Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies Toward Highly Fluorinated Polyphenylenes by Diels-Alder Polymerization

Diels-Alder polyphenylenes (DAPPs) are chemically and thermally stable polymers, used for dielectric resins, gas separation membranes, and fuel cell proton exchange membranes. Highly fluorinated DAPPs are expected to have better thermal stability and chemical resistance, higher glass transition temperatures, improved compatibility with other fluorinated polymers (like Nafion), and better adhesion to certain surfaces such as some metals. This thesis proposes a synthesis of highly fluorinated DAPPs by reacting novel, fluorinated bis-cyclopentadienone (CPD) monomers with known aromatic dialkynes. This thesis starts with an introduction to DAPP synthesis, properties, and applications. The second chapter focuses on the synthesis of 4,4’-bis[1,2,4-tris(perfluoro-4tolyl)cyclopentadien-5-one-3-yl]octafluorobiphenyl (CPD monomer). In the first step, disodiumbis(cyclopentadieny)octafluorobiphenyl was combined with 6 equivalents of octafluorotoluene in HMPA to give 4,4’-bis[1,2,4-tris(perfluoro-4-tolyl)cyclopentadiene-3yl]octafluorobiphenyl. Oxidation to the corresponding diketone was effected using selenium dioxide. The synthesis of CPD monomer presented several unexpected challenges that were ultimately overcome. The third chapter describes a series of initial polymerization experiments as well as some model reactions that were carried out to understand monomer reactivity. Finally the future research plan of synthesizing different polymers by Diels-Alder reaction and nucleophilic substitution reaction has been discussed. Acknowledgements I wish to thank my advisor Professor Paul A. Deck for the support, guidance, and patience that he provided during my graduate studies at Virginia Tech. He is truly unique among educators and his energy/enthusiasm is unsurpassed. It has been a great opportunity to work in his vital research group. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to my committee members, Professor David Kingston, Professor Richard Turner, Professor Timothy Long and Professor Louis Madsen who are among Virginia Tech’s finest chemistry faculty members. My fellow research group members never failed to support me in my endeavors. I would especially like to thank Mr. Brian Hickory for his generous advice and support. Finally, I am most grateful to my parents for their support and endless love over the years, they have been a source of encouragement to me. I dedicate this work to my parents, Mr Ashok Sen and Mrs Sutapa Sen. It would not been possible without their support.
Adoption of multiple climate-smart agricultural practices in the Gangetic plains of Bihar, India

Purpose The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) is important for sustaining Indian agriculture in the face of climate change. Despite considerable effort by both national and international agricultural organizations to promote CSAPs in India, adoption of these practices is low. This study aims to examine the elements that affect the likelihood and intensity of adoption of multiple CSAPs in Bihar, India. Design/methodology/approach The probability and intensity of adoption of CSAPs are analyzed using multivariate and ordered probit models, respectively. Findings The results show significant correlations between multiple CSAPs, indicating that their adoptions are interrelated, providing opportunities to exploit the complementarities. The results confirm that both the probability and intensity of adoption of CSAPs are affected by numerous factors, such as demographic characteristics, farm plot features, access to market, socio-economics, climate risks, access to extension services and training. Farmers who perceive high temperature as the major climate risk factor are more likely to adopt crop diversification and minimum tillage. Farmers are less likely to adopt site-specific nutrient management if faced with short winters; however, they are more likely to adopt minimum tillage in this case. Training on agricultural issues is found to have a positive impact on the likelihood and the intensity of CSAPs adoption. Practical implications The major policy recommendations coming from of our results are to strengthen local institutions (public extension services, etc.) and to provide more training on CSAPs. Originality/value By applying multivariate and ordered probit models, this paper provides some insights on the long-standing discussions on whether farmers adopt CSAPs in a piecemeal or in a composite way.
Stage–specific antigens of Hymenolepis microstoma recognized in BALB/c mice

Summary Antigenicity of eggs (oncospheres), cysticercoids and adults (with immature segments only) of the bile duct tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma was analysed using immunoblotting techniques and indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) techniques with immune sera of BALB/c mice (i) infected with different doses of cysticercoids, (ii) during patent or prepatent infection with the lumen phase of the parasite or (iii) sensitized with live or dead eggs. Antibody responses detected by IFA test and immunoblotting showed that antigenicity of eggs (oncospheres) differed from that of cysticercoids and adults. Single worm infections were sufficient to stimulate antibody responses. Mice which had patent infection showed strong antibody responses to all three (egg (oncosphere), cysticercoid, adult) antigens, while mice given two prepatent infections showed some antibody responses to cysticercoid and adult antigens only. Although the normal intermediate hosts of this parasite are arthropods, antibodies to some major egg (oncosphere) antigens were produced in mice given eggs of this parasite orally, either through inoculation of eggs or ingestion of faeces contaminated with eggs. Antibodies were not produced in mice dosed with non–viable eggs. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that cestode parasites express phase– (or stage–) specific antigens.
In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of AMG 337, a Potent and Selective MET Kinase Inhibitor, in MET-Dependent Cancer Models

The MET receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in cell growth, survival, and invasion. Clinical studies with small molecule MET inhibitors have shown the role of biomarkers in identifying patients most likely to benefit from MET-targeted therapy. AMG 337 is an oral, small molecule, ATP-competitive, highly selective inhibitor of the MET receptor. Herein, we describe AMG 337 preclinical activity and mechanism of action in MET-dependent tumor models. These studies suggest MET is the only therapeutic target for AMG 337. In an unbiased tumor cell line proliferation screen (260 cell lines), a closely related analogue of AMG 337, Compound 5, exhibited activity in 2 of 260 cell lines; both were MET-amplified. Additional studies examining the effects of AMG 337 on the proliferation of a limited panel of cell lines with varying MET copy numbers revealed that high-level focal MET amplification (>12 copies) was required to confer MET oncogene addiction and AMG 337 sensitivity. One MET-amplified cell line, H1573 (>12 copies), was AMG 337 insensitive, possibly because of a downstream G12A KRAS mutation. Mechanism-of-action studies in sensitive MET-amplified cell lines demonstrated that AMG 337 inhibited MET and adaptor protein Gab-1 phosphorylation, subsequently blocking the downstream PI3K and MAPK pathways. AMG 337 exhibited potency in pharmacodynamic assays evaluating MET signaling in tumor xenograft models; >90% inhibition of Gab-1 phosphorylation was observed at 0.75 mg/kg. These findings describe the preclinical activity and mechanism of action of AMG 337 in MET-dependent tumor models and indicate its potential as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of MET-dependent tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1568–79. ©2016 AACR.
MONITORING EXERCISE INTENSITY DURING RESISTANCE TRAINING USING THE SESSION RPE SCALE

This study investigated the reliability of the session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale to quantify exercise intensity during high-intensity (H), moderate-intensity (M), and low-intensity (L) resistance training. Nine men (24.7 ± 3.8 years) and 10 women (22.1 ± 2.6 years) performed each intensity twice. Each protocol consisted of 5 exercises: back squat, bench press, overhead press, biceps curl, and triceps pushdown. The H consisted of 1 set of 4–5 repetitions at 90% of the subject's 1 repetition maximum (1RM). The M consisted of 1 set of 10 repetitions at 70% 1RM, and the L consisted of 1 set of 15 repetitions at 50% 1RM. RPE was measured following the completion of each set and 30 minutes postexercise (session RPE). Session RPE was higher for the H than M and L exercise bouts (p ≤ 0.05). Performing fewer repetitions at a higher intensity was perceived to be more difficult than performing more repetitions at a lower intensity. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the session RPE was 0.88. The session RPE is a reliable method to quantify various intensities of resistance training.
Economic Development Amidst Income Inequalities and Tax Structure: A Case Study of Pakistan (1976-2011)

Foremost objective of every state is to ensure equal distribution of incomes and justice among the general public. As of a macroeconomic point of view, if the governments want to attain this objective, tax is one of the most significant tools of fiscal policy. This research explores the relationship among growth, inequality and economic development in the perspective of Pakistan. Time series macro data were used and the impact of taxes on income distribution has been investigated for the period 1976-2011 by employing Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) econometrics techniques. The index of Gini coefficient was used as an instrument for calculating the income inequality. There are numbers of factors which are responsible for uneven allocation of income in a country, although investment, progressive taxation and growth expenditure on community services play an important function in reducing inequality. This research shows that the share of high income class in GDP is greater as compared to the share of poor class in total manufacture. we may note that this has been as the corporate income raise in developing countries like Pakistan which lead increase in saving and positive impact on the total investment as a outcome its major share goes into the pocket of elite class, so its work in differing direction it lift up income inequality instead of decreasing inequality. The rate at which the income of corporate (elite class) increase is very high than the rate of increase in wages. The results of the estimated model show that there is a long-term equilibrium relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results of the long-term equilibrium relationship show that the coefficient of direct taxes is significant and positive. The outcome also point out a positive correlation between per capita GDP and income inequality Keywords : Income, Tax, Wage, Inequality, Gini coefficient, GDP
Reductions in pre-season training loads reduce training injury rates in rugby league players

Objectives: To investigate if reductions in pre-season training loads reduced the incidence of training injuries in rugby league players, and to determine if the reductions in training loads compromised the improvements in physical fitness obtained during the pre-season preparation period. Methods: A total of 220 sub-elite rugby league players participated in this 3 year prospective study. Players underwent measurements of speed, muscular power, and maximal aerobic power before and after three 4 month (December to March) pre-season preparation periods (2001–2003). A periodised skills and conditioning program was implemented, with training loads progressively increased in the general preparatory phase of the season (December to February) and reduced slightly in March in preparation for the competitive phase of the season. Training loads were calculated by multiplying the training session intensity by the duration of the training session. Following the initial season (2001), training loads were reduced through reductions in training duration (2002) and training intensity (2003). The incidence of injury was prospectively recorded over the three pre-season periods. Results: The training loads for the 2002 and 2003 pre-season periods were significantly lower (p<0.001) than those in 2001. The incidence of injury was significantly higher in the 2001 pre-season than the 2002 and 2003 pre-season periods. The increases in maximal aerobic power progressively improved across the three seasons with a 62–88% probability that the 2002 and 2003 pre-season improvements in maximal aerobic power were of greater physiological significance than the 2001 pre-season improvements in maximal aerobic power. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that reductions in pre-season training loads reduce training injury rates in rugby league players and result in greater improvements in maximal aerobic power.
Investigation of protein binding affinity and preferred orientations in ion exchange systems using a homologous protein library

A library of cold shock protein B (CspB) mutant variants was employed to study protein binding affinity and preferred orientations in cation exchange chromatography. Single site mutations introduced at charged amino acids on the protein surface resulted in a homologous protein set with varying charge density and distribution. The retention times of the mutants varied significantly during linear gradient chromatography. While the expected trends were observed with increasing or decreasing positive charge on the protein surface, the degree of change was a strong function of the location and microenvironment of the mutated amino acid. Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models were generated using a support vector regression technique that was able to give good predictions of the retention times of the various mutants. Molecular descriptors selected during model generation were used to elucidate the factors affecting protein retention. Electrostatic potential maps were also employed to provide insight into the effects of protein surface topography, charge density and charge distribution on protein binding affinity and possible preferred binding orientations. The use of this protein mutant library in concert with the qualitative and quantitative analyses presented in the article provides an improved understanding of protein behavior in ion exchange systems. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 102: 869–881. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prolonged T  *2 values in newborn versus adult brain: Implications for fMRI studies of newborns

The neonatal brain possesses higher water content, lower macromolecular concentration, and reduced synaptic density than is found in the brain of a 1‐year‐old child. Changes in MRI characteristics of brain such as relaxation times accompany rapid changes in brain during early postnatal development. It was hypothesized that T *2 values found in newborns would be significantly higher than those found in 9‐month‐old children and adults as measured at 1.5 T. Spoiled gradient echo measurements of T *2 within the brains of newborns, 9‐month‐olds, and adults confirmed this hypothesis. The results have implications with regard to functional MRI studies in newborns since, in general, BOLD signal optimization is achieved when echo times TE are set equal to the T *2 values of the tissue of interest. Since significantly longer T *2 values are found in newborns, it is suggested that the TE values employed for fMRI studies of newborns should be increased to maximize BOLD signal intensity changes and improve the overall reliability of fMRI results in newborns. Magn Reson Med 51:1287–1291, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A leadership competency model of science and technology parks: the case of Chungbuk Techno Park in Korea

Given their significant regional economic benefits, science and technology parks (STPs) have attracted continuous academic attention. To understand the predictors of performance of STPs, this study focuses on the critical impacts of leaders and develops a leadership competency model specialized for public STP leaders. The competency model identifies the qualities and conditions of an effective leader of public STPs, emphasizing management skills, bottom-up approach, and boundary spanning skills. To provide empirical support, this study adopts the case study approach and performs a behavior event interview with one of the most successful leaders of public STPs in Korea.
Tourist motivations in relation to a battlefield: a case study of Kinmen

ABSTRACT To assess tourist motivations at the battlefield site on Kinmen Island of Taiwan, an empirical investigation was conducted. From a convenience sample, we collected 437 effective responses of respondents including domestic and international tourists with different cultural background in Kinmen. The structure of motivation was first examined via factor analysis. Then ANOVA analysis was applied to address the influence from demographic aspects such as gender, age, and nationality. Our results show that personal, spiritual, experience, physical, and emotional perspectives are five major sources of motivations. More importantly, age and nationality are confirmed to be two major dimensions to segment tourists in the context of battlefield tourism. Tourists with older age have higher motivations toward the battlefield site in comparison with young tourists. In addition, tourists with different cultural background based on different nationalities are significantly motivated by various motivational factors. The example of Kinmen contributes theoretically to a better understanding of the motivational attributes in a battlefield site, and how they represent a basis for increasing tourist perceptions. The motivational mechanisms and factors explored in this case can be incorporated into marketing strategies. Additionally, our results also provide a viable basis for the tourism authorities concerned to reevaluate the essence of its tourism industry in the context of battlefield resources and attractions.
Prognostic value of ALDH1 expression in lung cancer: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE ALDH1 has recently been reported as a marker of cancer stem-like cells in lung cancer. However, the predictive value of ALDH1 in lung cancer remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of ALDH1 expression with the clinicopathological features and outcomes of lung cancer patients through a meta-analysis. METHODS Publications that assessed the clinical or prognostic significance of ALDH1 in lung cancer up to October 2014 were identified. A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the association between ALDH1 expression and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Ten eligible publications with 1836 patients were included. The analysis of these data showed that ALDH1 expression was highly correlated with lymph node metastasis (pooled OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.04-2.02, P = 0.027), decreased overall survival (pooled RR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.15-4.41, P = 0.019), and decreased disease-free survival (pooled RR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.01-2.64, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION Patients with ALDH1-positive lung cancer had poor prognosis, which was associated with common clinicopathological poor prognostic factors.
I Learn, You Learn, We Gain. Experience in Crop Insurance Markets

The relevance and the impact of experience in insurance markets are underinvestigated. From Italian farm-level data we estimate a dynamic discrete choice model of participation to investigate the role of experience. The methodology, coupled with exploratory analysis, allows one to compare how different sources of experience influence the crop insurance decision making process. We found that direct experience is a catalyst for insurance participation of medium and large farms. The experience indirectly acquired is also relevant, especially for small farms. Policy implications are discussed: in particular, we discuss on the importance of information campaigns and of bolstering uptake to exploit the advantages of the inertia and spillover effects that emerge from experience.
Time preference and savings behaviour

ABSTRACT A number of studies have examined various determinants of savings rate. This article contributes to this literature by empirically testing whether the time preference (discounting behaviour) is another important determinant of savings rate. To this end, we estimate the hyperbolic Euler equation using the generalized method of moments (GMM) to examine whether the short-run discount factor can account for savings behaviour. The empirical results show that people exhibit short-run patience (impatience) when savings rate increases (decreases), which is in line with the theoretical prediction. This result implies that the time preference also plays an important role in determining savings behaviour. Various sets of instruments and different sample periods do not reverse the main finding.
Low-light image enhancement using variational optimization-based retinex model

This paper presents an optimization-based low-light image enhancement method using spatially adaptive �������� -norm based Retinex model. The proposed method adaptively enforces the regularization parameter using the spatially adaptive weight map, which is generated using the bright channel prior (BCP) and local variance map. Since the proposed weight map assigns the smaller weight value at the bright and edge region, the proposed method can perform weak noise reduction to preserve the edges and textures. In addition, the simplified version of the proposed method is presented using the FFT and quantized weight values for the application to consumer devices. Experimental results show that the proposed method can provide better enhanced result without the ι2 -norm minimization artifacts at the low computational cost.
Referential Ambiguity in the Narrative Productions of African American Adults.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the production of referential ambiguities in two contrasting narrative conditions among age-defined groups of healthy African American women. METHOD Twenty middle-aged adults (M = 51 years) and 20 older adults (M = 72 years) produced a complex story retelling and a personal narrative. All narratives were transcribed orthographically, parsed into T-units, and analyzed for surface structure markings of referents and the presence of ambiguities. RESULTS The results demonstrated that older adults produced more ambiguities than middle-aged adults, were more compromised with task complexity, used more role or relation designations to refer to story characters while underusing proper names, and exhibited significant lexical retrieval deficits during ongoing narrative production. Middle-aged adults produced more proper names, but were also challenged by the complexity of the story-retelling task. Moreover, the results showed that older adults produced more African American English variants than middle-aged adults. CONCLUSION This investigation revealed a pattern of age-related ambiguities during narrative production. The results demonstrated that lexical retrieval from long-term semantic memory was an important predictor of ambiguity, whereas African American English contributed negligibly. These results show that referential ambiguities may be a robust characteristic of cognitive-linguistic changes that occur with typical aging.