Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress and metabolism at rest and during exercise in persons with Down syndrome

Background Down syndrome (DS) is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The greater oxidative stress described in DS can increase this risk owing to its potential deleterious effects on insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that metabolic syndrome or its markers, at rest and during exercise, are more pronounced in young adults with DS. Design The study design is that of a controlled study. Methods Thirteen physically active young adults with DS, after overnight polysomnography, plasma-lipid profile, and insulin-resistance [Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)] assessments, underwent a sub-maximal progressive treadmill exercise (10 min at 30 and 50%, and 20 min at 75% of Vo2 max), allowing for maximal fat-oxidation rate and blood-oxidative stress determinations. They were compared with 15 healthy control participants (C). Results Vo2 max of DS participants was lower than that of C (60.8 ±2.4 versus 44.4 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min; P < 0.001) but was close to the predicted value (95 ±6%). In DS participants, as expected, oxidative stress was greater than in C (+ 15%; P < 0.001) at rest and all through the exercise protocol. Although a greater fat mass (DS: 19.9 ±1.3%; C: 13.5 ±0.9%; P < 0.001), and a lower insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR in DS: 1.09±0.16; in C: 0.64±0.13; P < 0.05) was observed for DS participants, a metabolic syndrome could not be shown. Maximal fat-oxidation rate was lower in DS participants (394.2 ±69.9 versus 486.1 ±134.8mg/min in C; P < 0.01), but it was in the normal range. Conclusion Despite greater oxidative stress and lower insulin sensitivity, the DS group involved in our study did not display clear metabolic abnormalities. The young age and lifestyle of this group might, partially, have accounted for this apparently healthy metabolic status.
E-COMMERCE STRATEGY ANDCORPORATE PERFORMANCE

This study proposes that e-commerce (EC) initiatives are important strategic initiatives and firms with a stronger market orientation with respect to EC would be more successful. Content analysis of the CEOs letter to shareholders of 135 Fortune 500 firms was conducted in order to evaluate the importance of EC and strategic orientation. The results provide support to the studys propositions and indicate that EC must be pursued carefully as a strategic initiative, rather than an appendage to an existing organization.
The World ’ s 100 Largest Cities : A case study of inequality

A case study of inequality Summary Data are presented here for the hundred largest cities in the World. They form part of a case study to teach students about exploratory data analysis but are of added interest in providing a focus on poverty and underde-velopment in the Third World and the contrast between this and the wealth of the First World. xINTRODUCTIONx ONE thing we do not expect from our students is an automatic interest in data analysis or statistics as a subject. In England, experience has shown us that only a small minority of students of the social sciences come with a developed interest in statistics. Their interest has to be won. These students are unlikely to be strong in mathematics and they will probably find the more mathematical parts of the subject difficult. One way out of this problem is to link the teaching of statistics and data analysis closely to sociology itself, to play down the role of mathematics and to get students involved in practical data analysis. This is the approach used in the excellent book by Marsh, (1988) and this approach seems to work for our students. The case study here enables students to practise their knowledge of Minitab and to produce boxplots, tables , descriptive statistics and a correlation matrix. At a statistical level, it enables them to gain experience in discussing data sources, investigating reliability and validity, producing tables and graphics, integrating these into a report and discussing results. It allows us to show the importance of good, well constructed tables and the need for a sociological interpretation of the data; exploring data is about discovering patterns but this cannot be done without a sociological framework. The case study can also provide an introduction to multivariate analysis using cluster analysis. It has been used successfully in a course on Research Methods for undergraduate social science students. xTHE DATASETx The data set comprises of ten indicators for the 100 largest cities of the world taken from a study by a Washing-ton DC based environmental organisation (see Camp, Barberis and Hinds, 1990, and the Guardian, 1990). The list of areas was prepared by a metropolitan area expert from Rand McNally and Company and the data relates to 1989 for all variables. The statistics were collected for each metropolitan area by means of a 13-page in-country questionnaire and there is an extensive list of acknowledgements in …
An investigation in primary care of the relationship between consultation behaviour, increased vaginal bleeding and mental disorder

Studies have shown an association between consultation for increased vaginal bleeding and the presence of psychological disturbance. However, many of the studies have failed to control the known link between psychological distress and propensity to consult in general. The aim of this case - control study was to determine whether psychological distress in women consulting with increased vaginal bleeding is associated with the illness or with the propensity to consult. Women consulting as cases of 'increased vaginal bleeding' were compared with three sets of control women: two sets of consulting controls ('acute respiratory tract infection' or a physical 'other illness') and one set of community controls. Predictor measures were consultations and prescriptions in the previous 5 years. There was no difference in overall consultation rates (P = 0.19), proportion consulting for a mental disorder (P = 0.39), frequency of consultation for a mental disorder (P = 0.46) or having a prescribed hypnotic or anxiolytic (P = 0.29) between the three consulting groups. However, the consulting groups had higher rates of consulting both overall and specifically for a mental disorder than the community controls. The association between increased vaginal bleeding and mental disorder or use of psychotropic medication appeared to be explained by consultation behaviour.
Relationship of p16 Methylation Status and Serum α-Fetoprotein Concentration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Detection of tumor-derived genetic and epigenetic alterations in plasma and serum may have a profound impact on the noninvasive diagnosis of cancers among high-risk populations (1)(2)(3). Chronic hepatitis infection and cirrhosis are well-documented risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (4). However, patients with chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis may develop HCC only after many years. One long-sought goal in this field, therefore, has been the development of sensitive, specific, and noninvasive blood tests for the early detection and monitoring of HCC (5). A well-established conventional marker for HCC, serum α-fetoprotein (AFP), has limitations for cancer screening because high-risk individuals with AFP concentrations within the reference interval may have already developed HCC at an advanced stage (6)(7). Hypermethylation of p16 , a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor gene that regulates cell cycling, has been found frequently in human cancers, including HCC (3)(8). Using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), we analyzed p16 promoter methylation status in 100 plasma and serum samples from HCC patients, controls with chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis, and healthy subjects. Of particular diagnostic interest, we investigated the relationship of p16 methylation status and the serum AFP concentration. With informed consent and ethics approval, peripheral blood samples were obtained from 45 HCC patients before surgical resection, 35 non-HCC patients with chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis, and 20 healthy volunteers. The diagnosis of HCC was confirmed histopathologically in liver biopsy and was based on serum AFP concentration ≥500 μg/L, ultrasound examination with computed tomography, or hepatic angiography as appropriate. Tumor specimens were collected from the HCC patients after surgery, and DNA was extracted using a QIAamp Tissue Kit (Qiagen). Peripheral blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 g , and plasma and serum samples were collected from EDTA-containing and plain tubes, respectively. DNA was …
Reaching Kinematics to Measure Motor Changes After Mental Practice in Stroke

Abstract Objective: To examine mental practice (MP) efficacy using a new kinematics reaching model. Method: This was a prepost, case series conducted at an outpatient rehabilitation hospital of 5 patients who experienced stroke >1 year before study entry (3 males; mean age = 52.6 ± 15.4 years [range, 38–76 years]; mean time since stroke = 51.2 months [range, 13–126 months]) exhibiting upper limb hemiparesis on their dominant sides. Participants received 30-minute therapy sessions emphasizing activities of daily living (ADLs) using their affected arms, which occurred 2 days/week for 6 weeks. After therapy, participants received 30-minute MP sessions requiring MP of the ADLs. The main outcome measure was 3-D Motion Analysis (kinematics), in which patients performed 2 functional reaching tasks consisting of reaching and grasping a plastic cylinder positioned at either elbow height (reach out) or shoulder height (reach up). Dependent variables included horizontal reaching distance, hand velocity, elbow range of motion, and shoulder range of motion. Results: Prior to intervention, the mean horizontal reaching distance was 8.3 ± 1.7 cm and 10.9 ± 2.2 cm for the reach-up and reach-out tasks, respectively. Upon completion of the intervention, ability to reach up significantly improved to 9.9 ± 1.6 cm (p <.001). Horizontal reach distance also improved during the reach-out task (11.7 ± 2.2 cm, p = .366). No statistically significant change was observed in linear hand velocity. Patients also exhibited greater shoulder flexion and elbow extension during both the posttest reach-up and posttest reach-out tasks. Discussion and Conclusion: Kinematics appears to offer a precise, objective way of quantifying MP-induced motor changes during ADL performance. MP appears to improve several aspects of affected arm reaching.
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Placenta‐Derived Multipotent Cells into Hepatocyte‐Like Cells

Multipotent cells isolated from human term placenta (placenta‐derived multipotent cells [PDMCs]) have been known to be able to differentiate into mesodermal lineage cells, including adipocytes and osteoclasts. The low infection rate and young age of placenta compared with other tissue origins of adult stem cells make theses cells attractive target for cell‐based therapy. However, the differentiation potential of PDMCs toward hepatic cells has not been evaluated yet. In this study, we cultivated PDMCs with hepatic differentiation medium to evaluate the ability of these cells in differentiating toward hepatic cells. After treatment, the morphologies of differentiated PDMCs changed to polygonal epithelial cell‐like. The differentiated cells not only show the hepatocyte‐like morphologies but also express hepatocyte‐specific markers, including albumin and cytokeratin 18. The bioactivity assays revealed that these hepatocyte‐like cells could uptake lipoprotein and store glycogen. Furthermore, the addition of rifampicin increased the gene expression of CYP3A4, which is similar with the activities of human liver cells. According to our previous results, PDMCs were capable of differentiating into mesodermal and ectodermal lineage cells. Our results indicate that PDMCs can differentiate into three germ layer cells, which is similar to embryonic stem cells. In conclusion, placenta might be an easily accessible source for progenitor cells that are capable of differentiating toward hepatocyte‐like cells in vitro.
Distinguishing conscious from unconscious perceptual processes.

Deux experiences avec une tâche d'amorce type stroop indiquent que les mots masques de couleur presentes au-dela et en-deca du seuil subjectif permettent d'amorcer l'identification verbale ulterieure de taches de couleur. Les amorces presentees de part et d'autre du seuil subjectif ont des effets qualitatifs differents; des variations dans la proportion d'essais ou amorces et cibles sont congruentes menent a l'adoption d'une strategie de prediction quand les amorces sont presentees au-dela du seuil subjectif, mais pas quand elles sont presentees sous le seuil subjectif
Overcoming commercialization challenges in science-based business: Strategies for advanced materials ventures

Science-based businesses have become the main drivers of commercialization for radical technological advances, but face high technology uncertainty over long time frames, and the need for both significant complementary assets and substantial financing. Advanced materials ventures are a sparsely studied type of science-based business, though sufficiently different from others, such as biotech, to merit individual study. What strategies do advanced materials ventures use to overcome their daunting commercialization challenges? To address this question, this paper draws on literature on value creation and advanced materials commercialization, and presents evidence from a sample of 43 advanced materials ventures. Through a hierarchical cluster analysis, the sample was subdivided into nanomaterials, performance materials, and fuel cell ventures: subgroup commercialization characteristics are described and compared. Through analysis of sample variables, success metrics, and case studies, we identify successful commercialization strategies according to subgroup. Our findings suggest that embracing uncertainty enhances value creation for nanomaterials and performance materials ventures but can diminish value creation for ventures commercializing fuel cell technologies.
Games for Health: An Opinion.

Almost 60 percent of Americans play videogames, which is a significant opportunity for health professionals to reach mass audiences. But although legions of fans spend countless hours playing entertainment games, player interest in health videogames quickly wanes. A good question to ask is, "Why? " A game developer with 20 years of experience offers his perspective on what may be limiting health games' appeal and what can be done about it.
Financial Services Marketing

* The Financial Services Environment. * The Financial Services Consumer. * Identifying and Targeting Financial Prospects. * Development and Management of Financial Products. * Branch Networks and Distribution Through Branches. * Technology-Driven Distribution Channels. * Pricing for Financial Services. * Financial Services Promotion. * Customer Retention and Customer Loyalty. * Relationship Marketing. * Corporate Financial Services Marketing. * Projects.
Performance of UK Pension Funds : Luck or Skill?

Pension funds play a large role in the UK pension system since the returns of the funds determine how large the total pension will be. The future retirees can choose between active and passive fund management where the active management often is more expensive. In this study 102 actively managed UK equity pension funds are analyzed in order to see if managers have sufficient skill to generate risk adjusted return to cover the cost imposed on the investors. The result implies that the active pension funds in aggregate, before expenses, hold a portfolio that imitates market returns during 2000 to 2012. Bootstrap simulations suggest that only eight funds out of the sample of 102 have skilled managers and six of these managers are skilled enough to produce risk adjusted excess return large enough to cover the expenses imposed on the investor.
Post Issue Performance of Graded IPOs in India

SEBI, the Indian securities market regulator has set a unique example for the entire world by introducing IPO grading in India 2006 on optional basis and further mandating it from May, 2007. The purpose of this grading was to provide retail investors with a ready-made assessment of the fundamental quality of the issuer of an IPO, so they could make a better and informed investment decision in an era of information overload. Grading of IPOs is subject to severe criticism. Critics question efficacy and effect of this process. But findings of this paper suggest that IPO grading does have strong positive effect on demand (oversubscription). Further, weak impact on returns, little or nil impact on underpricing and strong negative effect on proportion of issued share capital is also noted. Paper infers that all investor classes including retail investors benefit from IPO grading.
Fronto‐striatal functional connectivity during response inhibition in alcohol dependence

Poor response inhibition has been implicated in the development of alcohol dependence, yet little is known about how neural pathways underlying cognitive control are affected in this disorder. Moreover, endogenous opioid levels may impact the functionality of inhibitory control pathways. This study investigated the relationship between alcohol dependence severity and functional connectivity of fronto‐striatal networks during response inhibition in an alcohol‐dependent sample. A secondary aim of this study was to test the moderating effect of a functional polymorphism (A118G) of the μ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene. Twenty individuals with alcohol dependence (six females; 90% Caucasian; mean age = 29.4) who were prospectively genotyped on the OPRM1 gene underwent blood oxygen level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a Stop‐Signal Task. The relationship between alcohol dependence severity and functional connectivity within fronto‐striatal networks important for response inhibition was assessed using psychophysiological interaction analyses. Analyses revealed greater alcohol dependence severity was associated with weaker functional connectivity between the putamen and prefrontal regions (e.g. the anterior insula, anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex) during response inhibition. Furthermore, the OPRM1 genotype was associated with differential response inhibition‐related functional connectivity. This study demonstrates that individuals with more severe alcohol dependence exhibit less frontal connectivity with the striatum, a component of cognitive control networks important for response inhibition. These findings suggest that the fronto‐striatal pathway underlying response inhibition is weakened as alcoholism progresses.
Forceps or Vacuum Extraction? A Comparison of Effects on the Newborn Infant

Sixteen women delivered by forceps and 20 women delivered by vacuum extraction (VE) owing to secondary uterine inertia were compared with a control group of 11 women who gave birth spontaneously. The cord arterial pH was lower in the VE group than in the forceps and control groups. Base deficit in both arterial and venous cord blood was greater in the VE group than in the forceps group, probably owing to the longer application and extraction times in VE than in forceps delivery. The incidence of retinal hemorrhage did not differ between the forceps and VE groups. The incidence of cephalhematomata was greater among VE infants than in the forceps and control groups. All infants were examined on the 1st and 5th day by standardized neurological and behavioural examination. There were no significant differences in neurological status between the forceps and VE groups. Thus, in low extraction with no signs of fetal asphyxia, either method can be used with safety if the obstetrician is familiar with both methods of operative vaginal delivery.
Determinants of banking sector development in emerging economies: panel estimation

The study provides new evidence on the determinants of banking sector development, using data from 18 emerging economies during 2000-2009. The study employs panel data analysis, namely Random Effect, Feasible Generalized Least Squares and Dynamic Generalized Method of Moments estimations. The empirical results demonstrate that rule of law; economic growth and workers’ remittances promote banking sector development. However, financial liberalization and liberal trade policies have an insignificant influence on banking sector development. Therefore, the study suggests that emerging countries, aiming at enhancing banking sector development, should establish strong institutional infrastructure; whereas financial liberalization and trade openness should come at a later stage. Finally, the study provides evidence on a complementary relationship between banking sectors and capital markets in emerging countries.
The Evolution of Local Government Electronic Services in Victoria

There is an increasing interest amongst governments around the world in the potential for delivering government services on the WWW. While there are examples of substantial transition to electronic service delivery in some sectors in some countries, it is generally accepted that most government services have failed to evolve from enhanced informationbased web pages. This is particularly true of the local government sector in Australia despite numerous policies and hopeful deadlines imposed by state and federal governments. This research in progress studied the current status of local government electronic service delivery. The results revealed little progress in the transition to electronic service delivery in most areas of local government. In an effort to enhance their websites, local governments have started to creep into the areas of e-Democracy and e-Governance suggesting that a linear maturity model of e-Service delivery may not be appropriate for the local government sector.
An Updated View of the Integrated Plastic Surgery Match

BackgroundPlastic surgery is one the most competitive residency programs. Data on match trends for plastic surgery residencies and traits of successful applicants are necessary for individuals applying into this highly desirable specialty. AimAnalyze recent trends in the independent and integrated match as well as to describe attributes of successful applicants. MethodsData from National Resident Matching Program and San Francisco Match Program for 2007 to 2014 were compiled and analyzed. Statistical analysis and figure creation were performed using the R software package. For bivariate associations, &khgr;2 or Fisher’s exact test was used. ResultsThe number of available integrated plastic surgery positions through National Resident Matching Program has increased since 2007, whereas the number of independent residencies offered through the SF Match has steadily decreased. The average Step 2 scores, The number of research presentations, publications, abstracts, and the percent of students ranking plastic surgery only have increased. In a break from previous trends, percent of applicants with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership and mean Step 1 board scores decreased. United States medical school applicants who matched were more likely to be AOA members and graduates from a top 40 medical school. There was no significant association between having an additional academic degree and successfully matching into integrated plastic surgery. ConclusionsIntegrated plastic surgery residency programs continue to be highly competitive, with overall increasing research experience, but slightly lower Step 1 scores and AOA membership than that in previous years. If the trend of decreasing independent and increasing integrated positions continues, the applicant only interested in plastic surgery may find the integrated pathway a more feasible option.