Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on mRNA expressions of interleukin-1 beta, its correlative factors and cysteinyl-aspartate specific protease after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on mRNA expressions of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), cysteinyl-aspartate specific protease-1 (caspase-1), caspase-3 and caspase-8 after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. METHODS Focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats was induced by the method of nylon monofilament via the internal carotid artery. PNS was administered intraperitoneally respectively five minutes before cerebral ischemia and twelve hours after cerebral ischemia. After cerebral ischemia for two hours followed by reperfusion for twenty two hours, the mRNA expressions of IL-1 beta, IL-1RI, IL-1ra, ICAM-1, caspase-1, caspase-3 and caspase-8 in brain tissue were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS After cerebral ischemia for two hours followed by reperfusion for twenty two hours, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1 beta, IL-1RI, IL-1ra, ICAM-1, caspase-1, caspase-3 and caspase-8 in brain tissue in the untreated group were obviously elevated as compared to those in the sham-operation group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1 beta, IL-1RI, IL-1ra in brain tissue in the PNS group were lower than those in the untreated group, but higher than those in the sham-operation group, and without statistical differences as compared to those in the sham-operation group and in the untreated group (P>0.05). The mRNA expression level of caspase-3 in brain tissue in the PNS group was significantly lower than that in the untreated group (P<0.05), but PNS had no effect on the mRNA expression levels of ICAM-1, caspase-1 and caspase-8 in brain tissue. CONCLUSION PNS can inhibit the mRNA expression of caspase-3, slightly inhibit the mRNA expressions of IL-1 beta and its correlative inflammatory factors in brain tissue. The protective effects of PNS on cerebral injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion may be related to inhibiting the mRNA expressions of caspase-3, IL-1 beta and its correlative inflammatory factors in brain tissue.
Women Owning Small Firms in India: Analysing Social and Cultural Diversity

Few empirical studies have focused on the interrelationship among ethnicity, religion, caste and female entrepreneurship in India. The latest nationwide census of small enterprises allows us to examine how the socio-cultural status of the female entrepreneurs affects firm performance at different stages of entrepreneurial activity. The empirical results from a quantile regression reveal a significant variation in the growth performance of women-owned firms. First, while Muslim women, a minority within a minority, tend to face the double disadvantage of racism and sexism, firms owned by Muslim women perform better than those owned by Hindu women. Second, in the case of women from lower castes, although firm performance at the early stage appears to be similar to those from upper castes, caste-related factors offer significant obstacles for further expansion of business. Third, while there is a favourable institutional environment for women to start a business in the Southern Region of India, women-owned firms located there seem to face challenges of continued business expansion. Taking into account the differences in their skills and socio-economic status, comprehensive packages may need to be put in place that not only aim to provide hand-holding for setting up new firms that but also support extant firms to move on to the next level.
Marketing Sensorial: na otimização da experiência turística

This paper examines the importance of the five senses in the elaboration of tourist experience in a specific context, namely on Eco-parque Pia do Urso in the municipality of Batalha. In order to meet this goal, an exploratory approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with local stakeholders and Batalha Municipal Council. The results suggest that the use of the five senses allows to Aldeia Pia do Urso differentiate itself from other touristic context. However, it was verified that the local stakeholders do not plan or manage the use of the five senses in their establishments, and that the municipality of Batalha does not invest in the development of multisensory activities designed for visitors of the Park. The paper ends with some contributions to the development of Aldeia Pia do Urso.
Finding new etiologies of mental retardation and hypotonia: X marks the spot

Mental retardation (MR) and hypotonia occur together frequently and have a heterogeneous etiology. Molecular and clinical studies have led to the recent discovery of genes on the X chromosome that may be associated with syndromal forms of X‐linked MR (XLMR). These disorders manifest additional neurological and somatic features that are helpful in establishing a specific diagnosis and etiology. This article provides an overview of MR and its association with hypotonia, with a review of five ‘new’ XLMR‐hypotonia syndromes.
Study of Converged Infrastructure & Hyper Converge Infrastructre As Future of Data Centre

Conventional approaches to IT cannot accommodate the business agility, which are challenged to accomplish. Businesses must transform their infrastructure-centric service delivery model to meet the rising expectations of business and extended ecosystem. Converged systems are rapidly gaining acceptance as a way to improve overall business agility and the productivity of IT staff and increase the quality and speed of services delivered to clients. This paper studies about Converge Infrastructure (CI), Hyper Converge Infrastructure (HCI) & about Virtual Data Centers. This paper provides information about CI & HCI, which seems to solve many provisioning problems and act as little islands of capability for ERP, SharePoint, VDI & also act platform for utility computing, grid computing, shared services, SOA or the cloud.
Pengaruh Kompetensi Sumber Daya Manusia, Sistem Pengendalian Internal Pemerintah, Proactive Fraud Audit, dan Whistleblowing System Terhadap Pencegahan Fraud Pada Pengelolaan Dana Bos Se-kabupaten Klungkung

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah ingin mengetahui pengaruh kompetensi sumber daya manusia, sistem pengendalian internal pemerintah (SPIP), proactive fraud audit, dan whistleblowing system secara parsial dan simultan terhadap pencegahan fraud pada pengelolaan dana BOS di Kabupaten Klungkung. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh sekolah SD, SMP, dan SMA/SMK di Kabupaten Klungkung sebanyak 182 sekolah. Sampel ditentukan dengan menggunakan metode cluster sapling dengan kriteria antara lain kecamatan yang ada di Pulau Bali dan didapat 3 kecamatan, dari 3 kecamatan didapat 53 sekolah menggunakan metode simple random sampling. Sumber data yang digunakan yaitu hasil dari kuesioner yang telah disebar ke seluruh sampel yaitu ke 53 sekolah yang tersebar di 3 kecamatan yang ada di Klungkung. Teknik pengujian data menggunakan analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi sumber daya manusia, SPIP, proactive fraud audit, dan whistleblowing system berpengaruh positif secara parsial dan simultan terhadap pencegahan fraud pada pengelolaan dana BOS di Kabupaten Klungkung. Kata Kunci : Kompetensi SDM, SPIP, Proactive fraud audit, whistleblowing, BOS The purpose of this research was to know partially and simultaneously, the influence of human resources competence, government internal control system (SPIP), proactive fraud audit, and whistle blowing system on fraud prevention on BOS fund management in Klungkung Regency. The population of this research was all of elementary schools, junior high and high schools/ vocational schools in Klungkung Regency, which were as many as 182 schools. The sample was determined through cluster sampling method with the criteria such as the sub-districts existed on Bali Island, and it was obtained 3 sub-districts, from the 3 sub-districts taken 53 schools through simple random sampling method. The source of data used was the results of questionnaires that had been distributed to all samples, that is, to 53 schools spreading across 3 sub-districts in Klungkung. The technique of testing the data was through multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that the competence of human resource, SPIP, proactive fraud audit, and whistle blowing system had a partial and simultaneous positive effect on fraud prevention on the management of BOS funds in Klungkung Regency. keyword : Human Resource Competence, SPIP, Proactive fraud audit, whistle blowing, BOS
Possible role of adenosine in macula densa control of glomerular hemodynamics.

BACKGROUND The macula densa (MD), a plaque of specialized tubular epithelial cells, senses changes in tubular NaCl concentration and sends a signal(s) that controls the resistance of the glomerular afferent arteriole (Af-Art). This mechanism, called tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), is thought to be important in the homeostasis of body fluids and electrolytes. Our aim was to determine the range of NaCl concentrations in tubular fluid at the MD that would elicit the Af-Art response. In addition, we examined the possible involvement of adenosine in transmitting the signal from the MD to the Af-Art. METHODS Rabbit Af-Arts and attached MD were simultaneously microperfused in vitro, keeping pressure in the Af-Art at 60 mm Hg. RESULTS Increasing the Na+/Cl- concentration of the MD perfusate from 26/7 to 41/22 mEq/L decreased the luminal diameter of the terminal Af-Art segment by 10 +/- 4% (N=9; P < 0.01). The response was maximal at 55/36 mEq/L (18 +/- 6%), so that further elevation of NaCl concentration had no additional effect (20 +/- 6% at 84/65 mEq/L). When FK838 (10(-6) mol/L), a specific adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, was added to both Af-Art perfusate and bath, Af-Art constriction was completely abolished. The maximum response was 20 +/- 3% before FK838 and 0.6 +/- 1% afterward (N=12). Adding adenosine at 10(-8) mol/L to both bath and perfusate significantly augmented Af-Art constriction induced by increased NaCl at the MD (P < 0.01); however, adding 10-8 to 10-6 mol/L adenosine to the MD perfusate had no effect regardless of the NaCl concentration at the MD. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that MD control of Af-Art resistance is induced by relatively low NaCl concentrations at the MD, and that activation of the adenosine A1 receptor in the vascular and interstitial space (but not the tubular lumen) may be essential for signal transmission from the MD to the Af-Art.
Learning Neighbourhood-based Collaborative Filtering Parameters

The work outlined in this paper uses a genetic algorithm to learn the optimal set of parameters for a neighbourhood-based collaborative filtering approach. The motivation is firstly to re-assess whether the default parameter values often used are valid and secondly to assess whether different datasets require different parameter settings. Three datasets are considered in this initial investigation into the approach: Movielens, Bookcrossing and Lastfm.
The hyperaemic response to passive leg movement is dependent on nitric oxide: a new tool to evaluate endothelial nitric oxide function

Passive leg movement is associated with a ∼3‐fold increase in blood flow to the leg, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Passive leg movement increased venous levels of metabolites of nitric oxide (NO) in young subjects, whereas they remained unaltered in the muscle interstitial space. Inhibition of NO synthesis lowered the vasodilatory response to passive leg movement by ∼90%. The increase in leg blood flow was lower in elderly subjects compared to young subjects and leg blood flow did not increase when passive leg movement was performed by elderly with peripheral artery disease. The results suggest that the hyperaemia induced by passive leg movement is NO dependent. The hyperaemic response to passive leg movement and to ACh was also assessed in elderly subjects and patients with peripheral artery disease.
Open innovation implementation pratices and firm competitiveness in Malaysian manufacturing industry

Malaysia has successfully transformed from an agriculture -based economy into a resource-based economy. However, Malaysia’s endeavor to transform into an innovation-led economy is presently hindered by the lack of innovation capabilities important for business, as well as by the Malaysian policies’ lack of focus on modern concepts of innovation, such as open innovation. Despite the fact that the implementation of an open innovation concept will enhance the competence of innovation in the manufacturing sector; a theoretical framework for enhancing this implementation in Malaysia is still absent. Furthermore, the relationship between open innovation concept and firms’ competitiveness indicators is still unclear. This thesis determined the effectiveness of the local innovation policy, investigated the level of open innovation practices in the Malaysian manufacturing sector and identified the factors that influence the adoption of open innovation practices. The thesis also examined the relationship between implementing open innovation practices and firms’ competitiveness indicators. A quantitative method with a descriptive and inferential analysis was used to obtain the results of this research. The study population were 1100 manufacturing firms located in Selangor state. Based on the proposed framework which was developed by the author,a valid questionnaire was used in a self-administrated survey to collect the data. The questionnaires were answered by conducting face-to-face interviews with the participants. The participants were 281 manufacturing firms out of the 1100 firms in Selangor. The inferential analysis used was the Parametric Test (One-sample T-test), to investigate the factors included in the proposed framework. After data analyses, the author modified the proposed framework and revealed nine key factors affecting the adoption of open innovation in Malaysia. These factors were grouped into three main areas, intellectual property management in universities, government policies including laws and intellectual property management in industries. This research supports the claim that open innovation concepts have a positive impact on firms' performance, as the study revealed a significant relationship between open innovation adoption and firms’ competitiveness indicators. It was determined that if a firm increases the implementation of open innovation practices, its ability to compete in business will increase. Finally, the study showed that the Malaysian innovation policy has a significant influence on the innovation atmosphere. However, this policy needs improvement in order to support a modern approach to innovation.
Comparación de dos métodos para la extracción de opiniones en textos en español

En este articulo abordamos el problema de la identificacion de opiniones en textos en espanol y nos concentramos en la comparacion de dos tipos de metodos para la extraccion de la fuente: reglas desarrolladas manualmente y aprendizaje, sobre un corpus anotado, de clasificadores secuenciales. El primer sistema alcanza un 87% de medida-F. Para el segundo sistema desarrollado se obtiene un 81% de medida-F. Es necesario hacer pruebas mas extensivas pero una primera reflexion indica que con el metodo de aprendizaje se obtienen rapidamente resultados de un nivel comparable, aunque aprovechando en este caso el analisis del dominio y los recursos lexicos recopilados que fueron necesarios para elaborar las reglas.
Cervical screening in general practice - strategies for improving participation.

BACKGROUND National cervical screening rates have plateaued at around 60%. Each method of recruitment has an upper limit to uptake and the benefits of multiple strategies are additive. There is debate about reallocating Pap testing to nurses in general practice. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects on cervical screening rates in one small general practice. METHODS An audit of the effect of: updating Pap test details in electronic records; active recruitment by letter; follow up telephone call if no appointment made; altering the letter to invite women to separate themselves into Pap test 'plus other issues' or 'screening test only'; and the offer of a Pap test for the 'Pap test only' group to be performed by a nurse. RESULTS Over 18 months there was a 27% improvement from a biannual screening rate of 53% at baseline to 67.5% at the end of the audit. Over the past 6 months, 49% of women elected for the 'screening only' test provided by a nurse. DISCUSSION All four strategies are feasible and associated with a considerable increase in screening rates. Patients can choose to have their test performed by a nurse in general practice. This study suggests that each strategy's improvement in uptake is independently additive.
Innovation in family firms: the role of different governance contexts

We examine the influence of three different governance contexts on innovation strategy among family firms. Using survey data from a sample of 348 private UK family firms, we study the effects of family control (family involvement on the board), family management (family involvement in management) and family guardianship (trustees and family council) on the importance attached to explorative and exploitative innovation in innovation strategy. Using a decision-making theory lens, coupled with a framework of family governance, we show that explorative innovation strategy is significantly positively associated with family management (in terms of involvement in innovation by the next generation) and family guardianship (in terms of the existence of a family council), but diminishes in emphasis the more total number of generations are involved in the firm. Exploitative innovation strategy is weakly positively associated with more involvement in innovation by the next generation only. Our findings shed light on the governance contexts that can influence family firm innovation strategy, offering important implications for theory and practice and paving the way for future research at the crossroad of corporate governance and innovation in the family firm. Introduction A growing body of research is concerned with understanding innovation in the family firm (Duran et al., 2015), and several of these studies point to the effects that the firm’s governance context might have on innovation activity (Chrisman, Chua, De Massis, Frattini & Wright, 2015). A firm’s corporate governance context captures the system of incentives, authority
A genome-wide telomere screen in yeast: the long and short of it all.

Following the identification of the first Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene whose mutation leads to ever-shorter telomeres ( EST1 ) (1), several dozen genes have been identified that play critical roles in telomere length regulation. Their functions can be loosely categorized into those that affect the action of the telomerase enzyme (e.g., EST1, EST2, EST3, TLC1, KU70 / KU80, PIF1 , and the MRX complex) (reviewed in ref. 2); those that affect stability of telomerase components such as the telomerase RNA TLC1 (e.g., Sm proteins, MTR10 ) (3, 4); and those that play a role in the regulation of telomeric heterochromatin, replication, or end protection (e.g., CDC13, STN1, TEN1, RAP1, RIF1, RIF2, MEC1 , and TEL1 ) (reviewed in ref. 2). Although these studies have vastly increased our understanding of telomere integrity and replication, a comprehensive telomere length analysis of the collection of haploid yeast strains containing a marked deletion at each known nonessential ORF has not yet been reported (5). In an article in this issue of PNAS, Askree et al. (6) are the first authors to publish such a genome-wide screen for deletions that affect average telomere length in S. cerevisiae . In an admirable feat, DNA was prepared from 4,852 strains comprising the haploid …
The Underlying Problems Resulting in Controversies in the Clinical Management of Transient Ischemic Attacks: An Overview

Of all the controversial topics in the management of cerebrovascular dis eases the subject of transient ischemic attacks is perhaps the most controver sial. A preponderance of literature related to the subject, reflecting a remarka ble degree of interest in the topic, is a result of this controversy. Each conclu sion serves to stimulate more interest, more evaluation, and more controversy. We will attempt to give an overview of the controversies in the management of transient ischemic attacks.
Petroleum Hydrocarbon Fingerprints of Water and Sediment Samples of Buffalo River Estuary in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Petroleum hydrocarbon status of the Buffalo River Estuary in East London, South Africa, was evaluated from January to May, 2016. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from five points in the estuary and extracted using standard methods. The extracts were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) varied from 7.65 to 477 μg/L in the water and 12.59 to 1,100 mg/kg in the sediments, with mean values of 146.50 ± 27.96 μg/L and 209.81 ± 63.82 mg/kg, respectively. Concentrations of TPH in the sediments correlated significantly with organic carbon (OC) in both seasons. TPH and OC levels were slightly lower in summer than in autumn in the two environmental matrices, and the average amount of TPH in the water samples collected from all the sampling stations was generally lower than the EU standard limit of 300 μg/L. However, the levels in the sediments exceeded the EGASPIN target value (50 mg/kg) for mineral oil but were below the intervention value (5,000 mg/kg), indicating a serious impact of industrial growth and urbanization on the area, although the n-alkane ratios and indexes used for source tracking revealed excessive flow from both natural and anthropogenic sources.
Leakage channel fibers with microstuctured cladding elements: a unique LMA platform.

We present a novel design of leakage channel fiber (LCF) that incorporates an air-hole lattice to define the modal filtering characteristics. The approach has the potential to offer single-mode, large mode area (LMA) fibers in a single-material platform with bend loss characteristics comparable to all-solid (LCFs) whilst at the same time providing significant fabrication benefits. We compare the performance of the proposed fiber with that of rod-type photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) and all-solid LCFs offering a similar effective mode area of ~1600μm(2) at 1. 05μm. Our calculations show that the proposed fiber concept succeeds in combining the advantages of the use of small air holes and the larger design space of rod-type PCFs with the improved bend tolerance and greater higher order mode discrimination of all-solid LCFs, while alleviating their respective issues of rigidity and restricted material design space. We report the fabrication and experimental characterization of a first exemplar fiber, which we demonstrate offers a single-mode output with a fundamental mode area ~1440µm(2) at 1. 06µm, and that can be bent down to a radius of 20cm with a bend loss of <3dB/turn. Finally we show that the proposed design concept can be adopted to achieve larger mode areas (> 3000µm(2)), albeit at the expense of reduced bend tolerance.