Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internal load of aluminum and the central nervous system function of aluminum welders.

OBJECTIVES Because the brain is the recognized target organ for aluminum toxicity, internal aluminum load and central nervous system functions were investigated among aluminum welders in a shipyard. METHODS Seventeen male welders with a mean age of 37 (range 24-48) years and a history of about four years of metal inert-gas welding on aluminum were the subjects. Aluminum in serum (S-Al) and urine (U-Al) was analyzed with graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Central nervous system functions were examined with neuropsychological tests, symptom and mood questionnaires, quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), and P300 evoked responses. RESULTS The mean S-Al concentration was 0.21 (range 0.03-0.64) mumol.l-1 and the mean U-Al was 2.8 (range 0.9-6.1) mumol.l-1. Although the welders performed normally on the neuropsychological tests, there was a negative association between all four memory tests and U-Al and a positive association between the variability of visual reaction times and S-Al. In the QEEG, the amount of delta and theta activity in the frontal region correlated positively and the amount of alpha activity in the frontal region correlated negatively with S-Al. CONCLUSIONS The S-Al and U-Al measurements indicated increased internal loads of aluminum in most of the welders. This finding is compatible with slowly eliminated aluminum from tissues. The neuropsychological assessment suggested disturbing effects of aluminum on short-term memory, learning, and attention. In the QEEG, a corresponding exposure-effect relationship was found for activity in the frontal region. Further studies are needed on the possibility that exposure to aluminum welding fumes causes harm to human health.
The Influence of Access to Facilities on the Physical Activity Level of High School Pupils in Bophelong, a Semi-Urban Area of South Africa

Physical activity levels among adolescents decline during their teenage years and into early adulthood. Socio-economic background plays an important role in adolescents’ physical activity, as children from rural communities participate less regularly in physical activities due to a lack of access to facilities, the cost of programmes and in general due to limited facilities. The focus of public health researchers has shifted from individual motivational theories on the participation in physical activity to the ecological theory, which includes the effects of community environments on health matters. Significant differences prevail in physical activity participation patterns in various geographical areas and different demographic groups. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the access to facilities in a semi-urban area and the physical activity levels of high school pupils. 155 high school pupils from Bophelong, a semi-urban area in the Gauteng province, voluntarily and anonymously completed questionnaires regarding their physical activity participation, accessibility of stores, recreational facilities and other important structures within their neighbourhood. Results indicated that pupils from a low socio-economic community had limited access to facilities such as parks, recreation centres, gymnasia and fitness centres, which are known to induce physical activity. Pupils actively commuted considerable distances daily to and from school, contributing substantially to their overall physical activity. Participation of the minority in school sport was evident, but apart from walking and inadequate school sport participation, few opportunities existed for adolescents from this semi-urban high school to engage in moderate recreational physical activities. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n23p905
Lack of galectin‐3 speeds Wallerian degeneration by altering TLR and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expressions in injured sciatic nerve

Wallerian degeneration (WD) comprises a series of events that includes activation of non‐neuronal cells and recruitment of immune cells, creating an inflammatory milieu that leads to extensive nerve fragmentation and subsequent clearance of the myelin debris, both of which are necessary prerequisites for effective nerve regeneration. Previously, we documented accelerated axon regeneration in animals lacking galectin‐3 (Gal‐3), a molecule associated with myelin clearance. To clarify the mechanisms underlying this enhanced regeneration, we focus here on the early steps of WD following sciatic nerve crush in Gal‐3−/− mice. Using an in vivo model of nerve degeneration, we observed that removal of myelin debris is more efficient in Gal‐3−/− than in wild‐type (WT) mice; we next used an in vitro phagocytosis assay to document that the phagocytic potential of macrophages and Schwann cells was enhanced in the Gal‐3−/− mice. Moreover, both RNA and protein levels for the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α, as well as for Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2 and ‐4, show robust increases in injured nerves from Gal‐3−/−mice compared to those from WT mice. Collectively, these data indicate that the lack of Gal‐3 results in an augmented inflammatory profile that involves the TLR–cytokine pathway, and increases the phagocytic capacity of Schwann cells and macrophages, which ultimately contributes to speeding the course of WD.
What Explains Variation In Segment Reporting? Evidence From Kuwait

The purpose of this study is to evaluate both the segment disclosure practice of firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) and the factors that influence their level of segment disclosures. Consistent with prior disclosure research, the level of segment disclosure is examined using a disclosure index based on the mandatory requirements of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 14 (Segment Reporting). The results show that the average level of segment disclosure in a sample of 123 KSE-listed firms in 2008 was 56%%, ranging from 18% to 94%. Users of KSE-listed firms’ financial statements might reasonably expect greater segment disclosures from larger, older, highly leveraged, and profitable KSE-listed firms, as well as from firms audited by a Big-4 audit firm. The findings provide feedback to the regulatory and enforcement bodies in Kuwait on current segment disclosure practice among KSE-listed companies and the factors that influence the level of segment disclosures. The noticeable variation in the level of segment disclosure among listed firms suggests a need for further monitoring of the enforcement of required segment disclosure.
Demand management in downstream wholesale and retail distribution: a case study

Purpose – This case study aims to examine the role of demand management in balancing distribution efficiency and responsiveness to customer needs in the downstream of a retail supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – A major machine part supplier in Australia is used as a case study to investigate the challenges faced by the industry in distributing goods to customers. The use of demand management techniques to help improve distribution efficiency without significantly impacting on responsiveness is also explored.Findings – The findings of the case study reveal that appropriate demand management measures, such as customer segmentation and price discrimination, can help improve overall distribution efficiency of the supply chain while providing the required responsiveness to meet genuine customer needs. Other management attempts, such as vendor‐managed inventory and rationalisation of retail network, can facilitate demand aggregation and improve vehicle utilisation in distribution with minor impact on cu.
Internet-based robotics and remote systems in hazardous environments: review and projections

Robotic systems are used to perform maintenance functions in hazardous environments usually with the fundamental objective of reducing, or eliminating, human worker exposure to dangers. An obvious thought is how might Internet capabilities be used in such operations. This paper considers this general idea in terms of current research accomplishments, and the practical needs, constraints and concepts that are associated with the notion of using the Internet to reduce costs and enhance overall performance in robotic maintenance in hazardous environments.
Immune Complex-Dependent Remodeling of the Airway Vasculature in Response to a Chronic Bacterial Infection1

Chronic inflammation in the airways is associated with dramatic architectural changes in the walls of the airways and in the vasculature they contain. In this study, we show that the adaptive immune system is essential for airway remodeling that occurs in mice that are chronically infected with the respiratory pathogen Mycoplasma pulmonis. Angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and epithelial remodeling were greatly reduced in mice that lacked B cells. Substantiating a role for Ab and airway immune complexes, we found that the transfer of immune serum to B cell-deficient mice could reconstitute pathogen-induced angiogenesis. Inflammatory cells recruited to the infected airways were activated by the humoral response, and this activation correlated with the induction of genes for remodeling factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor-D. The results reveal a novel pathway whereby T cell-dependent humoral immunity to a persistent airway infection can induce inflammation-dependent angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and chronic airway pathology.
Global Postural Re-education: a literature review.

BACKGROUND The Global Postural Re-education (GPR) method has been widely used in clinical practice, with reported benefits for prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. In parallel with almost two decades of clinical implementation, research studies have tested and verified the effectiveness of GPR in treating different clinical conditions and have also compared this method with other physical therapy resources. However, few studies focused on the verification of the principles of mechanisms of action defended by the author of the method making the arguments in favor of the method weak. OBJECTIVE To perform a critical systematic review of the effects of physical therapy intervention that use the GPR method. METHODS We searched Medline, SciELO, LILACS and PeDRO, from 2000 to 2010, considering the key words: Global Postural Re-education, global and active stretching. RESULTS We found 25 studies, 13 about GPR and 8 about global and active stretching in addition to three books and a thesis. After analysis, 20 references were included. CONCLUSIONS Some of the studies indicated that the GPR method was more effective than other physical therapy interventions, while others demonstrated similar results of GPR when compared to other physical therapy interventions. Studies showed benefits of the GPR in improving the respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, maximal respiratory pressure and in reducing pain, loss of urine in incontinent women, increasing flexibility, the electromyographic activity in temporomandibular disorders and postural stability in lower limb orthopedic alterations. Methodological limitations observed suggest the need for greater rigor in future research.
The study of things I have never seen

Tinbergen defined structure as the momentary condition of an organism. Inference, interpretation, and theory were reserved for answering the “why” questions. Mason, however, observed that the study of behavior is incorrigibly mentalistic. Description seems barren compared to the richness supplied by creative intelligence. Exciting intervening variables such as learning, intention, and selective pressures can only be examined using inference, logic, and powerful deductive theories. For more than 100 years people have argued the two extremes: should science be restricted to the directly observable, or expanded to include what professional judgment could provide? I have devoted my life to the study of aggression and dominance, yet I have directly observed neither. I point to some behavior as an example of aggression, but I cannot provide an operational definition of what I mean. I will never know if another intends harm. I will never know if another is aware of the functions that behavior serves, and the outcomes that I confuse with past selective pressures and motivation. In a world where our subjects face extinction, perhaps it is wise to use computer simulations, to ask colleagues to rate their impressions, and to use logic to deduce behavior. The new “data” may be very useful. Still, I will miss actually watching what animals really do, even if I always describe it in terms of what I infer. Am. J. Primatol. 60:77–84, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integration and Exchange

Ethics education provided by universities in general, and MBA programs aimed at future business leaders in particular, has come under intense public scrutiny because of corporate scandals and ethical dilemmas. To date, academic research has been mainly devoted to the characteristics of instruction formats and their effectiveness, characteristics of the institutions (private, public, and/or religious affiliation), and the composition of the student body. Furthermore, the way business ethics is taught in MBA programs around the world has been influenced by recommendations of accreditation agencies and professional bodies. Against this background, this article aims to contrast these findings and recommendations with perceptions and expectations of experienced managers studying in part-time MBA programs. By means of 30 in-depth interviews conducted with MBA students of various nationalities studying at a well-known European business school, this research sheds light on an important but neglected perspective in the discussion surrounding ethics education, namely students’ opinions. Findings indicate that exchange with others and integration within the respective business discipline is particularly important in gaining acceptance and instilling relevance in ethics education for this target group.
Cause-Related Marketing in the Fashion Industry: The Role of Consumer Identification

Customer-company (C-C) identification is the perceived fit between the identities of a consumer and an orga- nization. If a consumer identifies with a company that places a high priority on being socially responsible, a consumer who also values social responsibility may support and patronize that business because of the link between something that is important to both them and the company. Because C-C identification may explain the success of cause-related marketing (CRM) in the fashion industry, we investigated the effect of an image resulting from CRM on ratings of brand attributes (e.g., distinctiveness, credibility, attractiveness), identification with the brand, attitude toward the brand, and customer loy- alty. Participants also responded to open-ended questions reflecting their rationale for their ratings of brand attributes. Data were collected from a convenience sample of undergraduates (n = 228) enrolled at Midwestern University in the U.S. Structural equation modeling revealed that as ratings of the social responsibility of the cause-related marketing effort increased so did perceptions of the brand's distinctiveness, credibility, and attractiveness. Participants identified with a brand when they rated the brand as attractive. Participants' identification with a brand had a significant impact on attitudes toward the brand and customer loyalty (e.g., purchase intention, willingness to spread positive word-of-mouth). Content analyses of open-ended responses supported the idea that brand images stemming from CRM exert an important influ- ence on consumer's ratings of brand attributes. Fashion marketers interested in cause-related marketing will find success with efforts that increase customer identification.
Overview of the Actions of Glucocorticoids on the Immune Response: A Good Model to Characterize New Pathways of Immunosuppression for New Treatment Strategies

Abstract: Glucocorticoids have been used for over 50 years in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in preventing graft rejection. Today, knowledge of their molecular, cellular, and pharmacological properties allows a better understanding of glucocorticoid‐mediated immunosuppression. Glucocorticoids exert both negative and positive effects with a dynamic and bi‐directional spectrum of activities on various limbs and components of the immune response. They modulate genes involved in the priming of the innate immune response, while their actions on the adaptive immune response are to suppress cellular (Th1) immunity and promote humoral (Th2) immunity. Interestingly, glucocorticoids can also induce tolerance to specific antigens by influencing dendritic cell maturation and function and promoting the development of regulatory high IL‐10‐producing T cells. The ex vivo therapeutic use of glucocorticoids could therefore represent an adjuvant treatment to cell therapy in autoimmune diseases, avoiding the long‐term deleterious adverse effects of glucocorticoids. Thus, the panoramic view of glucocorticoid actions on the immune system provides an interesting model for characterizing important biological pathways of immunosuppression.
Reducing marketing’s conflict with other functions: The differential effects of integrating mechanisms

To operate effectively, marketing must work in harmony with other functional departments in a firm. This study focuses on marketing’s interactions with three functions that play a key role in the achievement of marketing goals—finance, manufacturing, and R&D. The authors combine insights from previous studies and interviews with practicing managers to identify six integrating mechanisms proposed to mitigate manifest interfunctional conflict (behavior that frustrates marketing initiatives). In addition, they investigate the role of internal volatility (turbulence within an organization) in shaping manifest conflict. Based on a large-scale, multi-informant empirical study, the authors identify the more effective of these six integrating mechanisms. Furthermore, they argue and demonstrate these mechanisms are differentially effective across the marketing-finance, marketing-manufacturing, and marketing-R&D interfaces. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Comparative study of luteotropin secretion by hypophysial autotransplants in the rat; effects of site and stages of the estrus cycle.

The persistence of luteotropin (LTH) secretion in pituitary grafts was studied in 47 rats. In 14 the pars distalis was autografted to the anterior chamber of the eye on the day of estrus. In the 9 animals in which the graft “took,”secretion of LTH was demonstrated. When the pars distalis was autografted to the kidney on various days of the cycle (2 animals on the day of estrus, 7 on the second day of diestrus, 9 on the third day of diestrus and 15 in proestrus), secretion of LTH was found in all cases. This was not at first recognizable in the last group, for luteolysis occurs during proestrus and the corpora lutea had lost their capacity to respond. Once new corpora lutea were produced by gonadotropin injection, LTH secretion was demonstrable. In all cases LTH secretion was indirectly measured through the ability of uteri to respond to trauma with a decidual reaction. Despite the fact that no estrogen secretion was evident in the engrafted rats, uteri retained a reactivity to trauma for as long as 42 day.
Improved method for chick whole‐embryo culture using a filter paper carrier

We describe a simple method of chick whole‐embryo culture, which uses a filter paper carrier to hold the early blastoderm and vitelline membranes under tension while the embryo grows on a substratum of agar‐albumen. This is a quick and efficient means of setting up cultures of chick embryos beginning at pre‐primitive streak stages to stage 10 (stages X–XIV, Eyal‐Giladi and Kochav [1976] Dev Biol 49:321–337; stages 1–10, Hamburger and Hamilton [ 1951 ] J Morphol 88:49–92). This is an improvement on the original method of New, which used a glass ring and watch glass (New [1955] Exp Morphol 3:320–331). Our modification of New's method, which we call EC (Early Chick, pronounced EASY) culture, facilitates several manipulations in early chick embryos, including microsurgery, grafting, bead implantation, microinjection, and electroporation. Using the EC method, embryos at stage 8 and older can be readily cultured either dorsal‐side up (in contrast to New's method) or ventral‐side up, as desired; embryos younger than stage 8 can be culture only ventral‐side up (as with New's method). We also discuss some alternative methods for setting up these cultures. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing Real-Time Prices to Reduce Load Variability with HVAC

Utilities use demand response to shift or reduce electricity usage of flexible loads, to better match electricity demand to power generation. A common mechanism is peak pricing (PP), where consumers pay reduced (increased) prices for electricity during periods of low (high) demand, and its simplicity allows consumers to understand how their consumption affects costs. However, new consumer technologies like internet-connected smart thermostats simplify real-time pricing (RP), because such devices can automate the tradeoff between costs and consumption. These devices enable consumer choice under RP by abstracting this tradeoff into a question of quality of service (e.g., comfort) versus price. This paper uses a principal-agent framework to design PP and RP rates for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) to address adverse selection due to variations in consumer comfort preferences. We formulate the pricing problem as a stochastic bilevel program, and numerically solve it by reformulation as a mixed integer program (MIP). Last, we compare the effectiveness of different pricing schemes on reductions of peak load or load variability. We find that PP induces HVAC consumption to spike high (before), spike low (during), and spike high (after) the PP event, whereas RP achieves reductions in peak loads and load variability while preventing large spikes in electricity usage.
Biochemical characterization of a glucoamylase from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera R64

Glucoamylase from the yeast Saccharomycopsis fibuligera R64 (GLL1) has successfully been purified and characterized. The molecular mass of the enzyme was 56,583 Da as determined by mass spectrometry. The purified enzyme demonstrated optimum activity in the pH range of 5.6–6.4 and at 50°C. The activity of the enzyme was inhibited by acarbose with the IC50 value of 5 μM. GLL1 shares high amino acid sequence identity with GLU1 and GLA1, which are Saccharomycopsis fibuligera glucoamylases from the strains HUT7212 and KZ, respectively. The properties of GLL1, however, resemble that of GLU1. The elucidation of the primary structure of GLL1 contributes to the explanation of this finding.
RNA secondary structure modeling at consistent high accuracy using differential SHAPE

Determining the secondary structure of RNA is a challenging and incompletely solved problem. Using a three-reagent SHAPE experiment to detect local nucleotide flexibility and noncanonical interactions, it is possible to model structurally complex RNAs, including those previously shown to be especially difficult to model, with accuracies consistently exceeding recovery of 90% of canonical base pairs.