Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Career commitment and job performance of Jordanian nurses.

BACKGROUND Career commitment and job performance are complex phenomena that have received little attention in nursing research. DESIGN AND SAMPLE A survey was used to assess nurses' career commitment and job performance, and the relationship between the two concepts. Predictors of nurses' career commitment and job performance were also studied. A convenience sample of 640 Jordanian registered nurses was recruited from 24 teaching, governmental, and private hospitals. RESULTS Nurses "agreed" on the majority of statements about career commitment, and they reported performing "well" their jobs. Using total scores, nurses were equal in their career commitment but they were different in their job performance; the highest mean was scored for nurses in private hospitals. Using the individual items of subscales, nurses were willing to be involved, on their own time, in projects that would benefit patient care. The correlation of the total scores of nurses' career commitment and job performance revealed the presence of a significant and positive relationship (r = .457). Nurses' job performance, gender, and marital status were the best predictors of nurses' career commitment: they explained 21.8% of variance of nurses' career commitment. Nurses' career commitment, time commitment, marital status, and years of experience in nursing were the best predictors of nurses' job performance: they explained 25.6% of variance of nurses' job performance. CONCLUSIONS The lowest reported means of nurses' job performance require managerial interventions.
Spatio-temporal Factor Analysis of Characterizing Mass Protest Events Using Taxi Trajectory in Seoul, Korea

Recently from October, 2016 until April, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea, a series of protests have occurred on almost every Saturdays, where crowds estimated from 50,000 to 2.3 million have gathered in streets around palatial Gwanghwamun Square due to a political scandal of former president Park Geun-hye. In total, nearly 16.5 million crowds have attended to these events by holding candles aloft with wishes for an immediate resignation of the former president. With respect to these consecutive events in South Korea, we present a research with a goal of finding spatiotemporally the most influential factors for the characterization of event size (i.e. the number of participants) by using Seoul taxi trajectory data. For this objective, an analysis was conducted that finds the optimal combination of variables which maximizes dissimilarity measures among event size categories by utilizing Dunn's Index (DI) as an evaluation function, for which Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used due to combinatorial computation complexity of the optimization problem. As a result, the most governing regions and time bins with respect to three taxi statuses: drop off, pick up, passing with and without passenger were found for event size categories. Based on the analysis, we could come up with a reverse engineering approach which can find a list of influential factors of taxi trajectory data for characterizing event size. The influential factors could be used for traffic control and transit service plans for city administrators. The proposed approach can be applied to any other set of given clusters having many variables that requires huge amount of combinations to pick governing factors for such characterization problems.
Variant snRNPs: New players within the spliceosome system

ABSTRACT Much evidence is now accumulating that, in addition to their general role in splicing, the components of the core splicing machinery have extensive regulatory potential. In particular, recent evidence has demonstrated that de-regulation of these factors cause the highest extent of alternative splicing changes compared to de-regulation of the classical splicing regulators. This lack of a general inhibition of splicing resonates the differential splicing effects observed in different disease pathologies associated with specific mutations targeting core spliceosomal components. In this review we will summarize what is currently known regarding the involvement of core spliceosomal U-snRNP complexes in perturbed tissue development and human diseases and argue for the existence of a compensatory mechanism enabling cells to cope with drastic perturbations in core splicing components. This system maintains the correct balance of spliceosomal snRNPs through differential expression of variant (v)U-snRNPs.
Research on Habit Formation and Volatility of Asset Prices

Investors' subjective attributes directly determine the asset prices.Habit formation is one of the most important behavior attributes.The model based on habit formation assumes that the utilities of consumers come from not only the current level of consumption,but also the previous levels. Investors should consider both the consumption each period in the future and the habit formation when they are making investment decisions,which would affect the equilibrium prices of assets.In this paper,the equilibrium price of stock is expressed as the function of consumption habit,based on which we study the influence of the change of habit on the volatility of asset prices and compare the differences between China and the United States.We estimate the habit parameter by GMM and study the influence of consumption fluctuation on asset price volatility by numerical simulation.The results show that investors in China have stronger dependence on previous consumption than the Americans,and a small fluctuation of consumption habit will also cause greater volatility of stock prices in China.
COLK cell : A new embedded DRAM architecture for advanced CMOS nodes

This paper deals with a new and low cost embedded DRAM (eDRAM) architecture. COLK (Capacitor Over Low K) cell with capacitor placed in the first and thick SiO2 dielectric has been successfully integrated. 4Mb eDRAM testchip using this new architecture is functional in 45nm node and presents good yield. Moreover we succeed to demonstrate the capability to continue downscaling of eDRAM for nodes down to 32nm and 22nm.
Purification and characterization of bacterially expressed mammalian translation initiation factor 5 (eIF-5): demonstration that eIF-5 forms a specific complex with eIF-2.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5, eIF-5, has been purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity from overproducing Escherichia coli cells expressing the cDNA of the initiation factor under the control of the T7 promoter-T7 RNA polymerase system. Purified recombinant eIF-5 mimics natural eIF-5 isolated from mammalian cells in size, in specific activity, in its ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of GTP bound to the 40S initiation complex, and in the subsequent joining with 60S ribosomal subunits to form the 80S initiation complex. Further characterization of eIF-5 demonstrates that eIF-5 specifically associates with eIF-2, forming an eIF-2.eIF-5 complex. The protein complex sediments in glycerol gradients with an apparent M(r) of 160,000, suggesting that the two proteins associate in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The association between the two initiation factors is highly specific. Addition of 32P-labeled eIF-5 to a partially purified rabbit reticulocyte initiation factor preparation that contained, in addition to eIF-2 and eIF-5, other initiation factors and many other proteins resulted in the specific binding of labeled eIF-5 only to eIF-2, forming a 160-kDa protein complex. In agreement with these observations, we found that in crude initiation factor preparations derived from rabbit reticulocyte lysates, eIF-5 was present as an eIF-2.eIF-5 complex. The significance of eIF-2.eIF-5 complex formation in the overall mechanism of GTP hydrolysis in protein synthesis initiation is discussed.
Effect of Some Psychotropic Drugs on Luminol - Dependent Chemiluminescence Induced by O2–, •OH, HOCl

We studied antioxidant activity of six neuroleptics (chlorpromazine, levomepromazine, promethazine, trifluoperazine and thioridazine) and two antidepressants (imipramine and amitriptyline) in the range of concentration of 10−7−10−4 м. We applied luminol-dependent chemiluminescence to test the ability of these drugs to scavenge the biologically relevant oxygen-derived species: hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical, hypochlorous acid in vitro. We found that the phenothiazines were powerful scavengers of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Chlorprothixene, amitriptyline and imipramine had no scavenge activity to the superoxide radical. All drugs showed a moderate scavenger effect on hypochloric anion.
The relationship between cognitive function and clinical and functional outcomes in major depressive disorder

Background Although cognitive variables have been shown to be useful in predicting outcomes in late-life depression, there has not yet been a comprehensive study in younger persons with depression. Method The clinical symptoms and cognitive performance of participants were evaluated at admission to one of two university teaching hospitals and again at 3 months after remission and discharge. A total of 52 participants with a DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder, aged between 20 and 60 years and with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ⩾17 entered the study. The sample for this paper comprises the 48 subjects (mean age 37.9 years, s.d.=10.7) who received admission and follow-up assessments; an attrition rate of 7.7%. Results More perseverative errors on the shortened Wisconsin Card Sorting Test at admission predicted a worse clinical outcome at follow-up. Poor event-based prospective memory and more perseverative errors on the shortened Wisconsin Card Sorting Test at admission predicted worse social and occupational outcome at follow-up. Conclusions These results suggest that a brief cognitive screen at hospital admission, focusing on executive function, would have a useful prognostic value in depression. Determining early predictors of individuals at risk of poorer outcomes is important for identifying those who may need altered or additional treatment approaches.
The preparation of monodisperse silver nanoparticles and its application in flexible printed electronics

Silver-based conductive ink is the key material in printed electronic technology. With the development direction of the electronic products to the miniaturization, flexibility direction, the traditional micron-grade metallic silver conductive ink has been unable to meet the requirements of low sintering temperature and printing precision. In this case, nano-silver ink should be developed. In this paper, monodisperse silver nanoparticles were obtained by reduction of silver nitrate with hydrazine hydrate in solution containing polyacrylic acid and ethanolamine. The average diameter of silver particles was 60 nm. And then using the prepared silver particles as filler, ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol butyl ether as solvent, adding hydroxyethyl cellulose and other additives, conductive ink were fabricated. Finally, the ink was printed on a flexible polyimide substrate by screen printing. After high temperature treatment, the resistivity of the conductive pattern is as low as 5.6 × 10−8 Ω·m.
Acorn Selection by the Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus: A Semi-Controlled Experiment in a Mediterranean Environment

Fruits are highly important food resources for mammals in Mediterranean Europe, and due to the dominance of oaks (Quercus sp.), acorns are among those used by a vast array of species, including rodents. The metabolic yield of acorn intake may determine a selection pattern: preference for fat, carbohydrate, and consequently energy-rich fruits; or avoidance of fruits containing high concentrations of secondary chemical compounds (e.g., tannic acid). We studied the acorn feeding selection pattern of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) inhabiting a mixed oak woodland, southwest Portugal, using an experiment conducted in an open-air enclosure. We tested which variables associated with the wood mouse (e.g., sex) and acorns (e.g., size and nutrient content) from three oak species (holm Q. rotundifolia, Portuguese Q. faginea and cork Q. suber oak) could be constraining acorn consumption. Our results indicate that wood mice are selecting acorns of the most common oak species (Q. suber), probably due to their previous familiarization with the fruit due to its dominance in the ecosystem but probably also because its chemical characteristics (sugar contents). Rodent gender and acorn morphology (width) are also influential, with females more prone to consume acorns with smaller width, probably due to handling limitation. This selective behaviour may have consequences for dispersion and natural regeneration of the different oak species.
Endothelin-converting Enzyme 1 and β-Arrestins Exert Spatiotemporal Control of Substance P-induced Inflammatory Signals*

Background: Agonists stimulate the subcellular redistribution of receptors. The importance of trafficking for pathophysiological processes is unknown. Results: Substance P inflammatory signaling required receptor interaction with β-arrestins and endothelin-converting enzyme, which mediated endocytosis and recycling. Conclusion: Sustained substance P inflammatory signaling requires receptor recycling. Significance: Mechanisms that maintain receptors at the cell surface are necessary for sustained signaling by extracellular agonists. Although the intracellular trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors controls specific signaling events, it is unclear how the spatiotemporal control of signaling contributes to complex pathophysiological processes such as inflammation. By using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and superresolution microscopy, we found that substance P (SP) induces the association of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) with two classes of proteins that regulate SP signaling from plasma and endosomal membranes: the scaffolding proteins β-arrestin (βARRs) 1 and 2 and the transmembrane metallopeptidases ECE-1c and ECE-1d. In HEK293 cells and non-transformed human colonocytes, we observed that G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 and βARR1/2 terminate plasma membrane Ca2+ signaling and initiate receptor trafficking to endosomes that is necessary for sustained activation of ERKs in the nucleus. βARRs deliver the SP-NK1R endosomes, where ECE-1 associates with the complex, degrades SP, and allows the NK1R, freed from βARRs, to recycle. Thus, both ECE-1 and βARRs mediate the resensitization of NK1R Ca2+ signaling at the plasma membrane. Sustained exposure of colonocytes to SP activates NF-κB and stimulates IL-8 secretion. This proinflammatory signaling is unaffected by inhibition of the endosomal ERK pathway but is suppressed by ECE-1 inhibition or βARR2 knockdown. Inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A, which also contributes to sustained NK1R signaling at the plasma membrane, similarly attenuates IL-8 secretion. Thus, the primary function of βARRs and ECE-1 in SP-dependent inflammatory signaling is to promote resensitization, which allows the sustained NK1R signaling from the plasma membrane that drives inflammation.
Characterization and expression of AmphiBMP3 /3b gene in amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are responsible for regulating embryo development and tissue homeostasis beyond osteogenesis. However, the precise biological roles of BMP3 and BMP3b remain obscure to a certain extent. In the present study, we cloned an orthologous gene (AmphiBMP3/3b) from amphioxus (Branchiostoma japonicum) and found its exon/intron organization is highly conserved. Further, in situ hybridization revealed that the gene was strongly expressed in the dorsal neural plate of the embryos. The gene also appeared in Hatschek’s left diverticulum, neural tube, preoral ciliated pit and gill slit of larvae, and adult tissues including ovary, neural tube and notochordal sheath. Additionally, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) analysis revealed that the expression displayed two peaks at gastrula and juvenile stages. These results indicated that AmphiBMP3/3b, a sole orthologue of vertebrate BMP3 and BMP3b, might antagonize ventralizing BMP2 orthologous signaling in embryonic development, play a role in the evolutionary precursors of adenohypophysis, as well as act in female ovary physiology in adult.
Relation of fetal and infant growth to plasma fibrinogen and factor VII concentrations in adult life.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether reduced fetal and infant growth are associated with higher plasma fibrinogen and factor VII concentrations in adult life. DESIGN--Follow up study of men born during 1920-30 whose weights at birth and at 1 year had been recorded by health visitors, and men born during 1935-43 whose size at birth had been measured in detail. SETTING--Hertfordshire and Preston, England. SUBJECTS--591 men born in east Hertfordshire who still lived there and 148 men born in Preston who still lived in or close to the city. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Plasma fibrinogen and factor VII concentrations. RESULTS--Among men in Hertfordshire mean plasma fibrinogen and factor VII concentrations fell with increasing weight at 1 year (from 3.21 g/l in men of less than or equal to 18 lb to 2.93 g/l in men greater than or equal to 27 lb and from 122% of standard to 103%; p less than 0.001, p less than 0.005 respectively). The trends were independent of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and social class. Neither plasma fibrinogen nor factor VII concentration was related to birth weight. In men in Preston, however, fibrinogen concentration fell progressively as the ratio of placental weight to birth weight decreased (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS--Reduced growth in fetal life and infancy is strongly related to high plasma concentrations of the haemostatic factors fibrinogen and factor VII. This may be a persisting response to impaired liver development during a critical early period.
Insufficient evidence to conclude whether or not Transcendental Meditation decreases blood pressure: results of a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Objective To carry out an independent, systematic review of randomized clinical trials of Transcendental Meditation (TM) for cumulative effects on blood pressure. Method Searches were made of electronic databases and the collected papers and official web sites of the TM organization. We included only randomized clinical trials, without confounding co-interventions, which measured the cumulative effects of TM on blood pressure. Results Six trials met the inclusion criteria but one, reported only in abstract form, could not be evaluated. Procedures for establishing baseline blood pressure were adequate in only one trial. Only one of the trials included a follow-on assessment and only one of the evaluable trials tested the effect of TM in hypertensive individuals. Three of the five evaluable trials reported statistically significant differences between intervention groups favouring TM and two found no significant differences between intervention groups. None of the five studies was conducted by independent authors without any affiliation to the TM organization. Conclusion All the randomized clinical trials of TM for the control of blood pressure published to date have important methodological weaknesses and are potentially biased by the affiliation of authors to the TM organization. There is at present insufficient good-quality evidence to conclude whether or not TM has a cumulative positive effect on blood pressure.
Highly tunable NEMS shallow arches

We report highly tunable nanoelectromechanical systems NEMS shallow arches under dc excitation voltages. Silicon based in-plane doubly clamped bridges, slightly curved as shallow arches, are fabricated using standard electron beam lithography and surface nanomachining of a highly conductive device layer on a silicon-on-insulator wafer. By designing the structures to have gap to thickness ratio of more than four, the mid-plane stretching of the nano arches is maximized such that an increase in the dc bias voltage will result into continuous increase in the resonance frequency of the resonators to wide ranges. This is confirmed analytically based on a nonlinear beam model. The experimental results are found to be in good agreement with that of the results from developed analytical model. A maximum tunability of 108.14% for a 180 nm thick arch with an initially designed gap of 1 μm between the beam and the driving/sensing electrodes is achieved. Furthermore, a tunable narrow bandpass filter is demonstrated, which opens up opportunities for designing such structures as filtering elements in high frequency ranges.
Improved detection of branching points in algorithms for automated neuron tracing from 3D confocal images

Automated tracing of neuronal processes from 3D confocal microscopy images is essential for quantitative neuroanatomy and neuronal assays. Two basic approaches are described in the literature—one based on skeletonization and another based on sequential tracing along neuronal processes. This article presents algorithms for improving the rate of detection, and the accuracy of estimating the location and process angles at branching points for the latter class of algorithms. The problem of simultaneously detecting branch points and estimating their measurements is formulated as a generalized likelihood ratio test defined on a spatial neighborhood of each candidate point, in which likelihoods were computed using a ridge detection approach. The average detection rate increased from from 37 to 86%. The average error in locating the branch points decreased from 2.6 to 2.1 voxels in 3D images. The generalized hypothesis test improves the rate of detection of branching points, and the accuracy of location estimates, enabling a more complete extraction of neuroanatomy and more accurate counting of branch points in neuronal assays. More accurate branch point morphometry is valuable for image registration and change analysis. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Total Variation and Tomographic Imaging from Projections

Total Variation (TV) regularization is a powerful technique for image reconstruction tasks such as denoising, in-painting, and deblurring, because of its ability to produce sharp edges in the images. In this talk we discuss the use of TV regularization for tomographic imaging, where we compute a 2D or 3D reconstruction from noisy projections. We demonstrate that for a small signal-to-noise ratio, this new approach allows us to compute better (i.e., more reliable) reconstructions than those obtained by classical methods. This is possible due to the use of the TV reconstruction model, which incorporates our prior information about the solution and thus compensates for the loss of accuracy in the data. A consequence is that smaller data acquisition times can be used, thus reducing a patient’s exposure to X-rays in medical scanning and speeding up non-destructive measurements in materials science.
Uncovering Community Structures with Initialized Bayesian Nonnegative Matrix Factorization

Uncovering community structures is important for understanding networks. Currently, several nonnegative matrix factorization algorithms have been proposed for discovering community structure in complex networks. However, these algorithms exhibit some drawbacks, such as unstable results and inefficient running times. In view of the problems, a novel approach that utilizes an initialized Bayesian nonnegative matrix factorization model for determining community membership is proposed. First, based on singular value decomposition, we obtain simple initialized matrix factorizations from approximate decompositions of the complex network’s adjacency matrix. Then, within a few iterations, the final matrix factorizations are achieved by the Bayesian nonnegative matrix factorization method with the initialized matrix factorizations. Thus, the network’s community structure can be determined by judging the classification of nodes with a final matrix factor. Experimental results show that the proposed method is highly accurate and offers competitive performance to that of the state-of-the-art methods even though it is not designed for the purpose of modularity maximization.