Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rural Residents' Attitudes Toward Recreation and Tourism Development

This study investigates residents' attitudes toward recreation and tourism development in 10 rural Colorado towns. Two-per capita ratios based on tourism retail sales and total retail sales were developed and the communities were grouped into high and low tourism and high and low economic categories. These two ratios as grouping variables and length of residence as a covariate formed the basis for 2 x 2 ANCOVA conducted to determine any significant differences for eight recreation attitudes and 18 tourism development attitude statements. Generally, it was found that residents' attitudes towards tourism development in communities with both high economic and tourism development and low economic and tourism development were more positive than those residents of the low/high or high/low economic and tourism development communities. Further, recreation attitudes were affected by level of economic activity but not level of tourism development. Additionally, length of residence was found to have no significant effect on the residents' attitudes towards tourism development.
Biological and clinical effects of the combination of beta- and gamma-interferons administered as a 5-day continuous infusion.

A phase I trial involving continuous infusion of both beta- and gamma-interferon (IFN-beta and IFN-gamma) was conducted in 20 patients in order to determine whether combinations of high doses of IFN-beta and IFN-gamma were tolerable when administered under conditions which mimic conditions of in vitro antiproliferative studies. Patients received a 5-day continuous infusion of IFN-beta/IFN-gamma, followed by a 9-day rest period. Two cycles were administered. Doses of IFN-beta/IFN-gamma were escalated between 4 dose levels, with 5 patients per dose level. Dose-dependent side effects, consisting primarily of constitutional symptoms typical of those experienced with IFN, were observed. The maximally tolerated dose of continuous IFN-beta/IFN-gamma infusion was 3 x 10(6) units of IFN-beta and 200 micrograms of IFN-gamma. Dose-limiting side effects consisted of severe headache, fatigue, fever, and hepatic toxicity. No clinical responses were observed. Serum IFN was measurable only at the highest 3 dose levels. Only 5 patients (4 at the highest dose level) had total serum levels which exceeded 50 laboratory units/ml (55, 63, 800, 800, and 550 laboratory units/ml, respectively). In order to confirm the biological effectiveness of this schedule, we measured IFN-inducible proteins prior to therapy, 24 h after the initiation of the infusion, and at the completion of the 5-day infusion. 2'-5'-Oligoadenylate synthetase, serum beta 2-microglobulin, neopterin, and p78 levels all increased significantly, and serum tryptophan decreased significantly within 24 h after the initiation of treatment (P less than 0.0001). A dose-response effect was observed for serum beta 2-microglobulin, neopterin, and p78 (P less than 0.02). We retrospectively compared the results of this trial with those of another IFN-beta/IFN-gamma trial in which IFN-beta and IFN-gamma were administered by i.v. bolus. Within the limitations of a retrospective comparison, continuous infusion was less well tolerated than our previous schedule of bolus administration 3 times/week. However, the continuous infusion schedule appeared to be more effective in enhancing 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase levels in mononuclear cells. We conclude that tolerable doses of IFN-beta and IFN-gamma do not result in serum IFN levels which produce significant synergistic antiproliferative responses in vitro. This study and other findings suggest that, unless higher doses can be achieved, combinations of IFN-beta and IFN-gamma are unlikely to have significant therapeutic activity.
Brand communities: influencing organisations' identities and their perception of the business environment

Companies strive to be in step with the marketplace. An organisation's identity shapes how it perceives the business environment and affects its market orientation. As media and entertainment choices multiply and evolve, it becomes more complex for companies to easily reach a broad audience. One solution to this problem is for companies to interact more directly with brand communities; specialised, non-geographically bound communities based on a structured set of social relations among admirers of a brand. Integrating and interacting with brand communities and allowing them to influence an organisation's identity will help companies to become more market-oriented and influence their perception of the business environment to more accurately reflect actual market conditions.
Bayesian and likelihood phylogenetic reconstructions of morphological traits are not discordant when taking uncertainty into consideration: a comment on Puttick et al.

Puttick et al. (2017 Proc. R. Soc. B 284, 20162290 (doi:10.1098/rspb.2016.2290)) performed a simulation study to compare accuracy among methods of inferring phylogeny from discrete morphological characters. They report that a Bayesian implementation of the Mk model (Lewis 2001 Syst. Biol. 50, 913–925 (doi:10.1080/106351501753462876)) was most accurate (but with low resolution), while a maximum-likelihood (ML) implementation of the same model was least accurate. They conclude by strongly advocating that Bayesian implementations of the Mk model should be the default method of analysis for such data. While we appreciate the authors' attempt to investigate the accuracy of alternative methods of analysis, their conclusion is based on an inappropriate comparison of the ML point estimate, which does not consider confidence, with the Bayesian consensus, which incorporates estimation credibility into the summary tree. Using simulation, we demonstrate that ML and Bayesian estimates are concordant when confidence and credibility are comparably reflected in summary trees, a result expected from statistical theory. We therefore disagree with the conclusions of Puttick et al. and consider their prescription of any default method to be poorly founded. Instead, we recommend caution and thoughtful consideration of the model or method being applied to a morphological dataset.
On the Interactions between Capital Structure and Product Markets.A Survey of the Literature

This paper surveys capital structure theories based on product characteristics and the structure of input and output markets. In this manner, it extends the work of Harris and Raviv (1991). Simultaneously, we relate capital structure to decisions in the input and output markets, such as production and pricing, investments, and entry and exit. We briefly discuss each of the central papers in these literatures and relate them to the other models. Next, we present the known empirical evidence that either supports or rejects these models. Finally, we offer our conclusions and elaborate on this review article’s implications for future research.
Processing of in vitro-synthesized gag precursor proteins of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 by HIV proteinase generated in Escherichia coli

We expressed the gag and proteinase regions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 by transcription and translation in vitro. A synthetic RNA spanning the gag and pro domains gave primarily the unprocessed capsid precursor pr53. Efficient cleavage of this precursor was observed when the gag and pro domains were placed in the same translational reading frame, yielding equimolar amounts of the gag protein and of proteinase (PR). Expression of HIV type 1 PR in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein gave rapid autocatalytic processing to an HIV-specific protein of approximately 11 kilodaltons. HIV PR generated in E. coli specifically induced cleavage of the HIV capsid precursor, whereas deletion of the carboxy-terminal 17 amino acids of the proteinase rendered it inactive. Inhibitor studies showed that the enzyme was insensitive to inhibitors of serine and cysteine proteinases and metalloproteinases and was inhibited only by a very high concentration (1 mM) of pepstatin A.
Exploring the consequences of climate change for indoor air quality

Climate change will affect the concentrations of air pollutants in buildings. The resulting shifts in human exposure may influence public health. Changes can be anticipated because of altered outdoor pollution and also owing to changes in buildings effected in response to changing climate. Three classes of factors govern indoor pollutant levels in occupied spaces: (a) properties of pollutants; (b) building factors, such as the ventilation rate; and (c) occupant behavior. Diversity of indoor conditions influences the public health significance of climate change. Potentially vulnerable subpopulations include not only the young and the infirm but also those who lack resources to respond effectively to changing conditions. Indoor air pollutant levels reflect the sum of contributions from indoor sources and from outdoor pollutants that enter with ventilation air. Pollutant classes with important indoor sources include the byproducts of combustion, radon, and volatile and semivolatile organic compounds. Outdoor pollutants of special concern include particulate matter and ozone. To ensure good indoor air quality it is important first to avoid high indoor emission rates for all pollutants and second to ensure adequate ventilation. A third factor is the use of air filtration or air cleaning to achieve further improvements where warranted.
Planetary IQ Prerequisite for a Shared Vision on Our Planet's Future: Can We Align and Engineer Ourselves out of the Tragedy of Commons?

Uniting on a common vision for the management of our Planet's future environment remains a formidable challenge. Prophecies and visions warning for an impoverished and overexploited future planet have thus far made little difference for man's choices and decisions on the development of Earth's finite natural resources. Exponential growth of nearly every usage of our natural resources continues unabated, although the unfolding of an environmental tragedy is increasingly well documented and becomes harder to deny. The basic message of past visionaries is reinforced in this essay. Some of us argue that the cost of environmental engineering is simply too high. Others point out that the deferred cost due to irresponsible engineering of our environment will be even higher. The development of a higher Planetary IQ is postulated here as a prerequisite for the adoption of a globally shared vision for our planet's future. The absence of such a shared vision for our planet's future will stand firmly in the way of developing and implementing the various strategic targets (e.g., biodiversity conservation & GHG emission control) proposed by major institutions to establish a sustainable future for mankind. Game theory and decision-making tools can suggest possible outcomes of multi-stakeholder processes, but in reality the probability of successfully engineering our future remains highly uncertain - if not utopia. The Planetary IQ Society is launched to stimulate the development of shared visions and solutions for a sustainable future.
DNA sequences acting as binding sites for NM23/NDPK proteins in melanoma M14 cells

We isolated and analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in viable M14 cells DNA sequences bound to the antimetastatic protein nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NM23/NDPK) to shed some light on the nuclear functions of this protein and on the mechanism by which it acts in development and cancer. We assessed the presence of selected sequences from promoters of platelet‐derived growth factor A (PDGF‐A), c‐myc, myeloperoxidase (MPO), CD11b, p53, WT1, CCR5, ING1, and NM23‐H1 genes in the cross‐linked complexes. Quantitative PCR (Q‐PCR) showed a substantial enrichment of the correlated oncosuppressor genes p53, WT1, ING1, and NM23‐H1 in the immunoprecipitated (IP) DNA. This suggests that NM23/NDPK binding is involved in the transcription regulation of these genes. These results reveal new interactions that should help us to disclose the antimetastatic mechanism of NM23. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 421–428, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protection against influenza virus infection by intranasal vaccine with surf clam microparticles (SMP) as an adjuvant

A safe and effective adjuvant is necessary to enhance mucosal immune responses for the development of an inactivated intranasal influenza vaccine. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of surf clam microparticles (SMP) derived from natural surf clams as an adjuvant for an intranasal influenza vaccine. The adjuvant effect of SMP was examined when co‐administered intranasally with inactivated A/PR8 (H1N1) influenza virus hemagglutinin vaccine in BALB/c mice. Administration of the vaccine with SMP induced a high anti‐PR8 haemagglutinin (HA)‐specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) response in the nasal wash and immunoglobulin G (IgG) response in the serum, resulting in protection against both nasal‐restricted infection and lethal lung infection by A/PR8 virus. In addition, administration of SMP with A/Yamagata (H1N1), A/Beijing (H1N1), or A/Guizhou (H3N2) vaccine conferred complete protection against A/PR8 virus challenge in the nasal infection model, suggesting that SMP adjuvanted vaccine can confer cross‐protection against variant influenza viruses. The use of SMP is suggested as a new safe and effective mucosal adjuvant for nasal vaccination against influenza virus infection. J. Med. Virol. 78:954–963, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of Teacher-Directed Student Use of Technology in Elementary Classrooms

Abstract This study is a secondary data analysis of the USEIT data to inform school administrators and policymakers about the factors affecting instructional technology use in elementary classrooms. Researchers developed a predictive multilevel SEM model for teacher-directed student use of technology (TDS). The model depicts relationships between factors across district, school, and classroom levels of analysis. The strongest predictors of TDS were (a) teachers’ experience with technology, belief that technology is beneficial to meet instructional goals, and perceived pressure to use technology; (b) principals’ use of technology; and (c) technology standards, teacher and student accountability to standards, and principals’ technology discretion.
Informed trading in the index option market: The case of KOSPI 200 options

This study examines if informed trading is present in the index option market by analyzing the KOSPI 200 options, the most actively traded derivative product in the world. The spread decomposition model developed by Madhavan, Richardson, and Roomans (1997) is utilized and the adverse‐selection cost component of the spread estimated by the model is then used as a proxy for the degree of informed trading. We find that adverse‐selection costs constitute a nontrivial portion of the transaction costs in index options trading. Approximately one‐third of the spread can be accounted for by information asymmetry costs. A further analysis indicates that adverse‐selection costs are positively related with option delta. Our regression analysis shows that option‐related variables are significantly associated with estimated information asymmetry costs, even when controlling for proxies for informed trading in the index futures market. Finally, we find the evidence that foreign investors are better informed compared to domestic investors and that domestic institutions have an edge in terms of information over domestic individuals. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:1118–1146, 2008
Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders using EEG data and employing a statistical decision model

An automated diagnosis procedure based on a statistical machine learning methodology using electroencephalograph (EEG) data is proposed for diagnosis of psychiatric illness. First, a large collection of candidate features, mostly consisting of various statistical quantities, are calculated from the subject's EEG. This large set of candidate features is then reduced into a much smaller set of most relevant features using a feature selection procedure. The selected features are then used to evaluate the class likelihoods, through the use of a mixture of factor analysis (MFA) statistical model [7]. In a training set of 207 subjects, including 64 subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD), 40 subjects with chronic schizophrenia, 12 subjects with bipolar depression and 91 normal or healthy subjects, the average correct diagnosis rate attained using the proposed method is over 85%, as determined by various cross-validation experiments. The promise is that, with further development, the proposed methodology could serve as a valuable adjunctive tool for the medical practitioner.
The use of ozonated water and 0.2% chlorhexidine in the treatment of periodontitis patients: a clinical and microbiologic study.

BACKGROUND The development of periodontal disease has been thought to be associated with several restricted members of the oral anaerobic species, such as black-pigmented Porphyromonas species and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), in the subgingival environment. Apart from bacteria, certain viruses and fungi that are associated with periodontal disease are also present in the subgingival plaque . MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized, double-blind, crossover split-mouth design was performed. A total of 16 patients suffering from generalized chronic periodontitis were selected for the study. The study period of 18 days was divided into two time-intervals, i.e. baseline (0 days) to 7 th day, with a washout period of 4 days followed by a second time interval of 7 days. The use of ozone and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) irrigation was randomized. Both the patient and the clinician evaluating the clinical parameters were blinded regarding the type of irrigation used. RESULTS The interpretation of clinical and microbial data is from baseline to 7 th day. A higher percentage of plaque index (12%), gingival index (29%) and bleeding index (26%) reduction was observed using ozone irrigation as compared to chlorhexidine. The percentile reduction of Aa (25%) using ozone was appreciable as compared to no change in Aa occurrence using chlorhexidine. By using O 3 and chlorhexidine, there was no antibacterial effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Tannerella forsythensis. The antifungal effect of ozone from baseline (37%) to 7 th day (12.5%) was pronounced during the study period, unlike CHX, which did not demonstrate any antifungal effect. CONCLUSION Ozone may be considered as an alternative management strategy due to its powerful ability to inactivate microorganisms. Also, there is growing evidence that ozone can be employed as a useful therapeutic agent in both dentistry and medicine.
Design and numerical simulations of a superconducting dipolar electromagnet cooled by conduction

This paper is about a high temperature superconductor (HTS) electromagnet for uniform magnetic field generation, without a magnetic core. More specifically, we are concerned with the design of a field winding made of HTS wire, for a homogeneous magnetic field in the working place, and with the evaluation of the electrodynamic interactions (Laplace forces) to which the winding is subjected. Another objective is the thermal stability of the HTS winding, which is provided by a Gifford-McMahon cryocooler for cooling down the winding and a confining cryostat system. Its thermal design and performance assessment are of concern too. Mathematical modeling and numerical simulations with Comsol Multiphysics are used to size the device and to evaluate the quality of the generated magnetic field.
Analysis of patents on anti-allergic therapies issued in China from 1988 to 2008

Background: The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically in recent decades. Therefore, there is a pressing need for the development of effective anti-allergic services worldwide. However, little is known what anti-allergic products have been patented in China and what the potential drug candidates for patents are in China. Objective: To analyze the patents of anti-allergic products for the last 20 years and help pharmaceutical companies and individuals to understand the potential candidates for anti-allergic patents in China. Methods: Data were obtained from the People’s Republic of China Country Intellectual Property Rights Bureau website and United States Patent and Trademark Office website. Results: A total of 789 anti-allergic patents have been granted in China during the past 20 years, which all focused on synthetic compounds, traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), combinations of synthetic compounds and TCM, biological products and medical apparatus. It appears that more and more effective therapeutic components of TCM rather than whole herbs have been patented in recent years and alteration of natural molecules to produce more therapeutically effective molecules has emerged as a novel trend for the modernization of TCM. The patents on synthetic anti-allergic compounds in China mainly focus on well-known targets, such as histamine receptor and leukotrienes, which consist of 93% of patents for validated targets. Conclusion: The number of anti-allergic patents applied in China is far lower than that in the US. Therefore, there are great opportunities for obtaining anti-allergic patents, particularly patents on active ingredients from TCM in China.
The Role of Neuronal Synchronization in Response Selection: A Biologically Plausible Theory of Structured Representations in the Visual Cortex

Recent experimental results in the visual cortex of cats and monkeys have suggested an important role for synchronization of neuronal activity on a millisecond time scale. Synchronization has been found to occur selectively between neuronal responses to related image components. This suggests that not only the firing rates of neurons but also the relative timing of their action potentials is used as a coding dimension. Thus, a powerful relational code would be available, in addition to the rate code, for the representation of perceptual objects. This could alleviate difficulties in the simultaneous representation of multiple objects. In this article we present a set of theoretical arguments and predictions concerning the mechanisms that could group neurons responding to related image components into coherently active aggregates. Synchrony is likely to be mediated by synchronizing connections; we introduce the concept of an interaction skeleton to refer to the subset of synchronizing connections that are rendered effective by a particular stimulus configuration. If the image is segmented into objects, these objects can typically be segmented further into their constituent parts. The synchronization behavior of neurons that represent the various image components may accurately reflect this hierarchical clustering. We propose that the range of synchronizing interactions is a dynamic parameter of the cortical network, so that the grain of the resultant grouping process may be adapted to the actual behavioral requirements. It can be argued that different aspects of purposeful behavior rely on separable processes by which sensory input is transformed into adjustments of motor activity. Indeed, neurophysiological evidence has suggested separate processing streams originating in the primary visual cortex for object identification and sensorimotor coordination. However, such a separation calls for a mechanism that avoids interference effects in the presence of multiple objects, or when multiple motor programs are simultaneously prepared. In this article we suggest that synchronization between responses of neurons in both the visual cortex and in areas that are involved in response selection and execution might allow for a selective routing of sensory information to the appropriate motor program.