Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WHAT IS THE MASS OF &agr; ?> CEN B b ?> ?

We investigate the possibility of constraining the sin i degeneracy of α Cen B b—with orbital period P = 3.24 days; a = 0.042 AU; m sin i = 1.1 M ⨁ ? > —to estimate the true mass of the newly reported terrestrial exoplanet in the nearest stellar system to our Sun. We present detailed numerical simulations of the dynamical stability of the exoplanet in the α Cen AB binary system for a range of initial inclinations, eccentricities, and semimajor axes. The system represents a benchmark case for the interplay of the Kozai mechanism with general relativistic and tidal forces. From our simulations, there is only a small boundary in initial inclinations and initial semimajor axes which result in the migration via the Kozai mechanism of α Cen B b to its present location. Inside this boundary, the planet orbit is stable for up to 1 Gyr against the Kozai mechanism, and outside this boundary the planet collides with α Cen B or is ejected. In our three simulations where the planet migrates in toward the star via the Kozai mechanism, the final inclination is 46°–53° relative to the AB orbital plane, lower than the initial inclination of 75° in each case. We discuss inclination constraints from the formation of α Cen B b in situ at its present location, migration in a proto-planetary disk, or migration in resonance with additional planets. We conclude that α Cen B b probably has a mass of less than 2.7 M ⨁ ? > , implying a likely terrestrial composition warranting future confirmation.
Listening to yourself is like listening to others: External, but not internal, verbal self-monitoring is based on speech perception

Theories of verbal self-monitoring generally assume an internal (pre-articulatory) monitoring channel, but there is debate about whether this channel relies on speech perception or on production-internal mechanisms. Perception-based theories predict that listening to one's own inner speech has similar behavioural consequences as listening to someone else's speech. Our experiment therefore registered eye-movements while speakers named objects accompanied by phonologically related or unrelated written words. The data showed that listening to one's own speech drives eye-movements to phonologically related words, just as listening to someone else's speech does in perception experiments. The time-course of these eye-movements was very similar to that in other-perception (starting 300 ms post-articulation), which demonstrates that these eye-movements were driven by the perception of overt speech, not inner speech. We conclude that external, but not internal monitoring, is based on speech perception.
Enhanced Materials from Nature: Nanocellulose from Citrus Waste

Nanocellulose is a relatively inexpensive, highly versatile bio-based renewable material with advantageous properties, including biodegradability and nontoxicity. Numerous potential applications of nanocellulose, such as its use for the preparation of high-performance composites, have attracted much attention from industry. Owing to the low energy consumption and the addition of significant value, nanocellulose extraction from agricultural waste is one of the best alternatives for waste treatment. Different techniques for the isolation and purification of nanocellulose have been reported, and combining these techniques influences the morphology of the resultant fibers. Herein, some of the extraction routes for obtaining nanocellulose from citrus waste are addressed. The morphology of nanocellulose was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), while cellulose crystallinity indexes (CI) from lyophilized samples were determined using solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements. The resultant nanofibers had 55% crystallinity, an average diameter of 10 nm and a length of 458 nm.
Analysis of a disorder of everyday action

Abstract We present a patient, JK, who developed a profound disturbance of routine action production subsequent to closed head injury. Part I of the study describes the disorder as it was expressed in tasks of everyday living. JK demonstrated the features of frontal apraxia, including extreme vulnerability to object substitution and object misuse. In Part II we carried out a neuro-psychological assessment targeted at JK's recognition and understanding of objects and implements. This assessment showed a surprising preservation of low- and high-level vision, as well as semantic knowledge relevant to everyday tasks. It also revealed some areas of weakness, notably in access to semantic memory and gesture recall. It is widely accepted that everyday action tasks are planned and executed automatically, that is, with minimal involvement of executive control processes. JK's defects in the areas of semantic memory and gesture recall may have compromised the automaticity of his action planning, but this alone canno.
[The relationship of perceived health status, activities of daily living and nutrition status in the community-dwelling Korean elderly].

PURPOSE This study aimed to identify the associated factors of the perceived health status of the elderly in Korea and to provide basic data for developing nursing interventions for the elderly's health management. METHODS This study used a descriptive correlational research design. The subjects of this study were 335 elderly people over 60 yr living in an urban city. Data were collected through personal interviews using questionnaires from September 2006 to March 2007. Empirical indicators of perceived health status were measured by SF-36, nutritional screening initiative (NSI), activities of daily living (ADL) Index, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression. RESULTS The mean age of the subjects was 72.8 and 57.0% of subjects were female. 41.5% of variance in physical health was explained by nutrition, ADL, IADL, and the number of years attending school. Among them the most important factor was ADL. 13.2% of variance in mental health was explained by the number of family, nutrition, and IADL. Among them the most important factor was nutrition. CONCLUSION It is necessary to develop supportive interventions for improving the perceived health status of elderly people by considering the most important factors shown in this study.
A longitudinal study of stress buffering for adolescent problem behaviors.

A 2-wave longitudinal design, with a 6-month interval between occasions of measurement, was used to study the interrelations between stressful life events, perceived social support from family and friends, and the internalizing (e.g., depressive symptoms) and externalizing (e.g., alcohol use and delinquent activity) of problems of a sample of 277 middle adolescents (mean age=15.7 years)
A search for the hidden population of AM CVn binaries in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We present the latest results from a spectroscopic survey designed to uncover the hidden population of AM Canum Venaticorum (AM CVn) binaries in the photometric data base of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We selected ∼2000 candidates based on their photometric colours, a relatively small sample which is expected to contain the majority of all AM CVn binaries in the SDSS (expected to be ∼50). We present two new candidate AM CVn binaries discovered using this strategy: SDSS J104325.08+563258.1 and SDSS J173047.59+554518.5. We also present spectra of 29 new cataclysmic variables, 23 DQ white dwarfs and 21 DZ white dwarfs discovered in this survey. The survey is now approximately 70 per cent complete, and the discovery of seven new AM CVn binaries indicates a lower space density than previously predicted. From the essentially complete g ≤ 19 sample, we derive an observed space density of (5 ± 3) × 10^(−7) pc^(−3); this is lower than previous estimates by a factor of 3. The sample has been cross-matched with the GALEX All-Sky Imaging Survey data base, and with Data Release 9 of the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS). The addition of UV photometry allows new colour cuts to be applied, reducing the size of our sample to ∼1100 objects. Optimizing our follow-up should allow us to uncover the remaining AM CVn binaries present in the SDSS, providing the larger homogeneous sample required to more reliably estimate their space density.
Science and politics in the regulation of human embryonic stem-cell research in Brazil

This case study deals with the regulation of human embryonic stem-cell (hESC) research in Brazil. It aims to analyze the process that led to the authorization, in 2005, of the use of stem cells obtained from so-called supernumerary embryos for purposes of research and therapy. We argue that the pro-research lobby in Brazil had considerable success because it framed the issue by referring to Brazil’s peculiar policy background in the fields of assisted reproduction and embryo research. Moreover, this group of actors strategically avoided associating hESC research with abortion, highlighting the humanitarian aspects of this kind of research, rather than the motto of freedom of scientific research. Finally, it was able to rely on the judgment of a fairly progressive Supreme Court, which was also sensitive to public opinion at a time of ‘court activism’ or the ‘judicialization of politics’ in Brazil.
A Local Algorithm for the Computation of Optic Flow via Constructive Interference of Global Fourier Components

A novel Fourier-based technique for the estimation of optic-flow fields from image sequences is proposed. In this method, the instantaneous velocities of local image points are inferred directly from the global 3D Fourier components of the image sequence. This is done by selecting those velocities for which the superposition of the corresponding Fourier gratings leads to constructive interference at the image point. Hence, uncertainties caused through a windowed measurement process typical for local methods do not arise. The algorithm is tested on both synthetic and real image sequences and the results are compared to those of local techniques for optic-flow computation.
Some recruitment aspects of population photoscreening of amblyogenic factors at children younger one year.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the keystone role of paediatric general practitioners (PGPs) in our system of photoscreening of amblyogenic factors at children younger one year. The parental involvement on the participation of their children at photoscreening was also analysed. From June 2000 to February 2001 we have performed 780 photoscreening tests of children aged from 3 months to 31 months (mean age 9.7 months). The photoscreening test was voluntary. Parents was invited to visit screening center by PGP's recommendation and by offering the Invitation/information brochure. The brochure was distributed by 56 paediatric general practitioners during obligatory examinations at 5. , 8. resp. 12. month of age from June to November 2000. Based on the questionnaire (return rate 89%) we documented following data: the number of children of particular age in the care of PGPs was 2060, 1458 Invitation/information brochures was distributed by PGPs. PGPs attended for more children at particular age distributed relatively less number of brochures if compared to PGPs with lower number of relative children. The willingness to the photoscreening programe participance of parents of children belonging to PGPs attended our educational seminary exhibited independence on distance between PGP office and our department in the strong contrast to families belonging with PGPs not participating on educational programme. Our further effort on elevating the percentage of children population participation on screening must be focused on education of PGP with large number of children at particular age and on ensuring the issuing of brochures or other forms of invitation at PGPs' offices.
Effects of weak static magnetic fields on endothelial cells

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been used extensively in bone fracture repairs and wound healing. It is accepted that the induced electric field is the dose metric. The mechanisms of interaction between weak magnetic fields and biological systems present more ambiguity than that of PEMFs since weak electric currents induced by PEMFs are believed to mediate the healing process, which are absent in magnetic fields. The present study examines the response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to weak static magnetic fields. We investigated proliferation, viability, and the expression of functional parameters such as eNOS, NO, and also gene expression of VEGF under the influence of different doses of weak magnetic fields. Applications of weak magnetic fields in tissue engineering are also discussed. Static magnetic fields may open new venues of research in the field of vascular therapies by promoting endothelial cell growth and by enhancing the healing response of the endothelium. Bioelectromagnetics 31:296–301, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive IIR system identification using JADE

Conventional mathematical programming techniques have several drawbacks related to lack of stability and premature convergence when applied to the identification of adaptive IIR systems. Additionally, such mathematical methods normally fail when reduced order adaptive models are used for the identification of higher order systems. In this paper, the IIR system identification task is formulated as an optimization problem and a variant of differential evolution (DE) called JADE is adopted to solve the problem. The explorative mutation scheme and innovative parameter adaptation schemes of JADE avoid premature convergence and increase the robustness of the DE algorithm. Both actual and reduced order identification of some benchmark IIR plants is carried out through a simulation study. The results indicate that the method adopted here is able to obtain better results than those found by several state-of-the-art metaheuristics.
Diversity and the Union

Using a random sample of 1,475 nonexempt workers, we explore the potential spillover effects of demographic dissimilarity on two key elements of members’ union attachment, namely, union commitment and instrumentality. Consistent with similarity-attraction theory, our findings indicate that gender dissimilarity has a significant negative effect on union attachment. However, inconsistent with the findings of earlier studies focusing on dissimilarity and organizational attachment, our results indicate that increased dissimilarity alongother demographic dimensions may actually be associated with somewhat higher levels of union attachment, and that the effects of dissimilarity are not necessarily asymmetrical for majority and minority members of work groups.
Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: trends in the hospital and community settings.

BACKGROUND To assess the prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella strains in nosocomial and community-acquired infections. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted at a centralized microbiology laboratory in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Laboratory records (January 2004 - December 2005) were assessed. Associated resistance to a panel of antibiotics was determined. RESULTS A total of 6,750 Gram-negative organisms were assessed for ESBL-phenotype. ESBL was detected in 6% (409/6,750) of isolates, the majority of which were E. coli (83%). ESBL producers were significantly higher among isolates from in-patients 15.4% (143/927) versus out-patients (4.5%; 266/5,823); p < 0.05. Old age (older than 60 years) represented a significant risk for having an ESBL-producing pathogen. Urine was the major source of ESBL isolates in in-patients (46.1%) and out-patients (74.4%). The proportion of urinary E. coli isolates which were ESBL producers was significantly higher among in-patients (53/506; 10.4%) compared to out-patients (182/4,074; 4.4%); p<0.05. Old age (older than 60 years) represented a significant risk for having an ESBL-producing pathogen. Urine was the major source of ESBL isolates in in-patients (46.1%) and out-patients (74.4%). The proportion of urinary E. coli isolates which were ESBL producers was significantly higher among in-patients (53/506; 10.4%) compared to out-patients (182/4,074; 4.4%); p<0.05. Among in-patients, 60% of the ESBL associated infections were nosocomial. All were sensitive to imipenem but high levels of resistance to gentamicin, amikacin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin was shown. CONCLUSION The findings document evidence of the spread of multiresistant ESBL-producers into the community. This has significant implications for patient management, and indicates the need for increased surveillance and molecular characterization of these isolates.
Designing empathic computers: the effect of multimodal empathic feedback using animated agent

Experiencing emotional distress is the number one reason why people who are undergoing behaviour modification (e.g. quitting smoking, dieting) suffer from relapses. Providing emotional support is an effective way to help them overcome the unpleasant effects of negative affect and adhere to their regimen. Building computers with such ability has grabbed the attention of the HCI community in recent years. Early research has shown some promising results when adopting strategies of how we comfort others, but many questions on how to build such systems remain unanswered. This paper presents the results of a 2 (modality: animated vs. no visual) by 3 (intervention: non-empathy vs. empathy vs. empathy and expressivity) between-subjects study that investigates the impact of two important factors and their interaction in the design of such systems: (1) different ways of expressing empathy, and (2) the modality of delivering such content. Findings and implications for the design of empathic computer systems are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
Information and Institutions Redux

In “Information and Institutions Revisited,” Fey et al. point out some corrections to the equilibrium analyzed in Chapman. In this brief response, we argue that while these corrections are appropriate, they do not address the larger substantive question of when conditions exist that would facilitate information transmission between an international security organization and a domestic audience. We show an equilibrium in which the core logic of the information transmission argument in Chapman remains. We also discuss the particular modeling choices that facilitate information transmission (or prevent it) in equilibrium.
The Effect of Relaxation Exercises for the Masticator Muscles on Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of relaxation exercises for the masticator muscles on the limited ROM and pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 10 men and 31 women in their 20s and 30s. They were randomly divided into no treatment, active exercises and relaxation exercise for the masticator muscle groups. The exercise groups performed exercises three times or more a day over a period of four weeks, performing exercise for 10 minutes each time. Before and after the four weeks, all the subjects were measured for ROM, deviation, occlusion, and pain in the temporomandibular joint. [Results] ROM, deviation and pain showed statistically significant in improvements after the intervention in the active exercise and relaxation exercise for the masticator muscle groups. Deviation also showed a statistically significant difference between the active exercise and relaxation exercise groups. [Conclusion] The results verify that as with active exercises, relaxation exercises for the masticatory muscles are an effective treatment for ROM and pain in TMD. Particularly, masticatory muscle relaxation exercises were found to be a treatment that is also effective for deviation.
The influence of non-modifiable illness perceptions on attendance at cardiac rehabilitation

Background: Despite the established benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) attendance rates remain variable. Physical barriers to attendance have been extensively investigated but relatively less is known about the relationship between attendance at CR and psychosocial variables such as illness perceptions and social isolation. Aim: To examine the influence of socio-demographic factors, illness perceptions and social isolation on patient attendance at cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: All individuals offered CR over a two-year period were invited to take part in a postal survey. The survey collected socio-demographic data and included completion of the Friendship Scale, to assess social isolation, and the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire. Parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were used as appropriate. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight (47%) questionnaires were returned. Non-attendees reported higher total illness perception scores and those who attributed their illness to non-modifiable factors were significantly less likely to attend CR (p = 0.042). Attendees reported lower levels of social isolation; however, this finding was not statistically significant. No differences were found between attendees and non-attendees in terms of their age, gender, educational status or proximity to cardiac rehabilitation centre. Conclusion: Psychosocial barriers, specifically illness perceptions and attributions, were found to be significant with patients who did not attend CR reporting more negative illness perceptions. Distance to CR was not a significant factor influencing attendance. Early screening of perceived causal attributions may help to identify those who would benefit from early and targeted intervention to increase participation in CR. Future prospective studies would permit testing of screening approaches and early interventions.
Possible role of the Ec peptide of IGF-1Ec in cartilage repair

The Ec peptide (PEc) of insulin-like growth factor 1 Ec (IGF-1Ec) induces human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) mobilization and activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) in various cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of PEc on the mobilization and differentiation of hMSCs, as well as the possibility of its implementation in combination with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) for cartilage repair. The effects of the exogenous administration of PEc and TGF-β1, alone and in combination, on hMSCs were assessed using a trypan blue assay, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, Alcian blue staining, wound healing assays and migration/invasion assays. It was determined that PEc is involved in the differentiation process of hMSCs towards hyaline cartilage. Treatment of hMSCs with either PEc, TGF-β1 or both, demonstrated comparable cartilage matrix deposition. Furthermore, treatment with PEc in combination with TGF-β1 was associated with a significant increase in hMSC mobilization when compared with treatment with TGF-β1 or PEc alone (P<0.05). Thus, PEc appears to facilitate in vitro hMSC mobilization and differentiation towards chondrocytes, enhancing the role of TGF-β1.