Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Two-Group Study into Electronic Note-Taking

The relationship between students learning traditionally or through virtual worlds using computer-oriented tools is of keen interest. Although, the extent to electronic learning varies in great degrees from entire online environments to partial complimentary tools which differ according to their functions. The focus of this research paper is to discuss the paradigm shift from traditional means of study to computerisation, in particular relating to the area of note-taking. Research into cognitive factors associated with learning and performance including memory have put forward suggestions, which could assist the cumulative learning process. Comparative analysis between a number of note-taking techniques refined the study with the electronic adaptation of the popular Cornell method with the proposed En-AISR platform. Emphasis has been placed on the influence and significance towards the amalgamation of multi-modal features to enhance and stimulate students learning experience. A two-group study measured students learning, performance, and experience between both systems using usability criteria. Outcomes from this experiment suggest a positive influence of a multi-modal note-taking tool as a complimentary learning aid.
Can classical conditioning occur without contingency learning? A review and evaluation of the evidence.

This paper reviews experimental evidence relevant to the issue of whether human classical conditioning can occur in the absence of awareness of the CS-UCS contingency (contingency learning). It is concluded that the evidence fails to convincingly demonstrate successful conditioning in the absence of contingency learning. In fact, the evidence is more consistent with the view that contingency learning is an essential mediator of human classical conditioning. Although original learning may require the presence of contingency learning, the performance of a previously acquired conditioned response may not require such mediation.
Effects of Nordic walking on physical functions and depression in frail people aged 70 years and above

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of Nordic walking on physical functions and depression in frail people aged 70 years and above. [Subjects] Twenty frail elderly individuals ≥70 years old were assigned to either a Nordic walking group (n=8) or general exercise group (n=10). [Methods] The duration of intervention was equal in both groups (3 sessions/week for 12 weeks, 60 min/session). Physical function (balance, upper extremity strength, lower extremity strength, weakness) and depression were examined before and after the interventions. [Results] With the exception of upper extremity muscle strength, lower extremity strength, weakness, balance, and depression after Nordic walking demonstrated statistically significant improvement. However, in the general exercise group, only balance demonstrated a statistically significant improvement after the intervention. There were significant differences in the changes in lower extremity muscle strength, weakness and depression between the groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, Nordic walking was more effective than general exercise. Therefore, we suggest that Nordic walking may be an attractive option for significant functional improvement in frail people over 70 years old.
Stability analysis and robust composite controller synthesis for flexible joint robots

The control of flexible joint manipulators is studied in detail. The model of N-axis flexible joint manipulators is derived and reformulated in the form of singular perturbations, and the integral manifold is used to separate fast dynamics from slow dynamics. A composite control algorithm is proposed for the flexible joint robots, which consists of two main parts. Fast control, u/sub f/, which guarantees that the fast dynamics remains asymptotically stable, and the corresponding integral manifold remains invariant. Slow control, u/sub s/, itself consists of a robust PID design based on the rigid model, and a corrective term designed based on the reduced flexible model. The stability of the overall closed loop system is proved to be UUB stable, by Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control law is verified through simulations. It is shown that the proposed control law ensures robust stability and performance, despite the modeling uncertainties.
'Bone map' for a safe placement of miniscrews generated by computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this manuscript is to provide a bone map that can be used as a general guide to determine the areas where miniscrews can be safely anchored. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one computed tomographies (CTs) of maxilla and mandible were taken by the imaging centre ORTOSCAN and two measures were taken: --first, the interradicular space in the mesiodistal plane of the maxillary and mandible teeth with slices taken at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the alveolar crest, in the palatine and vestibular slices, --second, the interradicular space in the vestibular-lingual direction. RESULTS We can see that the greatest amount of mesiodistal bone is between the first and second inferior molars on the vestibular side and between the second and first inferior molars on the lingual side, whereas the least amount of bone on the mesiodistal plane is between the inferior incisors on the vestibular side. To determine the length of the miniscrew, we must take into account that the greatest amount of vestibular-lingual bone is between the first and second inferior molar, whereas the least amount is between the central and lateral inferior incisors. CONCLUSIONS Mesiodistal values in vestibular are those that must be considered when inserting the microscrew so as not to damage the dental tissue. Mesiodistal measurements taken in palatal-lingual do not present problems when inserting microscrews.
Defining, Applying and Customizing Store Atmosphere in Virtual Reality Commerce: Back to Basics?

This paper studies the concept of Store Atmosphere in Virtual Commerce (V-Commerce) through the Web in order to empirically define its determinants and investigate their applicability and customization capabilities. A series of in depth interviews with field experts (study #1) along with an online questionnaire survey (study #2) served as the data collection mechanisms of the study. The empirical findings suggest that while the social aspect dimension of V-Commerce limits customization capabilities, it provides several innovative options for manipulating Store Atmosphere. Additionally, the results indicate that Store Atmosphere attributes can be grouped in three factors with high average scores concerning the importance users attach to them. Specifically, storefront, store theatrics, colors, music and graphics are grouped in Factor #1 and reflect the â€œStoreâ€™s Appealâ€ . Crowding, product display techniques and innovative store atmosphere services are grouped in Factor #2 labeled â€œInnovative Atmosphereâ€ , while store layout constitutes the only attribute included in Factor #3. The paper outlines the theoretical and managerial implications of these research results.
Consensus with constrained convergence rate: Agreement in communities

The study focuses on a class of discrete-time multi-agent systems modelling opinion dynamics with decaying confidence. Essentially, we propose an agreement protocol that impose a prescribed convergence rate. Under that constraint, global consensus may not be achieved and only local agreements may be reached. The agents reaching a local agreement form communities inside the network. In this paper, we analyze this opinion dynamics model: we show that communities correspond to asymptotically connected component of the network and give an algebraic characterization of communities in terms of eigenvalues of the matrix defining the collective dynamics. An example shows the effectiveness of the proposed model for community detection in graphs.
Impact Fees, Growth Management, and Development

This article explores economic consequences of impact fees on local economic development and job growth. The authors focus on the implied contractual relationship between local governments and the development community in shaping patterns of economic growth in the community. Pooled time series cross-section analyses are employed to estimate economic consequences of impact fees in 66 Florida counties from 1991 to 2001. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that impact fees increase development costs and impede economic development, the authors report that implementation of impact fee systems enhances economic performance and lead to job growth.
A Functional 4-Hydroxysalicylate/Hydroxyquinol Degradative Pathway Gene Cluster Is Linked to the Initial Dibenzo-p-Dioxin Pathway Genes inSphingomonas sp. Strain RW1

ABSTRACT The bacterium Sphingomonas sp. strain RW1 is able to use dibenzo-p-dioxin, dibenzofuran, and several hydroxylated derivatives as sole sources of carbon and energy. We have determined and analyzed the nucleic acid sequence of a 9,997-bpHindIII fragment downstream of cistronsdxnA1A2, which encode the dioxygenase component of the initial dioxygenase system of the corresponding catabolic pathways. This fragment contains 10 colinear open reading frames (ORFs), apparently organized in one compact operon. The enzymatic activities of some proteins encoded by these genes were analyzed in the strain RW1 and, after hyperexpression, in Escherichia coli. The first three ORFs of the locus, designateddxnC, ORF2, and fdx3, specify a protein with a low homology to bacterial siderophore receptors, a polypeptide representing no significant homology to known proteins, and a putative ferredoxin, respectively.dxnD encodes a 69-kDa phenol monooxygenase-like protein with activity for the turnover of 4-hydroxysalicylate, anddxnE codes for a 37-kDa protein whose sequence and activity are similar to those of known maleylacetate reductases. The following gene, dxnF, encodes a 33-kDa intradiol dioxygenase which efficiently cleaves hydroxyquinol, yielding maleylacetate, the ketoform of 3-hydroxy-cis,cis-muconate. The heteromeric protein encoded by dxnGH is a 3-oxoadipate succinyl coenzyme A (succinyl-CoA) transferase, whereas dxnI specifies a protein exhibiting marked homology to acetyl-CoA acetyltransferases (thiolases). The last ORF of the sequenced fragment codes for a putative transposase. DxnD, DxnF, DxnE, DxnGH, and DxnI (the activities of most of them have also been detected in strain RW1) thus form a complete 4-hydroxysalicylate/hydroxyquinol degradative pathway. A route for the mineralization of the growth substrates 3-hydroxydibenzofuran and 2-hydroxydibenzo-p-dioxin inSphingomonas sp. strain RW1 thus suggests itself.
Peptidyl arginine deiminase immunization induces anticitrullinated protein antibodies in mice with particular MHC types

Significance The presence and development of autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPAs) are highly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms leading to the production of ACPAs are unknown. Here, we propose a model to explain the emergence of anticitrullinated protein autoantibodies in RA. Indeed, we could trigger the development of anticitrullinated fibrinogen autoantibodies in normal mice by immunization with peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD), most likely through a hapten/carrier mechanism in which the carrier is the PAD enzyme that performs citrullination and the hapten is any protein being citrullinated (hence bound) by PAD. Our results allow us to understand the birth of anticitrullin autoimmunity. Autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPAs) are present in two-thirds of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ACPAs are produced in the absence of identified T cell responses for each citrullinated protein. Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), which binds proteins and citrullinates them, is the target of autoantibodies in early RA. This suggests a model for the emergence of ACPAs in the absence of detectable T cells specific for citrullinated antigens: ACPAs could arise because PADs are recognized by T cells, which help the production of autoantibodies to proteins bound by PADs, according to a “hapten/carrier” model. Here, we tested this model in normal mice. C3H are healthy mice whose IEβk chain is highly homologous to the β1 chain HLA-DRB1*04:01, the allele most strongly associated with RA in humans. C3H mice immunized with PADs developed antibodies and T cells to PAD and IgG antibodies to citrullinated fibrinogen peptides, in the absence of a T cell response to fibrinogen. To analyze the MHC background effect on hapten/carrier immunization, we immunized DBA/2 mice (whose IEβd chain is similar to that of HLA-DRB1*04:02, an HLA-DR4 subtype not associated with RA). DBA/2 mice failed to develop antibodies to citrullinated fibrinogen peptides. Thus, T cell immunization to PAD proteins may trigger ACPAs through a hapten/carrier mechanism. This may constitute the basis for a new mouse model of ACPA-positive RA.
Thickness of Subcutaneous Fat as a Strong Risk Factor for Wound Infections in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Impact of Prediction Using Preoperative CT

Background/Aims:In this study, we have attempted to identify and assess factors that would be most predictive of postoperative incisional surgical site infection (SSI) in colorectal surgery, including representative markers for nutrition or obesity. Methods: 152 patients who underwent elective colorectal resection were identified for inclusion in this study. The outcome of interest was incisional SSI. Variables thought to be predictive of incisional SSI, including body mass index (BMI) and the thickness of subcutaneous fat (TSF), were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. TSF was evaluated preoperatively using computed tomography (CT). Results: The study’s overall incidence of incisional SSI following a colorectal operation was 29 (19.1%). TSF was independently associated with incisional SSI. While BMI was significantly associated with incisional SSI on univariate analysis, this variable lost its significance on multivariate analysis that included TSF. Other nutritional markers were not significantly associated with the risk of incisional SSI. Conclusions:Our results suggest that the risk of incisional SSI increases with obesity, and that the most useful predictor of incisional SSI is TSF, as evaluated by preoperative CT. These findings indicate that CT is useful for the evaluation of TSF and the prediction of the risk of incisional SSI.
11-Year Experience with Gastroschisis: Factors Affecting Mortality and Morbidity

Objective The aim of the study was the evaluation of patients treated with a diagnosis of gastroschisis and to establish the factors which affected the morbidity and mortality. Methods Twenty-nine patients, managed for gastroschisis during 2000-2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were analysed in respect to gestational age, birth weight, associated anomalies, type of delivery, operative procedures, postoperative complications, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) related complications. The factors affecting mortality and morbidity were determined. Findings Associated abnormalities were present in 24% of the patients. Eleven patients underwent elective reduction in the incubator (Bianchi procedure) without anesthesia. Eight patients had delayed reduction with silo and ten patients had primary closure. Although the type of delivery had an effect on morbidity but not mortality, gestational age, birth weight, and the operative procedure performed had no effect on morbidity or mortality. Duration until tolerance of oral intake, and of TPN and hospitalization were found to be statistically significantly shorter in the group of babies delivered by cesarean section. Conclusion In our study the most important cause of mortality was the abdominal compartment syndrome and multi-organ failure in the early years. Long hospitalization periods and sepsis were the main causes of mortality in recent years.
The moral case for the clinical placebo

Placebos are arguably the most commonly prescribed drug, across cultures and throughout history. Nevertheless, today many would consider their use in the clinic unethical, since placebo treatment involves deception and the violation of patients’ autonomy. We examine the placebo's definition and its clinical efficacy from a biopsychosocial perspective, and argue that the intentional use of the placebo and placebo effect, in certain circumstances and under several conditions, may be morally acceptable. We highlight the role of a virtue-based ethical orientation and its implications for the beneficent use of the placebo. In addition, the definitions of lying and deception are discussed, clarified and applied to the clinical placebo dilemma. Lastly, we suggest that concerns about patient autonomy, when invoked as a further argument against administering placebos, are extended beyond their reasonable and coherent application.
Protective effect of human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (hG‐CSF) on Cryptococcus and Aspergillus infections in normal and immunosuppressed mice

Summary. Prophylactic treatment with human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (hG‐CSF) affords significant protection against systemic aspergillosis or pulmonary aspergillosis in neutropenic (cyclophosphamid‐treated) mice but not in cortisone‐treated animals. Cryptococcosis does not respond to hG‐CSF therapy. Our data show that granulocytes play an important role in the immune defense against aspergillosis, but not against cryptococcosis. Combined treatment using hG‐CSF and conventional antimycotics shows a significant beneficial effect in systemic or pulmonary aspergillosis.
Cellular Immune Responses Induced with Dose-Sparing Intradermal Administration of HIV Vaccine to HIV-Uninfected Volunteers in the ANRS VAC16 Trial

Objective The objective was to compare the safety and cellular immunogenicity of intradermal versus intramuscular immunization with an HIV-lipopeptide candidate vaccine (LIPO-4) in healthy volunteers. Methodology A randomized, open-label trial with 24 weeks of follow-up was conducted in France at six HIV-vaccine trial sites. Sixty-eight healthy 21– to 55–year-old HIV-uninfected subjects were randomized to receive the LIPO-4 vaccine (four HIV lipopeptides linked to a T-helper–stimulating epitope of tetanus-toxin protein) at weeks 0, 4 and 12, either intradermally (0.1 ml, 100 µg of each peptide) or intramuscularly (0.5 ml, 500 µg of each peptide). Comparative safety of both routes was evaluated. CD8+ T-cell immune responses to HIV epitopes (ELISpot interferon-γ assay) and tetanus toxin-specific CD4+ T-cell responses (lymphoproliferation) were assessed at baseline, two weeks after each injection, and at week 24. Results and Conclusion No severe, serious or life-threatening adverse events were observed. Local pain was significantly more frequent after intramuscular injection, but local inflammatory reactions were more frequent after intradermal immunization. At weeks 2, 6, 14 and 24, the respective cumulative percentages of induced CD8+ T-cell responses to at least one HIV peptide were 9, 33, 39 and 52 (intradermal group) or 14, 20, 26 and 37 (intramuscular group), and induced tetanus toxin-specific CD4+ T-cell responses were 6, 27, 33 and 39 (intradermal), or 9, 46, 54 and 63 (intramuscular). In conclusion, intradermal LIPO-4 immunization was well tolerated, required one-fifth of the intramuscular dose, and induced similar HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Moreover, the immunization route influenced which antigen-specific T-cells (CD4+ or CD8+) were induced. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00121121
YB-1 as a Cell Cycle-regulated Transcription Factor Facilitating Cyclin A and Cyclin B1 Gene Expression*

Expression of the Y-box protein YB-1 is increased in proliferating normal and cancer cells, but its role in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression is unclear. We have identified a cell cycle-dependent relocalization of YB-1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus at the G1/S phase transition and demonstrate that both the charged zipper and the cold shock domain are involved in regulating this process. Using cell lines that constitutively overexpress YB-1, we show that nuclear accumulation of YB-1 is associated with increased cyclin A and cyclin B1 mRNA and protein expression. We provide evidence that deregulated YB-1 expression is linked to adhesion-independent cell proliferation through the induction of cyclin A. Thus, we have identified YB-1 as a cell cycle stage-specific transcription factor important for cell proliferation.
Catecholamines up‐regulate lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐6 production in human microvascular endothelial cells

The catecholamine‐mediated modulation of the cytokine network has primarily been demonstrated for leukocytes. Whereas catecholamines decrease the LPS‐induced production of IL‐6 by leukocytes, serum levels of IL‐6 are dramatically increased by the catecholamine epinephrine in animal endotoxemia models. We now demonstrate that epi‐nephrine as well as norepinephrine can induce IL‐6 in an endothelial cell line (HMEC‐1). Furthermore, these catecholamines could even potentiate the LPS‐induced IL‐6 protein production. The synergistic effect of cat‐echolamines and LPS could be reproduced in primary human skin microvascular endothelial cells. The cate‐cholamine‐induced IL‐6 stimulation is based on increased IL‐6 mRNA levels. RNA stability assays revealed that this regulation is not a result of enhanced RNA stability and therefore is most likely due to an increased transcription. Treatment with cycloheximide indicated that new protein synthesis is not necessary for this transcriptional up‐regulation of IL‐6 mRNA. Prein‐cubation with α and β receptor antagonists showed that the effect is mediated by β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors. Thus, endothelial cells might be a possible source of increased IL‐6 production observed in situations such as stress or septic shock, in which catecholamines are elevated due to endogenous production or exogenous application. —Gornikiewicz, A. , Sautner, T. , Brostjan, C. , Schmierer, B. , Függer, R. , Roth, E. , Muhlbacher, F. , Bergmann, M. Catecholamines up‐regu‐late lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐6 production in human microvascular endothelial cells. FASEB J. 14, 1093–1100 (2000)
The great filter, branching histories, and unlikely events

Author(s): Aldous, DJ | Abstract: The Great Filter refers to a highly speculative theory that implicitly claims one can test, via a probability model, whether known aspects of the history of life on Earth are consistent with the hypothesis that emergence of intelligent life was very unlikely. We describe the theory and some of the many objections to it. We give a mathematical argument to show that one objection, namely that it considers only a single possible linear history rather than multitudinous branching potential pathways to intelligence, has no force. © Applied Probability Trust 2012.
Endometrial stromal tumours revisited: an update based on the 2014 WHO classification

Endometrial stromal tumours (EST) are rare tumours of endometrial stromal origin that account for less than 2% of all uterine tumours. Recent cytogenetic and molecular advances in this area have improved our understanding of ESTs and helped refine their classification into more meaningful categories. Accordingly, the newly released 2014 WHO classification system recognises four categories: endometrial stromal nodule (ESN), low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LGESS), high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (HGESS) and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS). At the molecular level, these tumours may demonstrate a relatively simple karyotype with a defining chromosomal rearrangement (as in the majority of ESNs, LGESSs and YWHAE-rearranged HGESS) or demonstrate complex cytogenetic aberrations lacking specific rearrangements (as in UUSs). Herein we provide an update on this topic aimed at the practicing pathologist.