Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Federal Policy and the Teacher Labor Market Running Head : Federal Policy and the Teacher Labor Market Federal Policy and the Teacher Labor Market : Exploring the Effects of NCLB on Teacher Turnover Min Sun University of Washington

Anecdotal evidence from the media suggests that accountability pressure increases teacher stress and drives teachers away from teaching, particularly leading to teachers leaving disadvantaged schools that serve a larger proportion of poor and minority students. However, no prior work has systematically examined the changes in the national trends of teacher turnover in response to NCLB school accountability. Drawing on nationally representative samples of schools and teachers from the Schools and Staffing Surveys and Teacher Follow-Up Surveys from 1993-2009, this study applies difference-in-differences approaches to examine the effects of NCLB school accountability on teacher turnover outcomes. We find that NCLB increased the average rate of teachers transferring involuntarily to other schools following school-initiated separations, particularly in the early stage of policy implementation and in disadvantaged schools. More surprisingly, neither voluntarily transferring between schools nor voluntarily leaving the teaching profession has changed in response to NCLB school accountability, even for teachers in disadvantaged schools. In contrast to non-tested counterparts, teachers in tested subjects and grades became less likely to leave the system following school-initiated separations under NCLB school accountability.
Compact Wideband Equivalent-Circuit Model for Electrical Modeling of Through-Silicon Via

This paper presents a compact wideband equivalent circuit model for electrical modeling of through-silicon vias (TSVs) in 3-D stacked integrated circuits and packaging. Rigorous closed form formulas for the resistance and inductance of TSVs are de rived from the magneto-quasi-static theory with a Fourier-Bessel expansion approach, whereas analytical formulas from static solutions are used to compute the capacitance and conductance. The equivalent-circuit model can capture the important parasitic effects of TSVs, including the skin effect, proximity effect, lossy effect of silicon, and semiconductor effect. Therefore, it yields accurate results comparable to those with 3-D full-wave solvers.
Lateral Arm Free Flap for Oral Tongue Reconstruction: An Analysis of Surgical Details, Morbidity, and Functional and Aesthetic Outcome

The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of the lateral arm free flap (LAFF) in the reconstruction of oral tongue defects, the subsite in which it may have advantage over the other donor sites. This is a retrospective analysis of 48 consecutive cases of LAFF used for the reconstruction of partial glossectomy defects for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue. Primary defect and donor-site morbidity and the functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed in 37 evaluable patients, with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. Patient-reported Visual Analog Scale score from 0 (minimum satisfaction) to 10 (maximum satisfaction) was used to evaluate the aesthetic outcome. The follow-up was for 6 to 52 months (mean, 24 months). The flap was successful in 45 (93.8%) patients. The commonest observed donor-site morbidity was a broad scar, but it did not cause much patient dissatisfaction because it could be covered with appropriate dressing. Speech was normal or near-normal in all patients. Poor functional outcome was associated with adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy. The visual analog scale score for the aesthetic satisfaction (mean [standard deviation]) was 6.58 (1.82) for primary site and 7.13 (1.99) for the donor site. LAFF is an excellent option for the reconstruction of partial glossectomy defects of oral tongue without significant involvement of the floor of mouth and base of tongue.
Linagliptin: DPP-4 Inhibition in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of type 2 diabetes are one of the barriers that make its treatment so difficult and it is also one of the responsible for the high prevalence of the disease around the world. Patients with T2DM have dysfunction in incretin hormones (such as glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or GIP). By inhibiting the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme, it is possible to slow the inactivation of GLP-1 and GIP, promoting blood glucose level decrease in a glucose-dependent manner. Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. This article reviews the pharmacology, mechanism of action, chemical structure, enzymatic binding, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical trials, indications, contraindications and drug interactions of linagliptin and the role of DPP-4 inhibitors in the management of hyperglycemia in adults with T2DM. Linagliptin clinical trials showed clinical efficacy in decreasing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and postprandial glucose when administered as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antihyperglycemic agents (such as sulphonylureas, pioglitazone or metformin) and also insulin, including non-inferior efficacy versus sulphonylurea without weight gain. Adverse events are uncommon and may include upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis and headache. The risk of hypoglycemia with linagliptin is very low and is increased when the drug is combined with insulin or an insulin secretagogue drug, such as a sulphonylurea. Dose adjustments based on liver or renal function are not necessary with linagliptin use. Given its safety and efficacy profile, linagliptin is a valid treatment for patients with T2DM and is a particularly interesting option in patients with renal failure.
Psychosis related to neurological conditions: pro and cons of the dis- / mis-connectivity models of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is still a condition with obscure causes and psychopathology. This paper aims to discuss the “disconnectivity” hypothesis in relation to some neurological conditions which are known to alter brain connectivity, as well as mimicking some aspects of the disorder. After a short historical introduction to the concept, we will examine the evidence for connectivity problems in schizophrenia, separating the anatomical level from the functional level. Then, we will discuss three different issues concerning connectivity: i) local reduction in connectivity without neuronal loss (within the gray matter); ii) reduction in or alteration of long-range connectivity (within the white matter); and iii) abnormal targets for connections. For each of these aspects, we will look at the conditions able to reproduce anomalies capable of increasing susceptibility to schizophrenia. We conclude that psychosis is more likely to occur: i) when long-range connectivity is concerned; ii) when lesions result in lengthening and scattering of conduction times; and iii) when there are high dopamine levels, shedding light on or adding weight to the idea of an interaction between dopamine and connectivity.
Delay-dependent robust control for a class of uncertain delta-operator systems with time-varying delays

The problem of robust control for a class of delta-operator systems with time varying delays and linear fractional uncertainties is investigated. Attention is focused on the design of a delay-dependent state feedback controller which guarantees the asymptotically stable of the corresponding closed-loop system for all admissible uncertainties. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovkii functional, the delay-dependent sufficient condition is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A DWT Based Approach for Image Steganography

In this paper we propose a new steganography technique which embeds the secret messages in frequency domain. According to different users' demands on the embedding capa c- ity and image quality, the proposed algorithm is divided into two modes and 5 cases. Unlike the space domain approaches, secret messages are embedded in the high frequency coefficients re- sulted from Discrete Wavelet Transform. Coefficients in the low frequency sub-band are pre- served unaltered to improve the image quality. Some basic mathematical operations are per- formed on the secret messages before embedding. These operations and a well-designed map- ping Table keep the messages away from stealing, destroying from unintended users on the inter- net and hence provide satisfactory security.
Technologies for Beneficial Microorganisms Inocula Used as Biofertilizers

The increasing need for environmentaly friendly agricultural practices is driving the use of fertilizers based on beneficial microorganisms. The latter belong to a wide array of genera, classes, and phyla, ranging from bacteria to yeasts and fungi, which can support plant nutrition with different mechanisms. Moreover, studies on the interactions between plant, soil, and the different microorganisms are shedding light on their interrelationships thus providing new possible ways to exploit them for agricultural purposes. However, even though the inoculation of plants with these microorganisms is a well-known practice, the formulation of inocula with a reliable and consistent effect under field conditions is still a bottleneck for their wider use. The choice of the technology for inocula production and of the carrier for the formulation is key to their successful application. This paper focuses on how inoculation issues can be approached to improve the performance of beneficial microorganisms used as a tool for enhancing plant growth and yield.
Effects of Workloads and Cadences on Frontal Plane Knee Biomechanics in Cycling.

UNLABELLED Although effects of workload and cadence on sagittal plane knee biomechanics in cycling have been widely studied, few studies have examined their impact on the frontal plane. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different workloads and cadences on knee sagittal and frontal plane biomechanics. METHODS Eighteen healthy participants (age, 55.7 ± 11.0 yr) volunteered for this study. A motion analysis system and a custom instrumented pedal were used to collect five cycles of three-dimensional kinematics (240 Hz) and pedal reaction force (PRF, 1200 Hz) during 2 min of cycling in each of eight testing conditions, including five workload conditions of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 kg at 60 rpm, and three cadence conditions of 70, 80, and 90 rpm with 1-kg workload. Two one-way repeated measures analyses of variance were used to examine the influence of cadence and workload on selected variables (P < 0.05). RESULTS Increased workloads with constant rpm caused an increased peak knee abduction moment from 5.82 to 14.36 N · m and peak knee extension moment from 11.61 to 37.16 N · m. Increased workloads also significantly increased peak medial and vertical PRF. Increased cadences at the constant workload had no effects on peak knee abduction moment but caused increased peak anterior and vertical PRF and peak knee flexion moment. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate that increasing workload at constant cadence significantly increased peak knee abduction moment. Further study may be needed to demonstrate the efficacy of appropriate levels of workload and cadence in knee osteoarthritis and other populations with knee problems.
On sampling theorem with sparse decimated samples

The classical sampling Nyquist-Shannon-Kotelnikov theorem states that a band-limited continuous time function is uniquely defined by infinite two-sided s ampling series taken with a sufficient frequency. The paper shows that these band-limited functions allows an arbitrarily close uniform approximation by functions that are uniquely defined by thei r extremely sparse subsamples representing arbitrarily small fractions of one-sided equidist ant sample series with fixed oversampling parameter. In particular, for an arbitrarily large m, an arbitrarily small adjustment of a band-limited underlying function makes redundant (m − 1) members of any sequence of m members of the sample. This allows to bypass, in a certain sense, the restri ction on the sampling rate defined by the critical Nyquist rate. Application of this approach to m ore general non-bandlimited functions allows to approximate them by functions that are recoverable from equidistant samples with arbitrarily large distance between sampling points.
Erythropoietin Treatment Improves Liver Regeneration and Survival in Rat Models of Extended Liver Resection and Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background. Inadequate liver regeneration is still an unsolved problem in major liver resection and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Therefore, we have investigated the use of erythropoietin (EPO) as an exogenous stimulator of liver regeneration in rat models of liver resection and LDLT. Methods. Rats were treated with EPO or heat-inactivated EPO-vehicles. Animals underwent 70% or 90% partial hepatectomy (PH) or 30% partial liver transplantation (pLTx). Serum and liver samples were taken to investigate liver function, liver-to-body weight ratio (LBWR), hepatocyte-proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotide tranferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-assay), proregenerative cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6/tumor necrosis factor-&agr;), and angiogenesis. Genexpression was assessed by in-house cDNA array and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. As clinical parameters, LBWR and overall survival were determined. Results. Erythropoietin led to improved liver regeneration as shown by an increased LBWR/Ki-67 after PH and pLTx. Liver damage, indicated by the serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase was reduced after PH. After surgery EPO treatment induced modulation of c-jun, IL-6, p53, and the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-XL, which was accompanied by a decreased apoptosis rate (0.56% vs. 1.03%; P<0.04). IL-6 production was increased at 12 hr, although no effects could be found concerning tumor necrosis factor-&agr; production and angiogenesis. In addition, EPO-treated rats showed a significantly improved 28-day survival after 90% PH (92% vs. 67%) and pLTx (88% vs. 38%). Conclusions. Erythropoietin treatment significantly improved liver regeneration and survival after PH and pLTx and may therefore represent a promising strategy to optimize the clinical outcome after extended liver resection and LDLT in the future.
The Behavioural Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction

The past 12 years have witnessed the establishment of behavioural methods of treating sexual problems based on the principles developed by Masters and Johnson (1970). Such methods, with some modifications, have proved to be well suited to the needs of our health service (Bancroft, 1975). It is an expedient time to take stock with regard to the current situation in this field, particularly the extent to which treatment facilities are meeting patients' needs, the type of methods being used, and how successful they are. In view of the rapid developments that have occurred in sex therapy it is also appropriate to consider what are now the oustanding clinical and research needs in this area.
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Inhibitors CFTRinh-172 and GlyH-101 Target Mitochondrial Functions, Independently of Chloride Channel Inhibition

Two highly potent and selective cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane regulator (CFTR) inhibitors have been identified by high-throughput screening: the thiazolidinone CFTRinh-172 [3-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-[(4-carboxyphenyl)methylene]- 2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone] and the glycine hydrazide GlyH-101 [N-(2-naphthalenyl)-((3,5-dibromo-2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)methylene)glycine hydrazide]. Inhibition of the CFTR chloride channel by these compounds has been suggested to be of pharmacological interest in the treatment of secretory diarrheas and polycystic kidney disease. In addition, functional inhibition of CFTR by CFTRinh-172 has been proposed to be sufficient to mimic the CF inflammatory profile. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the two compounds on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential in several cell lines: the CFTR-deficient human lung epithelial IB3-1 (expressing the heterozygous F508del/W1282X mutation), the isogenic CFTR-corrected C38, and HeLa and A549 as non-CFTR-expressing controls. Both inhibitors were able to induce a rapid increase in ROS levels and depolarize mitochondria in the four cell types, suggesting that these effects are independent of CFTR inhibition. In HeLa cells, these events were associated with a decrease in the rate of oxygen consumption, with GlyH-101 demonstrating a higher potency than CFTRinh-172. The impact of CFTR inhibitors on inflammatory parameters was also tested in HeLa cells. CFTRinh-172, but not GlyH-101, induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). CFTRinh-172 slightly decreased interleukin-8 secretion, whereas GlyH-101 induced a slight increase. These results support the conclusion that CFTR inhibitors may exert nonspecific effects regarding ROS production, mitochondrial failure, and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, independently of CFTR inhibition.
Age classification from facial images

The ability to classify age from a facial image has not been pursued in computer vision. This research addresses the limited task of age classification of a facial image into a baby, young adult, and senior adult. This is the first reported work to classify age, and to successfully extract and use natural wrinkles. We present a theory and practical computations for visual age classification from facial images, based on cranio-facial changes in feature-position ratios, and on skin wrinkle analysis. Three age groups are classified. <<ETX>>
Health-Related Quality of Life in Relation to Health Behaviour Patterns among Canadian Children

Poor health behaviours in childhood, including sedentary behaviour, low physical activity levels, inadequate sleep, and unhealthy diet, are established risk factors for both chronic diseases and mental illness. Scant studies have examined the importance of such health behaviour patterns for health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to examine the association of health behaviour patterns with HRQoL among Canadian children. Data from 2866 grade five students were collected through a provincially representative school-based survey of the 2014 Raising Healthy Eating and Active Living Kids in Alberta study. Latent class analysis was used to identify health behaviour patterns based on 11 lifestyle behaviours: sedentary behaviour (using a computer, playing video games, watching TV), physical activity (with and without a coach), sleep (bedtime on weekdays and weekends), and diet (fruit and vegetables intake, grain products, milk and alternatives, meat and alternatives). Multivariable multilevel logistic regression was applied to examine the associations of health behaviour patterns with HRQoL. Three groupings with distinct health behaviour patterns were identified: the first grouping (55%) is characterized by relatively healthy levels of sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and sleep, but a less healthy diet (“activity-focused” group). The second grouping (24%) is characterized by a relatively healthy diet, but moderately healthy levels of sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and sleep (“diet-focused” group). The third grouping (21%) is characterized by mostly unhealthy behaviours (“not health-focused” group). Students in the third and second groupings (“not health-focused” and “diet-focused”) were more likely to report lower HRQoL relative to students in the first grouping (“activity-focused”). The findings suggest that health promotion strategies may be more effective when considering the patterns of health behaviours as distinct targets in the efforts to improve HRQoL. Future research should include prospective observational and intervention studies to further elucidate the relationship between health behaviour patterns and HRQoL among children.
A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Evaluate Switching to Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Plus Darunavir in Treatment-Experienced HIV-1-Infected Adults

Background: HIV-infected, treatment-experienced adults with a history of prior resistance and regimen failure can be virologically suppressed but may require multitablet regimens associated with lower adherence and potential resistance development. Methods: We enrolled HIV-infected, virologically suppressed adults with 2-class to 3-class drug resistance and at least 2 prior regimen failures into this phase 3, open-label, randomized study. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per milliliter at week 24 [Food and Drug Administration (FDA) snapshot algorithm]. Results: For 135 participants [elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/F/TAF) plus darunavir (DRV), n = 89; baseline regimen, n = 46], most of whom were taking a median of 5 tablets/d, simplification to E/C/F/TAF plus DRV was noninferior to continuation of baseline regimens at week 24 (plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per milliliter: 96.6% vs. 91.3%, difference 5.3%, 95.001% CI: −3.4% to 17.4%). E/C/F/TAF plus DRV met prespecified criteria for noninferiority and superiority at week 48 for the same outcome. E/C/F/TAF plus DRV was well tolerated and had an improved renal safety profile compared with baseline regimens, with statistically significant differences between groups in quantitative total proteinuria and markers of proximal tubular proteinuria. Compared with baseline regimens, participants who switched to E/C/F/TAF plus DRV reported higher mean treatment satisfaction scale total scores and fewer days with missed doses. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that regimen simplification from a 5-tablet regimen to the 2-tablet, once-daily combination of E/C/F/TAF plus DRV has durable maintenance of virologic suppression and improvements in specific markers of renal safety. Such a strategy may lead to greater adherence and improved quality of life.