Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does culture explain acceptance of new products in a country?: An empirical investigation

This paper investigates the role of cultural differences in the acceptance of new products, as moderated by socio‐economic variables. In order to assess the relationship, an analysis utilizing Hofstede's cultural dimensions, along with secondary data representing socio‐economic structure and the penetration rate of new products was undertaken. The results demonstrate that power distance and uncertainty avoidance hinder the acceptance of new products. Also found is that individualism has a positive effect but the masculinity dimension has no significant effect on the diffusion of new products. The findings regarding the moderation effects of the socio‐economic variables are mixed.
N-acetylcysteine enhances muscle cysteine and glutathione availability and attenuates fatigue during prolonged exercise in endurance-trained individuals.

The production of reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle is linked with muscle fatigue. This study investigated the effects of the antioxidant compound N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on muscle cysteine, cystine, and glutathione and on time to fatigue during prolonged, submaximal exercise in endurance athletes. Eight men completed a double-blind, crossover study, receiving NAC or placebo before and during cycling for 45 min at 71% peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) and then to fatigue at 92% VO2 peak. NAC was intravenously infused at 125 mg.kg(-1). h(-1) for 15 min and then at 25 mg.kg(-1). h(-1) for 20 min before and throughout exercise. Arterialized venous blood was analyzed for NAC, glutathione status, and cysteine concentration. A vastus lateralis biopsy was taken preinfusion, at 45 min of exercise, and at fatigue and was analyzed for NAC, total glutathione (TGSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), cysteine, and cystine. Time to fatigue at 92% VO2 peak was reproducible in preliminary trials (coefficient of variation 5.6 +/- 0.6%) and with NAC was enhanced by 26.3 +/- 9.1% (NAC 6.4 +/- 0.6 min vs. Con 5.3 +/- 0.7 min; P <0.05). NAC increased muscle total and reduced NAC at both 45 min and fatigue (P <0.005). Muscle cysteine and cystine were unchanged during Con, but were elevated above preinfusion levels with NAC (P <0.001). Muscle TGSH (P <0.05) declined and muscle GSH tended to decline (P=0.06) during exercise. Both were greater with NAC (P <0.05). Neither exercise nor NAC affected whole blood TGSH. Whereas blood GSH was decreased and calculated oxidized glutathione increased with exercise (P <0.05), both were unaffected by NAC. In conclusion, NAC improved performance in well-trained individuals, with enhanced muscle cysteine and GSH availability a likely mechanism.
Enhancing box sign : enhancement pattern of acute osteoprotic compression fracture.

OBJECTIVE Although gadolinium enhancement of compression fractures is well known, the enhancement pattern of the acute stage of a fracture is not completely understood. Here, we investigated the enhancement pattern of acute vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patients with acute osteoporotic VCFs admitted to hospital between January 2004 and December 2005. The demographic details, stage of the fracture, management data, and results were analyzed. There were nine men and 22 women, and the mean age was 71 years (range, 53-92 years). According to the onset of pain, patients were divided into the following four groups : Group I (less than 3 days), Group II (4-7 days), Group III (8-14 days), and Group IV (14-30 days). RESULTS All patients had central low-signal intensity of the nonenhancing part of vertebral bodies on T1 images. Enhancing box sign (EBS) was seen 7 days of VCF development. After 7 days of onset (Groups III and IV), patch or Kummell's enhancements occurred. EBS has been statistically correlated with stage of compression fracture (Pearson's correlation = -0.774). However, EBS had no statistically significant correlation with prognosis in our study (Pearson's correlation = 0.059). CONCLUSION EBS represents a characteristic sign 7 days of VCF development.
Screening High Risk Youths for Potential Problems:: Field Application in the Use of the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT)

Screening data, including results of the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) developed by the NIDA, on arrested youths processed in May 1993 at the Hillsborough County, Florida Juvenile Assessment Center are analyzed. High rates of potential psychosocial functioning problems were obtained. Relationships were found between the youths' POSIT results, their dependency and delinquency referral histories, self-reported alcohol and marijuana/hashish use and their claimed involvement in mental health or substance use treatment-for which problems they were seriously underserved. The service delivery and policy implications of our findings are drawn.
Pre–dawn infidelity: females control extra-pair mating in superb fairy–wrens

Despite great interest in the use of extra–pair mating as a tool for examining female choice and intersexual selection, the underlying assumption of female control has proved difficult to verify empirically. We combined microsatellite genotyping and radiotelemetry of fertile females in order to investigate mate choice in superb fairy–wrens Malurus cyaneus, the bird with the highest known rate of extra–pair fertilization. All five females radio tracked during the peak of fertility, two to four days before the first egg is laid, undertook pre–dawn forays. All extra–pair young produced by the female were sired by a male visited during their forays, indicating that females control extra–pair fertilizations. In a larger sample of paternity data, some broods were sired by two extra–group males. In virtually all the cases the territory of the two sires were on an identical linear trajectory from the female's territory. This again suggests that extra–group paternity in superb fairy–wrens is directly linked to female extra–territorial forays. In other species mixed paternity has been taken to indicate that females attempt to insure against infertile pairings or try to maximize the genetic diversity of their brood. However, in fairy–wrens the likelihood of multiple extra–group paternity increased greatly as females traversed more territories in order to mate, perhaps suggesting that females which foray further are more likely to have difficulties locating the preferred male.
Effective mucoadhesive liposomal delivery system for risedronate: preparation and in vitro/in vivo characterization

In this work, we aimed to develop chitosan-coated mucoadhesive liposomes containing risedronate to improve intestinal drug absorption. Liposomes containing risedronate were prepared with 1,2-distearoryl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and distearoryl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] using the freeze-drying method, with subsequent coating of the anionic surfaces of the liposomes with chitosan. The in vitro characteristics of the chitosan-coated liposomes were investigated, including their stability, mucoadhesiveness, and Caco-2 cell permeability. This formulation was stable in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with the percentage of drug remaining in the liposomes being more than 90% after 24 hours of incubation. Chitosan-coated liposomes also showed strong mucoadhesive properties, implying potential electrostatic interaction with the mucous layer in the gastrointestinal tract. Compared with the untreated drug, chitosan-coated liposomes significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of risedronate, resulting in an approximately 2.1–2.6-fold increase in Caco-2 cells. Further, the chitosan-coated liposomes increased the oral exposure of risedronate by three-fold in rats. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that chitosan-coated liposomes containing risedronate should be effective for improving the bioavailability of risedronate.
Des méthodes statistiques originales pour analyser les conceptions d’enseignants de plusieurs pays à partir d’un questionnaire sur des questions vives

RESUME. Le questionnaire Biohead-Citizen inclut des questions vives relatives a l’education a l’environnement, a la sante, a la sexualite, aux determinismes genetiques et epigenetiques, et aux theories de l’evolution. Il a ete propose a plus de 6000 enseignants et futurs enseignants de 16 pays. Nous presentons ici nos principaux choix methodologiques pour l’analyse de ces donnees, avec le souci de repondre clairement a des hypotheses theoriques precises. L’analyse statistique multivariee est le socle de notre approche, et permet d’exprimer les conceptions des individus en terme d'interaction plus ou moins forte entre valeurs et connaissances scientifiques. L’analyse inter-classe etudie les differences de conceptions entre groupes d’individus, et l’analyse sur variable instrumentale explore plus generalement la relation entre les conceptions et le contexte socioculturel. Des resultats issus de l’analyse generale du questionnaire Biohead-Citizen illustrent notre propos methodologique.
The Effects of Fine Particulate Air Pollution on Daily Mortality: A Case-Crossover Study in a Subtropical City, Taipei, Taiwan

This study was undertaken to determine whether there was an association between PM2.5 levels and daily mortality in Taipei, Taiwan, the largest metropolitan city with a subtropical climate. Daily mortality, air pollution, and weather data for Taipei were obtained for the period from 2006–2008. The relative risk of daily mortality was estimated using a time-stratified case-crossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. For the single pollutant model, PM2.5 showed association with total mortality both on warm (>23 °C) and cool days (<23 °C). There is no indication of an association between PM2.5 and risk of death due to respiratory diseases both on warm and cool days. PM2.5 had effects on the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases only on cool days. In the two-pollutant models, PM2.5 remained effects on the risk of mortality for all cause and cardiovascular disease after the inclusion of SO2 and O3 both on warm and cool days. This study provides evidence that short-term exposure to PM2.5 increased the risk of death for all cause and cardiovascular disease.
The Delay Before Recall Changes the Remembered Duration of 15-minute Video Sequences

Summary The aim of this study was to determine if the passage of time changes the memory of the duration of joyful or sad events. Participants were asked to look at a series of brief videos lasting 15 minutes and to estimate retrospectively and verbally (with chronometric units) the duration of this 15-minute period. There were two independent variables: the emotion conditions (joy, sadness and neutral) and the recall conditions (immediately after the presentation of videos, 1 week later or 1 month later). The results show that the estimated time is largely overestimated in the 1-week and 1-month condition but not when the recall is immediate. This effect applies to each emotional condition, but there was no significant difference between the emotion conditions. The effect of emotion on the estimation of long intervals judged retrospectively seems minimal in comparison with the cognitive effect associated with the passage of time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Analysis of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus P Protein: Identification of Intrinsically Disordered Domains

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus P protein plus the viral RNA, N and L viral proteins, constitute the viral replication complex. In this report we describe that HRSV P protein has putative intrinsically disordered domains predicted by in silico methods. These two domains, located at the amino and caboxi terminus, were identified by mass spectrometry analysis of peptides obtained from degradation fragments observed in purified P protein expressed in bacteria. The degradation is not occurring at the central oligomerization domain, since we also demonstrate that the purified fragments are able to oligomerize, similarly to the protein expressed in cells infected by HRSV. Disordered domains can play a role in protein interaction, and the present data contribute to the comprehension of HRSV P protein interactions in the viral replication complex.
A better approximation algorithm for finding planar subgraphs

The MAXIMUM PLANAR SUBGRAPH problem? given a graphG, find a largest planar subgraph ofG? has applications in circuit layout, facility layout, and graph drawing. No previous polynomial-time approximation algorithm for this NP-Complete problem was known to achieve a performance ratio larger than 1/3, which is achieved simply by producing a spanning tree ofG. We present the first approximation algorithm for MAXIMUM PLANAR SUBGRAPH with higher performance ratio (4/9 instead of 1/3). We also apply our algorithm to find large outerplanar subgraphs. Last, we show that both MAXIMUM PLANAR SUBGRAPH and its complement, the problem of removing as few edges as possible to leave a planar subgraph, are Max SNP-Hard.
Missing Yang-Mills instantons on ALE spaces

We derive an expression for the dimension of the moduli space of SU(n) kinstantons on an r-centred ALE metric in terms of the triple (n, k, r). It is shown that if k mod r > n then no k-instantons exist. This implies that the corresponding Higgs branch of vacua representing marginally bound Dp-D(p + 4) branes on an ALE background is zero dimensional.
La influencia de los grupos de interés en la política ambiental: Breve discusión desde la teoría de juegos

This is a literature review on interest groups, particularly about the interaction between interest groups and an environmental conservation agency. At the same time, the possibilities of testing empirically the equilibriums predicted by these models are explored. This provides a way of determining if public policy conforms to public interest or interest groups theories.
Use of estetrol with other steroids for attenuation of neonatal hypoxic-Ischemic brain injury: to combine or not to combine?

Estetrol (E4), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) have important antioxidative and neuroprotective effects in neuronal system. We aimed to study the consequence of combined steroid therapy in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). In vitro the effect of E4 combined with other steroids on oxidative stress and the cell viability in primary hippocampal cultures was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase and cell survival assays. In vivo neuroprotective and therapeutic efficacy of E4 combined with other steroids was studied in HIE model of immature rats. The rat pups rectal temperature, body and brain weights were evaluated. The hippocampus and the cortex were investigated by histo/immunohistochemistry: intact cell number counting, expressions of markers for early gray matter lose, neuro- and angiogenesis were studied. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was evaluated by ELISA in blood samples. In vitro E4 and combinations of high doses of E4 with P4 and/or E2 significantly diminished the LDH activity and upregulated the cell survival.In vivopretreatment or treatment by different combinations of E4 with other steroids had unalike effects on body and brain weight, neuro- and angiogenesis, and GFAP expression in blood. The combined use of E4 with other steroids has no benefit over the single use of E4.
Acquis Communautaire Sentence Alignment using Support Vector Machines

Sentence alignment is a task that requires not only accuracy, as possible errors can affect further processing, but also requires small computation resources and to be language pair independent. Although many implementations do not use translation equivalents because they are dependent on the language pair, this feature is a requirement for the accuracy increase. The paper presents a hybrid sentence aligner that has two alignment iterations. The first iteration is based mostly on sentences length, and the second is based on a translation equivalents table estimated from the results of the first iteration. The aligner uses a Support Vector Machine classifier to discriminate between positive and negative examples of sentence pairs.
Optimal design, modeling and analysis of a 2-DOF nanopositioning stage with dual-mode: Towards High-Rate AFM scanning

A compliant 2-DOF nanopositioning stage with a novel concept of dual-mode driven is proposed in this paper aiming to improve the scanning performance of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The stage is featured with nanoscale positioning precision, high bandwidth, long scanning range and fully decoupled structure, which can be selected to work in dual working modes. Based upon the matrix method, the discussions in terms of output compliance, input stiffness and dynamics modeling via Lagrange equation have been performed in detail. Moreover, a series of optimal designs have been implemented using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The results of the finite-element analysis (FEA) indicate that the first natural frequency is approximated 583 Hz, the amplification ratio in two axes is about 4, thus the maximum scanning range can reach up to around 341 μm × 341 μm without material failure, while the cross-coupling between the two axes is kept within 2%. All the results indicate that the presented mechanism possesses a good performance for high-rate AFM scanning.
Creating Inclusive Environments for Children with Autism

Although the prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) varies, recent figures suggest that close to 1% of children (Autism Society Canada, 2009; CDC, 2006) are identified with ASD. With inclusive philosophies paving the way for education in mainstream classrooms, attention must be given to equitable opportunities and practices for this growing population in our school systems (Killoran & Adams, 2006; Sapon-Shevin, 2003; United Nations, 2006). The research on inclusion and children with ASD is fairly limited; however, it has shown that in some regions at least, these students are excluded from school at a “significantly higher rate than students with other [special education needs]” (Humphrey & Lewis, 2008, p. 132). Children with ASD are “considered more difficult to include effectively than those with other SEN” (Humphrey & Lewis, 2008, p. 133). While there is much diversity with respect to strengths, abilities, functional levels and challenges among children with ASD, a core set of universal concerns exist. Some of these include sensory responsiveness, communication, and socialization. This chapter will focus on creating a sensory responsive environment, developing effective verbal and/or non-verbal communication, and fostering genuine relationships. Using the three main principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as an overarching assumption, this chapter will explore how educators can provide effective opportunities for multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to address common areas of need (CAST, 2011; Hehir, 2009). By following these principles, an educator is able to create a community that welcomes all while addressing students’ specific needs. Many educators have been overwhelmed with the past practice of individualization in isolation, a task that left many students alone and disconnected from their peers. The current practices of differentiation and universal design for learning enable educators to plan for their students in such a way that all are integral, contributing, valued members of the learning community. This chapter provides a synthesis of current research on evidence-based classroom interventions and accommodations for learners with ASD in inclusive settings, at all age levels, with respect to sensory environments, assisted communication, and facilitation of social relationships. Emphasis is placed on accommodations that meet UDL requirements. A comprehensive search of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database was conducted using keywords for, and related to, autism, universal design for learning and
Is there an association between ABO blood group and overall survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma?

BACKGROUND The relationship between ABO blood group and clinical characteristics had been studied in several cancers. However, its role in esophageal cancer (EC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether ABO blood group is associated with overall survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS From 2005 to 2008, a retrospective analysis of 496 consecutive patients with ESCC was conducted. The relationship between ABO blood group and clinicopathologic features of ESCC was analyzed. Prognostic factors for overall survival of ESCC were also analyzed. RESULTS The 5-year overall survival of ESCC patients with blood group A, B, AB and O were 47.8%, 44.1%, 43.2%, and 38.4%, respectively (P = 0.165). However, patients with blood group non-O have a better 5-year overall survival than patients with blood group O (45.7% vs. 38.4%; P = 0.043). Multivariate analyses showed ABO blood group (O vs. non-O; P = 0.034) is an independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS ABO blood group is associated with overall survival in patients with ESCC. We concluded that patients with blood group O have a significantly worse overall survival than non-O blood groups.
Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase (CaMK) Signaling via CaMKI and AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Contributes to the Regulation of WIPI-1 at the Onset of Autophagy

Autophagy is initiated by multimembrane vesicle (autophagosome) formation upon mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PtdIns(3)P] generation. Upstream of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), WD-repeat proteins interacting with phosphoinositides (WIPI proteins) specifically bind PtdIns(3)P at forming autophagosomal membranes and become membrane-bound proteins of generated autophagosomes. Here, we applied automated high-throughput WIPI-1 puncta analysis, paralleled with LC3 lipidation assays, to investigate Ca2+-mediated autophagy modulation. We imposed cellular stress by starvation or administration of etoposide (0.5–50 μM), sorafenib (1–40 μM), staurosporine (20–500 nM), or thapsigargin (20–500 nM) (1, 2, or 3 h) and measured the formation of WIPI-1 positive autophagosomal membranes. Automated analysis of up to 5000 individual cells/treatment demonstrated that Ca2+ chelation by BAPTA-AM (10 and 30 μM) counteracted starvation or pharmacological compound-induced WIPI-1 puncta formation and LC3 lipidation. Application of selective Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (CaMKK) α/β and calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) I/II/IV inhibitors 7-oxo-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benz[de]isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid acetate (STO-609; 10–30 μg/ml) and 2-(N-[2-hydroxyethyl])-N-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl)amino-N-(4-chlorocinnamyl)-N-methylamine (KN-93; 1–10 μM), respectively, significantly reduced starvation-induced autophagosomal membrane formation, suggesting that Ca2+ mobilization upon autophagy induction involves CaMKI/IV. By small interefering RNA (siRNA)-mediated down-regulation of CaMKI or CaMKIV, we demonstrate that CaMKI contributes to stimulation of WIPI-1. In line, WIPI-1 positive autophagosomal membranes were formed in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α1/α2-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts upon nutrient starvation, whereas basal autophagy was prominently reduced. However, transient down-regulation of AMPK by siRNA resulted in an increased basal level of both WIPI-1 puncta and LC3 lipidation, and nutrient-starvation induced autophagy was sensitive to STO-609/KN-93. Our data provide evidence that pharmacological compound-modulated and starvation-induced autophagy involves Ca2+-dependent signaling, including CaMKI independent of AMPKα1/α2. Our data also suggest that AMPKα1/α2 might differentially contribute to the regulation of WIPI-1 at the onset of autophagy.