Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of adipogenic differentiation by LAR tyrosine phosphatase in human mesenchymal stem cells and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of mesodermal-lineage cells. MSCs have significant potential in tissue engineering and therapeutic applications; however, the low differentiation and proliferation efficiencies of these cells in the laboratory are fundamental obstacles to their therapeutic use, mainly owing to the lack of information on the detailed signal-transduction mechanisms of differentiation into distinct lineages. With the aid of protein-tyrosine-phosphatase profiling studies, we show that the expression of leukocyte common antigen related (LAR) tyrosine phosphatase is significantly decreased during the early adipogenic stages of MSCs. Knockdown of endogenous LAR induced a dramatic increase in adipogenic differentiation, whereas its overexpression led to decreased adipogenic differentiation in both 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and MSCs. LAR reduces tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, in turn leading to decreased phosphorylation of the adaptor protein IRS-1 and its downstream molecule Akt (also known as PKB). We propose that LAR functions as a negative regulator of adipogenesis. Furthermore, our data support the possibility that LAR controls the balance between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. Overall, our findings contribute to the clarification of the mechanisms underlying LAR activity in the differentiation of MSCs and suggest that LAR is a candidate target protein for the control of stem-cell differentiation.
Digital image-based elasto-tomography: Nonlinear mechanical property reconstruction of homogeneous gelatine phantoms

Experimental results in the application of a gradient descent tomographic elasticity reconstruction method to measured soft tissue phantom data are presented. Surface motions at a limited number of measurement sites were used to reconstruct a global stiffness parameter for a homogeneous gelatine phantom. Results corresponded well with expected values and simulated experiments. Variation in reconstructed stiffness values was much lower than estimated noise levels within the measured motion data. Resonance behavior in the reconstruction model caused a portion of initial guesses to fail to converge, although in all cases the majority of initial guesses converged to the correct
INSTANT MESSAGING SPAM DETECTION IN LONG TERM EVOLUTION NETWORKS

The lack of efficient spam detection modules for packet data communication is resulting to increased threat exposure for the telecommunication network users and the service providers. In this thesis, we propose a novel approach to classify spam at the server side by intercepting packet-data communication among instant messaging applications. Spam detection is performed using machine learning techniques on packet headers and contents (if unencrypted) in two different phases: offline training and online classification. The contribution of this study is threefold. First, it identifies the scope of deploying a spam detection module in a state-of-the-art telecommunication architecture. Secondly, it compares the usefulness of various existing machine learning algorithms in order to intercept and classify data packets in near real-time communication of the instant messengers. Finally, it evaluates the accuracy and classification time of spam detection using our approach in a simulated environment of continuous packet data communication. Our research results are mainly generated by executing instances of a peer-to-peer instant messaging application prototype within a simulated Long Term Evolution (LTE) telecommunication network environment. This prototype is modeled and executed using OPNET network modeling and simulation tools. The research produces considerable knowledge on addressing unsolicited packet monitoring in instant messaging and similar applications.
Assessing the Impact of an Interactive Mobile Game on Tobacco-Related Attitudes and Beliefs: The Truth Campaign's “Flavor Monsters”

Abstract Given that over 97 percent of American teens play videogames, it is not surprising that many “games for health” target youth. Although tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, few digital games focus on preventing this behavior. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to determine if youth will play a game with tobacco-related information and themes and (2) to explain the relationship between the truth® (Legacy, Washington, DC) campaign's “Flavor Monsters” gameplay and shifts in game-related tobacco knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. First, two versions of the game, with different amounts of tobacco-related content, were developed to examine the influence of tobacco-related content on player engagement, length of play, awareness of the truth brand, and receptivity to the game. No statistically significant differences were found for engagement (P=0.81), length of play (P=0.10), or awareness of the truth brand (P=0.67). Using an online survey through a preexisting online panel of 13–24 year olds, a longitudinal (n=693) design was used whereby exposure to messages varied naturally over time. Because of the large number of anti-tobacco industry attitude questions, we created an Anti-Tobacco Industry (ATI) Index based on the results of a factor analysis. Although gameplay was not a predictor of lower levels of intention to smoke, level mastered was a significant positive predictor of ATI Index attitudes score at 3 months, controlling for baseline ATI Index score, age, gender, and ever cigarette use (P=0.002). Longitudinal findings indicate a cumulative and enduring effect, suggesting that anti-tobacco content can be successfully integrated within a mobile game to help increase anti-tobacco attitudes.
A Study on Students’ Choice of Programme in the University

Abstract The study examined the choice of programme that students’ offered in the University, especially in the built environment. Questionnaire was administered on 100 Level students in the Departments of Architecture, Building Technology and Estate Management of Covenant University, Ota. A total of 136 copies of questionnaire was retrieved and used for analysis as contained in the study. The study revealed that 79.4% were in the University based on their parents’ choice while 90% are responsible for the choice of course (programme) they are pursuing in the University based on personal interest. About 69.9% of the students dislike the University which may be a factor to be considered in their academic performances. It is therefore very important that, even though the students are very tender in ages, respect should be given to their opinion in taking decision(s) on issues that border on their lives. Parents should always take time to talk things over with their wards rather than imposing their opinion on the children.
Perceptions of discrimination and distributive injustice among people with physical disabilities

Purpose This study examines whether disabled workers perceive negative workplace experiences in terms of discrimination. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of perceived distributive injustice at work, regarding three dimensions – job assignment, compensation and career development opportunities – on perceived discrimination and explore the mediation role of perceived discrimination in the relationship between perceived distributive injustice and the job dissatisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Research hypotheses are tested with a questionnaire administered to 107 disabled employees working in public and private Spanish organisations. Findings The results indicate that physically disabled people perceive distributive injustice and discrimination at work regarding job assignment, compensation and career development opportunities in Andalusian organisations, and this perception of discrimination leads to feel dissatisfaction. This study confirms the triple dimensionality of two of the variables studied: perceived distributive injustice at work and perceived discrimination at work. Originality/value Few studies have focussed on disability-related issues from a human resource management viewpoint. This study focusses on job assignments, compensation and career development and shows that the perception of discrimination mediates the relation between the perception of distributive injustice at work, and job dissatisfaction. That is, perceived distributive injustice in the organisation leads physically disabled employees to compare their situation with that of their non-disabled peers and thus to perceive discrimination regarding job assignment, compensation and career development opportunities. As a result, they become dissatisfied with their jobs. The results obtained allow us to extend the organisational justice framework, achieving a more thorough understanding of the perception of both injustice and discrimination.
Six anomalies looking for a model. A consumption based explanation of international finance puzzles

When the dynamics of consumption growth in two countries include small and highly persistent predictable components and agents display a preference for the timing of the resolution of uncertainty, it is possible to explain a large number of international finance puzzles. This includes the relatively small volatility of the growth rate of the US dollar, the high correlation of stock markets returns paired with a modest degree of co-movement of fundamentals and the low correlation between consumption growth differentials and the depreciation of the exchange rate. When stochastic volatility is also assumed to be a factor in accounting for the dynamics of consumption growth, then the forward premium anomaly can also be accounted for by the model.
Performance, Livability, Carcass Yield and Meat Quality of Tunisian Local Poultry and Fast-Growing Genotype (Arbor Acres) Fed Standard Diet and Raised Outdoor Access -

The objectives of the present study have therefore been to compare the performances, the carcass yield and meat quality from local Tunisian poultry and fast-growing genotype (Arbor Acres). Local poultry and Arbor Acres were raised for 16 and 8 weeks respectively. The performances of local chickens were lower than those of the Arbor chickens under identical conditions (P 0.05) thus showing a good valorisation of the pasture by local chicken (14.4%). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) for local poultry was relatively high (3.97) and their livability of is comparable to the Arbor (P>0.0001), this shows well thermotolerance of local chicken and its rusticity (P<0.0001). The ultime pH after 24h of slaughtering was relatively high (6.1) for local poultry compared to Arbor (5.79) and color parameters in the main muscles were particularly intense for local poultry. The carcass of local poultry is thin and low in fat (P<0.0001).
Understanding the Intention of Giving Information in Virtual Communities

The major activity in a virtual community is information exchange among members. However, even in busy virtual communities, usually only a small fraction of members post information actively. Our interest in this study was seeking a better understanding of the psychological determinants that drive people to give information actively and voluntarily. An empirical study was conducted and 273 responses that have experiences in virtual communities were collected. The research model was mainly evaluated and validated with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)-LISREL. The results sthat members’ perceived self-efficacy, perceived soft re wards, trust to other members, social identity, and positive anticipated emotions have positively effects on intention of giving information through the mediation of desire.
Invasive pneumococcal disease in Dallas County, Texas: results from population-based surveillance in 1995.

We studied the epidemiology of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in 1995 among 1.9 million residents of Dallas County, Texas. The sociodemographic characteristics and chronic medical conditions of 432 patients were identified through active, population-based surveillance and review of medical records. The incidence of disease was 22 cases per 100,000 person-years and was highest for children < 2 years of age (136 cases per 100,000 person-years) and for adults > or = 65 years of age (80 cases per 100,000 person-years). Twenty percent of isolates were nonsusceptible to penicillin; the highest rates of resistance were among the youngest and oldest age groups (28% and 22% of isolates, respectively). An increased incidence of disease was associated with low income (42 cases per 100,000 person-years) and black race (39 cases per 100,000 person-years). The frequency of most chronic medical conditions increased with age; smoking, heavy alcohol use, and infection due to human immunodeficiency virus were most common between 30 and 64 years of age. Of otherwise healthy patients 30-64 years of age, 47% were current smokers, an association requiring further investigation. Characterizing groups at risk for invasive pneumococcal disease could aid in the development of prevention programs and increase the benefits from wide use of effective vaccines.
Causes of low vision and use of optical aids in the elderly.

PURPOSE To determine the causes of low vision in an elderly population attended by a university visual rehabilitation service and to check for the use of prescribed optical aids. METHOD A cross-sectional study was carried out on patients aged 60 years or over attending for the first time a university low vision service in 2001. Ophthalmic reevaluation and interview were performed by means of a structured questionnaire in 2002. RESULTS The sample comprised 50 subjects aged between 60 and 90 years. Severe low vision (< or =20/200) was present in 68.0% of patients. The main cause of low vision was age-related macular degeneration (44.0%). Regarding literacy, 16.0% were illiterate and 72.0% had completed fundamental schooling. Thirty-one patients (62.0%) had been prescribed optical aids; 54.8% of these patients stated that they use them. A majority (70.6%) held a favorable opinion of these aids. CONCLUSIONS The main cause of low vision was age-related macular degeneration. Approximately half of those receiving prescriptions reported actually using the aids in their daily activities. Making best use of residual vision in the elderly population with visual impairment is a priority, given the social context, if the independence necessary for enhanced quality of life is to be achieved.
Is it personal? Teacher’s personality and the principal’s role in professional learning communities

Research results have provided evidence of the potential contribution that professional learning communities (PLCs) can make to enhance school outcomes. While numerous organizational and cultural aspects of schools have been recognized as key requirements for PLC success, researchers have noted that a teacher’s ability to share knowledge in the context of school learning interactions requires certain skills. Our goal is to extend the theoretical understanding and practical implications of individual factors that may support and/or constrain PLC development. Specifically, we discuss teachers’ personality traits from the big five typology, namely, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience, as a possible explanation for differences in motivation toward social interactions, knowledge sharing, and the general position of the individual teacher in the PLC network. We also address the principal’s role in promoting the process of knowledge sharing and social relationships in PLCs. Practical implications for school members and principals are suggested.
Privacy and Social Networks: Is Concern a Valid Indicator of Intention and Behaviour?

End-user privacy is a well-defined problem in Social Networks such as Facebook. Users have stated concern for their privacy yet display behaviour to the contrary within the system, a phenomenon known as the privacy paradox. There is an assumption that high levels of concern for one's privacy should lead to a reluctance to disclose information and to an acceptance of highly protective measures within the network. Few works have studied this paradox in its entirety, each taking differing views of it and using a variety of measures. Furthermore, evidence for the paradox has been found between varying conceptual elements of it and hence, there is a need for a holistic study of this phenomenon in order to identify where the paradox manifests. This work implements a survey instrument aimed at examining if concern should be used as an indicator of intention and action as it is assumed in past literature. Results show that users of social networks desire a benchmark of privacy that is consistent across measures of concern. A survey instrument examining general statements of concern would appear to inadequate in exploring the complex nature of privacy in social networks.
Underpricing and Entrepreneurial Wealth Losses in Ipos:Theory and Evidence

We model underpricing as being endogenous to the wealth loss minimization problem encountered in a stock market flotation. The benefits of reducing underpricing depend on the entrepreneur's participation in the offering, via the secondary shares he sells, as well as the magnitude of the dilution he suffers on his retained shares, which increases in the number of newly issued shares. However, reducing underpricing is costly. Therefore, it is not surprising that there is positive underpricing in equilibrium, as entrepreneurs trade off the costs and benefits of lower underpricing. Using two large data sets of US IPOs, we find support for the comparative statics predictions of our model, in particular those which distinguish our model from existing work. We also find support for the prediction that equilibrium wealth losses are unrelated to the level of underpricing-reduction costs and the quality of underwriter, which indicates that entrepreneurs choose such variables optimally. Non-monetary considerations such as private benefits of control appear not to be taken into account by the entrepreneur. Our empirical results are robust to a number of economic and econometric considerations.
Consequences of the water deficit on water relations and symbiosis in Vigna unguiculata cultivars

The study aimed at evaluating and comparing changes provoked by the water deficit on water relations and nitro gen fixation in two Vigna unguiculata cultivars, as well as at indicating which cultivar is more tolerant under water deficiency. The experimental design used was entirely randomized in factorial scheme, with 2 cultivars (Pitiuba and Perola) and 2 water regimes (control and stress). The parameters evaluated were the leaf relative water content, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, nodule number, nodule dry matter, nitrate reductase enzyme activity, ureide concentration and leghemoglobin in nodule. The stomatal conductance of the Pitiuba and Perola cultivars under water deficit were 0.20 and 0.01 mmol H 2 O/m 2 /s, respectively. The nitrate reductase activity of the plants un der stress was significantly reduced in both cultivars. The leghemoglobin in the Pitiuba and Perola cultivars under water stress had the concentrations of 58 and 41 g/kg dry matter, respectively. The parameters investigated in this study suggest that the Pitiuba cultivar under water deficit suffers from smaller changes, when compared with Perola cultivar.
How to Handle Economic Freedom: Reply to Lawson

IN HIS COMMENT ON THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM SURVEY ARTICLE we wrote with Susanna LundstrA¶m (De Haan et al. 2006), Lawson (2006) criticizes five elements of our article: 1.Our use of the term â€œzealots. â€ 2.Our remarks on the role of government in the construction of the economic freedom index. 3.Our discussion of the composition of the economic freedom index. 4.Our criticism of empirical growth models that include both the level and the change in economic freedom. 5.Our endorsement of a modeling approach wherein researchers run many specifications
Quantifying Statistical Interdependence by Message Passing on Graphs—Part II: Multidimensional Point Processes

Abstract Stochastic event synchrony is a technique to quantify the similarity of pairs of signals. First, events are extracted from the two given time series. Next, one tries to align events from one time series with events from the other. The better the alignment, the more similar the two time series are considered to be. In Part I, the companion letter in this issue, one-dimensional events are considered; this letter concerns multidimensional events. Although the basic idea is similar, the extension to multidimensional point processes involves a significantly more difficult combinatorial problem and therefore is nontrivial. Also in the multidimensional case, the problem of jointly computing the pairwise alignment and SES parameters is cast as a statistical inference problem. This problem is solved by coordinate descent, more specifically, by alternating the following two steps: (1) estimate the SES parameters from a given pairwise alignment; (2) with the resulting estimates, refine the pairwise alignment. The SES parameters are computed by maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation (step 1), in analogy to the one-dimensional case. The pairwise alignment (step 2) can no longer be obtained through dynamic programming, since the state space becomes too large. Instead it is determined by applying the max-product algorithm on a cyclic graphical model. In order to test the robustness and reliability of the SES method, it is first applied to surrogate data. Next, it is applied to detect anomalies in EEG synchrony of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Numerical results suggest that SES is significantly more sensitive to perturbations in EEG synchrony than a large variety of classical synchrony measures.
Testing for Smooth Transition Nonlinearity in Adjustments of Cointegrating Systems

This paper studies testing for the presence of smooth transition nonlinearity in adjustment parameters of the vector error correction model. We specify the generalized model with multiple cointegrating vectors and different transition functions across equations. Given that the nonlinear model is highly complex, this paper proposes an optimal LM test based only on estimation of the linear model. The null asymptotic distribution is derived using empirical process theory and since the transition parameters of the model cannot be identified under the null hypothesis bootstrap procedures are used to approximate the limit. Monte Carlo simulations indicate a good performance of the test.