Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inductive Reasoning and Judgment Interference: Experiments on Simpson’s Paradox

In a series of experiments on inductive reasoning, participants assessed the relationship between gender, success, and a covariate in a situation akin to Simpson’s paradox: Although women were less successful then men according to overall statistics, they actually fared better then men at either of two universities. Understanding trivariate relationships of this kind requires cognitive routines similar to analysis of covariance. Across the first five experiments, however, participants generalized the disadvantage of women at the aggregate level to judgments referring to the different levels of the covariate, even when motivation was high and appropriate mental models were activated. The remaining three experiments demonstrated that Simpson’s paradox could be mastered when the salience of the covariate was increased and when the salience of gender was decreased by the inclusion of temporal cues that disambiguate the causal status of the covariate.
Effect of Lime Stabilisation on the Strength and Microstructure of Clay

Lime stabilization is one of the techniques that can be used for improving the engineering properties, particularly the strength, of soft clays. This paper aims to investigate the effect of hydrated lime on the strength and microstructure of lime treated clays. In order to illustrate such effect, a series of laboratory tests were conducted. Atterberg limits, compaction tests, unconfined compressive strength tests and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were carried out on kaolin clay mixed with 5% hydrated lime. The results indicated that the addition of lime resulted in a reduction in the plasticity of kaolin and an improvement in compaction properties. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized clay experienced an increase with lime addition. Two variables influencing the amount of strength developed were studied. These variables included curing time and water content. Curing time contributed to an increase in the UCS, from 183 kPa to 390 kPa, that is approximately twice of the strength of untreated kaolin. SEM analysis showed the presence of the cementious products in the kaolin clay resulted from lime-clay reaction.
A phase II study of oxaliplatin and paclitaxel in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of oxaliplatin and paclitaxel as first-line therapy for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS The treatment regimen was given as defined in a phase I investigation in patients with previously treated ovarian cancer. It consisted of paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) (1-h infusion) and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) (2-h infusion) given every 21 days. Eligible patients had stage IIIB (pleural effusion)/IV NSCLC, measurable disease, no prior chemotherapy, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2, and adequate hematological, renal and hepatic function. RESULTS A total of 38 patients were enrolled with the following characteristics: 29% male (n = 11); 71% female (n = 27); median age 64.5 years (range 37-78); performance status of 0-1 84% (n = 32); stage IIIB 8% (n = 3); stage IV 92% (n = 35). One hundred and eighty-one cycles were administered, with a median of four per patient (range one to 12). The overall objective response rate for all 38 patients was 34.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.6% to 51.4%]. This response rate includes 13 patients who met criteria for a partial response. No complete responses were observed. Median overall survival time was 9.2 months (95% CI 6-12.4) and median progression-free survival time was 4.3 months (95% CI 2.1-6.5). The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 37% and 21%, respectively. Hematological toxicity included six patients with grade 4 neutropenia. Non-hematological toxicity consisted mainly of grades 1 and 2 neurosensory toxicity. Laryngodysesthesia was observed in two patients following oxaliplatin infusion. No grade 4 non-hematological toxicities were encountered. CONCLUSION This regimen is well tolerated, and demonstrates activity in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Chronic effects of p‐nonylphenol on survival and reproduction of Daphnia galeata: Multigenerational life table experiment

The chronic effect of p‐nonylphenol on survival and reproduction for two generations of the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia galeata was examined by life table experiments. The effects on survival and reproduction were used as the intrinsic rate of natural increase, r, with the Euler–Lotka equation and were analyzed with a simple mathematical model (a power function). The population‐level EC50, the concentration of a substance that reduces the intrinsic rate of natural increase by 50%, was estimated as 65.2 μg/L for the first generation and 81.5 μg/L for the second generation. No transgenerational effect that reinforces adverse responses in the offspring generation has been detected. From a 48‐h immobility test an acute LC50 was estimated to be 60.8 μg/L. The acute LC50 is a good indicator of the chronic population‐level effects of this chemical to this species. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 17: 487–492, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/tox.10083
Stimulated-picosecond-photon-echo studies of localized exciton relaxation and dephasing in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs multiple quantum wells.

Mesure de la dynamique des excitons localises, dans les structures de puits quantiques multiples GaAs/Al x Ga 1−x As a basse temperature basees sur les mesures de l'echo des photons stimule. A basse temperature, les excitons se relaxent par migration assistee par les phonons entre sites localises. Aux temperatures plus elevees, ils sont thermiquement actives vers les etats delocalises. Les mesures confirment les previsions theoriques recentes, mais mettent en evidence la presence inattendue d'un dephasage supplementaire
Year : 2010 Embedding reward signals into perception and cognition

Despite considerable interest in the neural basis of valuation, the question of how valuation affects cognitive processing has received relatively less attention. Here, we review evidence from recent behavioral and neuroimaging studies supporting the notion that motivation can enhance perceptual and executive control processes to achieve more efficient goal-directed behavior. Specifically, in the context of cognitive tasks offering monetary gains, improved behavioral performance has been repeatedly observed in conjunction with elevated neural activations in task-relevant perceptual, cognitive and reward-related regions. We address the neural basis of motivation-cognition interactions by suggesting various modes of communication between relevant neural networks: (1) global hub regions may integrate information from multiple inputs providing a communicative link between specialized networks; (2) point-to-point interactions allow for more specific cross-network communication; and (3) diffuse neuromodulatory systems can relay motivational signals to cortex and enhance signal processing. Together, these modes of communication allow information regarding motivational significance to reach relevant brain regions and shape behavior.
A Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Activation Cascade by Hepatic Stellate Cells in Trans-differentiation in the Three-dimensional Extracellular Matrix*

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo myofibroblastic trans-differentiation in liver fibrogenesis. We previously showed that dual stimulation with three-dimensional type-I collagen and interleukin-1 (IL-1) synergistically induces HSC trans-differentiation in a manner dependent on the activation of matrix metallopreinase-9 (MMP-9). The present study is aimed to determine the mechanism of MMP-9 activation in this model. The pro-MMP-9-converting activities expressed by trans-differentiating HSCs are characterized as secreted factors that are sensitive to MMP inhibitor and have apparent molecular masses of 50 and 25 kDa. This is in sharp contrast to the pro-MMP-9 activator from mouse and human skin, which is a chymotrypsin-like proteinase. Among multiple MMPs induced in HSCs by the dual stimulation, MMP-13 is most conspicuously up-regulated and meets all criteria as the pro-MMP-9 activator. HSC cultured in three-dimensional type-I collagen, but not in Matrigel, IL-1 induces expression of MMP-13 and its matured form at 50 and 25 kDa, respectively. In vitro reconstitution experiment proves that MMP-13, but not its zymogen, activates pro-MMP-9. Further, short hairpin RNA targeting MMP-13 abolishes pro-MMP-9 activation and HSC trans-differentiation. We further demonstrate that pro-MMP-13 activation is facilitated with a membrane-associated factor, inhibited with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, and abolished with short hairpin RNA against MMP-14. Moreover, pro-MMP-13 is also activated by a secreted factor, which is absorbed by gelatin-Sepharose and reconstituted with MMP-9. Thus, IL-1-induced trans-differentiation of HSCs in three-dimensional extracellular matrix is facilitated by an MMP activation cascade (MMP-14 > MMP-13 > MMP-9) and a positive feedback loop of MMP-9 > MMP-13, suggesting their critical roles in liver injury and repair.
Decentralized Contingency-Constrained Tie-Line Scheduling for Multi-Area Power Grids

Tie-line scheduling (TS) becomes a practical need for growing interconnection of regional power grids and the increasing integration of renewable energy. In electricity markets without a coordination organization, TS should be handled in a fully decentralized manner, where the impact of contingencies should also be considered for operational reliability. In this paper, the contingency-constrained TS (CCTS) problem is formulated using a two-stage robust optimization (RO) scheme to consider the N-k security criterion. This robust model is decomposed and handled by the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) in a fully decentralized way, where the column-and-constraint generation (C&CG) is incorporated to solve the regional robust subproblems. Three computational strategies are also developed to enhance the computation efficiency of the decentralized algorithm. Numerical simulations are given to study the computational performance, the solution quality, and scalability of the proposed method.
Levels of nerve growth factor and neurotrophin‐3 are affected differentially by the presence of p75 in sympathetic neurons in vivo

The development and survival of sympathetic neurons is critically dependent on the related neurotrophic factors nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin‐3 (NT3), the actions of which must be executed appropriately despite spatial and temporal overlaps in their activities. The tyrosine receptor kinases, trkA and trkC, are the cognate receptors for NGF and NT3, respectively. The p75 neurotrophin receptor has been implicated in neurotrophin binding and signaling for both NGF and NT3. In this study, the authors used mice that overexpressed NGF (NGF‐OE) or NT3 (NT3‐OE) in skin and mice that lacked p75 (p75−/−) to understand the dynamics of sympathetic neuron response to each neurotrophin and to address the role of p75. NGF and NT3 were measured in sympathetic ganglia and skin (a major target of sympathetic neurons) by using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) technique. A three‐ to four‐fold increase in skin NT3 was seen in both NT3‐OE and p75−/− mice. Moreover, both mouse lines exhibited a three‐fold increase in ganglionic NT3. However, the increase in ganglionic NT3 was accompanied by a decrease in ganglionic NGF in p75−/− mice but not in NT3‐OE mice. This indicated that p75 plays an important role in determining the level of NGF within sympathetic neurons. In NGF‐OE mice, the overexpression of NGF was correlated with increased ganglionic NGF and increased ganglionic expression of p75 mRNA. In addition, in NGF‐OE mice, ganglionic trkC expression was decreased, as was the amount of NT3 present within sympathetic ganglia. These results indicate that the level of p75 is integral in determining the level of sympathetic NGF and that NGF competes with NT3 by increasing the expression of p75 and decreasing the expression of trkC. J. Comp. Neurol. 424:99–110, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of elderly breast cancer : Mansoura Experience

Objectives: There is an observed age related difference in treatment of breast cancer. Elderly women are often not treated in accordance with the current guidelines as far as adjuvant therapy is concerned, and this adversely affects their overall survival. Patients and methods: We studied 485 women aged 60 years or older diagnosed between 2004 and 2008 treated in Clinical Oncology & Nuclear medicine department, Mansoura University hospital. Data was collected from registry including age, performance status, tumor characters, and treatment was received. Patients were classified into two groups, first aged 60-70 years and second older than 70 years. Data was analysed statistically to detect factors affecting treatment decision. Results: Median age was 65years old. Mastectomy and conservative breast surgery performed in younger age group, not significant (P=0.061). Anthracyclin chemotherapy was less given to the patients >70 years and was highly significant (P<0.0001). Chemotherapy was omitted in 58 patients, main cause of omission was the age in age group > 70 years (P<0.0001). Hormonal treatment was administrated more in older age group (P=0.026). Adjuvant treatment offered to younger age group after mastectomy and was significant statistically (P=0.049). Radiotherapy after CBS used more in younger age with no significant relation (P=0.088). Chemotherapy was administrated to the patients with positive lymph nodes more frequently in younger age group showing high significant relation (P<0.0001). Overall (OAS) was shorter in older than younger (24months vs. 37months respectively, P<0.0001). Conclusion: We confirmed that elderly women were substantially undertreated. Geriatric evaluation is recommended when deciding whether and what treatment should be undertaken in older females.
Early Nutritional Screening of Older Adults: Review of Nutritional Support

Protein-energy malnutrition and its consequences can have considerable impact on the quality of life of the elderly. Healthcare providers working with older adults are challenged to recognize individuals at risk for undernutrition and to initiate early nutritional assessment and intervention strategies to prevent malnutrition. In so doing, they can assist in improving the quality of life for the older adult and decrease healthcare costs associated with serious outcomes of malnutrition. Current knowledge about the nutritional needs of the elderly, definition of malnutrition, age-related risk factors, and causes of malnutrition in the elderly are presented in this article. A practical approach to preventing the occurrence of malnutrition is suggested through the use of a quick and easy nutritional screening assessment tool, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Recommendations for specialized nutritional support, as well as its role in wound healing and immune enhancement, are discussed. Where available, scientific data supporting its use are included.
Stories of resistance and healing in the process of leaving abusive relationships

Abstract This article examines the unexpected outcomes of a research project that explored the informal support needs of women leaving abusive relationships.The women not only identified informal supports, they also appreciated the time the research offered them to talk about the violent situations, as well as their healing journeys of leaving relationships to sustain their lives without violence. The women's healing journeys were complex and unstable and the feminist approach used in this research empowered participants to acknowledge their abuse, resist the effects of that abuse, and begin their journeys of recovery.The implications of the findings for best nursing practice and models of service delivery are provided.
Continuous passive motion improves shoulder joint integrity following stroke

Objective: In a pilot study of patients with a first stroke and hemiparesis, we sought to determine whether treatment of the upper limb with continuous passive motion (CPM) that was device delivered would alter impairment, disability or the associated adverse symptoms of shoulder joint instability, pain and tone. Design: Patients were randomly assigned to receive daily CPM treatments or participate in self-range of motion groups under the supervision of an occupational therapist. All patients received standard daily poststroke therapy for 3.5 h per day. A blinded evaluator at admission and discharge assessed patients using standardized scales of impairment, disability and adverse symptoms. Setting: Specialized stroke unit of an acute rehabilitation hospital. Subjects: Two hundred and eighty consecutive patients were screened and 35 of these with a first unilateral stroke, 139-6 days following the acute event, provided informed consent and were randomly assigned to CPM treatment or supervised group self-range exercise. Main measures: Thirty-two completed the study and were evaluated using standardized measures for motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer, Motor Status Scale and Medical Research Council Motor Power), adverse symptoms (gleno-humeral stability, pain and tone), and disability (Functional Independence Measure). Results: CPM-treated patients demonstrated positive trends towards improved shoulder joint stability (p =0.06, confidence interval -0.03, 2.3) when compared with patients performing therapist-supervised self-range of motion. There were no significant differences in motor impairment, disability, pain or tone. Conclusions: Device-delivered continuous passive range of motion may offer an enhanced benefit for some adverse symptom reduction in the hemiplegic arm after stroke over traditional self-range of motion exercise.
Spatiotemporal Imaging of Electrical Activity Related to Attention to Somatosensory Stimulation

The aim of the present study was to localize the effects of spatial attention on somatosensory stimulation in EEG. Median and tibial nerve were stimulated at all four limbs in a random order. Subjects were instructed to count the events on either the right median or the right tibial nerve. Attention-induced changes in the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were revealed by subtracting the median nerve SEPs recorded while subjects attended to stimuli applied to the tibial nerve from those obtained during attention to the stimulated hand. In a current density reconstruction approach source maxima in the time range from 30 to 260 ms after median nerve stimulation were localized and the time courses of activation were elaborated by dipole modeling. Six regions were identified which contribute significant source activity related to selective spatial attention: contralateral postcentral gyrus (Brodman area (BA) 3), contralateral mesial frontal gyrus (BA 6), right posterior parietal cortex (BA 7), anterior cingulate gyrus (BA 32), and bilateral middle temporal gyrus (BA 21). Activation started at the right posterior parietal cortex, followed by the contralateral middle temporal gyrus, probably representing SII activity, and the middle frontal and anterior cingulate gyrus. Similar regions of source activation were revealed by tibial nerve SEP, but the effect was less pronounced and restricted almost entirely to activation of the contralateral postcentral gyrus (BA 3), anterior cingulate gyrus (BA 32), and ipsilateral middle temporal gyrus (BA 21). Our data provide evidence for a spatially separated frontal generator within the anterior cingulum, dependent on selective attention in the somatosensory modality.
Experimental comparison of MIMO OTA testing methodologies

In this paper, we describe our developed three multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) over-the-air (OTA) testing systems of the simplified MIMO OTA testing system using the reverberation chamber, that in the anechoic chamber, and the spatial fading emulator in the anechoic chamber. We also discuss the results of the measurement campaign which was conducted to experimentally compare the difference between them. Based on the results, we conclude that we can employ any type of MIMO OTA testing methodology for the MIMO OTA testing to differentiate overall MIMO OTA performance including multi-antenna characteristics.
Lower limb joint moment during walking in water

Purpose: Walking in water is a widely used rehabilitation method for patients with orthopedic disorders or arthritis, based on the belief that the reduction of weight in water makes it a safer medium and prevents secondary injuries of the lower-limb joints. To our knowledge, however, no experimental data on lower-limb joint moment during walking in water is available. The aim of this study was to quantify the joint moments of the ankle, knee, and hip during walking in water in comparison with those on land. Method: Eight healthy volunteers walked on land and in water at a speed comfortable for them. A video-motion analysis system and waterproof force platform were used to obtain kinematic data and to calculate the joint moments. Results: The hip joint moment was shown to be an extension moment almost throughout the stance phase during walking in water, while it changed from an extension- to flexion-direction during walking on land. The knee joint moment had two extension peaks during walking on land, whereas it had only one extension peak, a late one, during walking in water. The ankle joint moment during walking in water was considerably reduced but in the same direction, plantarflexion, as that during walking on land. Conclusions: The joint moments of the hip, knee, and ankle were not merely reduced during walking in water; rather, inter-joint coordination was totally changed.
Review article: the treatment of refractory Helicobacter pylori infection

The occurrence of refractory Helicobacter pylori infection is increasing. When the bacteria are not eradicated it means that the antibiotics have not reached the gastric mucosa at a sufficient concentration and over a sufficient time lapse to kill them. The main reasons for this are poor patient compliance, resistant bacteria, low gastric pH and a high bacterial load. Therefore, when administering a new treatment, it is important to choose antibiotics which do not face resistance problems and which increase the dosage of antisecretory drugs and the duration of treatment and, if possible, to add a topical agent such as bismuth salt.
Comparative Institutional Analysis and the Diffusion of Employment Practices in Multinational Companies

One of the key aspects of the role of multinational companies (MNCs) as employers is their ability to diffuse practices across borders. This process not only has the potential to drive change in national employment relations systems but can also influence, both positively and negatively, the competitive position of the firms themselves. Moreover, the diffusion of practices can be seen as a crucial test of how MNCs integrate their operations across quite distinct national systems. A crucial question, therefore, concerns how we can best understand why and how MNCs transfer practices across borders?