Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Systems as Social Systems: Implications for Developing Countries.

Abstract Computer‐based information systems should be conceptualised as social systems in which technology is only one of the dimensions. This broader perspective on information systems offers opportunities for a deeper understanding of their development and use. The social systems approach is illustrated in the paper by two research projects in the UK on the evaluation of information systems and information systems strategy formulation. The relevance of the UK research to a developing country context is discussed and it is argued that methodologies which aim to provide an understanding of the organisational, social and political context are highly suitable for organisations in developing countries. Some implications are drawn for research, education and practice related to information systems in developing countries.
Novel depots of buprenorphine have a long‐acting effect for the management of physical dependence to morphine

Buprenorphine is a promising new pharmacotherapy for the management of physical dependence to opioids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the duration of action of several novel depots of buprenorphine in the treatment of physical dependence to morphine in mice. Following intramuscular injection, the duration of action of several novel oil‐based depots of buprenorphine base in morphine‐dependent mice were evaluated. The traditional dosage form of buprenorphine hydrochloride in saline was used as control. We found that the depot of buprenorphine base in sesame oil produced a dose‐related long‐lasting effect. On an equimolar basis of 6 μmol kg−1, its effect was 5.7‐fold longer than that of buprenorphine hydrochloride in saline. When prepared in several other oleaginous vehicles (castor oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil and soybean oil), buprenorphine base also produced a long‐lasting effect, which was similar to buprenorphine base in sesame oil. In conclusion, buprenorphine base, when prepared in oleaginous vehicles and injected intramuscularly in mice, produced a long‐lasting effect on physical dependence to morphine.
The Efficacy of the Novel Dual PI3-Kinase/mTOR Inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 Compared with Rapamycin in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Inhibitors of TORC1 have been shown to be active in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). As the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activates numerous other kinases, transcription factors, and proteins associated with cell growth and survival besides mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), disruption of this pathway upstream of mTOR may be more effective than inhibition of TORC1 alone. Experimental Design: To investigate this possibility, the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 was compared with rapamycin in RCC cell lines and xenografts generated from 786-O and A498 cells. Results: Treatment of RCC cell lines with NVP-BEZ235 in vitro resulted in the nuclear translocation of p27, greater reduction in tumor cell proliferation, and more complete suppression of Akt, Mnk-1, eIF4E, and 4EBP-1 phosphorylation and cyclin D1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) expression than that achieved with rapamycin. The reduction of HIF2α levels correlated with reduced HIF activity as determined by luciferase assay. NVP-BEZ235 induced growth arrest in both the 786-O and A498 xenografts that was associated with inhibition of Akt and S6 phosphorylation as well as the induction of apoptosis and reduction in markers of tumor cell proliferation. In contrast, rapamycin induced only minimal growth retardation. Conclusion: Dual inhibition of PI3K/mTOR with NVP-BEZ235 induced growth arrest in RCC cell lines both in vitro and in vivo more effectively than inhibition of TORC1 alone. These results provide the rationale for the clinical assessment of agents such as NVP-BEZ235 in patients with advanced RCC. Clin Cancer Res; 16(14); 3628–38. ©2010 AACR.
Essays in social learning

This thesis contains two theoretical essays built upon the canonical models of social learning, and one that applies social learning theory to durable goods markets. The first chapter, "Non-Monotone Observational Learning", revisits the canonical social-learning model that rationalizes herding in the long run, to investigate the possibility of non-imitative behavior in the short run generated by non-monotone learning: ceteris paribus, when some predecessor(s) switch to actions revealing greater confidence in one state of the world, agents become less confident in that state. I characterize conditions on the underlying information structures that lead to non-monotone learning. In particular, in a general setting with continuous private signals, I provide a necessary condition for non-monotone learning with an argument for its plausibility, as well as two non-restrictive suffient conditions that do not rely on parametrization. The second chapter, "Does Public Information Disclosure Help Social Learning? ", studies the effect of releasing exogenous public information in the canonical social-learning model that predicts incomplete learning. To improve social learning, I show that it is weakly better to postpone the disclosure of a public signal irrespective of its precision. However, such weak monotonicity no longer holds if the objective is to maximize the discounted sum of people's expected payoffs or if the model goes beyond the canonical binary setting. On the other hand, it is suboptimal to ever release a public signal less precise than people's private signals even if sophisticated releasing strategies are allowed. The last chapter, "Learning and Price Dynamics in Durable Goods Markets", is joint work with Francesco Palazzo. We study how markets for durable goods with unobservable and time-varying aggregate market conditions determine price dynamics with market participants constantly learning from public observations. We set up a dynamic auction model with two key features: first, agents enjoy heterogeneous private use values and later resell the asset; second, prices do not incorporate all available information dispersed in the economy. Informational frictions slow down learning and affect price movements asymmetrically across high and low aggregate demand states. Learning and the resale motive are the predominant force for durable goods with short resale horizons, slow time varying aggregate demand, and similar use values across agents.
The transformation of democracy: globalization and territorial democracy

Preface. Introduction. 1. Globalization and Territorial Democracy: an introduction: Anthony McGrew. Part I: Global Transformations:. 2. Globalization and Post-Military Democracy: Martin Shaw. 3. Economic Globalization and the Limits to Liberal Democracy: Robert Cox. 4. Liberal Democracy and the Globalization of Environmental Risks. 5. Counting Women In: globalization, democratization and the women's movement: Donna Dickenson. Part II: Democratizing World Order:. Introduction. 6. Democratization and Human Rights: Tony Evans. 7. Multinational Corporations and Democratic Governance: Grahame Thompson. 8. The European Union: Reconstituting Democracy Beyond the Nation-State: James Goodman. 9. Geo-Governance Without Democracy? Reforming the UN System: Mark Imber. Part III: Conclusion:. 10. Democracy Beyond Borders? Globalization and the Reconstruction of Democratic Theory and Practice: Anthony McGrew. Acknowledgements. Index.
Fatal Echovirus 18 Leukoencephalitis in a Child

ABSTRACT Rare cases of leukoencephalitis have been reported in infants with documented enterovirus (EV) central nervous system (CNS) infections. A case of fatal encephalitis with white matter lesions caused by echovirus 18 is described, and it highlights the role of EV CNS infection as a potential cause of leukoencephalitis in infants.
Exploring the Strategic Ground for Listening and Organizational Effectiveness

This paper proposes that strategic plans are most likely to be implemented successfully when hospitality leaders listen well and when hospitality organizations develop strong learning environments. It is proposed that leaders who listen effectively can influence organizational processes at three levels of analysis – individual, team/interactional, and organizational. Examples are provided of the specific listening challenges hospitality leaders confront at each level. The HURIER model proposes a 6‐stage listening process. A discussion then follows describing how listening skills can be applied to address the challenges posed at each of the three levels of analysis. It is argued that when leaders listen effectively they can create learning environments that then facilitate the implementation of the strategies they propose. When such organizational cultures are created and maintained, both employee empowerment and organizational performance are increased. Suggestions for increasing listening effectiveness are presented. A conceptual model is offered as a tool for identifying questions for future research.
[The relationship between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine and ABCD2 score in transient ischemic attack patients].

OBJECTIVE To investigate relationships between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS Forty healthy controls and 40 patients with TIA were enrolled in the present study. ABCD2 score was used to evaluate risk for future stroke. Serum ADMA levels were measured with ELISA analysis. RESULTS Serum level of ADMA was higher in TIA group than that in control group [(0.52 ± 0.06) mmol/L vs (0.23 ± 0.04) mmol/L, P < 0.05]. In TIA subgroup, 19 cases (47.5%) developed cerebral infarction and 23 cases (57.5%) had no stroke history. There is positive correlation between serum ADMA levels and ABCD2 score in both cerebral infarction subjects (r = 0.560, P = 0.013), and no stroke history cases(r = 0.602, P = 0.002). TIA subjects were, then, divided in to two groups based on ABCD2 score as 0-3 group and ≥ 4 group. In general linear model analysis, ADMA level was associated with ABCD2 score (F = 4.39, P = 0.043) after adjusted for age and gender. This situation hold true for subjects within cerebral infarction group (F = 7.327, P = 0.017) or non-previous stroke group(F = 12.300, P = 0.002) . No association could be found between ADMA level and ABCD2 score grouping in subjects with non-infarct (F = 0.523, P = 0.675) or stroke history (F = 0.274, P = 0.609). CONCLUSIONS Elevated ADMA is associated with occurrence of TIA. Endothelial dysfunction may play an important role in the pathogenesis of TIA.
Induction of cell retraction by the combined actions of Abl–CrkII and Rho–ROCK1 signaling

Dynamic modulation of cell adhesion is integral to a wide range of biological processes. The small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rap1 is an important regulator of cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions. We show here that induced expression of activated Abl tyrosine kinase reduces Rap1-GTP levels through phosphorylation of Tyr221 of CrkII, which disrupts interaction of CrkII with C3G, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap1. Abl-dependent down-regulation of Rap1-GTP causes cell rounding and detachment only when the Rho–ROCK1 pathway is also activated, for example, by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). During ephrin-A1–induced retraction of PC3 prostate cancer cells, we show that endogenous Abl is activated and disrupts the CrkII–C3G complex to reduce Rap1-GTP. Interestingly, ephrin-A1–induced PC3 cell retraction also requires LPA, which stimulates Rho to a much higher level than that is activated by ephrin-A1. Our results establish Rap1 as another downstream target of the Abl–CrkII signaling module and show that Abl–CrkII collaborates with Rho–ROCK1 to stimulate cell retraction.
University students’ and teachers’ perceptions of China English and world Englishes: Language attitudes and pedagogic implications

This article explores and compares Chinese university students’ and teachers’ perceptions of China English and world Englishes in the context of English being the uncontested world language. Although the global spread of English and the relationship between standardized English and local varieties of Englishes have been discussed abundantly, the voices of learners and teachers of English have not been sufficiently reported, especially from the perspective of the differences in view between these two parties. This article attempts to address the issue. It drew upon a comprehensive data base from 984 university students and their teachers at four universities in China. With two cross-validated research methods, the article found that the student participants were comparatively positive to China English whereas the teacher participants thought standardized English was preferable. The results suggest that the well codified features of China English should be incorporated into the native-speaker-based teaching model. Teacher-student differences in their language attitudes are worthy of close attention so that a more practical and efficient pedagogic model could be developed.
The keloid phenomenon: Progress toward a solution

For centuries, keloids have been an enigma and despite considerable research to unravel this phenomenon no universally accepted treatment protocol currently exists. Historically, the etiology of keloids has been hypothesized by multiple different theories; however, a more contemporary view postulates a multifactoral basis for this disorder involving nutritional, biochemical, immunological, and genetic factors that play a role in this abnormal wound healing. Critical to the process of preventing or managing keloids is the need to locally control fibroblasts and their activities at the wound site. In recent years, considerable evidence has accumulated demonstrating the importance of fatty acids and bioactive lipids in health and disease, especially those involving inflammatory disorders or immune dysfunction. If hypertrophic scarring and keloid formation can be argued to have significant inflammatory histories, then it is possible to postulate a role for lipids in their etiology and potentially in their treatment. This report briefly visits past views and theories on keloid formation and treatment, and offers a theoretical rationale for considering adjuvant fatty acid therapy for keloid management. Sufficient scientific evidence in support of fatty acid strategies for the prevention and treatment of keloids currently exists, which offer opportunities to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic. The intent of this paper is to serve as a basic guideline for researchers, nutritionists, and clinicians interested in keloids and to propose new directions for keloid management. Clin. Anat. 20:3–14, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell fate determination regulated by a transcriptional signal network in the developing mouse brain

Development of the nervous system is governed by multistep processes in which neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are produced from common neural stem cells. Differentiation of stem cells into these three types of neural cells is directed, in part, by cell-external cues, such as cytokines. We have examined the effects of astrocyte-inducing cytokines, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 on mouse telencephalic neuroepithelial cells. We found that simultaneous treatment of euroepithelial cells with LIF and BMP2 synergistically induced astrocytic differentiation. The synergistic effect of the two cytokines is brought about by a complex formation composed of downstream transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and Smad1, together with the transcriptional coactivator p300. Recent studies also clarified molecular interactions involving basic helix–loop–helix-type transcription factors that promote differentiation of neuronal or oligodendrocytic cell lineages. For instance, in fetal brain, it has been shown that the neurogenic transcription factor Neurogenin1 inhibits formation of a STAT3/p300/ Smad1 complex and that the oligodendrocytic transcription factor OLIG2 does the same. This suggests the presence of mutual negative interaction among the signaling pathways regulating the three neural cell lineages. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the developmental stage-dependent epigenetic regulation of cell type-specific gene promoters. DNA methylation, histone acetylation and modified-DNA binding proteins are thought to be involved in this process. In the present review, we discuss the cross-talk between transcription factors downstream of the cytokine-signaling pathways and their effects on cell fate determination. We also emphasize the importance of epigenetic modification of lineage-specific gene promoters and chromatin structure in transcription factor-mediated cell fate regulation.
Asymmetric ridge waveguide slot antenna using high-impedance surface

High-impedance surface (HIS) is a kind of electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure utilized as a ground plane for asymmetric ridge waveguide slot antenna in order to improve its radiation characteristics. As compared to a solid metal ground plane, the results suggest that a high-impedance ground plane (HIGP) can significantly improve the pattern of the slot antenna. The ripples in the E-plane pattern of the slot antenna with a metal ground plane are found to vanish, the back lobes are reduced, and the antenna gains are increased.
Motor Priming in Neurorehabilitation

Priming is a type of implicit learning wherein a stimulus prompts a change in behavior. Priming has been long studied in the field of psychology. More recently, rehabilitation researchers have studied motor priming as a possible way to facilitate motor learning. For example, priming of the motor cortex is associated with changes in neuroplasticity that are associated with improvements in motor performance. Of the numerous motor priming paradigms under investigation, only a few are practical for the current clinical environment, and the optimal priming modalities for specific clinical presentations are not known. Accordingly, developing an understanding of the various types of motor priming paradigms and their underlying neural mechanisms is an important step for therapists in neurorehabilitation. Most importantly, an understanding of the methods and their underlying mechanisms is essential for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes. The future of neurorehabilitation is likely to include these priming methods, which are delivered prior to or in conjunction with primary neurorehabilitation therapies. In this Special Interest article, we discuss those priming paradigms that are supported by the greatest amount of evidence, including (i) stimulation-based priming, (ii) motor imagery and action observation, (iii) sensory priming, (iv) movement-based priming, and (v) pharmacological priming. Video Abstract available. (see Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A86) for more insights from the authors.
Phomopsolides and Related Compounds from the Alga-associated Fungus, Penicillium clavigerum

For the past fifteen years we have studied the secondary metabolites of extremophilic fungi from the Berkeley Pit, an abandoned acid mine waste lake. Fungi associated with an acid-tolerant alga have also been harvested from the Pit. Penicillium clavigerum Demelius was isolated from the green alga Chlorella vulgaris Beyerinck [Beijerinck]. In culture it produced the known compounds phomfuranone (1), patulin (2), dimethylphthalides (3) and (4), phomopsolide A (5), phomopsolide C (6), phomopsolide B (7), phomopsolide E (8), phomopsolide F (9), and phompyrone (10) and the new compound berkbenzofuran thioester (11). Compounds 5 and 6 were potent inhibitors (IC50 < 10 μM) of specific and established human cancer cell lines.
Interferon Production and Action in Mouse, Hamster, and Somatic Hybrid Mouse-Hamster Cells

A hybrid mouse-hamster cell line was developed from a mouse cell line which produces a high titer of interferon and is sensitive to its action, and a hamster cell line which produces little interferon and is relatively insensitive to its action. Parental cell lines demonstrated complete species specificity with respect to interferon production and action. The hybrid cells produced interferon (or interferons) effective when tested on the mouse cell line and primary hamster cells; the hybrids were sensitive to the action of both mouse and hamster interferons. Hybrid cells produced ten times more hamster interferon than the parent hamster cell line and were eight times more sensitive to hamster interferon than the parent hamster cell line.
Principal-Agent Model of Risk Allocation in Construction Contracts and Its Critique

Incentives are widely used in construction procurement to motivate the contractor to make cost-reduction efforts. How to choose the right incentive intensity is a critical decision in construction procurement. In this regard, the principal-agent theory has been highly influential in theory and practice alike. However, this research argues that this theoretical model may lead to a biased decision. To demonstrate this point, this research draws on its modeling technique to analyze a standard pain-gain sharing arrangement in construction contracts, finding that taking no account of contract breakup hazards will result in underuse of incentives. When the outturn cost also depends on the contractor’s effort, high-powered incentives can better tap into the contractor’s efficiency improvement potential. The additional profit resulting from efficiency savings can serve as a buffer for downside cost shocks with the effect of reducing the likelihood of contract breakup. This benefit will make it desirable to use incentives more intensively than what is suggested by the principal-agent theory.
Distribution and Physiological Characteristics of Hyperthermophiles in the Kubiki Oil Reservoir in Niigata, Japan

ABSTRACT The distribution of culturable hyperthermophiles was studied in relation to environmental conditions in the Kubiki oil reservoir in Japan, where the temperature was between 50 and 58°C. Dominant hyperthermophilic cocci and rods were isolated and shown to belong to the genera Thermococcus and Thermotoga, respectively, by 16S rDNA analyses. Using the most-probable-number method, we found that hyperthermophilic cocci were widely distributed in several unconnected fault blocks in the Kubiki oil reservoir. In 1996 to 1997, their populations in the production waters from oil wells were 9.2 × 103 to 4.6 × 104cells/ml, or 10 to 42% of total cocci. On the other hand, hyperthermophilic rods were found in only one fault block of the reservoir with populations less than 10 cells/ml. DominantThermococcus and Thermotoga spp. grew at reservoir temperatures and utilized amino acids and sugars, respectively, as sole carbon sources. While organic carbon was plentiful in the environment, these hyperthermophiles were unable to grow in the formation water due to lack of essential nutrients. Concentrations of some organic and inorganic substances differed among fault blocks, indicating that the movement of formation water between fault blocks was restricted. This finding suggests that the supply of nutrients via fluid current is limited in this subterranean environment and that the organisms are starved in the oil reservoir. Under starved conditions at 50°C, culturable cells of Thermococcus sp. remained around the initial cell density for about 200 days, while those of Thermotoga sp. decreased exponentially to 0.01% of the initial cell density after incubation for the same period. The difference in survivability between these two hyperthermophiles seems to reflect their populations in the fault blocks. These results indicate that hyperthermophilic cocci and rods adapt to the subterranean environment of the Kubiki oil reservoir by developing an ability to survive under starved conditions.