Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using a multitrait-multimethod analysis to examine conceptual similarities of three self-regulated learning inventories.

BACKGROUND A programme of construct validity research is necessary to clarify previous research on self-regulation and to provide a stronger basis for future research. AIM A multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) analysis was conducted to assess convergent and discriminant validity of three self-regulation measures: the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI; Weinstein, 1987), the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ; Pintrich, Smith, Garcia, & McKeachie, 1993) and the Meta-cognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI; Schraw & Dennison, 1994). Method bias across all three inventories was also examined. SAMPLE AND METHOD Three hundred and eighteen undergraduate university students (255 female, 61 male, 2 did not specify) were recruited from various courses to participate in research on perceptions about studying and study methods. Participants spent 30-60 minutes completing all three inventories. RESULTS Evidence for convergent validity was found at the matrix level, but was attenuated when examined at the individual parameter level. Evidence for discriminant validity among traits was modest, and common method bias was evident across all three measures. CONCLUSIONS Results revealed the three inventories yielded different results, which suggests that researchers should be selective in the inventory they use to assess self-regulated learning (SRL).
Effects of cardiac glycosides on excitation‐contraction coupling in frog skeletal muscle fibres.

1. The effects of digoxin and ouabain on the calcium release flux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), isometric tension and intramembrane charge movement were studied in voltage clamped skeletal muscle fibres of the frog. 2. Both cardiac glycosides increased both calcium transients and simultaneously recorded tension at all membrane potentials, showing different effects on the peak and on the steady components of the calcium release flux. These effects were attained at an extracellular digoxin concentration of 5 nM and an estimated intracellular ouabain concentration of 1‐2 nM. Digoxin and ouabain thus exerted their effects at the same concentration on calcium release in skeletal muscle as previously observed in isolated cardiac‐type ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium release channels. 3. The peak of SR calcium release increased at all voltages, with the largest potentiation at intermediate membrane potentials. This increase in calcium release flux was attained despite an unchanged SR calcium content. The attenuated release rate therefore reflected an increased number of open RyR channels rather than increased SR loading. 4. These effects could be attributed to an increase in calcium release activation and not a decrease in the rate of inactivation. Rather, the rate of inactivation was enhanced at all voltages as expected from the increased calcium concentration in the triadic junction. 5. In contrast, CMA (17 alpha‐acetoxy‐6‐chloro‐4, 6‐pregnadiene‐3,20‐dione; 5 microM), a Na(+)‐K(+)‐ATPase inhibitor with no positive inotropic effects on the heart, neither influenced SR calcium release nor antagonized the effects of ouabain. 6. Both digoxin and ouabain preserved total intramembrane charge apart from a small negative shift in the mid‐point voltage and increase in slope factor. 7. Both digoxin and ouabain induced calcium release from heavy SR vesicles at rates comparable to that induced by ryanodine or caffeine. 8. It is concluded that at least part of the inactivating component of SR calcium release involves distinct RyR calcium release channels that resemble the cardiac RyR isoform in its specific sensitivity to cardiac glycosides.
The Impact of Political Regime and Governance on ASEAN Economic Growth

Traditionally, researchers have investigated the effect of intrinsic variables such as labour, capital and human capital on economic growth. However, the positive effect of intrinsic variables is reversed by countervailing extrinsic variables such as corruption, armed conflict and political regime, which have not been examined much by existing literature. This study empirically examines the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic variables on economic growth. We apply several estimation techniques using a 2000–09 balanced panel data for ASEAN countries. The study finds that both intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of economic growth are significant. However, countervailing effects of extrinsic variables are documented for growth in ASEAN countries. Corruption and armed conflict have a statistically significant and negative relationship with economic growth in ASEAN countries, whilst political regime is found to be statistically insignificant.
A Molecular Timetable for Apical Bud Formation and Dormancy Induction in Poplar[W]

The growth of perennial plants in the temperate zone alternates with periods of dormancy that are typically initiated during bud development in autumn. In a systems biology approach to unravel the underlying molecular program of apical bud development in poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba), combined transcript and metabolite profiling were applied to a high-resolution time course from short-day induction to complete dormancy. Metabolite and gene expression dynamics were used to reconstruct the temporal sequence of events during bud development. Importantly, bud development could be dissected into bud formation, acclimation to dehydration and cold, and dormancy. To each of these processes, specific sets of regulatory and marker genes and metabolites are associated and provide a reference frame for future functional studies. Light, ethylene, and abscisic acid signal transduction pathways consecutively control bud development by setting, modifying, or terminating these processes. Ethylene signal transduction is positioned temporally between light and abscisic acid signals and is putatively activated by transiently low hexose pools. The timing and place of cell proliferation arrest (related to dormancy) and of the accumulation of storage compounds (related to acclimation processes) were established within the bud by electron microscopy. Finally, the identification of a large set of genes commonly expressed during the growth-to-dormancy transitions in poplar apical buds, cambium, or Arabidopsis thaliana seeds suggests parallels in the underlying molecular mechanisms in different plant organs.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radical resection with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): improved treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction results in substantial morbidity, locoregional recurrence, and death. Surgical procedures, even with adjuvant therapy, have not significantly improved survival. This study evaluated the toxicity, response rate, locoregional control, and survival of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer that was treated with neoadjuvant multimodality therapy. METHODS Patients with stage IIIA or early stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma received neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Adriamycin, and Cisplatin and underwent gastrectomy or esophagogastrectomy with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT; 1000 cGY) to the gastric bed and postoperative radiation therapy. RESULTS Nine of 15 patients (60%) with transmural extension and/or nodal metastases received IORT. There were 2 pathologically complete responses at the primary site. Eleven of 15 patients (73%) had tumor in perigastric lymph nodes; however, 9 of 15 patients (60%) had mucin-filled nodes without tumor cells. Neoadjuvant treatment did not increase operative morbidity rates. Ten of 15 patients (67%) remain free of disease (median, 27 months; range, 6-60 months). Five patients died 13 to 41 months (median, 17 months) after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Neoadjuvant multimodality therapy with neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Adriamycin, and Cisplatin, radical resection with IORT, and postoperative radiation therapy is safe, can downstage tumors, provides improved locoregional control, and appears to cause significant tumor regression that may result in long-term survival or cure.
DETERMINAN PENGUNGKAPAN MODAL INTELEKTUAL BERDASARKAN VARIABEL KEUANGAN DAN NON KEUANGAN

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh variabel keuangan yang terdiri dari tingkat utang, pertumbuhan laba dan ukuran perusahaan serta variabel non keuangan yaitu ukuran dewan komisaris, umur perusahaan dan kompleksitas bisnis terhadap pengungkapan modal intelektual. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah 37 perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2011-2013. Sampel dipilih dengan metode purposive sampling dan diperoleh 90 unit analisis yang menjadi objek penelitian. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik content analysis. Alat analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi berganda dengan software SPSS versi 21 dengan pemenuhan uji asumsi klasik. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa tingkat utang, ukuran dewan komisaris, dan kompleksitas bisnis berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap pengungkapan modal intelektual; pertumbuhan laba berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap pengungkapan modal intelektual sedangkan ukuran perusahaan dan umur perusahaan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pengungkapan modal intelektual. Saran untuk penelitian selanjutnya adalah menggunakan teknik lain seperti kuesioner yang langsung diberikan kepada perusahaan dalam mencari tingkat pengungkapan modal intelektual pada perusahaan. Dan baik kiranya jika mengembangkan indeks pengungkapan modal intelektual baru yang disesuaikan dengan kondisi di Indonesia.The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of financial variables consist of leverage, earning growth, company size, and non financial variables consist of board of commissioner size, company age, and business complexity on intellectual capital in banking industry. The population of this study is banking companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2011 until 2013 with total 37 companies. The samples are selected by purposive sampling method, and obtained 90 unit analyses as observations’ objects. Analysis tool used SPSS 21 multiple regression analysis complying classical assumption test. The study results show that leverage, board of commissioner size, and business complexity have positive significantly effect on intellectual capital disclosure. Earning growth has significantly influenced but in negative way. While company size and company age has no effect on intellectual capital disclosure. The recommendation for further study is to use the other techniques such as questionnaires that is directly given to company for discovering the level of company’s intellectual capital disclosure. And it will be better if create a new intellectual capital disclosure index that is appropriate with the condition in Indonesia.
Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk and Cumulative Number of Menstrual Cycles

Objective: To explore whether the lifetime cumulative number of menstrual cycles, as an index for total exposure to endogenous estrogens, and the number of menstrual cycles until a first full-term pregnancy (FFTP), are associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Methods: Population-based study with data from the Prospect-European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. Naturally menopausal participants were eligible (n = 6,718). The cumulative number of menstrual cycles was computed in 6,031 (90%) women. We calculated the number of cycles until FFTP among parous participants. The number of menstrual cycles was impossible to compute in women who reported to be always irregular; therefore, we added the “always irregular” category in the analysis. During the 46,746 person-years of follow-up, 168 breast cancer cases were identified. Cox regression models were used and adjustments were made to account for potential confounders. Results: Even when our data does not show a clear linear gradient, we observed an increased breast cancer risk in women with a higher number of cumulative menstrual cycles in their lifetime. Using ≤415 cycles as reference, the hazard ratio for the irregular group, 416-453, 454-490, and ≥491 cycles was 1.11 (.56, 2.19), 1.88 (1.14, 3.12), 1.74 (1.05, 2.87), and 1.80 (1.09, 2.96), respectively. Although not statistically significant, and of less magnitude, the risk estimates for the number of cycles before FFTP showed the same tendency. Conclusion: Among women who underwent natural menopause, a higher number of menstrual cycles in lifetime, reflecting a longer exposure to endogenous estrogens, is associated with an increased breast cancer risk.
Angiopoietins / TIE 2 System and VEGF Are Involved in Ovarian Function in a DHEA Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological pathology among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by anovulation, oligoor amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, obesity, and insulin resistance. PCOS patients present with elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum and follicular fluid. In this study, we examined the ovarian expression of angiopoietins (ANGPT) and their receptor tyrosine kinase receptor (TIE2), involved in the stabilization of blood vessels, in a rat model of dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. We also analyzed the effect of ovarian VEGF inhibition on ANGPT/TIE2, follicular development, and vascular stability. VEGF levels were increased in the PCOS ovaries, whereas the levels of its receptor fetal liver kinase-1 were decreased. In addition, the periendothelial cell area and the ANGPT1 to ANGPT2 ratio in the ovary were increased in the PCOS group. Percentage of primary follicles was increased and the percentage of preantral follicles and corpora lutea was decreased in the PCOS group. VEGF inhibition decreased the percentage of primary follicles close to control values. Interestingly, despite the presence of cysts in the ovaries from VEGF inhibitor-treated PCOS rats, its percentage was lower than the PCOS group without treatment. In summary, this study describes an alteration not only in the VEGF/fetal liver kinase-1 system but also in the ANGPT/TIE2 system in a dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS rat model. This leads to an increase in periendothelial cell recruitment. We also demonstrated that ovarian VEGF inhibition can partially restore the accumulation of small follicles in PCOS rats and reduces cyst formation, improving ovulation and follicular development. Therefore, the inhibition of VEGF could be considered, in addition to other currently applied treatments, as a new strategy to be studied in PCOS patients to restore ovarian function. (Endocrinology 153: 3446–3456, 2012)
EMPOWERMENT OF ENTREPRENEURS: APPLICATION OF AMARTYA SEN'S CAPABILITY APPROACH TO IMPROVE THE LIVELIHOOD OF ARTISANS IN INDIA

The master thesis “Empowerment of entrepreneurs: application of Amartya Sen’s capability approach to improve the livelihood of artisans in India” analyzes the countryand sector-specific framework conditions when it comes to entrepreneurship in the artisan sector in India. In addition, the explorative nature of this thesis provides a starting point to the analysis of artisans’ experienced life quality and identifies triggers that stimulate the same. This topic is academically and societally significant as previous research has shown that entrepreneurship is positively related to economic growth in developed economies. The relationship between entrepreneurial activity and economic growth in developing economies such as India, however, has not been analyzed sufficiently. Very recently, authors like Gries and Naude (2011) as well as Serviere (2010) and Tipu (2012) have stressed the importance of the analysis of this relationship through micro-level research projects. This thesis aims to function as starting point for this new fied of research. Therefore, the present thesis first incorporates findings of the entrepreneurship literature into Amartya Sen’s framework of the capability approach. Next, these theoretical findings are tested with the help of explorative research that was conducted in India and involves the methodological principles of Appreciative Inquiry. The field research includes six expert interviews with academic as well as business professionals in a first interview wave and 15 interviews with rural as well as metropolitan artisans in a second wave of interviews. The fundamental finding of this thesis is that the entrepreneurs of the analyzed target group cannot be categorized as solely necessityor opportunity-driven. Instead, the artisans combine typical character traits and attitudes of both. Based on this, a unique profile is developed for artisan entrepreneurs in India. Building on these findings, the present thesis contributes to a better understanding of the characteristics, motivations and problems that Indian artisan entrepreneurs face. These valuable insights allow the identification of potentials as well as prerequisites to develop a holistic and sustainable approach to empower artisans in India. The thesis reveals a great demand for further research and encourages more extensive research projects that analyze the relationship of entrepreneurial activity and experienced life quality as well as economic empowerment of artisans in India as well as indicators to stimulate the same. The author of this thesis is Judith Evers (judith89evers@gmail.com).
Telemedicine in diagnostic pleural cytology: a feasibility study between universities in Iran and the USA

We evaluated the concordance rate and diagnostic accuracy of digital cytology slides reviewed by experienced pathologists at the University of Miami and the Ohio State University in comparison with review of conventional glass slides by the pathologist at the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. In addition, we evaluated interobserver reproducibility in telecytology diagnosis in pleural effusion smears between Ohio State and Miami University. For this, we selected 50 pleural effusion smears with different diagnoses. For each case, digital images were sent via the Internet to the consulting pathologists at the two US universities. The accuracy of the telecytology diagnoses was 83% and 87% at the two US universities and the accuracy of glass slide review was 89%. The inter-observer reproducibility of telecytology diagnosis between these two universities was 0.71. The concordance rate, inter-observer reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy of telecytology diagnosis in pleural effusion smears between the three institutions were good. Telecytology diagnosis of pleural effusion smears is potentially useful in screening and diagnosis and may allow more efficient use of scarce cytopathologist resources and expertise.
Cloning and molecular analysis of genes affecting expression of binding substance, the recipient-encoded receptor(s) mediating mating aggregate formation in Enterococcus faecalis

Transfer of the conjugative plasmid pCF10 in Enterococcus faecalis strains involves production of a plasmid-encoded aggregation substance on the surface of donor cells in response to stimulation by a pheromone secreted by recipient cells. Aggregation substance then facilitates attachment to recipient cells via a chromosomally encoded receptor, termed binding substance (BS). A BS mutant, strain INY3000, generated by random Tn916 insertions, was previously found to carry copies of the transposon at four unique sites (K. M. Trotter and G. M. Dunny, Plasmid 24:57-67, 1990). In the present study, DNA flanking the Tn916 insertions was used to complement the BS mutation of INY3000 following Tn916 excision from cloned chromosomal fragments. Complementation results showed that three of the four regions mutated in INY3000 play some role in BS expression. Tn5 mutagenesis and DNA sequence analysis of the complementing fragment from one of these regions indicated the presence of three genes (ebsA, ebsB, and ebsC) that affect BS expression. The ebsA and ebsB genes encode peptides likely to function in cell wall metabolism, whereas ebsC may encode a product that suppresses the function or expression of EbsB.
Microcloning of sandalwood (Santalum album Linn.) from cultured leaf discs

-1 2,4-D + 0.5mg.l -1 TDZ) supported maximum direct somatic embryogenesis (11.44%), indirect somatic embryogenesis (54.23%) and mean numbers of somatic embryo(s) per explant (160.08), whereas culture medium MS2D.5Td (MS + 2.0mg.l -1 2,4-D + 0.5mg.l -1 TDZ) promoted indirect organogenesis (20.38%). Inoculation medium MS2Td.5N (MS + 2.0mg.l -1 TDZ + 0.5 mg.l -1 NAA) proved superior for direct organogenesis (9.48%) and regeneration of plantlets via direct organogenesis (36.69%). MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg.l -1 TDZ and 1.0 mg.l -1 GA3 proved superior for plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (163.63%) while regeneration medium MSTd.5GA. 5N (MS +1.0 mg.l -1 TDZ+ 0.5 mg.l -1 GA3 +0.5 mg. l -1 NAA) regenerated plantlets via indirect organogenesis (141.25%). The in vitro raised plantlets were acclimatized and established successfully in the field. Abbreviations: MS-Murashige and Skoog medium; BA-6-benzylaminopurine; TDZThidizuron; Kn-Kinetin; NAA-α-Naphthalene acetic acid; 2, 4-D- 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2, 4, 5-T - 2, 4, 5- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid; IBA-Indole-3-butyric acid; GA3: Gibberelic acid.
COMBINED TREATMENT USING OZONE FOR CYANIDE REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER: A COMPARISON

Cyanidation is widely used by several gold mining companies worldwide. Since its wastewaters contain cyanide, appropriate treatments must be applied to remove this pollutant. Combinations of ozone (O 3 ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and activated carbon (AC) can be used for this purpose. In this work, synthetic cyanide solutions ([CN¯] o = 15.37 mM) were treated using O 3 and the combinations O 3 /H 2 O 2 , O 3 /AC and O 3 /H 2 O 2 /AC under alkaline conditions. O 3 was produced from dry oxygen at a rate of 2.51 g O 3 /h([O 3 ] gas-phase = 6.9x10 –2 g/L). The concentration of cyanide (CN¯) and O 3 consumption were measured and the performance of the treatments evaluated. The highest cyanide removal was reached at pH 11.0 for all cases and with 10 mg H 2 O 2 /mg O 3 upon adding H 2 O 2 . In contrast, the addition of AC did not improve the cyanide removal in comparison with O 3 alone. The best cyanide removal was achieved with the combination O 3 /H 2 O 2 followed by the combination O 3 /H 2 O 2 /AC. Moreover, cyanidation effluents were treated using the combination O 3 /H 2 O 2. In this case, almost a total removal of free cyanide was achieved after 3 min of treatment.
Repositioning of Central Venous Access Devices using a High-Flow Flush Technique - a Clinical Practice and Cost Review

Background Malpositioned central venous access device (CVAD) tip locations can cause significant mechanical and chemical vessel-related injuries and complications if left in inappropriate positions. The aim of this study is to determine the use of a high-flow flush technique (HFFT) in successful correction of malpositioned catheters into the lower superior vena cava or cavoatrial junction and provide a cost comparison to interventional/fluoroscopic-based repositioning. Methods This is a retrospective chart and radiographic review of all inserted CVADs found malpositioned between 1996-2014 in a multi-specialty 1000-bed tertiary trauma center in Sydney, Australia. 7450 CVADs placed by a nurse-led vascular access service were reviewed. Catheters repositioned pre-2010 were excluded owing to radiology repositioning interventions. Results There were 3996 peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and 3454 centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) placed. Seventy-four were malpositioned post-2010. Of these, 53 devices were repositioned using the studied technique; 86% (46/53) of catheters were successfully repositioned on the first HFFT attempt. There was supportive evidence that device insertion side is important in potential catheter malposition. Conclusions Clinical outcomes suggest that CICCs and PICCs may be successfully repositioned utilizing this technique, with no adverse events associated and a prospective cost saving benefit when compared to interventional-based repositioning procedures.