Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of the Children's Attributions and Perceptions Scale in An Underprivileged Spanish Sample

The psychometric properties and exploratory factor analysis of the Children's Attributions and Perceptions Scale in two Spanish samples of children were examined (n = 48 from an after-school social care center in a deprived neighborhood, and n = 120 from a school mainly enrolling families of medium socioeconomic status; 49% boys and 51% girls; M age = 10.5 yr., SD = 18.7). A cross-cultural comparative analysis of the Spanish samples and the normative sample was also carried out. Factor analysis supported a 4-factor solution for Spanish populations. Significant differences were found between the Spanish groups in school and the social care centers. The cross-cultural analysis showed that stressful conditions (sexual abuse vs deprivation) produced greater differences than cultural group (Spanish vs American).
At the crossroads of vaginal health and disease, the genome sequence of Lactobacillus iners AB-1

Lactobacilli have long been regarded as important constituents of the healthy human vagina. Lactobacillus iners is the most frequently detected bacterial species in the vagina, but little is known about its characteristics. We report a description of the whole-genome sequence of L. iners AB-1 along with comparative analysis of published genomes of closely related strains of lactobacilli. The genome is the smallest Lactobacillus reported to date, with a 1.3-Mbp single chromosome. The genome seems to have undergone one or more rapid evolution events that resulted in large-scale gene loss and horizontal acquisition of a number of genes for survival in the vagina. L. iners may exhibit specialized adaptation mechanisms to the vaginal environment, such as an iron–sulfur cluster assembly system, and several unique σ factors to regulate gene transcription in this fluctuating environment. A potentially highly expressed homolog of a cholesterol-binding lysin may also contribute to host cell adhesion or act as a defense mechanism against other microbes. Notably, there is a lack of apparent adhesion proteins, but several cell-anchor proteins were identified and may be important for interaction with the host mucosal tissues. L. iners is widely present in healthy females as well as those suffering from bacterial vaginosis or who have undergone antimicrobial therapy, suggesting that it is an important indigenous species of the vagina.
3D nanofabrication on complex seed shapes using glancing angle deposition

Three-dimensional (3D) fabrication techniques promise new device architectures and enable the integration of more components, but fabricating 3D nanostructures for device applications remains challenging. Recently, we have performed glancing angle deposition (GLAD) upon a nanoscale hexagonal seed array to create a variety of 3D nanoscale objects including multicomponent rods, helices, and zigzags [1]. Here, in an effort to generalize our technique, we present a step-by-step approach to grow 3D nanostructures on more complex nanoseed shapes and configurations than before. This approach allows us to create 3D nanostructures on nanoseeds regardless of seed sizes and shapes.
Physicians' Patterns of Using a Computerized Collection of Guidelines for Primary Care

Abstract Physician's Desk Reference and Database is a Finnish collection of computerized primary care guidelines. The program has been in clinical use since 1989. For this study, a function producing a log file of all searches was added to the program. Two hundred twenty-seven users returned log files that contained 15,267 searches. The users made 3.12 (range 1–10.4) searches per day. The average time needed to find and read an article was 4.9 minutes. Sufficient facts were found in 71% of the searches. Dermatology was the most popular field of interest, followed by infectious diseases and cardiology.
ffi cient Routing Algorithm for Fiber-Wireless Access Networks : A Network Formation Game Approach

New multimedia services and ubiquitous networking pose great challenges on existing access network infrastructures. To cope with such requirements new access technologies, such as the fiber-wireless (FiWi), are being developed. Together with the emergence of new access networks, efforts are being made to reduce the amount of energy required to provide services. Indeed, this issue plays an increasingly important role. Here we propose an energy efficient routing algorithm for FiWi access networks. The main idea is to exploit the multipath capabilities of the wireless mesh front end of FiWi access networks to create energy efficient routes that optimize the sleeping and active periods of all ONUs and wireless nodes. To achieve this goal, an energy efficient network model based on network formation game theory is used. This model allows several network formation processes to be compared in regard to the energy efficiency of the routes they generate. Our results reveal that the farsighted network formation process establishes the most energy efficient routes, meaning that the choices done by this formation process were the best ones. However, this farsighted process is computationally expensive. For this reason a heuristic algorithm is developed, which explores the most energy efficient choices taken by the network formation processes, and farsighted process in particular. Results show that the proposed heuristic is able to obtain results close to the farsighted process.
Chemotactic and cytotoxic effects of minocycline on human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PURPOSE To reveal the effects of minocycline, an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent, on the viability and physiological properties of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and to compare the effects with those of triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS The proliferation of human RPE cells in vitro was investigated with a bromodeoxyuridine immunoassay; chemotaxis was examined with a Boyden chamber assay. Cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion. The gene expression of growth factors and MMP-9 was determined with real-time RT-PCR, and the secretion of VEGF was examined with ELISA. The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 proteins was determined with Western blot analysis. RESULTS Minocycline at low concentrations (50 nM-20 microM) stimulated chemotaxis and decreased the proliferation of RPE cells. Minocycline at high concentrations (above 5 microM) decreased the viability of RPE cells through the induction of cell necrosis. The chemotactic effect of minocycline was mediated by the stimulation of autocrine PDGF signaling and the activation of p38 MAPK. Minocycline promoted the expression of PDGF-B, HGF, VEGF, and MMP-9 and increased the amounts of phosphorylated p38 and ERK1/2 proteins in RPE cells. Triamcinolone reduced PDGF-evoked chemotaxis and VEGF expression and secretion and had no significant effects on cell viability and proliferation. Triamcinolone did not reverse the effects of minocycline on cell proliferation, chemotaxis, or viability or the expression of VEGF. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose minocycline induces the activation of RPE cells, as indicated by the activation of p38 and ERK1/2 and by enhanced chemotaxis mediated by autocrine PDGF signaling. High-dose minocycline induces RPE cell degeneration.
Cofermentation of Cellobiose and Galactose by an Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain

ABSTRACT We demonstrate improved ethanol yield and productivity through cofermentation of cellobiose and galactose by an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain expressing genes coding for cellodextrin transporter (cdt-1) and intracellular β-glucosidase (gh1-1) from Neurospora crassa. Simultaneous fermentation of cellobiose and galactose can be applied to producing biofuels from hydrolysates of marine plant biomass.
Multiple model predictive control for organic rankine cycle (ORC) based waste heat energy conversion systems

In this paper, a multiple model predictive control (MMPC) strategy is applied into an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) based waste heat energy conversion system (WHECS). The rotating speed of the pump and the shaft torque of the expander are manipulated simultaneously to provide the optimal (suboptimal) evaporating pressure and superheating temperature for nonlinear WHECSs under different operating conditions. Simulation results confirm the efficacy of the proposed control scheme.
The Effect of Muscle Hypoperfusion‐Hyperemia on Repetitive Vertical Jump Performance

Alterations in skeletal muscle blood flow can greatly influence exercise performance. Brief periods of arterial hypoperfusion and subsequent hyperemia (hypoperfusion-hyperemia) have been shown to decrease the rate of skeletal muscle fatigue in a model of repeated, isometric wrist flexion exercise. However, the mechanism by which hypoperfusion-hyperemia influences dynamic motor skills remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of brief hypoperfusion-hyperemia (by femoral cuff occlusion) on repetitive vertical jump performance. Recreationally trained men and women (n = 10, mean ± SD age, 25 ± 2 years), performed 2 randomly assigned jumping trials, each consisting of 40 maximal effort vertical jumps. Jump height was videotaped on a Sony digital video recorder and analyzed with the Scion Images program. Trial 1 consisted of 40 vertical jumps without femoral artery occlusion. Trial 2 consisted of 40 vertical jumps preceded by femoral artery cuff occlusion for 90 seconds at 200 mm Hg, followed by 10 seconds of hyperemia before jumping. For both trials, the rate of decline in power output in men and women was approximately 20%. Hypoperfusion-hyperemia had no significant effect on vertical jumping power output, perhaps because additional muscle groups used to jump vertically (e.g., gluteals and arms) were not occluded. These results warrant further research on the effect of hypoperfusion-hyperemia on strength and ower measures.
Construction of mouse phantoms from segmented CT scan data for radiation dosimetry studies

We present the complete construction methodology for an anatomically accurate mouse phantom made using materials which mimic the characteristics of tissue, lung, and bone for radiation dosimetry studies. Phantoms were constructed using 2 mm thick slices of tissue equivalent material which was precision machined to clear regions for insertion of lung and bone equivalent material where appropriate. Images obtained using a 3D computed tomography (CT) scan clearly indicate regions of tissue, lung, and bone that match their position within the original mouse CT scan. Additionally, radiographic films are used with the phantom to demonstrate dose mapping capabilities. The construction methodology presented here can be quickly and easily adapted to create a phantom of any specific small animal given a segmented CT scan of the animal. These physical phantoms are a useful tool to examine individual organ dose and dosimetry within mouse systems that are complicated by density inhomogeneity due to bone and lung regions.
Adapting arrays and lab‐on‐a‐chip technology for proteomics

The impact of proteomics as a discovery engine in life science and in drug discovery has increased tremendously over the last seven years. At the same time, proteomics has expanded from the initial trust as a two‐dimensional gel based approach to cover more functional and structural properties of proteins. The development of lab‐on‐a‐chip and protein arrays for proteomics will have to evolve with the changes in proteomics to stay relevant. Here, we review the changes in the field of proteomics and their impact on the development in protein arrays and lab‐on‐a‐chip.
The Role of Occupational Status in the Association Between Job Strain and Ambulatory Blood Pressure During Working and Nonworking Days

Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine whether job strain is more strongly associated with higher ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) among blue-collar workers compared with white-collar workers, to examine whether this pattern generalizes across working and nonworking days and across sex, and to examine whether this pattern is accounted for by psychosocial factors or health behaviors during daily life. Methods A total of 480 healthy workers (mean age = 43 years, 53% female) in the Adult Health and Behavior Project–Phase 2 completed ABP monitoring during 3 working days and 1 nonworking day. Job strain was operationalized as high psychological demand (> sample median) combined with low decision latitude (<sample median; Karasek model; Job Content Questionnaire). Results Covariate-adjusted multilevel random coefficient regressions demonstrated that associations between job strain and systolic and diastolic ABP were stronger among blue-collar workers compared with white-collar workers (b = 6.53 [F(1,464) = 3.89, p = . 049] and b = 5.25 [F(1,464) = 6.09, p = . 014], respectively). This pattern did not vary by sex, but diastolic ABP findings were stronger when participants were at work. The stronger association between job strain and ABP among blue-collar workers was not accounted for by education, momentary physical activity, or substance use, but was partially accounted for by covariation between higher hostility and blue-collar status. Conclusions Job strain is associated with ABP among blue-collar workers. These results extend previous findings to a mixed-sex sample and nonworking days and provide, for the first time, comprehensive exploration of several behavioral and psychosocial explanations for this finding.
A simple, versatile valve model for use in lumped parameter and one‐dimensional cardiovascular models

Lumped parameter and one‐dimensional models of the cardiovascular system generally employ ideal cardiac and/or venous valves that open and close instantaneously. However, under normal or pathological conditions, valves can exhibit complex motions that are mainly determined by the instantaneous difference between upstream and downstream pressures. We present a simple valve model that predicts valve motion on the basis of this pressure difference, and can be used to investigate not only valve pathology, but a wide range of cardiac and vascular factors that are likely to influence valve motion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjuvant occupational therapy for work-related major depression works: randomized trial including economic evaluation

Background. Major depression has far-reaching consequences for work functioning and absenteeism. In most cases depression is treated by medication and clinical management. The addition of occupational therapy (OT) might improve outcome. We determined the cost-effectiveness of the addition of OT to treatment as usual (TAU). Method. Sixty-two adults with major depression and a mean absenteeism of 242 days were randomized to TAU (out-patient psychiatric treatment) or TAU+OT [6 months, including (i) diagnostic phase with occupational history and work reintegration plan, and (ii) therapeutic phase with individual sessions and group sessions]. Main outcome domains were depression, work resumption, work stress and costs. Assessments were at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 42 months. Results. The addition of OT to TAU: (i) did not improve depression outcome, (ii) resulted in a reduction in work-loss days during the first 18 months, (iii) did not increase work stress, and (iv) had a 75·5% probability of being more cost-effective than TAU alone. Conclusion. Addition of OT to good clinical practice does not improve depression outcome, improves productivity without increasing work stress and is superior to TAU in terms of cost-effectiveness.
MalayWordNet — A novel lexical database for Malay language

World Wide Web contains huge amount of data available in different languages across the world. Web browsers are tools used to display the data in graphical forms. With the evolution of Web 3.0, data has become an important part of human daily tasks, where it is used to process information, and formulate important decision rules for many organizations. Current tools used to conceptualize data are catered for some of the world well known languages such as English. However, these tools may not be able to support other languages as there are a wide range of languages with different syntax and representation. In this paper, we present a novel lexical semantic based database tool called MalayWordNet, specifically written for Malay language. Our tool is helpful for high end semantic based applications which use Malay language as part of their data presentation.
Basic Fibroblast and Platelet-Derived Growth Factors as Modulators of Actin and α-Actinin in Chick Myocardiocytes During Development

Abstract To test whether cardiac muscle is a target for regulation by peptide growth factors, we analyzed the effects of two growth factors on actin and α-actinin expression at the subcellular level. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis, immuno-blotting, and fluorescense-activated cell sorter analysis were used to quantify the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor on cultures of chick myocardiocytes during development. Cytoplasmic and cytoskeletal concentrations of actin and α-actinin were dependent on the stage of embryonic development and on the type of growth factor added to the culture. The most significant finding was the increase in actin and α-actinin expression in the cytoplasmic compartment after treatment with basic fibroblast growth factor of chick heart cells at Hamburger and Hamilton' stage 19. At stage 39, basic fibroblast growth factor induced less marked changes in the accumulation of actin and α-actinin. Platelet-derived growth factor decreased α-actinin expression slightly in the cytoskeletal compartment in more mature stages of heart development. Our findings support the hypothesis that basic fibroblast growth factor plays a role in cardiomyocyte differentiation during the early stages of development.
Internet financial reporting and firm value: evidence from Gulf Cooperation Council countries

This study examines the economic consequences of internet financial reporting (IFR) on firm value using 152 listed financial companies in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. An index that consists of 35 items was constructed to measure the level of IFR for each firm in the sample. Based on agency and signalling theories, we posit that a higher level of IFR enhances firm value. Contrary to the expectation, after controlling for firms' characteristics and country of origin, the results of multiple regression analysis indicate that IFR does not create value for GCC listed financial companies.
Spectrum anomalies autonomous detection in cognitive radio using Hidden Markov Models

The precisely detection of electromagnetic spectrum anomaly is important and crucial for increasing demand on spectrum security, especially in the condition of complex electromagnetic environment and lack of pre-knowledge information about frequency use. There were many research methods of anomalies detection to conquer malicious radio events. In this paper, we proposed a spectrum anomalies autonomous detection and classification method based on spectrum amplitude probability and Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to cover the shortage of passive spectrum anomaly detection on site at present. We trained and tested the method through experiments using real spectrum measurement data. The experimental results show that new approach performs well for recognizing different kinds of spectrum anomalies with rather high accuracy.
Extracellular beta-galactosidase activity of a Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 mutant able to catabolize lactose

Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 is unable to grow with lactose as the source of carbohydrate, although it does exhibit low beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) activity. Spontaneous mutants of strain S85 able to grow on lactose were isolated after spreading cells on a chemically defined agar medium with lactose as the carbohydrate source. A lactose-catabolizing isolate, designated L2, exhibited a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein profile and an immunoblot profile with polyclonal antibodies to whole cells of S85 which were identical to those observed for S85. Strain L2 exhibited both cell-associated and extracellular beta-galactosidase activity with either p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside or lactose as the substrate. The cell-associated enzyme exhibited the greatest activity in the periplasmic space. Enzyme production was partially inhibited by glucose. The beta-galactosidase was activated by divalent cations and exhibited a pH optimum of 6.5. Analysis of the extracellular culture fluid revealed that glucose derived from the hydrolysis of lactose was used for growth, but galactose was not metabolized further. Cells were unable to take up the lactose analog, methyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside. These data suggest that beta-galactosidase of F. succinogenes L2 cleaves lactose outside the cells and that the glucose released is catabolized while the galactose accumulates in the extracellular culture fluid.
Prevalence of verotoxin‐producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in slurry, farmyard manure and sewage sludge in France

Aims: The aims of the present study were to determine VTEC prevalence in manure, slurryand sewage sludge in France and to characterize the VTEC strains isolated (virulence genes and serotype). Methods and Results: Seven hundred and fifty‐two samples from 55 farmyard manures, 136 bovine and porcine faeces, 114 slurries, 10 composts, and 437 samples from outflows of sewagewastewater treatment plants were analysed. Twenty‐four percent contained isolates which were PCR positive for stx gene. Twenty‐one VTEC strains were recovered from positive samples by colony hybridization: 76% of them were positive for stx2 gene, 33% for stx1 gene,and 19% for eae gene. One strain belonged to serotype O157:H7 and two others to serogroups O26 and O55, respectively. Conclusions: Some of the VTEC strains isolated from environments in France should be considered as potentially pathogenic for humans. Significance and Impact of the Study: Appropriate handling or use of manure, slurry andsewage sludge is necessary so that contamination of the environment and food by VTEC can be prevented.
The impact of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor on disease progression after prostatectomy

The authors examined the impact of the number of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor on disease progression among men with prostate carcinoma after prostatectomy. This polymorphism has been associated with alterations in activity of the androgen receptor in in vitro systems and with the risk of clinically diagnosed prostate carcinoma in some epidemiologic studies. An earlier series found that, among men at low risk of progressive disease, a small number of CAG repeats predicted a high risk of recurrence, and the impact of CAG repeats varied among men with different risks of progressive disease.