Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational modeling for assessment of IBD: To be or not to be?

The grading of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) severity is important to determine the proper treatment strategy and to quantify the response to treatment. Traditionally, ileocolonoscopy is considered the reference standard for assessment of IBD. However, the procedure is invasive and requires extensive bowel preparation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important tool for determining the presence of disease activity. Unfortunately, only moderate interobserver agreement is reported for most of the radiological severity measures. There is a clear demand for automated evaluation of MR images in Crohn's disease (CD). This paper aims to introduce a preliminary suite of fundamental tools for assessment of CD severity. It involves procedures for image analysis, classification and visualization to predict the colonoscopy disease scores.
A minimal binding footprint on CD1d-glycolipid is a basis for selection of the unique human NKT TCR

Although it has been established how CD1 binds a variety of lipid antigens (Ag), data are only now emerging that show how αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) interact with CD1-Ag. Using the structure of the human semiinvariant NKT TCR–CD1d–α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) complex as a guide, we undertook an alanine scanning mutagenesis approach to define the energetic basis of this interaction between the NKT TCR and CD1d. Moreover, we explored how analogues of α-GalCer affected this interaction. The data revealed that an identical energetic footprint underpinned the human and mouse NKT TCR–CD1d–α-GalCer cross-reactivity. Some, but not all, of the contact residues within the Jα18-encoded invariant CDR3α loop and Vβ11-encoded CDR2β loop were critical for recognizing CD1d. The residues within the Vα24-encoded CDR1α and CDR3α loops that contacted the glycolipid Ag played a smaller energetic role compared with the NKT TCR residues that contacted CD1d. Collectively, our data reveal that the region distant to the protruding Ag and directly above the F′ pocket of CD1d was the principal factor in the interaction with the NKT TCR. Accordingly, although the structural footprint at the NKT TCR–CD1d–α-GalCer is small, the energetic footprint is smaller still, and reveals the minimal requirements for CD1d restriction.
Questioning the ‘field in motion’: emerging concepts, research practices and the geographical imagination in Asian migration studies

Corresponding author: Weiqiang Lin, Department of Geography, 1 Arts Link, Kent Ridge, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117570 Email: weiqiang@nus.edu. sg cultural geographies 18(1) 125–131 © The Author(s) 2010 Reprints and permission: sagepub. co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1474474010385986 http://cgj.sagepub. com Questioning the ‘field in motion’: emerging concepts, research practices and the geographical imagination in Asian migration studies
The Emergence of Exchange Structures: An Experimental Study of Uncertainty, Commitment, and Trust

An experiment is used to investigate the effects of uncertainty on pattern of exchange. The role of reputation as an important factor related to the formation of stable exchange relations is examined. In addition, some of the consequences of differences patterns of exchange-in particular, how different exchange conditions lead to different levels of trust among trading partners-are investigated. The results of the experiment indicate significant differences in the level of commitment, concern for one's own and others' reputation, and the level of trust that emerge when uncertainty (in the form of information asymmetries) is varied.
The International Transferability of Quality Assessment Systems for Higher Education: The Turkish experience

The transfer of quality assurance systems from one country to another is explored. The experience of a pilot project aimed at establishing the feasibility of introducing a quality assurance system in Turkish universities is reported. The project was based on a United Kingdom approach. A convergence between systems was observed and, contrary to earlier surveys, evidence from an associated international conference indicated that the purposes of external quality assessment are becoming more clearly defined. However, there emerged significant cultural, structural, political and technical issues that affected the transfer of the UK system to the Turkish situation and which have wider implications for the international transferability of quality assurance and assessment systems between nations.
Emergence of Conventions for Efficiently Resolving Conflicts in Complex Networks

We investigated the emergence of conventions for conflict resolutions in agent networks with various structures through pair wise reinforcement learning. Whereas coordinated agents encounter conflict situations in the course of actions, their resolutions are complex and computationally expensive due to mutual analysis of subsequent actions by both agents and communication costs of the interactions. Norms and conventions are expected to reduce these costs by regulating agent actions in recurrent conflicts. This paper describes a typical conflict situation using a Markov game and we investigated whether or not agents with a certain attitude to conflicts could learn the conventions of agent networks that had complex structures. We first examined the emergence of conventions and their characteristics in fully connected networks. Then, we compared them with the results from other agent network structures such as BA and CNN networks. We found the network structure strongly affected their emergence and the agents could sometimes learn no conventions although they could learn locally consistent actions for resolutions.
Explaining binge drinking among adolescent males using the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Binge drinking among adolescents in Northern Ireland is prevalent and has detrimental effects on public health. Health education interventions, based on valid explanatory models of health behaviour, are required to reduce binge drinking behaviour among adolescents. This paper examines the utility of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in explaining binge drinking behaviour among adolescent males. Using questionnaire responses from 94 adolescent boys attending secondary schools in the Belfast area, logistic regression modelling suggested that the Theory of Planned Behaviour explained 36% of the variance in self-reported binge drinking behaviour. Attitudes towards binge drinking were the strongest predictor of binge drinking behaviour. Tackling attitudes about binge drinking is a challenge to be considered when designing interventions to reduce binge drinking among this population.
Exercise cognition among elderly women

Abstract This study explored the role of six theoretically-supported beliefs in the explanation of exercise variability in elderly women: incentive value, self-efficacy, social support, perceived risks, perceived benefits, and health locus of control. Survey data were collected from 327 Vancouver women aged 70 to 98. Energy expended on exercise was assessed using a 7-day report of the type, intensity and duration of 38 leisure-time physical activities. Multiple regression analysis found that 25% of the exercise variance was explained by the full cognitive model. The best predictors of late life exercise were social reinforcement to be physically active (b[dbnd] .352, p < .01) and self-efficacy to take part in fitness exercise (b = .277, p < .01). Together these beliefs explained 22% of the variance in exercise behavior.
The Fifth Achievement

Recognizing man's four achievements in dealing with differences among men, i.e., science, politics, hierarchy, and law, the authors foresee a fifth achievement by which men will ultimately be able to work out their differences. It will be the establishment of a problemsolving society in which its members can resolve differences through their own insight. Here presented is the Conflict Grid for use in evaluating good or bad ways for ending disputes as a vehicle for creative problem solving in the future and a basis for such a problem-solving society.
A Review and Synthesis of Demand Management, Capacity Management and Performance in Health-Care Services

Responses to demand uncertainty in the field of health-care services is a very timely research issue because of ongoing changes in demand patterns that are driven by demographics and recent changes in the delivery of these services. Despite its importance to researchers, the literature on demand management, capacity management and performance in health care has not been extensively reviewed. The present paper addresses this need by analyzing and synthesizing 463 articles published between 1986 and 2006. The key contributions of this work are the analysis and synthesis of research on demand management, capacity management and performance, along with an agenda to guide future research in this important area.
Bioaccumulation Assessment Using Predictive Approaches

EDITOR'S NOTE: This paper represents 1 of 9 papers generated from a SETAC Pellston Workshop entitled “Science-Based Guidance and Framework for the Evaluation and Identification of PBTs and POPs,” (January 2008, Florida, USA). The workshop objectives were to develop guidance and recommendations on the evaluation of substances fulfilling PBT and POP criteria, using scientific information such as experimental and monitoring data, and computer models. Mandated efforts to assess chemicals for their potential to bioaccumulate within the environment are increasingly moving into the realm of data inadequacy. Consequently, there is an increasing reliance on predictive tools to complete regulatory requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner. The kinetic processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) determine the extent to which chemicals accumulate in fish and other biota. Current mathematical models of bioaccumulation implicitly or explicitly consider these ADME processes, but there is a lack of data needed to specify critical model input parameters. This is particularly true for compounds that are metabolized, exhibit restricted diffusion across biological membranes, or do not partition simply to tissue lipid. Here we discuss the potential of in vitro test systems to provide needed data for bioaccumulation modeling efforts. Recent studies demonstrate the utility of these systems and provide a “proof of concept” for the prediction models. Computational methods that predict ADME processes from an evaluation of chemical structure are also described. Most regulatory agencies perform bioaccumulation assessments using a weight-of-evidence approach. A strategy is presented for incorporating predictive methods into this approach. To implement this strategy it is important to understand the “domain of applicability” of both in vitro and structure-based approaches, and the context in which they are applied.
Cute and Cuddly and a Whole Lot More? A Call for Empirical Investigation into the Therapeutic Benefits of Human - Animal Interaction for Children

There are many indications that humans have a tendency to affiliate with nature, and with other living beings, including non-human species. Examples of such affiliation range from spending time in parks and nature reserves to humanising our companion animals to the point that we accord them family-member status and strongly grieve their passing. Research has also shown that humans can benefit significantly from their relationships with non-human animals. For example, studies have indicated that even the mere observation of animals can result in reduced physiological responding to stressors, and in increased positive mood. In the present review, we propose that findings such as these may provide important information regarding the potential benefits to be derived from incorporating non-human animals into intervention strategies, particularly for children. Of specific relevance for children is their fascination with, and attraction to, non-human animals. There is also the very nonjudgemental nature of human–animal interactions (i.e., unconditional positive regard) that has been argued, among other benefits, to serve as a useful “bridge” for the establishment of rapport between therapist and child. However, despite promising avenues of investigation, the area of animal-assisted intervention remains largely neglected by researchers. In this paper, we call for sound empirical investigation into proposals regarding the potential therapeutic benefits of incorporating non-human animals into intervention programs.
Performance and Behavior of Family Firms: Evidence from the French Stock Market

This paper empirically documents the performance and behavior of family firms listed on the French stock exchange between 1994 and 2000. On the French stock market, approximately one third of the firms are widely held, whereas the remaining two thirds are family firms. We find that, in the cross-section, family firms largely outperform widely held corporations. This result holds for founder-controlled firms, professionally managed family firms, but more surprisingly also for firms run by descendants of the founder. We offer explanations for the good performance of family firms. First, we present evidence of a more efficient use of labor in heir-managed firms. These firms pay lower wages, even allowing for skill and age structure. We also find that descendants smooth out industry shocks and manage to honor implicit labor contracts. Second, we present evidence consistent with outside CEOs in family firms making a more parsimonious use of capital. They employ more unskilled, cheap labor, use less capital, pay lower interest rates on debt and initiate more profitable acquisitions. (JEL: G32, L25, J31) (c) 2007 by the European Economic Association.
Knowledge workers in the in‐between: network identities

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the identities and subjectivities of independent knowledge workers who contract their services to organizations. Two questions are addressed: who are these enterprising knowledge workers, in terms of how they understand and position themselves relative to organizational structures, practices and social relations in their work as “inside outsiders”? How do they recognize their own constitution, and what spaces for agency are possible? Design/methodology/approach – The discussion draws upon a qualitative study of 18 self‐employed consultants in organizational change, analysing their articulations as ongoing constitutions within prescribed discourses and cultural technologies. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were analysed inductively to determine themes and silences among the narratives.Findings – The argument shows how these subjectivities emerge from in‐between spaces, both inside and outside organizations. As they negotiate these spaces, they exercise agency by res.
Nuclear localization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase expressed as a fusion protein with green fluorescent protein.

Lentiviruses in general and the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in particular have the ability to integrate their genome stably into the chromosome of nondividing cells. Integration of HIV cDNA is mediated by the viral integrase (IN). Apart from its catalytic activity, this enzyme seems to play an important role in the transport of the HIV preintegration complex into the nucleus of nondividing cells. We studied the karyophilic properties of IN by constructing an N-terminal fusion protein of HIV-1 integrase and green fluorescent protein (GFP-IN). Transient expression of GFP-IN in various mammalian cell lines was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Although wild-type GFP was localized throughout the cell, GFP-IN was localized predominantly in the nucleus. Nuclear localization of GFP-IN was also obtained after transient transfection of the cells arrested in the G1/S phase of the cell cycle. These results provide compelling evidence for the karyophilic properties of the HIV-1 integrase.
The Relationship Between Quality, Satisfaction, and Recommending Behavior in Lodging Decisions

A path model is developed and tested that relates customers' perceptions of performance on multiple dimensions to the perceived level of overall quality possessed by the property, satisfaction with the lodging experience, and their willingness to provide positive word-of-mouth (WOM). Results suggest that customers' intentions to provide positive WOM primarily are a function of their perceptions of the overall quality of the property, rather than their expressed level of satisfaction with the stay. Logistic regression was employed to determine those specific quality and satisfaction dimensions most responsible for willingness to recommend the property. These variables included the general appearance of the property, perceived value associated with the stay, willingness of employees to listen, and the degree to which the property provided a safe environment.
Regime Change in the Aegean after the Second World War: Reconsidering Foreign Influence

In the extant literatures in Greece and Turkey, scholars argue that the Colonels' junta of 1967 and the 1950 Turkish transition to democracy were brought about by foreign influence. This is, however, a paradox since the same Cold War international context is seen as the cause of contrary regimes in two neighboring countries that belonged to the same alliance. A comparative study of Greece and Turkey shows that external factors played a more indirect role than what many scholars maintain and altered the cost-benefit analyses of the political leaders. In Greece, American aid to the military decreased the costs of intervention. The Cold War context intensified fears that there was a leftist threat in Greece and augmented the perceived benefits and legitimacy of authoritarianism. Conversely, in Turkey, the difficulties encountered during the Second World War increased the costs of sustaining authoritarianism. The Turkish desire to be included in the Western camp during the Cold War legitimized domestic demands for democracy and increased the benefits associated with regime change.
Patterns of Participation: Political and Social Participation in 22 Nations

Many studies show that political participation at the individual level is fragmented, multidimensional and non-cumulative, but comparison of 22 nations in Europe shows that different kinds of social and political participation at the country level are cumulative, unidimensional. The result is a set of country families of participation. Since these generally correspond with the country families found in studies of public policy, it raises the possibility of still higher-level generalizations covering an even broader range of social, economic, and political country characteristics. Finally, this study explores various theories explaining country patterns and families of participation and concludes that this is best done by a reference to a single syndrome of country characteristics covering democratic and economic development, government effectiveness, low corruption, high public expenditure on public personal services, and the rule of law. These factors seem to act as a mutually reinforcing system of cause and effects that are closely associated with country levels of participation of many different kinds.
Individual differences in sequence learning and auditory pattern sensitivity as revealed with evoked potentials

Research on motor sequence acquisition has shown significant differences between learners. Learners who develop explicit knowledge respond faster than non‐explicit ones and they show larger amplitude in event‐related brain potentials to sequence deviants. There is evidence that memory span correlates with the amount of sequence learned, but the specific mechanisms subserving such differences are still unknown. Recently, it has been observed that performance of explicit learners, but not of non‐explicit ones, improves when presented with auditory action effects. Accordingly, differences between learners might be related to differences in auditory rhythm perception. To test this hypothesis, the mismatch negativity (MMN)‐evoked potential elicited to stimuli violating stimulus alternation (i.e. low pitch, high pitch) was recorded in explicit and non‐explicit sequence learners. Results confirmed our prediction: explicit learners showed larger amplitude of the MMN to the violation of the auditory rhythm, suggesting new theoretical implications to account for individual differences in sequential action control.
When I Die, I Feel Small: Electronic Game Characters and the Social Self

This article explores children's use of mediated characters as role models for development of their self-concept and personality. Using the perspective of the "social self," we examine data on children's perceptions of electronic game characters as comparisons to their own personality and other developing characteristics. The evidence suggests that children identify quite closely with electronic characters and that these identifications have implications for children's emotional well being and the development of their personality.
Prevalence of hypertension in the Gambia and Sierra Leone, western Africa: a cross-sectional study

Summary Background Hypertension (HTN) is one of the causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Africa, and may be associated with lower socio-economic status (SES). The prevalence of HTN is not well established in the Gambia or in Sierra Leone. Methods A cross-sectional, population-based study of adults was conducted in the Gambia in 2000 and in Sierra Leone from 2001 to 2003 and in 2009. The study was conducted as part of the annual visit to countries in western Africa sponsored by a medical delegation from California. People from the Gambia and Sierra Leone were examined by the medical delegation and blood pressures were measured. Results A total of 2 615 adults were examined: 1 400 females and 1 215 males. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the females was 134.3 ± 29.7 mmHg, mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 84.5 ± 17.5 mmHg, and 46.2% were hypertensive. The mean SBP of the males was 132.8 ± 28.5 mmHg, mean DBP was 82.8 ± 16.2 mmHg, and 43.2% were hypertensive. Overall prevalence of HTN in the subjects was 44.8%. Mean SBP, mean DBP and HTN prevalence increased with age decade, both in males and females. In addition, after age adjustment (known age), females had higher mean SBP (p = 0.042), mean DBP (p = 0.001) and rate of occurrence of HTN (p = 0.016) when compared with males. Conclusions Prevalence rates of HTN in the Gambia and Sierra Leone were higher than 40% in males and females, and may be a major contributor to CVD in both countries. Due to the association of HTN with low SES, improvements in educational, public health, economic, non-governmental and governmental efforts in the Gambia and Sierra Leone may lead to a lower prevalence of HTN. The cause of the higher prevalence in women may be due to post-menopausal hormonal changes.
The Signed Verbal Learning Test: Assessing Verbal Memory of Deaf Signers

Memory assessment involves the measurement of a wide range of memory functions, both verbal, or linguistic, and nonverbal. Although research suggests that modified measures of visual memory may be adequate for deaf signers, this is not the case for measures of linguistic memory. Few measures of memory for signs are available, and direct translation of measures developed in English is likely to be invalid for use with deaf signers. The current article briefly reviews the literature on verbal memory assessment of deaf individuals and presents a measure of list learning developed for individuals using American Sign Language that takes into account the influence of both English and ASL on learning and memory performance.