Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide on the non-adrenergic inhibitory potentials in the intestinal smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig.

Effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the spontaneous and evoked contractions in the duodenal and ileal preparations, the spontaneous action potentials and the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory potentials (NANC i.p.s) in the longitudinal smooth muscle cells of the guinea-pig duodenum and ileum were examined. Preparations were pretreated with atropine (1 microM) and guanethidine (5 microM). CGRP (26 nM) was found to inhibit spontaneous and evoked contractions. The resting membrane potential of the longitudinal smooth muscle was not altered but the frequency of spontaneous action potentials was decreased by the treatment with CGRP (6-104 nM). Field stimulation evoked the NANC i.p.s and the pretreatment with atropine (1 microM) and guanethidine (5 microM) caused an increase in the amplitude of the NANC i.p.s in the longitudinal smooth muscle. However, CGRP (6-104 nM) did not change the amplitude of the NANC i.p.s. The rebound excitation in the longitudinal muscle membrane was inhibited by CGRP. The single spike activity of the myenteric neurons in the duodenum was not affected by CGRP (26-104 nM). The results suggest that CGRP inhibits the intestinal motility by non-neurogenic NANC manner and does not activate the NANC inhibitory neurons in intestine.
A Review on Human Activity Recognition Using Vision-Based Method

Human activity recognition (HAR) aims to recognize activities from a series of observations on the actions of subjects and the environmental conditions. The vision-based HAR research is the basis of many applications including video surveillance, health care, and human-computer interaction (HCI). This review highlights the advances of state-of-the-art activity recognition approaches, especially for the activity representation and classification methods. For the representation methods, we sort out a chronological research trajectory from global representations to local representations, and recent depth-based representations. For the classification methods, we conform to the categorization of template-based methods, discriminative models, and generative models and review several prevalent methods. Next, representative and available datasets are introduced. Aiming to provide an overview of those methods and a convenient way of comparing them, we classify existing literatures with a detailed taxonomy including representation and classification methods, as well as the datasets they used. Finally, we investigate the directions for future research.
Public Holiday and Weekend Anomalies in the Main Latin American Stock Markets

ABSTRACT This study aims to check and measure possible causality relationships from some calendar events to average daily return anomalies in the main indexes of the six largest Latin American stock markets over the last ten years. Two variables controlling for the time in days elapsed between consecutive trading sessions constitute its main distinctive feature in relation to other similar studies on the same subject. Overall results show a higher significance than those of their corresponding dummies on a regular basis.
Replication from oriP of Epstein-Barr Virus Requires Exact Spacing of Two Bound Dimers of EBNA1 Which Bend DNA

ABSTRACT oriP is a 1.7-kb region of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) chromosome that supports replication and stable maintenance of plasmids in human cells that contain EBV-encoded protein EBNA1. Plasmids that depend on oriP are replicated once per cell cycle by cellular factors. The replicator of oriPis an ∼120-bp region called DS which depends on either of two pairs of closely spaced EBNA1 binding sites. Here we report that changing the distance between the EBNA1 sites of a functional pair by inserting or deleting 1 or 2 bp abolished replication activity. The results indicated that, while the distance separating the binding sites is critical, the specific nucleotide sequence between them is unlikely to be important. The use of electrophoretic mobility shift assays to investigate binding by EBNA1 to the sites with normal or altered spacing revealed that EBNA1 induces DNA to bend significantly when it binds, with the center of bending coinciding with the center of binding. EBNA1 binding to a functional pair of sites which are spaced 21 bp apart center to center and which thus are in helical phase induces a larger symmetrical bend, which based on electrophoretic mobility approximates the sum of two separate EBNA1-induced DNA bends. The results imply that replication from oriP requires a precise structure in which DNA forms a large bend around two EBNA1 dimers.
Inequality of obesity and socioeconomic factors in Iran: a systematic review and meta- analyses

Background: Socioeconomic status and demographic factors, such as education, occupation, place of residence, gender, age, and marital status have been reported to be associated with obesity. We conducted a systematic review to summarize evidences on associations between socioeconomic factors and obesity/overweight in Iranian population. Methods: We systematically searched international databases; ISI, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and national databases Iran-medex, Irandoc, and Scientific Information Database (SID). We refined data for associations between socioeconomic factors and obesity/overweight by sex, age, province, and year. There were no limitations for time and languages. Results: Based on our search strategy we found 151 records; of them 139 were from international databases and the remaining 12 were obtained from national databases. After removing duplicates, via the refining steps, only 119 articles were found related to our study domains. Extracted results were attributed to 146596 person/data from included studies. Increased ages, low educational levels, being married, residence in urban area, as well as female sex were clearly associated with obesity. Conclusion: Results could be useful for better health policy and more planned studies in this field. These also could be used for future complementary analyses.
In vivo magnetic resonance imaging morphometry of the patella bone in South Indian population

Racial differences exist in the dimensions of structures and the commercially available prostheses are designed based on the Caucasians. In this context, the goal of the present investigation was to determine the gender wise measurements of patella bone in South Indians. The present study included axial magnetic resonance images of the knee joint from 140 South Indian adults (70 males, 70 females; aged between 20–70 years). The angle, width, thickness, lateral facet width, facet thickness, ratio of the lateral facet, the relative thickness and ratio of facet thickness were measured in the patella by using the digital ruler. The statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS software. The dimensions exhibited statistically highly significant sexual dimorphism (P≤0.001). The mean value was higher in males than females except for the ratio of patellar lateral facet and patellar facet thickness ratio. It was observed that the males exhibit more variability than females in all the measurements of patella except patellar thickness, patellar facet thickness, patellar relative thickness, and patellar facet thickness ratio. The present study of the in vivo morphometry of patella bone from the South Indians can provide a population and gender specific database for the morphometric measurements of the patella. We believe that the data of the present study will be useful to the orthopaedician during the procedures like arthroplasty of the total knee, patellofemoral arthroplasty, resurfacing of patella, and designing the prosthetic implant.
Part-II-New Advanced Synthesis for High Performance Anti-Corrosive Lubricants of some Selected Inorganic Pigments II-2D and 3D-Nanostructural Features of Laser Assisted Anatase Phase TiO2

Advanced solution route was successfully applied to synthesize nano-anatase. Ultrahigh energy He-Ag-Laser (224.3 nm) irradiations coupled with sonication were applied for the 1sttime as grains sizes splitter (promoter to lower sizes). The present investigations managed to introduce thermally-stable anatase TiO2 with ultrahigh BET surface area (789 m2g-1). Ti(IV)-tetra iso-propoxide (TTIP) was applied as precursor for synthesizing nano-TiO2. The produced gel (HO-Ti-O-Ti-O-Ti-OH)n was divided into two equal portions one as blank and other one forwarded to sonication/laser irradiations treatments by time dose equal to ~10 min. of laser irradiations per hour of sonication. Finally produced irradiated Gel dried in oven at 130°C followed by microwave assist to avoid any solvent tracer and finally sintered at 560°C for 4 h. The produced Ti(IV) oxide was carefully investigated and well characterized by Raman spectra, XRD, SEM and 3D-AFM.
An examination into the relationship between teacher efficacy and organizational commitment of special education teachers

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between teacher efficacy and organizational commitment of special education teachers in Massachusetts. A sample of 168 of current special education teachers from across the state of Massachusetts participated in the webbased survey. The findings indicated that no significant correlation exists between teacher efficacy and organizational commitment of special education teachers in Massachusetts. Yet, the data showed a positive correlation between one’s personal teaching efficacy and one’s continuance commitment and a negative correlation between one’s personal teaching efficacy and one’s normative commitment. These findings also indicated that one’s personal teaching efficacy beliefs have diverse effects on one’s commitment to an organization. These mixed findings further validate the complexity of the efficacy-commitment constructs and support the ongoing challenge of creating effective interventions in teacher retention. Furthermore, these findings indicate a need for additional research in order to understand how special education teachers define their commitment, as it not only relates to the organization, but also to other domains of commitment; profession and teaching.
[Antiplatelet effects of micronized fenofibrate in subjects with dyslipidemia].

INTRODUCTION Fibrates produce additional actions such as reduction of inflammatory state, insulin resistance and activation of blood coagulation, along with stimulation of fibrinolysis. It is not known whether fibrates can attenuate platelet activation. OBJECTIVES Evaluation of antiplatelet effects of fenofibrate in dyslipidemic subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 20 patients (15 males, 5 females) aged 40 to 70 years who had plasma triglicerydes >1.7 mmol/l and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol >3.4 mmol/l without diabetes, we determined plasma levels of platelet markers, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and selectin P, both in peripheral blood and samples collected every 1 minute from sites of microvascular injury prior to and following a one-month administration of micronized fibrate (160 mg/d). Results. Neither of platelet activation markers was altered following fenofibrate. We identified 7 subjects who had a significant decrease (14-21%) in velocity of the sCD40L and selectin P release after fenofibrate (p < 0.05). This subgroup was characterized by increased body mass, and posttreatment greater reduction in triglycerides and increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p < 0.05). A decrease in the release of platelet markers was associated with a greater posttreatment reduction in plasma 8-isoprostane levels (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS In 1/3 of dyslipidemic subjects without diabetes, there is a decrease in platelet activation at the site of microvascular injury following a one-month administration of micronized fenofibrate. This effect can be found in individuals in whom the fibrate induced the greatest reduction in triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol. Moreover, antiplatelet effect of fenofibrate was associated with reduced oxidative stress.
Ophthalmologic disorders in children with syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of ophthalmologic anomalies among patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic, congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to assess the need for comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation in these children. DESIGN Retrospective medical chart review of children with SNHL who underwent comprehensive evaluation by pediatric ophthalmologists and geneticists. SETTING Tertiary care pediatric hospital. PATIENTS Seventy-seven patients with SNHL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Degree of hearing loss (HL) and presence of ophthalmologic and genetic disorders. RESULTS The overall rate of ophthalmologic disorders was 32% (25 of 77 patients). When children with multisystem genetic disorders known to be related to visual loss were excluded, the rate fell to 23% (12 of 53 vs 13 of 24; P = .006). There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of HL between patients with and without eye disorders (mean [SD], 46.5 [29.9] vs 49.1 [32.3] dB HL; P = .75). Patients with eye disorders were significantly more likely to have a multisystem genetic disorder (13 of 25 [52%] vs 11 of 52 [21%]; P = .006). No patients with ocular abnormalities had isolated otologic disorders, but 9 of 52 (17%) of those patients without ocular abnormalities did. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive ophthalmologic examination revealed a rate of ophthalmologic disorders in children with SNHL in the lower end of the previously reported rates of 31% to 61%. Children with nonsyndromic SNHL have an approximately 2- to 3-fold increase in ocular abnormalities compared with the general pediatric population. Ophthalmologic and genetic consultations are warranted in patients with congenital SNHL.
Diversity is everywhere, inclusion isn’t: An explorative study into the ethical and diversity outcomes of social media recruitment in New Zealand

New Zealand is known to be a socially diverse and inclusive nation. It was the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893, and has had 30 years of sex discrimination legislation. There are 213 different ethnicities living in New Zealand, and the country ranks second in the global index of employee diversity. New Zealandâ€™s life expectancy is one of the highest among the OECD countries, and its migration balance is one of the most volatile. There is no doubt that the future demographic of New Zealand is changing; so what does this mean for the New Zealand workplace? According to â€˜Rainbow Tickâ€™; while diversity is everywhere, inclusion isnâ€™t; and it will soon become a matter of competitive sustainability for organisations to effectively manage â€˜inclusivelyâ€™ within this diverse environment. While there is a growing trend to utilise social media and e-recruitment to attract new talent, and to address person-organisation fit; this study seeks to explore whether these tools actually enable â€˜inclusive recruitmentâ€™, or in fact increase the likelihood of unethical practises and homogeneous organisations. This review acknowledges the need for New Zealand organisations to stay commercially viable, and to increase awareness of the global marketplace in which they operate. It also provides recommendations for employers to take a critical look at their recruitment processes as they evolve from a purely Human Resources function to wider organisational responsibility, which integrates with Strategic Objectives, Communications and Brand Management strategies.
Accurate evolution of orbiting binary black holes.

We present a detailed analysis of binary black hole evolutions in the last orbit and demonstrate consistent and convergent results for the trajectories of the individual bodies. The gauge choice can significantly affect the overall accuracy of the evolution. It is possible to reconcile certain gauge-dependent discrepancies by examining the convergence limit. We illustrate these results using an initial data set recently evolved by Brügmann et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 211101 (2004)10.1103/PhysRevLett.92. 211101]. For our highest resolution and most accurate gauge, we estimate the duration of this data set's last orbit to be approximately 59MADM.
FUTURE EUROPEAN REUSABLE BOOSTER STAGES: EVALUATION OF VTHL AND VTVL RETURN METHODS

Reusability of launch systems will strongly impact the launch service market if certain characteristics, such as sufficient reliability and low refurbishment costs, can be achieved. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is performing a systematic investigation of return methods for a reusable booster stage of a future European launch vehicle. This launcher shall be able to transport 7 t to a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), launching from the European spaceport in Kourou. The final goal is the determination of the impact of the different return methods on a technical, operational and economical level and the assessment of their relevance for a future European launch system. Compared to previous work presented at the IAC 2017 [3], this paper includes winged vertical take-off and horizontal landing (VTHL) as well as non-winged vertical take-off and vertical landing (VTVL) configurations. The preliminary results of a first design phase employing structural indexes derived from existing stages were used to narrow down the field of potential designs, especially with regard to the rocket staging. The selected launchers were modelled in more detail, including the preliminary design of major subsystems such as propulsion, aerodynamics, structure, propellant management and the thermal protection system. The comparison of different potential propellants is made across the different return options in order to assess the suitability of the various possible combinations. The fuels investigated within this paper in combination with liquid oxygen are kerosene, liquid hydrogen and methane. Two different engine cycles, namely gas-generator and staged combustion, and their impact on the launcher systems are also evaluated.
From Burden to Depressive Symptoms: The Case of Chinese-Canadian Family Caregivers for the Elderly

This study aims to understand the effect of caregiving burden on depressive symptoms in Chinese-Canadian family caregivers, an area on which little research has been conducted. A random sample of 339 Chinese-Canadian caregivers for elderly family members completed a structured telephone survey. The results showed that depressive symptoms were predicted positively by caregiving burden, while caregiving burden was predicted negatively by financial adequacy and positively by the level of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) caregiving assistance provided. Culturally appropriate strategies are needed to support Chinese family caregivers in order to properly manage caregiving responsibilities, financial needs, and psychological burden.
Saudi Arabian science and mathematics teachers’ attitudes toward integrating STEM in teaching before and after participating in a professional development program

Abstract For the advancement of current and future economic and overall well-being to occur, STEM professionals are highly needed. STEM education is an approach that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics curricula into one interdisciplinary curriculum. In the context of STEM education, learners acquire deep and critical thinking abilities, which help them become creative and analytic thinkers, and hence innovators in their careers. For this to happen, the teacher must be trained to successfully design and effectively teach an integrated STEM curriculum. The purpose of this study was to analyze Saudi Arabian science and mathematics teachers’ attitudes toward integrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in teaching before and after they participated in a short professional development program focused on STEM integration in a specific middle school science and mathematics content. The participants were 48 Saudi Arabian science and mathematics teachers, who participated in a 6-day program held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The research methodology was a pretest–posttest one group (pre-experimental) design. The primary data source was the Instrument for Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Teaching Integrated STEM. The results indicate that Saudi Arabian science and mathematics teachers’ perceptions of difficulties decreased due to their participation in the professional development program on integrated STEM. Meanwhile, the teachers’ self-efficacy improved following their participation in the STEM professional development (PD) program. However, no perceived effect was found for the teachers’ perceptions of the relevance of or their anxiety about or enjoyment of Integrated STEM teaching due to their participation in the 6-day PD program. We argue that Engaging teachers in integrated STEM professional development may improve their attitudes toward and increase their interest in teaching this approach. To improve teachers’ attitudes toward, it is suggested that future PD programs should be long and continuous, and focus on training science and mathematics teachers to teach integrated STEM subjects.
A mechanism for altered flexibility in human skeletal muscle.

1. We investigated the effect of a long‐term stretching regimen on the tissue properties and stretch tolerance of human skeletal muscle. 2. Resistance to stretch was measured as torque (in N m) offered by the hamstring muscle group during passive knee extension while electromyographic (EMG) activity, knee joint angle and velocity were continuously monitored during a standardized stretch manoeuvre. Seven healthy subjects were tested before and after a 3 week training period using two separate protocols. Protocol 1 consisted of a slow stretch at 0.087 rad s‐1 to a predetermined angle followed by a 90 s holding phase. Subjects were brought to the same angle before and after the training period. Protocol 2 was a similar stretch, but continued to the point of pain. 3. During protocol 1 the torque rose during the stretch and then declined during the holding phase. EMG activity was small and did not change significantly during the protocol. No significant differences in stiffness, energy and peak torque about the knee joint were seen as a result of the training. During protocol 2 the angle to which the knee could be extended was significantly increased as a result of the training. This was accompanied by a comparable increase in peak torque and energy. EMG activity was small and not affected by training. 4. It is concluded that reflex EMG activity does not limit the range of movement during slow stretches and that the increased range of motion achieved from training is a consequence of increased stretch tolerance on the part of the subject rather than a change in the mechanical or viscoelastic properties of the muscle.