Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osmotic constitutents of the blood plasma and parietal muscle of Squalus acanthias L.

Marine Research Laboratory, 0 ban, Scotland The blood plasma of elasmobranchs is isosmotic or slightly hyperosmotic to sea water, but ions account for only part of its osmotic concentration, a large fraction being made up by urea and trimethylamine oxide (Holmes and Donaldson, 1969). These nitrogenous compounds are also present in high concentration in muscle (Smith, 1929; Dyer, 1952). In this paper an attempt is made to outline the sea water-plasma and plasma muscle steady states by comprehensive analyses of muscle and plasma of specimens of the spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias. Measurements of osmotic concentration of plasma and muscle have been made and compared with the sum of analyzed constituents, values of the latter, first obtained as milligram-ion or niillimolar con centrations per kilogram solvent water, being converted to milliosmoles by the ap propriate osmotic coefficients. Imprecision arises here owing to lack of knowledge of some coefficients, and because of the possibility that some of the constituents may be bound to protein, exerting little osmotic effect. Some idea of the amount of ion binding in muscle has been obtained by analyses of the juice expressed from muscle by a tissue press or obtained by ultracentrifugation. Estimates have also been made of the extracellular space in muscle, thus enabling intracellular concentrations to be calculated. MATERIALS AND @IETHODS Specimens of Squalus acanthias were caught by trawl in the Firth of Clyde and were kept in tanks of flowing sea water. Salinity during several summer periods varied from 32. 2â€”33.4%@ ( 18.20â€”18.88g Cl/liter) with temperatures of 9â€”12Â° C. After stunning the fish, blood was withdrawn by syringe or pipette under liquid paraffin from the heart and placed in centrifuge tubes kept in a beaker of crushed ice. After centrifugation, the plasma, still under paraffin, was removed and used for analysis. Samples of white parietal muscle were taken from the dorsal and lateral region of the tail just behind the second dorsal fin (epaxial muscles) . After light blotting with filter paper, separate samples were used for cations (ashing at 5500 C in the presence of sulphuric acid) , determination of dry weight and the preparation of trichloroacetic extracts, tungstic acid extracts and zinc hydroxide extracts. Methods for the analysis of Na, K, Ca, Cl and SO4 of muscle and plasma were essentially those of Robertson (1949, 1960) with appropriate modifications for the lower concentration of ions in elasmobranchs. Magnesium was estimated by Heagy's (1948) method. Some of the analyses for Ca were done by atomic absorp tion spectrophotometry; interference by phosphate in the Ca estimation of muscle 303
The dynamics of the macromolecular composition of biomass.

The biomass composition of microorganisms depends on the growth conditions. This study explores whether a two-component model can explain how the elemental and macromolecular composition of the biomass of bacteria varies with the specific growth rate. The model describes the rates at which microorganisms assimilate substrates into reserves and utilize reserves for maintenance and growth. Crucial model assumptions are that biomass consists of reserves and structure and that each of these components has an invariant composition. The composition of biomass can vary when the ratio between reserves and structure varies. Literature data on the macromolecular composition of Escherichia coli, cultivated on various substrates, show that the protein, RNA and DNA content of biomass follow a distinctive trend when plotted as a function of the dry-weight-specific growth rate. This observation leads to the proposition that the macromolecular composition of E. coli depends directly on the growth rate, and only indirectly on the carbon- and energy-source used as substrate. We show that the variation of the macromolecular composition of E. coli over its entire range of growth rates can be described with invariant macromolecular compositions of the reserve and structural components of biomass. The model is also applied to our data on a succinate-limited continuous culture of Paracoccus denitrificans.
Public Attitudes toward Government Spending

This study examines the nature, sources, and consequences of citizens' attitudes toward government spending. Data from the 1984 CPS National Election Study are used to perform a scaling analysis of mass spending preferences across a set of 10 public policies. The empirical results indicate that there is a coherent structure underlying citizens' attitudes toward social welfare spending. In contrast, spending preferences for nonwelfare programs are separate and largely unrelated concerns. I argue that this distinction is essential for understanding public opinion on government spending. And further analyses incorporating the difference between welfare and nonwelfare spending preferences provide important, theoretically relevant insights about the relationship between citizens in the mass public and stimuli in the political world.
Enhanced antitumor efficacy on hepatoma-bearing rats with adriamycin-loaded nanoparticles administered into hepatic artery.

AIM To investigate the antitumor activity of adriamycin (ADR) encapsulated in nanoparticles (NADR) and injected into the hepatic artery of hepatoma-bearing rats. METHODS NADR was prepared by the interfacial polymerization method. Walker-256 carcinosarcomas were surgically implanted into the left liver lobes of 60 male Wistar rats, which were divided into 4 groups at random (15 rats per group). On the 7th day after implantation, normal saline (NS), free ADR (FADR), NADR, or ADR mixed with unloaded nanoparticles (ADR+NP) was respectively injected via the hepatic artery (i.a.) of rats in different groups. The dose of ADR in each formulation was 2.0 mg/kg body weight and the concentration was 1.0 mg/mL. Survival time, tumor enlargement ratio, and tumor necrosis degree were compared between each group. RESULTS Compared with the rats that received NS i.a. , the rats that received FADR or ADR+NP acquired apparent inhibition on tumor growth, as well as prolonged their life span. Further significant anticancer efficacy was observed in rats that received i.a. administration of NADR. Statistics indicated that NADR brought on a more significant tumor inhibition and more extensive tumor necrosis, as compared to FADR or ADR+NP. The mean tumor enlargement ratio on the 7th day after NADR i.a. was 1.106. The mean tumor-bearing survival time was 39.50 days. Prolonged life span ratio was 109.22% as compared with rats that accepted NS. CONCLUSION Therapeutic effect of ADR on liver malignancy can be significantly enhanced by its nanopaticle formulation and administration via hepatic artery.
Polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene and bone mass in African-American and white mothers and children: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the contribution of polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene to ethnic variations in bone mass in mother and children from different ethnic origins. METHODS VDR genotypes and bone mass in 43 African-American and white women, mean age 38.2 years, and 41 of their children were studied. All children had a whole body bone mass measurement at age 9, and 39 had follow up measurements at age 11, while all the mothers had a single measurement. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, subjected to polymerase chain reactions using primers specific for the VDR gene, and theBsm1 restriction fragment length polymorphism defined. RESULTS There was a significant ethnic difference in the VDR genotype frequencies among the adults and the children. No African-American subjects had the genotype “BB”. In contrast, there was a 25% frequency of the “BB” genotype in the white adults and 24% in the white children. After pooling the ethnic groups, the mean bone mass in the “bb” genotype was significantly higher than in the “BB” genotype among the mothers, but this was not found in the children at baseline. However, by age 11, those with the “Bb” or “bb” genotypes had a larger gain in bone mass than those with “BB”. CONCLUSION These data support the suggestion that the ethnic difference in VDR genotype frequencies, together with the association between the genotypes and bone mass, may help to explain the well known ethnic differences in bone mass. Further, our observations suggest that VDR polymorphism may have an effect on bone mass during puberty as peak bone mass is accumulated.
An Empirical Investigation of the Arbitrage Pricing Theory

Empirical tests are reported for Ross' [48] arbitrage theory of asset pricing. Using data for individual equities during the 1962–72 period, at least three and probably four priced factors are found in the generating process of returns. The theory is supported in that estimated expected returns depend on estimated factor loadings, and variables such as the own standard deviation, though highly correlated (simply) with estimated expected returns, do not add any further explanatory power to that of the factor loadings.
A multi-layer contextual model for recommender systems in digital libraries

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate contextual information that has an impact on the process of selection and decision making in recommender systems (RSs) in digital libraries.Design/methodology/approach – Using a grounded theory method of qualitative research, semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 22 information specialists, and IT and computer engineering students and professors. Data resulting from interviews were analysed in two stages using open coding, followed by axial and selective coding.Findings – The central idea (concept) developed in this study, named scientific research ground (SRG), is an information ground users step into with scholarly purposes. Within SRG they start interacting with information systems. SRG has contexts which situate users in a range of situations while interacting with information systems. Users' characteristics such as purpose, activity, literacy, mental state, expectations, and assumptions, occupational and social status are some contexts that.
Market Value, R&D and Intellectual Property: An Empirical Analysis of Large Australian Firms

This paper considers the value of innovation to large Australian firms. Specifically, we investigate how R&D and intellectual property activity influences the market value of firms, using a Tobin’s q approach. R&D data are available for the period 1994–96 and data on patent, trade mark and design applications for 1996. The findings suggest that R&D and patent activity are positively and significantly associated with market value. The results also suggest that private returns to R&D in Australia are low by international standards.
Paracrine-rescued lobulogenesis in chimeric outgrowths comprising progesterone-receptor-null mammary epithelium and redirected wild-type testicular cells

ABSTRACT We have previously shown that non-mammary and tumorigenic cells can respond to the signals of the mammary niche and alter their cell fate to that of mammary epithelial progenitor cells. Here we tested the hypothesis that paracrine signals from mammary epithelial cells expressing progesterone receptor (PR) are dispensable for redirection of testicular cells, and that re-directed wild-type testicular-derived mammary cells can rescue lobulogenesis of PR-null mammary epithelium by paracrine signaling during pregnancy. We injected PR-null epithelial cells mixed with testicular cells from wild-type adult male mice into cleared fat-pads of recipient mice. The testicular cells were redirected in vivo to mammary epithelial cell fate during regeneration of the mammary epithelium, and persisted in second-generation outgrowths. In the process, the redirected testicular cells rescued the developmentally deficient PR-null cells, signaling them through the paracrine factor RANKL to produce alveolar secretory structures during pregnancy. This is the first demonstration that paracrine signaling required for alveolar development is not required for cellular reprogramming in the mammary gland, and that reprogrammed testicular cells can provide paracrine signals to the surrounding mammary epithelium.
Doppler bubble grades after diving and relevance of body fat.

BACKGROUND From the literature on venous gas embolism (VGE) and decompression sickness (DCS), it remains unclear whether body fat is a predisposing factor for VGE and DCS. Therefore, this study analyses body fat (range 16-44%) in relation to precordial VGE measured by Doppler bubble grades. Also examined is the effect of age (range 34-68 yr), body mass index (BMI; range 17-34 kg x m(-2)), and a model estimate of VO2(max) (maximal oxygen uptake; range 24-54 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). METHODS Bubble grades were determined in 43 recreational divers after an open sea air dive of 40 min to 20 m. Doppler bubble grade scores were transformed to the logarithm of the number of bubbles/cm2, logB, and the logarithm of the Kissman Integrated Severity Score (KISS) to allow numerical analysis. Statistical analyses were performed with Pearson's regular and partial correlations, and uni- and multivariate linear regressions. RESULTS For divers in their midlife (and older), the analyses indicate that neither body fat nor BMI stimulate bubble formation, since correlations were nonsignificant. In contrast, age and especially VO2(max) appeared to determine VGE. For these types of dives it was found that logB = -1.1 + 0.02 age - 0.04Vo2(max). CONCLUSION Based on these data we conclude that body fat and BMI seem less relevant for diving. We recommend that medical examinations pay more attention to VO2(max) and age, and that international dive institutions come to a consensus regarding VO2(max) criteria.
Adoption of Six Sigma DMAIC to reduce cost of poor quality

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the systematic application of Six Sigma tools for identification and reduction of cost of poor quality (COPQ). The study examines one of the chronic problems of failure of cooling fan assembly at repair division of a company dealing in helicopter components. Design/methodology/approach – The case adopted Six Sigma Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) methodology to achieve the goal of reduction in COPQ. Findings – After completing the Define, Measure and Analyze phase, it was found that use of extreme tolerances and cross-fitment of bearings are the root cause of cooling fan assembly failure. The major recommendations made during the Improve phase were to design a bearing matching software for improving the cross-fitment of bearings and to procure a hydraulic jig with electronic jig instead of manual jig. The value of implementing these recommended solutions equate to a saving of INR 34 lacs per annum. Since it was a chronic problem, the comp.
Privatization and capital formation in developing countries: an empirical analysis

The spur for privatization and its impact on economic performance have been analysed from many perspectives, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and institutional economics. Previous research has focused on efficiency reasons for privatization at the level of the firm, and the relative performance of state‐owned enterprises and privately owned firms. This article investigates the macroeconomic facet of privatization with particular attention paid to the relation between privatization and capital formation in developing countries. Our study uses recent World Bank data on privatization for 105 countries over the time period 1988–2003. We explore the impact of privatization on capital formation by conducting two‐stage least squares and ordinary least squares estimations within three time frames. Our findings indicate that the effect of privatization on capital formation varies across regions and time frames. In general, privatization is neutral with regard to investment.
Knowledge production and capabilities – their importance and challenges for construction organisations in China

Purpose – This paper seeks to address the importance of knowledge production and capabilities for the construction industry; and the implications of the challenges associated with their effective exploitation for the construction industry in China.Design/methodology/approach – A thorough review of extant literature and 31 detailed semi‐structured interviews with practitioners from 14 large, medium and small organisations in the UK construction industry. Content analysis was adopted as the analytical approach.Findings – The main triggers of knowledge production in the construction industry are: the need to effectively deal with complex projects; the effective use of new, innovative building materials, systems, services; managing change (both project change and organisational change); coping with the uniqueness of projects; and managing team member interfaces (e.g. consultant‐contractor). Knowledge production is a complex process which can occur through a number of ways (e.g. formal research, reflective pra.
Social Studies Teachers' Perceptions on Teaching Contemporary Controversial Issues

The aim of this descriptive study is fourfold:(1)to illustrate how social studies teachers perceive teaching the contemporary controversial issues, (2) to investigate the support and opposition faced by social studies teachers when handling controversy, (3)to review the theoretical aspect of controversial topics; and (4) to delineate research-based pedagogical practices for instruction. Teachers’ perceptions concerning the circumstances of teaching controversial issues were captured by applying qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were gathered from 10 middle basic cycle schools through survey questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. Following the survey questionnaire, teachers were interviewed and allowed the researchers to observe their classrooms and collect field data. The three tools were administered among a cohort of 24 social studies school teachers (14 females + 10 males) in Amman/Jordan. Member checking and peerdebriefing were strategies used by the researchers to ensure validity. The data obtained were categorized and analyzed in terms of teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices. The results of the study have shown that although teachers have favorable perceptions toward teaching controversial issues, a disparity between their perceptions and practices exists. Most teachers shared feelings of uncertainty and caution about discussing controversy in the classroom. Furthermore, the results have shown that teachers had some reservations and were not inclined to take on hot topics due to several constraints. Results were discussed followed by relevant implications and suggested recommendations for further studies and solutions.
Multiple-choice reaction and visual perception in female and male elite athletes.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine multiple-choice reaction and visual perception in female and male elite athletes. METHODS A total of 49 athletes (26 males, 23 females) with a mean age of 21.84 +/- 1.94 in the range of 1826 years participated in this study. Participants were college athletes participating in basketball, soccer, handball, volleyball, gymnastics, fencing and swimming. Two tests were applied to investigate the multiple-choice reaction and visual perception of athletes: Vienna Determination Test and Visual Pursuit Test. RESULTS The results indicated that male athletes had lower total amount of incorrect responses to a stimulus, compared with female athletes and that individual sports had a higher total amount of omitted responses given to a stimulus, compared with team sports. For ''on time'' response, there were significant differences for individual and team sports in interval 3. Depending on the sport branch, significant differences were found between male and female athletes in the amount of omitted responses given to a stimulus response in interval 3. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study support the importance of reaction time related to aspects of the sports branch.
When Are Corporate Environmental Policies a Form of Greenwashing?

Do environmental policy statements accurately represent corporate commitment to environmental sustainability? Because companies are not required by law to publish environmental policy statements or to verify that these statements are true using independent third parties, external stakeholders often wonder when a published commitment to a policy translates into actual policy implementation. The authors analyzed two independent databases to predict the circumstances under which large, leading-edge corporations in industry sectors will commit to and/or implement proactive corporate environmental policies and when it is unlikely they will do so. The authors found that commitment to specific environmental policies does not vary greatly between industry sectors; however, policy implementation does.
Dividing up an Inheritance Successfully - Significant International Variations Surprising Results of an Internet Experiment

In December 2009, we conducted an international research project on human behavior and decision making. We invited students from University of the Incarnate Word (US) 1 and the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern (Germany) in classes and through the internet as well as the general public via newspaper articles to participate in a so-called Ultimatum Bargaining Game. The inheritance of aunt Luise in the amount of 1,200 EUR – app. 1,600 USD in funding provided by the German university was to be split up between three beneficiaries.
TEACHER SELF-EFFICACY, VOICE AND LEADERSHIP: TOWARDS A POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL

A report on an international survey of the views of teachers and teacher union officials ii Contents page Acknowledgements i Contents ii Foreword by Fred van Leeuwen iii Introduction 1 Section 1: Self-efficacy, wellbeing and teacher leadership 3 Section 2: Conversations with teachers and teacher unions: the method 9 Section 3: Teacher's views and perspectives page 13 Section 4: Time for a collective voice from teachers? 30 Section 5: Conclusions: towards a policy framework 38 References 43 iii Foreword The study Teacher Self-efficacy, Voice and Leadership, commissioned by Education International Research Institute, comes at the time when teaching profession is increasingly facing pressures from society and policy makers and we need to reaffirm the role and potential of teachers in leading educational change. This study in particular draws on a range of recent research on teachers' self-efficacy and confidence as well as the conceptual work already undertaken within the International Teacher Leadership project. Collaborative professional cultures within schools, within which teachers are confident in their own knowledge and capacity has, the Education International believes, a number of important and positive impacts. The essence of distributed leadership is that it gives teachers the responsibility for leading in particular areas of pedagogy, development of the curriculum and in responding to the social, emotional and wellbeing needs of pupils, unlocks innovative and untapped potential in teachers. In doing so it increases the capacity of schools to meet the needs of pupils and to enhance educational achievement. Such distributed leadership also enhances the collective capacity of schools and provides time and capacity for the principal and his or her senior management team who can work with and take an overview of the successes and developmental needs of schools.