Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECT OF THE LAW OF INITIAL VALUE (LIV) ON AUTONOMIC VARIABLES.

In three independent studies using 105 subjects, regression analysis was used to determine which autonomic variables are most affected by the “law of initial value” and whether the “law” always acts in the same way, i.e. are large responses always associated with low prestimulus levels of activity and conversely. For GSR, heart rate, respiration rate, and skin temperature it was found that the slope of the regression of stimulus level on prestimulus level (Byx) distinguishes these four ANS variables. The conclusion is that the LIV operates as one would predict for heart rate and respiration rate responses, with values of Byx less than one; but that the law does not operate for skin (finger) temperature responses, since Byx is consistently very close to one. For GSR responses expressed in terms of conductance, the converse of the LIV seems to hold, with Byx consistently greater than one. Law of initial value (LIV), Autonomic nervous system. (ANS)
A Reply to Partisan Reviews

I am replying here to the reviews of my book Taking Sides in Social Research (Hammersley, 2000) which appeared in the previous issue of this journal. A response is required because two of these reviews make serious and false accusations (Delamont, 2001; Oliver, 2001). Sara Delamont’s review is in the form of a dialogue between two  ctional characters. Perhaps because of this, her piece does not ful l the basic functions of a book review: it does not provide a clear and accurate summary of the content of the book, or a reasoned evaluation of its arguments. One problem with the dialogue form is that it leaves unclear whether the author is taking responsibility for what her characters say. After all, dialogue has sometimes been used as a way of avoiding that responsibility. Since I am sure this cannot have been Sara’s intention, I will assume that everything Zenobia and Eowyn say is what she believes. Delamont declares that she sees her task as providing ‘a feminist angle on the book’ (p. 157), and she makes a series of points. The  rst is that I ‘just ignore women’s work as if it never existed even when it bears directly on [my] argument’ (p. 159). This is a surprising criticism. On page 2 of the book I cite the work of Lather, Roman, Humphries and Truman, Siraj-Blatchford, and Grif ths. I also quote from Lather on that page, and later in the Introduction I engage in a detailed discussion of Siraj-Blatchford’s advocacy of partisan research. I also cite and discuss feminist ideas later in the book. How does this constitute ‘ignoring women’s work’? Delamont provides some speci c examples of what I ‘ignored’. She points out that I do not mention Haack’s Evidence and Inquiry (Haack, 1993). This is an excellent book. Indeed, I cited it in a paper published before Taking Sides (Hammersley 1998a). However, it is not about value neutrality and partisanship; it is an attempt to show that there is a defensible epistemological position standing between foundationalism and coherentism. Given this, I see no compelling reason why I should have referred to it. (More relevant would have been Haack 1998, which is where she criticises feminist epistemologists like Harding.) The other side of Delamont’s complaint is that I concentrate on what she refers to as ‘dead white males’. And it is true that I devote separate chapters to Mills, Becker, and Gouldner; and in the course of one of those chapters I spend some time discussing Marx, Weber, Gramsci, and Althusser. Of course, Becker is not dead; but, aside from that, why
The Power of Being Positive: The Relation Between Positive Self-Concept and job Performance

Most managers would probably agree that positivity is something they value in employees, yet selection research has virtually ignored the relation between employee positivity and job performance. This article suggests that a broad personality trait, labeled positive self-concept or core self-evaluations, is a potentially important personality trait in the prediction of job performance. Positive self-concept consists of four specific traits previously studied in isolation: self-esteem, generalized self-ef- ficacy, locus of control, and (low) neuroticism or emotional stability. Data analyzed from 12 samples revealed that these specific traits are strongly correlated and comprise a common factor. Drawing from four motivation theories, we argue that the principal reason positive self-concept is linked to job performance is because positive employees are more motivated to perform theirjobs. We also argue that, in some jobs, positive self-concept may be an ability factor. Finally, we discuss various implemen- t.
Seroepidemiology of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) on the Basis of a Novel Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Utilizing hMPV Fusion Protein Expressed in Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

ABSTRACT Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a newly identified human respiratory virus now recognized as a major respiratory pathogen of infants and children. To define the seroepidemiology of hMPV, we developed a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on expression of the fusion protein of hMPV (hMPV F) in recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Western blot analysis using an hMPV F-specific antiserum confirmed the expression of hMPV in recombinant VSV. The ELISA is specific for hMPV F; antibody specific for the most closely related human paramyxovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, does not bind to hMPV F. Overall, 216 serum specimens were tested. The percentages of seropositive individuals were 89.1% in children ≤5 months old, 55.0% in children 6 to 11 months old, 36.0% in children 12 to 23 months old, 45.0% in children 24 to 47 months old, 77.3% in children 48 to 59 months old, 91.3% in children 5 to 10 years old, and 95.5% for individuals 11 to 20 years old. This is the first seroepidemiological survey of hMPV in the United States and the first analysis to determine the prevalence of antibody to a specific hMPV protein. The data suggest that exposure to hMPV is common in childhood and that hMPV F is an antigenic determinant of hMPV.
“Feeling” audio description: Exploring the impact of AD on emotional response

There is evidence suggesting that watching movies usually provokes an emotional response in the audience that may differ according to the type of film viewed. For example, Grodal (2009) argues that the type of response provoked by mainstream cinema is different from that elicited by avant-garde films. In visually impaired audiences, the emotional impact of films is inevitably mediated by the Audio Description (AD) provided. In most countries AD norms do not cater for variations between different types of films. There exists, therefore, the possibility that the emotional impact of the film could be affected or altered by the AD. This paper aims to explore possible differences in the response of sighted versus unsighted audiences when watching avant-garde and narrative films. A pilot study is designed to measure the emotional response through self-response questionnaires. Our results indicate that differences between both types of audience are more prominent for avant-garde films.
Intra-articular methotrexate associated to lipid nanoemulsions: anti-inflammatory effect upon antigen-induced arthritis

Objective Commercial methotrexate formulations (MTX) have poor anti-inflammatory action for intra-articular treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Our aim was to investigate whether an association between methotrexate and lipidic nanoemulsions (LDE) could improve MTX intra-articular action. Methods For its association to LDE, MTX was previously esterified with dodecyl bromide. LDE-MTX was prepared by high pressure homogenization. Antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was achieved in rabbits sensitized with methylated bovine serum albumin, and the rabbits were subsequently intra-articularly injected with the antigen. Twenty-four hours after AIA induction, groups of four to nine rabbits were intra-articularly injected with increasing doses (0.0625–0.5 μmol/kg) of LDE-MTX, and were compared to treatment with 0.5 μmol/kg commercial MTX, LDE alone, and saline (controls). Synovial fluid was collected 48 hours after AIA induction for analysis of protein leakage and cell content. Synovial membranes were collected for histopathology. Uptake of LDE labeled with 3H-cholesteryl ether by the synovial tissue was also determined. Results Uptake of radioactive LDE by arthritic joints was 2.5-fold greater than by normal joints. Treatment with intra-articular LDE-MTX elicited a clear dose response pattern by reducing the synovial leukocyte infiltrate (P = 0.004) and protein leakage (P = 0.032) when compared with arthritic non-treated joints. In contrast, the intra-articular injection of commercial MTX and LDE did not reduce leukocyte infiltrate or protein leakage. Toxicity to treatment was not observed in any of the animals. Conclusion The association between LDE and MTX presented a marked anti-inflammatory effect that was absent after intra-articular commercial MTX treatment. Therefore, the new formulation is a candidate for future clinical studies.
Examining Disparities in Mathematics Education: Achievement Gap or Opportunity Gap?

The so-called achievement gap in mathematics is reframed as a problem of unequal opportunities to learn experienced by many low-income students and many Latino and African American students. First, data are presented showing striking and persistent differences on standardized tests among students of different ethnic groups, and socioeconomic levels. Then evidence is presented demonstrating that opportunities to learn mathematics are not equally distributed among all students. Specifically, data show that African American, Latino, and low-income students are less likely to have access to experienced and qualified teachers, more likely to face low expectations, and less likely to receive equitable per student funding. The final section discusses how teachers and schools can provide more equitable opportunities to learn mathematics for all students.
Risk as perceived by the German public: pervasive risks and “switching” risks

In 2001, a major project on the perception and evaluation of risks in southern Germany was conducted consisting of survey data as well as of semi‐structured interviews. With reference to the psychometric paradigm, this article analyzes public risk perception, pointing out the perceived risk semantic for nuclear energy, GM‐food, mad cow disease (BSE), crime, global climate change, mobile telephony and its radiation risks. These hazards reveal different patterns of risk perception and different levels of risk acceptability. Secondly, a comparison of qualitative and quantitative findings will be conducted: qualitative analyses indicate that the results of quantitative rating scales on the perception, evaluation and acceptance of technical and environmental hazards might be misleading since the public's focus on risks as elicited by open association stimuli relies much more on ‘everyday‐life’ and ‘pervasive’ risks than for instance on hazards emerging from new technologies. The relevance of technological risks tends to be dependent on the context: If explicitly mentioned in newscasts, in debates or listed in questionnaires memories, fears or other immediate responses become activated, yet they may be forgotten a short time later. We have called this phenomenon “switching effect” and the respective risks “switching risks”. In standardized opinion polls such ‘switching effects’ may evoke firm judgments, even if the importance in the interviewee's mental representation seems marginal.
Innovativeness, Novelty Seeking, and Consumer Creativity

A conceptual framework is presented that incorporates three constructs highly relevant to consumer behavior—innovativeness, novelty seeking, and consumer creativity. A fourth construct, role accumulation, is also discussed. A model of the relational linkages among these constructs is developed, together with their definitions and a methodology to develop operational measures. Research implications and applications of this conceptual framework are discussed.
Multiphase hepatic CT with a multirow detector CT scanner.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate a new injection-acquisition technique performed using a multirow detector CT scanner for separation of three distinct hepatic circulatory phases (hepatic artery, portal venous inflow, hepatic venous) and to determine which of these phases is optimal for detecting hypervascular neoplasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two sequential acquisitions were performed during a single breath-hold followed by a third acquisition beginning 60 sec after injection. Injection-to-scan delay for the first acquisition was the individual patient's circulation time, which was determined by a preliminary mini bolus. The mean attenuation of the upper abdominal aorta, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma were determined for each imaging pass in 20 patients with cirrhosis and 20 patients without cirrhosis. Tumor-to-liver contrast for hypervascular primary and metastatic neoplasm was evaluated in a different set of 16 cirrhotic patients and nine noncirrhotic patients. Three-dimensional CT arteriograms were obtained from first-pass data. RESULTS Three distinct circulatory phases (hepatic artery, portal vein inflow or late arterial, and hepatic venous) were seen in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. Maximum tumor-to-liver contrast for hypervascular primary and metastatic neoplasm occurred during the second pass for both cirrhotic (p < 0.006) and noncirrhotic (p < 0. 001) patients. A three-dimensional hepatic-mesenteric CT arteriogram of normal or anomalous hepatic vessels without venous overlay was obtained from first-pass data in all patients. CONCLUSION Rapid-sequence hepatic helical CT allows selection of the optimal time interval for hypervascular tumor detection. A new paradigm for rapid hepatic CT acquisition-namely, hepatic arterial, portal vein inflow, and hepatic venous phases-is recommended to replace hepatic artery dominant and portal venous phases.
The use of analogue models by students of chemistry at higher education level

Forty‐five UK chemistry students, ranging in experience from first year undergraduate to post‐graduate research level and including trainee teachers, were interviewed to identify the uses that they make of analogue models in general, and when relating equations to projections in particular. Although only a restricted use of such models was found, and for none of the reasons valued by practising chemists, patterns were identified in the responses received. The implications for chemical education at school and higher education levels are discussed.
A Doppler-based target classifier using linear discriminants and principal components

This paper describes the design of the automatic target classifier which has been introduced into the AMSTAR battlefield surveillance radar. It discusses the requirements which have driven the design of the classifier, the data which is used to make the classification, the choice of linear discriminant analysis as the classification technique and the use of principal components analysis to simplify the training of the discriminator. It also discusses the testing of the classifier and the performance achieved.
The Class 4 Semaphorin Sema4D Promotes the Rapid Assembly of GABAergic Synapses in Rodent Hippocampus

Proper circuit function in the mammalian nervous system depends on the precise assembly and development of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections between neurons. Through a loss-of-function genetic screen in cultured hippocampal neurons, we previously identified the class 4 Semaphorin Sema4D as being required for proper GABAergic synapse development. Here we demonstrate that Sema4D is sufficient to promote GABAergic synapse formation in rodent hippocampus and investigate the kinetics of this activity. We find that Sema4D treatment of rat hippocampal neurons increases the density of GABAergic synapses as detected by immunocytochemistry within 30 min, much more rapidly than has been previously described for a prosynaptogenic molecule, and show that this effect is dependent on the Sema4D receptor PlexinB1 using PlxnB1−/− mice. Live imaging studies reveal that Sema4D elicits a rapid enhancement (within 10 min) in the rate of addition of synaptic proteins. Therefore, we demonstrate that Sema4D, via PlexinB1, acts to initiate synapse formation by recruiting molecules to both the presynaptic and the postsynaptic terminals; these nascent synapses subsequently become fully functional by 2 h after Sema4D treatment. In addition, acute treatment of an organotypic hippocampal slice epilepsy model with Sema4D reveals that Sema4D rapidly and dramatically alters epileptiform activity, which is consistent with a Sema4D-mediated shift in the balance of excitation and inhibition within the circuit. These data demonstrate an ability to quickly assemble GABAergic synapses in response to an appropriate signal and suggest a potential area of exploration for the development of novel antiepileptic drugs.
Comparative In Vitro Activities of Ertapenem (MK-0826) against 1,001 Anaerobes Isolated from Human Intra-Abdominal Infections

ABSTRACT By using an agar dilution method, the comparative in vitro activities of ertapenem (MK-0826) were studied against 1,001 anaerobes isolated from human intra-abdominal infections in 17 countries worldwide. MK-0826 was uniformly active against all isolates, including all Bacteroides fragilis group species isolates, with the exception of 12 of 61 (20%) strains of Bilophila wadsworthia, 3 strains of lactobacilli, and 1 isolate ofAcidaminococcus fermentans. Geographical variation in activity was not observed.
An International Comparison and Psychometric Analysis of Explanations for Unemployment

A replication of the descriptive statistics and factor structure of perceived explanations of unemployment discerned by researchers with 468 subjects from Barbados and 379 from New Zealand and Great Britain was attempted using 114 subjects from the USA. A seven-factor structure was generated, which with incongruent descriptive statistics indicated a lack of agreement as to perceived causes of unemployment across countries. The influence of the local unemployment rate was supported as a stronger explanation of results than the cultural dimension of individualism.
Short-term Changes in the Variance: 2. Changes in the Environmental Variance

While classical quantitative genetics usually assumes that all genotypes have the same environmental variance (the assumption of homoscedasticity), in reality, genotypes can show heteroscedasticity in the environmental variance. When such variation is heritable (i.e., has an additive variance in an outbred population), then the environmental variance can change under selection. This can either be due to an indirect response (such as during directional selection on a trait), or through direct selection to increase the homogeneity of a trait (such as for increased uniformity during harvesting). This chapter reviews the existing data on the heritability of the environmental variance and examines several different genetic models for predicting its response.
RON - The Con in Colorectal Carcinoma

The recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) is a member of MET family of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTKs), an overexpression of which has been observed in several cancers. The expression of RON gene is required during embryonic development and also plays critical roles in regulating macrophage inflammatory response. In CRC, the overexpression of moderate RON activity contributes to their oncogenic potential by regulating several key processes such as proliferation, motility and resistance to apoptosis. Interestingly, an aberrant RON expression is often associated with the generation of several splice variants with unique transforming activities. The targeting of RON signaling pathway by the use of mono- clonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors has shown promising therapeutic results in animal models. The present ar- ticle aims at summarizing the current understanding of RON kinase in CRC.
Dynamical masses of a nova-like variable on the edge of the period gap

We present the first dynamical determination of the binary parameters of an eclipsing SW Sextantis star in the 3–4 h orbital period range during a low state. We obtained time-resolved optical spectroscopy and photometry of HS 0220+0603 during its 2004–2005 low-brightness state, as revealed in the combined Small & Moderate Aperture Research Telescope System, IAC80 and M1 Group long-term optical light curve. The optical spectra taken during primary eclipse reveal a secondary star spectral type of M5.5 ± 0.5 as derived from molecular band-head indices. The spectra also provide the first detection of a DAB white dwarf in a cataclysmic variable. By modelling its optical spectrum we estimate a white dwarf temperature of 30 000 ± 5000 K. By combining the results of modelling the white dwarf eclipse from ULTRACAM light curves with those obtained by simultaneously fitting the emission- and absorption-line radial velocity curves and I-band ellipsoidal light curves, we measure the stellar masses to be M1 = 0.87 ± 0.09 M⊙ and M2 = 0.47 ± 0.05 M⊙ for the white dwarf and the M dwarf, respectively, and an inclination of the orbital plane of i ≈ 79°. A radius of 0.0103 ± 0.0007 R⊙ is obtained for the white dwarf. The secondary star in HS 0220+0603 is likely too cool and undersized for its mass.
Alternative Tilts for Nonparametric Option Pricing

This paper generalizes the nonparametric approach to option pricing of Stutzer (1996) by demonstrating that the canonical valuation methodology in- troduced therein is one member of the Cressie-Read family of divergence mea- sures. While the limiting distribution of the alternative measures is identical to the canonical measure, the finite sample properties are quite different. We assess the ability of the alternative divergence measures to price European call options by approximating the risk-neutral, equivalent martingale measure from an empirical distribution of the underlying asset. A simulation study of the finite sample properties of the alternative measure changes reveals that the optimal divergence measure depends upon how accurately the empirical distri- bution of the underlying asset is estimated. In a simple Black-Scholes model, the optimal measure change is contingent upon the number of outliers observed, whereas the optimal measure change is a function of time to expiration in the stochastic volatility model of Heston (1993). Our extension of Stutzer’s tech- nique preserves the clean analytic structure of imposing moment restrictions to price options, yet demonstrates that the nonparametric approach is even more general in pricing options than originally believed.
Scripts, animal health and biosecurity: The moral accountability of farmers' talk about animal health risks

This paper explores the contribution of script theory to understandings of animal health risks. Script theory has long played an important role in studies of health and risk, yet the application of script theories is often vague and confused. Theories from different ontological perspectives are conflated resulting in an overly cognitive and asocial understanding of health behaviour with the potential to misinform health promotion strategies. The paper addresses these problems by applying the concept of script formulations to an analysis of farmers' understandings of bovine tuberculosis in farmed cattle. Drawing on interviews with 61 farmers in England and Wales, the paper argues that farmers reveal animal disease to be a scripted event, but that these scripts also order identity and provide a form of moral accountability for farmers' behaviour. This has implications for attempts to communicate animal disease risks and suggests that a more productive approach is to reorganise governance structures and relationships between farmers and government.