Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
POLICY'S CONSEQUENCES: THE COMMERCIALISATION OF AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY EDUCATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ITS ASIAN MARKET

Higher education has in the recent decade become in itself a major business. In some economies, it is an important contributor to the gross national product. This fact is true in the case of Australia. This paper discusses the commercialisation of Australian higher education in Asia and how Australian government policy has contributed to this internationalisation. In addition to addressing the policy consequences, it also examines issues surrounding the content, curricula and teaching in the programmes that are exported. Whilst the internationalisation of higher education may have led to the presence of an enterprising culture in the exporting institutions, the higher ideals of education need to be balanced.
Application of electromyography (EMG) in food texture evaluation of different Indian sweets

The present study was undertaken to correlate surface electromyography variables acquired during chewing of different Indian sweets with the instrumental texture parameters and their sensory attributes. Firstly, a comparison of acquired absolute EMG variables with the relative EMG variables was conducted. The results revealed that the relative EMG mastication parameters can effectively distinguish different textured food products by eliminating the subject variance. Then, the two different recordings of masticatory parameters in an EMG session for human subjects were correlated to investigate the reproducibility of chewing patterns. The correlation coefficients were found to be statistically significant (p less than 0.05) indicating highly reproducible chewing behaviour within a session for human subjects. Finally, acquired surface EMG variables were clustered into six representative variables using dendrograms. The principal component analysis conducted for these representative variables could explain 76% of cumulative proportion of variance. The scores of first principal component correlated significantly with instrumental and sensory hardness and sensory stickiness, while scores of second component correlated with sensory stickiness.
18F-FDG PET/CT for Early Postradiotherapy Assessment in Solitary Bone Plasmacytomas

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance and possible prognostic value of early 18F-FDG PET/CT (FDG PET/CT) assessment after radiotherapy (RT) in patients with solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP). Methods Twenty-one patients affected by SBP who underwent FDG PET/CT scan for early restaging (⩽6 months) postradiotherapy assessment were selected from the PET databases of University College London Hospital of London and San Raffaele Hospital of Milan. Patients with no abnormal uptake were classified as having no pathologic uptake (NPU). A SUVmax cutoff value of 4 was chosen to discriminate minimal residual uptake (MRU; SUVmax ⩽ 4) from pathologic uptake (PU, SUVmax >4). Progression-free survival (PFS) rate was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Results In 10 of 21 patients restaged by FDG PET/CT, further previous baseline scan was available also at staging, and results showed positive findings at the level of all biopsy-proven disease areas. Considering MRU as PU, FDG PET/CT showed a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 29%, respectively. Using SUVmax >4 as the cutoff, sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 93%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significant difference in PFS probability between patients classified as positive on FDG PET/CT using a cutoff of SUVmax >4 (PU) and those classified as negative (NPU + MRU) (log-rank, Mantel-Cox, P = 0.009; &khgr;2 = 6.85). Cox regression analysis of PFS using SUVmax >4 as cutoff revealed an interesting relation in prediction of progression (HR, 9.458). Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT for early restaging after RT in patients with SBP should be considered carefully in view of the lack of specificity of a low SUVmax value. The good correlation between a high SUVmax value and follow-up suggests a possible prognostic role for FDG PET/CT in disease progression at early restaging after RT.
Packings in real projective spaces

This paper applies techniques from algebraic and differential geometry to determine how to best pack points in real projective spaces. We present a computer-assisted proof of the optimality of a particular 6-packing in $\mathbb{R}\mathbf{P}^3$, we introduce a linear-time constant-factor approximation algorithm for packing in the so-called Gerzon range, and we provide local optimality certificates for two infinite families of packings. Finally, we present perfected versions of various putatively optimal packings from Sloane's online database, along with a handful of infinite families they suggest, and we prove that these packings enjoy a certain weak notion of optimality.
Bone morphogenetic protein-2 enhances osteoclast formation mediated by interleukin-1alpha through upregulation of osteoclast differentiation factor and cyclooxygenase-2.

Bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. While BMP-2 is capable of inducing bone formation ectopically, little is known about its role on osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we examined the effect of BMP-2 on osteoclast-like multinucleated cell (OCL) formation in cocultures of osteoblast-like cells and hematopoietic cells of bone marrow origin. BMP-2 alone did not stimulate OCL formation in this culture system; however, it strongly enhanced OCL formation in a dose-dependent fashion in the presence of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha). Western blot analysis showed that a simultaneous addition of BMP-2 and IL-1alpha synergistically enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in osteoblast-like cells. Moreover, Northern blot analysis revealed that the level of osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF) mRNA increased by treatment with BMP-2 and IL-1alpha in osteoblast-like cells. It is noted that BMP-2 alone did cause an increase in the expression of both COX-2 and ODF genes. The stimulatory effect of BMP-2 was abolished by adding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin and a selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. Addition of NS-398 inhibited the expression of the ODF gene in osteoblast-like cells treated with BMP-2 and IL-1alpha. These results indicated that the combination of BMP-2 and IL-1alpha stimulated osteoblast-like cells to elevate the expression of both COX-2 and ODF genes, resulting in an enhanced OCL formation. Since BMP-2 alone induced the expression of COX-2 and ODF genes in osteoblast-like cells, it appears to be one of the regulating factors of osteoclastogenesis.
Adolescents’ Implicit Theories of a Creative Person: A Longitudinal Investigation in Three Countries

Our research examined whether adolescents in the United States, China, and Japan differed in their conceptions of a creative person. Participants were American (n = 321), Chinese (n = 235), and Japanese (n = 393) adolescents in 7th and 8th grades who completed surveys at 3 time points. Using an open-ended questionnaire, adolescents were asked to list up to 10 attributes of a creative person. The responses were coded into 4 categories: action, emotion, characteristics, and self (vs. others). Results indicated that adolescents in the United States used more action and emotion descriptors (e.g., draws, happy) when conceptualizing a creative person, compared to Chinese and Japanese adolescents. In contrast, Chinese (vs. American and Japanese) adolescents were more likely to use descriptors about the characteristics of a person (e.g., hardworking, smart) in their conceptualizations of a creative person. Changes over time in adolescents’ conceptions of a creative person were evident, with the rates of such changes being uneven across countries. Findings provide evidence in support of the idea that adolescents’ implicit theories of creativity may be rooted in their cultural experiences.
Resolution of Corporate Financial Distress: An Empirical Analysis of Processes and Outcomes

In this article, Jacobs,Karagozoglu, and Naples Layish focus on determining which types of firms are able to successfully remain independent entities through the resolution of their financial distress. The authors empirically investigate the determinants of the process utilized to resolve financial distress (private work-out versus public bankruptcy filing) and also the outcome (liquidation versus reorganization). After developing various qualitative-dependent variable models, they estimate and compare several accounting and economic variables measured at the time of default that they expect can influence the resolution process and outcome.Results reveal the ordered logistic regression specification achieves the best balance between in-sample fit, consistency with financial theory, and out-of-sample classification accuracy, as compared to more elaborate techniques, such as local regression or neural networks.The authors find the public resolution process to be associated with larger firms that have less tangibility, a greater proportion of secured debt in their capital structures, or higher risk measures. The private resolution process is likelier for firms that have more total leverage, greater measures of liquidity, a higher proportion of subordinated debt in their capital structures, or reside in a debtorfriendly bankruptcy court district.Regarding the resolution outcome, the authors find that firms that are more likely to be liquidated than reorganized have greater liquidity, more secured debt, lower cumulative abnormal returns on equity, higher loss given default, a less favorable auditor's opinion, or they will default in a better part of the credit cycle. Finally, firms more likely to be reorganized have greater leverage,more intangible assets, or a prepackaged bankruptcy. They conclude that their model is useful for risk managers and investors who are in the market for distressed or defaulted debt.
Glycan and lectin microarrays for glycomics and medicinal applications

Three different array formats to study a challenging field of glycomics are presented here, based on the use of a panel of immobilized glycan or lectins, and on in silico computational approach. Glycan and lectin arrays are routinely used in combination with other analytical tools to decipher a complex nature of glycan‐mediated recognition responsible for signal transduction of a broad range of biological processes. Fundamental aspects of the glycan and lectin array technology are discussed, with the focus on the choice and availability of the biorecognition elements, fabrication protocols, and detection platforms involved. Moreover, practical applications of both technologies especially in the field of clinical diagnostics are provided. The future potential of a complementary in silico array technology to reveal details of the protein–glycan‐binding profiles is discussed here. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 30, No. 2, 394–418, 2010
Comparative Studies on the Antiplatelet Effects of a Humanized Anti-Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Antibody (YM337) and ReoPro under Flow Conditions

Summary Recent clinical studies have shown that the interruption of platelet function appears to be effective for treatment of coronary occlusive diseases. For this purpose, a Fab fragment of humanized anti-platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody (YM 337) that exhibited an in vivo antithrombotic effect without prolongation of bleeding time in monkeys was previously characterized. In this study, the effect of YM 337 under physiological flow conditions with high or low shear rate was evaluated. The antiplatelet effects of YM 337 under varying wall shear rates were examined with the whole blood flow system. This technique allows real time visualization of the formation of fluorescence-labeled platelet thrombi on a collagen surface in a parallel plate flow chamber mounted on an epifluorescence microscope. The process of thrombus growth was also recorded in video tape and subjected to computer-assisted image analysis. We found that YM 337 displayed a high shear-preferential antiplatelet effect, while ReoPro, a control anti-GP IIb/IIIa antibody, did not show such shear dependency. The present findings therefore suggest that YM 337 might be a useful antiplatelet agent which can block pathological thrombotic events occurring under high shear, such as in coronary occlusive diseases.
Multisource remote sensing images classification/ data fusion using a multiple classifiers systemweighted by a neural decision maker

The use of remote sensing images from various sensors is supposed to be able to improve classification accuracies. In this paper, a multiple classifiers system is adopted to fully utilize the complementary information among different data sources. A weighting policy may be applied to fuse knowledge acquired by classifiers according to their classification performances. Based on the past researches, there are some kinds of complex relationship among the classifiers' outputs. It is believe that the classification accuracy will be further improved if these relationships could be modeled properly. Therefore, a neural decision maker is proposed to express their relationships and to determine their weights among classifiers' outputs. Another type of the multisource classifier, neural networks approach, is also introduced. The classification performances of utilizing various multisource classifiers, i.e. neural network approach, multiple classifiers systems weighted by y the conventional Bagging and Boosting algorithms and the proposed method, to the application of multisource remote sensing images classification/ data fusion are demonstrated and compared. Experimental results show that both the neural networks approach and multiple classifiers system can dramatically improve the classification accuracy. In addition, the classification performance of the proposed method is better than that of using neural networks approach. Moreover, the proposed method outperforms the multiple classifiers systems weighted by the conventional Bagging and/ or Boosting algorithms.
Islam And Development Revisited With Evidences From Malaysia

This study examines the relationship between Islam and development. While examining the theoretical underpinnings behind the goals of development within secular and Islamic worldviews it highlights the misconceptions developed by Western scholars pertaining to compatibility between Islam and development. The focus of this study is to test the relevance of policy practices and institutions to the distribution phase rather than the allocation and production phase. In pursuit of macroeconomic goals the core Islamic values such as development based on justice and compassion, tolerance, sharing and caring, cooperation and peaceful coexistence with others irrespective of belief systems are important. The micro level evidences are also presented to support our observations on the compatibility between Islam and development.
Reconsideration of Inferior Vena Cava Parameters for Estimating Right Atrial Pressure in an East Asian Population　- Comparative Simultaneous Ultrasound-Catheterization Study.

BACKGROUND Ultrasound measurements of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter (IVCD), together with its respiratory variation, provide a noninvasive estimate of right atrial pressure (RAP). However, there is a paucity of studies that have compared this technique with simultaneous catheterization. We explored the best cut-off values of IVC parameters for elevated RAP in comparison with RAP measured by catheterization.Methods and Results:We prospectively enrolled 120 East Asian patients who were scheduled for catheterization. The IVCD and IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI) were measured according to the current guidelines. The optimal maximum IVCD (IVCDmax) and IVCCI cut-offs for detecting elevated RAP (RAP ≥10 mmHg) were 17 mm and 40%, respectively. When we combined both in proportion to the guidelines, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting elevated RAP were 75% and 94%, respectively. When the cut-off values from the current guidelines (>21 mm and <50%) were applied, the respective sensitivity and specificity were 42% and 99%. Interestingly, the cut-off value of the optimal IVCDmax indexed by body surface area (11 mm/m2) was similar to previous Western population data. When we combined both cut-off values (11 mm/m2and 40%), the sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The optimal absolute IVCDmax and IVCCI cut-offs to detect elevated RAP were smaller than those in the current guidelines. Indexed IVCDmax may be an IVC parameter that can be used internationally.
Diurnal variation in the functioning of cowpea nodules.

Nitrogenase (EC 1.7.99.2) activity of nodules of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp), maintained under conditions of a 12-hour day at 30 degrees C and 800 to 1,000 microeinsteins per square meter per second (photosynthetically active radiation) and a 12-hour night at 20 degrees C, showed a marked diurnal variation with the total electron flux through the enzyme at night being 60% of that in the photoperiod. This diurnal pattern was, however, due to changes in hydrogen evolution. The rate of nitrogen fixation, measured by short-term (15)N(2) assimilation or estimated from the difference in hydrogen evolution in air or Ar:O(2) (80:20; v/v), showed no diurnal variation. Carbon dioxide released from nodules showed a diurnal variation synchronized with that of nitrogenase functioning and, as a consequence, the apparent ;respiratory cost' of nitrogen fixation in the photoperiod was almost double that at night (9.74 +/- 0.38 versus 5.70 +/- 0.90 moles CO(2) evolved per mole N(2) fixed). Separate carbon and nitrogen balances constructed for nodules during the photoperiod and dark period showed that, at night, nodule functioning required up to 40% less carbohydrate to achieve the same level of nitrogen fixation as during the photoperiod (2.4 versus 1.4 moles hexose per mole N(2) fixed). Stored reserves of nonstructural carbohydrate of the nodule only partly satisfied the requirement for carbon at night, and fixation was dependent on continued import of translocated assimilates at all times. Measurements of the soluble nitrogen pools of the nodule together with (15)N studies indicated that, both during the day and night, nitrogenous products of fixation were effectively translocated to all organs of the host plant despite low rates of transpiration at night. Reduced fluxes of water through the plant at night were apparently counteracted by increased concentration of nitrogen, especially as ureides, in the xylem stream.
A randomized control trial to evaluate the beyondblue depression training program: does it lead to better recognition of depression?

The aim of this study was to determine if a depression training program could assist aged care staff to better recognize depression among older people in residential care. The use of a “paper trail” for a screening tool and a study champion in combination with this training was evaluated to determine if this improved the level of detection of depression.
Evidence for functional GABAA but not GABAC receptors in mouse cone photoreceptors

Abstract At the first retinal synapse, horizontal cells (HCs) contact both photoreceptor terminals and bipolar cell dendrites, modulating information transfer between these two cell types to enhance spatial contrast and mediate color opponency. The synaptic mechanisms through which these modulations occur are still debated. The initial hypothesis of a GABAergic feedback from HCs to cones has been challenged by pharmacological inconsistencies. Surround antagonism has been demonstrated to occur via a modulation of cone calcium channels through ephaptic signaling and pH changes in the synaptic cleft. GABAergic transmission between HCs and cones has been reported in some lower vertebrates, like the turtle and tiger salamander. In these reports, it was revealed that GABA is released from HCs through reverse transport and target GABA receptors are located at the cone terminals. In mammalian retinas, there is growing evidence that HCs can release GABA through conventional vesicular transmission, acting both on autaptic GABA receptors and on receptors expressed at the dendritic tips of the bipolar cells. The presence of GABA receptors on mammalian cone terminals remains equivocal. Here, we looked specifically for functional GABA receptors in mouse photoreceptors by recording in the whole-cell or amphotericin/gramicidin-perforated patch clamp configurations. Cones could be differentiated from rods through morphological criteria. Local GABA applications evoked a Cl− current in cones but not in rods. It was blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide and unaffected by the GABAC receptor antagonist TPMPA [(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid]. The voltage dependency of the current amplitude was as expected from a direct action of GABA on cone pedicles but not from an indirect modulation of cone currents following the activation of the GABA receptors of HCs. This supports a direct role of GABA released from HCs in the control of cone activity in the mouse retina.
Glycogen Storage Disease Type III (Glycogen Debranching Enzyme Deficiency): Correlation of Biochemical Defects with Myopathy and Cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE To determine whether a specific subtype of glycogen storage disease type III is associated with myopathy and cardiomyopathy. DESIGN Case series. SETTING Three referral medical centers. PATIENTS All patients with glycogen storage disease type III who were followed in 1990 and for whom both immunoblot analysis and clinical data were available. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Evaluation for myopathy and cardiomyopathy included determinations of serum creatine kinase activity; muscle strength testing; ischemic exercise testing; nerve conduction studies; and electromyographic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic studies. RESULTS Three patients with deficient debranching enzyme activity and deficient immunoreactive material in liver but normal debranching enzyme activity in muscle (glycogen storage disease IIIb) had no clinical evidence of myopathy or cardiomyopathy. Serum creatine kinase activity, muscle strength, ischemic exercise testing, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms were normal in these patients. These studies and electromyograms were abnormal in seven patients with total debranching enzyme deficiency and an absence of immunoreactive material in both liver and muscle (glycogen storage disease IIIa) and in three patients who had debranching enzyme transferase deficiency but normal glucosidase activity in both liver and muscle (glycogen storage disease IIId). All 10 of these patients had progressive myopathy, and 6 had progressive cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION Clinical features of glycogen storage disease type III correlate with the particular biochemical defect seen with the disorder. Assessments of debranching enzyme or debranching enzyme transferase activity in muscle can be used to predict whether patients with glycogen storage disease type III will develop myopathy and cardiomyopathy.