Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlled release of interleukin-2 from chitosan microspheres.

Chitosan microspheres were evaluated for sustained-release of recombinant human interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in this study. In addition, the effects of different formulation factors, such as chitosan and protein concentrations, the volume of sodium sulfate solution, addition technique of rIL-2, and presence of glutaraldehyde during the encapsulation process, on microsphere characteristics were investigated. Chitosan microspheres containing rIL-2 were prepared by using the precipitation technique. The average diameter of microspheres was between 1.11-1.59 microm. Recombinant IL-2 encapsulation efficiency in these microspheres was high (75-98%). Formulation factors had no effect on the microsphere size. Recombinant IL-2 had been released from chitosan microspheres over a period of 3 months. The encapsulated rIL-2 remained biologically active and could be completely recovered from the release medium. Briefly, rIL-2 was released from chitosan microspheres in a sustained manner. The efficacy of rIL-2 loaded chitosan microspheres was studied using two model cells, HeLa and L-strain cell lines. Chitosan microspheres were added to the cells at different concentrations, and the amount of rIL-2 was assayed using the ELISA kit. Cell culture studies indicated that microspheres were uptaken by cells, and rIL-2 was released from the microspheres. Cellular uptake of rIL-2-loaded microspheres was dose dependent. It can be said that chitosan microsphere is a suitable carrier for rIL-2 delivery.
The organization of projections from the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus to orbital and medial prefrontal cortex in macaque monkeys

The organization of interconnections between the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) and the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex and the agranular insular cortex in the monkey was studied by retrograde and anterograde tracing techniques. In addition to the magnocellular and parvicellular divisions of MD, three other subdivisions can be recognized on the basis of myeloarchitecture, cytoarchitecture, and connections. The first two of these represent a parcellation of the magnocellular division into a lateral, fiber‐rich MD pars fibrosa and a medial, poorly myelinated MD pars paramediana adjacent to the midline. The third is a small, poorly myelinated area located at the caudomedial and dorsal edges of MD; it is referred to as MD pars caudodorsalis.
As an Economy Becomes More Developed, Do People Become Less Altruistic?

Abstract Inter-household private transfers are one of the main informal insurance mechanisms that prevalently implemented in developing countries. Unfortunately, most of the literatures investigates the private transfer motives at static perspectives. Therefore, this paper took advantage to investigate the private transfers motives in Thailand over the past three decades in order to examine any changing patterns of transfer motives. The empirical results from econometric methods indicated that as the economy in Thailand continues to develop, altruism remains dominant for private inter-household motives in Thailand and persists over time, not only in rural but also urban areas of the country.
The effects of alliance governance on knowledge acquisition and alliance performance of Korean firms

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of alliance governance including contractual and relational governance on alliance performance. We propose an analytical framework for examining the role of alliance governance on alliance performance with moderating and mediating effects. We obtain 205 survey responses from Korean firms that have experienced technology alliances. Empirical findings show that the relationship between alliance governance and alliance performance is moderated by knowledge acquisition. A contractual governance has a greater influence on explicit knowledge acquisition than tacit knowledge acquisition. On the other hand, relational governance is more closely related to tacit knowledge than to explicit knowledge. The influence of the interaction between relational governance and contractual governance on the performance appears to be negative.
Distribution of bursting neurons in the CA1 region and the subiculum of the rat hippocampus

We performed patch‐clamp recordings from morphologically identified and anatomically mapped pyramidal neurons of the ventral hippocampus to test the hypothesis that bursting neurons are distributed on a gradient from the CA2/CA1 border (proximal) through the subiculum (distal), with more bursting observed at distal locations. We find that the well‐defined morphological boundaries between the hippocampal subregions CA1 and subiculum do not correspond to abrupt changes in electrophysiological properties. Rather, we observed that the percentage of bursting neurons is linearly correlated with position in the proximal‐distal axis across the CA1 and the subiculum, the percentages of bursting neurons being 10% near the CA1–CA2 border, 24% at the CA1–subiculum border, and higher than 50% in the distal subiculum. The distribution of bursting neurons was paralleled by a gradient in afterdepolarization (ADP) amplitude. We also tested the hypothesis that there was an association between bursting and two previously described morphologically distinct groups of pyramidal neurons (twin and single apical dendrites) in the CA1 region. We found no difference in output mode between single and twin apical dendrite morphologies, which was consistent with the observation that the two morphologies were equally distributed across the transverse axis of the CA1 region. Taken together with the known organization of connections from CA3 to CA1 and CA1 to subiculum, our results indicate that bursting neurons are most likely to be connected to regular spiking neurons and vice versa. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:535–547, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Salmonella Virchow and Salmonella Weltevreden in a random survey of the Asian house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus, in houses in northern Australia.

BACKGROUND Salmonella enterica serotype Virchow is the most common cause of invasive nontyphoid salmonellosis in North Queensland, particularly in infants, but the zoonotic source is unknown. This study aimed at determining (i) the prevalence of the introduced Asian house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus, in houses in North Queensland and (ii) whether they were a potential source of Salmonella Virchow. METHODS Asian house geckos were collected in a random survey of houses in Townsville, North Queensland. Gut contents underwent microbiological analysis within 2 h of removal using both direct plating and enrichment broth methods. Any organism found to be a presumptive Salmonella spp. was then sent to a reference lab for confirmation of genus/species, serotyping, and phage typing if indicated. RESULTS One hundred Asian house geckos were collected from 57 houses. Geckos were present in 100% of houses surveyed, and prevalence of Salmonella in large intestinal contents was 7% (95% confidence interval 2, 12%). Three serotypes were found: Virchow (phage type 8), Weltevreden, and an untypable subspecies 1 serotype 11:-:1,7. CONCLUSION Since Salmonella Virchow (phage type 8) is associated with invasive disease, the introduced Asian house gecko may play a significant role in the epidemiology of sporadic salmonellosis in places invaded by these peridomestic reptiles. These results justify more detailed epidemiological studies on the role of the Asian house gecko in sporadic salmonellosis and development of evidence-based strategies to decrease this potential zoonotic hazard.
Nonmydriatic digital retinal images for determining diabetic retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of nonmydriatic digital retinal images for determining diabetic retinopathy. MATERIAL AND METHOD Single field 45-degree digital retinal images of 225 eyes from 142 diabetic patients were obtained with a nonmydriatic camera. The images were diagnosed and graded by a general ophthalmologist. These results were compared with clinical diagnosis obtained by retinal specialists, after examination by using biomicroscope with plus lens and indirect ophthalmoscope of the patients. International clinical diabetic retinopathy disease severity scale was used for grading diabetic retinopathy in all cases. RESULTS Presence of diabetic retinopathy was detected in 70 eyes (31.1%). The sensitivity and specificity for determining diabetic retinopathy was 68.57% (95%CI 57.00-78.20) and 92.25% (95%CI 87.00-95.50), respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 80.00% (95%CI 68.20-88.20) and 86.67% (95%CI 80.60-91.00). Overall accuracy was 84.89%. CONCLUSION Single field 45-degree nonmydriatic digital retinal images were limited by fair sensitivity for determining diabetic retinopathy although overall accuracy from the present study was relatively high. Upcountry, this tool might facilitate increased access of diabetic patients for eye evaluation but cannot replace standard eye examination.
Spontaneous In Vivo Chondrogenesis of Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells by Blocking Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling

Chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) can be induced by presenting morphogenetic factors or soluble signals but typically suffers from limited efficiency, reproducibility across primary batches, and maintenance of phenotypic stability. Considering the avascular and hypoxic milieu of articular cartilage, we hypothesized that sole inhibition of angiogenesis can provide physiological cues to direct in vivo differentiation of uncommitted MSCs to stable cartilage formation. Human MSCs were retrovirally transduced to express a decoy soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor‐2 (sFlk1), which efficiently sequesters endogenous VEGF in vivo, seeded on collagen sponges and immediately implanted ectopically in nude mice. Although naïve cells formed vascularized fibrous tissue, sFlk1‐MSCs abolished vascular ingrowth into engineered constructs, which efficiently and reproducibly developed into hyaline cartilage. The generated cartilage was phenotypically stable and showed no sign of hypertrophic evolution up to 12 weeks. In vitro analyses indicated that spontaneous chondrogenic differentiation by blockade of angiogenesis was related to the generation of a hypoxic environment, in turn activating the transforming growth factor‐β pathway. These findings suggest that VEGF blockade is a robust strategy to enhance cartilage repair by endogenous or grafted mesenchymal progenitors. This article outlines the general paradigm of controlling the fate of implanted stem/progenitor cells by engineering their ability to establish specific microenvironmental conditions rather than directly providing individual morphogenic cues.
Measuring executive dysfunction in an acute rehabilitation setting: Using the dysexecutive questionnaire (DEX)

It is recognized that existing neuropsychological measures of executive dysfunction lack adequate sensitivity and selectivity. While attempts have been made to develop improved measures, these have not yet been of great value to those who need to accurately identify executive deficits in a clinical setting. Several behavioral rating scales have been developed for this reason, including the 20-item Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), which forms part of the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) test battery. To investigate the ability of the DEX to identify executive dysfunction in an acute rehabilitation setting, the BADS was administered to 64 persons who had sustained traumatic brain injury. It was found to be almost as sensitive to executive dysfunction, as measured by the total score obtained on the BADS battery, as an extended 65-item version of the scale, when completed by either the occupational therapist or clinical neuropsychologist working with each patient. Family members and the patient themselves provided, as expected, less accurate information. Our results indicate that the DEX can be used with some confidence as a screening instrument to identify executive dysfunction in an acute rehabilitation setting, provided it is completed by professional personnel, trained to be sensitive to the cognitive and behavioral concomitants of this disorder. (JINS, 2005, 11, 376–385.)
An exploratory study of how casino dealer communication styles lead to player satisfaction

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to verify the importance of communication styles in the casino industry. More specifically, it was proposed that nine types of casino dealer communication styles affect player satisfaction. In addition, it was hypothesized that player satisfaction plays an important role in the formation of trust, commitment, and loyalty. A conceptual model was developed and tested using the empirical data collected from 414 table game players in Korea. The results indicated that six dimensions of communication styles (i.e. attentive, open, friendly, relaxed, animated, and contentious) positively affect player satisfaction, which in turn has a positive influence on trust, commitment, and loyalty.
—A Nested Logit Model of Product and Transaction-Type Choice for Planning Automakers' Pricing and Promotions

We develop a consumer response model to evaluate and plan pricing and promotions in durable-good markets. We discuss its implementation in the U.S. automotive industry, which “spends” about $45 billion each year in price promotions. The approach is based on a random effects multinomial nested logit model of product (e.g., a vehicle model, such as Hyundai Tucson), and transaction-type choice. Transaction types include combinations of acquisition types (e.g., purchase versus lease) and pricing instruments (cash rebates, reduced APR financing, lease payment discounts). We estimate the model using hierarchical Bayes methods to capture response heterogeneity at the local market level. We find key characteristics unique to durable-good markets. First, consumers are heterogeneous in both their brand and transaction-type preferences. Second, consumers differ in their overall price sensitivity as well as in their relative sensitivity to alternative pricing instruments (e.g., cash discounts, reduced monthly payments). Third, the most effective pricing programs tend to be those in which automakers offer consumers a menu of options to choose from (e.g., a choice among a cash discount, reduced interest rate financing, or a lease payment discount). We illustrate the model through an empirical application to a sample of data drawn from J.D. Power transaction records in the entry SUV segment and discuss examples of actual implementations.
Effect of temperature on elementary steps of the cross‐bridge cycle in rabbit soleus slow‐twitch muscle fibres

1 Isometric tension, stiffness and the cross‐bridge kinetics in rabbit soleus slow‐twitch fibres (STFs) were studied in the temperature range 5‐37°C by sinusoidal analysis. 2 The effects of MgATP and phosphate (Pi) on the cross‐bridge kinetics were studied, and the temperature dependence of the kinetic constants of elementary steps of the cross‐bridge cycle was deduced in the range 20‐37°C. 3 The MgATP association constant (K1a) decreased when temperature was increased. The rate constants of the ATP‐isomerization step (k1b and k‐1b) and the cross‐bridge detachment step (k2, and k‐2) had Q10 values of 3‐4, and hence their equilibrium constants (K1b and K2) changed little with temperature. 4 Q 10 of the force generation step (k4) was the largest at 6.7; its reversal step (k‐4) had a Q10 of 2.5, and hence its equilibrium constant (K4) increased significantly with temperature. The Pi association constant (K5) changed little with temperature. 5 The elementary steps of the cross‐bridge cycle are more temperature sensitive in soleus STFs than in psoas, which are fast‐twitch fibres. This is in accord with a higher temperature sensitivity of the apparent rate constants in STFs. 6 The temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant of the force generation step (K4) was fitted to the modified Van't Hoff equation to deduce standard enthalpy change (ΔH°; 70 ± 20 kJ mol−1), standard entropy change (ΔS°; 250 ± 70 J mol−1 K−1), and heat capacity change (ΔCp; −12 ± 5 kJ mol−1 K−1). These results indicate that the force generation step is an entropy driven, endothermic reaction that accompanies a burial of large surface area. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that hydrophobic interaction between residues of actin and myosin and between residues of the myosin head underlies the mechanism of force generation. 7 An increase of isometric tension with temperature is accounted for by the increased number of cross‐bridges in tension generating states. Stiffness also increased with temperature, but to a lesser degree.
Evolutionary Relations of Hexanchiformes Deep-Sea Sharks Elucidated by Whole Mitochondrial Genome Sequences

Hexanchiformes is regarded as a monophyletic taxon, but the morphological and genetic relationships between the five extant species within the order are still uncertain. In this study, we determined the whole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of seven sharks including representatives of the five Hexanchiformes, one squaliform, and one carcharhiniform and inferred the phylogenetic relationships among those species and 12 other Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes) species for which the complete mitogenome is available. The monophyly of Hexanchiformes and its close relation with all other Squaliformes sharks were strongly supported by likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of 13,749 aligned nucleotides of 13 protein coding genes and two rRNA genes that were derived from the whole mDNA sequences of the 19 species. The phylogeny suggested that Hexanchiformes is in the superorder Squalomorphi, Chlamydoselachus anguineus (frilled shark) is the sister species to all other Hexanchiformes, and the relations within Hexanchiformes are well resolved as Chlamydoselachus, (Notorynchus, (Heptranchias, (Hexanchus griseus, H. nakamurai))). Based on our phylogeny, we discussed evolutionary scenarios of the jaw suspension mechanism and gill slit numbers that are significant features in the sharks.
Young People, Social Media and Health

The pervasiveness of social media in young people’s lives is widely acknowledged, yet there is little evidencebased understanding of the impacts of social media on young people’s health and wellbeing. Young People, Social Media and Health draws on novel research to understand, explain, and illustrate young people’s experiences of engagement with healthrelated social media; as well as the impacts they report on their health, wellbeing, and physical activity. Using empirical case studies, digital representations, and evidence from multisector and interdisciplinary stakeholders and academics, this volume identifies the opportunities and riskrelated impacts of social media. Offering new theoretical insights and practical guidelines for educators, practitioners, parents/guardians, and policy makers; Young People, Social Media and Health will also appeal to students and researchers interested in fields such as Sociology of Sport, Youth Sports Development, Secondary Physical Education, and Media Effects.
An integrated core competence evaluation framework for portfolio management in the oil industry

Drawing upon resource-based theory, this paper presents a core competence evaluation framework for managing the competence portfolio of an oil company. It introduces a network typology to illustrate how to form different types of strategic alliance relations with partnering firms to manage and grow the competence portfolio. A framework is tested using a case study approach involving face-to-face structured interviews. We identified purchasing, refining and sales and marketing as strong candidates to be the core competencies. However, despite the company's core business of refining oil, the core competencies were identified to be their research and development and performance management (PM) capabilities. We further provide a procedure to determine different kinds of physical, intellectual and cultural resources making a dominant impact on company's competence portfolio. In addition, we provide a comprehensive set of guidelines on how to develop core competence further by forging a partnership alliance choosing an appropriate network topology.
Follow-up of adolescents with diabetes after transition from paediatric to adult care: results of a 10-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE Our main objective in this study was to identify the type of clinical care received by young type 1 diabetic patients who have made the transition from paediatric to adult care, and to assess the metabolic status of long-term treatment after the transition. METHODS A standardized questionnaire was used prospectively to follow 99 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus after their transition to adult care. This survey was done once a year, from 1998 to 2008. RESULTS Directly after transition from paediatric care 38.4% of patients were found at specialised outpatient units; whereas 41.1% received care at a diabetes centre and 20.5% were monitored by general practitioners or specialists in internal medicine. Five-year results showed that 25.0% had continued to visit an outpatient unit; 41.7% were still visiting a diabetes centre; and 33.3% had remained in the care of general practitioners or internal specialists. We observed a trend showing slight improvements in the HbA1c values over time, however no major changes in metabolic control were observed after transition. CONCLUSIONS Transition marks a critical phase for young, diabetic patients as they may frequently switch from one physician or centre to another. The individual optimization of therapy, established during paediatric care, provides the decisive groundwork for disease control in young adults.
The Effects of Socioeconomic Status, Perceived Discrimination and Mastery on Health Status in a Youth Cohort

Abstract This study examined the influence of socioeconomic status, perceived discrimination, and sense of mastery over one's life on the health status of a sub-sample of a US cohort of youth (N = 969). When controlling for a variety of social characteristics and personal attributes, only sense of mastery over one's life, measured by the Pearlin Mastery Scale, affected physical and mental health statuses. Perceived discrimination affected only mental health status, while SES over the life course affected only physical health. Findings affirmed the efforts of professions like social work that stress self-determination and empowerment enabling individuals to enhance their own social functioning and improve conditions in their communities and in society at large. They also suggested that in regard to mental health advocacy efforts to decrease health disparities can find social justice related grounds based on gender.