Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Daoism as the Philosophic Foundation of Chinese Economic Reform: a Conjecture

The reforms of Deng Xiaoping and the opening of China in the 1970s were predicated on something called “socialism with Chinese Characteristics”. Deng never explained its meaning in detail. This paper offers a conjecture suggesting that Daoism is the philosophical foundation of Chinese economic reform. Daoism is eminently Chinese and through the concepts of wu wei, yin/yang, qi and others from The Tao Te Ching, the Zhuangzi, and Pheasant Cap Master it offers the flexibility to organize markets within the Chinese context. The paper suggests how a Daoist philosophic foundation supports China’s rise both economically and politically. It concludes with the observation that China’s long term objective may be something like Zhuangzi’s and Pheasant Cap Master’s unity and that the West’s “end of history” may have past while the Chinese may have just begun. (B)y Marxism we mean Marxism that is integrated with Chinese conditions, and by socialism we mean a socialism that is tailored to Chinese conditions and has a specifically Chinese character…. Socialism means eliminating poverty. Pauperism is not socialism, still less communism (Deng Xiaoping, Socialism with Chinese Characteristics [1]). …China’s rise is not the rise of an ordinary state, but the rise of a country, sui generis, a civilizational state, a new model of development and a new political discourse which questions many of the Western assumptions about democracy, good governance and human rights, and all this may usher in a wave of change unprecedented in human history. Zhang Weiwei, The China Wave [2]).
What Research Says About MOOCs – An Explorative Content Analysis

Since the first offering of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in 2008, the body of literature on this new phenomenon of open learning has grown tremendously. In this regard, this article intends to identify and map patterns in research on MOOCs by reviewing 362 empirical articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2008 to 2015. For the purposes of this study, a text-mining tool was used to analyse the content of the published research journal articles and to reveal the major themes and concepts covered in the publications. The findings reveal that the MOOC literature generally focuses on four lines of research: (a) the potential and challenges of MOOCs for universities; (b) MOOC platforms; (c) learners and content in MOOCs; and (d) the quality of MOOCs and instructional design issues. Prospective researchers may use these results to gain an overview of this emerging field, as well as to explore potential research directions.
Cellular and subcellular distribution of the S‐100 protein in rabbit and rat central nervous system

The cellular and subcellular distribution of the S‐100 protein in rabbit and rat central nervous system was studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. Microcomplement fixation estimations on bulk‐prepared neuronal and glial cells showed at least five to six times higher amounts of water‐soluble S‐100 protein. High levels of S‐100 protein were found in mitochondria and soluble protein fractions. Immunoelectron microscope investigations demonstrated S‐100 protein in neuronal structures, such as the postsynaptic membrane and part of the plasma membrane. Among glial cells the astrocytic filaments contained high levels of S‐100 protein. S‐100 was also found in most subcellular membranes of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Tourism and cultural revitalisation: local perspectives

ABSTRACT Many tourism studies have highlighted the issue of cultural revitalisation and/or how it should take place without considering the opinion of local people, especially in the developing world. This paper, which is based on a study undertaken in Benin, Nigeria, explores the views that the local people hold of cultural revitalisation through tourism. This qualitative research employed a semi-structured interviewing method in collecting data from community members, heritage managers, and local government employees. The analysis of the interview material highlighted three key ways in which participants viewed cultural revitalisation: cultural revitalisation as a means of rediscovery, cultural revitalisation as a means of imparting fresh life into cultural heritage, and cultural revitalisation as a possible means of takeover by outsiders. The findings of the study suggest the importance both of considering local people’s views during tourism development and gaining a nuanced conceptualisation of cultural revitalisation in research.
Identification of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Proteins Required for Formation and Passage of Helper-Dependent Infectious Particles

ABSTRACT We developed a system to identify the viral proteins required for the packaging and passage of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by reconstructing these events with cDNA-encoded components. Plasmids encoding individual RSV proteins, each under the control of a T7 promoter, were cotransfected in various combinations together with a plasmid containing a minigenome into cells infected with a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing T7 RNA polymerase. Supernatants from these cells were passaged onto fresh cells which were then superinfected with RSV. Functional reconstitution of RSV-specific packaging and passage was detected by expression of the reporter gene carried on the minigenome. As expected, the four nucleocapsid proteins N, P, L, and M2-1 failed to direct packaging and passage of the minigenome. Passage was achieved by further addition of plasmids expressing three membrane-associated proteins, M, G, and F; inclusion of the fourth envelope- associated protein, SH, did not alter passage efficiency. Passage was reduced 10- to 20-fold by omission of G and was abrogated by omission of either M or F. Coexpression of the nonstructural NS1 or NS2 protein had little effect on packaging and passage except through indirect effects on RNA synthesis in the initial transfection. The M2-1 transcription elongation factor was not required for the generation of passage-competent particles. However, addition of increasing quantities of M2-1 to the transfection mediated a dose-dependent inhibition of passage which was alleviated by coexpression of the putative negative regulatory factor M2-2. Omission of the L plasmid reduced passage 10- to 20-fold, most likely due to reduced availability of encapsidated minigenomes for packaging. However, the residual level of passage indicated that neither L protein nor the process of RSV-specific RNA synthesis is required for the production and passage of particles. Omission of N or P from the transfection abrogated passage. Thus, the minimum RSV protein requirements for packaging and passaging a minigenome are N, P, M, and F, although the efficiency is greatly increased by addition of L and G.
A comparison of the presynaptic and post‐synaptic actions of pentobarbitone and phenobarbitone in the neuromuscular junction of the frog.

1. Pentobarbitone or phenobarbitone, in increasing concentrations up to 0‐5 mM, progressively reduced the amplitude of miniature end‐plate potentials (min.e.p.p.s). Pentobarbitone was the more potent of the two barbiturates in this regard. 2. Both barbiturates produced a monotonic increase in mean quantum content of the end‐plate potential (e.p.p.) with increasing concentrations up to 0‐5 mM. Pentobarbitone and phenobarbitone were equally potent in their action on evoked transmitter release. 3. The effect, if any, of increasing concentrations of barbiturates on the e.p.p. amplitude was depression. Therefore, over the range of concentrations examined the enhancement of transmitter release was quantitatively less than the reduction in responsiveness of the post‐synaptic membrane. 4. Because of the greater ratio of post‐synaptic to presynaptic actions, pentobarbitone was more potent than phenobarbitone in reducing synaptic efficacy (e.p.p. amplitude). 5. It is concluded that the presynaptic actions of pentobarbitone and phenobarbitone contribute significantly to barbiturate‐induced changes in synaptic efficacy at low levels of transmitter release in the frog neuromuscular junction.
Interference by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in children with recurrent group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillitis.

OBJECTIVE To compare the frequency of recovery of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria with interfering capability of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) in the tonsils of children with and without a history of recurrent GABHS pharyngotonsillitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tonsillar cultures were taken from a group of 20 children with and 20 without history of recurrent GABHS pharyngotonsillitis. RESULTS Eleven aerobic and anaerobic isolates with interfering capability with GABHS were recovered from 6 (30%) of the 20 children with recurrent GABHS, and 40 such organisms were isolated from 17 (85%) of the 20 without recurrences (P<.01). The interfering organisms included aerobic (alpha-hemolytic and nonhemolytic streptococci) and anaerobic organisms (Prevotella and Peptostreptococcus species). CONCLUSIONS The tonsils of children with a history of recurrent GABHS infection contain fewer aerobic and anaerobic bacteria with interfering capability of GABHS than those without the history of recurrent GABHS infection. The presence of these interfering bacteria may play a role in preventing GABHS infection.
Attenuated properties of thymidine kinase-negative deletion mutant of pseudorabies virus.

A thymidine kinase (TK)-negative (TK-) deletion mutant of the Bucharest (BUK) strain of pseudorabies virus (PRV) was isolated. The mutant, designated as PRV (BUK d13), did not revert to TK-positive (TK+), even when propagated in medium that selected for TK+ viruses. The mutant also replicated equally well at 39.1 C and 34.5 C, and was easily distinguished from other PRV strains by molecular hybridization experiments, restriction nuclease fingerprints, and plaque autoradiography or other assays for the TK phenotype. The PRV (BUK d13) had greatly reduced virulence for mice and rabbits, compared with parental TK+ strains, PRV (BUK-5) and PRV (BUK-5A-R1), and provided mice with solid protection against the TK+ BUK and Aujeszky strains of PRV. Experiments were done in 5- to 6-week-old pigs to assess the safety and efficacy of PRV (BUK d13) in the natural host. In one experiment, pigs were vaccinated IM with 7.5 X 10(8) plaque-forming units of TK- PRV (BUK d13), and were then challenge exposed intranasally (IN) with 4.3 X 10(8) TCID50 of virulent PRV [Indiana-Funkhauser (IND-F)]. Vaccinated pigs did not have clinical signs of illness after vaccination or after challenge exposure. One nonvaccinated control pig died on postchallenge day 4; a 2nd nonvaccinated control pig became moribund, but eventually recovered. Pigs developed virus-neutralizing antibodies after vaccination, and had a secondary immunologic response after challenge exposure; however, PRV was not isolated from the tonsils or trigeminal ganglia of vaccinated pigs at postchallenge exposure day 11. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Doctor-patient communication: a comparison between telemedicine consultation and face-to-face consultation.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare doctor-patient communications in clinical consultations via telemedicine technology to doctor-patient communications in face-to-face clinical consultations. METHOD Five doctors who had been practicing internal medicine for 8 to 18 years, and twenty patients were enrolled in this study; neither doctors nor patients had previous experience of telemedicine. The patients received both a telemedicine consultation and a face-to-face consultation. Three measures--video observation, medical record volume, and participants' satisfaction--were used for the assessment. RESULTS It was found that the time spent on the telemedicine consultation was substantially longer than the time spent on the face-to-face consultation. No statistically significant differences were found in the number of either closed or open-ended questions asked by doctors between both types of consultation. Empathy-utterances, praise-utterances, and facilitation-utterances were, however, seen less in the telemedicine consultations than in the face-to-face consultations. The volume of the medical records was statistically smaller in the telemedicine consultations than in the face-to-face consultations. Patients were satisfied with the telemedicine consultation, but doctors were dissatisfied with it and felt hampered by the communication barriers. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that new training programs are needed for doctors to develop improved communication skills and the ability to express empathy in telemedicine consultations.
How Black African and White British Women Perceive Depression and Help-Seeking: a Pilot Vignette Study

Background: The detection of psychological problems of black African people has been found to be substantially lower, compared with white British and black Caribbean people. This may be due to differences in patients’ perceptions of illness. Little research has been carried out on factors that may influence the help-seeking behaviour of black Africans. Aims: To assess differences in the perceptions of depression of black African and white British women that may influence lower detection and to investigate whether there are ethnic group differences in reasons for not seeking formal help. Methods: A short quantitative illness perception measure, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), was used in a community survey, using a standard text vignette methodology to control for variations in previous experiences of depression. Responses from women who indicated that they would not seek formal help for depressive symptoms were qualitatively analyzed. Results: Differences in perceptions of depression were found between black African (n = 73) and white British groups (n = 72) on five of the nine BIPQ dimensions. Black women were more likely to perceive depression to have less serious consequences; to be associated with fewer symptoms; to be less chronic; to be less amenable to treatment; and more frequently attributed depression to social factors. Over half the participants (n = 74) said they would not seek formal help for depressive symptoms. Six qualitative response categories emerged to explain non-consultation. The most common factor for both groups related to GP consultation difficulties. Significantly more white women cited preferring alternative help sources as a reason for non-consultation. The greater number of black women citing anti-medication beliefs was marginally significant. There were no differences between the ethnic groups in their use of the remaining three categories: illness characteristics; service constraints; and stigma/shame. Conclusion: Differing perceptions of depression among black and white women could help explain GPs’ lower detection rates of depressive problems of black women. Differences in views about the formal help available may explain ethnic differences in help-seeking.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: one or more entities? Present controversies and possible tools for its subclassification

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest type of lymphoid tumour world‐wide. This category was included both in the REAL and WHO Classification aiming to lump together all malignant lymphomas characterized by the large size of the neoplastic cells, B‐cell derivation, aggressive clinical presentation, and the need for highly effective chemotherapy regimens. These tumours are detected as primary or secondary forms both at the nodal and extranodal levels, in immunocompetent hosts as well as in patients with different types of immunosuppression. They display a significant variability in terms of cell morphology and clinical findings, which justifies the identification of variants and subtypes. Among the latter, the primary mediastinal one does actually correspond to a distinct clinicopathological entity. Immunophenotypic, tissue microarray and molecular studies underline the extreme heterogeneity of DLBCLs and suggest a subclassification of the tumour, based on the identification of different pathogenic pathways, which might have much greater relevance than pure morphology for precise prognostic previsions and adoption of ad hoc therapies. The more recent acquisitions on the pathobiology of DLBCLs are reviewed in the light of the authors' experience, aiming to contribute to the existing debate on the topic.
Prednisolone Priming Enhances Th1 Response and Efficacy of Subsequent Lamivudine Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B

Asian lamivudine trial has shown that hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion rate during 1 year of lamivudine therapy was only 16% but was 64% in the subgroup of patients with a pretherapy serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level over 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). To test whether ALT rebound following corticosteroid priming enhances response to lamivudine therapy, a pilot study was conducted in 30 patients with ALT levels less than 5× ULN (43‐169; N < 36 U/L). They received 30 mg of prednisolone daily for 3 weeks, 15 mg daily for 1 week, no treatment for 2 weeks, and then 150 mg of lamivudine daily for 9 months. Complete response (CR) was defined as ALT normalization with HBV‐DNA seroclearance and HBeAg seroconversion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation and cytokine secretion in response to recombinant HBV core antigen were serially assayed in 7 patients during priming and after withdrawal of prednisolone. Clinical rebound with an ALT over 5× ULN was observed in 20 patients (67%). Of these 20, 12 (60%) showed CR as compared with 1 (10%) of the 10 patients without significant ALT rebound (P < .002). The HBeAg seroconversion sustained in 70% of the patients 3 to 6 months after the end of lamivudine therapy. Immunological assays revealed that the responders showed Th1 dominant response and higher stimulation index to prednisolone priming. No serious side effect was encountered. These results suggest that corticosteroid priming induced immune/ALT rebound greatly enhances response to lamivudine therapy in chronic hepatitis B. Confirmation by randomized controlled trial is needed.
Periostin downregulation is an early marker of inhibited neonatal murine lung alveolar septation.

BACKGROUND Extreme preterm birth exposes the saccular lung to multiple teratogens, which ultimately retard alveolar development. Specifically, therapeutic high level oxygen supplementation adversely affects the premature lungs and results in blunted alveolarization. Prolonged hyperoxic lung injury has previously been shown to upregulate the matricellular protein Periostin (Postn) and stimulate ectopic accumulation of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) myofibroblasts. Therapies that promote lung septation are lacking largely due to a lack of reliable early biomarkers of injury. Thus, we determined if Postn expression correlated with the initial appearance of myofibroblasts in the saccular lung and was required for early alveolar development. METHODS Lung development in C57BL/6J mice following room-air (RA, 21%-O₂) or continuous hyperoxia (85%-O₂) from birth (P0) through postnatal day P14 was correlated with Postn and αSMA expression. Alveolarization in Postn knockout mice exposed to room-air, 60%-, and 85%-O₂ was also examined. RESULTS Postn was widely expressed in distal lung septa through P2 to P4 and peak expression coincided with accumulation of saccular myofibroblasts. Initially, 85%-O₂ prematurely downregulated Postn and αSMA expression and suppressed proliferation before the first evidence of distal lung simplification at P4. By P14, chronic 85%-O₂ resulted in secondary upregulation of Postn and αSMA in blunted septa. Myofibroblast differentiation and alveolar development was unaffected in Postn null mice and acute 85%-O₂ exposure equally inhibited septal formation in Postn null and wild-type littermates. CONCLUSION Postn expression is tightly correlated with the presence of αSMA-myofibroblasts and is a novel early biomarker of acutely inhibited alveolar septation during a crucial window of lung development.
Threonine requirement of White Pekin ducks from hatch to 21 d of age

Abstract 1. A dose-response experiment with 5 dietary threonine concentrations (5.0, 5.8, 6.6, 7.4 and 8.2 g/kg) was conducted to estimate the threonine requirement of White Pekin ducks from hatch to 21 d of age. 2. A total of 240 one-d-old male White Pekin ducks were allotted to 5 experimental treatments and each treatment contained 6 replicate pens with 8 ducks per pen. Ducks were reared in raised wire-floor pens from hatch to 21 d of age. At 21 d of age, growth performance and intestinal morphology were determined. 3. The weight gain and feed intake of Pekin ducks increased and feed/gain of these birds decreased linearly or quadratically as dietary threonine increased from 5.0 to 8.2 g threonine/kg. Compared to ducks fed on diets containing 5.0 g threonine/kg, ducks given diets containing 7.4 g threonine/kg had higher villus height in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. 4. The threonine requirements for weight gain of White Pekin ducks from hatch to 21 d of age was estimated to be 6.72 g/kg when dietary crude protein concentration was 189.8 g/kg and threonine supply was critical for maintaining intestinal structure of these birds.
SPERMATOPHORE SIZE IN BUSHCRICKETS: COMPARATIVE EVIDENCE FOR NUPTIAL GIFTS AS A SPERM PROTECTION DEVICE

During courtship and copulation, males of many insect species provide the female with a nuptial gift of a prey item or synthesized material. These gifts may be explained as a form of paternal investment by increasing female reproductive output, or in terms of mating effort by increasing male fertilization success. These explanations, while not mutually exclusive, are controversial. While experimental studies examine the maintenance of nuptial gifts in single species, comparative studies are required to indicate more general evolutionary trends. Male bushcrickets provide females with a nuptial gift, a spermatophylax, which is transferred to females at mating along with the sperm‐containing ampulla. Analysis of comparative data of 28 species of bushcrickets (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), reveals that male spermatophore size (spermatophylax and ampulla weight) is positively correlated with female refractory period, which, in turn, correlates with male fertilization success. Moreover, gift size (the spermatophylax) covaries with ejaculate size (the ampulla), which is consistent with the hypothesis that it serves as a sperm protection device. In contrast, there is no significant correlation between any measure of female fecundity and male spermatophylax size. This indicates that the variation in spermatophore size among bushcrickets is better explained by a mating‐effort function than a paternal investment function.