Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formulation of Insulin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles Using Response Surface Methodology

The objective of this work was to formulate new oral insulin-loaded nanoparticules using the response surface methodology. The insulin nanoparticles were prepared by a water-in-oil-in-water emulsification and evaporation method. The polymers used for the encapsulation were blends of biodegradable poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) and of positively-charged, nonbiodegradable polymer (Eudragis RS®). A central composite design has been built to investigate the effects of three controlled variables: ratio of polymers (PCL/RS ratio), volume, and pH of the aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol. The nanoparticles were characterized by measuring the amount of entrapped insulin, the particle size, the polydispersity of the obtained particles, the zeta potential, and the amount of insulin released after 7 hours. A second-order model was evaluated by multiple regression and was statistically tested for each of the studied controlled variable. The obtained polynomials proved efficient to localize an optimal operating area highlighted by the use of three-dimensional response surfaces and their corresponding isoresponse curves. An interesting formulation given by the models was selected, prepared, and evaluated. The corresponding quantity of entrapped insulin was 25 IU per 100 mg of polymer, and the particle size was 350 nm with a polydispersity of 0.21. The quantity of released insulin was 4.8 IU per 100 mg of polymer after 7 hours and the zeta potential was + 44 mV. All these collected values were in perfect accordance with values estimated by the models. Finally, the results suggested that PCL/RS 50/50 nanoparticles might represent a promising formulation for oral delivery of insulin.
Reducing Sensitive Survey Response Bias in Research on Adolescents: A Comparison of Web-Based and Paper-and-Pencil Administration

Purpose. Using the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT), the effect of mode of administration on (1) students' willingness to disclose sensitive information and (2) response rates was investigated. Design. A2 × 2 unequal N factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) design was employed. Mode of administration (paper-and-pencil vs. Web-based) was crossed with grade level (middle vs. high school). Setting. The study was conducted in two middle and two high schools. Subjects. A total of 628 middle and high school students completed the survey. Measures. The POSIT is a self-report measure with 139 yes/no items that identifies stressors in 10 functional areas (e.g., Substance Use). Analysis. An unequal N 2 (mode) × 2 (grade level) factorial ANOVA was employed. Results. No statistically significant differences were found for self-reported risk across modes of administration. Students completing the Web-based version of the survey were four times more likely to skip an item. Conclusions. Effect of Mode on Reporting of Sensitive Information—Students completed the Web-based surveys in computer labs with other students. The intent of the Web-based survey was to increase perceived privacy but the environment likely negated any effect. Effect of Mode on Response Rates—The higher response rate for the paper-and-pencil survey was the opposite of what was expected and revealed that students were more likely to skip sensitive items on the Web survey. (Am J Health Promot 2011;25[5]:349-352.)
The effects of species’ range sizes on the accuracy of distribution models: ecological phenomenon or statistical artefact?

Summary 1 Conservation scientists and resource managers increasingly employ empirical distribution models to aid decision-making. However, such models are not equally reliable for all species, and range size can affect their performance. We examined to what extent this effect reflects statistical artefacts arising from the influence of range size on the sample size and sampling prevalence (proportion of samples representing species presence) of data used to train and test models. 2 Our analyses used both simulated data and empirical distribution models for 32 bird species endemic to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Models were built with either logistic regression or non-linear discriminant analysis, and assessed with four measures of model accuracy: sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's kappa and the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) plots. Environmental indices derived from Fourier-processed satellite imagery served as predictors. 3 We first followed conventional modelling practice to illustrate how range size might influence model performance, when sampling prevalence reflects species’ natural prevalences. We then demonstrated that this influence is primarily artefactual. Statistical artefacts can arise during model assessment, because Cohen's kappa responds systematically to changes in prevalence. AUC, in contrast, is largely unaffected, and thus a more reliable measure of model performance. Statistical artefacts also arise during model fitting. Both logistic regression and discriminant analysis are sensitive to the sample size and sampling prevalence of training data. Both perform best when sample size is large and prevalence intermediate. 4 Synthesis and applications. Species’ ecological characteristics may influence the performance of distribution models. Statistical artefacts, however, can confound results in comparative studies seeking to identify these characteristics. To mitigate artefactual effects, we recommend careful reporting of sampling prevalence, AUC as the measure of accuracy, and fixed, intermediate levels of sampling prevalence in comparative studies.
Arabic speaker identification system using combination of DWT and LPC features

Speaker recognition plays a significant role in the field of human computer interaction. In the recent years, several researchers have contributed in this field and have successfully build machine learning models for automatic speaker recognition systems. In this paper, we propose an automatic speaker identification system for qaries (Quran reciter) of Arabic Language. For feature extraction discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) feature extraction techniques were used. Classification was performed by Random Forest (RF). In order to improve the identification accuracy DWT and LPC features were used singly (One at a time) and combined to train RF. Our system showed the best performance when RF was trained with the combination of features. In this case 90.90% recognition accuracy was achieved.
High-Frequency Microwave Noise Characteristics of InAlN/GaN High-Electron Mobility Transistors on Si (111) Substrate

We report for the first time high-frequency microwave noise performance on 0.17-μm T-gate In<sub>0.17</sub>Al<sub>0.83</sub>N/GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) fabricated on Si(111). The HEMTs exhibited a maximum drain current density of 1320 mA/mm, a maximum extrinsic transconductance of 363 mS/mm, an unity current gain cutoff frequency (f<sub>T</sub>) of 64 GHz and, a maximum oscillation frequency [fmax <sup>(U)/</sup> f<sub>max</sub> (MSG)] of 72/106 GHz. The product f<sub>max</sub>(U) × L<sub>g</sub>=12.24 GHz· μm is the highest value ever reported for InAlN/GaN HEMTs on Si substrate. At V<sub>d</sub>=4 V and V<sub>g</sub>=-2.25 V, the device exhibited a minimum noise figure (NF<sub>min</sub>) of 1.16 dB for 10 GHz and 1.76 dB for 18 GHz. Small variation of NF<sub>min</sub> (<;0.5 dB) from 8% to 48% with I<sub>Dmax</sub> (100-636 mA/mm) was observed.
Post-treatment plasma omentin levels in patients with stage III colon carcinoma.

PURPOSE Gastrointestinal carcinomas are ~1.5-2-fold more prevalent in obese populations compared to nonobese ones. Possible factors playing an important role in the association between obesity and cancer include insulin, insulin like growth factor-I, sex steroids and adipocytokines. This study investigated the omentin levels, a novel adipocytokine, in patients with stage III colon carcinomas (CC). METHODS The study investigated 45 patients with stage III CC who had been treated with surgery and adjuvant oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. The study control group was composed of 35 healthy individuals. RESULTS The median age of the CC and control groups was 62 (range 32-74) and 56 (range 43-71) years, respectively (p=0.206). There were no significant differences between the CC and control groups in terms of gender (p=0.218), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.218), fasting blood glucose (p=0.487), total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.521), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p=0.722), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p=0.078), triglycerides (TC) (p=0.698), hemoglobin (p=0.096) and creatinine levels (p=0.130). The median plasma omentin concentration was 618 pg/mL (range 151-758) in the CC group and 376 pg/mL (155-662) in the control group (p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between omentin and the other parameters examined in the CC group. CONCLUSION Omentin levels are significantly elevated in stage III CC patients treated with surgery and chemotherapy. This elevation was independent of the basic risk factors associated with elevated omentin levels. Future studies of the pathophysiological causes of omentin elevation may facilitate the evaluation of the interactions between CC and adipose tissue.
Impact of Steroid Receptors, pS2 and Cathepsin D on the Outcome of N+ Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Tamoxifen

In spite of the complexity of the biological basis of the hormonal regulation of breast cancer, clinical studies tend to simplify the information by mainly categorizing continuous variables related to hormonal status and not considering the interactions between variables. The present study was planned to examine the presence of an interaction between cathepsin D (Cath-D) and pS2 in patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen in a homogeneous subset of node-positive postmenopausal patients and to evaluate the contribution of the interaction to the predictive ability of the model. Steroid receptors (ER and PgR) were measured in cytosol using the dextran-coated charcoal method, while Cath-D and pS2 were determined using commercially available immunoradiometric assays. The prognostic role of each variable and their joint effect were investigated using a Cox regression model. Biological variables were analyzed as continuous and when their prognostic relationship did not seem linear, a restricted cubic spline regression smoothing approach was adopted. The logarithm of hazard showed a linear relationship with the log(ER), while it i) remained almost constant up to about 20 fmol/mg and subsequently decreased for PgR; ii) was almost constant up to about 50 pmol/mg and subsequently decreased for Cath-D; iii) decreased for increasing log(value) up to about 33 ng/mg and subsquently increased for pS2. In the multivariate analysis both PgR and the interaction between pS2 and Cath-D retained a significant prognostic role. For low values of pS2, the prognosis worsened with the increase in Cath-D levels and this relationship reversed for high values of pS2. From the results of the present study we can conclude that i) a significant interaction between Cath-D and pS2 was found in this case series; ii) the prognostic relationships should not be underestimated in clinical decision making; iii) a predictive score obtained considering the contribution of PgR, pS2 and Cath-D could be useful for clinical use.
An International Investigation of the Influence of Dividend Taxation on Research and Development Tax Credits

This paper examines the ability of the research and development (R&D) tax credit to stimulate corporate R&D investment by considering it in the context of different forms of taxation for dividends. Many countries use an imputation system to eliminate the double tax on dividends found in a classical system. Using an international sample, we compare firms from different tax regimes that invest in R&D. The tax regime of interest offers both an R&D tax credit and an imputation credit for dividends. We develop a system of equations to estimate the companies' R&D expense and dividend payout. The primary result from the estimation is that firms operating in a tax regime that encourages both R&D and increased dividend payments spend less on R&D as they pay more in dividends. This inverse relation is greater than the inverse relation found between dividends and R&D in the full sample. We conclude that the effect of an R&D tax credit on private R&D spending depends on both the firms' commitment to dividend payments.
A Dynamic, Personal Savings Function and Its Long-Run Implications

T HE results presented in this paper are (1) A time series of personal savings is well explained by the dynamic savings function st = ast 1 + 8z A Yt + ut. This model was previously formulated (but tested only for the United States and Canada) by Professors Houthakker and Taylor [1]. (2) The steadystate or long-run savings function implicit in the above dynamic formulation, s/y = a2 + 12 (Ay/y) fits remarkably well to international cross-section data. (3) The coefficients of the long-run savings function, as obtained by application of least squares on the function, is statistically equal to the coefficient obtained indirectly from the dynamic savings function. This implies that both dynamic and steady-state savings behavior are adequately described by st = ast+ /3Ayt + ut. (4) A few pitfalls in estimation of economic relationships when employing cross-section time series data are revealed. It will be shown that the long-run savings function implied in the Houthakker-Taylor function supplemented by some additional conditions, is precisely the long-run savings function of Modigliani [2]. Therefore, the present attempt must be regarded as a synthesis of the two theories. We shall have the benefit of more observations per country than the above mentioned authors in deriving our empirical results. II The Dynamic Savings Function Let St, yt, and at denote (personal) savings, (personal disposable) income, and non-depreciating assets at time t, in per capita terms. The Houthakker-Taylor model in terms of these variables is: St = a +at+yyt (1) dat/dt = st (2) Thus, savings is a linear function of assets and income, and the rate of change of assets at any moment of time is the savings at that moment. The long-run implication of this model has not been explored and this we shall do below. To derive the long-run effects of equations (1) and (2), we need to know something about the growth of income. Let us assume 1 that: (3) y= p, where p is a positive constant. This equation thus implies that the rate of growth (of
Violence exposure and burn-out among Turkish nursing home staff.

AIM The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of violence against personnel from residents and to identify the prevalence of burn-out among staff working in nursing homes. METHODS The study was performed in two cities in the west of Turkey. A semi-structured questionnaire on violence and Pines' Burnout scale were distributed among all the staff working in six nursing homes, and 214 of them responded. RESULTS Of the total number of respondents, 56% stated that they had been exposed to violence during the preceding year. More than 20% stated that they had reported violence to their supervisor. Less than 10% had received medical or psychological support following the event. Violent incidents were reported significantly more frequently among staff who reported problems working with elderly residents. There was no relationship between violence towards staff and burn-out. CONCLUSIONS Violence is commonly experienced by care workers in nursing homes for the elderly. Strategies to improve occupational conditions in nursing homes are required.
The control of H5 or H7 mildly pathogenic avian influenza: A role for inactivated vaccine

Biosecurity is the first line of defence in the prevention and control of mildly pathogenic avian influenza (MPAI). Its use has been highly successful in keeping avian influenza (AI) out of commercial poultry worldwide. However, sometimes AI becomes introduced into poultry populations and, when that occurs, biosecurity again is the primary means of controlling the disease. There is agreement that routine serological monitoring, disease reporting, isolation or quarantine of affected flocks, application of strict measures to prevent the contamination of and movement of people and equipment, and changing flock schedules are necessities for controlling AI. There is disagreement as to the disposition of MPAI-infected flocks: some advocate their destruction and others advocate controlled marketing. Sometimes biosecurity is not enough to stop the spread of MPAI. In general, influenza virus requires a dense population of susceptible hosts to maintain itself. When there is a large population of susceptible poultry in an area, use of an inactivated AI vaccine can contribute to AI control by reducing the susceptibility of the population. Does use of inactivated vaccine assist, complicate or interfere with AI control and eradication? Yes, it assists MPAI control (which may reduce the risk of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI)) but, unless steps are taken to prevent it, vaccination may interfere with sero-epidemiology in the case of an HPAI outbreak. Does lack of vaccine assist, complicate or interfere with AI control and eradication? Yes, it assists in identification of sero-positive (convalescent) flocks in a HPAI eradication program, but it interferes with MPAI control (which in turn may increase the risk of emergence of HPAI). A number of hypothetical concerns have been raised about the use of inactivated AI vaccines. Infection of vaccinated flocks, serology complications and spreading of virus by vaccine crews are some of the hypothetical concerns. The discussion of these concerns should take place in a scientific framework and should recognize that control of MPAI reduces the risk of HPAI. That inactivated vaccines have reduced a flock's susceptibility to AI infection, have reduced the quantity of virus shed post-challenge, have reduced transmission and have markedly reduced disease losses, are scientific facts. The current regulations preventing vaccination against H5 or H7 MPAI have had the effect of promoting circulation of MPAI virus in commercial poultry and live poultry markets. In the absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, there is no justification for forbidding the use of inactivated vaccine.
Visual impairment in stroke patients – a review

Approximately 30% of all stroke patients suffer from post‐stroke visual impairment. Hemianopia is the most common symptom, but also neglect, diplopia, reduced visual acuity, ptosis, anisocoria, and nystagmus are frequent. Partial or complete recovery of visual disorders can occur, but many patients suffer permanent disability. This disability is often less evident than impairment of motor and speech functions, but is negatively correlated with rehabilitation outcome and can lead to a significant reduction in day‐to‐day functioning. To be visually impaired after stroke reduces quality of life and causes social isolation because of difficulties in navigating/orientating in the surroundings. A thorough diagnosis including targeted examination and later follow‐up with eye examination and perimetry is essential in order to establish the extent of the visual impairment and to select the best rehabilitation strategy. Patients seem to profit from visual rehabilitation focused on coping strategies.
Ser‐59 is the major phosphorylation site in αB‐crystallin accumulated in the brains of patients with Alexander's disease

The phosphorylation state of αB‐crystallin accumulated in the brains of two patients with Alexander's disease (one infantile and one juvenile type) was determined by means of SDS‐PAGE or isoelectric focusing of soluble and insoluble fractions of brain extracts and subsequent western blot analysis with specific antibodies against αB‐crystallin and each of three phosphorylated serine residues. The level of mammalian small heat shock protein of 25–28 kDa (Hsp27) in the same fraction was also estimated by western blot analysis. The majority of αB‐crystallin was detected in the insoluble fraction of brain homogenates and phosphorylation was preferentially observed at Ser‐59 in both cases. A significant level of phosphorylation at Ser‐45 but not Ser‐19 was also detected. Hsp27 was found at considerable levels in the insoluble fractions. αB‐crystallin and phosphorylated forms were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of patient with the juvenile type. αB‐crystallin and phosphorylated forms were also detectable at considerable levels in the insoluble fraction of brain homogenates from patients with Alzheimer's disease and aged controls. The phosphorylation site was mostly at Ser‐59 in all cases. Immunohistochemically, αB‐crystallin was stained in Rosenthal fibers in brains of patients with Alexander's disease and their peripheral portions were immunostained with antibodies recognizing phosphorylated Ser‐59. These results indicate that the major phosphorylation site in αB‐crystallin in brains of patients with Alexander's disease or Alzheimer's disease as well as in aged controls is Ser‐59.
On the Importance of a Rich Embodiment in the Grounding of Concepts: Perspectives From Embodied Cognitive Science and Computational Linguistics

The recent trend in cognitive robotics experiments on language learning, symbol grounding, and related issues necessarily entails a reduction of sensorimotor aspects from those provided by a human body to those that can be realized in machines, limiting robotic models of symbol grounding in this respect. Here, we argue that there is a need for modeling work in this domain to explicitly take into account the richer human embodiment even for concrete concepts that prima facie relate merely to simple actions, and illustrate this using distributional methods from computational linguistics which allow us to investigate grounding of concepts based on their actual usage. We also argue that these techniques have applications in theories and models of grounding, particularly in machine implementations thereof. Similarly, considering the grounding of concepts in human terms may be of benefit to future work in computational linguistics, in particular in going beyond "grounding" concepts in the textual modality alone. Overall, we highlight the overall potential for a mutually beneficial relationship between the two fields.