Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does technological heterogeneity promote regional convergence? Implications for regional policy and entrepreneurship

Regional convergence depends on the ability to adopt advanced technology. This ability can be reflected on the resources devoted to science and technology. An empirical examination of this proposition suggests that technology adoption has a significant effect in regional convergence in Europe. The empirical analysis is also shown to have important implications for the direction of regional policy in Europe. Keywords: technological catch-up; EU regions (Published: 21 February 2011) Citation: Annals of Innovation & Entrepreneurship 2011, 2 : 6001 - DOI: 10.3402/aie.v2i1. 6001
FAK dimerization controls its kinase‐dependent functions at focal adhesions

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) controls adhesion‐dependent cell motility, survival, and proliferation. FAK has kinase‐dependent and kinase‐independent functions, both of which play major roles in embryogenesis and tumor invasiveness. The precise mechanisms of FAK activation are not known. Using x‐ray crystallography, small angle x‐ray scattering, and biochemical and functional analyses, we show that the key step for activation of FAK's kinase‐dependent functions—autophosphorylation of tyrosine‐397—requires site‐specific dimerization of FAK. The dimers form via the association of the N‐terminal FERM domain of FAK and are stabilized by an interaction between FERM and the C‐terminal FAT domain. FAT binds to a basic motif on FERM that regulates co‐activation and nuclear localization. FAK dimerization requires local enrichment, which occurs specifically at focal adhesions. Paxillin plays a dual role, by recruiting FAK to focal adhesions and by reinforcing the FAT:FERM interaction. Our results provide a structural and mechanistic framework to explain how FAK combines multiple stimuli into a site‐specific function. The dimer interfaces we describe are promising targets for blocking FAK activation.
Characterization of Lymphomas Developing in Immunodeficient Mice Implanted With Primary Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: Xenograft models of epithelial malignancies potentially have greater correlation with clinical end points. We implanted 153 primary non–small cell lung carcinomas into non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficient mice to develop primary lung cancer xenografts. Sixty-three xenografts formed. However, in 19 implantations, tumors consisted of a lymphocyte proliferation without a carcinoma component. We further characterized these lymphomas to determine clinicopathological features associated with their formation. Methods: Lymphomas were investigated morphologically and by silver in situ hybridization to determine their species of origin. Characterization both of the xenograft lymphomas and the primary NSCLCs from which they were derived included immunohistochemistry for lymphoma markers and Epstein Barr virus Early RNA (EBER) by in situ hybridization. DNA was profiled using the MassARRAY platform; EML4-ALK translocations and lymphocyte infiltration were assessed in the primary tumor. Lymphoma formation was correlated with patient and primary tumor characteristics and survival. Results: The lymphocytic tumors were EBER positive, human diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). Significantly more DLBCLs that formed in mice arose in primary lung adenocarcinomas and in epithelial growth factor receptor mutant never smokers. DLBCL formation was not associated with the degree of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or EBER-positive lymphocytes in the primary NSCLCs. Patients whose tumors developed DLBCL had longer disease-free survival compared with patients whose tumors formed epithelial xenografts (hazard ratio: 0.44; 95% confidence interval: 0.18 -1.06, Wald p = 0.07), regardless of genotype. Conclusion: We hypothesize that mechanisms involved in the active suppression of viral antigens may also be involved in the suppression of tumor antigens, and may have resulted in the observed favorable clinical outcome.
Wogonin Prevents Immunosuppressive Action but Not Anti‐Inflammatory Effect Induced by Glucocorticoid

Abstract: Glucocorticoid, such as dexamethasone, has anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive action as major pharmacological effects. The latter action caused by lymphocyte apoptosis is not only a therapeutic effect but also an adverse reaction. Wogonin, a plant flavone found in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, inhibited dexamethasone‐induced apoptotic changes, such as DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, phosphatidylserine translocation, and caspase activation in rat thymocytes. Since wogonin inhibited dexamethasone‐induced DNA fragmentation in a noncompetitive manner, a target of this flavone is unlikely to be an antagonist of glucocorticoid receptor. Wogonin did not only act as an inhibitor of caspases, but also protected apoptosis induced by other glucocorticoids. Since wogonin reduced one of the major pharmacological effects of dexamethasone, we examined whether this flavone diminishes the anti‐inflammatory action, another pharmacological effect. The anti‐inflammatory action of dexamethasone was evaluated by carrageenan‐induced paw edema model. Although dexamethasone significantly suppressed paw edema induced by carrageenan, wogonin had no effect on the anti‐inflammatory action of dexamethasone. These results suggest that wogonin may be a useful compound to reduce the immunosuppressive side effect of glucocorticoid.
Innovative approaches to examining consumer preferences when choosing wines

Consumer neuro-science is a new fi eld in marketing, which aims to predict the consumer behaviour and to obtain information about feelings and preferences based on the physiological changes. We can objectively reveal our inexplicable behaviour to which we are not able to answer using a questionnaire in the traditional market research. An accurate measurement enables marketers to compare the response during research, such as the impact moments associated with a particular product or brand, how they react to diff erent marketing stimuli. Th e paper aims to assess the current possibilities of the interdisciplinary examination of wines as well as to identify new opportunities for the current utilization of the knowledge of modern research methods. Th e research was conducted by measuring the electrical activity of the brain through the electroencephalography (EEG) and the software platform for analysing facial expressions. Th e research objective was the recognition of consumer emotions during the tasting of eight kinds of blank samples of wine. Using the interdisciplinary research, we identifi ed facial expressions (happiness, sadness, disgust, neutral emotions, anger and surprise) that were captured immediately after tasting each type of test wines and the electrical activity in the brain based on which we have identifi ed the valence of consumers. Th e achieved results confi rm that neuro-marketing can be a useful tool that will help manufacturers and sellers to off er products that truly and not only in appearance satisfy customers. Ideally, this should lead to more a satisfi ed and better functioning market supply and demand and market positioning.
Role of &bgr;1–3-Adrenoceptors in Blood Pressure Control at Rest and During Tyramine-Induced Norepinephrine Release in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

&bgr;-Adrenoceptors contribute to hypertension in spite of the fact that &bgr;-adrenoceptor agonists lower blood pressure. We aimed to differentiate between these functions and to identify differences between spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. &bgr;-Adrenoceptor antagonists with different subtype selectivity or the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier were used to demonstrate &bgr;-adrenoceptor involvement in resting blood pressure and the response to tyramine-induced peripheral norepinephrine release. The centrally acting propranolol (&bgr;1+2[+3]), CGP20712A (&bgr;1), ICI-118551 (&bgr;2), and SR59230A (&bgr;3), as well as peripherally restricted nadolol (&bgr;1+2) and atenolol (&bgr;1), were administered intravenously, separately, or in combinations. Blood pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, total peripheral vascular resistance, and plasma catecholamine concentrations were evaluated. &bgr;-Adrenoceptor antagonists had little effect on cardiovascular baselines in normotensive rats. In hypertensive rats, antagonist-induced hypotension paralleled reductions in resistance, except for atenolol, which reduced cardiac output. The resistance reduction involved primarily neuronal catecholamine, central &bgr;1-adrenoceptors, and peripheral &bgr;2-adrenoceptors. Tyramine induced a transient, prazosin-sensitive vascular resistance increase. Inhibition of nerve-activated, peripheral &bgr;1/3-adrenoceptors enhanced this &agr;1-adrenoceptor–dependent vasoconstriction in normotensive but not hypertensive rats. In hypertensive rats, return to baseline was eliminated after inhibition of the central &bgr;1-adrenoceptor, epinephrine release (acute adrenalectomy), and peripheral &bgr;2/3-adrenoceptors. Adrenalectomy eliminated &bgr;-adrenoceptor–mediated vasodilation in hypertensive rats, and tyramine induced a prazosin-sensitive vasoconstriction, which was inhibited by combined blockade of central &bgr;1- and peripheral &bgr;2-adrenoceptors. In conclusion, nerve-activated &bgr;1- and &bgr;3-adrenoceptor–mediated vasodilation was not present in hypertensive rats, whereas epinephrine-activated &bgr;2- and &bgr;3-adrenoceptor–mediated vasodilation was upregulated. There was also a hypertensive, nerve-activated vasoconstrictory mechanism present in hypertensive rats, involving central &bgr;1- and peripheral &bgr;2-adrenoceptors combined.
The role of conference externalities and other factors in determining the annual recruiting rankings of football bowl subdivision (FBS) teams

ABSTRACT In this article, we analyse the impact of school, head coach and conference characteristics on a college football team’s annual recruiting ranking. Utilizing panel data collected from various sources covering 2002–2014, we find that measures of recent school success such as having winning seasons and finishing seasons ranked in the Associated Press (AP) top 25 poll have a positive impact on a team’s recruiting ranking. Similarly, schools with more successful head coaches tend to earn better recruiting classes, while schools facing bowl bans, scholarship restrictions and probation tend to earn worse recruiting classes. Various measures of conference achievement indicate that conference externalities in recruiting may indeed be positive as is often suggested; however, there is much potential for a negative externality as well.
Food Inflation in India: Causes and Consequences.

Average food inflation in India during the period 2006-2013 was one of the highest among emerging market economies, and nearly double the inflation witnessed in India during the previous decade. In this paper, we analyse the behaviour and determinants of food inflation in India. We find that both demand and supply factors have contributed to the recent surge in food inflation in India. On the demand side, we test the often-cited hypothesis that rising per capita income and diversification of Indian diets has raised the demand for high-value food products and thereby added to inflationary pressures. We find that rise in demand, relative to the supply of a commodity, results in upward pressure in commodity prices. Moreover, rise in prices of key inputs, minimum support prices and fiscal deficits have also impacted the prices of various commodities. Agricultural wage inflation is found to be a universal driver of food commodities inflation, as well as the aggregate food inflation. The contribution of agricultural wages has increased significantly in the post-NREGA era. Our analysis indicates limited role of fuel and international prices. Finally, results suggest significant pass-through effects from food to non-food and to the headline inflation.
Methanol Extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum Stem Bark Has Antimalarial Activity and Normalizes Biochemical Changes Induced by Plasmodium berghei Infection

This study evaluated the antimalarial, haematological and biochemical status of Plasmodium berghei Anka 65-infected mice treated with methanol extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum stem bark (MEPT). The acute toxicity profile and phyto-constituents were also evaluated. Thirty mice were divided into 6 groups of 5 mice each. Group 1 served as normal control and received distilled water only. Group 2 was parasitized and untreated. Groups 3-5 were parasitized and treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w. body weight of MEPT respectively. Group 6 was parasitized and treated with 28 mg/kg. b.w. of arthemeter/lumenfantrin combination. Malaria parasitemia were monitored on treatment days 0-3. Antioxidant, liver, kidney and lipid peroxidation status were determined using classical methods 5 days post-treatment. There were dose-dependent reductions in malaria parasitemia percentages of groups 3-5 that are comparable with group 6. In addition, there were dose and duration-dependent increases in malaria chemo-suppression in groups 3-5. The existence of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and kidney and liver dysfunctions were observed in group 2 when compared with group 1. Treatment of groups 3-5 with MEPT and group 6 with arthemeter/lumenfantrin for 4 days restored the biochemical anomalies induced by malaria. The extract was tolerable up to 5,000 mg/kg b.w. of MEPT. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, carotenoids, glycosides, anthraquinones, terpenoids and anthocyanins were detected in high amounts while phenols was detected in low amount in MEPT. These suggest that MEPT possesses antimalarial activity and normalizes malaria-modified biochemical changes. These effects might be attributed to its bioactive constituents. Keywords: malaria, Peltophorum pterocarpum, phytochemicals, toxicity, biochemical dysfunctions DOI : 10.7176/ALST/73-05 Publication date : April 30 th 2019
Results of an assessment to identify potential barriers to sustainable agriculture on American Indian reservations in the Western United States

ABSTRACT Purpose: This paper reports the results of survey research conducted with tribal producers between 2011 and 2012 on 19 of the largest American Indian reservations in Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington. The purpose of the research was to identify potential barriers to sustainable agriculture on reservation lands. This article reports the results of this research in an effort to promote Extension professionals' understanding of these barriers, which may help to improve outreach programs on American Indian reservations. Understanding the obstacles to sustaining agriculture that American Indian tribes face may inform international agricultural outreach efforts to increase food security targeting indigenous and tribal peoples worldwide. Design/Methodology/Approach: American Indian agricultural producers comprised the study group. Study objectives included: (1) identify agricultural and natural resource issues of greatest concern to a self-selected sample of tribal agricultural producers on reservation lands; (2) evaluate access to Extension and other US Department of Agriculture outreach and assistance programs; and (3) evaluate the quality of these programs in terms of their relativity to tribal needs. Findings: Study results indicate that tribal agricultural producers surveyed ranked 29 of 39 agricultural and natural resource issues as a concern. Similarly, they rated access to and quality of outreach programs as fair. Further, tribal producers operating on reservation trust land rated issues more severely than did tribal producers operating on fee simple lands. Practical Implications: Results of this research will help Extension and other outreach professionals to understand the barriers indigenous and tribal peoples face in sustaining agricultural operations, particularly tribal groups living on federally reserved trust lands, such as American Indians. An increased understanding can inform agricultural policy-makers and outreach professionals in improving programs designed to increase agricultural sustainability, improve food security, enhance economic well-being and improve quality of life of indigenous and tribal peoples worldwide. Originality/Value: This research provides important information to agricultural policy-makers and Extension professionals striving to sustain agricultural productivity and enhance food security with indigenous and tribal peoples.
Daily Dynamics of Adolescent Mood and Identity.

Important linkages between daily mood and identity formation have been theorized, but have not been empirically tested as of yet. This study provided a first examination of these linkages within individuals (N = 392; 55.1% boys; Mage at T1 = 13.24, SD = 0.44) across 15 series of 5 days distributed over 5 years. Results revealed negative within-time associations of educational and relational commitment with negative mood. Negative mood was positively associated with educational in-depth exploration and educational and interpersonal reconsideration. Additionally, there were some cross-lagged effects suggesting that identity and mood mutually affect one another across days. These results contribute to the growing knowledge on how identity unfolds in everyday life by revealing important associations with daily mood.
Time interleaved current steering DAC for ultra-high conversion rate

A four-path time interleaved current steering DAC is presented. It requires the same number of unity current generators of the plain counterpart, thanks to the use of a digital ΣΔ modulator, thus leading to a lower number of unity current switchings. The benefit is that the non-linearity caused by clock feedthrough is attenuated. Behavioral level simulation results show that the SFDR of a 12-bit DAC operating at 12 GS/s can be 60 dB.
PRAGMATIC AWARENESS OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN A GENDER-SEGREGATED SOCIETY

This study investigates how Saudi male and Saudi female learners studying English at a Saudi University judge native and non-native complimenting expressions. In this study, it was hypothesized that Saudi male and female learners of English would differ in their judgments of native and non-native complimenting expressions in English as they are exposed to different norms and have different channels of interaction in English, and that Saudi male students would be better in their judgments due to the structure of the society which would give them more opportunities to interact with native speakers. 36 male and 55 female students participated, and a ten-item pragmatic judgment test, which was originally developed and used by Bulut and Özkan (2005), was also used for this study. The results showed that Saudi female learners had a better perception of the native speaker complimenting expressions compared to Saudi male learners, and had stronger correlations with native speaker judgments for judging non-native complimenting expressions. This shows that both channels of education have their own contextual features which need further exploration.
Processing of the 24 kDa subunit mitochondrial import signal is not required for assembly of functional complex I in Yarrowia lipolytica.

A small deletion in the second intron of human NDUFV2 (IVS2+5_+8delGTAA) has been shown to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and encephalomyopathy [Bénit, P., Beugnot, R. , Chretien, D. , Giurgea, I. , de Lonlay-Debeney, P., Issartel, J.P., Kerscher, S. , Rustin, P., Rötig, A. & Munnich, A. (2003) Human Mutat.21, 582-586]. Skipping of exon 2 results in a partial deletion of the mitochondrial targeting sequence of the precursor for the 24 kDa subunit of respiratory chain complex I. Immunoreactivity of the 24 kDa subunit and complex I activity, both present at 30-50% of normal levels in patient mitochondria, raised the question of how the mutant 24 kDa subunit precursor can be imported and assembled into functional complex I. In the present study, we have remodelled the human NDUFV2 mutation by deleting codons 17-32 from the orthologous NUHM gene of the obligate aerobic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. The resulting mutant enzyme was indistinguishable from parental complex I with regard to activity, inhibitor sensitivity and EPR signature. Size, isoelectric point and presumably also N-terminal acetylation were altered, indicating that the residual targeting sequence was retained on the mature 24 kDa protein. Complete removal of the NUHM presequence resulted in the absence of complex I activity, strongly arguing against the presence of an internal mitochondrial targeting sequence within the 24 kDa protein.
Early social environment influences the behaviour of a family-living lizard

Early social environment can play a significant role in shaping behavioural development. For instance, in many social mammals and birds, isolation rearing results in individuals that are less exploratory, shyer, less social and more aggressive than individuals raised in groups. Moreover, dynamic aspects of social environments, such as the nature of relationships between individuals, can also impact the trajectory of development. We tested if being raised alone or socially affects behavioural development in the family-living tree skink, Egernia striolata. Juveniles were raised in two treatments: alone or in a pair. We assayed exploration, boldness, sociability and aggression repeatedly throughout each juvenile's first year of life, and also assessed social interactions between pairs to determine if juveniles formed dominant–subordinate relationships. We found that male and/or the larger skinks within social pairs were dominant. Developing within this social environment reduced skink growth, and subordinate skinks were more prone to tail loss. Thus, living with a conspecific was costly for E. striolata. The predicted negative effects of isolation failed to materialize. Nevertheless, there were significant differences in behavioural traits depending on the social environment (isolated, dominant or subordinate member of a pair). Isolated skinks were more social than subordinate skinks. Subordinate skinks also became more aggressive over time, whereas isolated and dominant skinks showed invariable aggression. Dominant skinks became bolder over time, whereas isolated and subordinate skinks were relatively stable in their boldness. In summary, our study is evidence that isolation rearing does not consistently affect behaviour across all social taxa. Our study also demonstrates that the social environment plays an important role in behavioural development of a family-living lizard.
Vicarious Improvement Among Parents Participating in Child-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety

Abstract Parental variables likely have important and bidirectional influences on the etiology of child anxiety. Although some child-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CCBT) anxiety trials have found vicarious improvements among parents who participated in their children’s treatment, this is an understudied area. We hypothesized that parental variables (psychopathology, stress, and burden) will significantly decrease from pre- to post-CCBT and will be associated with child treatment response. We explored whether intervention delivery method—in-person CCBT versus parent-mediated bibliotherapy—influenced vicarious parental improvements. Parental variables decreased from pre- to post-CCBT and were associated with child treatment response. Effects did not interact with delivery method. Parent participation in anxiety CCBT may result in vicarious improvements for parents.