Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Economics of Crowdfunding Platforms

This paper provides a description of the crowdfunding sector, considering investment- based crowdfunding platforms as well as platforms in which funders do not obtain monetary payments. It lays out key features of this quickly developing sector and explores the economic forces at play that can explain the design of these platforms. In particular, it elaborates on cross-group and within-group external effects and asymmetric information on crowdfunding platforms.
Apologies, Repentance, and Forgiveness: A Muslim–Christian Comparison

Forgivingness (dispositional forgiveness) was assessed in three different samples: Lebanese Muslims (N = 119), Lebanese Christians (N = 121), and French Christians (N = 151). Two different forgivingness structures were evidenced, one that corresponded to the three-factor Western European model (Lasting Resentment, Sensitivity to Circumstances, and Unconditional Forgiveness), which fit the data from the Christian samples, and one that gave a special status to repentance and apologies, which fit the data from the Lebanese Muslim sample. In this alternative model, the meaning of the Sensitivity to Circumstances factor was reduced to circumstances that did not imply the offender's behavior or the victim's mood, and the meaning of the third factor was that the presence of apologizing behavior from the offender was a necessary condition for the resentment to weaken, for the mood to improve, and for a first step toward forgiveness to be taken. The Lebanese Muslims' unconditional forgiveness score was lower than the corresponding Lebanese Christians' and French Christians' scores. This difference was not attributable to possible differential acquiescence effects.
Improvement of refractory rheumatoid arthritis after depletion of B cells

Objective: B cells are involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To evaluate the effect of therapeutic B‐cell depletion for treatment of RA, an open label study has been performed using the B‐cell depleting anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab. Methods: Five patients with refractory RA were treated weekly with four infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m2) alone, or in combination with ongoing methotrexate (MTX). Patients were followed for at least 44 weeks and monitored for safety and tolerability of treatment. Results: Treatment could be performed without serious side effects and resulted in peripheral B‐cell depletion lasting between 36 weeks up to >1 year. The follow‐up revealed no significant treatment‐associated side effects. At 22 weeks, 4/5 patients showed a significant improvement (>1.2) of the Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The mean DAS28 of all patients declined from 6.2 to 4.1. At 44 weeks there was one drop‐out, another patient still had a sustained response, and three patients showed slowly increasing disease activity (mean DAS28 of the remaining four patients: Week 0: 6.0; Week 22: 3.85; Week 44: 5.6). Despite relatively constant immunoglobulin levels, rheumatoid factor levels decreased parallel to disease activity. Conclusion: In patients with refractory RA, B‐cell depletion with rituximab is safe and well tolerated. A reduction of disease activity could be observed, which eventually deteriorated after B‐cell repopulation. The findings give more evidence for B‐cell targeted therapies in RA.
An Analog On-Chip Adaptive Body Bias Calibration for Reducing Mismatches in Transistor Pairs

Device parameter variations exhibit an increasingly serious impact on analog and mixed-signal circuit behavior. In this paper, we propose a novel fully-analog on-chip adaptive body bias calibration method, for efficiently reducing mismatches in transistor pairs. We present three circuit implementations which achieve a mismatch reduction between 61% and 73% in terms of standard deviation.
Outcomes of central bisectionectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Central bisectionectomy (resection of Couinaud segments IV, V and VIII) for malignant or benign disease poses a technical challenge to the surgeon but if feasible, has significant benefits in terms of conserving liver volume and options for future intervention. This study reviews a cohort of patients who underwent this procedure; outlines the indications, optimal operative technique as well as both short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. Pre-operative clinicopathological data, operative details and post-operative outcomes including overall and disease-free survival were analysed. RESULTS Between 1989 and 2009, 21 patients underwent a central bisectionectomy. All procedures were performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). All patients underwent a R0 resection with a median resection margin of 5 mm (1-15 mm). The 1-, 3- and 5-year disease-free survivals were 65%, 34.8% and 34.8%, and the corresponding overall survival rates were 90.5%, 66.8% and 66.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION These data support the use of a central bisectionectomy in selected cases in the management of HCC. With the use of a meticulous operative technique and adherence to surgical oncological principles, satisfactory long-term outcomes were achievable.
Decreased Incidence of Supravalvar Pulmonary Stenosis After Arterial Switch Operation

Background— Supravalvar pulmonary stenosis (SVPS) is frequently observed after arterial switch. Traditionally the coronary arteries are removed from the neopulmonic root by excising the entire sinus of Valsalva. As a result, reconstruction of the neopulmonic root requires a pericardial patch encompassing two-thirds of the anastomosis between the neopulmonic root and pulmonary artery. We present a technique where the coronary arteries are removed as limited buttons of sinus tissue, leaving the transected edge of the neopulmonic root intact. We hypothesize that maintaining native arterial tissue in the anastomosis between the neopulmonic root and the pulmonary artery bifurcation reduces postoperative SVPS. Methods and Results— We performed a retrospective review of neonates with D-transposition of the great arteries undergoing arterial switch procedure from 1996 to 2009. Charts were reviewed, and clinical outcomes recorded for each patient. Most recent echocardiograms were evaluated for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. A total of 120 patients received arterial switch using this technique. There was 99% survival and no injuries to the coronary arteries regardless of anatomy. Total follow-up was 564 patient-years. Mean follow-up at last clinical visit was 66±46 months. Evaluation of the most recent outpatient echocardiogram revealed an average peak instantaneous gradient across the neopulmonic root of 22.5±5 mm Hg. Only 7 (5%) patients required reintervention (balloon dilation, n=5; surgery, n=2). Conclusions— Our technique of removing the coronary arteries as limited buttons, and anastomosis of the pulmonary artery using only native arterial tissue provides excellent midterm results with minimal SVPS.
Schizotypal and hypomanic traits, creativity, and psychological health

There are both theoretical and empirical linkages between the functioning of creative and eminent individuals and a variety of forms of psychopa‐thology, in particular schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Thought disorder is conceptually and empirically related to creative Divergent Thinking; schizophrenics and their relatives sometimes show evidence of highly creative adaptations; and psychiatric symptoms, notably manic and impulsive behaviors, are observed in creative and eminent individuals. Recent work has studied both psychopathological and creative functioning as continua rather than as categories or classes. The present study is unique in its use of a population that is both nonclinical and noneminent and examines the relationship between pencil and paper measures of psychotic‐like experiences, creativity, and psychological health. Results indicate that unusual perceptual experiences and beliefs, Hypomanic traits, and Impulsive Nonconformity are associated with creative attitudes and activ.
Apple or Chocolate - Intentional and Social-Reactive Processes in Eating Behavior Among Adolescents

Abstract. Two studies examined the main assumption of the Prototype/Willingness Model for eating behavior. Accordingly, health-behavior in adolescents results from intentional and social-reactive processes, namely behavioral intentions and behavioral willingness. The hypothesis was that willingness explains eating behavior over and above intentions with respect to eating behavior in general and in the peer context. This was tested in a cross-sectional (N = 286) and a longitudinal (N = 335) study. Intentions and willingness were assessed for healthy and unhealthy eating, eating behavior using an eating pattern index, and observed food consumption in the peer context. Willingness explained variance in eating behavior over and above intentions. Intentional as well as social-reactive processes contribute to adolescents’ eating behavior. Implications for practice are discussed.
Gender Disparities in Access to Pediatric Renal Transplantation in Europe: Data From the ESPN/ERA‐EDTA Registry

Inequalities between genders in access to transplantation have been demonstrated. We aimed to validate this gender inequality in a large pediatric population and to investigate its causes. This cohort study included 6454 patients starting renal replacement therapy before 18 years old, in 35 countries participating in the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry. We used cumulative incidence competing risk and proportional hazards frailty models to study the time to receive a transplant and hierarchical logistic regression to investigate access to preemptive transplantation. Girls had a slower access to renal transplantation because of a 23% lower probability of receiving preemptive transplantation. We found a longer follow‐up time before renal replacement therapy in boys compared with girls despite a similar estimated glomerular filtration rate at first appointment. Girls tend to progress faster toward end‐stage renal disease than boys, which may contribute to a shorter time available for pretransplantation workup. Overall, medical factors explained only 70% of the gender difference. In Europe, girls have less access to preemptive transplantation for reasons that are only partially related to medical factors. Nonmedical factors such as patient motivation and parent and physician attitudes toward transplantation and organ donation may contribute to this inequality. Our study should raise awareness for the management of girls with renal diseases.
The political j-blogger

This study explores how the increasingly popular blog format, as adopted by journalists affiliated with mainstream media outlets, affects long-standing journalistic norms and practice. It focuses on non-partisanship, transparency and the gatekeeping role, using a content analysis of 20 weblogs dealing with politics or civic affairs. Although expressions of opinion are common, most journalists are seeking to remain gatekeepers even in this highly interactive and participatory format. Political j-bloggers use links extensively - but mostly to other mainstream media sites. At least in their early use, journalists are ‘normalizing’ the blog as a component, and in some ways an enhancement, of traditional journalistic norms and practices.
A review of technology choice for teaching language skills and areas in the CALL literature

The use of technology in language teaching and learning has been the focus of a number of recent research review studies, including developments in technology and CALL research (Zhao, 2003), CALL as an academic discipline (Debski, 2003), ICT effectiveness (Felix, 2005), and subject characteristics in CALL research (Hubbard, 2005), to name a few. Such studies have contributed to clarifying how language learning technologies have been investigated, but questions remain regarding how these technologies have been used in achieving learning objectives. In other words, what technologies do CALL practitioners select for the teaching of a certain language skill or area such as listening, grammar or pronunciation? Are the decisions to use these technologies made on pedagogical grounds, or alternatively, are there other aspects that are more instrumental in influencing what is used in the language classroom? The purpose of this study is to review the literature to examine what technologies are used in the teaching of the language skills and areas. All empirical research articles appearing in four major English-language journals in the field of CALL (CALICO Journal, CALL, Language Learning & Technology, and ReCALL) from 2001 to 2005 were examined and the results collated to determine (1) what types of technologies are being used in the teaching of specific language skills and areas, (2) whether researchers had a clear idea in mind regarding their choice of technology or technologies in relation to their learning objectives, and (3) whether the researchers attempted to capitalise upon the features inherent in the technology or technologies as opposed to traditional, non-CALL means. The paper concludes with a discussion of the relationship between technology and pedagogical goals.
Localization of the 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate response of the human ornithine decarboxylase promoter to the TATA box

In a previous study, we narrowed the region of the human ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) promoter responsive to 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) to nt −42 to +54 around the transcription initiation site (Kim YJ, Pan H, Verma AK, Mol Carcinog 10:169–179, 1994). Here we report defining the role of the TATA box in TPA‐induced transcription from the −42/+54 ODC promoter fragment. A transversion mutation at the third position of the TATA box (TA? TAAGT→TA? AAAGT) reduced TPA responsiveness of the reporter construct ±42/+54 ODC‐Luc by 49%. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) using HeLa cell nuclear protein extracts revealed no differences in the binding pattern between the natural ±42/+54 ODC promoter element and the ±42/+54 ODC promoter element containing the T→A mutation. However, antibodies to the general transcription factor TFIIB disrupted the DNA‐protein complexes normally formed with the ±42/+54 ODC promoter element in EMSAs. A consensus TATA box oligonucleotide formed two bands, with the faster mobility band displaying enhanced binding with nuclear protein extracts from TPA treated cells. Furthermore, incubation of HeLa cell nuclear extracts with an oligonucleotide containing the ODC TATA box also caused formation of two specific bands in EMSA. Both bands exhibited augmented binding to nuclear proteins from TPA‐treated cells. Introduction of the T→A transversion mutation in the ODC TATA oligonucleotide eliminated binding of the faster migrating band formed with the natural ODC TATA oligonucleotide. These results indicate that TPA modulation of the general transcription machinery may play a role in the TPA‐activated transcription of the human ODC promoter. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Causes and Consequences of Social Interaction on the Internet: A Conceptual Framework

Increasingly, people are connecting to the Internet from their homes in order to interact with others. This article discusses research on Internet social interaction in terms of the following questions: What predicts who will look for and form social relationships on the Internet and who won't? How do people present themselves to others over the Internet? How is social interaction on the Internet similar and different from the more traditional forms of interaction? And what are the consequences of participating in Internet groups and interacting with others one-on-one for the individual's self concept and social relationships? The conceptual framework offered here organizes research on the social psychology of the Internet into three time phases (before, during, and after extensive social interactions and group participation) and two distinct types of motivations that drive Internet social behavior (self-related and socially related). After a review of the research on these issues so far we conclude that .
Making Sense: The use of Theory and Research to Support Foster Care

In this article, based on themes from her recent book, Attachment, Trauma and Resilience (BAAF, 2002), Kate Cairns proposes that foster carers and adopters need theories and models drawn from or supported by research in order to make sense of their life with children who have experienced early adversity. A range of ‘great ideas’ are briefly presented and placed in the context of child development. Concepts drawn from attachment theory and affect theory are included, as well as issues of trust, shame and resilience, and ideas arising from research on brain development and traumatic stress.
Nephro-protective effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Abstract Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and the major cause of end-stage renal failure. Consequences of diabetic nephropathy include increased kidney size and glomerular volume, thickening of basement membranes and progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Reports in the literature support an association between increased secretion of inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines, growth factors and metalloproteinases, and development of diabetic nephropathy. We investigated the potential of granulocyte colony- stimulating factor (G-CSF) as a therapeutic candidate for preventing diabetic nephropathy. We used 21 8-week-old male rats; 14 were administered a single dose of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. The rats were divided into three groups of seven: group 1, control; group 2, diabetic; group 3, diabetic plus G-CSF treatment. After 4 weeks, immunoexpressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), Akt and CD34 levels were measured in the kidney tissue. Blood glucose, urine protein and the glomerular area also were measured for each group. We found that G-CSF treatment decreased TGF-β1 immunoexpression, urine protein and glomerular area in kidneys of diabetic rats, and increased CD 34 and Akt immunoexpression in kidneys of diabetic rats. The effects of G-CSF were independent of blood glucose levels. G-CSF may be a useful therapeutic agent for preventing diabetic nephropathy.
Participatory video in geographic research: a feminist practice of looking?

This paper explores how participatory video – a methodology increasingly used in community development and anthropological research – may enable a feminist practice of looking which does not perpetuate hierarchical power relations and create voyeuristic, distanced and disembodied claims to knowledge. I reflect on experiences from a participatory video project with members of a Maaori tribe in Aotearoa New Zealand in light of geographers’ uses of video to date. I argue that participatory video, if used within carefully negotiated relationships, has potential to destabilize hierarchical power relations and create spaces for transformation by providing a practice of looking ‘alongside’ rather than ‘at’ research subjects.
Reporting Practices and Use of Quantitative Methods in Canadian Journal Articles in Psychology

With recent focus on the state of research in psychology, it is essential to assess the nature of the statistical methods and analyses used and reported by psychological researchers. To that end, we investigated the prevalence of different statistical procedures and the nature of statistical reporting practices in recent articles from the 4 major Canadian psychology journals. The majority of authors evaluated their research hypotheses through the use of analysis of variance, t tests, and multiple regression. Multivariate approaches were less common. Null hypothesis significance testing remains a popular strategy, but the majority of authors reported a standardized or unstandardized effect size measure alongside their significance test results. Confidence intervals on effect sizes were infrequently employed. Many authors provided minimal details about their statistical analyses and less than a third of the articles presented on data complications such as missing data and violations of statistical assumptions. Strengths of and areas needing improvement for reporting quantitative results are highlighted. The article concludes with recommendations for how researchers and reviewers can improve comprehension and transparency in statistical reporting. Étant donné l’attention accordée récemment à la situation de la recherche en psychologie, il est essentiel d’évaluer la nature des méthodes qui sont utilisées et des analyses statistiques qui sont présentées par les chercheurs en psychologie. À cette fin, nous avons cherché à établir la prévalence des différentes procédures statistiques et à déterminer la nature des données statistiques présentées dans les articles publiés récemment dans les quatre principales revues de psychologie au Canada. La majorité des auteurs ont évalué leurs hypothèses au moyen d’analyses de la variance, de tests t et de régressions multiples. Les approches à variables multiples étaient moins courantes. Le test d’hypothèse nulle demeure une stratégie populaire, mais la majorité des auteurs ont alors indiqué l’ampleur de l’effet normalisée ou non normalisée avec les résultats du test d’hypothèse. L’intervalle de confiance sur l’ampleur de l’effet n’est pas souvent utilisé. Nombre d’auteurs ont fourni très peu de détails au sujet de leurs analyses statistiques, et moins du tiers des articles présentaient les lacunes relatives aux données, telles que les données manquantes et les irrégularités relatives aux hypothèses statistiques. Tant les forces que les domaines à améliorer dans la communication des résultats quantitatifs sont mis en relief. L’article se termine par des recommandations sur les façons dont les chercheurs et les relecteurs peuvent améliorer la compréhension et la transparence des statistiques.