Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncertainties in Classification System Conversion and an Analysis of Inconsistencies in Global Land Cover Products

In this study, using the common classification systems of IGBP-17, IGBP-9, IPCC-5 and TC (vegetation, wetlands and others only), we studied spatial and areal inconsistencies in the three most recent multi-resource land cover products in a complex mountain-oasis-desert system and quantitatively discussed the uncertainties in classification system conversion. This is the first study to compare these products based on terrain and to quantitatively study the uncertainties in classification system conversion. The inconsistencies and uncertainties decreased from high to low levels of aggregation (IGBP-17 to TC) and from mountain to desert areas, indicating that the inconsistencies are not only influenced by the level of thematic detail and landscape complexity but also related to the conversion uncertainties. The overall areal inconsistency in the comparison of the FROM-GLC and GlobCover 2009 datasets is the smallest among the three pairs, but the smallest overall spatial inconsistency was observed between the FROM-GLC and MODISLC. The GlobCover 2009 had the largest conversion uncertainties due to mosaic land cover definition, with values up to 23.9%, 9.68% and 0.11% in mountainous, oasis and desert areas, respectively. The FROM-GLC had the smallest inconsistency, with values less than 4.58%, 1.89% and 1.2% in corresponding areas. Because the FROM-GLC dataset uses a hierarchical classification scheme with explicit attribution from the second level to the first, this system is suggested for producers of map land cover products in the future.
Cadherin‐11 is highly expressed in rhabdomyosarcomas and during differentiation of myoblasts in vitro

Rhabdomyosarcomas bear a morphological and genetic resemblance to developing skeletal muscle. Apart from myogenic marker genes (bHLH factors, myosin, actin), cell adhesion molecules such as N‐cadherin and N‐CAM have been reported to be expressed both in rhabdomyosarcomas and during myogenesis. The present study demonstrates the expression of another cadherin, cadherin‐11, in rhabdomyosarcomas and during differentiation of myoblasts in vitro: cadherin‐11, a predominantly mesenchymal cell adhesion molecule, is highly expressed in embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas and alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas, which do not bear the Pax‐3–FKHR fusion previously described. Cadherin‐11 is down‐regulated in normal skeletal muscle and after myotube formation in vitro. The results of this study suggest that cadherin‐11 might be involved in myogenesis and that rhabdomyosarcomas may re‐express or fail to down‐regulate cadherin‐11. Since alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas bearing the t(2;13) translocation do not express cadherin‐11, it is postulated that Pax‐3 and cadherin‐11 might be linked and involved in the same myogenic pathway. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors Affecting Student Performance in the First Accounting Course in Diploma Program under Political Conflict

Investigating student performance in the first accounting course, under situations of political conflict, is a unique and rare case of investigation. In light of this gap, the current study aims to investigate the impact of some factors on student performance in the first accounting course in diploma program under political conflict. Using correlation matrix and multiple regression analysis, a sample of 122 students is analyzed. The study finds that three factors (CGPA, high school grade, and high school branch) have a significant impact on student performance in the first accounting course under political conflict. Regarding student’s gender and age, the current study finds no significant differences between males and females, and between younger and older students in their performance in the first accounting course. Keywords: Student performance; the first accounting course; diploma program; political conflict.
Explaining Disagreement on Interest Rates in a Taylor‐Rule Setting

Most studies on disagreement focus on one specific variable, thereby neglecting the fact that disagreement can be co-moving with disagreement on other variables. In this paper, we explore to what extent disagreement regarding the interest rate is driven by disagreement on inflation and unemployment. This relationship can be motivated by the theoretical concept of the Taylor rule. Using survey microdata for both professional forecasters and consumers, we provide evidence that disagreement on the interest rate is mainly driven by disagreement on inflation. We further show that disagreement is significantly influenced by central bank transparency, as well as news on money and credit conditions.
Thinking through performance: Children make sense of characters and social relationships through a gesture-based theatre convention (Tableau)

This inquiry considers a gesture-based theatre convention called tableau as used by first and second graders during language arts instruction. I argue that tableau acts as a medium of thinking, used to make sense of literary text and of social relationships. Tableau is largely non-language-based; it augments instructional practices that are primarily language-based. Tableau reveals sophisticated understandings children cannot yet put into language. As such, tableau offers educators a means to cast children as capable analysts of literature. Qualitatively oriented, this inquiry uses instrumental case study methods of observation and data analysis coupled with a concurrent conceptual study of the implications of the children's actions. However, unlike many case studies, I took the role of teacher-researcher to bring first hand experience using tableau pedagogically. Information was gathered and analyzed through videotapes, audiotapes and still photographs of the children's planning, enactment and follow-up discussion about each tableau. Inductive analyses identified patterns while taking into account the mutually shaping influences within the study environment. Established related theories were studied and modified based on the data collected, thereby grounding the theories in children's actions. This inquiry suggests three ways tableau acts as a means of thinking. First, through tableau, children think through the non-language-based sign system of performative gesture. Secondly, children use emotion-based cognitive systems to interpret the point of view of characters as well as relationships between characters. Thirdly, to create a tableau, children negotiate meaning and control with their peers and through the sociocultural environment, employing intellectual, emotional and social labor. In addition, tableau reveals personal beliefs and underlying sociocultural values about social relationships and provides occasion to discuss multiple perspective taking, positioning and negotiation. Tableau acts as a microcosm reflecting the tensions of the larger social world. Within this microcosm, children use tableau to think through relationships written into literary text and to negotiate a position in the immediate social world. Children use the space of tableau as a three-dimensional canvass that bridges reasoning non-verbally and reasoning through language.
Tests for ovarian reserve: reliability and utility

Purpose of review This review discusses ovarian reserve tests for ovulation induction and their application in determining fertility capacity, and their current applications to assess risk of natural ovarian failure and to estimate ovarian function after cancer treatment. Recent findings The current arsenal of ovarian reserve tests comprises hormonal markers [basal follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, inhibin-B, antimullerian hormone (AMH)] and ultrasonographic markers [ovarian volume, antral follicle counts (AFCs)]. These markers have limitations in terms of which test(s) should be used to reliably predict ovarian reserve with regard to accuracy, invasiveness, cost, convenience, and utility. Several studies have correlated sonographic AFCs with serum AMH levels for predicting the ovarian response to ovulation induction protocols during assisted reproduction treatments. Summary Serum AMH levels and AFC are reliable tests for predicting the ovarian response to ovulation induction. However, none of the currently employed tests of ovarian reserve can reliably predict pregnancy after assisted conception. Further, ovarian reserve tests cannot predict the onset of reproductive and hormonal menopause; thus, they should be used with caution for reproductive life-programming counseling. Moreover, there is no evidence to support the use of ovarian reserve tests to estimate the risk of ovarian sufficiency after cancer treatments.
Effects of Distance and Borders on International and Interregional Tourist Flows: A micro-gravity analysis

Although there have been a number of studies that have applied the gravity model to migration and tourist flows, analyses covering both international and intranational movements have been scarce. This study, using unique official statistics for accommodation facilities in Japan, empirically analyzes the determinants of both international and intranational tourist flows. According to gravity model estimations, physical distance has a large, negative effect on tourist flows, but the quantitative magnitude of these effects differs little between foreign and domestic (interregional) tourists. The border effect on tourist flows is quantitatively large, and the number of tourists from foreign countries is more than 60% smaller than that from domestic ones. These results suggest that policies mitigating border barriers may contribute to a higher number of foreign tourists.
Leptin regulates estrogen receptor gene expression in ATDC5 cells through the extracellular signal regulated kinase signaling pathway

Both estrogen and leptin play an important role in the regulation of physiological processes of endochondral bone formation in linear growth. Estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) are known as members of the superfamily of nuclear steroid hormone receptors and are detected in all zones of growth plate chondrocytes. They can be regulated in a ligand‐independent manner. Whether leptin regulates ERs in the growth plate is still not clear. To explore this issue, chondrogenic ATDC5 cells were used in the present study. Messenger RNA and protein analyses were performed by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. We found that both ERα and ERβ were dynamically expressed during the ATDC5 cell differentiation for 21 days. Leptin (50ng/ml) significantly upregulated ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein levels 48 h after leptin stimulation (P < 0.05) at day 14. The up‐regulation of ERα and ERβ mRNA by leptin was shown in a dose‐dependent manner, but the most effective dose of leptin was different (100 and 1,000 ng/ml, respectively). Furthermore, we confirmed that leptin augmented the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in a time‐dependent manner. A maximum eightfold change was observed at 15 min. Finally, a specific ERK1/2 inhibitor, UO126, blocked leptin‐induced ERs regulation in ATDC5 cells, indicating that ERK1/2 mediates, partly, the effects of leptin on ERs. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that leptin regulates the expression of ERs in growth plate chondrocytes via ERK signaling pathway, thereby suggesting a crosstalk between leptin and estrogen receptors in the regulation of bone formation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1323–1332, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chaos based linear precoding for OFDM

This paper presents a novel multicarrier (MC) modulation method based on the linear precoded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (LP-OFDM). For linear precoding an orthogonal transform - the orthogonalized chaotic transform (OCT), which is based on the chaotic 1-D logistic map and the Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization process, is employed. This orthogonal transform based precoding spreads information over the whole orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal spectrum, therefore providing higher resistance to the multipath propagation and a lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) level in comparison with a conventional OFDM system. Two types of the LP-OFDM systems are presented: with and without pilot signal precoding. For performance assessment of the newly proposed OCT-OFDM system, an LP-OFDM system based on the well-known Walsh-Hadamard transform (WHT) is used. Baseband communication system models, created using computer simulation environment, have been used in order to investigate the validity of the proposed WHT and OCT-based LP-OFDM systems with and without pilot symbol precoding. As a result, the bit error rate (BER) performance over a Relay channel for all the observed LP-OFDM system models and the conventional OFDM model are compared. In addition, the instantaneous power complementary cumulative distribution functions (CCDFs) of the waveforms, transmitted by the OFDM and the LP-OFDM systems, are explored and compared.
Role of nerve growth factor in suramin neurotoxicity studied in vitro

We determined whether suramin neurotoxicity can be prevented by nerve growth factor (NGF) and if this interaction occurs at the level of the NGF receptor. Neurite outgrowth from rat dorsal root ganglia in vitro was measured serially in the presence of suramin (100–600 μM) alone or with β‐NGF (50–1,000 ng/ml). Competitive NGF receptor–binding studies were done with 125I‐labeled NGF in the presence or absence of suramin. Neurite growth was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner, but at usual neurotoxic levels this inhibition could be overcome completely by increasing the concentration of NGF. Receptor‐binding assays showed similar dose‐dependent inhibition of 125I‐labeled NGF binding. In the presence of suramin, the dissociation constant for high‐affinity binding was decreased from 1.2 × 10−11 to 3.9 × 10−10 and low‐affinity binding from 2.7 × 10−9 to 1.2 × 10−8. Increasing doses of suramin inhibited 125I‐labeled NGF specific binding in a dose‐dependent fashion, and doses of suramin ± 1,000 μM were able to completely inhibit 125I‐labeled NGF specific binding. Suramin‐induced dorsal root ganglia damage can be ameliorated by high‐dose NGF. This effect is most likely due to competition between suramin and NGF at the high‐affinity NGF receptor.
Neurodevelopmental antecedents of early-onset bipolar affective disorder

Background Developmental impairments have been identified as a risk factor for early-onset schizophrenia. Affective symptoms are more common in children and adolescents with disordered neurodevelopment than in healthy controls. Aims To test the hypothesis that severe early-onset mood disorders are associated with developmental antecedents. Method We retrospectively identified 38 adolescent cases (15 female, 23 male; mean age 14.4 years, range 11–18) who met ICD–10 Research Diagnostic Criteria for a manic episode, bipolar affective disorder or psychotic depression, and 41 controls (25 female, 16 male, mean age 14.2 years, range 11–18) with depression but without psychotic features. Results Cases were significantly more likely to have experienced delayed language, social or motor development (OR 5.5, 95% CI=1.4–21.6, P=0.01). in particular those who develop psychotic symptoms (OR 7.2, 95% CI=1.8–28.6, P=0.003). Conclusions Compared to early-onset unipolar depression, neurodevelopmental antecedents are over-represented in early-onset bipolar disorder. The validity of this finding was supported by contemporaneous IQ scores that are not subject to the same potential biases as case-note ratings.
The Relationship Between Exchange Rate Volatility And Banking Sector Development: Time-Series Evidence From Emerging Economies

ABSTRACT:A limited number of recent studies have tested the relationship between some of the macroeconomic indicators and banking sector development. Among them, there are only few single developing-country studies, which tried to examine the direct impact of exchange rate volatility on the banking sector with mixed results. This paper examines the relationship between exchange rate volatility and banking sector development in 16 emerging economies over the period of 1980-2011. In this study we employ Pessaran, et al. 2001 bounds testing approach to cointegratoin and developed the short-run and long-run models. Our findings indicate that banking sector development responds significantly to exchange rate volatility in the majority of emerging economies in which 9 out of 16 confirm the short-run effect and 10 out of 16 exhibit the long-run effect. A strongly negative link between exchange rate uncertainty and liquid liabilities is confirmed. We find that the short-run effect effects last into the long-run effect only in 7 emerging economies. Furthermore, assessing the real exchange rate changes in long run confirmed that appreciation impede the banking sector development and eventually financial market development in majority of emerging economies. Meanwhile, our estimated results show the evidence of the significant impact of real income on banking sector development in almost all countries, implying that higher economic growth leads to higher banking activities and more investment. Given several country-specific results, based on their different economic and financial structure, we suggest that it is very crucial to implement appropriate monetary policy for emerging economies to stabilize their economic growth through the banking sector development upon unexpected exchange rate shocks. Under any kind of uncertainty in a country's financial system, chances for enjoying a well-developed banking sector in emerging economies would fade. All negative effects of exchange rate volatility will reduce efficiency of financial market and long-term growth of economy. In order to achieve these economies' long-run economic growth goals, we suggest that, the banking sector development and eventually financial market development should be considered a long-term objective for all emerging economies. In this paper, possible rationales for contrary short-run and long-run effects are also discussed.
CD44 variant expression in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma

Expression of the lymphocyte homing receptor CD44 and its splice variants have been linked to tumour dissemination and poor prognosis in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Specifically, the in vitro expression of variant exon V6 confers metastatic potential in rat pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. In this study, we investigated the expression of CD44 splice variants in cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, including patients with mycosis fungoides (MF), Sezary syndrome (SS), large‐cell anaplastic lymphoma (LCAL) and HTLV1‐associated cutaneous lymphoma. In addition, 4 involved lymph nodes from 2 patients with MF and 1 patient with SS were examined. Inflammatory dermatoses, lichen planus and psoriasis, and normal skin were also studied. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, including those with specificity for CD44H (standard isoform) and variant exons V3, V6 and V8‐9. Normal epidermal keratinocytes were consistently CD44H and CD44 V3, V6 and V8‐9 positive. In all the different clinicopathological subtypes and stages of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, including involved lymph nodes, tumour cells consistently expressed CD44H, but were CD44 V3 and V6 negative. CD44 V8‐9 was expressed on a majority of tumour cells in 2/5 LCAL and on occasional tumour cells in 2/5 LCAL. Occasional V8‐9 positive tumour cells were also identified in 6/13 MF, 1/4 SS and 3/4 HTLV1. In 2/3 lymph node samples from 2 patients with tumour‐stage MF, CD44 V8‐9 expression was found on a small percentage of atypical mono‐nuclear cells. Scattered V8‐9 positive dermal mononuclear cells were present in sections of lichen planus and psoriasis. We have found no evidence to suggest that the metastasis‐associated CD44 variant exon (V6) is expressed in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, or that CD44H expression is associated with an adverse prognostic group. It is not clear whether the strong expression of CD44 V8‐9 in 2 patients with CD30 positive LCAL reflects activation status or metastatic potential.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Nef Domains Required for Disruption of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Trafficking Are Also Necessary for Coprecipitation of Nef with HLA-A2

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Nef is a critical protein that is necessary for HIV pathogenesis. Its roles include the disruption of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and CD4 trafficking to promote immune evasion and viral spread. Mutational analyses have revealed that separate domains of Nef are required to affect these two molecules. To further elucidate how Nef disrupts MHC-I trafficking in T cells, we examined the role of protein domains that are required for this function (N-terminal alpha helix, polyproline, acidic, and oligomerization domains). We found that each of these regions was required for Nef to disrupt the transport of HLA-A2 to the cell surface and for Nef to coprecipitate with HLA-A2.
Estimated dietary intake of nitrite and nitrate in Swedish children

This study examines the intake of nitrate and nitrite in Swedish children. Daily intake estimates were based on a nationwide food consumption survey (4-day food diary) and nitrite/nitrate content in various foodstuffs. The mean intake of nitrite from cured meat among 2259 children studied was 0.013, 0.010 and 0.007 mg kg−1 body weight day−1 in age groups 4, 8–9 and 11–12 years, respectively. Among these age groups, three individuals (0.1% of the studied children) exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.07 mg nitrite kg−1 body weight day−1. The mean intake of nitrate from vegetables, fruit, cured meat and water was 0.84, 0.68 and 0.45 mg kg−1 body weight day−1 for children aged 4, 8–9 and 11–12 years, respectively. No individual exceeded the ADI of 3.7 mg nitrate kg−1 body weight day−1. However, when the total nitrite intake was estimated, including an estimated 5% endogenous conversion of nitrate to nitrite, approximately 12% of the 4-year-old children exceeded the nitrite ADI. Thus, the intake of nitrite in Swedish children may be a concern for young age groups when endogenous nitrite conversion is included in the intake estimates.
Indigenous Peoples and Gender Roles: The Changing Traditional Roles of Women of the Kalanguya Tribe in Capintalan, Carranglan in the Philippines

Part of the uniqueness of Indigenous Peoples is their rich culture and traditions which they have passed down from generation to generation. Focusing on the Indigenous Women of the Kalanguya Tribe in Capintalan, Carranglan, the study endeavors to learn and chronicle the traditional role of the Kalanguya women, how it has evolved through the years, and the factors that caused change. It compares the past and present roles of the Kalanguya women and delves into reasons why acculturation has taken place and why a radical shift in perspective has become evident not only in the Kalanguya women’s way of thinking but also in their way of life.