Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beyond critique: the value of co-production in realising just cities?

ABSTRACT This paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on the role of academic–practice relationships in contributing to sustainable urban development. We argue that co-production offers a potential pathway for academics to work with policy-makers in moving towards the realisation of more just cities. The paper starts from the position that there is an essential need for, but limit to, critique alone in contributing to the possibility of urban change. Moving towards a shared critique as a basis for future action is an important precondition for realising more just cities, adding weight to the voices arguing for alternative urban visions. These arguments are advanced through a study conducted by academic researchers and policy-makers in the Greater Manchester Low Carbon Hub. The paper outlines a process for working with existing urban institutions within institutional constraints to develop affirmative actions with the aim of longer term transformations. A key contribution is then the identification of eight markers for assessing progress towards the realisation of more just cities.
Conformational change, aggregation and fibril formation induced by detergent treatments of cellular prion protein

The conversion of protease‐sensitive prion protein (PrP‐sen) to a high β‐sheet, protease‐resistant and often fibrillar form (PrP‐res) is a central event in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) or prion diseases. This conversion can be induced by PrP‐res itself in cell‐free conversion reactions. The detergent sodium N‐lauroyl sarkosinate (sarkosyl) is a detergent that is widely used in PrP‐res purifications and is known to stimulate the PrP‐res‐induced conversion reaction. Here we report effects of sarkosyl and other detergents on recombinant hamster PrP‐sen purified from mammalian cells under oxidizing conditions that maintain the single native disulfide bond. Low concentrations of sarkosyl (0.001–0.1%) induced aggregation of PrP‐sen molecules, increased light scattering, altered fluorescence excitation and emission spectra, and enhanced the proportion of β‐sheet secondary structure according to circular dichroism and infrared spectroscopies. An enhancement of β‐sheet content was also seen with 0.001% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) but not several other types of detergents. Electron microscopy revealed that sarkosyl induced the formation of both amorphous and fibrillar aggregates. The fibrils appeared to be constructed from spherical bead‐like protofibrils. Neither TSE infectivity nor the characteristic partial proteinase K resistance of PrP‐res was detected in the sarkosyl‐induced PrP aggregates. We conclude that certain anionic detergents can disrupt the conformation of PrP‐sen and induce high β‐sheet aggregates that are distinct from scrapie‐associated PrP‐res in terms of protease‐resistance, infrared spectrum and infectivity. These results reinforce the idea that not all high‐β aggregates of PrP are equivalent to the pathologic form, PrP‐res.
Expression of human papillomavirus type 11 L1 protein in insect cells: in vivo and in vitro assembly of viruslike particles

The L1 coat protein of human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV-11) was expressed in Sf-9 insect cells with the recombinant baculovirus vector Ac11L1. Viruslike particles (VLPs) were identified by electron microscopy in the nucleus and cytoplasm of Sf-9 cells infected with Ac11L1. The L1 protein was purified from Ac11L1-infected insect cells. The purified protein spontaneously assembled in vitro into various aggregates, including particles appearing similar to empty virions. Reaction of VLP-containing insect cell extracts with antisera directed against either denatured or nondenatured capsid epitopes in Western blot (immunoblot) and immuno-dot blot assays suggested that conformational epitopes present in native HPV-11 infectious virions were also present on the baculovirus-produced HPV-11 VLPs. Immuno-dot blot assays using human sera obtained from individuals with biopsy-proven condyloma acuminatum correlated closely with results previously obtained in HPV-11 whole virus particle-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. These morphologic and immunologic similarities to native HPV-11 virions suggest that recombinant VLPs produced in the baculovirus system may be useful in seroepidemiology and pathogenesis studies of genital HPV infection and that they may also be potential candidates for vaccine development.
Parents' Incomes and Children's Outcomes: A Quasi-Experiment Using Transfer Payments from Casino Pro!ts †

We examine the role an exogenous increase in household income, due to a government transfer unrelated to household characteristics, plays in children’s long-run outcomes. Children in affected households have higher levels of education in their young adulthood and a lower incidence of criminality for minor offenses. Effects differ by initial household poverty status. An additional $4,000 per year for the poorest households increases educational attainment by one year at age 21, and reduces the chances of committing a minor crime by 22 percent for 16 and 17 year olds. Our evidence suggests improved parental quality is a likely mechanism for the change. (JEL D14, H23, I32, I38, J13)
Numerical Study on the Time of Water Exchange and the Variation of Pollutants' Concentration in Bohai Bay under the Effect of M2 Constituent

In comparison with some other concept and model for water exchange, it is more representative to use the average residence time as the water exchange time to study the exchange capability of sea areas. Based on the hydrodynamic simulation in the old and new topography in Bohai Bay, the paper studies the water exchange capability, its spatial distribution, and the differences between the old and new topography. The results show that the water exchange capability in Bohai Bay is on a low level: under the old topography, the average water exchange time is 300 days, while under the new topography, it increases to 316 days, indicating that the variation in topography weakens the water exchange capability; the spatial distribution structure of water exchange time is well comparable with that of tide-induced Lagrangian residual current, which demonstrates that the tide- induced Lagrangian residual current is an important dynamic factor in controlling water exchange in Bohai Bay; in the middle of western part of Bohai Bay, there exists a counterclockwise eddy, therefore the water exchange capability is on the lowest level with water exchange time more than 400 days. According to the characteristics of mixing among sub-areas, early mixing is related to geographic distance, and its balance is primary affected by of the characteristics of kinetic field. In addition, the comparison between the distribution structure of water exchange time and that of pollutants' concentration shows good consistency: areas with weak exchange capability are the areas of high concentration of pollutants, while areas with strong exchange capability are the areas of low concentration.
[Ecology of Stomoxys flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Gabon. I. First survey in different ecological areas].

The stomoxyine flies are hematophagous diptera and potential vectors of various pathogenic agents. Like those of the Afrotropical Region, the stomoxyine flies of Gabon remain nearly unknown. For these reasons, an entomological survey was conducted in a transverse way in eight localities representative of the various ecological zones of Gabon. The survey was based on the use of Vavoua traps. Various environmental factors able to influence the captures were noticed and included into a canonical correspondence analysis. In total, 15,966 Stomoxys spp. , belonging to seven species or subspecies, were captured. The apparent densities (DAP) expressed as the number of flies per trap and per day, were highest in Franceville (41), Bakoumba (40), Makokou (25) and Mouila (21). The most abundant species were S. n niger (33.4%), S. transvittatus (33%), then S. calcitrans (17%). The principal factors that could explain the variability of the captures were the degree of anthropisation, the botanical facies (savanna or forest), the presence of wild and domestic fauna and the nature of the vegetal cover of the ground. S. calcitrans, S. niger niger were abundant in the areas where human presence was manifest. S. xanthomelas was present in forest belts. S. transvittatus, S. omega, S. inornatus were ubiquitous species. S. niger bilineatus was found in savannas areas.
Formaldehyde and Glutaraldehyde and Nasal Cytotoxicity: Case Study Within the Context of the 2006 IPCS Human Framework for the Analysis of a Cancer Mode of Action for Humans

Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde cause toxicity to the nasal epithelium of rats and mice upon inhalation. In addition, formaldehyde above certain concentrations induces dose-related increases in nasal tumors in rats and mice, but glutaraldehyde does not. Using the 2006 IPCS human framework for the analysis of cancer mode of action (MOA), an MOA for formaldehyde was formulated and its relevance was tested against the properties of the noncarcinogenic glutaraldehyde. These compounds produce similar patterns of response in histopathology and in genotoxicity tests (although formaldehyde has been much more extensively tested studied). The MOA is based on the induction of sustained cytotoxicity and reparative cell proliferation induced by formaldehyde at concentrations that also induce nasal tumors upon long-term exposure. Data on dose dependency and temporal relationships of key events are consistent with this MOA. While a genotoxic MOA can never be ruled out for a compound that is clearly genotoxic, at least in vitro, the nongenotoxic properties fundamental to the proposed MOA can explain the neoplastic response in the nose and may be more informative than genotoxicity in risk assessment. It is not yet fully explained why glutaraldehyde remains noncarcinogenic upon inhalation, but its greater inherent toxicity may be a key factor. The dual aldehyde functions in glutaraldehyde are likely to produce damage resulting in fewer kinetic possibilities (particularly for proteins involved in differentiation control) and lower potential for repair (nucleic acids) than would be the case for formaldehyde. While there have been few studies of possible glutaraldehyde-associated cancer, the evidence that formaldehyde is a human carcinogen is strong for nasopharyngeal cancers, although less so for sinonasal cancers. This apparent discrepancy could be due in part to the classification of human nasal tumors with tumors of the sinuses, which would receive much less exposure to inhaled formaldehyde. Evaluation of the human relevance of the proposed MOA of formaldehyde in rodents is restricted by human data limitations, although the key events are plausible. It is clear that the human relevance of the formaldehyde MOA in rodents cannot be excluded on either kinetic or dynamic grounds.
Aerobic training and angiogenesis activation in patients with stable chronic heart failure: a preliminary report

Abstract The pathophysiology of chronic heart failure (CHF) involves multiple hystologic and molecular alterations. To determine the effects of physical training on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), angiogenesis (angiogenin, angiopoietin-1 and -2, VEGF, Tie-2, SDF-1α) and inflammation (IL-6, CRP), we compared data obtained from 11 CHF pts before and after 3 months aerobic exercise training, to those from 10 non trained CHF pts (CHF-C group, age 64 + 2 years, NYHA 2). At the end of the study, EPCs count and AP-2 serum levels significantly increased in the CHF-TR group. These preliminary data suggest a significant effect of even a short program of physical training on angiogenic activation and endothelial dysfunction.
Intake of Own Mother’s Milk during the First Days of Life Is Associated with Decreased Morbidity and Mortality in Very Low Birth Weight Infants during the First 60 Days of Life

Background: The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and possibly also of sepsis is lower in preterm infants fed their own mother’s milk (hereafter ‘mother’s milk’) compared with formula-fed infants. It is unclear whether this is caused by the protective properties of breast milk or by the absence of cow’s milk. Especially in early life, mother’s milk is often unavailable to preterm infants, while minimal enteral nutrition is initiated immediately. Objectives: To determine whether there is an association between intake of mother’s milk during the first days of life and the combined outcome of sepsis, NEC and death over a prolonged period. Methods: Retrospective study in infants with a birth weight <1,500 g. Intake of mother’s milk and formula during the first 10 days of life was recorded. The occurrence of sepsis, NEC and death was registered during the first 60 days. Data were analysed using Cox regression analysis, taking confounders into account. Results: In total, 349 infants were included. Intake of mother’s milk during the first 5 days of life was associated with a lower incidence of NEC, sepsis and/or death during the first 60 days of life (hazard ratio (HR) in the category 0.01–50% intake of mother’s milk: 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28, 0.87; HR in the category 50.01–100% intake of mother’s milk: 0.50, 95% CI 0.31, 0.83, both compared to no mother’s milk). During days 6–10, the protective effect was only present if >50% of the total intake was mother’s milk (HR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.22, 0.65). Conclusion: The type of enteral nutrition during the first 10 days of life is associated with the risk of NEC, sepsis and/or death during the first 60 days of life.
An antibody to neutrophils attenuates alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced liver injury.

alpha-Naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) causes cholestasis and injury to bile duct epithelium and hepatic parenchymal cells in rats. The mechanism of toxicity is unknown. Neutrophils (PMNs) infiltrate periportal regions of the liver after ANIT intoxication. Because PMNs play a causal role in other extrahepatic models of tissue injury, we determined whether PMNs might be involved in ANIT-induced liver injury in rats by reducing circulating PMN numbers with a polyclonal antibody (antineutrophil serum). ANIT treatment caused cholestasis and elevations in serum of total bilirubin concentration, total bile acid concentration, aspartate amino-transferase activity, gamma-glutamyltransferase activity and histologic lesions consistent with acute, neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis. Cotreatment of rats with antineutrophil serum reduced circulating PMN numbers, prevented ANIT-induced cholestasis and attenuated other markers of liver injury elevated by ANIT. In addition, antineutrophil serum treatment attenuated the severity of histologic lesions within the liver and reduced the number of PMNs in periportal regions. Numbers of PMNs in liver sections correlated positively with markers of liver injury, histologic evidence of cholangiohepatitis and numbers of circulating PMNs in peripheral blood. The protection afforded by antineutrophil serum appeared to result from a specific reduction of PMNs and not lymphocytes, because administration of an antilymphocyte serum reduced circulating lymphocyte numbers without offering protection. Inasmuch as ANIT stimulates PMNs in vitro to release O2- and since PMN-derived oxygen species may cause tissue injury, we determined whether administration of agents which degrade oxygen radicals afforded protection against the liver injury caused by ANIT. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Team transformational leadership, trust, empowerment, satisfaction, and commitment: testing a structural equation model in software development teams

This dissertation studied the relationship among team transformational leadership, team trust, job satisfaction, and team commitment of the team members as well as the moderating effect of work status such as contract or permanent employees, team size, leader or member, and educational level in software development teams in the United States of America. A total of 5,375 surveys were distributed and only 69 respondents completed the online survey. Based upon 65 validated respondents, this study conducted a confirmatory factor analysis and evaluated the direct and indirect weights of path coefficients among the latent variables by using the AMOS 6.0 and SPSS 11.0 software at 5% level of significance. The results using path analysis indicate that team transformational leadership is strongly positively related to team empowerment and team trust in software development teams while team empowerment and team trust are not related to job satisfaction in software development teams. There is a slight positive relationship between team job satisfaction and the team commitment. The moderator---large or small size team---has no effect on the relationships between the transformational leadership, team trust, job satisfaction, and team commitment in software development teams. In addition, the level of education does not moderate the relationship between the transformational leadership, team trust, and job satisfaction with one exception. For undergraduate team members with undergraduate levels there is a negative relationship (r = -.44) between job satisfaction and team trust in software development teams. However, the relationship is positive (r = .49) for those with graduate levels of education.
Arabic Font Recognition Based on a Texture Analysis

Existing works on the font recognition and based on texture analysis often used Gray Level Cooccurence Matrix (GLCM), Gabor Filters (GF) and wavelet. In this paper, we use Steer able Pyramid (SP) for texture analysis of Arabic homogeneous and normalized text block in order to font recognition. In this frameworks, we use K Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Back-propagation Artificial Neural Network (BpANN) for classification. The Obtained experimental results on the APTID/MF database (Arabic Printed Text Image/ Multi-Font) are encouragents.
Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Korea: a population-based spirometry survey.

RATIONALE Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, there are only limited data on its prevalence, especially in Asia. OBJECTIVES A population-based epidemiologic survey of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a representative national sample was conducted using spirometry. METHODS A stratified multistage clustered probability design was used to select a nationally representative sample. The survey was performed in conjunction with the second Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 9,243 adults over the age of 18 years. The participation rate was 88.8% for questionnaires and 52.1% for spirometry. RESULTS The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria (a ratio of FEV1 to FVC of less than 0.7) was 17.2% (men, 25.8%; women, 9.6%) among subjects older than 45 years. Among adults of all ages (age>18 years), the prevalence of airflow obstruction was 7.8% (10.9% in men, 4.9% in women). The majority of these cases were found to be mild in degree, and only a minority of these subjects had received physician diagnosis or treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that age over 65 years, male sex, smoking more than 20 pack-years, and low income were independent predictors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSIONS Seventeen percent of Korean adults over the age of 45 years have mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Comparison of Shear Bond Strength and Microleakage of Various Bulk-fill Bioactive Dentin substitutes: An in vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION Various bulk-fill materials depending on their composition, viscosity, and flow ability have different physical and mechanical properties. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine and compare the shear bond strength and microleakage properties of activa restorative with other bulk-fill restorative materials surefil (SDR), Biodentine, ever X posterior. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty permanent premolars were selected for shear bond strength, and 20 permanent premolars were selected with class II cavities on mesial and distal side for microleakage. Universal testing device was used to assess the shear bond strength. Microleakage was checked using dye penetration method under a stereomicroscope. Mean and standard deviation values were calculated from the recorded values. Intergroup comparison was done by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pairwise comparison using Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) post hoc test. RESULTS The mean shear bond strength was highest for SDR surefil followed by Ever X posterior, Bioactive restorative, and Biodentine respectively. In this study, SDR (surefil) showed better shear bond strength and better microleakage properties compared with the other test materials (F = 186.7157, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The result of this study showed that flowable and fiber-reinforced composites have better shear bond strength and microleakage properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Flowable bulk-fill composite resins can be used as dentin substitutes because of its superior properties.
The Prognosis of Low Back Pain in General Practice

Study Design. A prospective cohort study on low back pain in consecutive patients in general practice, in which potential prognostic indicators at baseline and at the 1-year follow-up examination were assessed by means of four weekly questionnaires. Objectives. To identify prognostic indicators of the duration of low back pain in general practice and the occurrence of a relapse. Background. Little is known about the prognosis of low back pain in general practice. Different designs and different results of preceding studies make drawing conclusions about the prognostic indicators, if any, of the course of low back pain in general practice difficult. Methods. For a period of 2 years, 15 general practitioners from Amsterdam and surrounding areas studied consecutive patients with chronic low back pain and those with a recent onset of low back pain. A large number of potential prognostic indicators were assessed at the initial visit. After the initial visit, each patient was monitored for a period of 12 months. The follow-up assessment was conducted with four weekly postal questionnaires. The associations among the potential prognostic indicators, the duration of the index episode, and the occurrence of a relapse were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression and logistic regression analysis, respectively. Results. Of the 605 patients identified, 443 were included in the follow-up period of assessment; the questionnaires were completed by 269 patients. In general, patients with less severe low back pain participated less often or did not complete the follow-up study. Thirty-five percent of the population still experienced low back pain after 12 weeks, and 10% still experienced it after 1 year. Approximately three of every four patients whose index episode ended before the end of the follow-up period had one or more relapses within a year. The analysis resulted in a model with four variables predicting the duration of the low back pain, including "the duration of the low back pain preceding the initial visit," "receiving physical therapy," "pain intensity," and "history of back surgery. " Daily functioning appeared to be the only variable that was significantly associated with the occurrence of a relapse. Conclusions. Only a few variables appear to be related to the clinical course of low back pain seen in general practice. In particular, the duration preceding the initial visit and, unexpectedly, receiving physical therapy were both associated with a longer duration of low back pain.