Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Mechanisms Underlying Processing in the Visual Areas of the Occipital and Temporal Lobes

Acknowledgements I have been fortunate enough to enjoy myself both at work and play whilst in Oxford. This is in no small part thanks to the great bunch of friends and colleagues who have helped gainfully occupy my time over the last three and more years. I am of course primarily grateful to SERC for my grant, my parents for their nancial help and not least to my supervisor, Edmund Rolls, who apart from providing me with constant support and input, has given me the opportunity to beneet from a large, well equipped laboratory shared with a diverse and enthusiastic group of fellow researchers. In addition, I would like to thank Roland Baddeley, Peter FF oldii ak, Shigeru Shinomoto and Alessandro Treves for their direct innuence and guidance, and without whose help much of this work would have been impossible. Since there is also a tradition to mention friends as well as colleagues, I have prepared a list of those whom I shall think of in years to come. Firstly, I want to thank Mum, Dad, Mark, Simon and Nicky-my family, for providing me with welcome and needed escape just when I needed it, and then to identify a few close friends and the fondest moments I associate with them. Anna-Lisa, who through great adversity has remained one of my dearest and most stalwart friends, eating pumpkin pie or stir fry, or a swim in the Cowley pool. Ali, enjoying her cookies and company late into a Sunday night, in front of her little gas re watching a crap lm. Geoo, only the second true male conndant I've had, with wit and a warm heart mixed with Van Morrison and port. Hugo, listening to Psychic T.V. and Gong on a trip to Thor's Cave with Cheryl. Richard, witty, fun-loving, misanthropic punter extraordinaire who deserves a break, at his house for a party or a lazy Sunday afternoon reading Cosmo and Marie Claire, or aerobie in the park and swimming at Marston Ferry. Amanda, a caring woman with a refreshing, cut-the-crap frankness, sat amongst a dinner party for the ve-thousand in her at, or hurtling around the late night streets of Oxford in her shabby, dear old Saab. Roland Baddeley, a nice bloke with enthusiasm for all occasions and pursuits, eating a big fry-up at his house or knocking back punch at a fancy dress party. Natalia, full and kind hearted …
Frequency of glutathione S-transferase M1 deletion in smokers with emphysema and lung cancer

1 Genetic variation at the glutathione S-transferase M1 locus (GSTM1) has been associated with a number of apparently unrelated cancers, including lung cancer. Emphysema is a common lung disease often found concomitant with lung cancer. Both emphysema and lung cancer may result from chemical and oxidative damage caused by reactive species present in cigarette smoke or released from neutrophils recruited follow ing cigarette smoke induced injury. GSTM1 may protect against such damage through detoxification of cigarette smoke components. Polymorphism of this gene may thus influence susceptibility not just to lung cancer, but to other forms of lung disease. 2 Resection specimens from a group of 168 lung cancer patients were assessed for the presence of macro scopic centriacinar and panacinar emphysema. DNA was extracted from archival material and genotyped for the GSTM1 polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction. A control group of 384 anonymous blood donations was used to determine the frequency of the GSTM1 gene deletion in a random control population. Reverse transcription on lung tissue was performed to investigate mRNA expression of GSTM1 and GSTM4. 3 In 57 lung cancer cases with no emphysema there was no association with homozygous deletion of the GSTM1 gene (51% null in cancer and 53% null in control groups). However in 111 patients with emphysema and lung cancer there was an increase in the frequency of deletion (65%, P=0.032) giving an odds ratio of 1.36(0.32-2.40). In 43 cases there was evidence of both centriacinar and panacinar emphy sema. The frequency of GSTM1 deletion was 70% (Odds ratio 2.11, 0.97 - 3.25). Both GSTM1 and GSTM4 mRNAs were expressed in lung tissue. 4 These findings suggest that GSTM1 has a general but rather small protective effect against toxicological injury in the lung which is not specific to cancer. This is of relevance in considering the health effects of exposure to a wide range of reactive chemicals in the environment.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP0 plays a critical role in the de novo synthesis of infectious virus following transfection of viral DNA

As a first step in identifying the functions and intramolecular functional domains of herpes simplex virus type 1 infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) in productive infection and latency, a series of mutant plasmids specifying varying amounts of the ICP0 primary amino acid sequence were constructed. In transient expression assays with mutant and wild-type plasmids, the N-terminal half of the ICP0 molecule was found to be sufficient to transactivate a variety of viral promoters. Although promoters representing the immediate-early, early, and late kinetic classes were transactivated by wild-type ICP0, individual promoters responded to mutant forms of ICP0 in a manner consistent with the possibility that ICP0 transactivates different promoters by different mechanisms. Unlike infection with virus particles, which contain the 65-kilodalton transcriptional transactiovator, the initiation of viral replication after transfection of cells with purified viral DNA requires de novo protein synthesis. In order to assess the role of ICP0 in the de novo synthesis of infectious virus, Vero cells were transfected with purified DNA of wild-type virus or an ICP0 null mutant and the production of infectious virus was monitored. In cells transfected with mutant DNA, virus production was delayed by 2 days and the level of virus was reduced by several orders of magnitude relative to Vero cells transfected with wild-type viral DNA, suggesting an important role for ICP0 in the de novo synthesis of infectious particles. In cotransfection experiments with infectious DNA of the ICP0 null mutant and a plasmid specifying wild-type ICP0 titers of infectious virus were significantly enhanced relative to transfection with mutant DNA alone, confirming the role of ICP0 in de novo synthesis. These findings are consistent with the proposed role of ICP0 in reactivation of herpes simplex virus from latency (D. A. Leib, D. M. Coen, C. L. Bogard, K. A. Hicks, D. R. Yager, D. M. Knipe, K. L. Tyler, and P. A. Schaffer, J. Virol. 63:759-768, 1989), a process also thought to require de novo protein synthesis. The complementing activities of ICP0 mutant plasmids for ICP0 null mutant DNA in cotransfection assays correlated well with their transactivating activities for viral promoters in transient assays, indicating that the transactivating function of ICP0 is a critical factor in the de novo synthesis of infectious particles. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A comparative study of the effect of two pre-reading formats on L2 reading comprehension

The article reports on a study of the effect of two pre-reading formats, a text summary and a set of pre-questions, on the text com prehension of a population of L2 learners at three proficiency levels. Two main points were investigated — the overall facilitative poten tial of the two treatments and the possible interaction of L2 profi ciency with pre-reading treatment. Both treatments produced com prehension facilitation with lower proficiency groups but not with the more advanced group. Levels of facilitation were similar for the two treatments, though the summary showed a consistent but limited lead over the pre-questions. No significant level-treatment interac tion emerged. The results are discussed in relation to the use of pre- reading in L2 comprehension development.
The identification of Malaysian driving styles using the multidimensional driving style inventory

A study was conducted to investigate the driving styles within the geographical region of Malaysia. The first part of the study determined Malaysian drivers’ driving styles using the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory approach. Respondents had various backgrounds in terms of age, gender and experience of driving. A statistical factor analysis was done for 338 respondents revealing four driving styles; careful, risky, anxious-dissociative and angry. In addition, a comparison with previous findings from Netherlands and Israel was also done in this study. The next part of the study focused on the associations of these driving styles with two personality traits (sensation seeking and desire for control), sociodemographic factors and experience of driving. The last part of the paper discusses the relevance of the study against the background of future automotive development.
The two soluble forms of the lipopolysaccharide receptor, CD14: Characterization and release by normal human monocytes

CD14, a glycolipid‐anchored membrane glycoprotein, acts as a high affinity lipopolysaccharide receptor on leukocytes. We previously reported that the Mono‐Mac‐6 cell line releases two different soluble forms of CD14 (sCD14) (Labeta et al. Eur. J. Immunol. 1993. 23: 2144). Here we show that the two sCD 14, which we now refer to as sCD 14α (low Mr), and sCD 14β (high Mr), are also synthesized and released by normal human monocytes and present in normal plasma. Their mechanism of release was examined by using the Mono‐Mac‐6 cell line, chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO)/CD14+ transfectants and plasma from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients. It was found that: (1) sCD14β is released faster than sCD 14α and that the release of the latter is a lengthy process. (2) Monensin blocked the biosynthesis of membrane‐bound CD14 (mCD 14) and sCD 14, additionally, a 50‐kDa CD14 polypeptide accumulated in the cell lysate, suggesting that the different forms of CD14 may have a common precursor. (3) Monensin also blocked the release of mCD14α from surface‐labeled cells, suggesting that conversion of mCD14 to sCD14α involves a mechanism of endocytosis followed by exocytosis. Interestingly, (4) sCD 14α and sCD 14β were detected in PNH plasma, indicating that sCD14α may also derive from an endogenous pathway. (5) Phospholipase C‐released CD 14 was identical in size to mCD 14, thus differed from sCD 14β by ˜ 2000, indicating that release of sCD 14β involves further processing. (6) CHO cells transfected with a CD14 cDNA coding for an eight C‐terminal amino acids shorter product released an sCD 14β‐like form; thus absence of the eight C‐terminal amino acids prevented mCD 14 expression but not the secretion of sCD 14β. The characterization of sCD 14α and sCD 14β reported here may be useful for better understanding of variations in sCD 14 levels in pathological conditions and the contribution of each sCD 14 in scpsis and other, as yet unknown functions.
The Epidermal Growth Factor-like Domain of CD93 Is a Potent Angiogenic Factor

Human CD93, an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain containing transmembrane protein, is predominantly expressed in the vascular endothelium. Studies have shown that AA4, the homolog of CD93 in mice, may mediate cell migration and angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Soluble CD93 has been detected in the plasma of healthy individuals. However, the role of soluble CD93 in the endothelium remains unclear. Recombinant soluble CD93 proteins with EGF-like domains (rCD93D123, with domains 1, 2, and 3; and rCD93D23, with domains 2 and 3) were generated to determine their functions in angiogenesis. We found that rCD93D23 was more potent than rCD93D123 in stimulating the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Production of matrix-metalloproteinase 2 increased after the HUVECs were treated with rCD93D23. Further, in a tube formation assay, rCD93D23 induced cell differentiation of HUVECs through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase and extracellular signal-regulated kinases-1/2 signaling. Moreover, rCD93D23 promoted blood vessel formation in a Matrigel-plug assay and an oxygen-induced retinopathy model in vivo. Our findings suggest that the soluble EGF-like domain containing CD93 protein is a novel angiogenic factor acting on the endothelium.
Energy Management and Operational Planning of a Microgrid With a PV-Based Active Generator for Smart Grid Applications

The development of energy management tools for next-generation PhotoVoltaic (PV) installations, including storage units, provides flexibility to distribution system operators. In this paper, the aggregation and implementation of these determinist energy management methods for business customers in a microgrid power system are presented. This paper proposes a determinist energy management system for a microgrid, including advanced PV generators with embedded storage units and a gas microturbine. The system is organized according to different functions and is implemented in two parts: a central energy management of the microgrid and a local power management at the customer side. The power planning is designed according to the prediction for PV power production and the load forecasting. The central and local management systems exchange data and order through a communication network. According to received grid power references, additional functions are also designed to manage locally the power flows between the various sources. Application to the case of a hybrid supercapacitor battery-based PV active generator is presented.
Noninvasive Body Contouring by Low Frequency Ultrasound: A ClinicalStudy

Non-invasive transdermal focused ultrasound is an alternative method for body contouring, that is gaining interest both in patients and physicians. We report on a controlled clinical study assessing the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic ultrasound device for non-invasive body contouring, named Proslimelt (PromoItalia Group S.p.A, Pozzuoli, Italy). A prospective study was conducted on 50 healthy patients (37 females and 13 males). The evaluation period lasted 8 consecutive weeks at the frequency of 1 session every 15 days for a mean total of 3,73 sessions. Results were assessed immediately after completion of the treatment protocol. Areas treated were the abdomen, the ankles, the arms, the buttocks and inner and outer thighs. Efficacy was determined by subjective and objective (plicometric and perimetric measurements, photographic and ultrasound evaluations) determinations. Safety was determined by clinical findings, assays of serum triglycerides, and hepatic transaminases. Finally, histopathological analyses were conducted in order to define morphological effects of the treatment. All patients showed significant reduction in subcutaneous fat thickness within the treated area, determined both by subjective an objective evaluations. Interestingly, weight was unchanged during the treatment and follow-up period and no adverse effects were observed. Histopathological analysis of the treated areas, showed cytoplasmic alteration of adipocytes. In conclusion the Proslimet device provides a safe and effective non- invasive technology for body contouring.
Serum TNF-a, IL-8, VEGF levels in Helicobacter pylori infection and their association with degree of gastritis.

AIM to investigate the serum levels of TNF-a, IL-8, VEGF in Helicobacter pylori infection, and their association with the degrees of gastritis histopathology. METHODS a cross-sectional study was done on 80 consecutive gastritis patients admitted to endoscopy units at Adam Malik General Hospital and Permata Bunda Hospital, Medan, Indonesia from July-December 2014. The Rapid Urease test was used for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. The severity of chronic inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia were assessed. Serum samples were obtained to determine circulating TNF-a, IL-8, and VEGF. Univariate and bivariate analysis (chi square, fisher's exact, and mann-whitney test) were done using SPSS version-22. RESULTS there were 41.25% of 80 patients infected with Helicobacter pylori. Serum TNF-a and VEGF levels in the infected group were significantly higher compared to H. pylori negative, but there were no significant differences between serum levels of IL-8 in H. pylori positive and negative. There were significant associations between serum level of TNF-a and IL-8 with degree of chronic inflammation, and also between serum level of IL-8 and degree of neutrophil infiltration. There were significant associations between serum level of VEGF and degree of atrophy, and also between serum level of VEGF and degree of intestinal metaplasia. CONCLUSION High levels of TNF-a were associated with severe degree of chronic inflammation, high levels of IL-8 associated with severe degree of chronic inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, and high levels of VEGF associated with severe degree of premalignant gastric lesion.
The Evolution of Global Standards in Accounting

The globalization of markets and companies has increased the demand for internationally comparable high quality accounting information resulting from a common set of accounting rules. Despite remarkable efforts of international harmonization for more than 25 years, accounting regulation is still the domain of national legislators or delegated standard setters. The paper starts by outlining the reasons for this state of affairs and by characterizing the different institutional backgrounds of accounting standard setting in four selected countries as well as on the international level. This is followed by a summary of important international differences in accounting rules and a summary of the empirical evidence of the impact of different rules on the resulting numbers and their relevance to users. It is argued that neither a priori theoretical reasoning nor the evidence from empirical studies provides a convincing basis for choices between accounting regimes and even less so between specific accounting rules. As there is a broad consensus that there is a need for one set of global accounting standards the final sections of the paper discuss currently existing and proposed structures of international accounting standard setting. The evolving new IASC structure is critically evaluated.
An integrated robotics and medical control device to quantify atheromatous plaques: experiments on the arteries of a patient

We study the income of an integrated robotics and medical device, using a force-control law to measure arterial distensibility and to reconstruct in 3D the atheromatous plaques in the arteries. During the medical control, sonographer holds the ultrasound probe attached on the end-effector of the robot and brings it onto the skin of the patient. Then, he can simply get an accurate measure of the arterial distension with a given applied force. He can also teach the robot a scan trajectory in order to reconstruct in 3D the artery. For this reconstruction the robot executes the learnt trajectory step by step, with a programmable and constant force on the artery, recording the Cartesian coordinates of the artery sections. At the same time, the control device synchronizes the recorded images on the patient heartbeat. The very precise set of images and the medical control can be reproduced later under the same conditions. The results are very encouraging and promising.
The Relationship between Teacher Turnover and School Performance

This article explores the relationship between teacher turnover and school performance. It uses a database of 316 primary schools in six London Local Education Authorities derived by merging Government data on teachers and schools. This rich data includes school-level variables on teacher turnover matched to school characteristics. The study shows that high levels of teacher turnover can be shown to have detrimental effects on pupil progress and achievement.
Use of Culturally Focused Theoretical Frameworks for Adapting Diabetes Prevention Programs: A Qualitative Review

Introduction Diabetes disproportionately affects underserved racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Diabetes prevention interventions positively influence health; however, further evaluation is necessary to determine what role culture plays in effective programming. We report on the status of research that examines cultural adaptations of diabetes prevention programs. Methods We conducted database searches in March and April 2014. We included studies that were conducted in the United States and that focused on diabetes prevention among African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, and Latinos. Results A total of 58 studies were identified for review; 29 were excluded from evaluation. Few adaptations referenced or followed recommendations for cultural adaptation nor did they justify the content modifications by providing a rationale or evidence. Cultural elements unique to racial/ethnic populations were not assessed. Conclusion Future cultural adaptations should use recommended processes to ensure that culture’s role in diabetes prevention–related behavioral changes contributes to research.
Daily Newspapers’ Views on Nanotechnology in Slovenia

This article investigates how nanotechnology is presented and framed in Slovenian national newspapers. The focus is on the mass media’s influence on citizens’ perceptions of the social implications of nanotechnological progress. An empirical analysis of newspaper coverage of nanotechnology in Slovenia between 2004 and 2009 suggests that Slovenian newspapers are in an early stage of covering nanotechnology issues since they emphasize the positive aspects and scientific interpretations. Additional in-depth interviews with nanotechnologists reveal considerable dissatisfaction with the level and quality of the media’s reporting of the issue of nanotechnology in Slovenia.
Understanding the Yarowsky Algorithm

Many problems in computational linguistics are well suited for bootstrapping (semisupervised learning) techniques. The Yarowsky algorithm is a well-known bootstrapping algorithm, but it is not mathematically well understood. This article analyzes it as optimizing an objective function. More specifically, a number of variants of the Yarowsky algorithm (though not the original algorithm itself) are shown to optimize either likelihood or a closely related objective function K.
The silence of numbers: A split-sample experiment concerning respondents' linguistic sensitivity in Danish survey studies

This article presents, for the first time in English, findings from a Danish research project on language comprehension and memory as generators of measurement problems in sociological and other social-science survey studies. Utilizing survey questionnaires as instruments of measurements, the article deals with the linguistic sensitivity of Danish adults and the measurement problems it entails. The article uncovers the nature and extent of statistically significant response differences due to moderate linguistic changes. The article problematizes the trustworthiness of Danish social-science survey studies and provides evidence that respondents' answers to survey questions depend to a marked extent on the latter's wording. The empirical basis is a split-sample experiment in which 1900 respondents completed two versions of the 'same' questionnaire.