Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Association between Circulating MicroRNA Levels and Coronary Endothelial Function

Human microRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in human diseases presumably through the downregulation and silencing of targeted genes via post-translational modifications. However, their role in the early stage of coronary atherosclerosis is not known. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients with early atherosclerosis and coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) have alterations in transcoronary miR gradients. Patients underwent coronary angiography and endothelial function testing in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Patients were divided into abnormal (n = 26) and normal (n = 22) microvascular coronary endothelial function based on intracoronary response to infused acetylcholine measured as a percent change in coronary blood flow (CBF) and arterial diameter. Blood samples were obtained simultaneously from the aorta and coronary sinus at the time of catheterization for RNA isolation, and miR subsequently assessed. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Patients with microvascular CED displayed transcoronary gradients significantly elevated in miR-92a and miR-133 normalized to C-elegans-39 miR. Percent change in CBF and the transcoronary gradient of miR-133 displayed a significant inverse correlation (r2 = 0.11, p = 0.03). Thus, we present novel data whereupon selected miRs demonstrate elevated transcoronary gradients in patients with microvascular CED. The current findings support further studies on the mechanistic role of miRs in coronary atherosclerosis and in humans.
Comparing Statistical Similarity Measures for Stylistic Multivariate Analysis

The goal of this paper is to compare a set of distance/similarity measures, some motivated statistically, others motivated stylistically, regarding their ability to reflect stylistic similarity between texts. To assess the ability of these distance/similarity functions to capture stylistic similarity between texts, we have tested them in the two most frequently employed multivariate statistical analysis settings: cluster analysis and (kernel) principal components analysis.
Neurofilament and calcium‐binding proteins in the human cingulate cortex

Functional imaging studies of the human brain have suggested the involvement of the cingulate gyrus in a wide variety of affective, cognitive, motor, and sensory functions. These studies highlighted the need for detailed anatomic analyses to delineate its many cortical fields more clearly. In the present study, neurofilament protein, and the calcium‐binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin were used as neurochemical markers to study the differences among areas and subareas in the distributions of particular cell types or neuropil staining patterns. The most rostral parts of the anterior cingulate cortex were marked by a lower density of neurofilament protein‐containing neurons, which were virtually restricted to layers V and VI. Immunoreactive layer III neurons, in contrast, were sparse in the anterior cingulate cortex, and reached maximal densities in the posterior cingulate cortex. These neurons were more prevalent in dorsal than in ventral portions of the gyrus. Parvalbumin‐immunoreactive neurons generally had the same distribution. Calbindin‐ and calretinin‐immunoreactive nonpyramidal neurons had a more uniform distribution along the gyrus. Calbindin‐immunoreactive pyramidal neurons were more abundant anteriorly than posteriorly, and a population of calretinin‐immunoreactive pyramidal‐like neurons in layer V was found largely in the most anterior and ventral portions of the gyrus. Neuropil labeling with parvalbumin and calbindin was most dense in layer III of the anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, parvalbumin‐immunoreactive axonal cartridges were most dense in layer V of area 24a. Calretinin immunoreactivity showed less regional specificity, with the exception of areas 29 and 30. These chemoarchitectonic features may represent cellular reflections of functional specializations in distinct domains of the cingulate cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 384:597–620, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An absorption event in the X-ray light curve of NGC 3227

We have monitored the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3227 with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) since 1999 January. During late 2000 and early 2001 we observed an unusual hardening of the 2-10 keV X-ray spectrum which lasted several months. The spectral hardening was not accompanied by any correlated variation in flux above 8 keV. We therefore interpret the spectral change as transient absorption by a gas cloud of column density 2.6 x 10 2 3 cm - 2 crossing the line of sight to the X-ray source. A spectrum obtained by XMM-Newton during an early phase of the hard-spectrum event confirms the obscuration model and shows that the absorbing cloud is only weakly ionized. The XMM-Newton spectrum also shows that ∼10 per cent of the X-ray flux is not obscured, but this unabsorbed component is not significantly variable and may be scattered radiation from a large-scale scattering medium. Applying the spectral constraints on the cloud ionization parameter and assuming that the cloud follows a Keplerian orbit, we constrain the location of the cloud to be R ∼ 10-100 light-days from the central X-ray source, and its density to be n H ∼ 10 8 cm - 3 , implying that we have witnessed the eclipse of the X-ray source by a broad line region cloud.
Cooperation between the Hippocampus and the Striatum during Episodic Encoding

The hippocampus and the striatum are thought to play distinct roles in learning and memory, each supporting an independent memory system. A fundamental question is whether, and how, these systems interact to jointly contribute to learning and memory. In particular, it remains unknown whether the striatum contributes selectively to implicit, habitual learning, or whether the striatum may also contribute to long-term episodic memory. Here, we show with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that the hippocampus and the striatum interact cooperatively to support episodic memory formation. Participants were scanned during a memory encoding paradigm and, subsequently, were tested for memory of encoded items. fMRI data revealed that successful memory was associated with greater activity in both the hippocampus and the striatum (putamen) during encoding. Furthermore, activity in the hippocampus and the striatum was correlated within subjects for items that were later remembered, but not for items that were forgotten. Finally, across subjects, the strength of the correlation between the hippocampus and the striatum predicted memory success. These findings provide novel evidence for contributions of both the striatum and the hippocampus to successful episodic encoding and for a cooperative interaction between them.
Quantitative analysis of somatostatin receptor subtype (SSTR1-5) gene expression levels in somatotropinomas and non-functioning pituitary adenomas.

OBJECTIVE It is believed that the variable effectiveness of somatostatin analogs in post-surgical management of somatotropinomas and non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) may be due in part to variable expression of somatostatin receptor isoforms (SSTR1-5), within and between pituitary tumor types. DESIGN AND METHODS Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to compare absolute mRNA copy numbers for all five SSTR isoforms in 23 somatotropinomas and 19 NFPA. RESULTS Somatostatin receptor subtype 5 mRNA was present at the highest level in somatotropinomas, followed by SSTR2>SSTR3>>SSTR1>>>SSTR4. In contrast, SSTR3 mRNA was present at the highest level in NFPA, followed by SSTR2, while SSTR1, SSTR4, and SSTR5 transcripts were only detectable in select tumors. Among somatotropinomas, a positive correlation was found between SSTR2 mRNA levels and the percent decrease of GH (%GH) after 3 and 6 months of therapy with octreotide long acting repeatable (LAR) (r=0.51 and r=0.66; P=0.05 and P=0.008). Also the percent decrease of IGF-I (%IGF-I) after 3 months of octreotide LAR was negatively correlated with SSTR5 and %IGF-I after 6 months of octreotide LAR was positively correlated with SSTR2. CONCLUSIONS The present report is a large series examining SSTR mRNA levels in somatotropinomas and NFPA. These initial findings suggest that detailed knowledge of the SSTR mRNA expression profile in somatotropinomas can help to predict the hormonal response to therapy with LAR. Also, it appears that SSTR3 in NFPA may be a potential target for SSTR3 preferential or universal ligands such as pasireotide.
Improving spatial thinking skills among undergraduate geology students through short online training exercises

ABSTRACT Spatial reasoning is a critical skill in the Geosciences. Using a randomized control study with 592 undergraduate students enrolled in introductory and advanced Geology courses, our data indicates that regular, short interventions throughout an academic semester improve students’ spatial thinking skills significantly with a moderate to large effect size when compared to an instruction-as-usual control group. We found evidence for additional gains in students who participated also in hands-on training interventions. We found even larger training effects on students who achieved correct scores of >50% on the practice modules, with gains of almost three-quarter of a standard deviation relative to their baseline scores. Male and female students display significant differences in spatial skills, with males outperforming females. Training resulted in similar magnitudes of improvement in both genders, so we see no evidence that the interventions closed the gender gap. Using the initial performance as a baseline, poor performers’ spatial skills appear to improve through practice at the same rate as their peers. We argue that 15.4% of students improve their spatial skills through participation in the training towards a threshold that appears to be critical for participation in STEM careers. On a reflection survey, half of the students reported that they felt their spatial thinking skills improved through their participation, and over a third found the training beneficial for their overall learning in Geology or other classes. We hypothesise that formal training opportunities for spatial reasoning could increase the potential pool of students who successfully enter and succeed in Geoscience careers.
Interfacing FM systems with implantable hearing devices

Cochlear implant recipients can reduce the challenges they encounter in noisy environments through the use of a remote microphone. Although there are numerous options for delivering the signal from the frequency modulated (FM) transmitter worn by the speaker to the FM receiver coupled to the implant, several have now been verified through research as viable, beneficial arrangements. Recommendations for the settings on the implant include mixing ratio and settings on the FM receivers (i.e., FM advantage). Because coupling of the FM system with the implant cannot be tested with traditional electroacoustic methods, behavioral verification using speech recognition in noise with the implant alone and with the implant plus the FM system is necessary. A variety of resources are available for the audiologist to consult for the specific components, start sequence of switches, and verification protocols. Resources can be found through manufacturer and professional association Web sites.
Decision Making for Animal Health and Welfare: Integrating Risk-Benefit Analysis with Prospect Theory

This study integrated risk‐benefit analysis with prospect theory with the overall objective of identifying the type of management behavior represented by farmers’ choices of mastitis control options (MCOs). Two exploratory factor analyses, based on 163 and 175 Swedish farmers, respectively, highlighted attitudes to MCOs related to: (1) grouping cows and applying milking order to prevent spread of existing infection and (2) working in a precautionary way to prevent mastitis occurring. This was interpreted as being based on (1) reactive management behavior on detection of udder‐health problems in individual cows and (2) proactive management behavior to prevent mastitis developing. Farmers’ assessments of these MCOs were found to be based on asymmetrical evaluations of risks and benefits, suggesting that farmers’ management behavior depends on their individual reference point. In particular, attitudes to MCOs related to grouping cows and applying milking order to prevent the spread of mastitis once infected cows were detected were stronger in the risk domain than in the benefit domain, in accordance with loss aversion. In contrast, attitudes to MCOs related to working in a precautionary way to prevent cows from becoming infected in the first place were stronger in the benefit domain than in the risk domain, in accordance with reverse loss aversion. These findings are of practical importance for farmers and agribusiness and in public health protection work to reduce the current extensive use of antibiotics in dairy herds.
Personal development groups during psychotherapy training: Irish students’ expectations and experiences of vulnerability, safety and growth

ABSTRACT Personal development groups (PDGs) are a common part of counselling, psychotherapy and psychology training programmes, and are believed to facilitate both personal and professional growth. This article reviews the available research evidence for this belief, and reports the findings of a longitudinal study of the expectations and experiences of 32 Irish integrative psychotherapy students during an academic year’s attendance at a PDG. A small but significant increase was found in the students’ ratings of their own interpersonal awareness and skills at the end of the year, students reporting greater ease in sharing their personal thoughts and feelings with others and greater confidence in offering feedback to others. While students reported moderately high levels of safety in their PDGs, they also experienced vulnerability and were concerned about dual relationships and judgement from others. Thematic analysis of the students’ written reflections on the impact of their PDGs indicated that they experienced “personal and professional growth,” felt the “risk and potential in being vulnerable,” and that they were left “wanting more. ” The findings from this study and the research review highlight both the benefits and challenges of PDG participation for students; the implications for ethical training practice are also discussed.
Sequence Similarity

This article reviews objections to optimal-matching (OM) algorithms in sequence analysis and reformulates the concept of sequence similarity in terms of a binary precedence relation. This precedence relation is then used to develop a new quantification of sequence similarity. The new measure is used to reanalyze the life history data that were previously discussed by Dijkstra and Taris (1995). The reanalysis demonstrates the new measure to be superior to the OM algorithm and the alternatives proposed by Dijkstra and Taris. A new algorithm is presented to enumerate matching k-tuples from pairs of sequences in polynomial time.
Where is Safeguarding in Sport Psychology Research and Practice?

Recent cases of sexual abuse of athletes have drawn significant concern amongst stakeholders in sport and the public at-large. The fact that the perpetrators in many cases of athlete abuse had numerous victims over the span of several years raises questions of who might have known or suspected that athletes were being harmed. Sexual abuse cases should serve as an impetus for all of us in sport psychology to interrogate our roles and responsibilities as consultants and researchers in the protection of athletes. We propose that future research in applied sport psychology and education of consultants address maltreatment and safeguarding. Lay Summary: In the following article, we propose that more attention in the research and practice of sport psychology should be devoted to understanding maltreatment of athletes and ways to protect athletes from harm.
Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce Internet Banking Adoption among Young Intellectuals

Hanudin has written several articles in Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce (JIBC). Indeed, this has pursued him to explore more area in Internet Banking and Commerce, to be published in JIBC. His areas of interest are Islamic banking products and e-banking. Abstract The aim of this paper is to study technology acceptance of internet banking among undergraduate students in Malaysia. Thus, the theoretical framework of the paper is based on modified version of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This paper develops a technology acceptance model for internet banking, a conceptual framework to explain the factors influencing undergraduate students' acceptance of internet banking. The model employs perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived credibility (PC) and computer self-efficacy (CSE). The first two are two initial constructs for TAM model. The rest are new constructs to be included in the model in order to have an extension of TAM model that better reflects the students' view. The results suggest that PU, PEOU and PC had a significant relationship with behavioral intention. Further, these measures are good determinant for undergraduate acceptance for internet banking. Results also suggest that PU and PEOU had a significant relationship with CSE. On the contrary, CSE did not associate with PC. Also, PEOU had-2-a significant relationship with PU and PC that indicate these scales are related to PEOU in explaining undergraduate preference. The paper is useful in providing the understanding of the TAM among undergraduate from Malaysians' perspective.
Parent Perspectives on Developing Effective Family–School Partnerships in Hawai.i

Family–school partnerships have been shown to improve academic and social outcomes for children, yet there have been challenges in developing effective partnerships with diverse families. This phenomenological study examined perspectives of immigrant and local parents with regards to family– school partnerships in Hawaiʻi to provide insights regarding these challenges in this unique context. Results demonstrated that parents valued the relational aspect of family–school partnerships and believed that education for their children was important. Beyond supporting children’s learning, participants wanted to understand their children’s experiences in school and to participate in building a school community. They identified the importance of the principal’s role in affording effective partnerships and discussed cultural mismatches with educators that created barriers for their participation. This study adds to the literature by examining parent perspectives in the context of the complexity of family, school, and community attributes in Hawaiʻi, including the voices of diverse families that reflect the increasing diversity of schools.
Primer on Medical Decision Analysis: Part 4-Analyzing the Model and Interpreting the Results

This paper is the fourth of a five-part series that describes the principles of construction and evaluation of valid decision models. In this review, the authors describe the key principles of detecting and eliminating structural and programming errors in decision trees (debugging). In addition, they offer guidelines to facilitate the interpretation of analytic results of decision models. Key words: decision analysis; expected value; utility ; sensitivity analysis; decision trees; probability. (Med Decis Making 1997;17:142- 151)
The Effects of European Economic and Monetary Union on Wage Behaviour

This paper evaluates the possible consequences of the forthcoming European and Monetary Union on wage behavior. It will be shown that EMU does not influence wage policy directly, but rather indirectly through its implications on other areas of economic policy, predominantly on monetary policy. Consequently, EMU will put increasing pressure on using wage policy as a flexible adjustment variable, since other adjustment mechanisms shall cease to exist. Six European countries were analyzed empirically, which showed that in the past, southern European countries conducted a much more expansive wage policy than northern European countries. However, this competitive disadvantage of the southern countries was more than compensated by exchange rate developments. What will happen when EMU has come into effect? Either fewer devaluation possibilities within EMU will lead to a shift in competitive positions in favor of the northern countries, or a change in wage behavior will be observed. The descriptive analysis shows that, on the eve of EMU, wage policy has become more moderate. This trend could be accelerated by the arrival of EMU. The econometric analysis provides an argument for this: the stability of exchange rates have been proven to have a dampening effect on wage increases in the past, particularly in southern European countries. Whether the extent of these effects will be sufficient to prevent a shift in relative competitive positions, however, remains to be seen.
Automobile Passenger Comfort Assured Through LQG/LQR Active Suspension

An analytical investigation of a half-car model including passenger dynamics, subjected to random road disturbances is performed, and the advantage of active over conventional passive suspension systems are examined. Two different performance indices for optimal controller design are proposed. The performance index is a quantification of both ride comfort and road handling. Due to practical limitations, all the states required for the state-feedback controller are not measurable, and thus must be estimated with an observer. Stochastic inputs are applied to simulate realistic road surface conditions, and statistical comparisons between passive system and the two controllers, with and without state estimator, are carried out to gain a clearer insight into the performance of the controllers.The simulation results demonstrate that an optimal observer- based controller, when including passenger acceleration in the performance index, retains both excellent ride comfort and road handling characteristics.
When Is a Bulge Not a Bulge? Inner Disks Masquerading as Bulges in NGC 2787 and NGC 3945

We present a detailed morphological, photometric, and kinematic analysis of two barred S0 galaxies with large, luminous inner disks inside their bars. We show that these structures, in addition to being geometrically disklike, have exponential profiles (scale lengths ~300-500 pc) distinct from the central, nonexponential bulges. We also find them to be kinematically disklike. The inner disk in NGC 2787 has a luminosity roughly twice that of the bulge; but in NGC 3945, the inner disk is almost 10 times more luminous than the bulge, which itself is extremely small (half-light radius ≈100 pc, in a galaxy with an outer ring of radius ≈14 kpc) and has only ~5% of the total luminosity—a bulge/total ratio much more typical of an Sc galaxy. We estimate that at least 20% of (barred) S0 galaxies may have similar structures, which means that their bulge/disk ratios may be significantly overestimated. These inner disks dominate the central light of their galaxies; they are at least an order of magnitude larger than typical "nuclear disks" found in elliptical and early-type spiral galaxies. Consequently, they must affect the dynamics of the bars in which they reside.