Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
School Library Media Specialists' Perceptions of Practice and Importance of Roles Described in Information Power

To determine if practicing school library media specialists perceive they have been able to implement their roles as described in Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs (1988) and Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning (1998), a survey was developed by the researcher. The survey further sought to determine if school library media specialists perceive it is important to assume a leadership role in the use of instructional technology. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 1,000 school library media specialists. Analysis of the 505 returned surveys indicates that school library media specialists perceive they are unable to fully implement their roles in practice. The most frequent barriers to full implementation were lack of time, including lack of time to plan with teachers; lack of adequate funding; lack of interest and support of classroom teachers; use of a fixed schedule; lack of clerical staff; and too many schools or students to provide for. Elementary school library media specialists who use flexible scheduling perceive they are able to practice more roles than library media specialists who use either combination or fixed scheduling.
Isolation and partial characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi inner and outer membranes by using isopycnic centrifugation

In order to characterize the protein composition of the outer membrane of Borrelia burgdorferi, we have isolated inner and outer membranes by using discontinuous sucrose density step gradients. Outer and inner membrane fractions isolated by this method contained less than 1 and 2%, respectively, of the total lactate dehydrogenase activity (soluble marker) in cell lysate. More importantly, the purified outer membranes contained less than 4% contamination by the C subunit of F1/F0 ATPase (inner membrane marker). Very little flagellin protein was present in the outer membrane sample. This indicated that the outer membranes were relatively free of contamination by cytoplasmic, inner membrane or flagellar components. The outer membrane fractions (rho = 1.19 g/cm3) contained 0.15 mg (dry weight) of protein per mg. Inner membrane samples (rho = 1.12 g/cm3) contained 0.60 mg (dry weight) of protein per mg. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed that the outer membrane vesicles contained about 1,700 intramembranous particles per micron 2 while inner membrane densities for inner and outer membranes. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and nonequilibrium pH gel electrophoresis-SDS-PAGE analyses of inner and outer membrane samples revealed several proteins unique to the inner membrane and 20 proteins that localized specifically to the outer membrane. This analysis clearly shows that the inner and outer membranes isolated by this technique are unique structures.
FIRM SIZE AND INVENTIVE ACTIVITY

Summary This paper is an attempt to study the relation between firm size and some variables related to firm size on one hand and the number of patent applications in the firm-as an indicator of inventive activity-on the other. Results from the study suggest that the theory advocating that large firms are responsible for a larger number of inventions on a market than is exhibited by their market share, cannot be generally supported. Favorable large-scale conditions in inventive activity can only be found in a few industrial sectors, among them the chemical industry. The results also suggest that firm size, measured in terms of the number of employees, is a far better explanatory variable to variations in the frequency of patent applications in the firm than variables such as "market share", "degree of diversification", "working capital" and "cash flow".
EFFECTIVENESS OF LIQUID-SOLID SEPARATION FOR TREATMENT OF FLUSHED DAIRY MANURE: A CASE STUDY

Sunny Day Farm was the home of the highest producing registered Jersey herd in the world at the time this study was conducted. The cows are housed in a freestall barn and manure is removed from the barn using a flush system. The manure treatment system on this farm includes the following components in series: an inclined stationary screen separator, a two–chambered settling basin, and a lagoon. Samples were taken to quantify the performance of the existing manure treatment system. The inclined stationary screen separator removed 60.9% of the total solids, 62.8% of the volatile solids, 49.2% of the TKN, 52.2% of the organic–N, and 53.1% of the total P. The complete on–farm manure treatment system removed 93.0% of the TS, 95.6% of the VS, 74.0% of the TKN, 91.1% of the organic–N, and 86.1% of the total P. In addition, settling experiments were carried out with flushed manure (unscreened) and effluent from the mechanical separator (screened) to determine how well settling of dairy manure could be enhanced with a polymer (PAM) and aluminum sulfate. Addition of 250 to 400 mg PAM/L to screened and unscreened dairy manure significantly increased the removal of total and volatile solids, organic–N, total P, Cu, and Zn. The optimum amount of PAM to add was 300 mg/L for screened and unscreened manure. Settling of flushed dairy manure for 60 min following an application of 300 mg PAM/L removed 76.1% of the TS, 80.3% of the VS, 80.8% of the COD, 45.7% of the TKN, 72.3% of the organic–N, and 61.8% of the total P. The largest amount of TKN and total P was removed by a two–stage separation process that combined the stationary inclined screen separator followed by gravity settling with a polymer or aluminum sulfate. Enhancing the gravity stage with 300 mg PAM/L removed 71.1% of the TKN and 86.0% of the P. Application of 3,194 mg alum/L removed 71.1% of the TKN and 99.6% of the total P.
The effects of functional knee braces on speed in collegiate basketball players.

Knee braces are worn by many athletes following injury. The purpose of this study was to determine whether two functional knee braces (noncustom design) significantly affected straight line and successive turning trial running times in noninjured collegiate basketball players. Twenty-five coed basketball players completed 2 days of running trials. Subjects ran three full lengths of a basketball court and 10 lengths between the baseline and the foul line first without wearing a brace, then wearing either a DonJoy GoldPoint brace or an Omni OS-5 brace, and finally wearing the other brace. The results indicated no significant difference (p < .05) in straight line or successive turning running times when the two braces were compared with the nonbraced condition and when the two braces were compared with each other. The results implied that speed was not significantly affected by a functional knee brace in noninjured collegiate basketball players.
The use of polarized polychromatic non-coherent light as therapy for acute tennis elbow/lateral epicondylalgia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of polarized, polychromatic, non-coherent, low energy light (Bioptron 2, Bioptron AG, Switzerland) in the treatment of acute tennis elbow. BACKGROUND Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most common lesions affecting the arm. A plethora of treatment regimes have been described for this condition, but no specific therapy has emerged as a gold standard. METHODS A pilot study was carried out with 25 patients who had acute tennis elbow. Bioptron 2 device was applied over lateral epicondyle three times per week for 4 weeks. Pain on VAS, function on VAS, and painfree grip strength were measured at the beginning (week 0) and at the end of the study (week 4). RESULTS The pain on VAS was reduced at the end of treatment (t(24) = 3.84, p = 0.001). Function on VAS was increased at the end of treatment (t(24) = 4.23, p < 0.001). Pain-free grip strength was increased at the end of treatment (t(24) = 4.23, p < 0.004). CONCLUSION Although the results suggested that the Bioptron 2 could reduce patients' symptoms with acute tennis elbow, future controlled studies are needed to establish the relative and absolute effectiveness of Bioptron 2.
Multiscale time irreversibility of heart rate and blood pressure variability during orthostasis

Time irreversibility is a characteristic feature of non-equilibrium, complex systems such as the cardiovascular control mediated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Time irreversibility analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) represents a new approach to assess cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. The aim of this paper was to assess the changes in HRV and BPV irreversibility during the active orthostatic test (a balance of ANS shifted towards sympathetic predominance) in 28 healthy young subjects. We used three different time irreversibility indices—Porta’s, Guzik's and Ehler's indices (P%, G% and E, respectively) derived from data segments containing 1000 beat-to-beat intervals on four timescales. We observed an increase in the HRV and a decrease in the BPV irreversibility during standing compared to the supine position. The postural change in irreversibility was confirmed by surrogate data analysis. The differences were more evident in G% and E than P% and for higher scale factors. Statistical analysis showed a close relationship between G% and E. Contrary to this, the association between P% and G% and P% and E was not proven. We conclude that time irreversibility of beat-to-beat HRV and BPV is significantly altered during orthostasis, implicating involvement of the autonomous nervous system in its generation.
Thyrotoxicosis-induced acute myocardial infarction due to painless thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND Thyrotoxicosis influences cardiovascular hemodynamics and can induce coronary vasospasm. Patients with thyrotoxicosis-induced acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are unusual and almost all reported cases have been associated with Graves' disease. Patients with painless thyroiditis show a thyrotoxic phase during the early stages. Here we describe a very rare case of thyrotoxicosis with painless thyroiditis-induced AMI. SUMMARY A 35-year-old Korean man visited the emergency room for a 2-hour duration of typical AMI chest pain. The patient did not have any coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. The electrocardiogram showed 3 mm of ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF, which is consistent with inferior AMI. We immediately treated the patient with aspirin, clopidogrel, and nitroglycerine and performed emergent coronary angiography. Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries without any stenotic lesions. Consistent with AMI, cardiac enzyme levels of serum creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and troponin-I were also elevated. Laboratory findings showed thyrotoxicosis without any thyroid autoantibodies. A 99m-technetium scintigraphy showed markedly decreased thyroid uptake compatible with thyroiditis. We treated the patient with calcium channel blockers and nitrates. The patient spontaneously recovered normal thyroid function after 6 weeks of observation and did not complain of chest pain. CONCLUSION Thyrotoxicosis due to painless thyroiditis provoked AMI in a young man who had no atherosclerotic coronary lesions and no CAD risk factors.
The Impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on Clients` Audit Opinion Shopping Behavior

This study investigates whether the tendency for audit clients to engage in opinion shopping becomes weaker after the enforcement of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). While Lennox (2000) provides evidence that U.K. firms successfully engage in opinion shopping, there is limited evidence on the mitigating effect of SOX on opinion shopping. Using observations collected from the period before and after the enforcement of SOX (year 2001, 2004 and 2005), we find that, for our sample period, firms are likely to switch (retain) their incumbent auditors when the likelihood of receiving a going concern opinion is lower (higher) from a successor auditor, suggesting evidence of opinion shopping. More importantly, we find that firms are less likely to engage in opinion shopping after the enforcement of SOX. These findings suggest that more stringent legal and audit environment in the post-SOX period, at least partially, restricts firms’ opportunistic behavior of shopping for a better audit opinion and enhances auditor independence. These findings provide valuable implications to regulators as well as academicians and practitioners.
Glutathione S-Transferase P 1 Promotes Tumorigenicity in HCT 116 Human Colon Cancer Cells

GSTP1 is a member of the glutathione S-transferase enzyme superfamily, which catalyzes the conjugation of electrophiles with glutathione in the process of detoxification. GSTP1 is widely overexpressed in colorectal cancer, from aberrant crypt foci to advanced carcinomas. Increased expression of GSTP1 is associated with multidrug resistance and a worse clinical prognosis. However, GSTP1-null mice have an increased risk of tumor formation. Thus, the biological function of GSTP1 in colorectal cancer biology remains speculative. In an effort to gain further insights into the role of GSTP1 in tumorigenesis, we disrupted the GSTP1 gene in HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells using targeted homologous recombination. We find that loss of GSTP1 resulted in impaired clonogenic survival and proliferation. Specifically, under growth-limiting conditions, (a) GSTP1 protected HCT116 cells from oxidative stress and associated apoptosis and (b) promoted mitogenactivated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase–mediated G1-S cell cycle progression. In vivo , GSTP1 was critical for engraftment and growth of HCT116 tumor xenografts. These studies directly show that GSTP1 promotes clonogenic survival and proliferation in HCT116 human colon cancer cells. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(20): 9485-94)
Toward relaxing the cabotage restrictions in maritime transport

PIDS Policy Notes are observations/analyses written by PIDS researchers on certain policy issues. The treatise is holistic in approach and aims to provide useful inputs for decisionmaking. The authors are, respectively, President and Senior Research Fellow, PIDS. They are grateful to Keith C. Detros and Ma. Kristina P. Ortiz for rendering excellent research assistance. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of PIDS or any of the study’s sponsors. Policy Notes
PIK3CA in Breast Carcinoma: A Mutational Analysis of Sporadic and Hereditary Cases

The PI3K-Akt cascade is a key signaling pathway involved in cell proliferation, survival, and growth. Activating PIK3CA mutations have been reported in breast carcinoma (BC). The aim of this study was to characterize the PIK3CA mutations at exons 9 and 20 in a series of 176 sporadic and 22 hereditary BCs and to correlate the results with clinicopathologic parameters and survival. In sporadic BC, 68 missense mutations were detected. PIK3CA mutations were significantly associated with ER+ in HER2-negative cases. A higher frequency of PIK3CA mutations was present in lobular carcinoma compared with ductal carcinoma (50% vs. 35%). There was no association between the survival and PIK3CA mutational status. In hereditary BC, PIK3CA mutations were found only in the BRCA2 group. The PIK3CA mutation seems to characterize the luminal-type BC, in both sporadic and BRCA2 mutated forms, and is absent in the basal-type BC, in both the sporadic and BRCA1 mutated forms.
Density functional analysis of chemical impurities in dielectric polyethylene

The effect of various chemical impurities in polyethylene on the electronic structure, trap depths, electron density, interchain interaction, etc. has been studied through the use of density functional theory. Quantum mechanical description of chemical impurity states is provided. The estimated depth of deep traps introduced directly by impurities and shallow traps introduced indirectly by impurity induced local disorder are in agreement with experimental estimates in the literature.
Hypania invalida (Grube, 1960), a polychaete species new for the southern Baltic estuarine area: the Szczecin Lagoon and the River Odra mouth.

During a study carried out in spring-summer 2010, the invasive Ponto-Caspian polychaete Hypania invalida (Grube, 1960) was recorded for the first time in the southern part of the River Odra estuary (southern Baltic). This is the first record of this species in Poland or in any a Baltic estuary. The appearance of H. invalida in the Odra estuary coincided with flood water descent in the Odra, suggesting that floods can aid in dispersal of this polychaete.
FACTORS AFFECTING BRAND LOYALTY IN FOOTBALL: AN APPLICATION ON “THE BIG FOUR” FOOTBALL CLUBS IN TURKISH SUPER LEAGUE

The research aims to investigate the factors affecting brand loyalty in football industry. To achieve this aim, the loyalty of the supporters of Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Trabzonspor called as “The Big Four” as they have the highest brand value in Turkish Super League were investigated. By using quota sampling method, 662 supporter students enrolling at the faculty of economics and administrative sciences of Bulent Ecevit University in 2013-2014 spring period were reached and questionaire technique was applied to the sample. In the research, the variables were tested via Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. As a result of the research, benefits variable from brand connotations and identification variable were found to be the most effective variables on psychological commitment towards the football clubs, as psychological commitment variable and benefits variable from brand connotations were found to be the most effective variables on behavioral loyalty towards the football clubs.
Peptide conversations in Gram-positive bacteria

Abstract Within Gram-positive bacteria, the expression of target genes is controlled at the population level via signaling peptides, also known as pheromones. Pheromones control a wide range of functions, including competence, virulence, and others that remain unknown. Until now, their role in bacterial gene regulation has probably been underestimated; indeed, bacteria are able to produce, by ribosomal synthesis or surface protein degradation, an extraordinary variety of peptides which are released outside bacteria and among which, some are pheromones that mediate cell-to-cell communication. The review aims at giving an updated overview of these peptide-dependant communication pathways. More specifically, it follows the whole peptide circuit from the peptide production and secretion in the extracellular medium to its interaction with sensors at bacterial surface or re-import into the bacteria where it plays its regulation role. In recent years, as we have accumulated more knowledge about these systems, it has become apparent that they are more complex than they first appeared. For this reason, more research on peptide-dependant pathways is needed to develop new strategies for controlling functions of interest in Gram-positive bacteria. In particular, such research could lead to alternatives to the use of antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria. In perspective, the review identifies new research questions that emerge in this field and that have to be addressed.
Lessons From the Failure and Recall of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Multiple clinical trials have shown that a properly functioning implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is capable of interrupting sudden death caused by ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Unfortunately, ICDs are complex medical devices, and they do not always perform as expected. For example, only 5% of ICD batteries last >7 years, and most dual-chamber ICD models must be replaced for battery depletion every 3 to 5 years.1 Normal battery depletion, however, is reliably predicted by routine follow-up methods before an ICD fails. In contrast, electronic malfunctions are unpredictable and may not be detected by standard follow-up techniques before an ICD is unable to deliver effective therapy. Thus, sudden cardiac arrest or death may be the first and only sign that an ICD has failed.2 Recently, we reported the death of a 21-year-old patient who received a Prizm 2 DR model 1861 ICD pulse generator (Guidant, Inc) in 2001 to prevent sudden cardiac death resulting from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.3 In March 2005, this young man experienced a witnessed arrest and could not be resuscitated. His ICD was returned to Guidant, which found that the device had failed during the delivery of a shock. The cause of failure was massive electronic damage caused by electrical overstress that occurred when a short circuit developed between a high-voltage wire and a tube used to test the housing during manufacturing (see the Figure). At the time of our patient’s death, Guidant had knowledge of 25 similar Prizm 2 DR model 1861 failures in patients, 3 of whom had required rescue defibrillation. Indeed, Guidant had first observed this mode of failure 3 years earlier, in February 2002, when 2 returned Prizm 2 DR pulse generators exhibited the same short circuiting that caused our patient’s device to fail. Guidant was sufficiently concerned about these failures that manufacturing changes were made …
Causes and consequences of test anxiety in Key Stage 2 pupils: The mediational role of emotional resilience

Deleterious effects of Standardized Achievement Tests, such as those taken at Key Stage 2, on the emotional and physical wellbeing, educational experiences and outcomes of primary school pupils in England have recently been documented (e.g. Tymms & Merrell, 2007), yet there is a lack of empirical evidence supporting these claims. This paper reports on the outcomes of a mixed methods study, involving 120 Year 6 pupils and their teachers, from 3 English primary schools, which examined pupils’ experiences of SATs and SAT related anxiety as well as the extent to which differences in pupils’ resilience moderate the effects of test anxiety. Using hierarchical regression analyses to control for differences in pupils’ general ability, it was found that poorer SAT grades in English, maths and science were significantly associated with higher levels of self-reported test anxiety and lower levels of resilience and that the negative effects of worry, off task behavior and autonomic reaction components of test anxiety were moderated by differences in pupils’ resilience. Qualitative data provided further evidence of SAT related anxiety and its various sources, but also highlighted both positive and negative attitudes towards the tests.