Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arm mechanical efficiency and arm exercise capacity are relatively preserved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE Previous studies indicate that energy expenditure related to physical activity is enhanced and that mechanical efficiency of leg exercise is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is yet unclear whether an inefficient energy expenditure is also present during other activities in COPD. This study was carried out to examine arm efficiency and peak arm exercise performance relative to leg exercise in 33 (23 male) patients with COPD ((mean +/- SEM) age: 61 +/- 2 yr; FEV : 40 +/- 2% of predicted) and 20 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. METHODS Body composition, pulmonary function, resting energy expenditure (REE), and peak leg and arm exercise performance were determined. To calculate mechanical efficiency, subjects performed submaximal leg and arm ergometry at 50% of achieved peak loads. During exercise testing, metabolic and ventilatory parameters were measured. RESULTS In contrast to a reduced leg mechanical efficiency in patients compared with controls (15.6 +/- 0.6% and 22.5 +/- 0.6%, respectively; < 0.001), arm mechanical efficiency was comparable in both groups (COPD: 18.3 +/- 0.9%, controls: 21.0 +/- 1.2%; NS). Arm efficiency was not related to leg efficiency, pulmonary function, work of breathing, or REE. Also, arm exercise capacity was relatively preserved in patients with COPD (ratio arm peak work rate/leg peak work rate in patients: 89% vs 53% in controls; < 0.001). CONCLUSION Mechanical efficiency and exercise capacity of the upper and lower limbs are not homogeneously affected in COPD, with a relative preservation of the upper limbs. This may have implications for screening of exercise tolerance and prescription of training interventions in patients with COPD. Future studies need to elucidate the mechanism behind this observation.
Three-Dimensional Structure of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein D at 2.4-Nanometer Resolution

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for virus infectivity and is responsible for binding to cellular membrane proteins and subsequently promoting fusion between the virus envelope and the cell. No structural data are available for gD or for any other herpesvirus envelope protein. Here we present a three-dimensional model for the baculovirus-expressed truncated protein gD1(306t) based on electron microscopic data. We demonstrate that gD1(306t) appears as a homotetramer containing a pronounced pocket in the center of the molecule. Monoclonal antibody binding demonstrates that the molecule is oriented such that the pocket protrudes away from the virus envelope.
A training model for environmental educators and interpreters employed in Greek protected areas and ecotourism settings

In Greece, environmental interpretation is in its infancy as an academic field. In particular, there are no nature guides or specific conservation objectives, and no professional training for non-formal environmental educators and/or interpreters. In view of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, this paper develops and recommends a training model for environmental educator/interpreter guides in protected areas and sensitive ecotourism settings in Greece. An investigation was undertaken into training programmes in developed and less developed ecotourism countries, where environmental interpretation is practiced in the sustainable management of sensitive areas. The proposed model is based mainly on interpretive training programmes of other developed and less developed countries. This model introduces the art of environmental interpretation as a form of non-formal environmental education, integrated in strategic communication in protected areas and sensitive ecotourism areas in Greece. The developed model takes into consideration the special social settings and biophysical environments of Greece. Moreover, a professional environmental interpreter group is recommended to support the role of management authorities in protected areas.
Export Oriented FDI

It is well known that the performance of foreign firms compared to domestic companies is superior with respect to employment, wages, and productivity. In this paper we detail the export behaviour of foreign affiliates in the United Kingdom relative to indigenous firms. Our findings show that foreign firms are more likely to export, and when they do so they are more export intensive and overall contribute disproportionately to total manufacturing exports from the UK. While firm-level advantages explain some of these differences in export behaviour, strategic considerations dominate, where these include the differential in costs, productivity, and market size between the UK and foreign countries. That is, both horizontal and vertical motives can be found for the use of the UK as an export platform by foreign firms.
The Insecurity dilemma : national security of Third World states

Part 1 The insecurity dilemma: the incompatibilities of national, regime, and state security in the Third World today, B.L. Holsti. Part 2 The state, state-building, and security - the paradox of sovereignty: the security predicament of the Third World state - reflections on state-making, Mohammed Ayoob sovereign governments and insecure populations - marginal African states, Robert Jackson. Part 3 Strategies to attain security - costs and benefits, winners and losers: the systemic sources of dependent militarization, Michael Barnett and Alexander Wendt the structural impact of the International Arms Transfer and Production System on Third world security and militarization, Keith Krause regionalism and regime security - a comparative study of ASEAN and the GCC - "Amitay Acharya". Part 4 Third World states in the international security system: national security for Third World states - Barry Buzan a new role for middle powers, Fen Hampson the superpowers and Third World Security, Neil MacFarlane.
Employment and labour markets in the

This article reviews the literature on employment, wages and the labour markets in the Dominican Republic. Although this will primarily be of interest to economists, it may also be useful to social scientists in general and to those responsible for formulating policies affecting the functioning of the labour market at both the national and the Latin American regional level. The study begins by presenting the main sources of statistical information on labour, after which it focuses on studies on the overall functioning of the Dominican labour market. It then goes on to deal with studies exploring specific labour markets, such as those for microentrepreneurs and women, and the literature on wages. This review reveals that there are few studies carried out with scientific precision and aimed at economic aspects proper: most of the studies are of a descriptive, sociological or multidisciplinary nature. The article concludes with some proposals for possible lines of future research in this field, especially the analysis of the existing labour statistics and the establishment of a suitable system for their collection and dissemination.
Modeling Seasonality in Tourism Forecasting

Within the multiplicative seasonal ARIMA modeling context, there are two forecasting models, ARIMA14 and ARIMA1. ARIMA14 is used for modeling stochastic nonstationary seasonality and requires first and fourth differences to achieve stationarity. ARIMA1 considers the series only in first differences, and seasonality is modeled with a constant and three seasonal dummies. The selection of either model depends on the nature of seasonality. Conventional unit root tests determine the nature of seasonality and the order of integration and, therefore, the series’ choice of forecasting model. To determine whether the test correctly identifies the forecasting model for tourism demand, out-of-sample forecasting performance of ARIMA1 and ARIMA14 is compared with HEGY unit root model selection method. Comparing forecasting performance of both models with HEGY unit root model selection shows that the outcome of HEGY test procedure may not be useful in the selection of a univariate time-series model for quarterly tourism demand series.
Learning Orientation, Innovativeness And Financial Performance In Traditional Manufacturing Firms: A Higher-Order Structural Equation Model

This study examines the relationships among learning orientation, firm innovativeness and financial performance in the context of the Norwegian wood industry. A questionnaire-based survey was sent to the CEOs of firms in the wood industry in Norway (241 usable replies, response rate of 49 percent). Learning orientation and firm innovativeness were conceptualised and analysed as latent second-order constructs by using structural equation modelling. The findings show that learning orientation has a positive effect on firm innovativeness in the traditional manufacturing industry. In addition, learning orientation was found to positively affect financial performance via the full mediating effect of firm innovativeness. Furthermore, firm innovativeness was also found to have an independent positive effect on financial performance. No direct effect of learning orientation on financial performance was found. According to the data, firm age also does not appear to affect the relationship between learning orientation and firm innovativeness.
Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide Beamforming Networks and Multibeam Antenna Arrays for Low-Cost Satellite and Mobile Systems

The growing complexity of satellite and mobile communication systems means that there are increasing needs for antenna arrays with multiple-beam capability. Conventional beamforming-network (BFN) configurations can be realized by different types of transmission lines, such as a microstrip line or waveguide. However, each of these has its own obvious defects. As part of a new generation of high-frequency integrated circuits, called substrate integrated circuits (SICs), substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) technology combines the benefits of both planar transmission-line and non-planar-waveguide technologies. It presents an excellent solution for the design and implementation of high-frequency beamforming networks, including for use at millimeter wavelengths. This paper overviews the state-of-the-art of substrate-integrated-waveguide techniques in the design and realization of innovative beamforming networks, and multibeam antenna arrays for low-cost satellite and mobile systems. Different classes of substrate-integrated-waveguide-based structures are theoretically and experimentally studied and demonstrated, to offer unprecedented performance and opportunities for specific space-and ground-based applications.
Cytochrome P450 Cyp26a1 Alters Spinal Motor Neuron Subtype Identity in Differentiating Embryonic Stem Cells*

Background: How to differentiate embryonic stem cells into specific neuronal types is a key question. Results: Lack of Cyp26a1 results in increased ALDH1a2 and Hoxc6, markers of lateral motor column identity. Conclusion: The cytochrome P450 enzyme Cyp26a1 plays a critical role in specifying motor neuron columnar subtypes. Significance: Blocking Cyp26a1 has therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer therapies. The ability to differentiate embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into specific cell types is critical for improved regenerative medicine strategies, cancer chemotherapeutic approaches, and regimens to combat chronic diseases associated with aging. Subclasses of motor neurons (MNs) are generated at different positions along the rostrocaudal axis of the spinal cord, and the signals that specify MN subtype fates remain poorly defined. We show here that the cytochrome P450 enzyme Cyp26a1, which metabolizes all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and thereby reduces RA levels, plays a crucial role in specifying MN columnar subtypes. Lack of Cyp26a1 in ESCs during differentiation to spinal MNs increases Aldh1a2 (RALDH2) and Hoxc6, markers of the Hox-dependent, lateral motor column (LMC) subtype identity. In contrast, Lhx3, a marker for median motor column identity, showed lower expression in Cyp26a1−/−-derived MNs compared with WT. Without Cyp26a1, an increase in intracellular RA concentration plus sonic hedgehog agonist treatment confer an LMC fate on differentiating MNs. Our data suggest a strategy for increasing LMC-type MNs from ESCs by blocking Cyp26a1 in cell replacement/ESC differentiation therapy to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Alternative Policy Variables to Influence Urban Transport Demand

Another possible extension is to introduce the third factor of production, capital stock. Since our city is an open economy, it might be appropriate to assume that the net inflow of capital is a function of the difference between the rate of return on capital in this city and the national or international rate of return given to the city. Essentially the same analysis as in the two-factor case can be carried out if we assume a special Cobb-Douglas form of threefactor production functions. Finally, we must of course incorporate residential land use into our model and analyse the long-run interactions of industrial and residential land use in the process of urban growth in order to derive conclusions relevant to real urban problems in the long run.
Root system and root and stem base organic reserves of pasture Tanzania grass fertilizer with nitrogen under grazing

O estudo objetivou avaliar as concentracoes de carboidratos nao estruturais (CNE), nitrogenio (N) total e avaliacao do sistema radicular em pastagem de capim-Tanzânia adubada com ureia em diferentes doses nas estacoes de outono, primavera e verao. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental de Iguatemi, Maringa, PR, no periodo de marco de 2007 a marco de 2008. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos completos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas com quatro repeticoes. Foram usadas como parcelas, as doses de N-ureia (50, 100 e 150 kg ha-1 de N-ureia) e, como subparcelas, as estacoes do ano. As amostragens das raizes foram realizadas nas profundidades de 0-10, 10-20 e 20-40 cm. A biomassa radicular apresentou tendencia de acumulo de massa ate 100 kg ha-1 de N em todas as estacoes avaliadas. Independente da dose de N utilizada cerca de 80% do sistema radicular do capim-Tanzânia estava concentrado na camada de 0 - 10 cm de profundidade. A adubacao nitrogenada acima de 100 kg ha-1 pode estimular o crescimento acelerado da planta forrageira, reduzindo sua capacidade de armazenamento de CNE nas raizes. No entanto, favorecem o armazenamento de CNE e N total na base do colmo. As concentracoes de CNE e N total foram mais elevadas no periodo do outono, demonstrando que sua utilizacao e maior na primavera devido as condicoes climaticas favoraveis ao crescimento da planta. Na rebrota, a planta apresentou maior reserva de N total na camada de 0-10 cm das raizes, bem como maior reserva de CNE na base do colmo.
Effects of socially responsible human resource management on employee organizational commitment

In this paper, we introduced the concept of socially responsible human resource management (SR-HRM) and examined the effects of perceived SR-HRM on employee organizational commitment (OC) in the Chinese context. After examining the psychometric properties of the scales, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilised to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that, in general, SR-HRM is positively related to OC. After demographic variables were controlled, labour-related legal compliance HRM and general corporate social responsibility facilitation HRMs have a significant positive relationship with affirmative commitment (AC), continuance commitment (CC) and normative commitment (NC). Employee-oriented HRM has a significant positive relationship with AC and NC, but not CC. The relationship between SR-HRM and AC is stronger than those between SR-HRM and CC and NC.
Clustered Transcription Factor Genes Regulate Nicotine Biosynthesis in Tobacco[W][OA]

This work examines the molecular lesions responsible for the low-nicotine phenotype of a classical tobacco mutant. Extensive duplications of genes encoding jasmonate-responsive transcription factors, found at the NIC2 locus, offer new insights into how regulatory genes for alkaloid biosynthesis are organized and evolved. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) synthesizes nicotine and related pyridine alkaloids in the root, and their synthesis increases upon herbivory on the leaf via a jasmonate-mediated signaling cascade. Regulatory NIC loci that positively regulate nicotine biosynthesis have been genetically identified, and their mutant alleles have been used to breed low-nicotine tobacco varieties. Here, we report that the NIC2 locus, originally called locus B, comprises clustered transcription factor genes of an ethylene response factor (ERF) subfamily; in the nic2 mutant, at least seven ERF genes are deleted altogether. Overexpression, suppression, and dominant repression experiments using transgenic tobacco roots showed both functional redundancy and divergence among the NIC2-locus ERF genes. These transcription factors recognized a GCC-box element in the promoter of a nicotine pathway gene and specifically activated all known structural genes in the pathway. The NIC2-locus ERF genes are expressed in the root and upregulated by jasmonate with kinetics that are distinct among the members. Thus, gene duplication events generated a cluster of highly homologous transcription factor genes with transcriptional and functional diversity. The NIC2-locus ERFs are close homologs of ORCA3, a jasmonate-responsive transcriptional activator of indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus, indicating that the NIC2/ORCA3 ERF subfamily was recruited independently to regulate jasmonate-inducible secondary metabolism in distinct plant lineages.
The Economics of Wetland Drainage and Retention in Saskatchewan

The public and private net benefits of retaining wetlands in agricultural cropland in east central Saskatchewan are evaluated in a policy case study. Wetland drainage on agricultural lands continues to occur despite evidence from existing studies concerning societal benefits derived from wetland retention. A simulation model was developed to estimate on-farm costs and benefits associated with wetland drainage in east central Saskatchewan. The private net benefits were compared to existing estimates of the public benefits to retaining wetlands in this region. The analysis suggests that payments from existing “beneficiary pay” policies, such as public incentive payments to farmers to retain wetlands, are too low to retain wetlands at risk of drainage. Les avantages nets, publics et prives, de la conservation des milieux humides sur les terres agricoles cultivables du centre-est de la Saskatchewan sont evalues dans une etude de cas sur les politiques. Le drainage des terres humides en milieu agricole se poursuit malgre l’existence d’etudes montrant que la conservation des milieux humides procure des avantages a la collectivite. Nous avons elabore un modele de simulation afin d’estimer les couts que doivent engager les agriculteurs pour drainer les terres humides dans le centre-est de la Saskatchewan et les avantages qu’ils en retirent. Nous avons compare les avantages nets prives avec les estimations existantes des avantages publics lies a la conservation des terres humides dans cette region. Les resultats de notre etude autorisent a penser que les primes prevues dans les politiques existantes du «beneficiaire payeur», telles que les primes d’encouragement versees aux agriculteurs pour conserver les milieux humides, sont insuffisantes pour proteger les milieux humides contre le risque de drainage.
Domestic and International Influences on Firm-Level Governance: Evidence from Canada

We examine the extent to which Canadian firms complied with domestic corporate governance best practice guidelines and U.S. corporate governance law including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We ask whether voluntary compliance under both regimes occurred and whether cross-listing status and ownership concentration influenced firm behavior. Our results show increasing compliance rates with both regimes over a five-year period, although adoption rates for U.S. standards exceeded rates for Canadian best practices in later years, even for non-cross-listed firms. When given a choice in a best practice regime such as Canada's, firms may look beyond domestic law in establishing their governance structures. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Si nanocluster sensitization of Er-doped silica for optical amplet using top-pumping visible LEDs

A review is presented of Si nanocluster sensitization of Er-doped silica for planar optical amplifiers using top-pumping 470-nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The motivation and basic physical principles underlying the nanocluster sensitization are first reviewed. The material structures necessary for optimum performances are presented, with emphasis on the need for nanoscale engineering of the composition and structure. Evidence of optical gain using commercial GaN-visible LEDs are presented, and the simulation results of possible device performances described. Finally, some possible future directions for research are discussed
[Morphometry of sacral neurons innervating the pelvic muscles. Experimental study].

Sacral motoneurons of the pelvic muscles have been extensively studied in the rat (1,2). Few informations occur in the literature on their specific morphology and their interconnection. In an experimental study we have differentiated the neuronal mapping of the: bulbo-spongiosus (B.S.M.), ischio-cavernosus (I.C.M.), levator ani (L.A.M.), sphincter ani (S.A.M.) and sphincter urethrae (S.U.M.) muscles. Each different or both sided pelvic muscle of 30 wistar rats have been injected by a solution of horse-radish-peroxidase. Using this H.R. P. technique, the mapping of the marked neurons and compared to the different muscles has been performed on horizontal and transversal spinal cord sections. A statistical study using the "T" test compares the maximal and minimal diameters and the surface of the neurons. 1. Most of the muscles injected in one side left or right receive their innervation from the neurons located in the homolateral side of the spinal cord. 2. The B.S.M. and the S.A.M. receive, in part, an innervation from the opposite side. 3. The neurons of the B.S.M. and of the S.A.M. are located in the D.M. group of L5 - L6 segment of the spinal cord. Their diameters are significantly different but not their surfaces (+/- 940 mu 2). 4. The neurons of the I.C. M. and of the S.U. M. located in the D.L. group have an equivalent diameter and surface. 5. The neurons of the L.A.M. have the largest diameter but an equivalent surface to the others. This work on a mammalian model brings further informations on the mapping of the sacral innervation of the pelvic muscles and offers a comparative reference for Man.
Effects of Propionibacterium acnes treatment on the course of Mycobacterium leprae infection in mice

Studies were carried out to determine the effects of treatment with killed suspensions of Propionibacterium acnes (formerly designated Corynebacterium parvum) on the course of Mycobacterium leprae infection in mice. Systemic (intravenous or intraperitoneal) treatment with P. acnes failed to significantly alter the growth of M. leprae in the mouse footpad. In contrast, injections of P. acnes directly into the infected footpad markedly inhibited the growth of the leprosy bacilli regardless of whether the local treatments were administered before infection or 3 months after infection with M. leprae. The effects of local treatment with P. acnes appeared to be bactericidal and not merely bacteriostatic. Clearance of the organism from the tissues was not enhanced by P. acnes treatment.