Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Carbon Dioxide Pneumoperitoneum on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Pigs

Previous studies have shown that laparoscopic interventions are associated with increases in intracranial pressure. However, the consequences on cerebral blood flow (CBF) are unknown. This study investigates the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum on CBF in pigs. Ten pigs (weight, 20–26 kg) were anesthetized with 1.4% isoflurane and fentanyl (1 &mgr;g/kg per minute). Mechanical ventilation (fraction of inspired oxygen = 0.4) was set to maintain normocapnia (end-tidal CO2 tension = 35 mm Hg). Arterial and central venous catheters were placed for measurement of mean arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure. Bilateral internal carotid artery blood flow was measured using two transient time flow probes placed around both carotid arteries (with ligated external carotid arteries). Cortical and subcortical cerebral blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Sagittal sinus pressure was measured via a superior sagittal sinus catheter. After baseline measurements, the peritoneal cavity of the animals was insufflated with CO2 to achieve an intraabdominal pressure of 12-mm Hg. After 10 minutes of stable CO2, pneumoperitoneum measurements were repeated. Increases in central venous pressure (6.3 ± 2.1 to 11.1 ± 3.0 mm Hg) and sagittal sinus pressure (8.0 ± 2.8 to 11.9 ± 3.0 mm Hg) were noted during CO2 pneumoperitoneum (P < .05). Bilateral internal carotid artery blood flow (46.0 ± 7.4 vs 47.7 ± 7.1 mL/100g per minute), cortical CBF (263 ± 115 vs 259 ± 158 tissue perfusion units), and subcortical CBF (131 ± 145 vs 133 ± 149 tissue perfusion units) did not change during CO2 pneumoperitoneum. The current data show that CO2 pneumoperitoneum increases sagittal sinus pressure without changing CBF. Increases in sagittal sinus pressure are likely related to decreases in cerebral venous drainage caused by increases in intraabdominal pressure.
Scheduling Jobs Families with Learning Effect on the Setup

The present paper aims to address the flow-shop sequence-dependent group scheduling problem with learning effect (FSDGSLE). The objective function to be minimized is the total completion time, that is, the makespan. The workers are required to carry out manually the set-up operations on each group to be loaded on the generic machine. The operators skills improve over time due to the learning effects; therefore the set-up time of a group under learning effect decreases depending on the order the group is worked in. In order to effectively cope with the issue at hand, a mathematical model and a hybrid metaheuristic procedure integrating features from genetic algorithms (GA) have been developed. A well-known problem benchmark risen from literature, made by two-, three- and six-machine instances, has been taken as reference for assessing performances of such approach against the two most recent algorithms presented by literature on the FSDGS issue. The obtained results, also supported by a properly developed ANOVA analysis, demonstrate the superiority of the proposed hybrid metaheuristic in tackling the FSDGSLE problem under investigation.
Directed Divergent Evolution of a Thermostable D‐Tagatose Epimerase towards Improved Activity for Two Hexose Substrates

Functional promiscuity of enzymes can often be harnessed as the starting point for the directed evolution of novel biocatalysts. Here we describe the divergent morphing of an engineered thermostable variant (Var8) of a promiscuous D‐tagatose epimerase (DTE) into two efficient catalysts for the C3 epimerization of D‐fructose to D‐psicose and of L‐sorbose to L‐tagatose. Iterative single‐site randomization and screening of 48 residues in the first and second shells around the substrate‐binding site of Var8 yielded the eight‐site mutant IDF8 (ninefold improved kcat for the epimerization of D‐fructose) and the six‐site mutant ILS6 (14‐fold improved epimerization of L‐sorbose), compared to Var8. Structure analysis of IDF8 revealed a charged patch at the entrance of its active site; this presumably facilitates entry of the polar substrate. The improvement in catalytic activity of variant ILS6 is thought to relate to subtle changes in the hydration of the bound substrate. The structures can now be used to select additional sites for further directed evolution of the ketohexose epimerase.
Speaking of rivers: demystifying foreign-born Blacks through a secondary ESL context

vi List of Figures . xii List of Tables . xiii Chapter I: Introduction.1 Statement of the Problem.2 Theoretical Framework: CRT.3 Context of the Study . 5 Rationale for the Study . 9 Purpose of the Study . 10 Research Questions.12 Definitions of Terms.12 Significance of the Study.14 Limitations . 17 Conclusion and Overview of the Study . 22 Chapter II: Literature Review . 23 Race and ESL.24 Racial Identity and ESL Instruction.26 Foreign-Born Blacks in ESL.30 CRT and Future Implications on ESL . 36 Conclusion . 43
Dispelling Perceptions: Montessori Education – Attaining Common Ground with Public Schools - eScholarship

AbstractUsing concepts from cognitive science, this dissertation explored changes in perception among Montessori education leaders and traditional education leaders. Although Montessori education programs have grown as an option in the public school sector, their unique features in mainstream environments have brought to the fore serious challenges in understanding and communication between decision makers at the institutional level of public education and among Montessori academies. Nationally, Montessori education entities have fostered a strong momentum for improvement at the state policy level. However in some states, including California, differing perceptions still hinder inclusive decision making, resulting in lack of teacher credential recognition, denial of eligibility and funding. My study implemented a communication intervention through which an iterative conversation between both sides aimed to address perceptions and language and provide shared understandings. Using the challenge between Montessori and traditional public education and framed under the cognitive theories of mental models, framing, schemas, metaphors and embodiment, this intervention addressed whether perceptions can begin to shift when one is more fully informed at a deeper cognitive level. Incorporating a workshop intervention involving several modalities, my findings suggested a shift in perception which seemed to persist over time. The effects in shifting actors’ perceptions of Montessori education were statistically significant and modest in terms of magnitude. I also found a weaker perceptual shift among traditional educators in California compared with peers in other states. I obtained specific suggestions for future iterations of kinesthetic learning, along with how to best share perspectives between Montessori and traditional leaders, along with possible collaborations between these pedagogies.
Political sophistication affects how citizens’ social policy preferences respond to the economy

Abstract Theoretical and empirical accounts of public opinion show that people’s social policy preferences are affected by the state of economy. According to the countercyclical view, economic downturn increases citizens’ demands for social policy whereas the procyclical view states that citizens demand less social policy during economically tough times. This article argues that individuals’ differences in political sophistication and, specifically, the commonly associated social-psychological characteristics are part of the micro-foundations for those different responses. People acquire and process information differently, which influences their political preferences. Public opinion and macroeconomic data from Europe during the economic crisis support the argument. The results show that people with lower levels of political sophistication tend to be procyclical, whereas this relationship weakens and moves towards countercyclical opinion structures with increasing levels of sophistication. These findings help to explain social policy preferences in response to the economy, and they offer insights into the origins of social policy preferences.
Reliability of muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption response from exercise using near‐infrared spectroscopy

What is the central question of this study? Continuous‐wave near‐infrared spectroscopy, coupled with venous and arterial occlusions, offers an economical, non‐invasive alternative to measuring skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption, but its reliability during exercise has not been established. What is the main finding and its importance? Continuous‐wave near‐infrared spectroscopy devices can reliably assess local skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption from the vastus lateralis in healthy, physically active adults. The patterns of response exhibited during exercise of varying intensity agree with other published results using similar methodologies, meriting potential applications in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment.
Consumer preference for supermarket food sampling in China

Food sampling has become a prominent promotion tool in Chinese supermarkets which aims at attracting consumers and inducing purchases. The study focuses on probing latent factors that influence consumer preference for sampling. Based on an in-person survey yielding 1,139 usable responses conducted in Nanjing City of China, a simultaneous equation model with a three-stage least square (3SLS) estimator is employed to control for endogeneities of sampling preference and consumer trust. Results show consumer preference for sampling are decided by respondent demographic characteristics, social capital factors and the level of consumer trust in the food system. The only significant external factor is consumers’ perception of price having a negative influence on the sample decision.
Information modeling of distribution grid's operation situation under disastrous condition and its application

Key technologies of operation situational awareness tackling with disaster destruction will dramatically improve the safe and reliable operation level of smart distribution network. Based on IEC 61970/61968 standard, extending information models that can reflect the relevant situation of network operation have been established, which are about distribution equipment, distributed energy resource, strength of network topology and distribution network load. Analytic hierarchy process based synthesis method of multi-dimensional situation was presented. Messages which are of conformance to IEC 61968 standards for distribution network operation situation have been designed. Then information interaction process in an example scenario has been analyzed which is about situational risk warning. It lies the foundation for unified expression and application of situation awareness technology in both smart distribution grid operation, management and dispatching.
A robust room-level localization method based on transition probability for indoor environments

Several scene analysis methods [1, 2] such as location fingerprinting have been proposed to execute room-level localization with high accuracy. However, these methods estimate locations wrongly when received signal strength (RSS) observed at a target user's current position is similar to RSS in another place. By utilizing the heuristic of passing through a passable boundary point (for example, an entrance door) when moving between rooms, we introduce a technique for evaluating the distance between the current position of the target user and the boundary point by comparing RSS around the boundary point with RSS at the user in order to reduce the number of erroneous judgments. Experiments conducted in office environments confirmed that our proposed technique achieved an accuracy rate of 97.1% in localizing the target user.
Hemodynamic response to pharmacological treatment of portal hypertension and long‐term prognosis of cirrhosis

In cirrhotic patients under pharmacologic treatment for portal hypertension, a reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) of ≥20% of baseline or to ≤12 mm Hg markedly reduces the risk of variceal rebleeding. This study was aimed at evaluating whether these hemodynamic targets also prevent other complications of portal hypertension and improve long‐term survival. One hundred five cirrhotic patients included in prospective trials for the prevention of variceal rebleeding were studied. Seventy‐three of the patients had 2 separate HVPG measurements, at baseline and under pharmacologic therapy with propranolol ± isosorbide mononitrate. Patients were followed for up to 8 years. Survival and risk of developing portal hypertension‐related complications were compared between responders and nonresponders. Twenty‐eight patients showed a reduction of HVPG ≥20% of baseline or to ≤12 mm Hg (responders), and 45 patients were nonresponders. Nonresponders had a significantly greater risk of developing variceal rebleeding (P = .013), ascites (P = .025), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (P = .003), hepatorenal syndrome (P = .026), and hepatic encephalopathy (P = .024) than responders. Eight‐year cumulative probability of survival was significantly lower in nonresponders than in responders (52% vs. 95%, respectively, P = .003). At multivariate analysis, being a nonresponder was independently associated with the risk of developing rebleeding, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and lower survival. In conclusion, in cirrhotic patients receiving pharmacologic treatment for prevention of variceal rebleeding, a decrease in HVPG ≥20% or to ≤12 mm Hg is associated with a marked reduction in the long‐term risk of developing complications of portal hypertension and with improved survival. (Hepatology 2003;37:902‐908.)
“Leaving No Child Behind:” Preferences for Social Inclusion and Altruism

Abstract Social inclusion is a priority item of international policy agendas. However, little is known about households’ preferences for policies aiming at social inclusion. We implement a household survey in both northern and southern Italy to investigate preferences for financing rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders, a particularly vulnerable group exposed to social exclusion. We find that although societies can be equally socially inclusive, families’ propensity towards “leaving no child behind” varies depending on the presence of children in the family, and household income. We also show that differences in preferences do not depend only on socio-demographic characteristics but also on the subjective concern about crime risk, the immigration rate as well as on altruistic motives. Our results guide the implementation of policies promoting social inclusion across regions.
Hardware-assisted self-collision for deformable surfaces

The natural behavior of garments and textile materials in the presence of changing object states is potentially the most computationally demanding task in a dynamic 3D virtual environment. Cloth materials are highly deformable inducing a very large number of contact points or regions with other objects. In a natural environment, cloth objects often interact with themselves generating a large number of self-collisions areas. The interactive requirements of 3D games and physically driven virtual environments make the cloth collisions and self-collisions computations more challenging. By exploiting mathematically well-defined smoothness conditions over smaller patches of deformable surfaces and resorting to image-based collision detection tests, we developed an efficient collision detection method that achieves interactive rates while tracking self-interactions in highly deformable surfaces consisting of more that 50,000 elements. The method makes use of a novel technique for dynamically generating a hierarchy of cloth bounding boxes in order to perform object-level culling and image-based intersection tests using conventional graphics hardware support.
INDICATOR ANALYSIS IN THE PROCESS OF FINANCIAL SECURITY MANAGEMENT FOR THE WHOLESALE FOODSTUFF SECTOR

Presented is the indicator analysis in the process of fi nancial security management for Poland’s wholesale foods sector. The study examined 160 wholesalers of foodstuff s, beverages and tobacco products (Polish commercial classifi - cations – PKD – from 46.31z to 46.39z), during the period 2008–2014. The study took advantage of corporate balance sheets, and profi ts and loss accounts of fi rms organized as limited liability entities and companies for scrutiny were chosen randomly. It was found that wholesaler liquidity diffi culty is a signal for other entities of fi nancial commercial stress which can consequently indicate diffi culty in payment for entrusted goods. The study confi rmed that the scrutinized companies have diffi culty in improving their liquidity and profi tability, potentially leading to bankruptcy as a result of negative opinions from potential investors.
Structural characterization of the PIT-1/ETS-1 interaction: PIT-1 phosphorylation regulates PIT-1/ETS-1 binding

The POU-domain transcription factor Pit-1 and Ets-1, a member of the ETS family of transcription factors, can associate in solution and synergistically activate the prolactin promoter by binding to a composite response element in the prolactin promoter. We mapped the minimal region of Ets-1 required for the interaction with the Pit-1 POU-homeodomain. Here, we describe a detailed NMR study of the interaction between the POU-homeodomain of Pit-1 and the minimal interacting region of Ets-1. By using heteronuclear single quantum coherence titration experiments, we were able to map exact residues on the POU-homeodomain that are involved in the interaction with this minimal Ets-1 interaction domain. By using our NMR data, we generated point mutants in the POU-homeodomain and tested their effect on the interaction with Ets-1. Our results show that phosphorylation of Pit-1 can regulate the interaction with Ets-1.
High torque density low speed permanent magnet machine

This paper gives different solutions in order to increase torque density of permanent magnets machines. The study deals with low frequency machines and, in this case, iron losses are less important than copper losses, so that supplying the machines with square wave currents can be interesting. The authors identify an original structure in which the end winding parts are removed. The description of this topology and design comparison with machines having end winding emphasize the limits of this structure: it is difficult to keep a high efficiency system with this new topology due to the losses in the power electronics.
The structure and function of p55PIK reveal a new regulatory subunit for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase) is implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular processes, including insulin-stimulated glucose transport. PI-3 kinase is composed of a 110-kDa catalytic subunit and an 85-kDa regulatory subunit. Here, we describe p55PIK, a new regulatory subunit that was isolated by screening expression libraries with tyrosine-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1). p55PIK is composed of a unique 30-residue NH2 terminus followed by a proline-rich motif and two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains with significant sequence identify to those in p85. p55PIK mRNA is expressed early during development, remains abundant in adult mouse brain and testis tissue, and is detectable in adult adipocytes and heart and kidney tissues. p55PIK forms a stable complex with p110, and it associates with IRS-1 during insulin stimulation. Moreover, the activated insulin receptor phosphorylates p55PIK in Sf9 cells, and insulin stimulates p55PIK phosphorylation in CHOIR/p55PIK cells. The unique features of p55PIK suggest that it is important in receptor signaling.
Comparison of the General Health Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale

The specificity and sensitivity of the HAD, 12-item GHQ and CIS were calculated by comparing the scores of dermatological patients on these tests with a criterion measure of disorder. Since psychiatry, along with many other branches of medicine, does not have an error-free criterion, it was assumed that the criterion was an underlying latent construct which was measured by all of the tests and could be derived by factor analysis from the scores on them. No differences were found between the two questionnaires (HAD and GHQ) in their ability to detect cases of minor psychiatric disorder although they were somewhat less reliable than the CIS.
Bicyclic [3.3.0]-Octahydrocyclopenta[c]pyrrolo Antagonists of Retinol Binding Protein 4: Potential Treatment of Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Stargardt Disease.

Antagonists of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) impede ocular uptake of serum all-trans retinol (1) and have been shown to reduce cytotoxic bisretinoid formation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is associated with the pathogenesis of both dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease. Thus, these agents show promise as a potential pharmacotherapy by which to stem further neurodegeneration and concomitant vision loss associated with geographic atrophy of the macula. We previously disclosed the discovery of a novel series of nonretinoid RBP4 antagonists, represented by bicyclic [3.3. 0]-octahydrocyclopenta[c]pyrrolo analogue 4. We describe herein the utilization of a pyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid fragment as a suitable isostere for the anthranilic acid appendage of 4, which led to the discovery of standout antagonist 33. Analogue 33 possesses exquisite in vitro RBP4 binding affinity and favorable drug-like characteristics and was found to reduce circulating plasma RBP4 levels in vivo in a robust manner (>90%).
Effect of alterations of blood cholesterol levels on macrophages in the myocardium of New Zealand White rabbits

We investigated the effect of alterations of blood cholesterol levels on macrophages (mΦ) in the myocardium of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Three groups of NZW rabbits were used: controls, rabbits fed a 0.5% cholesterol‐enriched diet (CH‐D) for 96 days, and rabbits fed a 0.5% CH‐D for 96 days followed by normal chow for 4 months. Immunohistochemical analysis by mAbs directed against mΦ (RAM‐11) and Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were quantified by computer‐assisted morphometry. Using cultured human and rabbit mΦ, a cross‐reaction of the human MnSOD mAbs was found as well as the predominant localization of MnSOD‐immunoreactivity (IR) in mitochondria, In group 1, only a very few RAM‐11‐immunoreactive (ir) mΦ occurred in the interstitial space of the myocardium. In group II blood cholesterol levels significantly increased in parallel with the numbers of mΦ, which often contained lipid droplets (foam cells). Although blood cholesterol concentrations regressed about 10‐fold in group III, mΦ in the myocardium were found to be reduced only about 20%. Most mΦ were also MnSOD‐ir. In atherosclerotic coronary arteries RAM‐11‐IR was located in mΦ and also extracellularly, whereas MnSOD‐IR was found only in mΦ. Drastically induced MnSOD in the mitochondria of mΦ is suggested as an indicator of increased oxidative stress caused by in vitro conditions or by phagocytosis of low‐density lipoprotein in vivo. Elevation of the cholesterol level leads to a long‐term increase and its regression results in a delayed reduction of such mΦ, which seem to play a key role in the atherogenesis of the coronary arteries as well. J. Leukoc. Biol. 62: 719–725; 1997.