Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
String spectra near some null cosmological singularities

We construct cosmological spacetimes with null Kasner-like singularities as purely gravitational solutions with no other background fields turned on. These can be recast as anisotropic plane-wave spacetimes by coordinate transformations. We analyze string quantization to find the spectrum of string modes in these backgrounds. The classical string modes can be solved for exactly in these time-dependent backgrounds, which enables a detailed study of the near-singularity string spectrum, (time-dependent) oscillator masses, and wave functions. We find that for low-lying string modes (finite oscillation number), the classical near-singularity string mode functions are nondivergent for various families of singularities. Furthermore, for any infinitesimal regularization of the vicinity of the singularity, we find a tower of string modes of ultrahigh oscillation number which propagate essentially freely in the background. The resulting picture suggests that string interactions are non-negligible near the singularity.
Critical factors and benefits in the implementation of customer relationship management

Abstract In competitive consumer markets, building and maintaining a good relationship with customers is essential to long-term business survival. Currently, firms are applying Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to facilitate the maintenance of this relationship. This investigation applies interview survey methods to explore the relationship between Business Process Reengineering (BPR), Organizational Learning, Relationship Quality, and Organizational Performance in the implementation of a CRM system. Among these factors, BPR and Organizational Learning are the first steps in the construction of CRM. BPR involves staff reward and training, organizational structure, and information technology tools. Organizational learning involves commitment to learning, shared visions and open-mindedness. Relationship Quality involves trust, satisfaction and commitment, which are intended to be increased by the implementation. The Balanced Scorecard approach is applied to the measurement of Organizational Performance.
Cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics during induction of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as investigated by near infrared spectrophotometry.

OBJECTIVE To investigate cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics in relation to changes in some relevant physiologic variables during induction of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in newborn infants. METHODS Twenty-four newborn infants requiring ECMO were studied from cannulation until 60 minutes after starting ECMO. Concentration changes of oxyhemoglobin (cO2Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (cHHb), total hemoglobin (ctHb), and (oxidized-reduced) cytochrome aa3 (cCyt.aa3) in cerebral tissue were measured continuously by near infrared spectrophotometry. Heart rate (HR), transcutaneous partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide (tcPO2 and tcPCO2), arterial O2 saturation (saO2), and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were measured simultaneously. Intravascular hemoglobin concentration (cHb) was measured before and after starting ECMO. In 18 of the 24 infants, mean blood flow velocity (MBFV) and pulsatility index (PI) in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries were also measured before and after starting ECMO using pulsed Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS After carotid ligation, cO2Hb decreased whereas cHHb increased. After jugular ligation, no changes in cerebral oxygenation were found. At 60 minutes after starting ECMO, the values of cO2Hb, saO2, tcPO2, and MABP were significantly higher than the precannulation values, whereas the value of cHHb was lower. There were no changes in cCyt.aa3, tcPCO2, and HR, whereas cHb decreased. The MBFV was significantly increased in the major cerebral arteries except the right middle cerebral artery, whereas PI was decreased in all measured arteries. Cerebral blood volume, calculated from changes in ctHb and cHb, was increased in 20 of 24 infants after starting ECMO. Using multivariate regression models, a positive correlation of delta ctHb (representative of changes in cerebral blood volume) with delta MABP and a negative correlation with delta tcPO2 were found. CONCLUSIONS The alterations in cerebral oxygenation after carotid artery ligation might reflect increased O2 extraction. Despite increase of the cerebral O2 supply after starting ECMO, no changes in intracellular O2 availability were found, probably because of sufficient preservation of intracellular cerebral oxygenation in the pre-ECMO period despite prolonged hypoxemia. The increase in cerebral blood volume and cerebral MBFV may result from the following: (1) reactive hyperperfusion, (2) loss of autoregulation because of prolonged hypoxemia before ECMO and/or decreased arterial pulsatility, or (3) compensation for hemodilution related to the ECMO procedure.
A prospective study of loss of control eating for body weight gain in children at high risk for adult obesity.

OBJECTIVE Limited data suggest that disordered-eating may predispose children to excessive weight gain. We investigated the relationship between baseline responses to the Eating Disorder Examination adapted for Children (ChEDE) and change in BMI (kg/m(2)) in children at high risk for adult obesity. METHOD Children (6-12 years) were administered the ChEDE to assess loss of control (LOC) eating, dietary restraint, and eating, shape, and weight concern. Height and weight were measured at baseline and annually. RESULTS Between July, 1999, and August, 2007, 772 measurements were obtained from 143 children over 4.5 +/- 1.9 years. LOC eating predicted an increased rate of BMI growth over time (p = .02). Compared with children without LOC, those reporting LOC gained an additional mean 2.4 kg of weight per year. CONCLUSION LOC is a salient predictor of weight gain during middle childhood. Interventions that decrease LOC eating should be evaluated for their ability to prevent excessive pediatric weight gain.
Retrospective analysis of mortality and Candida isolates of 75 patients with candidemia: a single hospital experience

The mortality rate for candidemia is approximately 30%–60%. However, prognostic factors in patients with candidemia have not yet been elucidated in detail. The aim of the present study was to analyze prognostic factors for candidemia using the mortality rate and Candida isolates of patients with candidemia. Seventy-five patients with candidemia were analyzed between January 2007 and December 2013. The main outcome of this study was the 30-day mortality rate after the diagnosis of candidemia. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (APACHE II score) was measured in 34 patients (45.3%). Odds ratios (ORs) for death due to candidemia were analyzed using a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. Twenty (26.6%) patients died within 30 days of being diagnosed with candidemia. Non-survivors had a significantly higher APACHE II score (n=7, mean; 18.9±4.5) than that of survivors (n=27, mean; 14.0±5.0). Advanced age (OR =1.1, 95% confidence interval =1.01–1.23, P=0.04) was a significant risk factor for a high mortality rate, whereas removal of a central venous catheter (OR =0.03, 95% confidence interval =0.002–0.3, P=0.01) was associated with a lower mortality rate. Seventy-six Candida spp. were isolated from blood cultures: Candida albicans 28 (36.8%), Candida parapsilosis 23 (30.2%), Candida guilliermondii 16 (21.0%), Candida glabrata four (5.2%), Candida tropicalis two (2.6%), and Candida spp. three (3.9%) that could not be identified. C. parapsilosis was the most frequently isolated species in younger patients (<65 years), whereas C. albicans was the most frequently isolated in elderly patients (≥65 years). Physicians who treat candidemia need to consider removing the central venous catheter and pay attention to the general condition of patients, particularly that of elderly patients.
Where We Look When We Drive with or without Active Steering Wheel Control

Current theories on the role of visuomotor coordination in driving agree that active sampling of the road by the driver informs the arm-motor system in charge of performing actions on the steering wheel. Still under debate, however, is the nature of visual cues and gaze strategies used by drivers. In particular, the tangent point hypothesis, which states that drivers look at a specific point on the inside edge line, has recently become the object of controversy. An alternative hypothesis proposes that drivers orient gaze toward the desired future path, which happens to be often situated in the vicinity of the tangent point. The present study contributed to this debate through the analyses of the distribution of gaze orientation with respect to the tangent point. The results revealed that drivers sampled the roadway in the close vicinity of the tangent point rather than the tangent point proper. This supports the idea that drivers look at the boundary of a safe trajectory envelop near the inside edge line. Furthermore, the study investigated for the first time the reciprocal influence of manual control on gaze control in the context of driving. This was achieved through the comparison of gaze behavior when drivers actively steered the vehicle or when steering was performed by an automatic controller. The results showed an increase in look-ahead fixations in the direction of the bend exit and a small but consistent reduction in the time spent looking in the area of the tangent point when steering was passive. This may be the consequence of a change in the balance between cognitive and sensorimotor anticipatory gaze strategies. It might also reflect bidirectional coordination control between the eye and arm-motor systems, which goes beyond the common assumption that the eyes lead the hands when driving.
Caveolae respond to cell stretch and contribute to stretch-induced signaling

Caveolae are invaginations of the plasma membrane that are formed by caveolins. Caveolar membranes are also enriched in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids and signaling enzymes such as Src kinase. Here we investigate the effect of cell stretch upon caveolar dynamics and signaling. Transfection of C2 myoblasts with caveolin-3–YFP led to the formation of caveolae-like membrane pits 50–100 nm in diameter. Glycosphingolipids became immobilized and tightly packed together within caveolin-rich regions of the plasma membrane. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to assess the degree of glycosphingolipid packing. Myoblasts were subjected to a brief (1 minute) stretch on an elastic substratum. Stretch caused a reduction in glycosphingolipid FRET, consistent with a reversible unfolding of caveolar pits in response to membrane tension. Cells expressing caveolin-3–YFP also displayed an enhanced stretch-induced activation of Src kinase, as assessed by immunofluorescence. Repeated stretches resulted in the trafficking and remodeling of caveolin-3-rich membrane domains and accelerated turnover of membrane glycosphingolipids. The stretch-induced unfolding of caveolae, activation of Src and redistribution of caveolin and glycosphingolipids might reflect mechanisms of the cellular adaptation to mechanical stresses.
No interference of task complexity with circadian rhythmicity in a constant routine protocol

Time course in task performance has been studied extensively. In particular, the investigation of circadian rhythmicity in task performance that varied in complexity. However, these studies disclosed heterogeneous outcomes. This could be the result of confounding exogenous factors, the use of diverse tasks, as well as accumulating sleepiness interfering with the underlying circadian drive. The present study varied task demands systematically within a single task and a dual task, using a constant routine protocol to examine the unmasked influence of the endogenous circadian oscillator on the periodicity of performance. Moreover, the subjects were divided into an early-start and a late-start group to estimate the potential interaction of circadian rhythmicity with the duration of prior wakefulness. The results revealed a distinct congruence in the circadian rhythms of all performance measures, with which prior wakefulness (< 40 h) did not interact. Also, single-task as well as dual-task complexity did not interfere with circadian rhythmicity. In conclusion, when sufficiently controlled for masking exogenous factors, task complexity is removed from the underlying circadian rhythms.
A Review of the Literature

Continuous monitoring of individual student academic progress has long been an important aim within the field of special education (Deno, 1985; Fuchs, 2004). Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) represents an empirically supported system of progress monitoring that has produced demonstrated effects on student achievement, particularly in reading (Fuchs, Deno, & Mirkin, 1984; Fuchs, Fuchs, & Hamlett, 1989b; Jones & Krause, 1988). In recent years, as general educators and policymakers have emphasized greater accountability for schools’ efforts to teach all children, many researchers and practitioners have asserted the utility of progress monitoring—particularly in reading—for increasing numbers of students, regardless of disability status (Deno, 2003). Given growing attention to student achievement in mathematics, the practice of continuous progress monitoring should be similarly scaled up in this content domain. To do so, education professionals need to take stock of the empirical evidence for mathematics progress monitoring measures with regard to technical adequacy and instructional utility. The purpose of this article is to review the existing empirical literature on mathematics progress monitoring measures. As we began our work on the mathematics strand of the Research Institute on Progress Monitoring (RIPM), we sought to identify the areas of greatest need in which to focus our research. A review of the literature provided the best means of evaluating the current status of research in mathematics CBMs. We have organized our article using two concerns identified by Fuchs (2004): (a) strategies for developing CBM tasks and Progress Monitoring Measures in Mathematics
Growth arrest in human T-cells is controlled by the non-coding RNA growth-arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5)

The control of growth of lymphocyte populations is crucial to the physiological regulation of the immune system, and to the prevention of both leukaemic and autoimmune disease. This control is mediated through modulation of the cell cycle and regulation of cell death. During log-phase growth the rate of proliferation is high and there is a low rate of cell death. As the population density increases, the cell cycle is extended and apoptosis becomes more frequent as the population enters growth arrest. Here, we show that growth-arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) plays an essential role in normal growth arrest in both T-cell lines and non-transformed lymphocytes. Overexpression of GAS5 causes both an increase in apoptosis and a reduction in the rate of progression through the cell-cycle. Consistent with this, downregulation of endogenous GAS5 inhibits apoptosis and maintains a more rapid cell cycle, indicating that GAS5 expression is both necessary and sufficient for normal growth arrest in T-cell lines as well as human peripheral blood T-cells. Control of apoptosis and the cell cycle by GAS5 has significant consequences for disease pathogenesis, because independent studies have already identified GAS5 as an important candidate gene in the development of autoimmune disease.
Review: proximity effects in the production of chromosome aberrations by ionizing radiation.

After ionizing radiation has induced double-strand DNA breaks (dsb), misrejoining produces chromosome aberrations. Aberration yields are influenced by "proximity' effects, i.e., by the dependence of misrejoining probabilities on initial dsb separations. We survey proximity effects, emphasizing implications for chromosome aberration-formation mechanisms, for chromatin geometry, and for dose-response relations. Evidence for proximity effects comes from observed biases for centric rings and against three-way interchanges, relative to dicentrics or translocations. Other evidence comes from the way aberration yields depend on radiation dose and quality, tightly bunched ionizations being relatively effective. We concludes (1) that misrejoining probabilities decrease as the distance between dsb at the time of their formation increases, and almost all misrejoining occurs among dsb initially separated by < 1/3 of a cell nucleus diameter; (2) that chromosomes occupy (irregular) territories during the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, having dimensions also roughly 1/3 of a cell nucleus diameter, (3) that proximity effects have the potential to probe how much different chromosomes intertwine on move relative to each other: and (4) that incorporation of proximity effects into the classic random breakage-and-reunion model allows quantitative interrelation of yields for many different aberration types and of data obtained with various FISH painting methods or whole-genome scoring.
A generic bias-correction method with application to scan-based localization

In previous work a method was proposed to determine the bias in localization algorithms using range or bearing data. In this paper the method is extended to be more generic; in particular, different types of measurement data are permitted, and there may be more measurements than there are variables to estimate. The method combines the Taylor series and Jacobian matrices to determine the bias, and leads to an easily calculated analytical bias expression, despite the general unavailability of analytic expressions for the solution of most localization problems. The method is used to estimate the bias in scan-based localization. Monte Carlo simulation results verify the performance of the proposed method in this context.
BREEDING SYSTEMS OF TREE SPECIES OF A LOWLAND TROPICAL COMMUNITY

Little information is available on the breeding systems of tropical forest trees. Yet a knowledge of reproductive methods is essential for an understanding of the patterns of gene flow and genetic differentiation within and between populations. Such information, in turn, is fundamental to an understanding of speciation and the genetic relationships between species. This paper reports the results of a study on the breeding systems of tree species of a lowland tropical community. The main objective was to determine the relative proportions of self-compatible and selfincompatible species in the community. Controlled pollinations were performed to test for self-compatibility. Supplementary data in the form of observations on floral biology were collected to determine the frequency of dioecious, monoecious, and dichogamous species.
A Mouse with a Loss-of-function Mutation in the c-Cbl TKB Domain Shows Perturbed Thymocyte Signaling without Enhancing the Activity of the ZAP-70 Tyrosine Kinase

The unique tyrosine kinase binding (TKB) domain of Cbl targets phosphorylated tyrosines on activated protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs); this targeting is considered essential for Cbl proteins to negatively regulate PTKs. Here, a loss-of-function mutation (G304E) in the c-Cbl TKB domain, first identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, was introduced into a mouse and its effects in thymocytes and T cells were studied. In marked contrast to the c-Cbl knockout mouse, we found no evidence of enhanced activity of the ZAP-70 PTK in thymocytes from the TKB domain mutant mouse. This finding contradicts the accepted mechanism of c-Cbl–mediated negative regulation, which requires TKB domain targeting of phosphotyrosine 292 in ZAP-70. However, the TKB domain mutant mouse does show aspects of enhanced signaling that parallel those of the c-Cbl knockout mouse, but these involve the constitutive activation of Rac and not enhanced PTK activity. Furthermore, the enhanced signaling in CD4+CD8+ double positive thymocytes appears to be compensated by the selective down-regulation of CD3 on mature thymocytes and peripheral T cells from both strains of mutant c-Cbl mice.
Vinsers’ Tales: A Phenomenological Study on Motivation, Attitude and Self-Efficacy in ESL Learning of Selected Grade 11 Learners

English as a Secondary Language (ESL) has grown globally due to globalization and international communication, but challenges such as low motivation, attitude, and self-efficacy hinder successful language learning. This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of Grade 11 learners at Vinschool Ocean Park regarding their motivation, attitude, and confidence in their own ability to learn English as a second language. It also aims to pinpoint the causes of these views and create a helpful and efficient system of support. A qualitative approach was used in this study, with semi-structured interviews conducted with selected Vinsers. Sampling was purposive, based on factors such as learners' levels of proficiency, their history with English language instruction, and their attitudes towards learning. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Further, the study revealed that motivation, attitude, and self-efficacy play crucial roles in determining the success of ESL learning. The results offered valuable insights into the personal and social factors that impact ESL learning.
OPA1 haploinsufficiency induces a BNIP3‐dependent decrease in mitophagy in neurons: relevance to Dominant Optic Atrophy

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is because of mutations in the mitochondrial protein OPA1. The disease principally affects retinal ganglion cells, whose axons degenerate leading to vision impairments, and sometimes other neuronal phenotypes. The exact mechanisms underlying DOA pathogenesis are not known. We previously demonstrated that the main role of OPA1, as a mitochondrial fusogenic and anti‐apoptotic protein, are inhibited by interaction with the stress inducible pro‐apoptotic BNIP3 protein. Because BNIP3 was recently reported to participate in autophagy and mitophagy, we tested the involvement of these processes in DOA pathogenesis. Using an in vitro neuronal model of DOA, we identified a BNIP3 down‐regulation that reduced autophagy and mitophagy. Restoring BNIP3 had a biphasic effect, first rescuing autophagy and mitophagy levels but later leading to cell death. Similarly, in an in vivo mouse model of DOA, we showed that BNIP3 levels are decreased in young adult mice and increase to normal levels upon aging, paralleling disease progression. Altogether, our results indicate that the relationship between OPA1 and BNIP3 may have important bearings on DOA pathogenesis.
Members of 3-O-Sulfotransferases (3-OST) Family: A Valuable Tool from Zebrafish to Humans for Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus Entry

The journey of many viruses to infect cells begins when the virus first binds to cell surface heparan sulfate (HS). The initial step of cell attachment or binding during herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) entry is mediated by envelope glycoprotein B (gB) and C (gC). The binding is followed by fusion between virus envelope and cell membrane during which HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD) interacts with a modified form of HS know as 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate (3-OS HS). The rare modification of 3-O-sulfation on HS chain is governed by enzymes known as 3-O-sulfotransferase (3-OST). Currently, there are seven isoforms of human 3-OSTs that have been identified, and with the exception of 3-OST-1, all other 3-OST isoforms allow HSV-1 entry and spread. Recently, the product of the zebrafish (ZF)-encoded 3-OST-3 was also recognized as a gD receptor, which mediates HSV-1 entry and cell-cell fusion similar to human 3-OST-3. Interestingly, the ZF system expresses multiple isoforms of 3-OST which could be very useful for studying the involvement of HS and 3-OS HS in virus tropism and virus-induced inflammation. In addition, therapeutic targeting of 3-OST generated HS is likely to bring about novel interventions against HSV-1. In this review we have taken a closer look at the potential of both human and ZF encoded 3-OSTs as valuable tools in HSV entry and inflammation studies.