Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Picture-word matching: flexibility in conceptual memory and pupillary responses.

The influence of levels of abstraction in picture-word matching was examined. The items each consisted of one picture and three successively presented words. Hierarchies with words for superordinate, basic, and subordinate level concepts were used (e.g., plant, flower, rose). The picture-word condition (congruent, incongruent), the word position (first, second, third), and the level of categorization (subordinate, basic, superordinate) were manipulated. Reaction times, error rates, and pupillary responses were recorded. Pupillary responses coincided with behavioral data. In general, there was an advantage for subordinate and basic level processing compared to superordinate level processing. However, switches to words for superordinate concepts were most facilitated. These findings support a two-step account of picture-word matching. First, the picture is categorized according to its concrete features. Second, amodal features are processed.
When You Know Your Neighbour Pays Taxes: Information, Peer Effects, and Tax Compliance

In this paper, we suggest that individuals' tax compliance behaviours are affected by the behaviour of their "neighbours", or those about whom they may have information, whom they may know, or with whom they may interact on a regular basis. Individuals are more likely to file and to report their taxes when they believe that other individuals are also filing and reporting their taxes; conversely, when individuals believe that others are cheating on their taxes, they may well become cheaters themselves. We use experimental methods to test the role of such information about peer effects on compliance behaviour. In one treatment setting, we inform individuals about the frequency that their neighbours submit a tax return. In a second treatment setting, we inform them about the number of their neighbours who are audited, together with the penalties that they pay. In both cases, we examine the impact of information on filing behaviour and also on subsequent reporting behaviour. We find that providing information on whether one's neighbours are filing returns and/or reporting income has a statistically significant and economically large impact on individual filing and reporting decisions. However, this "neighbour" information does not always improve compliance, depending on the exact content of the information.
Macrophage Foam Cell Formation with Native Low Density Lipoprotein*

This investigation has elucidated a mechanism for development of macrophage foam cells when macrophages are incubated with native low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is believed to be the main source of cholesterol that accumulates in monocyte-derived macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques, but native LDL has not previously been shown to cause substantial cholesterol accumulation when incubated with macrophages. We have found that activation of human monocyte-derived macrophages with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulates LDL uptake and degradation and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-mediated esterification of LDL-derived cholesterol, resulting in massive macrophage cholesterol accumulation that could exceed 400 nmol/mg of cell protein. Cholesterol accumulation showed a biphasic linear LDL concentration dependence with LDL levels as high as 4 mg/ml, similar to LDL levels in artery intima. Protein kinase C mediated the PMA-stimulated macrophage uptake of LDL because the protein kinase C inhibitors, Gö6983 and GF109203X, inhibited cholesterol accumulation. LDL receptors did not mediate macrophage cholesterol accumulation because accumulation occurred with reductively methylated LDL and in the presence of an anti-LDL receptor-blocking monoclonal antibody. LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation was not inhibited by antioxidants, was not accompanied by increased LDL binding to macrophages, did not depend on the apoB component of LDL, and was not down-regulated by prior cholesterol enrichment of macrophages. We have shown that the mechanism of LDL uptake by macrophages was PMA-stimulated endocytosis of LDL taken up as part of the bulk phase fluid (i.e. fluid phase endocytosis). The amount of LDL taken up with the bulk phase fluid was measured with [3H]sucrose and accounted for a minimum of 83% of the LDL cholesterol delivery and accumulation in PMA-activated macrophages. This novel mechanism of macrophage cholesterol accumulation shows that modification of LDL is not necessary for foam cell formation to occur. In addition, the findings direct attention to macrophage fluid phase endocytosis as a relevant pathway to target for modulating macrophage cholesterol accumulation in atherosclerosis.
Projection-based tapering for conventional beamforming on nonlinear sonar arrays

We propose a projection-based tapering method for conventional beamforming on nonlinear sonar arrays. The method is shown to be robust to modelling errors, in contrast to previously proposed array interpolation methods. Simulations using the LASAR40 diver detection sonar as an example show that the sidelobe level is decreased compared to direct application of a standard tapering function to the array or part of it. In locations with considerable amount of reverberation, the decreased sidelobe level translates directly into increased detection range. The proposed method can be applied to any nonlinear array, e.g. circular array configurations.
Utility-Based Power Allocation for Multiclass Wireless Systems

We study power-allocation problems in wireless systems through a network utility maximization framework. In this framework, the type of utility function represents the characteristics of each service. Hence, to deal with multiclass services in the system, it is important to accommodate various types of utility functions. In this paper, we consider four types of utility functions that can represent most of the services in wireless networks. We first develop a simple algorithm that solves a general optimization problem with those four types of utility function. We show that, even though the proposed algorithm might not provide the optimal solution, it provides an asymptotically optimal solution, which could be a good approximation to the optimal solution. The proposed algorithm can be applied to various resource-allocation problems in wireless systems. Among them, in this paper, we show that the proposed algorithm can be applied to both uplink and downlink power-allocation problems.
In vitro synergistic activity between bismuth subcitrate and various antimicrobial agents against Campylobacter pyloridis (C. pylori)

The in vitro interactions between bismuth subcitrate and a variety of antimicrobial agents against 12 Campylobacter pyloridis (C. pylori) isolates were studied by the agar dilution checkerboard technique. The combination of bismuth subcitrate with the older quinolone, oxolinic acid, produced synergistic activity against all strains. This observation, however, could not be extended to the (aryl) fluoroquinolones, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and difloxacin, since synergy was rare or absent when bismuth subcitrate was combined with these antibiotics. Among the other antimicrobial agents tested, rifampin and the beta-lactams frequently showed showed MICs for C. pyloridis similar to those of bismuth subcitrate.
Direct observation of rates of preventive service delivery in community family practice.

BACKGROUND Data on preventive service delivery in primary care practice have been limited by indirect methods of measurement. This study describes directly observed rates of preventive service delivery during outpatient visits to community family physicians. METHODS In a multimethod cross-sectional study, research nurses directly observed consecutive patient visits in the offices of 138 family physicians in Northeast Ohio. Patient eligibility for services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force was determined from medical record review. Service delivery was assessed by direct observation of outpatient visits. Rates of delivery of specific preventive services were computed. Global summary measures were calculated for health habit counseling, screening, and immunization services. RESULTS Among 4,049 visits by established patients with available medical records, wide variation was observed among rates of different preventive services delivered during well-care visits. During illness visits, rates were uniformly low for all preventive services. Counseling services were delivered at only slightly lower rates during illness visits compared to well visits. Patients were up to date on 55% of screening, 24% of immunization, and 9% of health habit counseling services. CONCLUSION Rates of preventive service delivery are low. Illness visits are important opportunities to deliver preventive services, particularly health habit counseling, to patients. Preventive service delivery summary scores are useful in providing a patient population perspective on the delivery of preventive services and in focusing attention on delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of services.
Multi-level gaps: a study of intended, actual and experienced human resource practices in a hypermarket chain in India

Abstract Multi-level (Multi-level in this paper refers to three levels- intended, actual and experienced- at which HR practices are theorised in the existing strategic human resource management process research) gaps in human resource (HR) practices have not been extensively investigated in the HR literature. Using a multiple embedded case study design within a multi-unit hypermarket chain in India, we identify ‘Intended-Actual-Experienced’ gaps across nine HR practices in seven retail units. We find that these gaps arise from implementers’ adaptation of HR practices due to different understandings of the intent of HR practices, the importance given to their contents and the processes adopted in their implementation. We propose an inductive model for emergence of multi-level gaps in HR practices. Our model depicts the processes and variables that have the potential to enable or disable adaptation, delivery and experience of HR practices, thus creating gaps between intended and experienced HR practices. This paper highlights the need for further research on HR implementation with particular focus on gaps. It also provides a framework for practitioners to take cognisance of the gaps that could impact implementation and experience of corporate-driven HR practices.
Strength training improves performance and pedaling characteristics in elite cyclists

The purpose was to investigate the effect of 25 weeks heavy strength training in young elite cyclists. Nine cyclists performed endurance training and heavy strength training (ES) while seven cyclists performed endurance training only (E). ES, but not E, resulted in increases in isometric half squat performance, lean lower body mass, peak power output during Wingate test, peak aerobic power output (Wmax), power output at 4 mmol L−1 [la−], mean power output during 40‐min all‐out trial, and earlier occurrence of peak torque during the pedal stroke (P < 0.05). ES achieved superior improvements in Wmax and mean power output during 40‐min all‐out trial compared with E (P < 0.05). The improvement in 40‐min all‐out performance was associated with the change toward achieving peak torque earlier in the pedal stroke (r = 0.66, P < 0.01). Neither of the groups displayed alterations in VO2max or cycling economy. In conclusion, heavy strength training leads to improved cycling performance in elite cyclists as evidenced by a superior effect size of ES training vs E training on relative improvements in power output at 4 mmol L−1 [la−], peak power output during 30‐s Wingate test, Wmax, and mean power output during 40‐min all‐out trial.
The health implications of birth by Caesarean section

Since the first mention of fetal programming of adult health and disease, a plethora of programming events in early life has been suggested. These have included intrauterine and postnatal events, but limited attention has been given to the potential contribution of the birth process to normal physiology and long‐term health. Over the last 30 years a growing number of studies have demonstrated that babies born at term by vaginal delivery (VD) have significantly different physiology at birth to those born by Caesarean section (CS), particularly when there has been no exposure to labour, i.e. pre‐labour CS (PLCS). This literature is reviewed here and the processes involved in VD that might programme post‐natal development are discussed. Some of the effects of CS are short term, but longer term problems are also apparent. We suggest that VD initiates important physiological trajectories and the absence of this stimulus in CS has implications for adult health. There are a number of factors that might plausibly contribute to this programming, one of which is the hormonal surge or “stress response” of VD. Given the increasing incidence of elective PLCS, an understanding of the effects of VD on normal development is crucial.
Repeatability of Brain Volume Measurements Made with the Atlas-based Method from T1-weighted Images Acquired Using a 0.4 Tesla Low Field MR Scanner

Purpose: An understanding of the repeatability of measured results is important for both the atlas-based and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) methods of magnetic resonance (MR) brain volumetry. However, many recent studies that have investigated the repeatability of brain volume measurements have been performed using static magnetic fields of 1–4 tesla, and no study has used a low-strength static magnetic field. The aim of this study was to investigate the repeatability of measured volumes using the atlas-based method and a low-strength static magnetic field (0.4 tesla). Materials and Methods: Ten healthy volunteers participated in this study. Using a 0.4 tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and a quadrature head coil, three-dimensional T1-weighted images (3D-T1WIs) were obtained from each subject, twice on the same day. VBM8 software was used to construct segmented normalized images [gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) images]. The regions-of-interest (ROIs) of GM, WM, CSF, hippocampus (HC), orbital gyrus (OG), and cerebellum posterior lobe (CPL) were generated using WFU PickAtlas. The percentage change was defined as [100 × (measured volume with first segmented image−mean volume in each subject)/(mean volume in each subject)] The average percentage change was calculated as the percentage change in the 6 ROIs of the 10 subjects. Results: The mean of the average percentage changes for each ROI was as follows: GM, 0.556%; WM, 0.324%; CSF, 0.573%; HC, 0.645%; OG, 1.74%; and CPL, 0.471%. The average percentage change was higher for the orbital gyrus than for the other ROIs. Conclusion: We consider that repeatability of the atlas-based method is similar between 0.4 and 1.5 tesla MR scanners. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show that the level of repeatability with a 0.4 tesla MR scanner is adequate for the estimation of brain volume change by the atlas-based method.
Comparing Visible–Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy and a Pedotransfer Function for Predicting the Dry Region of the Soil‐Water Retention Curve

The Campbell–Shiozawa (CS) model was fitted to dry region data. The CS model was anchored to soil water content at −106 cm H2O matric potential. The model's parameters were well predicted from vis‐NIR spectra or a PTF. Both the vis‐NIRS and PTF models gave good predictions of dry region water retention.
The Effects of Cannabis on Inpatient Agitation, Aggression, and Length of Stay

ABSTRACT Objective: This study examines the association between cannabis use and the hospital course of patients admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. Many confounding variables potentially contribute to the clinical presentation of hospitalized patients in the psychiatric unit. Illicit drug use, in particular, has been associated with acute agitation, and questions can be raised as to what lasting effects drug use prior to admission may have throughout a patient's hospital stay. Methods: Subjects with a discharge diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or psychosis not otherwise specified (N = 201) were retrospectively identified, and those with positive results of urine drug screen for cannabis on admission were compared to negative counterparts. Agitation and aggression were measured using an adaptation of the Excited Component of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-EC). These markers were also quantified by comparing charted episodes of restraint and seclusion and administration of as needed medications, such as benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. Results: Positive urine drug screen results for cannabis was correlated with young (p = .001) males (p = .003) with bipolar disorder (p = .009) exhibiting active manic symptoms (p = .003) at the time of admission. Cannabis use was further associated with a shorter length of stay (p = .008), agitation triggering adapted PANSS-EC nursing assessments (p = .029), and oral medications as needed (p = .002) for agitation. Conclusions: Cannabis use, as defined by positive urine drug screen results, was more common in patients with bipolar disorder and was accompanied by a higher incidence of inpatient agitation. Although these patients also had short hospital lengths of stay, there was no clear relationship between level of agitation and length of stay across all patient groups. One possible explanation for patients with bipolar disorder experiencing short lengths of stay is that their source of agitation may be more closely related to a complex effect of cannabis use rather than a sole etiology of mental illness. Inpatient clinicians should be aware of patient cannabis use proximate to admission.
L'internazionalizzazione della produzione in Italia: caratteristiche delle imprese ed effetti sul sistema economico

L’internazionalizzazione della produzione delle imprese suscita sentimenti contrastanti nell’opinione pubblica e nei policy maker. Da un lato, viene vista con favore la maggiore capacita delle imprese di penetrare i mercati esteri, ma dall’altro preoccupa lo spostamento di attivita economiche che puo associarsi all’apertura di stabilimenti produttivi all’estero. Il processo di crescente delocalizzazione delle attivita produttive, che ha caratterizzato molte economie avanzate negli ultimi anni, ha messo questo dilemma al centro del dibattito politico-economico recente e, in alcuni Paesi, questo ha portato all’introduzione di misure di disincentivo all’internazionalizzazione della produzione. Ad esempio, durante la campagna presidenziale del 2004 negli Stati Uniti, il candidato democratico propose di modificare il sistema di tassazione per incoraggiare le imprese a non avviare processi di delocalizzazione e di outsourcing all’estero (Mankiw, Swagel 2006). In Europa furono invece due governi conservatori ad introdurre disincentivi alle imprese che spostano la produzione all’estero. In Francia, con la legge finanziaria del 2004, sono stati predisposti benefici fiscali e riduzioni contributive per le imprese che tornano a produrre in Francia dopo aver delocalizzato, o a quelle che decidono di investire in determinate aree del paese, piuttosto che all’estero. Analogamente, in Italia, con il decreto legge sulla competitivita del 2005, sono stati introdotti incentivi, legati ai contratti di localizzazione, per le imprese italiane che
IL-27 Enhances LPS-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Production via Upregulation of TLR4 Expression and Signaling in Human Monocytes

IL-27, which is produced by activated APCs, bridges innate and adaptive immunity by regulating the development of Th cells. Recent evidence supports a role for IL-27 in the activation of monocytic cells in terms of inflammatory responses. Indeed, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities are attributed to IL-27, and IL-27 production itself is modulated by inflammatory agents such as LPS. IL-27 primes LPS responses in monocytes; however, the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon is not understood. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-27 priming results in enhanced LPS-induced IL-6, TNF-α, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β expression in human primary monocytes. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for IL-27 priming, we measured levels of CD14 and TLR4 required for LPS binding. We determined that IL-27 upregulates TLR4 in a STAT3- and NF-κB–dependent manner. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed enhanced membrane expression of TLR4 and more distinct colocalization of CD14 and TLR4 upon IL-27 priming. Furthermore, IL-27 priming enhanced LPS-induced activation of NF-κB family members. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show a role for IL-27 in regulating TLR4 expression and function. This work is significant as it reveals new mechanisms by which IL-27 can enhance proinflammatory responses that can occur during bacterial infections.
Expression Studies on Clustered Trypanosomatid Box C/D Small Nucleolar RNAs*

We analyzed three chromosomal loci of the trypanosomatid Leptomonas collosoma encoding box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). All the snoRNAs that were analyzed here carry two sequences complementary to rRNA target sites and obey the +5 rule for guide methylation. Studies on transgenic parasites carrying the snoRNA-2 gene in the episomal expression vector (pX-neo) indicated that no promoter activity was found immediately adjacent to this gene. Deleting the flanking sequences of snoRNA-2 affected the expression; in the absence of the 3′-flanking (but not 5′-flanking) sequence, the expression was almost completely abolished. The snoRNA genes are transcribed as polycistronic RNA. All snoRNAs can be folded into a common stem-loop structure, which may play a role in processing the polycistronic transcript. snoRNA B2, a member of a snoRNA cluster, was expressed when cloned into the episomal vector, suggesting that each gene within a cluster is individually processed. Studies with permeable cells indicated that snoRNA gene transcription was relatively sensitive to α-amanitin, thus supporting transcription by RNA polymerase II. We propose that snoRNA gene expression, similar to protein-coding genes in this family, is regulated at the processing level.
Informative complexity of exhaled nitrogen oxide chemistry

It is important to remember that sarcoidosis is a complex multiorgan disease with multiple non-specific symptoms which go beyond the usual experience of chest physicians Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder that may involve many organs. Beside organ specific symptoms, non-specific constitutional complaints such as fatigue and general weakness are frequent. The granuloma formation in sarcoidosis is driven by an array of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, interferon (INF)-γ and others. High circulating levels of such cytokines have been found in sarcoidosis and may be responsible for provoking the constitutional symptoms fatigue and general weakness.1–4 Fatigue and general weakness may be the reason why patients with sarcoidosis frequently experience exercise intolerance.5,6 In one study 67% of patients with sarcoidosis terminated their peak exercise test due to “leg complaints”. 7 Skeletal muscle weakness may therefore be responsible for the limited exercise capacity, although quadriceps muscle force and handgrip force were found to be normal in the first study to investigate skeletal muscle force in patients with sarcoidosis,8 but most of these patients did not complain of fatigue. In this issue of Thorax Spruit et al 9 report that skeletal muscle weakness is present in patients with sarcoidosis who complain of fatigue, and that the presence of skeletal muscle weakness is associated with …