Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fascism to the Nouvelle Droite: The Dream of Pan-European Empire

The purpose of this paper is to trace continuity in the attachment of the nouvelle droite to a homogeneous notion of pan-European identity since its birth in 1968. Like the nouvelle droite, early post-war neo-fascism and significant fascist elements in Italy were similarly obsessed with the decline of homogeneous pan-European or Western identities. Despite the ultra-nationalistic origins of historical fascism, early post-war neo-fascism and the nouvelle droite in different historical periods, the thread tying them together is the notion of a strong, unified, homogeneous, pan-European empire regenerated in defense against the dominant ‘materialist’ ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, social democracy, socialism, capitalism and communism.
A Decision-Tree-Based Algorithm for Speech/Music Classification and Segmentation

We present an efficient algorithm for segmentation of audio signals into speech or music. The central motivation to our study is consumer audio applications, where various real-time enhancements are often applied. The algorithm consists of a learning phase and a classification phase. In the learning phase, predefined training data is used for computing various time-domain and frequency-domain features, for speech and music signals separately, and estimating the optimal speech/music thresholds, based on the probability density functions of the features. An automatic procedure is employed to select the best features for separation. In the test phase, initial classification is performed for each segment of the audio signal, using a three-stage sieve-like approach, applying both Bayesian and rule-based methods. To avoid erroneous rapid alternations in the classification, a smoothing technique is applied, averaging the decision on each segment with past segment decisions. Extensive evaluation of the algorithm, on a database of more than 12 hours of speech and more than 22 hours of music showed correct identification rates of 99.4% and 97.8%, respectively, and quick adjustment to alternating speech/music sections. In addition to its accuracy and robustness, the algorithm can be easily adapted to different audio types, and is suitable for real-time operation.
The Inositol 3-Phosphatase PTEN Negatively Regulates Fcγ Receptor Signaling, but Supports Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in Murine Peritoneal Macrophages1

FcγR clustering in macrophages activates signaling events that result in phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is accompanied by the generation harmful byproducts such as reactive oxygen radicals and production of inflammatory cytokines, which mandate that the phagocytic process be subject to a tight regulation. The molecular mechanisms involved in this regulation are not fully understood. In this study, we have examined the role of the inositol 3-phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in FcγR-induced macrophage function. We demonstrate that in ex vivo murine peritoneal macrophages that are deficient in PTEN expression, FcγR-induced Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation are enhanced. Notably, PTEN−/− macrophages showed constitutively high phosphorylation of Akt. However, PTEN did not seem to influence tyrosine phosphorylation events induced by FcγR clustering. Furthermore, PTEN−/− macrophages displayed enhanced phagocytic ability. Likewise, FcγR-induced production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 was significantly elevated in PTEN−/− macrophages. Surprisingly, LPS-induced TNF-α production was down-regulated in PTEN−/− macrophages. Analyzing the molecular events leading to PTEN influence on LPS/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, we found that LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases is suppressed in PTEN−/− cells. Previous reports indicated that LPS-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation is down-regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase through the activation of Akt. Our observation that Akt activation is basally enhanced in PTEN−/− cells suggests that PTEN supports TLR4-induced inflammatory responses by suppressing the activation of Akt. Thus, we conclude that PTEN is a negative regulator of FcγR signaling, but a positive regulator of TLR4 signaling. These findings are the first to demonstrate a role for PTEN in FcγR- and TLR4-mediated macrophage inflammatory response.
LeRoy’s The Americans in the Philippines and the History of Spanish Rule in the Philippines

James A. LeRoy emerged in 1905 as an authority on Philippine history. In The Americans in the Philippines, LeRoy’s chapter on the Spanish regime showed his unmatched acquaintance with Spanish and English sources. But his knowledge of Spanish historiography enabled him to suppress important works on the last thirty years of Spanish rule, particularly those dealing with reforms, thereby shaping the image of a “dark age” of medievalism dominated by religious orders. This article explores the significance of LeRoy’s book in shaping American colonial discourse and criticizes LeRoy’s idea of a “dark age” by introducing part of the bibliography he omitted.
Feeling good and open-minded: The impact of positive affect on cross cultural empathic responding

Two experiments were conducted with US college students to determine whether affective states influence cross-cultural empathy. Participants read about a target who experienced distress and assumed a perspective that was consistent or inconsistent with US norms. When evaluating targets with a dissimilar (versus similar) cultural perspective, participants in neutral affect (Experiments 1 and 2) or negative affect (Experiment 2) conditions exhibited less perspective taking and emotional empathy. However, those differences were not observed for participants in a positive affect condition. Indeed, students in the positive (versus neutral or negative) affect condition exhibited greater perspective taking and feelings of compassion and sympathy for the dissimilar target. Results support (Fredrickson, B.L. (1998). What good are positive emotions? Review of General Psychology, 2, 300–319; Fredrickson, B.L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden and build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56, 218–226) broaden and build theory, suggesting positive affect promotes open-minded, flexible thinking and builds social resources.
Biologia Plantarum Xx (x): Xxx-xxx, 20xx Differential Expression Pattern of Transcription Factors across Annual Medicago Genotypes in Response to Salinity Stress

Plants respond differently to salinity stress due to their unique gene architectures. Among genes, transcription factors (TFs) regulate many physiological and biochemical processes by modulating the rate of transcription initiation of target gene. Modulation of TFs has been correlated to the salt adaptation of any given genotype. In order to identify the expression of eight TFs (belong to bHLH, CBF, MYB, WRKY, and Zpt2 families) in three annual Medicago genotypes (M. polymorpha cv. Ieze, M. laciniata cv. Shushtar, and M. laciniata cv. Gheshm) under salinity stress, the RT-qPCR analyses were performed. Attempts were also made to establish relationships between gene expression profile and morpho-physiological traits in these genotypes. In response to salinity cv. Ieze had minimal changes in biomass, the electrolyte leakage, H 2 O 2 content and the higher ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione than other genotypes. Furthermore, Ieze had lower accumulation of Na + and less decrease in K + content. Altogether, it is concluded that Ieze could be regarded as a salt tolerant genotype. Transcriptome profile showed considerable variation across Medicago genotypes and among plant tissues. Among five TFs, Zpt2-2 and CBF4 had higher expression in salt-tolerant genotypes suggesting these genes as good candidates in genetic improvement programs to produce stress-tolerant plants.
The relationship between venue indoor air quality and urinary cotinine levels among semiopen-air café employees: what factors determine the level of exposure?

BACKGROUND Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) is increasingly recognized as an occupational hazard to workers in the service industry. In areas of the world with moderate climates, open windows and doors are assumed to provide a work environment with only marginally increased exposures to SHS. METHODS We measured indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 50 semiopen air venues in Greece during the summer. Cotinine levels from a nonsmoking employee of each of these venues were measured from a postshift urine sample. RESULTS In these semiopen-air venues, the mean level of indoor PM 2.5 levels were 113.5 ± 72.3 μg/m(3). The mean postshift urinary cotinine levels of nonworking workers in these venues was 15 ng/mL. PM2.5 levels were strongly correlated with urinary cotinine concentrations (Spearman's r = 0.914). Linear regression analyses indicated that when taking into account the time of the measurement, the day of the week, for each 1 cigarette/100 m(3) the indoor PM2.5 concentrations increased by 26.6 μg/m(3) [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.6-45.7 μg/m(3), p = 0.007) and urinary cotinine levels of nonsmoking workers increased by 5.0 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.4 to 9.6, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS In a sample of bars and restaurants with windows and doors open, indoor PM2.5 concentrations were elevated and increased proportionately to the density of smoking. Cotinine levels of nonsmoking employees increased with indoor PM2.5 concentrations, and also with the density of smoking. Open windows and doors do not protect workers from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Studying the vertical variation of cloud droplet effective radius using ship and space-borne remote sensing data

[1] The albedo of marine stratocumuli depends upon cloud liquid water content, droplet effective radius (re), and how these parameters vary with height. Using satellite data and shipborne data from the East Pacific Investigation of Climate (EPIC) Stratocumulus Study, this study investigates the cloud re vertical variation for drizzling and nondrizzling clouds. Visible/near-infrared retrievals from the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are used to estimate the vertical profile of re. MODIS re observations and collocated shipborne scanning C-band precipitation radar data show that re generally increases with height in nondrizzling clouds, consistent with aircraft observations. It is found that in clouds with precipitation rates greater than a few hundredths of a mm h−1 the vertical gradient of re is significantly less than that in nondrizzling clouds and can become negative when the drizzle is heavier than approximately 0.1 mm h−1. High values of re at drizzling cloud base are consistent with estimates of the ratio of liquid water in the drizzle drops to that in the cloud droplets. C-band derived cloud base precipitation rates are found to be better correlated with re at cloud base than with re at cloud top, suggesting that passive remote sensing may be useful for drizzle detection.
Publication Productivity of Criminologists

This article investigates the number of publications of thousands of members of the American Society of Criminology (ASC) in hundreds of journals listed in the Criminal Justice Periodical Index (CJPI). Publications in 2004–2005 of ASC members in 2005, and publications in 2010–2011 of ASC members in 2011, were investigated. Only ASC members who were considered to be “at risk” of publishing in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) journals were included. About one-third of ASC members published at least one CJPI article in 2004–2005, but this increased to one-half by 2010–2011. The number of articles published per year by those who published any articles also increased, from 1.0 in 2004–2005 to 1.4 in 2010–2011. The number of articles published in the 26 most central CCJ journals also increased, by about 75%. The most-published scholars in the first time period were Alex R. Piquero, Brian K. Payne, Francis T. Cullen, David W. Webb, and Julian V. Roberts; the most-published scholars in the second time period were Alex R. Piquero, Kevin M. Beaver, Wesley G. Jennings, George E. Higgins, and Matthew J. Delisi. Alex R. Piquero was the most prolific publisher on all measures in both time periods. Female scholars were more likely to appear among the most-published scholars in the second time period.
Cloning and characterization of the structural gene for the class 2 protein of Neisseria meningitidis

The class 2 protein of Neisseria meningitidis is the major outer membrane protein and a porin. A lambda gt11 bank of meningococcal chromosomal DNA was screened with monoclonal antibodies against gonococcal protein IB that cross-react with meningococcal class 2 protein. Three independent immunoreactive clones were isolated. DNA sequence analysis indicated that these clones included regions encoding the N-terminal portion of the class 2 protein. An oligonucleotide of 21 bases that was complementary to this sequence was synthesized and used as a probe for a second screening of the lambda gt11 bank. One of the positive clones isolated contained the complete gene, including the ribosome binding site, but lacked the promoter region. On the basis of the DNA sequence, a protein of 360 amino acids was predicted. Comparison of the predicted protein sequence with that of gonococcal protein I showed little homology in six regions constituting 29% of the total amino acids, while the remainder of the coding frame showed 81% homology of amino acid residues. The DNA homology in the immediate 5' and 3' noncoding sequences was very striking. Following the putative transcription terminator, the 3' DNA sequence contained a complex pattern of direct and inverted repeats having some similarity to the 3' sequence of the gonococcal protein IB gene and very close homology to a sequence located in the pilS1 region (R. Haas and T. F. Meyer, Cell 44:107, 1986), an area of the gonococcal genome containing silent pilin genes.
Factors influencing referral to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs: a systematic review

Background: Referral to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs remains very low, despite evidence suggesting strong clinical efficacy. To develop evidence-based interventions to promote referral, the complex factors and processes influencing referral need to be better understood. Design: We performed a systematic review using qualitative meta-synthesis. Methods: A comprehensive search of 11 databases was conducted. To be included, studies had to contain a qualitative research component wholly or in a mixed method design. Population specific data or themes had to be extractable for referral to programs. Studies had to contain extractable data from adults >18 years and published as full papers or theses during or after 1995. Results: A total of 2620 articles were retrieved: out of 1687 studies examined, 87 studies contained data pertaining to decisions to participate in programs, 34 of which included data on referral. Healthcare professional, system and patient factors influenced referrals. The main professional barriers were low knowledge or scepticism about benefits, an over-reliance on physicians as gatekeepers and judgments that patients were not likely to participate. Systems factors related to territory, remuneration and insufficient time and workload capacity. Patients had limited knowledge of programs and saw physicians as key elements of referral but found the process of attaining a referral confusing and challenging. Conclusions: The greatest increases in patient referral to programs could be achieved by allowing referral from non-physicians or alternatively, automatic referral to a choice of hospital or home-based programs. All referring health professionals should receive educational outreach visits or workshops around the ethical and clinical aspects of programs.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Human Cd4+Cd25+ T Cells with Regulatory Properties Isolated from Peripheral Blood

A subpopulation of peripheral human CD4+CD25+ T cells that expresses CD45RO, histocompatibility leukocyte antigen DR, and intracellular cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen (CTLA) 4 does not expand after stimulation and markedly suppresses the expansion of conventional T cells in a contact-dependent manner. After activation, CD4+CD25+ T cells express CTLA-4 on the surface detectable for several weeks. These cells show a G1/G0 cell cycle arrest and no production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, or interferon (IFN)-γ on either protein or mRNA levels. The anergic state of CD4+CD25+ T cells is not reversible by the addition of anti-CD28, anti–CTLA-4, anti–transforming growth factor β, or anti–IL-10 antibody. However, the refractory state of CD4+CD25+ T cells was partially reversible by the addition of IL-2 or IL-4. These data demonstrate that human blood contains a resident T cell population with potent regulatory properties.
Neurological abnormalities in schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Purpose of review Due to the frequent observation of the coexistence of obsessive-compulsive and schizophrenic symptoms in the same patient, there is growing interest in the pathophysiological overlap between the two disorders. In order to identify the similarities and disparities between schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, this review summarizes the recent findings from structural/functional neuroimaging, neuropsychological and electrophysiological literature on first-episode schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Recent findings Recent research has identified that structural, cognitive and electrophysiological abnormalities are present in schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In particular, brain abnormalities are present even in the early stage of schizophrenia. The deficits in the frontostriatal and frontotemporal pathways seem to be the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and frontostriatal deficit is also involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although the frontostriatal deficit is present both in schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenic patients show more structural abnormalities and cognitive deficits. A few studies directly comparing obsessive-compulsive disorder with schizophrenia have reported interesting findings on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the same neural circuits with functional dissociations. Summary Recent research has demonstrated that brain abnormalities are present in first-episode schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are some pathophysiological similarities, such as deficit of the frontostriatal circuit, between schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but more structural abnormalities are involved in schizophrenia. Future studies, investigating the neurological abnormalities in schizo-obsessive or early-phase psychosis with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, are needed.
Dense 3D surface acquisition by structured light using off-the-shelf components

This paper describes the implementation of a LCD stripe projection system, based on a new processing scheme called line shift processing. One advantage of the method is, that the projection device cam, but is not required to be stable over time nor does it have to be calibrated. The new method therefore allows us to use an off-the-shelf multimedia projector to acquire dense 3D data of large objects in a matter of seconds. Since we are able to control our source of illumination, we can also acquire registered color information using standard monochrome cameras.
Reproductive health knowledge and implications: A study in Nigeria

45% of Nigerias population is under age 15. This study employed a questionnaire to learn the level of reproductive health knowledge of 416 male and female Nigerian students ages 10 through 16. The Chi-square statistical procedure was used as demographic characteristics were related to reproductive health knowledge among the pre-teen and teenage youth. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) relationships were found between variables such as knowledge of reproduction family planning and AIDS when each was compared separately to age gender living situation while at school school club memberships and so on. With respect to reproduction and related topics older teenagers indicated more knowledge than pre-teenagers girls more than boys and those living in dormitories more than those living at home or in other housing while attending school. Television ranked first in terms of students sources of information on reproduction pregnancy birth control and AIDS. Newspapers ranked second radio third teachers fourth and parents fifth. Perhaps the most striking data are the "I dont know" responses with respect to AIDS. 13% had not heard of AIDS 27% did not know how AIDS is transmitted 29% did not know the seriousness of AIDS 37% did not know how to avoid AIDS and 14% did not know that a mother with AIDS might infect her baby. Recommendations are made for increasing health services and education concerning reproductive health for pre-teen and teenage students. (authors)
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Two-Year Results with a Modular Interbody Device

Study Design Retrospective case series. Purpose To present radiographic outcomes following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) utilizing a modular interbody device. Overview of Literature Though multiple anterior lumbar interbody techniques have proven successful in promoting bony fusion, postoperative subsidence remains a frequently reported phenomenon. Methods Forty-three consecutive patients underwent ALIF with (n=30) or without (n=11) supplemental instrumentation. Two patients underwent ALIF to treat failed posterior instrumented fusion. The primary outcome measure was presence of fusion as assessed by computed tomography. Secondary outcome measures were lordosis, intervertebral lordotic angle (ILA), disc height, subsidence, Bridwell fusion grade, technical complications and pain score. Interobserver reliability of radiographic outcome measures was calculated. Results Forty-three patients underwent ALIF of 73 motion segments. ILA and disc height increased over baseline, and this persisted through final follow-up (p<0.01). Solid anterior interbody fusion was present in 71 of 73 motion segments (97%). The amount of new bone formation in the interbody space increased over serial imaging. Subsidence >4 mm occurred in 12% of patients. There were eight surgical complications (19%): one major (reoperation for nonunion/progressive subsidence) and seven minor (five subsidence, two malposition). Conclusions The use of a modular interbody device for ALIF resulted in a high rate of radiographic fusion and a low rate of subsidence. The large endplate and modular design of the device may contribute to a low rate of subsidence as well as maintenance of ILA and lordosis. Previously reported quantitative radiographic outcome measures were found to be more reliable than qualitative or categorical measures.
Ironic evaluation processes: effects of thought suppression on evaluations of older job applicants

This research explored ironic evaluation processes initiated by suppression instructions conveyed during diversity training. Raters watched one of three training videos: a video providing information about age diversity and recommending that they try to suppress age-related thoughts; a video providing information about age, sex, race, and ethnic diversity and recommending that they try to suppress demography-related thoughts; or a control video containing no suppression recommendations. All raters then evaluated a series of job applicants. During the evaluation task, some raters were cognitively busy while others were not. Ironically, busy raters instructed to suppress age-related thoughts evaluated an older applicant less favorably than raters in other conditions. These results suggest that organizational diversity training including instructions to suppress stereotypic thoughts may have detrimental effects on evaluations of non-traditional job applicants if raters are cognitively busy when they implement these instructions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.