimental Design: Primers were designed to detect all possible in-frame fusions of EML4 to exon 20 of ALK, and a single-tube multiplex RT-PCR assay was done with total RNA from 656 solid tumors of the lung (n = 364) and 10 other organs. Results: From consecutive lung adenocarcinoma cases (n = 253), we identified 11 specimens (4.35%) positive for fusion transcripts, 9 of which were positive for the previously identified variants 1, 2, and 3. The remaining two specimens harbored novel transcript isoforms in which exon 14 (variant 4) or exon 2 (variant 5) of EML4 was connected to exon 20 of ALK. No fusion transcripts were detected for other types of lung cancer (n = 111) or for tumors from 10 other organs (n = 292). Genomic rearrangements responsible for the fusion events in NSCLC cells were confirmed by genomic PCR analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The novel isoforms of EML4-ALK manifested marked oncogenic activity, and they yielded a pattern of cytoplasmic staining with fine granular foci in immunohistochemical analysis of NSCLC specimens. Conclusions: These data reinforce the importance of accurate diagnosis of EML4-ALK–positive tumors for the optimization of treatment strategies.
Social Support: An Important Factor for Treatment Adherence and Health-related Quality of Life of Patients with End-stage Renal Disease

ABSTRACT End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney disease constitutes a serious public health problem in the United States. The purpose of this study is to examine the causal relationship of perceived social support with treatment adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of ESRD patients. The study utilized a non-experimental research design and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the data collected from a sample of 413 ESRD patients. The findings of the study supported a statistically significant relationship between perceived social support and HRQOL as well as between perceived social support and treatment adherence. Formulating appropriately targeted interventions to improve social support may help in enhancing the HRQOL and treatment adherence, where both those factors were empirically supported to be related to mortality and hospitalizations in ESRD patients. This study helps to enhance the body of knowledge relating to HRQOL of ESRD patients, and provided foundation for interventions in improving treatment adherence and the HRQOL. Future research may focus on the complexities associated with the HRQOL and treatment adherence in ESRD patients, with emphasis on demographic characteristics and its relationship with social support.
Case–control studies of risk factors for primary biliary cirrhosis in two United Kingdom populations

Objective The aetiology of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is largely unknown. Previous studies have indicated that both environmental and genetic risk factors may be important. Design We undertook a large case–control study to study possible risk factors in more detail. All patients were sent postal questionnaires on risk factors. Patients We identified two sets of PBC cases from a geographically defined epidemiology study (epidemiological cases) and from a survey of the national patient support group (Foundation cases). Controls were selected from the electoral roll in strata matched to epidemiological cases by quartiles of age and sex. Results Analysable questionnaires were received from 318 epidemiological cases, 2258 Foundation cases and 2438 controls. Statistically significant associations were seen with smoking (OR=1.63 (95% CI, 1.27 to 2.09)), epidemiological cases versus controls (1.57 (1.39 to 1.78)), Foundation cases versus controls, hair dye use (1.37 (0.98 to 1.80)), 1.25 (1.07 to 1.46)), and with previous histories of psoriasis (1.90 (1.21 to 1.91), 2.33 (1.03 to 1.73)), urinary infections (2.06 (1.56 to 0.1.73), 1.80 (1.54 to 2.11)), and shingles (2.38 (1.82 to 3.11), 1.23 (1.08 to 1.43)) and previous autoimmune diseases. Alcohol consumption was negatively associated with PBC (0.57 (0.39 to 0.83), 0.73 (0.61 to 0.79)). We did not identify any associations with obstetric risk factors except a previous history of obstetric cholestasis (2.13 (1.25 to 3.59), 2.20 (1.61 to 3.03)). Conclusion We have confirmed that among environmental risk factors, smoking and the use of some cosmetics as well as urinary infections appear important. Among possible genetic risk factors a family history of PBC is a strong association and that a previous history of obstetric cholestasis as another putative ‘genetic’ risk.
Grand Challenges in Reproductive Endocrinology

Reproduction is a fundamental aspect of life in all species. In a biological sense, it can be argued that reproduction is the essence of life. Passing on ones genes to the next generation and constantly optimizing the gene pool available for each individual and the species as a whole are vital for continuation and endurance of the species. Reproduction and hormones are intimately connected; thus, hormones are a prerequisite for reproduction and govern nearly all aspects of successful creation in both females and males. Therefore, to numerous scientists, reproductive endocrinology is one of the most fascinating disciplines in science, and it is a pleasure that now finally there is a scientific journal dedicated specifically to reproductive endocrinology. Despite the lack of specific journals dedicated entirely to reproductive endocrinology up until now, this area has had a huge impact on society with first the development of female oral contraceptives around 50 years ago followed by the development of in vitro fertilization techniques to help childless couples in 1970–1980s. Regardless of an enormous amount of literature on sex steroid hormones accumulated over the years, there are constantly new aspects of their function in the body and indeed in the reproductive organs. One aspect that we will hear more about in the coming years is the aging population, in which especially the majority of women will spend up to half of their life in menopause depletion of ovarian sex steroids (1). The consequences on general health including osteoporosis and car-diovascular disease are all aspects within the area of reproductive endocrinology and highlight the need for discussing hormone replacement therapy and/or alternative strategies. The male equivalent testosterone and the effects of testosterone especially in the aging male is also a matter of debate these years, and it is furthermore discussed how to measure testosterone in the clinically most meaningful way (2). Right from the beginning of the IVF era, ovarian stimulation with exogenous FSH preparations has been an indispensable component of successful treatment and numerous studies have been conducted to test different compounds and their effect on the reproductive outcome. Although pregnancy rates of modern day IVF treatment and ART in general have plateaued during the last decade, the journey of optimizing ovarian stimulation is still far from being completed since ongoing pregnancy still occurs in only a fraction of treatment cycles. Whereas the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle has received intense interest …
Students With Mental Health Needs: College Counseling Experiences and Academic Success

Abstract: In this study, we examined college counseling experiences and academic outcomes. About 10% of college students seek counseling for mental health needs, and many would be unable to persist without support. Building on previous research, we found that participating in counseling was beneficial to academic success. Students who visited the counseling center and then remained in counseling as recommended were more likely to experience GPA increases and graduate than were their peers who either did not complete further counseling after their first visit or were referred off campus. Attending a greater number of sessions appeared to have greater benefits. We discuss implications for professionals across campus.
Early ambulation after hip fracture: effects on function and mortality.

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the relationship between inpatient bed rest and functional outcomes. We examined how immobility is associated with function and mortality in patients with hip fracture. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of 532 patients 50 years and older, who were treated with surgery after hip fracture in 4 hospitals in New York. We collected information from hospital visits, medical records, and interviews. "Days of immobility" was defined as days until the patient moved out of bed beyond a chair. Follow-up was obtained on function (using the Functional Independence Measure) at 2 and 6 months and on survival at 6 months. RESULTS Patients with hip fracture experienced an average of 5.2 days of immobility. Compared with patients with a longer duration of immobility (ie, at the 90th percentile) in adjusted analyses, patients at the 10th percentile of immobility had lower 6-month mortality (-5.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -10.9% to -1.0%) and better Functional Independence Measure score for locomotion (0.99 points; 95% CI, 0.3 to 1.7 points, with higher values indicating better function), but there was no significant difference in locomotion by 6 months (0.58 points; 95% CI, -0.3 to 1.4 points). The adverse association of immobility was strongest in patients using personal assistance or supervision with locomotion at baseline (difference in 6-month mortality between the 90th and 10th percentile of immobility was -17.1% [P = .004] for this group and only 1.2% [P = .38] for patients independent in locomotion at baseline). CONCLUSION In patients with hip fracture, delay in getting the patient out of bed is associated with poor function at 2 months and worsened 6-month survival.
Effects of food variability on growth and reproduction of Aedes aegypti

Abstract Despite a large body of knowledge about the evolution of life histories, we know little about how variable food availability during an individual's development affects its life history. We measured the effects of manipulating food levels during early and late larval development of the mosquito Aedes aegypti on its growth rate, life history and reproductive success. Switching from low to high food led to compensatory growth: individuals grew more rapidly during late larval development and emerged at a size close to that of mosquitoes consistently reared at high food. However, switching to high food had very little effect on longevity, and fecundity and reproductive success were considerably lower than in consistently well‐fed mosquitoes. Changing from high to low food led to adults with similar size as in consistently badly nourished mosquitoes, but even lower fecundity and reproductive success. A rapid response of growth to changing resources can thus have unexpected effects in later life and in lifetime reproductive success. More generally, our study emphasizes the importance of varying developmental conditions for the evolutionary pressures underlying life‐history evolution.
Salt Induces Features of a Dormancy-Like State in Seeds of Eutrema (Thellungiella) salsugineum, a Halophytic Relative of Arabidopsis

The salinization of land is a major factor limiting crop production worldwide. Halophytes adapted to high levels of salinity are likely to possess useful genes for improving crop tolerance to salt stress. In addition, halophytes could provide a food source on marginal lands. However, despite halophytes being salt-tolerant plants, the seeds of several halophytic species will not germinate on saline soils. Yet, little is understood regarding biochemical and gene expression changes underlying salt-mediated inhibition of halophyte seed germination. We have used the halophytic Arabidopsis relative model system, Eutrema (Thellungiella) salsugineum to explore salt-mediated inhibition of germination. We show that E. salsugineum seed germination is inhibited by salt to a far greater extent than in Arabidopsis, and that this inhibition is in response to the osmotic component of salt exposure. E. salsugineum seeds remain viable even when germination is completely inhibited, and germination resumes once seeds are transferred to non-saline conditions. Moreover, removal of the seed coat from salt-treated seeds allows embryos to germinate on salt-containing medium. Mobilization of seed storage reserves is restricted in salt-treated seeds, while many germination-associated metabolic changes are arrested or progress to a lower extent. Salt-exposed seeds are further characterized by a reduced GA/ABA ratio and increased expression of the germination repressor genes, RGL2, ABI5, and DOG1. Furthermore, a salt-mediated increase in expression of a LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT gene and accretion of metabolites involved in osmoprotection indicates induction of processes associated with stress tolerance, and accumulation of easily mobilized carbon reserves. Overall, our results suggest that salt inhibits E. salsugineum seed germination by inducing a seed state with molecular features of dormancy while a physical constraint to radicle emergence is provided by the seed coat layers. This seed state could facilitate survival on saline soils until a rain event(s) increases soil water potential indicating favorable conditions for seed germination and establishment of salt-tolerant E. salsugineum seedlings.
One-year follow-up of mild traumatic brain injury: post-concussion symptoms, disabilities and life satisfaction in relation to serum levels of S-100B and neurone-specific enolase in acute phase.

OBJECTIVE To investigate, in patients with mild traumatic brain injury, serum concentrations of S-100B and neurone-specific enolase in acute phase and post-concussion symptoms, disabilities and life satisfaction 1 year after the trauma. DESIGN Prospective study. PATIENTS Eighty-eight patients (age range 18-87 years). METHODS Blood samples were taken on admission and about 7 hours later. At follow-up 15 +/- 4 months later, the patients filled in questionnaires about symptoms (Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms), disability (Rivermead Head Injury Follow-up) and life satisfaction (LiSat-11). RESULTS Concentrations of S-100B and neurone-specific enolase were regularly increased in the first blood sample. Of the 69 patients participating in the follow-up, 45% reported post-concussion symptom, 48% exhibited disability and 55% were satisfied with "life as a whole". In comparison with the "sick-leave" situation on admission to hospital, 3 patients were on sick-leave at the time of follow-up because of the head trauma. Stepwise forward logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between disability and S-100B and dizziness. CONCLUSION In spite of frequent persistent symptoms, disabilities and low levels of life satisfaction, the sick-leave frequency was low at follow-up. The association between S-100B and disability supports the notion that long-term consequences of a mild brain injury may partly be a result of brain tissue injury.
MAPPING THE DARK SIDE WITH DEIMOS: GLOBULAR CLUSTERS, X-RAY GAS, AND DARK MATTER IN THE NGC 1407 GROUP

NGC 1407 is the central elliptical in a nearby evolved group of galaxies apparently destined to become a galaxy cluster core. We use the kinematics of globular clusters (GCs) to probe the dynamics and mass profile of the group's center, out to a radius of 60 kpc (∼10 galaxy effective radii)—the most extended data set to date around an early-type galaxy. This sample consists of 172 GC line-of-sight velocities, most of them newly obtained using Keck/DEIMOS, with a few additional objects identified as dwarf-globular transition objects or as intragroup GCs. We find weak rotation for the outer parts of the GC system (v/σ ∼ 0.2), with a rotational misalignment between the metal-poor and metal-rich GCs. The velocity dispersion profile declines rapidly to a radius of ∼20 kpc, and then becomes flat or rising to ∼60 kpc. There is evidence that the GC orbits have a tangential bias that is strongest for the metal-poor GCs—in possible contradiction to theoretical expectations. We construct cosmologically motivated galaxy+dark halo dynamical models and infer a total mass within 60 kpc of ∼3 × 1012 M☉, which extrapolates to a virial mass of ∼6 × 1013 M☉ for a typical lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) halo—in agreement with results from kinematics of the group galaxies. We present an independent Chandra-based analysis, whose relatively high mass at ∼20 kpc disagrees strongly with the GC-based result unless the GCs are assumed to have a peculiar orbit distribution, and we therefore discuss more generally some comparisons between X-ray and optical results. The group's B-band mass-to-light ratio of ∼800 (uncertain by a factor of ∼2) in Solar units is extreme even for a rich galaxy cluster, much less a poor group—placing it among the most dark matter (DM) dominated systems in the universe, and also suggesting a massive reservoir of baryons lurking in an unseen phase, in addition to the nonbaryonic DM. We compare the kinematical and mass properties of the NGC 1407 group to other nearby groups and clusters, and discuss some implications of this system for structure formation.