Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences between low and high trait impulsivity are not associated with differences in inhibitory motor control

Objective: The present study investigates whether there is an association between trait impulsivity in the normal population and inhibitory motor control as assessed by the stop task. Method: Low- and high-impulsive participants (as assessed by the I7 questionnaire; both groups n = 31) performed the stop task. Differences in performance were analyzed by an independent samples t-test. Furthermore, a short meta-analysis was performed on this study and three previous studies with a similar aim. Results: The low- and high-impulsive groups did not differ on the speed to stop the response (SSRT). However, the meta-analysis revealed that high-impulsives are marginally slower in stopping than low-impulsives (effect size = -0.26, p = 0.06). Conclusions: There is only minor evidence that impulsivity in the common population is associated with poor inhibitory motor control.
Parental Characteristics and the Achievement Gap in Mathematics: Hierarchical Linear Modeling Analysis of Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY)

One of the most salient problems in education is the achievement gap. The researchers investigated the effects of parental education and parental occupations in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or medical professions (STEMM) on the achievement gap in mathematics. Because students were nested within schools, two-level Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) was the main analysis. Findings were consistent with another Multilevel Modeling analysis, that is, parental characteristics such as parental education had a positive effect on student achievement (Teodorovic, 2012). Moreover, parental occupations in STEMM had a positive effect on student mathematics achievement.
Acidobacteria Phylum Sequences in Uranium-Contaminated Subsurface Sediments Greatly Expand the Known Diversity within the Phylum

ABSTRACT The abundance and composition of bacteria of the phylum Acidobacteria were surveyed in subsurface sediments from uranium-contaminated sites using amplification of 16S rRNA genes followed by clone/sequence analysis. Analysis of sequences from this study and public databases produced a revised and greatly expanded phylogeny of the Acidobacteria phylum consisting of 26 subgroups.
Modified Airy function method for the analysis of tunneling problems in optical waveguides and quantum-well structures

A simple method for the analysis of tunneling through an arbitrary one-dimensional potential barrier, based on the modified Airy function approach, is presented. Truncated step-linear, step-exponential, parabolic, and quartic potential barriers are considered. The results are compared with those obtained by the conventional WKBJ, modified WKBJ, and matrix methods. The effect of the truncation level on the tunneling coefficient is investigated. The tunneling coefficient is sensitive to the truncation level. For the step-linear potential, the tunneling coefficient is a monotonically decreasing function of the truncation level, while for the parabolic potential, it oscillates before saturating to a constant value. >
The VMP network adapter board (NAB): high-performance network communication for multiprocessors

High performance computer communication between multiprocessor nodes requires significant improvements over conventional host-to-network adapters. Current host-to-network adapter interfaces impose excessive processing, system bus and interrupt overhead on a multiprocessor host. Current network adapters are either limited in function, wasting key host resources such as the system bus and the processors, or else intelligent but too slow, because of complex transport protocols and because of an inadequate internal memory architecture. Conventional transport protocols are too complex for hardware implementation and too slow without it. In this paper, we describe the design of a network adapter board for the VMP multiprocessor machine that addresses these issues. The adapter uses a host interface that is designed for minimal latency, minimal interrupt processing overhead and minimal system bus and memory access overhead. The network adapter itself has a novel internal memory and processing architecture that implements some of the key performance-critical transport layer functions in hardware. This design is integrated with VMTP, a new transport protocol specifically designed for efficient implementation on an intelligent high-performance network adapter. Although targeted for the VMP system, the design is applicable to other multiprocessors as well as uni-processors.
Human herpesvirus 6 infects cervical epithelial cells and transactivates human papillomavirus gene expression

To examine whether human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is capable of infecting human cervical epithelial cells and altering expression of human papillomavirus (HPV) genes, HPV-immortalized or -transformed carcinoma cell lines were infected with HHV-6 variant A. No cytopathic effect was observed in infected cervical cells. However, immunofluorescence indicated that infected cells expressed early-late proteins of HHV-6 by day 3 postinfection. HHV-6 DNA was also detected by Southern blot hybridization after infection and persisted through continued subculture in an episomal state as proven by Gardella gel electrophoresis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. HHV-6 infection enhanced expression of HPV RNAs encoding the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. Transient transfection assays showed that two HHV-6 molecular clones, pZVB-70 and pZVH-14, upregulated transcription 9- to 15-fold from a receptor plasmid containing the HPV type 18 regulatory sequences which control transcription in vivo. Cervical carcinoma cells infected with HHV-6 induced more rapid development of tumors in mice than did noninfected cells. These results are the first evidence that human cervical epithelial cells can be infected with HHV-6 and that HHV-6 contains transactivators which stimulate the HPV-transforming genes.
The March 1993 Superstorm Cyclogenesis: Incipient Phase Synoptic- and Convective-Scale Flow Interaction and Model Performance

Abstract The incipient stages of the 12–14 March 1993 “superstorm” (SS93) cyclogenesis over the Gulf of Mexico are examined. Noteworthy aspects of SS93 include 1) it is the deepest extratropical cyclone ever observed over the Gulf of Mexico during the 1957–96 period, and 2) existing operational prediction models performed poorly in simulating the incipient cyclogenesis over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. A dynamic-tropopause (DT) analysis shows that SS93 is triggered by a potent potential vorticity (PV) anomaly as it crosses extreme northern Mexico and approaches the Gulf of Mexico. The low-level environment over the western Gulf of Mexico is warmed, moistened, and destabilized by a persistent southerly flow ahead of the approaching PV anomaly. Ascent and a lowering of the DT (associated with a lowering of the potential temperature) ahead of the PV anomaly contributes to further destabilization that is realized in the form of a massive convective outbreak. An examination of the National Centers for Envi.
Sino-western Tourists’ Place Attachment to a Traditional Chinese Urban Destination: A Tale from Hangzhou, China

This article investigates the constructs of tourists’ place attachment to a traditional Chinese urban destination as well as the differences of these constructs across tourists with different cultural backgrounds. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis show that place attachment consists of four major factors: place identity, place dependence, affective attachment, and social bonding. Estimation results also reveal differences in the importance of place attachment constructs between Chinese and Western tourists. In addition, tourists’ socio-demographic and travel characteristics are found to be associated with their attachment to places in the urban destination. Based on the empirical results, policy implications are provided.
Factors influencing the usage of 3G mobile services in Taiwan

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyse factors influencing subscribers' usage of 3G mobile services in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approach – The research model, based on a technology acceptance model (TAM) and added perceived enjoyment, was tested by means of a two‐stage structure equation modelling approach. Data were collected from 532 respondents via a web questionnaire survey.Findings – The findings indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment are positively related to attitude, and perceived enjoyment has a positive influence on perceived usefulness.Practical implications – The findings suggest users of 3G mobile services need to be provided with more diverse and entertaining ways of communicating, which are at the same time easily accessible and convenient to use.Originality/value – A new correlation from perceived enjoyment to perceived usefulness was found to have a significant effect. This finding indicates enjoyment as a key factor influences custom.
Current status of hemodialysis treatment in Beijing, China.

INTRODUCTION Since the Beijing Hemodialysis Quality Control and Improvement Center was established in 2002, some registration work on hemodialysis (HD) has been done. We report here the current status of HD in Beijing, the capital of China. METHODS Data collection forms were distributed to all HD centers in Beijing, and data from 2003 and 2004 were collected for analysis of incidence, prevalence, causes, and mortality of end-stage renal disease treated by HD. RESULTS Beijng has 122 HD centers. The point prevalence was 235.9 per million population at the end of 2003, and this number increased to 268.9 per million population by the end of 2004. The most common cause of ESRD was chronic glomerulonephritis, followed by diabetes and hypertension. The percentage of patients who met the target of Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative guidelines for Kt/V, hemoglobin, and calcium-phosphate product were relatively low. CONCLUSIONS This report describes the current status of HD treatment in Beijing. The result shows that the prevalence and incidence of HD are increasing. Thus, for better prevention of ESRD, efforts should be made to clarify the reason for the increase. Also, the quality of health care provided needs to be improved for better quality of life for patients on HD.
Reproducibility of Tumor Perfusion Measurements Using 15O-Labeled Water and PET

PET and 15O-labeled water (H215O) can be used to noninvasively monitor tumor perfusion. This allows evaluation of the direct target of antiangiogenic drugs, that is, tumor vasculature. Because these drugs often result in consolidation rather than regression of the tumor mass, a change in perfusion might be a more sensitive way to evaluate response than are indirect size measures on a CT scan. However, to use the technique for serial imaging of individual patients, good reproducibility is essential. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of quantitative H215O measurements. Methods: Nine patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were scanned twice within 7 d and before any therapy. All H215O scans were followed by an 18F-fluorothymidine scan to allow for adequate volume-of-interest (VOI) definition. VOIs were defined using a 3-dimensional threshold technique. Tumor perfusion and the volume of distribution (VT) were obtained using a 1-tissue-compartment model including an arterial blood volume component and an image-derived input function. The level of agreement between test and retest values was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analyses. Possible dependency on absolute values and lesion size was assessed by linear regression. Results: All primary tumors and more than 90% of clinically suspected locoregional metastases could be delineated. In total, 14 lesions in 9 patients were analyzed. Tumor perfusion showed excellent reproducibility, with an ICC of 0.95 and SD of 9%. The VT was only moderately reproducible, with an ICC of 0.52 and SD of 16%. No dependency was found on absolute values of perfusion (P = 0.14) and VT (P = 0.15). In addition, tumor volume did not influence the reproducibility of perfusion (P = 0.46) and VT (P = 0.25). Conclusion: Quantitative measurements of tumor perfusion using H215O and PET are reproducible in NSCLC. When patients are repeatedly being scanned during therapy, changes of more than 18% in tumor perfusion and 32% in VT (>1.96 × SD) are likely to represent treatment effects.
Phylogenetic Diversity and Metabolic Potential Revealed in a Glacier Ice Metagenome

ABSTRACT The largest part of the Earth's microbial biomass is stored in cold environments, which represent almost untapped reservoirs of novel species, processes, and genes. In this study, the first metagenomic survey of the metabolic potential and phylogenetic diversity of a microbial assemblage present in glacial ice is presented. DNA was isolated from glacial ice of the Northern Schneeferner, Germany. Pyrosequencing of this DNA yielded 1,076,539 reads (239.7 Mbp). The phylogenetic composition of the prokaryotic community was assessed by evaluation of a pyrosequencing-derived data set and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The Proteobacteria (mainly Betaproteobacteria), Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the predominant phylogenetic groups. In addition, isolation of psychrophilic microorganisms was performed, and 13 different bacterial isolates were recovered. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates revealed that all were affiliated to the predominant groups. As expected for microorganisms residing in a low-nutrient environment, a high metabolic versatility with respect to degradation of organic substrates was detected by analysis of the pyrosequencing-derived data set. The presence of autotrophic microorganisms was indicated by identification of genes typical for different ways of carbon fixation. In accordance with the results of the phylogenetic studies, in which mainly aerobic and facultative aerobic bacteria were detected, genes typical for central metabolism of aerobes were found. Nevertheless, the capability of growth under anaerobic conditions was indicated by genes involved in dissimilatory nitrate/nitrite reduction. Numerous characteristics for metabolic adaptations associated with a psychrophilic lifestyle, such as formation of cryoprotectants and maintenance of membrane fluidity by the incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids, were detected. Thus, analysis of the glacial metagenome provided insights into the microbial life in frozen habitats on Earth, thereby possibly shedding light onto microbial life in analogous extraterrestrial environments.
Steroid Receptor Coactivator-3 (SRC-3/AIB1) as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Its Inhibition with a Phospho-Bufalin Prodrug

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the poorest prognosis of all types of breast cancer and currently lacks efficient targeted therapy. Chemotherapy is the traditional standard-of-care for TNBC, but is frequently accompanied by severe side effects. Despite the fact that high expression of steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC–3) is correlated with poor survival in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients, its role in TNBC has not been extensively investigated. Here, we show that high expression of SRC–3 correlates with both poor overall survival and post progression survival in TNBC patients, suggesting that SRC–3 can serve as a prognostic marker for TNBC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that bufalin, a SRC–3 small molecule inhibitor, when introduced even at nM concentrations, can significantly reduce TNBC cell viability and motility. However, because bufalin has minimal water solubility, its in vivo application is limited. Therefore, we developed a water soluble prodrug, 3-phospho-bufalin, to facilitate its in vivo administration. In addition, we demonstrated that 3-phospho-bufalin can effectively inhibit tumor growth in an orthotopic TNBC mouse model, suggesting its potential application as a targeted therapy for TNBC treatment.
Strategic and bonding effects of enhancing the student feedback process

ABSTRACT In order to produce distinctiveness that leads to competitive advantage, higher education institutions must remain cognizant that students are co-creators. Thus, to create genuine value in educational service delivery, there is a need for a more highly developed understanding of the student-institutional intersection. The present research contributes to the marketing of higher education by developing and testing a model related to the antecedents of a broader conception of student feedback as part of student/customer orientation and co-creation. Conceived as customer feedback, student feedback to an educational institution can be positive (compliment), negative (complaint), or be an idea for an improvement to any person, or service group of the institution. Perceived ease of the feedback process and perceived usefulness, customer orientation and affective commitment are found as antecedents to intention to provide feedback. The result is a model with conceptual and managerial implications for strategically bonding students to universities.
Language Learning Variability within the Dorsal and Ventral Streams as a Cue for Compensatory Mechanisms in Aphasia Recovery

Dorsal and ventral pathways connecting perisylvian language areas have been shown to be functionally and anatomically segregated. Whereas the dorsal pathway integrates the sensory-motor information required for verbal repetition, the ventral pathway has classically been associated with semantic processes. The great individual differences characterizing language learning through life partly correlate with brain structure and function within these dorsal and ventral language networks. Variability and plasticity within these networks also underlie inter-individual differences in the recovery of linguistic abilities in aphasia. Despite the division of labor of the dorsal and ventral streams, studies in healthy individuals have shown how the interaction of them and the redundancy in the areas they connect allow for compensatory strategies in functions that are usually segregated. In this mini-review we highlight the need to examine compensatory mechanisms between streams in healthy individuals as a helpful guide to choosing the most appropriate rehabilitation strategies, using spared functions and targeting preserved compensatory networks for brain plasticity.
Allelic Diversification at the C (OsC1) Locus of Wild and Cultivated Rice

Divergent phenotypes are often detected in domesticated plants despite the existence of invariant phenotypes in their wild forms. One such example in rice is the occurrence of varying degrees of apiculus coloration due to anthocyanin pigmentation, which was previously reported to be caused by a series of alleles at the C locus. The present study reveals, on the basis of comparison of its maps, that the C gene appears to be the rice homolog (OsC1) of maize C1, which belongs to the group of R2R3-Myb factors. Two different types of deletions causing a frameshift were detected in the third exon, and both of the deleted nucleotides corresponded to the positions of putative base-contacting residues, suggesting that the Indica and Japonica types carry loss-of-function mutations with independent origins. In addition, replacement substitutions were frequently detected in OsC1 of strains carrying the previously defined C alleles. Molecular population analysis revealed that 17 haplotypes were found in 39 wild and cultivated rices, and the haplotypes of most cultivated forms could be classified into one of three distinct groups, with few shared haplotypes among taxa, including Indica and Japonica types. The genealogy of the OsC1 gene suggests that allelic diversification causing phenotypic change might have resulted from mutations in the coding region rather than from recombination between preexisting alleles. The McDonald and Kreitman test revealed that the changes in amino acids might be associated with selective forces acting on the lineage of group A whose haplotypes were carried by most Asian cultivated forms. The results regarding a significant implication for genetic diversity in landraces of rice are also discussed.
‘I’m gonna do this over and over and over forever!’: Overlapping fields and climbing practice

In this article I explore some of the aspects of shared doxic principles between outdoor fields and how these contribute to agents becoming interested in ‘high-consequence’ climbing styles. I argue that people who come to be high-risk climbers do not become involved for the purpose of participating in risky activities, but instead move into climbing through ‘overlapping fields’ that share practices and dispositions of climbing. Becoming a climber is a process that occurs gradually and imperceptibly, with much of the groundwork for an appreciation of climbing laid prior to actually taking part in climbing practice. In this paper, based on 18 months of ethnographic fieldwork and 35 interviews with climbers, I demonstrate that participants typically have been members of easier to access and less risky outdoor sports prior to their involvement. These activities share some of the skills required to become a climber, or at least are complementary. Once this initial engagement with the practice has occurred, individuals become involved in less risky forms of climbing practice. These allow climbers-to-be an opportunity to form an appreciation of the basic safety systems of climbing. With this understanding, it then becomes possible to navigate through the trajectories of climbing practice, often bringing with them greater acceptances of risk and danger.
Long term backache after childbirth: prospective search for causative factors

Abstract Objectives: To assess in a prospective randomised study the association between motor block resulting from high and low dose epidural infusions of bupivacaine in labour and the incidence of long term backache after childbirth, and to compare the incidence of backache in women not receiving epidural analgesia. Design: Women requesting epidural analgesia in labour between October 1991 and March 1994 were randomised to receive infusions of either bupivacaine alone or low dose bupivacaine with opioid. Data were collected during labour and the immediate postpartum period from these women and from women recruited at random over the same time from those who had laboured without epidural analgesia. A postal questionnaire about symptoms was sent three months after childbirth to all women. Further data were collected one year after childbirth from those who had reported new backache at three months. Setting: St Thomas's Hospital, London. Subjects: 599 women were recruited, of whom 450 (75%) replied to a follow up questionnaire. Results: 152 women (33.8% of responders) reported backache lasting three months after delivery and, of these, 33 (7.3%) had not previously suffered with backache. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in the incidence of postnatal backache overall or of new backache or any symptoms after childbirth. Among all demographic, obstetric, and epidural variables examined the only factors significantly associated with backache after childbirth were backache before and during pregnancy. Conclusions: The incidence of new long term backache was not significantly increased in women who received epidural analgesia in labour. Motor block resulting from epidural local anaesthetic administration was not a significant factor in the development of backache. Key messages About half of all women suffer backache during pregnancy, but many forget this when questioned retrospectively A prospective study showed that the incidence of new postpartum backache is 7.3 The use of epidural analgesia in labour had no effect on the incidence of postpartum backache In a randomised trial motor block in labour was not associated with an increase the incidence of backache