Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of miR-223 expression with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: new insight for the role of miR-223 in inflammatory response

Early reperfusion strategy is the most effective therapy to improve survival rates in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction (1). However, reperfusion therapy always results in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (I/RI) and patients are at risk of developing heart failure (2). Cardiac remodeling is a progression which is linked to heart failure and is associated with poor prognosis clinically.
Threats to the Operational Use of Situational Judgment Tests in the College Admission Process

This study examined the coachability of two situational judgment tests, the College Student Questionnaire (CSQ) and the Situational Judgment Inventory (SJI), developed for consideration as selection instruments in the college admission process. Strategies for raising scores on each test were generated, and undergraduates were trained in the use of the strategies using a video-based training program. Results indicated that the CSQ was susceptible to coaching. In addition, the scoring format of the CSQ was found to be easily exploited, such that trainees could increase their scores by greater than 1 SD simply by avoiding extreme responses on that test. The results as a whole sounded a note of caution for the potential use of the CSQ in the college admission process.
The mechanical influence of single fibre inclusions in discrete fibre networks

Semiflexible biopolymer networks are commonly found in biological systems, from the cytoskeleton of cells to the extracellular matrix. Such networks often naturally occur as composites, in which various components interact to generate rich mechanical behaviours. In this work we examine the mechanics of composites formed when a single fibre inclusion is placed within discrete fibre networks of two distinct architectures. In particular, we computationally and theoretically investigate the mechanics of composites formed when an inclusion is introduced to Voronoi- and Mikado--type networks within the nonaffine regime. On subjecting these single inclusion composites to small shear deformations, we observe different behaviours dependent on the choice of network geometry. This divergence in mechanical responses is interpreted as a consequence of architecture-dependent differences in the nonaffine displacement field. Scaling laws for the increase in network energy due to inclusions of different lengths, orientations, and elastic properties are proposed and computationally verified. We present theoretical predictions for critical values of the inclusion bending and stretching stiffnesses, above which no further increases in network energy are observed for a given shear deformation. These predictions are supported by extensive computational evidence. We expect the architectural differences identified in this work to be pertinent to theoretical investigations into the complex behaviour of biopolymer networks, and to experimental work, where complex mechanics has been observed in composite fibre networks.
Ultrabroadband reflective polarization convertor for terahertz waves

We design and experimentally demonstrate an ultrathin, ultrabroadband, and highly efficient reflective linear polarization convertor or half-wave retarder operating at terahertz frequencies. The metamaterial-inspired convertor is composed of metallic disks and split-ring resonators placed over a ground plane. The structure exhibits three neighboring resonances, by which the linear polarization of incident waves can be converted to its orthogonal counterpart upon reflection. For an optimal design, a measured polarization conversion ratio for normal incidence is greater than 80% in the range of 0.65–1.45 THz, equivalent to 76% relative bandwidth. The mechanism for polarization conversion is explained via decomposed electric field components that couple with different resonance modes of the structure. The proposed metamaterial design for enhancing efficiency of polarization conversion has potential applications in the area of terahertz spectroscopy, imaging, and communications.
Modified DNA Extraction for Rapid PCR Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci

Nosocomial infection caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci poses a serious problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to rapidly and reliably detect methicillin-resistant-staphylococci in order to suggest appropriate therapy. The presence or absence of the methicillin-resistance gene in 115 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and 50 isolates of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS) was examined by normal PCR. DNA extraction for PCR performance was then modified by omission of achromopeptadiase and proteinase K digestion, phenol/chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation. All isolates with MIC>8 g/ml showed positive PCR. No differences in PCR detection have been observed when normal and modified DNA extractions have been performed. Our modified DNA extraction can quickly detect methicillin-resistant staphylococci by PCR. The advantage of rapid DNA extraction extends to both reduction of time and cost of PCR performance. This modified DNA extraction is suitable for different PCR detection, when staphylococci are the subject of DNA analysis. Iran. Biomed. J. 8 (3): 161-165, 2004
TESLA RF POWER COUPLERS DEVELOPMENT AT DESY.

Different RF power couplers for the TESLA Test Facility (TTF) [1] are under development and operation at DESY. TTF power couplers type II which are mainly used up till now together with "FNAL" couplers [2] recently have been improved by design of coupler TTF III [3]. RF power couplers are tested normally with full RF power, at first two couplers on a test stand and afterwards each coupler together with its superconducting cavity in a horizontal test cryostat. Results of coupler tests showed stable operation at full pulse length of 1.3 ms and RF power even up to about 1 MW without breakdowns. The average power needed for cavity operation at about 25 MV/m is 230 kW. New procedures to improve RF performance and to shorten processing time, like TiN coating of the inner surfaces, are being investigated. Also, the next coupler designs TTF IV and V are being developed.
Finite Element Analysis of Synergy Effect on Concrete Beams Incorporated with Coated Reinforcement and Alternate Aggregates

The purpose of this study is to compare the ultimate load carrying capacity of conventional reinforced concrete beams with that of investigation specimen incorporated with coated reinforcement and partially with recycled aggregate and quarry dust. A novel technique of coated reinforcement delays the onset of corrosion with enhanced durability of structures. Results show that not even a film of corrosion (white rust) can be seen in the investigation specimen. There is a progressive increase in stiffness from the state of the first crack to ultimate stage and a negligible difference in ultimate load carrying capacity of the investigation specimen, when compared with the controlled specimen. Incorporation of galvanization, recycled aggregate, and quarry dust seemed to be compatible with the existing conservative concreting procedures. Experimental results are compared with the numerical solutions aided by finite element analysis (FEA by using ABAQUS).
Comparison of different sampling strategies in monitoring zoobenthos and classification of archipelago areas

The European Water Framework Directive (EC WFD/2000/60) states that all coastal surface waters should achieve Good ecological status by the year 2015. For this purpose waterbodies have been classified, and a subsequent step is to establish monitoring and management plans for each waterbody. We assess what is an optimal, cost-effective sampling design in monitoring zoobenthos for WFD purposes in complex archipelago waters in the northern Baltic Sea. Zoobenthic grab samples were taken from three archipelago areas of different exposure, and the results of two different sampling methods were compared: the traditional replicate sampling method (3–5 replicate samples at each station) and a proposed single-sample method (no replicate samples). The choice of sampling strategy did not affect the general results on basic community parameters. The ecological status of the areas was somewhat over-estimated when the single-sample strategy was used. The replicate design turned out to be more cost-effective as it is less time-consuming in shallow archipelago areas, especially when small boats and hand-held equipment are used. Further, the replicate sample strategy was more conservative in assessing the ecological status, which may prevent too optimistic status classifications of specific waterbodies.
The rise and fall of the NE Atlantic blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)

Abstract The Northeast Atlantic blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) stock has undergone striking changes in abundance in the last 15 years. The stock increased dramatically in the late 1990s due to a succession of eight unusually strong year classes and dropped again equally dramatically after 2005 when the recruitment collapsed to former levels. The North Atlantic subpolar gyre has previously been shown to have a strong influence on the behaviour of this stock: synchronous changes in the gyre and recruitment suggest a causal linkage and the possibility of forecasting recruitment. A range of mechanisms are reviewed that may explain these observed changes, with two major candidate hypotheses being identified. One hypothesis suggests that the large mackerel (Scomber scombrus) stock in this region may feed on the pre-recruits of blue whiting, with the spatial overlap between blue whiting and mackerel being regulated by the subpolar gyre. Alternatively, variations in the physical environment may have given rise to changes in the amount, type and availability of food for larvae and juveniles, impacting their growth and survival and therefore recruitment. It was not possible to draw firm conclusions about the validity of either of these hypotheses: nevertheless, forecasting recruitment to this stock may be possible in the future if the underlying mechanisms can be resolved.
Impact of changes in the light environment caused by an invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)

ii Acknowledgements . iv List of Tables . vi List of Figures . vii Chapter 1 – Quantification of changes in light and temperature associated with invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) . 1 Abstract.2 Introduction.3 Methods.5 Results.8 Discussion.9 Reference.13 Chapter 2 – Direct effects of reductions in light levels due to extended leaf phenology by Lonicera maackii, an invasive shrub, on species abundance and community patterns . 22 Abstract.23 Introduction.24 Methods.26 Results.29. 2 Introduction.3 Methods.5 Results.8 Discussion.9 Reference.13 Chapter 2 – Direct effects of reductions in light levels due to extended leaf phenology by Lonicera maackii, an invasive shrub, on species abundance and community patterns . 22 Abstract.23 Introduction.24 Methods.26 Results.29 Discussion.31 Reference.34
Une condition préalable à la participation : modifier les représentations des savoirs d'agriculteurs : Recherches-Système en agriculture

A partir de deux projets de recherche-action est presente un aspect essentiel des demarches qui leur est commun ; leur intention d'agir non directement sur les pratiques des agriculteurs, mais sur les representations que les acteurs concernes s'en font et non pas seulement sur les autres (agriculteurs, agents de developpement, etc.), mais egalement sur soi (chercheurs). Nous postulons en effet que la participation des acteurs dans la production de connaissance, notamment en agriculture, requiert un renouvellement du regard des acteurs dominants, parmi lesquels la recherche agronomique, et egalement du regard des acteurs domines sur eux-memes. En Argentine, nous avons mene des recherches visant a representer les savoirs locaux des agriculteurs au sujet de questions qui sont susceptibles d'interesser, moyennant adaptations mutuelles, a la fois les agriculteurs et les appareils publics de recherche et de developpement. En Corse, nos recherches visent a faire decouvrir, par les producteurs eux-memes, le potentiel d'innovation de leurs vieilles traditions charcutieres une fois celles-ci partiellement formalisees dans des cahiers des charges negocies. Dans les deux cas les modeles de l'activite agricole que nous construisons sont des outils de modification des representations des acteurs (producteurs, techniciens de developpement, chercheurs) sur les savoirs des agriculteurs, et donc par ricochet, sur les savoirs des techniciens. Le resultat, processus de changement et non etat final, est difficile a evaluer de facon formelle. Nous en discutons cependant l'enjeu pour mener a bien une recherche participative, et les difficultes institutionnelles que ces recherches ne manquent pas de soulever.
Objective evaluation of recreational facilities: development and reliability of the Recreational Facility Audit Tool

The characteristics of recreational facilities are determinants of facility use and physical activity, yet there are few validated and extensive audit tools gauging characteristics of recreational facilities. This study aimed to describe the development of a 111-item audit tool that objectively evaluates the characteristics of recreational facilities across 10 domains, including the availability of sports facilities, accessibility to the facility, availability of supportive amenities, conditions of changing rooms, conditions of toilets, management, policy, environmental safety, aesthetics, and social environment. The intra- and inter-rater reliability indices of the audit tool were also examined. In the intra-rater reliability tests, 20 recreational facilities were examined twice by the same auditor, with one week apart between each audit. The inter-rater reliability was assessed using data from 20 recreational facilities that were examined twice by two independent auditors. Kappa statistics, percent agreement and intra-class correlation coefficients were computed. The average intra- and inter-rater percent agreement was 96.9% and 90.6% respectively. The majority of items (n=107 and 101) showed either good percent agreement or acceptable kappa values in the intra- and interreliability tests respectively. The overall intra- and inter-rater reliability of the audit tool was acceptable. Subjective and time-sensitive audit items may need clearer descriptions and multiple repeated measures to improve their reliability. The audit tool can be used to reliably assess indoor sports centres, parks, sports grounds, playgrounds and swimming pools. The objective data collected by this audit tool would contribute to the understanding of relationships between characteristics of recreational facilities, usage and physical activity.
Further Clinical Validation of the Binge-Eating Scale.

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown significant correlations between the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and the Cognitive Factors Scale (CFS) using obese subjects who were not selected based on criteria for eating disorders. To determine if similar relationships between binging severity and cognitive factors would hold for subjects who did meet the criteria for bulimia, anorexia, or both, and to determine if the BES would discriminate between those who report binging and those who do not, 48 female subjects were interviewed and given a battery of psychological tests including the BES and CFS. Analysis of results showed that anorexic subjects scored significantly lower on the BES than bulimics or bulimic/anorexic subjects. Significant correlations were found between binge eating and cognitions of personal dieting standards and dieting self-efficacy. Subjects' greater tendency to binge was related to more stringent standards and to a lower sense of personal efficacy in sticking to a diet. The findings add to the concurrent validity of the BES since subjects who had high rates of binging as part of the criteria for their diagnosis (bulimia and bulimia/anorexia) scored higher than anorexics, who binge to a lesser degree, and therefore do not have binging as part of their diagnostic criteria. (JAC)
On the First-Order Shape Derivative of the Kohn-Vogelius Cost Functional of the Bernoulli Problem

The exterior Bernoulli free boundary problem is being considered. The solution to the problem is studied via shape optimization techniques. The goal is to determine a domain having a specific regularity that gives a minimum value for the Kohn-Vogelius-type cost functional while simultaneously solving two PDE constraints: a pure Dirichlet boundary value problem and a Neumann boundary value problem. This paper focuses on the rigorous computation of the first-order shape derivative of the cost functional using the Holder continuity of the state variables and not the usual approach which uses the shape derivatives of states.
''When you finally see them'': the unconquered eye in to kill a Mockingbird

Although hitherto unacknowledged in critical studies. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is primarily a story about perception, the ability to see clearly. ' The notion of visual perception is a prevailing metaphor established through abundant references to eyes, sight, and blindness. Sight or lack of sight and modes of visual perception are further illustrated with recurring images of light and darkness. Throughout the novel, various types of eye and light imagery form a structure that supports Emersonian transcendentalism. ^ Degrees of seeing symbolize human perception or prophetic vision and reveal Emerson's notion of a "transparent eyeball. " Moreover, descriptions of physical eyes and references to shades of light metaphorically denote philosophical and social concerns the novel expounds and suggest Emerson's idea that we can truly see only with an unconquered eye. Atticus wears glasses, cannot physically see well, yet he has insight and wisdom. In several significant scenes, Atticus performs specific gestures using his glasses. When Scout and Jem wonder why Atticus is older than their friends' parents. Scout recalls, "Besides that, he wore glasses. He was nearly blind in his left eye, and said left eyes were the tribal curse of the Finches. Whenever he wanted to see something well, he tumed his head and looked from his right eye" (98). Indeed, Atticus sees from the "right," visually perceptive, unconquered eye. In this sense, while Atticus possesses insight from his "right" eye, Mayella's right eye is both literally and figuratively bmised.
Association Between the Angiotensinogen Gene Polymorphism and The

Association Between the Angiotensinogen Gene Polymorphism and The Pro-Oxidant Effect in Tunisian Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Dandana A1*, Khelifa SB1, Bouzidi N1, Addad F2,3 and Ferchichi S1 1Laboratory of Biochemistry, Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia 2Department of Cardiology, Abderrahmane Mami Hospital, Ariana, Tunisia 3Department of Cardiology CHU-Fattouma Bourguiba Monastir, Tunisia
The chemotherapeutic effects of lapacho tree extract: Î²-lapachone

Cancer, a serious problem throughout the world, needs more efficient drugs for clinical applications. One potential chemotherapeutic drug is β-lapachone. The study of β-lapachone begins from 1977. This commentary is going to discuss the current understanding for the therapeutic uses of β-lapachone
CRITICAL POINTS AND CURVATURE FOR EMBEDDED POLYHEDRA

Recently a new insight into the Gauss-Bonnet Theorem and other problems in global differential geometry has come about through the connection between total curvature of embedded smooth manifolds and critical point theory for non-degenerate height functions. This paper presents an analogous program for embedded polyhedra. The methods are completely elementary, using the techniques neither of differential geometry nor of algebraic topology. As such the paper has a twofold purpose —to study global geometry of polyhedra for its own sake, and to give a deeper understanding of the theorems of global differential geometry through an elementary presentation of their finite or combinatorial content. Moreover the polyhedral theory applies to a wider class of objects, and gives a new interpretation of the relation between intrinsic and extrinsic curvature. Although the polyhedral part of the paper is relatively self-contained, the remarks which show the connection with the differentiable theory presuppose a familiarity with the classical differentiable results. For a bibliography on these and related problems, see Kuiper [4]. This paper will contain no discussion of the possible convergence theorems relating the polyhedral and differentiable theories—for a presentation of this topic, expecially in the 2dimensional and convex cases we refer to A. D. Alexandrow [1]. For related total curvature concepts see also Chern-Lashof [3]. A subsequent paper of the author will deal with critical points and curvature for mappings of complexes into Eι for / > 1, and into /-dimensional manifolds. The author wishes to thank Professor Kuiper for his interest and advice throughout the development of this research. 1. The critical point theorem Definition. A convex cell complex Mk embedded in E n is a finite collection of cells {Cr}, where each C° is a point, and each Cr is a bounded convex set with interior in some afϊine Eτ c En, such that the boundary dCτ of C r is a union of Cs with s < r, and such that if s < r and Cs Γ\Cr Φ 0, then O C dC\ Mk is called k-dimensional if there is a Ck in Mk but no C*+1.
Orbit equivalence of Cantor minimal systems: Kyoto Winter School 2011

These notes are based on a series of lectures given at the Winter School in Operator Algebras at RIMS in Kyoto in December of 2011. In fact, the intention is to give a slightly more complete treatment of the main ideas, without being very formal. I have included exercises. These are not meant to be particularly challenging, but I think they may be helpful for young people trying to get a feel for the subject. The current version is being produced December 29, 2011.
Medidas de disponibilidade a pagar por atributos de voos comerciais : uma aplicação do modelo de McFadden ao corredor aéreo Ponta Delgada – Terceira

Este trabalho analisa as preferencias dos consumidores do servico de transporte aereo entre Sao Miguel e Terceira: o mais importante corredor aereo nos Acores. Dada a forte regulacao historica e actual que caracteriza este servico, nao ha dados do tipo preferencias reveladas. Contudo, o conhecimento das preferencias dos consumidores e incontornavel na implementacao de politicas que promovam o bem-estar social. Assim, realizou-se um stated preferences choice game conducente a estimacao dum modelo microeconometrico do tipo McFadden (1974): logit condicional. Os resultados estimados sao estatisticamente significativos e revelam medidas de disposicao para pagar economicamente elevadas por atributos como garantia de pontualidade e penalidades por alteracoes nas passagens. A disposicao para pagar por mais um voo diario e deveras baixa. Este ultimo resultado e importante no debate se este mercado e um monopolio natural.