Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single‐channel analysis of a point mutation of a conserved serine residue in the S2 ligand‐binding domain of the NR2A NMDA receptor subunit

We have examined the function of a conserved serine residue (Ser670) in the S2 ligand‐binding region of the NR2A N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit, using recombinant NR1/NR2A receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Mutation of Ser670 to glycine (S670G) in NR2A reduced the potency of glutamate by 124‐fold. Single‐channel conductance and the duration of apparent open periods of NR2A(S670G) receptor mutants were, however, indistinguishable from wild‐type NMDA receptors. NR1/NR2A(S670G) shut‐time distributions were best described by a mixture of six exponential components, and the four shortest shut intervals of each distribution were considered to occur within a channel activation (burst). Bursts of single‐channel openings were fitted with a mixture of four exponential components. The longest two components carried the majority of the charge transfer and had mean durations of 9.6 ± 0.5 and 29.6 ± 1.5 ms. The overall channel open probability during a burst was high (mean, 0.83 ± 0.06). Consistent with a shortening of NMDA receptor‐channel burst lengths was the observation of an increased deactivation rate of macroscopic currents evoked by brief applications of glutamate to outside‐out membrane patches. Correlations between shut times and adjacent open times were observed in all data records. Noticeably, shorter than average openings tended to occur next to long closed periods, whereas longer than average openings tended to occur next to short closings. Our single‐channel data, together with modelling using a kinetic scheme to describe channel activations, support our hypothesis that the S670G point mutation reduces the dwell time of glutamate in its binding site.
Apoptosis, proliferation, and Fas (APO‐1, CD95)/Fas ligand expression in medullary carcinoma of the breast

Medullary carcinoma (MC) of the breast is a unique subtype of infiltrating ductal carcinoma that is characterized by a prominent lymphoid infiltrate and improved prognosis. Activated granzyme B+/CD8+ cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs) infiltrating tumour cell nests constitute a major subset within the lymphoid infiltrate. As CTLs destroy target tumour cells by triggering apoptosis, it would be of interest to determine whether the apoptotic rate in MC is increased. This study evaluates the extent of apoptosis in relation to Fas (APO‐1, CD95)/Fas ligand (FasL) expression in MC. Fourteen cases of typical MC (TMC) and 15 cases of atypical MC (AMC) classified according to the Ridolfi criteria, as well as 19 cases of poorly differentiated infiltrating ductal carcinoma (PDC) were evaluated. The apoptotic index (AI) was assessed by the TUNEL method on paraffin‐embedded tissue. Cell proliferation was evaluated immunohistochemically by PCNA staining. The level of Fas/FasL expression was determined semiquantitatively by immunohistochemistry using a four‐grade scoring system. The AI was significantly increased in TMC and AMC as opposed to the PDC subgroup (2.2±0.8, 2.1±0.8, and 1.3±0.6, respectively; p<0.05). A significant proportion (31.8±7.9% in TMC and 25.8±9.7% in AMC) of the apoptotic tumour cells within tumour nests were in close contact with CD3+ lymphocytes. Increased apoptosis was not accompanied by increased proliferation of tumour cells. The extent of Fas expression did not differ between the three subgroups. FasL was expressed both by tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in MC and by tumour epithelium in all three subgroups. The observation that the majority of MCs express Fas and are infiltrated by lymphocytes expressing FasL suggests that increased apoptosis in MC is mediated by Fas/FasL. However, our observation that the majority of MCs also express FasL and the fact that tumours co‐expressing Fas and FasL did not show increased apoptosis suggest that there may be additional cytotoxic pathways that lead to tumour apoptosis in MC. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of anticipation by 3D motion capturing – a new method presented in karate kumite

ABSTRACT Anticipation is an important performance factor in karate kumite. A new approach analysing anticipation in realistic combat situations by motion capturing with a high temporal resolution is presented. The advantage of this approach is that both karate athletes interacting sports specific can be recorded synchronously; thus, the presented method has the potential to analyse visual information pickup due to coordination pattern of interaction between real athletes. The aim is to demonstrate the usability of the current method for anticipation research and to investigate if the distance between two athletes and their attacking technique play a role in the reaction of the defending athlete. Furthermore, relevant cues lying within each attacking technique and little individual differences are shown. Four male karate athletes took part in this study. Logistic regression indicated that both factors (distance × attacking technique) play a significant role in reaction. However, a correlation between these factors shows that only the attacking technique is a good predictor for reaction. Results show that the attacking technique jabbing punch (jap. Kizami-Zuki) was easier to anticipate than the attacking techniques reverse punch (jap. Gyaku-Zuki) and the round kick (jap. Mawashi-Geri).
Stock Market Liquidity and Firms' Dividend Policy on the Warsaw Stock Exchange

Studies on the effects of stock liquidity on corporate financial decisions have been made only recently. The first work in this field was a paper of Banerjee et al. (2005), in which they investigated the impact of stock market liquidity on firms’ dividend policy. On the developed markets the effect of liquidity on firms’ dividend payout is well documented and the findings are not ambiguous: the more liquid are shares on capital markets, the fewer companies are willing to pay dividends and they maintain a lower level of payments. Although most of studies made on emerging markets supports this results, there is still lack of comprehensive analysis made on the polish capital market. The goal of this paper is to investigate the relationship between stock liquidity and both firms’ propensity to pay dividends and the level of dividend payments. Research results presented here also support the effects of previous studies: firms with less liquid shares are more willing to pay dividends. The effect of stock liquidity on the payout level also exists but is less significant. The paper is a contribution to further research in this field using data on more companies and from a longer period.
A new sesquiterpenoid from the rhizomes of Homalomena sagittifolia

A new sesquiterpenoid, 1α,4β,7β-eudesmanetriol (1), was isolated together with the known compounds 1β,4β,7β-eudesmanetriol (2) and oplopanone (3) from the rhizomes of Homalomena sagittifolia. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectral analyses. The compounds 1 and 2 inhibited growth of Pseudomonas stutzeri with a MIC value of 117 µM when evaluated for antibacterial activity using the minimum concentration assay. Both these compounds showed remarkable activities against acetylcholinesterase enzyme with IC50 values ranging between 25 and 26 µM. The isolation of these sesquiterpenoids and their biological activities observed in this study support the reported traditional uses of H. sagittifolia for the treatment of microbial related diseases and central nervous system disorders.
Mapping of 3He apparent diffusion coefficient anisotropy at sub‐millisecond diffusion times in an elastase‐instilled rat model of emphysema

Hyperpolarized 3He gas can provide detailed anatomical maps of the macroscopic airways in the lungs (i.e., ventilation) as well as insight into the lung microstructure through the apparent diffusion coefficient. In particular, the apparent diffusion coefficient of 3He in the lung exhibits anisotropic effects that depend on diffusion time (δ), and it has been shown to be extraordinarily sensitive to enlargement in terminal airways and alveoli associated with emphysema. In this study, the anisotropic nature of the 3He apparent diffusion coefficient is studied in a rat model of emphysema, based on elastase instillation, specifically for δ values less than one millisecond. Longitudinal (DL) and transverse (DT) diffusion coefficients were mapped at δ = 360 μs and δ = 800 μs based on a cylinder model of lung structure and correlated with histological measurement of alveolar damage based on mean linear intercept (Lm). Whole‐lung mean DT measured at δ = 360 μs in the elastase‐instilled rat lungs (0.14 ± 0.09 cm2/s) demonstrated the most significant increase (p = 0.00195) compared to the sham‐instilled cohort (0.06 ± 0.06 cm2/s) and had a strong linear correlation with Lm (Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.9). These results suggest that measurement of 3He apparent diffusion coefficient anisotropy, specifically DT, can provide a sensitive indicator of emphysema, particularly at very short diffusion times (δ = 360 μs). Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using Smartphones to Collect Behavioral Data in Psychological Science

Smartphones now offer the promise of collecting behavioral data unobtrusively, in situ, as it unfolds in the course of daily life. Data can be collected from the onboard sensors and other phone logs embedded in today’s off-the-shelf smartphone devices. These data permit fine-grained, continuous collection of people’s social interactions (e.g., speaking rates in conversation, size of social groups, calls, and text messages), daily activities (e.g., physical activity and sleep), and mobility patterns (e.g., frequency and duration of time spent at various locations). In this article, we have drawn on the lessons from the first wave of smartphone-sensing research to highlight areas of opportunity for psychological research, present practical considerations for designing smartphone studies, and discuss the ongoing methodological and ethical challenges associated with research in this domain. It is our hope that these practical guidelines will facilitate the use of smartphones as a behavioral observation tool in psychological science.
The reciprocal influences of perceived risk for alcoholism and alcohol use over time: evidence for aversive transmission of parental alcoholism.

OBJECTIVE This study examined how perceived risk for alcoholism and alcohol use influenced each other over time. We hypothesized an aversive transmission mechanism, by which some children of alcoholics may reduce their drinking because they perceive themselves to be at risk for future alcohol problems because of their parents' alcoholism. METHOD Using participants (N = 804, 47% female) from an ongoing longitudinal study of children of alcoholics (e.g., Chassin et al., 1991), we examined the reciprocal prospective relations between perceived risk for alcoholism and drinking across three measurement occasions, and also tested whether perceived risk for alcoholism mediated the effect of perceived parental alcoholism on subsequent drinking. RESULTS Mediation analyses provided evidence for aversive transmission, in which the effect of perceived parental alcoholism on alcohol use during young adulthood was decreased to the extent that perceived parental alcoholism predicted higher levels of perceived risk for alcoholism during emerging adulthood. Results indicated reciprocal effects between perceived risk for alcoholism and drinking over time, such that higher levels of perceived risk were associated with lower levels of drinking. Results were replicated using both self-report and collateral-report of alcohol use, and using both actual and perceived parental alcoholism. CONCLUSIONS Young adults may avoid drinking when they perceive their parent(s) to be alcoholic, and consequently perceive themselves to be at elevated risk for alcoholism. Given that beliefs about risk for alcoholism are potentially modifiable, increasing self-perceived risk for alcoholism may be one feasible way to reduce the intergenerational transmission of alcohol disorders within families.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Consumer Purchase Behavior: The Moderating Role of Self-Presentation

iii List of Tables.vi List of Figures.vii Chapter 1: Corporate Social Responsibility.1 Chapter 2: Self-Presentation Theory.8 Chapter 3: Prosocial Behavior.26 Chapter 4: Current Research.40 Chapter 5: Discussion.63 Appendix A.75 Appendix B.76 Appendix C.78 Appendix D.80 Appendix E.81 Appendix F.83 Appendix G.84 Appendix H.85 Appendix I.88 Appendix J.89 Appendix K.90 Appendix L.91 Appendix M.92 Appendix N.93 Appendix O.94 Appendix P.96 Appendix Q.97 Appendix R.98 Appendix S.99
ALFANS: Multilevel Approximate Logic Synthesis Framework by Approximate Node Simplification

Approximate computing is an emerging design paradigm targeting at error-tolerant applications. It trades off accuracy for improvement in hardware cost and energy efficiency. In this paper, we propose ALFANS, a novel multilevel approximate logic synthesis framework by approximate node simplification. ALFANS works on the Boolean network representation of circuits. Its basic operation is to perform approximate simplification to nodes in a Boolean network. Based on this framework, we propose three different algorithms for three different types of error constraints. The first algorithm, ALFANS-ER, handles error rate (ER) constraint only. The second one, ALFANS-ER-MEM, handles a combination of ER and maximum error magnitude (EM) constraint. The third one, ALFANS-ER-AEM, handles a combination of ER and average EM constraint. All these three algorithms repeatedly pick the single most effective node to simplify in each iteration. When only the ER is constrained, we also propose an accelerated version, ALFANS-ER-Fast, which formulates a knapsack problem to pick multiple nodes for simplification simultaneously in each iteration. It significantly improves the runtime over ALFANS-ER with almost the same circuit area. Compared to the respective state-of-the-art approaches handling the same type of error constraint, ALFANS-ER-Fast and ALFANS-ER-MEM reduce circuit area by 1.3% and 19.5%, respectively. A salient feature of ALFANS-ER-Fast is its run-time efficiency: it has a speedup of $5.9 \times $ over the state-of-the-art method.
On the range of the transient frog model on ℤ

Abstract We observe the frog model, an infinite system of interacting random walks, on ℤ with an asymmetric underlying random walk. For certain initial frog distributions we construct an explicit formula for the moments of the leftmost visited site, as well as their asymptotic scaling limits as the drift of the underlying random walk vanishes. We also provide conditions in which the lower bound can be scaled to converge in probability to the degenerate distribution at 1 as the drift vanishes.
The effect of a selective combined training program on motor performance, balance and muscle strength in boys with Down Syndrome (DS)

Purpose: Down syndrome is the most common chromosome abnormality and the most common genetic cause of intellectual disabilities in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a selective combined training program on motor performances, balance and muscle strength in boys with Down syndrome. Methods: Twenty boys with Down syndrome aged ranged from 12 to 20 years were randomly assigned either into an experimental group (n=10) or control group (n=10). Subjects in the experimental group underwent combined training program for 45 and 60 minutes per day, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks. To evaluate the muscle strength and balance in subjects with Down syndrome, muscles force was measured with handheld dynamometer (MMT, North coast, USA) and balance with Sharped Romberg (r=0.90-0.91) with eyes both being open and close. Two-Way ANOVA with Repeated Measures was used to analyze the data (p≤0.05). Results: ANOVA with repeated measures showed that knee flexion strength (p≤0.05), Knee extension(p≤0.05),hip flexion (p≤0.05), hip extension (p≤0.05), ankle plantar flexion (p≤0.05), ankle dorsiflexion (p≤0.05), and also static balance with eyes open (hard surface) (p≤0.05) ,static balance with eyes being close (hard surface) (p≤0.05), static balance with eyes being open (the software) (p≤0.05), static balance with eyes being close (the software) (p≤0.05) of the intervention group was significantly better than the control group. Conclusion: A combined strength and proprioceptive training improves postural balance in children with DS. This could be due to the enhancement in muscle strength and proprioceptive input integration.
Are we making progress in diagnosing and preventing gastrointestinal cancers?

By measures of mortality and morbidity gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are leading the field of oncology. Between one fifth and one quarter of all human cancers arise in the digestive system. Many patients with cancer of the digestive system present with incurable disease. As locally advanced cancer often goes with distant metastases, treatment options are mostly limited to systemic treatment or local palliation only. Despite the many enhancements in cytotoxic therapy and novel biologic agents, overall progress in the outcome of metastatic disease is poor [Sabharwal and Kerr, 2007; Bouvier et al. 2006]. The fact that most GI cancers are for long preceded by recognizable, treatable precursor lesions has posed great challenges. Primary prevention strategies seek to prevent the formation of cancer in an otherwise healthy population. Secondary prevention activities are aimed at early disease detection, thereby increasing the opportunities for interventions to prevent progression of the disease. Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools have been developed to detect and treat cancerous lesions at the earliest stage. With these tools and increased awareness of their impact, early treatment and prevention have become a major task for the modern gastroenterologist. In this review we focus on recent developments in cancer prevention, detection and the approach to early cancer.
Charge and mass transfer in ice‐ice collisions: Experimental observations of a mechanism in thunderstorm electrification

A microphysical mechanism that may be important in the electrification of thunderstorms is probed in an experimental study of collisional charging of ice surfaces. The study examined mass and charge transfer in single collisions between two ice samples and their dependence on growth, temperature, impact strength, and time delay between impacts. The polarity is consistent with earlier results in that the more rapidly growing particle charges positively. We find that the magnitudes of charge and mass transfer increase with growth rate over an appreciable range, but the charge tends to saturate at high rates. The systematic dependence indicates that the charge transfer is more closely related to the difference in growth rate between the contacting surfaces rather than to their temperature difference. This result provides quantitative confirmation of earlier researchers' work. An appreciable time delay is required for the magnitude of the charge to recover from a previous collision. The magnitude of charge transfer cannot be explained by the thermoelectric effect or by any other mechanism proposed to date. It appears that the charge is carried in the mass that is transferred between the colliding surfaces, as predicted by Baker and Dash, [1989, 1994] but the magnitude of the mass transfer is much greater than can be due to ordinary surface melting, as proposed.
Analysis of student’s mathematical connection ability in linear equation system with two variables

Mathematical connection ability is very important for students, especially in solving problems that require connections between mathematical concepts, mathematical concepts with other sciences, and mathematical concepts with daily life. This research aims to analyze and categorize students’ mathematical connection ability in linear equation system two variables. This research was descriptive qualitative with 30 students of SMA Negeri 1 Jogonalan as the subject of the research. The variables of this research were indicators of mathematical connection ability, consisted of: connections between mathematical concepts, connections between mathematical concepts and other sciences, and connections between mathematical concepts with daily life. The data were collected using test and interview methods. Results of the research showed that the students’ mathematical connection ability was categorized as very low. The number of students who answered correctly on the indicator of connection between mathematical concepts is 21.11%, on the indicator of connection between mathematical concepts with other sciences is 13.33%, and on the indicators of connections between mathematical concepts with daily life is 32.22%. Most students were not able to connect mathematical concepts with other sciences.
Survival of Viruses in Water

Water, a frequent vehicle for the transmission of viruses, may permit their survival, but many environmental factors will have an adverse effect on the viral population. Risk evaluation requires identification of these factors and assessment of the inactivation rate of infectious viruses. A higher temperature means a faster reduction of the viral population, as do increased sunlight, higher antimicrobial concentration, or higher oxygen levels. Another documented impact is linked to the presence of indigenous microbial populations: virus survival is higher in sterile water. Environmental factors inactivate viruses through direct or indirect action on one part of the viral structure: genome, capsid, or envelope if present. Viral populations also have resistance mechanisms, generally involving physical shielding from adverse effects; such protective behaviors include aggregation, adhesion, or internalization inside living structures. Because of these phenomena, inactivation kinetics may deviate from traditional log-linear shapes. It is therefore important to account for all factors that may impact on survival, to carefully design experiments to ensure sufficient data, and to select the right modelling approach. Comparison between studies is difficult. It is suggested that laboratory studies include standard conditions of water, and analyze the impact of different factors as precisely as possible. Larger studies in natural environments, though more difficult, are also much needed.
Étude de la marche avant et après une rééducation robotisée chez des enfants présentant des troubles locomoteurs

Depuis quelques annees, de nouveaux systemes de reeducation a la marche de type orthese tels que le Lokomat® (Hocoma AG, Volketswil, Suisse) apparaissent dans les laboratoires de recherche clinique. Ces outils sont proposes, via des programmes de reentrainement a l’effort, pour la reeducation des patients presentant des alterations de l’appareil locomoteur. Leur but principal consiste a reacquerir une marche fonctionnelle grâce a une simulation des differentes phases de la marche et a une stimulation sensitive nourrissant les reafferences proprioceptives. Le Lokomat® permet donc, par une repetition prolongee des patrons de marche, un apprentissage sensori-moteur actif et progressif pour le patient. Les objectifs de notre etude sont : (1) de caracteriser les processus de controle de l’equilibre (coordinations multi-segmentaires) pendant la marche chez des enfants atteints de paralysie cerebrale, comparativement a un groupe d’enfants a developpement typique, en analysant les differentes strategies mises en œuvre pour se propulser vers l’avant tout en preservant leur equilibre, puis (2) de mettre en evidence l’apport d’une reeducation robotisee a la marche dans l’amelioration et/ou la modification des parametres biomecaniques de la marche chez des enfants atteints de paralysie cerebrale et d’en observer les influences eventuelles sur la motricite globale de l’enfant (nouvelles strategies, amelioration du rapport cout/benefice, etc.).