Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Demographics and Behavioural Characteristics Associated with Voluntary Simplicity Lifestyles in a Developed and a Developing Country: A Comparison between US and Turkish Simplifiers

This study aims to compare the demographics and behavioural characteristics of consumers who adopt voluntary simplicity as a daily lifestyle process, focusing on one developed country and one developing country. Data were accordingly collected from 589 US and Turkish consumers who define themselves as voluntary simplifiers. Although other studies found that voluntary simplifiers have same demographic characteristics, our results indicate that Turkish and US simplifiers do not vary statistically in terms of demographic variables such as income class, marital status, number of children and gender but do vary statistically in terms of education, age and working hours. They also vary in terms of the deliberate shortening of working hours. The results reveal that several behavioural and demographic characteristics of consumers who adopt the same lifestyle philosophy may vary based on their culture and the conditions of their country. Findings in the discussion section are aligned with previous studies in the literature and with socioeconomic and demographic indicators of the two countries.
Popularity cues in online media: A review of conceptualizations, operationalizations, and general effects

: Internet users are constantly confronted with metric information about the popularity of goods, services, and content. These popularity cues (PCs)—which we define as metric information about users’ behavior or their evaluations of entities —serve as social signals for users who are confronted with them. Due to the high relevance that PCs have for organizations, consumers, and scholars, this article provides a systematic overview of PC research. First, we present a theoretical conceptualization for the effects of PCs. Second, we analyze empirical research that focuses on PCs by providing a review of academic, peer-reviewed studies on the direct effects of PCs in online media ( N = 61). Third, we utilize the results of our literature review to address current shortcomings in the literature and to provide insights for future research.
Pemphigus with pemphigoid‐like presentation, associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

A 53‐year‐old woman presented with an inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue associated with tense large bullae consistent with bullous pemphigoid, preceded by a prodrome of urticarial plaques. The histological findings showed a regenerating subepidermal blister with eosinophils and no acantholysis. Direct immunofluorescence study, however, showed positive staining for IgG and C3 throughout the epidermis consistent with pemphigus. The blistering eruption had no mucosal involvement and responded to low dose corticosteroids. Our patient may represent another presentation of a ‘paraneoplastic pemphigus spectrum’.
Comparison of pmoA PCR Primer Sets as Tools for Investigating Methanotroph Diversity in Three Danish Soils

ABSTRACT Three particulate methane monooxygenase PCR primer sets (A189-A682, A189-A650, and A189-mb661) were investigated for their ability to assess methanotroph diversity in soils from three sites, i.e., heath, oak, and sitka, each of which was capable of oxidizing atmospheric concentrations of methane. Each PCR primer set was used to construct a library containing 50 clones from each soil type. The clones from each library were grouped by restriction fragment length polymorphism, and representatives from each group were sequenced and analyzed. Libraries constructed with the A189-A682 PCR primer set were dominated byamoA-related sequences or nonspecific PCR products with nonsense open reading frames. The primer set could not be used to assess methanotroph diversity in these soils. A newpmoA-specific primer, A650, was designed in this study. The A189-A650 primer set demonstrated distinct biases both in clone library analysis and when incorporated into denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis. The A189-mb661 PCR primer set demonstrated the largest retrieval of methanotroph diversity of all of the primer sets. However, this primer set did not retrieve sequences linked with novel high-affinity methane oxidizers from the soil libraries, which were detected using the A189-A650 primer set. A combination of all three primer sets appears to be required to examine both methanotroph diversity and the presence of novel methane monooxygenase sequences.
Heterogeneity of the repertoire of T cells of tuberculosis patients and healthy contacts to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens separated by high-resolution techniques

In this report, we describe studies to examine the repertoire of freshly isolated human T lymphocytes to 400 distinct antigen fractions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis separated by a novel method involving two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Separated antigens were probed with T cells from tuberculosis patients and purified protein derivative (PPD)-positive (PPD+) and PPD-negative (PPD-) contacts as well as normal healthy donors. T cells from all donors tested responded to separated antigens. Stimulation profiles for tuberculosis patients and PPD+ contacts were extremely heterogeneous, formally demonstrating that an enormous number of different antigens serve as targets of the cellular immune response to M. tuberculosis. Stimulation profiles for tuberculosis patients and PPD+ contacts were indistinguishable. However, stimulation profiles for tuberculosis patients and PPD+ contacts were easily distinguishable from those for PPD- contacts. Normal healthy donors showed T cell responses similar to those of either PPD+ or PPD- contacts.
Connection between hotel location and profitability drivers: an analysis of location-specific effects

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the impact of the spatial positioning of a hotel on profitability. The determinants that increase hotel profitability could differ from one location to another. No previous studies have delved into the analysis of the spatial stability hypothesis of hotel profitability, so this is the main contribution of this paper. The theoretical framework is based upon the models of geographical positioning, agglomeration economies, and competitive environment. The econometric analysis was performed on a large sample of Spanish hotels, including information about hotel characteristics and tourist destination aspects from 2005 to 2011, which encompass the high growth, crisis, and recovery subperiods. The results show that empirical testing of performance determinants cannot neglect the spatial location of the hotel because important differences among locations were found.
The clinical outcome of 65 cases of mantle cell lymphoma initially treated with non‐intensive therapy by the British National Lymphoma Investigation Group

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) was first described as a distinct biological entity on the basis of its association with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) resulting in over‐expression of the cyclin D1 gene. Recognition of the morphological, immunophenotypic and clinical characteristics of MCL has enabled the accurate diagnosis of this entity and appreciation of its poor prognosis. Most published series of patients with MCL have used anthracycline‐containing regimens. In contrast the British National Lymphoma Investigation (BNLI) group have treated 65 patients with MCL with non‐intensive ‘low‐grade lymphoma’ therapy. The median overall survival of 57 months and progression‐free survival of 24 months compares favourably with the more intensively treated series. Although the disease was generally more aggressive than other low‐grade lymphomas, some patients were asymptomatic and had indolent disease. When compared to 1853 patients with non‐MCL low‐grade lymphomas entered on the BNLI database, patients were found on average to be older (P = 0.02), to have more extra‐nodal disease (P < 0.00001), and a higher proportion to have a raised ESR (P = 0.02) and a low serum albumin (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis of significant prognostic markers in all BNLI low‐grade lymphomas failed to identify MCL as an independent prognostic factor.
A systematic review of the consequences of premature birth on palatal morphology, dental occlusion, tooth-crown dimensions, and tooth maturity and eruption.

This systematic review addresses the question whether prematurity results in alteration of palatal morphology, dental occlusion, tooth-crown dimensions, and tooth maturation. A literature survey from the PubMed database covering the period from January 1966 to November 2002 used the Medical Subject Headings terms "infant, premature," and "infant, low birth weight" in combination with "jaws," "dental physiology," "dentition," and "tooth abnormalities. " Controlled studies written in English and with definitions of premature birth according to the World Health Organization were selected. Two reviewers selected and extracted the data independently and also assessed the quality of the studies. The search strategy resulted in 113 articles, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. Scientific evidence was found for altered palatal morphology in the short term among the premature children, and oral intubation was a contributing factor to the alterations. If corrected age was considered for the premature children, no delay in dental development and eruption was found compared with normally born children. Thus, the early birth of premature children must be taken in account when planning for orthodontic treatment. Because of the contradictory results and lack of longitudinal studies, the scientific evidence was too weak to answer the questions whether premature birth causes permanent alteration of palatal morphology, alteration of dental occlusion, and altered tooth-crown dimensions. To answer these questions and obtain reliable scientific evidence whether premature children are at risk for malocclusions from possible alterations of palatal morphology such as asymmetry and high arched palates, further well-designed controlled studies as well as longitudinal studies are needed.
Factors affecting the selectivity of nanoparticle-based photoinduced damage in free and xenografted chorioallantoïc membrane model

Abstract Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment modality for selective destruction of tumours. Critical anatomical structures, like blood vessels in close proximity to the tumour, could be harmed during PDT. Purpose: This study aims to discriminate the photoinduced response of normal and cancerous tissues to photodamage induced by liposomal formulations of meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC). Methods: Normal vascular and cancerous tissues were represented, respectively, by free and xenografted in vivo model of chick chorioallantoïc membrane (CAM). Eggs received an intravenous administration of plain (Foslip®) or stabilised formulations (Fospeg®). Drug release and liposome destruction were, respectively, determined by photoinduced quenching and nanoparticle tracking analysis. PDT was performed at different drug-light intervals (DLI) with further assessment of photothrombic activity, tumoritropism and photoinduced necrosis. Results: Compared to Foslip®, Fospeg® demonstrated significantly higher stability, slower drug release, better tumoricidal effect and lower damage to the normal vasculature at already 1 h DLI. Discussion: This work suggests that nanoparticle-based PDT selectivity could be optimised by analyzing the photoinduced damage of healthy and tumour tissues. Conclusion: In fine, Fospeg® appeared to be the ideal candidate in clinical context due to its potential to destroy tumours and reduce vascular damage to normal tissues at short DLI.
Improving anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: observational study in three primary care trusts.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cause of stroke, and undertreatment with anticoagulants is a persistent issue despite their effectiveness. AIM To increase the proportion of people with AF treated appropriately using anticoagulants, and reduce inappropriate antiplatelet therapy. DESIGN OF STUDY Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING Electronic patient health records on 4604 patients with AF obtained from general practices in three inner London primary care trusts between April 2011 and 2013. METHOD The Anticoagulant Programme East London (APEL) sought to achieve its aims through an intervention with three components: altering professional beliefs using new clinical guidance and related education; facilitating change using computer software to support clinical decisions and patient review optimising anticoagulation; motivating change through evaluative feedback showing individual practice performance relative to peers. RESULTS From April 2011 to April 2013, the proportion of people with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥1 on anticoagulants increased from 52.6% to 59.8% (trend difference P<0.001). The proportion of people with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥1 on aspirin declined from 37.7% to 30.3% (trend difference P<0.001). Comparing the 2 years before the intervention with the 2 years after, numbers of new people on the AF register almost doubled from 108 to 204. CONCLUSIONS The APEL programme supports improvement in clinical managing AF by a combined programme of education around agreed guidance, computer aids to facilitate decision-making and patient review and feedback of locally identifiable results. If replicated nationally over 3 years, such a programme could result in approximately 1600 fewer strokes every year.
Student and Recent Graduate Expectations and Experiences of New Venture Creation Degrees

This thesis aimed to research student and recent graduate expectations and experiences of New Venture Creation (NVC) degrees. Secondary research was carried out to gain an understanding of the relevant literature, followed by Primary research in the form of interviews and focus groups. Through the use of three research groups, data was analysed and conclusions were drawn in order to answers the aims, objectives and research questions. New findings were made in regards to NVC degrees. Firstly, the biggest driver for individuals to study a NVC degree is the desire to run their own business. Secondly, NVC degrees have an overall positive effect on business start-up and personal development. Amongst many other findings discovered through research, and discussed within this thesis, students of NVC degrees either plan to continue growing their business or already have plans to set up another post graduation. Practical value has been added to the topic of NVC degrees as this thesis provides educators with information that may help how they design and market NVC degrees. Theoretical value has also been added as this thesis has used current literature and primary research to develop a conceptual framework to explain how NVC degrees work and their effect on students, alongside suggested outcomes. This had previously not been covered in any current research on this topic to date.
Time delays in a HyperNEAT network to improve gait learning for legged robots

Gait generation for legged robots is an important task to allow an appropriate displacement in different scenarios. The classical manner to generate gaits involves handtuning design generating high computational and time efforts. Neuroevolution algorithms with the ability to learn network topologies, such as, Neuroevolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) and Hypercube-based NEAT (HyperNEAT), have been used in the computational community to learn gaits in legged robots. Recently, a new version of NEAT, called τ-NEAT, has been reported including a time delay in the connectivity between neurons, values that are also learned by the underlying genetic algorithm. Extending this idea, we included time delays in the HyperNEAT implementation (τ-HyperNEAT) making the algorithm capture time-series variations that could be important for gait generation. Using a four-legged robot platform (Quadratot) and a fitness function with two objectives, we compared the performance of HyperNEAT versus τ-HyperNEAT for the learning gait task. The comparative analysis of the results reveals that quantitative performance variables showed no differences between HyperNEAT and τ-HyperNEAT. The difference between the two approaches appears in the nonquantitative observation of the generated gaits: τ-HyperNEAT outperforms HyperNEAT generating more coordinated, realistic and natural gaits.
Basal Caspase Activity Promotes Migration and Invasiveness in Glioblastoma Cells

Glioblastomas, the most malignant of all brain tumors, are characterized by cellular resistance to apoptosis and a highly invasive growth pattern. These factors contribute to the poor response of glioblastomas to radiochemotherapy and prevent their complete neurosurgical resection. However, the driving force behind the distinct motility of glioma cells is only partly understood. Here, we report that in the absence of cellular stress and proapoptotic stimuli, human glioblastoma cells exhibit a constitutive activation of caspases in vivo and in vitro. The inhibition of caspases by various peptide inhibitors decreases the migration of cells in scrape motility assays and the invasiveness of cells in spheroid assays. Similarly, specific small interfering RNA– or antisense-mediated down-regulation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 results in an inhibition of the migratory potential of glioma cells. The constitutive caspase-dependent motility of glioblastoma cells is independent of CD95 activation and it is not mediated by mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase signaling. The basal caspase activity is accompanied by a constant cleavage of the motility-associated gelsolin protein, which may contribute to the caspase-mediated promotion of migration and invasiveness in glioblastoma cells. Our results suggest that the administration of low doses of caspase inhibitors that block glioma cell motility without affecting the execution of apoptotic cell death may be exploited as a novel strategy for the treatment of glioblastomas. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(12):1232–40)
Libraries and Gender Neutral / Inclusive Bathrooms: Case Studies on Promoting Information, Inclusivity and Access in Open Spaces

Gender-neutral bathrooms, gender inclusive bathrooms, unisex bathrooms and other similar public restrooms have caused controversy in certain regions of the United States. This paper will explore selected cases of library promotion of gender neutral/inclusive and unisex bathrooms, and the learning opportunities and challenges presented in these contested spaces in the United States, and will also explore an international example. The paper utilizes several case studies to illustrate how libraries support welcoming, open spaces that encourage inclusivity, access and diversity in their communities. It will address questions such as: what kind of lessons can we learn from these cases in promoting gender neutral/inclusive bathrooms and how might other libraries consider these developments in their own institutions and in the profession at large.
The systemic safety of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09%.

STUDY OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic safety of a commercially available bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in subjects who have undergone cataract extraction. DESIGN Two phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel, placebo-controlled, clinical trials were conducted under a common protocol. These data were pooled for analysis. SETTING The setting for this study was a series of multicentered, private, and university-affiliated ophthalmology clinics in the United States. SUBJECTS A total of 527 subjects were sequentially assigned, according to a computer-generated randomization list (2:1) to either bromfenac (n = 356) or placebo (n = 171). Potential subjects were excluded if using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, anticoagulants, or with uncontrolled ocular or systemic disease, preexisting ocular inflammation, surgical complications, or liver chemistry values of > or =Grade 1 according to World Health Organization Common Toxicity Criteria scoring. INTERVENTION Subjects who underwent cataract surgery without prior anti-inflammatory treatment and had a postsurgical Summed Ocular Inflammation Score (SOIS) of > or =3 were treated with either bromfenac or placebo. Subjects self-instilled 1 drop of the assigned test agent twice-daily for 14 days and were followed for an additional 14 days for safety evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Safety data were collected and the results for systemic safety are reported in this paper. RESULTS Five hundred and twenty-seven (527) subjects comprised the safety population. A total of 290 of 356 bromfenac and 93 of 171 placebo subjects received 28 doses of test agent. No clinically significant treatment-related systemic adverse effects or changes in liver chemistries were observed. CONCLUSIONS Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% demonstrated neither treatment-related systemic adverse events nor evidence of hepatic toxicity.
A novel platinum nanowire-coated neural electrode and its electrochemical and biological characterization

This study presents polymer-based neural microelectrodes whose electrically active sites are coated with platinum nanowires (Pt NWs). The Pt NWs are expected to enlarge the effective surface area of the active sites for better electrochemical performance, while keeping the geometrical surface area small enough for good spatial resolution. For the electrochemical and cytotoxicity study, two types of device were designed and fabricated using a 400 nm-thick platinum layer sandwiched between two 5 µm-thick polyimide insulation layers. A wet-chemical process at room temperature was introduced to synthesize Pt NWs on the active sites. Compared to conventional Pt electrodes, the fabricated electrodes showed a dramatic improvement of electrochemical properties: the cut-off frequency was reduced by 3 orders of magnitude and the cathodal charge storage capacity increased by a factor of 1,000. In a cytotoxicity study with a human neural cell line, the Pt NW-coated electrode did not show any significant effects on cell viability and metabolism compared to the control group.
Public Schools and Private Schools in Ethiopia: Partners in National Development?

Ethiopia has given emphasis to the expansion of primary education to enhance the socio-economic transformation of its population. Because of its limitations to fund the expansion of the sector, however, the government has introduced privatization as means to shift costs to users. Due to this, a dual system of education has grown in the nation. To ensure that both types of schools provide equivalent education, the government has introduced a primary school measurement standard. So far, no study has been carried out whether these standards are met and if schools provide equitable education. The purpose of this study was to fill this gap and analyze whether public and private primary schools provide equitable education in Ethiopia. A multi-method research approach with a case study and survey perspectives was adopted to conduct the study. A total of 68 public and private schools were purposefully selected and 1,260 respondents participated in the study. Findings indicate that learning in private schools leads to more academic achievements than in public schools. Moreover, public schools don’t meet the minimum quality standards required by the government. It was indicated that private schools differ from public schools for making rigorous selection of students, admitting students with appropriate age from families having higher levels of education. As compared to public schools, private schools provide more access to classrooms and teachers, attractive work environment, sufficient facilities, qualified teachers, enriched curricula and a school management focused on results. From these findings, it was implied that the government needs to upgrade public schools, keep an eye on irregular practices in private schools and control the mutation of public schools into private institutions.