Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of miR-9 in the serum of patients with acute ischemic stroke and its effect on neuronal damage.

BACKGROUND This research was aimed to measure the expression of miR-9 in serum of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and explore the role of miR-9 on OGD-induced neuronal damage. METHODS In the present study, we measured the expression of miR-9 in serum of 65 AIS patients by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the effect of miR-9 on oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced neuronal injury was detected by CCK-8 in vitro. Western blot was used to measure the expression of protein. RESULTS We found that the serum level of miR-9 in 65 AIS patients was significantly higher than that in control group (no-AIS), and was positively correlated with NIHSS score (r=0.627, P<0.001), infarct volume ((r=0.576, P<0.001), serum IL-8 (r=0.376, P=0.002), TNF-α (r=0.418, P<0.001), IL-6 (r=0.545, P<0.001), and IL-1β (r=0.592, P<0.001). miR-9 expression levels were upregulated in cultured neurons with OGD treatment. The downregulation of miR-9 significantly alleviated OGD-induced neuronal injury. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that SIRT1 was a target gene of miR-9, and miR-9 negatively regulated SIRT 1 expression and positively regulated p65 expression. CONCLUSIONS All in all, our data showed that downregulation of miR-9 protected neurons against OGD/R-induced injury by the SIRT1-mediated NF-kB pathway.
A microelectromechanical system digital 3C array seismic cone penetrometer

A digital 3C array seismic cone penetrometer has been developed for multidisciplinary geophysical and geotechnical applications. Seven digital triaxial microelectromechanical system accelerometers are installed at 0.25-m intervals to make a 1.5-m-long downhole seismic array. The accelerometers have a flat response up to 2 kHz. The seismic array is attached to a class 1 digital seismic cone, which measures cone tip resistance, sleeve friction, pore-pressure, and inclination. The downhole 3C array can be used together with impulsive seismic sources and/or high-frequency vibrators that are suitable for high-resolution shallow applications. Results from two field experiments showed that a good data quality, including a constant source function within an array, and a dense depth-sampling allowed robust estimation of seismic velocity profiles in the shallow subsoil. Using horizontal and vertical seismic sources, downhole 9C seismic array data can be easily acquired. The quality of the shear-wave data is much superior when the surface seismic source is a controlled, high-frequency vibrator in stead of a traditional sledge hammer. A remarkable correlation in depth, in a fine scale, between low-strain seismic shear wave velocity and high-strain cone tip resistance could be observed. The array measurements of the full-elastic wavefield and the broad spectral bandwidth are useful in investigating frequency-dependent seismic wave propagation in the porous near-surface soil layers, which is informative of the in situ fluid-flow properties. Stable estimates of dispersive seismic velocity and attenuation can be obtained.
Effect of W/C Ratio on Durability and Porosity in Cement Mortar with Constant Cement Amount

Water is often added to concrete placing for easy workability and finishability in construction site. The additional mixing water can help easy mixing and workability but causes increased porosity, which yields degradation of durability and structural performances. In this paper, cement mortar samples with 0.45 of W/C (water to cement) ratio are prepared for control case and durability performances are evaluated with additional water from 0.45 to 0.60 of W/C. Several durability tests including strength, chloride diffusion, air permeability, saturation, and moisture diffusion are performed, and they are analyzed with changed porosity. The changing ratios and patterns of durability performance are evaluated considering pore size distribution, total porosity, and additional water content.
Real-Time Observation of a Coherent Lattice Transformation into a High-Symmetry Phase

Excursions far from their equilibrium structures can bring crystalline solids through collective transformations including transitions into new phases that may be transient or long-lived. Direct spectroscopic observation of far-from-equilibrium rearrangements provides fundamental mechanistic insight into chemical and structural transformations, and a potential route to practical applications, including ultrafast optical control over material structure and properties. However, in many cases photoinduced transitions are irreversible or only slowly reversible, or the light fluence required exceeds material damage thresholds. This precludes conventional ultrafast spectroscopy in which optical excitation and probe pulses irradiate the sample many times, each measurement providing information about the sample response at just one probe delay time following excitation, with each measurement at a high repetition rate and with the sample fully recovering its initial state in between measurements. Using a single-shot, real-time measurement method, we were able to observe the photoinduced phase transition from the semimetallic, low-symmetry phase of crystalline bismuth into a high-symmetry phase whose existence at high electronic excitation densities was predicted based on earlier measurements at moderate excitation densities below the damage threshold. Our observations indicate that coherent lattice vibrational motion launched upon photoexcitation with an incident fluence above 10 mJ/cm2 in bulk bismuth brings the lattice structure directly into the high-symmetry configuration for tens of picoseconds, after which carrier relaxation and diffusion restore the equilibrium lattice configuration.
A new algorithm to generate global rainfall rates from satellite infrared imagery

The modelling of the rainfall rates has a major importance not only in climatology but also in other fields such as natural hazards assessment or agriculture (Kedem et al., 1990a, Kedem et al., 1990b, Short et al., 1989). Whilst rainfall rates are important by themselves in for example natural hazards, accumulative-derived values can be used to provide rainfall total statistics just multiplying the estimated rainfall rate value by the duration of the rain event. Rainfall rates can be measured using groundbased devices such as optical or tipping bucket rain gauges or impact disdrometers. These measurements have the major drawback of high spatial scattering. Moreover, only a few countries are capable of providing a timely and accurate coverage. Due to this, rainfall rates are derived not from these instruments but directly from rain gauge stations. This approach has been proved as imperfect but valid in some extent as noticed by (Sanham et al., 1998). However, if it is aimed to provide any kind of quantitative ground estimation, it is unavoidable to resort to this simplification. On the other hand, some sensors aboard satellites are also capable to provide direct rainfall rates measurements. Based on the measurement of the natural microwave emission of the earth, passive microwave sensors (PMW) are capable of retrieving instantaneous rainfall. As raindrops affect the upwelling energy in these frequencies, radiation received by the satellite is in close relationship with actual rain. This represents an improvement over visible/infrared (VIS/IR) estimations insofar as the cloud top temperature is only indirectly related with cloud-base precipitation processes. The Special Sensor Microwave/Imager sensor (SSM/I) aboard the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites uses this physical principle to retrieve rainfall rates for an almost-gloRevista de Teledetección. 2002. 18: 57-61.
Institutional and Curricular Characteristics of Leading Graduate HRD Programs in the United States. [and] Invited Reaction: Institutional and Curricular Characteristics of Leading Graduate HRD Programs in the United States.

HRD graduate programs form an important component of the system of human resource education in the United States. This study investigated the institutional and curricular characteristics of fifty-five leading programs in this country, focusing on three areas: institutional arrangements, student enrollment, and core curriculum content. Findings include a large degree of heterogeneity among program names, departmental affiliations, and specializations. Compared to data from 1991, student enrollment has declined at the master's level while part-time course taking has increased. Analysis of the core curriculum at these institutions showed a disparity between course offerings and much current writing in the field.
CENTRE FOR ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS CEA@Cass

We analyze the behavior and performance of multiple price jump indicators across markets and over time. By using high-frequency stock market data we identify clusters of price jump indicators that share similar properties in terms of their performance in that they minimize Type I and Type II errors. We show that clusters of price jump indicators formed over the observations do not exhibit equal size. Clusters are stable across stock market indices and accuracy across price jump indicators are both stable over time. There was no significant change in the composition of clusters associated with market activity and the detected numbers of price jumps are stable over time. The recent financial crisis does not seem to affect the overall jumpiness of mature or emerging stock markets. Our results support the stress testing approach of the Basel III Accords in that the jump component of the volatility process does not need to be treated separately for the purpose of stress testing.
Calculations of the transition energies and oscillator strengths for Cu 26+ ion

Non-relativistic energies of 1s 2 2s and 1s 2 np (n• 9) states for Cu 26+ ion are calculated by using the full-core plus correlation method. For 1s 2 2s and 1s 2 2p states, relative discrepancies between our results and high precision results of Yan et al. are within 0.1 ppm. By taking account of the first-order corrections to the energy from relativistic and mass-polarization effects, the higher-order relativistic contribution and QED correction to the energy are estimated under a hydrogen-like approximation. The transition energies, wavelengths and oscillator strengths for the 1s 2 2si1s 2 np transi- tions of the ion are calculated. The results obtained by the three forms are in good agreement with each other.
Characterization of Various Plant-Produced Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Using Dynamic Modulus Test

This research characterizes the performance of various plant-produced asphalt concrete mixtures by dynamic modulus E∗ test using asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT). Marshall designed specimens of seven different mixtures were prepared using the Superpave gyratory compactor and subjected to sinusoidal compressive loading at various temperatures (4.4 to 54.4°C) and loading frequencies (0.1 to 25 Hz). A catalog of default dynamic modulus values for typical asphalt concrete mixtures of Pakistan was established by developing stress-dependent master curves separately, for wearing and base course mixtures. The sensitivity of temperature and loading frequency on determination of dynamic modulus value was observed by typical isothermal and isochronal curves, respectively. Also, the effects of various variables on dynamic modulus were investigated using statistical technique of two-level factorial design of experiment. Furthermore, two dynamic modulus prediction models, namely, Witczak and Hirsch, were evaluated for their regional applicability. Results indicated that both the Witczak and Hirsch models mostly underpredict the value of dynamic modulus for the selected conditions/mixtures. The findings of this study are envisaged to facilitate the implementation of relatively new performance based mechanistic-empirical structural design and analysis approach.
CAN FINAL EXAMINATIONS AMPLIFY STUDENTS’ MISCONCEPTIONS IN CHEMISTRY?

Many researches have been conducted in order to examine students’ misconceptions in chemistry. The present study focuses on students' difficulties regarding the concepts chemical structure and bonding, which are essential for understanding many concepts and topics in chemistry. Research conducted around the world has clearly shown that the concepts associated with chemical structure and bonding, such as molecules, ions, hydrogen bonds, and giant lattices are abstract and are highly based on the sub-microscopic nature of chemistry. In Israel, the central developed Matriculation Examination in chemistry is one of the main sources for information on misconceptions of students. The analyses of the Matriculation Examinations in chemistry, over a period of more than 12 years, revealed each year that students have a fundamental misunderstanding and difficulties regarding these concepts. No doubt, the teaching and learning of these concepts is a serious and continuous problem. In this study we present several factors leading to these misconceptions. More specifically, we focus on how the structure and content of the National Matriculation Examinations conducted in Israel influence chemistry teaching and learning. We think that this type of assessment can be a major factor in the development of students’ learning difficulties and alternative conceptions. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. : 2004, 5, 301-325]
Capital Structure, Cost of Debt and Dividend Payout of Firms in New York and Shanghai Stock Exchanges

The Study collects panel data of listed firms in New York Stock and Shanghai Stock Exchanges during 1992 to 2008. The data are used to perform panel regression estimates for firms in each stock market. The main purpose is to compare the decision on dividend payout of listed firms in the two stock markets. The results from fixed effect estimates show that factors that can explain dividend payout of firms in New York Stock Exchange poorly explain dividend payout of firms in Shanghai Stock Exchange. This paper adds to the literature in that it provides an evidence of difference in dividend policy of firms between advanced and emerging stock markets. For policymakers in the Chinese economy, implementation of measures to enhance the advancement of bond market is necessary. Additionally, firms in Shanghai Stock Exchange should adjust their capital structure to provide room for investors to diversify and adjust their portfolios of stocks and bonds.
Artificial cooling as an alternative to increase productivity and welfare of steers under heat stress

The effects of a cooling system on productive efficiency and welfare of Holstein steers were evaluated during the summer. Sixty steers in the finishing phase were randomly allotted to one of two treatment-groups. Animals of control group were only provided with shade (non-cooled group) and a group of animals under a cooling system were installed in the shaded area (cooled group), which were operated daily from 09am to 6pm during the 69d of the study. The averages of environmental temperature and relative humidity were 35.4°C and 35.3%, respectively, with a temperature-humidity index average of 81.4 during the study. Individual body weight was recorded every two weeks, while body surface temperature and respiratory frequency were recorded three times per week. Blood samples were biweekly taken from coccygeal vein for determination of T3 and T4. The average daily gain in the cooled group gain (1.46kg/d) was similar (P=0.21) to non-cooled group (1.37kg/d). Body surface temperature (35.9oC vs 38.7oC) and respiratory frequency per minute (77 vs 104) were lower (P<0.01) in the cooled group than in non-cooled group, respectively. Triiodotironine levels were similar (P=0.30) in cooled (0.80ng/mL) and non-cooled (0.87ng/mL) groups, while, tiroxine level was lower (P<0.01) in cooled group (44.0ng/mL) compared to non-cooled group (56.6ng/mL). The cooling system did not improve productive parameters but the welfare in the cooled group was increased.
Course of experimental Isospora suis infection in piglets

Four experimental groups (litters) of suckling piglets were formed. Three-day-old piglets from groups I, II, and III were infected per os with I. suis oocysts (200,000, 50,000, and 50,000 oocysts per piglet, respectively) and piglets from group IV were the negative control. Faecal samples were collected from each piglet daily, from 2 to 23 d post infection, and examined with the use of the McMaster method. Additionally, the intensity of diarrhoea was estimated on the basis of consistency of faeces. The piglets from groups III and IV were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and then 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 weeks after the infection. Histological preparations were made from the intestines of piglets, which died due to the infection. Two or three phases of the intensifications of clinical signs and oocyst shedding were noted in the course of the infection. Moreover, the considerable differences in the intensity and time of oocyst excretion in individual piglets in the same litter were observed. The infected piglets had significantly lower body weight in 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 weeks after the infection than the control piglets. The desquamation of intestinal epithelium and shortened intestinal villi were observed in histological sections of the small intestine. Moreover, the developmental stages of I. suis, i.e. meronts, merozoites, micro- and macrogamonts were observed in intestinal mucosa of the infected piglets.
Effect of resonant magnetic perturbations with toroidal mode numbers of 4 and 6 on edge-localized modes in single null H-mode plasmas in MAST

The application of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) with a toroidal mode number of n = 4 or n = 6 to lower single null plasmas in the MAST tokamak produces up to a factor of 5 increase in edge-localized mode (ELM) frequency and reduction in plasma energy loss associated with type-I ELMs. A threshold current for ELM mitigation is observed above which the ELM frequency increases approximately linearly with current in the coils. Despite a large scan of parameters, complete ELM suppression has not been achieved. The results have been compared with modelling performed using either the vacuum approximation or including the plasma response. During the ELM mitigated stage clear lobe structures are observed in visible-light imaging of the X-point region. The size of these lobes is correlated with the increase in ELM frequency observed. The characteristics of the mitigated ELMs are similar to those of the natural ELMs suggesting that they are type-I ELMs which are triggered at a lower pressure gradient. The application of the RMPs in the n = 4 and n = 6 configurations before the L–H transition has little effect on the power required to achieve H-mode while still allowing the first ELM to be mitigated.
Lack of P-limitation of phytoplankton and heterotrophic prokaryotes in surface waters of three anticyclonic eddies in the stratified Mediterranean Sea

We revised our manuscript, originally titled “N-limited or N and P co-limited indications in the surface waters of three Mediterranean basins”. Since one of the referees suggested us improve the title, we revised the title as “Lack of P-limitation of phytoplankton and heterotrophic prokaryotes in surface waters of three anticyclonic eddies in the stratified Mediterranean Sea”. By carefully reading the referees’ comments, we revised the manuscript and prepared our reply to the referees in the separate paper (see below).
The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i): Evaluation of Psychometric Aspects in the Dutch Speaking Part of Belgium

Psychology in the 20th century has been dominated by the importance given to cognitive intelligence. It has become increasingly clear however, that IQ-scores are not always good predictors of academic or professional success (McClelland, 1973; Goleman, 1995). The apparent inability of traditional measures of cognitive intelligence (e.g. IQ) to predict success in life, led to the development of the concept of emotional intelligence (EI), first labelled as such by Salovey and Mayer (1990). The idea itself however was not new.
Executive Summary Predicting Acquisitions in India

Statistical models for predicting takeover targets by using publicly available information, specifically historical accounting information, has attracted considerable academic endeavour. These empirical studies draw from the stylized fact that has unequivocally emerged from literature on performance of mergers and acquisitions: that target firms gain abnormal returns when a takeover announcement is made. Hence, it has been hypothesized that early prediction of takeover targets can stimulate strategic trading that can consistently ‘beat the market’, and make abnormal returns. While it has now been generally proven that such a strategy cannot succeed within semi-strong efficient markets, attempts continue to construct such prediction models to identify potentially valuable firms that can at least provide higher returns under a new management with synergistic propositions. Besides, the characteristics identified by a robust model are also used for preliminary exploration for a potentially good target by acquirers. Following this strand of literature, this paper builds a prediction model for acquisition targets in India using logistic regression. For the estimation of the logistic regression, 122 target firms of acquisitions during the three year-period from 2002 to 2005 were considered, and matched with non-acquiring, non-target firms that had similar promoters’ holdings and belonged to the same industry as the target. Results from logistic regression indicate that, a typical target is inherently strong with high growth and large free cash flow, in spite of high debt levels, but encumbered by an inefficient management, who are probably disciplined by takeover market. Traditional determinants of US and UK studies, viz., size and growth-resource imbalance are not significant in the Indian context. Methodological care was taken at various steps to avoid known biases. Estimation period was taken for a modest three year period rather than a longer period to ensure minimal changes in the macro-economic landscape that might have a bearing on the target characteristics. Further, both raw accounting ratios, and industry adjusted ratios were used to account for non-normality of such data. To build the prediction model, cut-off values were calculated using two methods, one that minimized statistical errors and another that maximized returns; again, the latter was found to be superior. Finally, the prediction model was tested on an out-of-sample database of acquisitions that took place during 2005-2006 and was found to yield prediction accuracies up to 91 per cent.
Determinants of Exchange-Rate Volatility : The Case of the New EU Members

Exchange-rate stability is not only a criterion for joining the Economic Monetary Union (EMU) but also a fundamental property of stable economic development. At present, new members of the European Union are trying to achieve this stability. However, there are several factors that could slow or interrupt these countries’ EMU-integration process. For this reason, this paper analyzes key factors contributing to euro exchange-rate volatility in the new EU members: economic openness, the “news” factor, and the exchange-rate regime. A TARCH (threshold autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity) model is employed to model the volatility of exchange rates. Although this paper focuses on each country separately, in general the results suggest that economic openness has a calming effect on exchange-rate volatility, news significantly affects volatility, and flexible regimes experience higher degrees of volatility. The extent of all these effects varies substantially across country, however.