Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-parody in Pasolini’s La ricotta and Appunti per un’Orestiade africana

This article explores the practice of self-parody in Pier Paolo Pasolini’s films La ricotta (1963) and Appunti per un’Orestiade africana (1970). A rarely addressed aspect of Pasolini’s work, self-parody challenges the reverential view of Pasolini as one of Italy’s most influential artists. It refers not merely to self-mockery but to the filmmaker’s wish to perplex the viewer by proposing competing ideological standpoints. The viewer is encouraged to distrust Pasolini’s discourse but also to re-examine his/her own ideological investment in the work and engage in a process of self-reflection. In La ricotta, Orson Welles’s role as a film director who is making a film about Christ’s Passion provides a caricature of Pasolini’s auteur status. Appunti is a documentary-like film on Africa the aestheticism of which Pasolini subjects to criticism through the interplay of diverse formal elements. As two films that deviate from the feature-length narrative structure that predominates in Pasolini’s cinema, La ricotta and Appunti allow the filmmaker the flexibility to experiment with specific elements of film form – parallel editing, color or black and white, standard speed or fast-motion, staged or documentary footage, and a rupture between sound and image – toward the articulation of his competing voices.
A gene required for the regulation of photosynthetic light harvesting in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803

A gene required for the short‐term regulation of photosynthetic light harvesting (the state transition) has been identified in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. The open reading frame is designated sll1926 in the complete Synechocystis gene sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence has no homologues in current sequence databases and no recognizable sequence motifs. It encodes a putative integral membrane protein of 16 kDa, which we have designated RpaC (regulator of phycobilisome association C). Fluorescence measurements of an insertional inactivation mutant of rpaC (Δsll1926) show that it is specifically unable to perform state transitions. Δsll1926 has approximately wild‐type levels of PS1, PS2 and phycobilisomes. Measurements of oxygen evolution and uptake show Δsll1926 to have no deficiency in electron transport rates. In vitro [γ‐32P]‐ATP labelling experiments suggest that RpaC is not the 15 kDa membrane phosphoprotein previously implicated in state transitions. Δsll1926 grows more slowly than the wild type only at very low light intensities.
The Effectiveness of Benzydamine Hydrochloride Spraying on the Endotracheal Tube Cuff or Oral Mucosa for Postoperative Sore Throat

BACKGROUND:The etiology of postoperative sore throat (POST) is considered to be the result of laryngoscopy, intubation damage, or inflated cuff compression of the tracheal mucosa. In this study, we compared the effectiveness in alleviating POST using different approaches to benzydamine hydrochloride (BH) administration by spraying the endotracheal tube (ET) cuff or the oropharyngeal cavity, or both. METHODS:Three hundred eighty patients were included in this prospective and double-blind study, which was randomized into 4 groups: group A, oropharyngeal cavity spray of BH, and distilled water on the ET cuff; group B, both the oropharyngeal cavity and the ET cuff received BH spray; group C, the ET cuff received BH spray, and the oropharyngeal cavity received distilled water; and group D, distilled water sprayed on both the ET tube and into the oropharyngeal cavity. The patients were examined for sore throat (none, mild, moderate, severe) at 0, 2, 4, and 24 hours postextubation. RESULTS:The incidence of POST was 23.2%, 13.8%, 14.7%, and 40.4% in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. POST occurred significantly less frequently in groups B and C compared with group D (odds ratio: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.21–0.60; P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups A and D (odds ratio: 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.38–1.01). Moreover, there was no significant interaction between spraying BH over the oropharyngeal cavity and the ET cuff on the incidence of POST (P = 0.088). The severity of POST was significantly more intense in group D compared with groups B and C (P < 0.001). Group B had a significantly higher incidence of local numbness, burning, and/or stinging sensation compared with patients in group D (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:This study indicates that spraying BH on the ET cuff decreases the incidence and severity of POST without increased BH-related adverse effects.
Chromatin dynamics mediated by histone modifiers and histone chaperones in postreplicative recombination

Eukaryotic chromatin is regulated by chromatin factors such as histone modification enzymes, chromatin remodeling complexes and histone chaperones in a variety of DNA‐dependent reactions. Among these reactions, transcription in the chromatin context is well studied. On the other hand, how other DNA‐dependent reactions, including postreplicative homologous recombination, are regulated in the chromatin context remains elusive. Here, histone H3 Lys56 acetylation, mediated by the histone acetyltransferase Rtt109 and the histone chaperone Cia1/Asf1, is shown to be required for postreplicative sister chromatid recombination. This recombination did not occur in the cia1/asf1‐V94R mutant, which lacks histone binding and histone chaperone activities and which cannot promote the histone acetyltransferase activity of Rtt109. A defect in another histone chaperone, CAF‐1, led to an increase in acetylated H3‐K56 (H3‐K56‐Ac)‐dependent postreplicative recombination. Some DNA lesions recognized by the putative ubiquitin ligase complex Rtt101‐Mms1‐Mms22, which is reported to act downstream of the H3‐K56‐Ac signaling pathway, seem to be increased in CAF‐1 defective cells. Taken together, these data provide the framework for a postreplicative recombination mechanism controlled by histone modifiers and histone chaperones in multiple ways.
Massive infiltration of the skin by HIV-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells.

To the Editor: A 32-year-old man infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since 1987 presented in May 1993 with scaly, erythematous skin plaques. His CD4 count was 403 per cubic millimeter. In June 1994, he was admitted because of a pruriginous erythroderma, with infiltrated, photosensitive lesions and a palmoplantar keratoderma. Examination revealed enlarged axillary and inguinocrural lymph nodes. The laboratory findings included 1400 eosinophils per cubic millimeter, 2820 lymphocytes per cubic millimeter (89 percent were CD8+ T cells), and the presence of Sezary cells (300 per cubic millimeter). Histologic studies showed a lymphoid infiltrate with epidermotropism and microabscesses, including .
Analysis of naturalistic driving videos of fleet services drivers to estimate driver error and potentially distracting behaviors as risk factors for rear-end versus angle crashes

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and odds of fleet driver errors and potentially distracting behaviors just prior to rear-end versus angle crashes. Methods: Analysis of naturalistic driving videos among fleet services drivers for errors and potentially distracting behaviors occurring in the 6 s before crash impact. Categorical variables were examined using the Pearson's chi-square test, and continuous variables, such as eyes-off-road time, were compared using the Student's t-test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of a driver error or potentially distracting behavior being present in the seconds before rear-end versus angle crashes. Results: Of the 229 crashes analyzed, 101 (44%) were rear-end and 128 (56%) were angle crashes. Driver age, gender, and presence of passengers did not differ significantly by crash type. Over 95% of rear-end crashes involved inadequate surveillance compared to only 52% of angle crashes (P < .0001). Almost 65% of rear-end crashes involved a potentially distracting driver behavior, whereas less than 40% of angle crashes involved these behaviors (P < .01). On average, drivers spent 4.4 s with their eyes off the road while operating or manipulating their cell phone. Drivers in rear-end crashes were at 3.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73–5.44) times adjusted higher odds of being potentially distracted than those in angle crashes. Conclusions: Fleet driver driving errors and potentially distracting behaviors are frequent. This analysis provides data to inform safe driving interventions for fleet services drivers. Further research is needed in effective interventions to reduce the likelihood of drivers' distracting behaviors and errors that may potentially reducing crashes.
The adoption of physical activity and eating behaviors among persons with obesity and in the general population: the role of implicit attitudes within the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract Obesity can be prevented by the combined adoption of a regular physical activity (PA) and healthy eating behaviors (EB). Researchers mainly focused on socio-cognitive models, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), to identify the psychological antecedents of these behaviors. However, few studies were interested in testing the potential contribution of automatic processes in the prediction of PA and EB. Thus, the main objective of this study was to explore the specific role of implicit attitudes in the pattern of prediction of self-reported PA and EB in the TPB framework, among persons with obesity and in adults from the general population. One hundred and fifty-three adults participated to this cross-sectional study among which 59 obese persons (74% women, age: 50.6 ± 12.3 years, BMI: 36.8 ± 4.03 kg m–²) and 94 people from the general population (51% women; age: 34.7 ± 8.9 years). Implicit attitudes toward PA and EB were estimated through two Implicit Association Tests. TPB variables, PA and EB were assessed by questionnaire. Regarding to the prediction of PA, a significant contribution of implicit attitudes emerged in obese people, β = . 25; 95%[CI: . 01, . 50]; P = . 044, beyond the TPB variables, contrary to participants from the general population. The present study suggests that implicit attitudes play a specific role among persons with obesity regarding PA. Other studies are needed to examine which kind of psychological processes are specifically associated with PA and EB among obese people.
Turning Back Time - What Impact on Performance?

Consistent with the divide-and-conquer approach to problem solving, a recursive result is presented in the domain of stochastic modelling that derives product-form solutions for the steady state probabilities of certain networks composed from interacting Markov chains. Practical applications include multi-tasking operating systems, communication channels and multi-tiered storage systems. The approach is also applied to the computation of response time quantiles, which are vital in transaction processing, computer communication service level agreements and other operational systems. The joint probability distribution of the sojourn times of a tagged task at each node in a network is determined by noting that this is the same in both the forward and reversed processes. In this way, existing results for response time probability densities in tandem, tree-like, and overtake-free Markovian queueing networks are quickly and systematically obtained. We further show how to apply the method in more general networks.
The role of flumazenil in the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence: physiological and psychological profiles

Abstract Two-related studies are presented here, detailing our early experience with benzodiazepine-dependent patients treated with a four-day flumazenil infusion using a novel delivery technique. Patients with long-term benzodiazepine dependence who attended the Australian Medical Procedures Research Foundation (AMPRF, Perth, Australia) for treatment were recruited for these studies. Self-reported psychological and physical symptoms, as well as objective vital signs data were collected at intervals before, during and 2 weeks postinfusion. Study A is a case series with cardiovascular measures; study B is an open trial that tracks the psychological profiles of 13 subjects. Withdrawal symptoms were tracked, however, the nature and severity of these symptoms differed between patients. No major complications or discomfort prompting study dropout was observed. Significant benzodiazepine abstinence occurred with this flumazenil infusion method despite high levels of initial dependence, comorbid substance use and comorbid psychiatric illness. Low-dose flumazenil infusion appears to be a safe and effective treatment resulting in withdrawal symptoms of lesser severity than any other cessation method currently available. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Institutions and Economic Performance: Endogeneity and Parameter Heterogeneity

The hallmark of the recent development and growth literature is a quest to identify institutions that explain a significant portion of the observed differences in living standards across countries. Empirical work in the area focuses almost exclusively on either the global sample or on developing nations. Certainly it is important to know which institutions are lacking in these developing countries, but the analysis provides little evidence for us to know to what extend a common set of institutions actually matters in advanced and developing countries. In this paper we examine parameter heterogeneity in prominent approaches to institutions and economic performance. We find that a new set of instruments is necessary to control for endogeneity, but that a common set of economically important institutions does indeed exist among advanced and developing nations. The impact of these institutions does vary substantially across samples; it is about three times as high in developing countries as compared to OECD countries.
Can the world be shown to be indeterministic after all

This essay considers and evaluates recent results and arguments from classical chaotic systems theory and non-relativistic quantum mechanics that pertain to the question of whether our world is deterministic or indeterministic. While the classical results are inconclusive, quantum mechanics is often assumed to establish indeterminism insofar as the measurement process involves an ineliminable stochastic element, even though the dynamics between two measurements is considered fully deterministic. While this latter claim concerning the Schrodinger evolution must be qualified, the former fully depends on a resolution of the measurement problem. Two alleged proofs that nature is indeterministic, relying, in turn, on Gleason's theorem and Conway and Kochen's recent 'free will theorem', are shown to be wanting qua proofs of indeterminism. We are thus left with the conclusion that the determinism question remains open.
The Effect of Power Frequency High Intensity Electric Fields on Implanted Cardiac Pacemakers

Thirty‐five patients fitted with 16 different pacemaker models (from 6 manufacturers) were exposed to 50 Hz electric fields up to a maximum of 20 kV/m. Four different response patterns were encountered: (1) normal sensing and pacing in all Medtronic and some Vitatron units; (2) reversion to the fixed (interference) rale in ail Telectronics. all Pacesetter, some Vitatron and CPI units; (3) slowand irregtilarpacing in one CPI and in all Cordis units; (4) mixed behaviorovera critical range of field strengths in which slow and irregular pacing preceded reversion to fixed‐rate, in some Telectromics and Pacesetter units. The field strengths required to induce such behavior varied from unit to unit and from model to model, with Telectronics being the most sensitive. In general, the interference threshold depended on the magnitude and distribution of induced body current relative to the pacemaker as well as field strength and thus varied with patient height, build and posture. While only a small proportion of pacemaker patients are likely lo encounter electric fields strong enough to interim.1 with pacemaker behavior, this possible hazard should be recognized.
The effect of a cusped matter distribution on the formation of brightest cluster members

We present N-body simulations of galaxy groups embedded in a common halo of matter. We study the influence of the different initial conditions upon the evolution of the group and show that denser configurations evolve faster, as expected. We then concentrate on the influence of the initial radial density profile of the common halo and of the galaxy distribution. We select two kinds of density distributions, a singular profile (modelled by a Hernquist distribution) and a profile with a flat core (modelled by a Plummer sphere). In all cases we witness the formation of a central massive object owing to mergings of individual galaxies and to accretion of stripped material, but both its formation history and its properties depend heavily on the initial distribution. In Hernquist models the formation is caused by a ‘burst’ of mergings in the inner parts, owing to the large initial concentration of galaxies in the centre. The merging rate is much slower in the initial phases of the evolution of a Plummer distribution, where the contribution of accretion to the formation of the central object is much more important. The central objects formed within Plummer distributions have projected density profiles which are not in agreement with the radial profiles of observed brightest cluster members, unless the percentage of mass in the common halo is small. In contrast, the central object formed in initially cusped models has projected radial profiles in very good agreement with those of brightest cluster members, sometimes also showing luminosity excess over the r1/4 law in the outer parts, as is observed in cD galaxies.
Housing price volatility and its determinants

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the housing price volatility for eight capital cities in Australia over 1987-2007. Specifically, the volatility of Australian housing and its determinants were investigated. Design/methodology/approach - An exponential-generalised autoregressive conditional heteoskedasticity (EGARCH) model was employed to analyse the volatility for eight capital cities in Australia. The Engle LM test was also utilised to examine the volatility clustering effects in these cities. Findings - The volatility clustering effects (ARCH effects) were found in many Australian capital cities. The importance of estimating each individual city's EGARCH model was also demonstrated in which the determinants of housing volatility vary from a city to another city. Asymmetric of the positive and negative shocks were also documented. Research limitations/implications - This study has implications for investors and policy makers in which housing investors should estimate the conditional variance (EGARCH process) of a housing market in respect to the volatility of housing series is not always constant over time. Furthermore, policy makers should also address the importance of considering the sub-national factors in formulating the national housing policy. The analysis and results are limited by the quality of the data. Originality/value - This paper is one of the few studies in housing volatility. Additionally, it is probably the first attempt to assess the volatility spillover effects in the Australian housing market.
Preparing for PrEP: Perceptions and Readiness of Canadian Physicians for the Implementation of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Recent evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, but concerns persist around its use. Little is known about Canadian physicians' knowledge of and willingness to prescribe PrEP. We disseminated an online survey to Canadian family, infectious disease, internal medicine, and public health physicians between September 2012–June 2013 to determine willingness to prescribe PrEP. Criteria for analysis were met by 86 surveys. 45.9% of participants felt “very familiar” with PrEP, 49.4% felt that PrEP should be approved by Health Canada, and 45.4% of respondents were willing to prescribe PrEP. Self-identifying as an HIV expert (odds ratio, OR = 4.1, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.6–10.2), familiarity with PrEP (OR = 5.0, 95%CI = 1.3–19.0) and having been asked by patients about PrEP (OR = 4.0, 95%CI = 1.5–10.5) were positively associated with willingness to prescribe PrEP on univariable analysis. The latter two were the strongest predictors on multivariate analysis. Participants cited cost and efficacy as major concerns. 75.3% did not feel that information had been adequately disseminated among physicians. In summary, Canadian physicians demonstrate varying levels of support for PrEP and express concerns about its implementation. Further research on real-world effectiveness, continuing medical education, and clinical support is needed to prepare physicians for this prevention strategy.
The Absence of Positive Feedback between Estrogen and Luteinizing Hormone in Sexually Immature Girls

Extract: The development of estrogen-mediated luteinizing hormone (LH) release (positive feedback) was studied in prepubertal, pubertal, and adult females. The optimum means of eliciting positive feedback was established by administering graded doses of 17β-estradiol (E2) for 5 days to 11 women during the early follicular phase of 14 menstrual cycles. Three groups of adult subjects were formed based on the peak levels of E2 in plasma attained: 100–200 pg/ml, 200–300 pg/ml, and >300 pg/ml. In all groups, LH values in plasma fell to a nadir at a mean time of 2 days after the initiation of injections and then rose sharply while plasma E2 levels in plasma still remained elevated. The magnitude of the LH elevations appeared to relate to the levels of E2 in plasma.In contrast to the results in adult women, three prepubertal girls and an 11-year-old girl with gonadal dysgenesis did not evidence positive feedback when given similar estrogen courses. Levels of E2 in plasma in the prepubertal subjects ranged between 100 and 300 pg/ml and both LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) remained suppressed. One early pubertal girl displayed a small increment in LH in the presence of elevated exogenous estrogen levels. One midpubertal, premenarchal girl with adult levels of gonadotropins and precocious puberty due to an hypothalamic cyst revealed a large LH rise during E2 administration both before and after drainage of the cyst. Finally, a 14-year-old girl with gonadal dysgenesis and adult castrate levels of gonadotropins also displayed positive feedback.Speculation: Puberty in women is a multistage process which involves alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. A change in sensitivity of the negative feedback system is associated with rising gonadotropin levels early in the course of sexual maturation. Ovulatory potential is dependent on the development of positive feedback, an event which occurs later in the course of pubescence.