Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients with upper urinary tract anomalies.

PURPOSE We report our experience with the laparoscopic management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients with upper urinary tract abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between July 1994 and May 2002, 7 men and 4 women with upper urinary tract anatomical abnormalities were referred to our institution for management of symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Anomalies included horseshoe kidneys in 5 cases, pelvic kidneys in 3, a pancake kidney in 1, a malrotated kidney in 1 and a duplicated collecting system in 1. Three patients had associated renal stones that were extracted during reconstruction. Mean patient age was 37.4 years (range 25 to 60). One patient had undergone a previously unsuccessful endopyelotomy and 2 had a history of abdominal surgery. RESULTS Mean operative time was 195 minutes (range 85 to 403) and mean estimated blood loss was 122 cc (range 20 to 300). No patient in this series required transfusion. Average length of hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2 to 5). Renal function failed to improve after surgery in 1 patient with poor renal function and severe hydronephrosis. The remaining 10 patients (91%) had durable clinical and/or radiographic success during a followup of 32.6 and 21.3 months, respectively. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an effective treatment alternative for ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.
Comparing Consumers' Recall of Prepurchase and Postpurchase Product Evaluation Experiences

This study explores the phenomenon of postpurchase product evaluations primarily by comparing consumers' recalled postpurchase evaluation experiences with the recalled prepurchase evaluation experiences. Personal interviews and retrospective verbalizations were employed so that respondents could describe the phenomena in their own experiences and words. A secondary comparison was also made between consumers' postpurchase evaluation experiences in general versus those specifically cued by the terms "satisfaction" and "dissatisfaction. " While some similarities exist, the results show important differences between respondents postpurchase thoughts versus those from both prepurchase and satisfaction. Significant implications of these results for theory, measurement, and future research are discussed. Copyright 1994 by the University of Chicago.
Effective teaching in the context of a grade 12 high-stakes external examination in New South Wales, Australia

This study identified effective teachers of high-achieving Grade 12 students in New South Wales, Australia. Nineteen teachers, across a variety of curriculum areas, were observed teaching and then interviewed. A further six teachers were interviewed only. Despite the high-stakes end-of-schooling examination, generating interest in and understanding of the subject was their paramount concern. A key common factor was an emphasis on having students apply knowledge, rather than being ‘spoon-fed’ information. Although many aspects of the lessons were channelled through the teachers, frequent opportunities existed for independent learning. Classrooms were relaxed environments, but highly focused. Teachers attributed their success to four major factors: their relationships with students, their classroom practices, the students themselves and faculty cooperation. No evidence was found that the high-stakes examination inhibited best-practice teaching.
Building an ideological fortress: the role of spirituality, encapsulation and sensemaking

An ethnography explores the role of religious values and beliefs in building an “ideological fortress”: a worldview that is seemingly impervious to attack. Specifically, this study develops the metaphor of an ideological fortress and how spirituality serves as “bricks”, “wall”, and “mortar” in that fortress. Used in these ways, religious values and beliefs facilitate member sensemaking by helping to socially encapsulate members, and by patching up inconsistencies within the ideology (i.e., “ideological holes”). Implications for the role of spirituality in organizational sensemaking and control are discussed.
Fiscal Policies and Credit Regimes: A TVAR Approach: FISCAL POLICIES AND CREDIT REGIMES

In the present work we investigate how the state of credit markets affects the impact of fiscal policies. We estimate a Threshold Vector Autoregression (TVAR) model on U.S quarterly data for the period 1984-2010. We employ the spread between BAArated corporate bond yield and 10-year treasury constant maturity rate as a proxy for credit conditions. We find that the response of output to fiscal policy shocks is stronger and more persistent when the economy is in the “tight” credit regime. Fiscal multipliers are significantly different in the two regimes: they are abundantly and persistently higher than one when firms face increasing financing costs, whereas they are feebler and often lower than one in the “normal” credit regime. The results appear to be robust to different model specifications, fiscal foresight, alternative threshold variables, different measure of variables and sample periods. JEL Codes: J32, E32, E44, E62
The impact of geographic origin on sensory properties of vitis vinifera cv. Mencía

The objective of this study was to establish the aromatic descriptors that identify the aroma of young Mencia wines from different geographic areas of Ribeira Sacra Appellation of Origin Controlled in Galicia (NW Spain). Initially, 36 attributes were identified. A multivariate analysis was carried out to evaluate this possible differentiation between the Mencia wines according to production area. Principal component analysis of sensory data permitted the differentiation among geographic areas. The wines differed significantly for seven sensory attributes. The wines from Chantada and Ribeira do Mino were characterized by higher intensities of metallic and bread odors, while Amandi and Quiroga-Bibei by balsamic, apple and phenolic characters. The wines from Ribeira do Sil exhibited a toasting character and the lactic character was present in all wines except those from Ribeira do Sil.
Challenges and Improvement Strategies for the Physical Layer in Vehicular Communications

The physical layer is a key component for the overall performance of a wireless transmission system. It has to meet the specific needs and environmental conditions to which the system is exposed. IEEE 802.11p, which is the predominant standard used for vehicular communication up to now, inherits certain shortcomings from its predecessor, IEEE 802.11a. In this paper, we discuss the various environmental effects entailed with vehicle-to-vehicle communication as well as several techniques to mitigate the shortcomings of the standard. V2V communication, IEEE 802.11p, WAVE, OFDM
Traumatic anosmia coincides with an organic disinhibition syndrome as measured by responding on the controlled oral word association test

This study compared 12 subjects who had been rendered anosmic following traumatic brain injury with a further 12 subjects case matched to them for age, sex, education, Verbal IQ, level of memory impairment and length of post‐traumatic amnesia. All subjects were compensable and had been assessed after two years following injury. The subjects with traumatic anosmia differed from the controls in terms of their tendency towards error on the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) but not in terms of their overall production on the task. The only qualitative difference between the performances was that the anosmics tended to repeat the words previously presented significantly more than did the non anosmic TBIs. These subjects were also more impaired in terms of their long‐term employment status, but not with respect to suicidal thoughts or behaviours. The results were interpreted as consistent with the view that damage to the base of the forebrain which results in traumatic anosmia also impairs behaviour.
Genome wide transcriptome analysis reveals ABA mediated response in Arabidopsis during gold (AuCl−4) treatment

The unique physico-chemical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) find manifold applications in diagnostics, medicine and catalysis. Chemical synthesis produces reactive AuNPs and generates hazardous by-products. Alternatively, plants can be utilized to produce AuNPs in an eco-friendly manner. To better control the biosynthesis of AuNPs, we need to first understand the detailed molecular response induced by AuCl−4 In this study, we carried out global transcriptome analysis in root tissue of Arabidopsis grown for 12- h in presence of gold solution (HAuCl4) using the novel unbiased Affymetrix exon array. Transcriptomics analysis revealed differential regulation of a total of 704 genes and 4900 exons. Of these, 492 and 212 genes were up- and downregulated, respectively. The validation of the expressed key genes, such as glutathione-S-transferases, auxin responsive genes, cytochrome P450 82C2, methyl transferases, transducin (G protein beta subunit), ERF transcription factor, ABC, and MATE transporters, was carried out through quantitative RT-PCR. These key genes demonstrated specific induction under AuCl4− treatment relative to other heavy metals, suggesting a unique plant-gold interaction. GO enrichment analysis reveals the upregulation of processes like oxidative stress, glutathione binding, metal binding, transport, and plant hormonal responses. Changes predicted in biochemical pathways indicated major modulation in glutathione mediated detoxification, flavones and derivatives, and plant hormone biosynthesis. Motif search analysis identified a highly significant enriched motif, ACGT, which is an abscisic acid responsive core element (ABRE), suggesting the possibility of ABA- mediated signaling. Identification of abscisic acid response element (ABRE) points to the operation of a predominant signaling mechanism in response to AuCl−4 exposure. Overall, this study presents a useful picture of plant-gold interaction with an identification of candidate genes involved in nanogold synthesis.
Indole peroxygenase activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase

The heme enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) was found to catalyze the oxidation of indole by H2O2, with generation of 2- and 3-oxoindole as the major products. This reaction occurred in the absence of O2 and reducing agents and was not inhibited by superoxide dismutase or hydroxyl radical scavengers, although it was strongly inhibited by l-Trp. The stoichiometry of the reaction indicated a one-to-one correspondence for the consumption of indole and H2O2. The 18O-labeling experiments indicated that the oxygen incorporated into the monooxygenated products was derived almost exclusively from H218O2, suggesting that electron transfer was coupled to the transfer of oxygen from a ferryl intermediate of IDO. These results demonstrate that IDO oxidizes indole by means of a previously unrecognized peroxygenase activity. We conclude that IDO inserts oxygen into indole in a reaction that is mechanistically analogous to the “peroxide shunt” pathway of cytochrome P450.
First‐Semester Experiences of Counselor Education Doctoral Students

This qualitative study explored 4 counselor education doctoral students' 1st-semester experience. Data analysis revealed students experienced vicissitudes of thought and emotion that varied from self-doubt to beliefs in their abilities, received information and made decisions about how to engage in their responsibilities, and felt affirmation of their capabilities and qualifications. With this affirmation, students were able to make decisions about further experiences they would have during their program. As the semester progressed, the students experienced greater feelings of confirmation yet returned to vicissitude when faced with new situations.
A Double‐blind, Randomized, Prospective Study of Epidural Steroid Injection vs. The mild® Procedure in Patients with Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Background: Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly used to treat low back pain, including symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Reports on LSS treatment with ESIs have not differentiated between neurogenic claudication, which is believed to result from nerve root compression, and lumbar radicular pain, thought to be caused by inflammation. While there is overlap between these groups, the clinical relevance of ESI treatment cannot be generalized between these 2 distinct diseases with completely different pathophysiological causes.
Approches bayésiennes non paramétriques et apprentissage de dictionnaire pour les problèmes inverses en traitement d'image. (Bayesian nonparametric approaches and dictionary learning for inverse problems in image processing)

L'apprentissage de dictionnaire pour la representation parcimonieuse est bien connu dans le cadre de la resolution de problemes inverses. Les methodes d'optimisation et les approches parametriques ont ete particulierement explorees. Ces methodes rencontrent certaines limitations, notamment liees au choix de parametres. En general, la taille de dictionnaire doit etre fixee a l'avance et une connaissance des niveaux de bruit et eventuellement de parcimonie sont aussi necessaires. Les contributions methodologies de cette these concernent l'apprentissage conjoint du dictionnaire et de ces parametres, notamment pour les problemes inverses en traitement d'image. Nous etudions et proposons la methode IBP-DL (Indien Buffet Process for Dictionary Learning) en utilisant une approche bayesienne non parametrique. Une introduction sur les approches bayesiennes non parametriques est presentee. Le processus de Dirichlet et son derive, le processus du restaurant chinois, ainsi que le processus Beta et son derive, le processus du buffet indien, sont decrits. Le modele propose pour l'apprentissage de dictionnaire s'appuie sur un a priori de type Buffet Indien qui permet d'apprendre un dictionnaire de taille adaptative. Nous detaillons la methode de Monte-Carlo proposee pour l'inference. Le niveau de bruit et celui de la parcimonie sont aussi echantillonnes, de sorte qu'aucun reglage de parametres n'est necessaire en pratique. Des experiences numeriques illustrent les performances de l'approche pour les problemes du debruitage, de l'inpainting et de l'acquisition compressee. Les resultats sont compares avec l'etat de l'art.Le code source en Matlab et en C est mis a disposition.
A novel role for the histone acetyltransferase Hat1 in the CENP-A/CID assembly pathway in Drosophila melanogaster

The incorporation of CENP-A into centromeric chromatin is an essential prerequisite for kinetochore formation. Yet, the molecular mechanisms governing this process are surprisingly divergent in different organisms. While CENP-A loading mechanisms have been studied in some detail in mammals, there are still large gaps to our understanding of CENP-A/Cid loading pathways in Drosophila. Here, we report on the characterization and delineation of at least three different CENP-A preloading complexes in Drosophila. Two complexes contain the CENP-A chaperones CAL1, FACT and/or Caf1/Rbap48. Notably, we identified a novel complex consisting of the histone acetyltransferase Hat1, Caf1 and CENP-A/H4. We show that Hat1 is required for proper CENP-A loading into chromatin, since knock-down in S2 cells leads to reduced incorporation of newly synthesized CENP-A. In addition, we demonstrate that CENP-A/Cid interacts with the HAT1 complex via an N-terminal region, which is acetylated in cytoplasmic but not in nuclear CENP-A. Since Hat1 is not responsible for acetylation of CENP-A/Cid, these results suggest a histone acetyltransferase activity-independent escort function for Hat1. Thus, our results point toward intriguing analogies between the complex processing pathways of newly synthesized CENP-A and canonical histones.
An Initial Test of a Theory of Individual Performance

This study provided an initial test of a comprehensive model of individual performance. The extent to which one's opportunity, capacity, and willingness to perform predict one's actual performance is examined. A questionnaire designed to measure opportunity, capacity, and willingness was administered to 213 college students, while performance was measured by the students' grade point averages Scores on Capacity and Willingness interacted to provide a reasonably accurate prediction of performance, but the effect of scores on Opportunity was nonsignificant.
Knowledge discovery from texts: a concept frame graph approach

We address the text content mining problem through a concept based framework by constructing a conceptual knowledge base and discovering knowledge therefrom. Defining a novel representation called the Concept Frame Graph (CFG), we propose a learning algorithm for constructing a CFG knowledge base from text documents. An interactive concept map visualization technique is presented for user-guided knowledge discovery from the knowledge base. Through experimental studies on real life documents, we observe that the proposed approach is promising for mining deeper knowledge.
Is There a European Public Sphere?

Recently, it has been argued that, despite the absence of European-wide mass media, a European public sphere is emerging, as some issues of European relevance become debated at the same time with the same intensity and with recourse to the structures of meaning throughout the entire European Union. This article examines the media framing of Silvio Berlusconi's controversial address as president of the European Council of Ministers to the European Parliament on 2 July 2003, in which he compared the Social Democrat MEP Martin Schulz to a kapò, an auxiliary concentration camp guard. The data are drawn from six EU countries, the US, Canada and Switzerland and show that while the reporting of the speech do satisfy two of Schlesinger's three criteria for the development of a European public sphere – the existence of a Europe-wide news agenda that is part of everyday media consumption of large audiences across nation-states – the data do not indicate a European transcendence of national public spheres.
The role of educational developers in the expansion of educational technology

This paper explores how academic staff are supported in attempts to develop their use of educational technologies. It identifies the work undertaken by academic staff in the development of an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) application and relates this to the direct support (helping staff to teach using ICT) and professional development opportunities (helping staff to develop their skills) available to them. These broad areas of support are seen as a continuum, with varying proportions of direct support and professional development available in different circumstances. The paper concludes that increasing use and expectations of ICT to support student learning in traditional universities are leading to a greater need for team‐based approaches to support learners, and the issues that this change raises are explored.
The Integration of Mothers' Referential Speech with Joint Play.

MESSER, DAVID J. The Integration of Mothers' Referential Speech with Joint Play. CmLD DEVELOPMENT, 1978, 49, 781-787. This investigation was conducted in order to study how mothers' speech to infants is related to other concurrent activities. The mothers and their infants (aged 11, 14, and 24 months) were observed in a joint play situation involving a number of toys. It was found that maternal reference to a toy coincided with the manipulation of that toy, and reference was particularly associated with actions which were likely to involve joint attention to a toy. These results indicate that nonverbal behavior can provide infants with information about the object to which their mothers' speech refers.
A Systolic-Array Architecture for First-Order 3-D IIR Frequency-Planar Filters

A massively parallel systolic-array architecture is proposed for the implementation of real-time VLSI spatio-temporal 3-D IIR frequency-planar filters at a throughput of one-frame-per-clock-cycle (OFPCC). The architecture is based on a differential-form transfer function and is of low circuit complexity compared with the direct-form architecture. A 3-D look-ahead (LA) form of the transfer function is proposed for maximizing the speed of the implementation, which has a nonseparable 3-D transfer function. The systolic array enables real-time implementation of 3-D IIR frequency-planar filters at radio-frequency (RF) frame-rates and is therefore a suitable building block for 3-D IIR digital filters having beam- and cone-shaped passbands as required for smart-antenna-array beam-forming applications involving the broadband spatio-temporal filtering of plane-waves. The fixed-point systolic-array implementation have a throughput of OFPCC and the tested real-time prototype achieves frame (clock) sample frequencies of up to 90 MHz using one Xilinx Virtex-4 sx35-10ff668 FPGA device.
The subjective frequency of word n-grams

When asked to think about the subjective frequency of an n-gram (a group of n words), what properties of the n-gram influence the respondent? It has been recently shown that n-grams that occurred more frequently in a large corpus of English were read faster than n-grams that occurred less frequently (Arnon & Snider, 2010), an effect that is analogous to the frequency effects in word reading and lexical decision. The subjective frequency of words has also been extensively studied and linked to performance on linguistic tasks. We investigated the capacity of people to gauge the absolute and relative frequencies of n-grams. Subjective frequency ratings collected for 352 n-grams showed a strong correlation with corpus frequency, in particular for n-grams with the highest subjective frequency. These n-grams were then paired up and used in a relative frequency decision task (e.g. Is green hills more frequent than weekend trips? ). Accuracy on this task was reliably above chance, and the trial-level accuracy was best predicted by a model that included the corpus frequencies of the whole n-grams. A computational model of word recognition (Baayen, Milin, Djurdjevic, Hendrix, & Marelli, 2011) was then used to attempt to simulate subjective frequency ratings, with limited success. Our results suggest that human n-gram frequency intuitions arise from the probabilistic information contained in n-grams.
Socioeconomic Status and Prevalence of Obesity and Diabetes in a Mexican American Community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004-2007

Introduction Mexican Americans are at increased risk for obesity and diabetes. We established a cohort on the United States-Mexico border to determine the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in this Mexican American population and to see whether minor economic advantages had any effect on health. Methods We randomly selected and extensively documented 810 people aged 35 to 64 years. Weighted data were analyzed to establish prevalence of obesity and diabetes and other markers of poor health such as elevated glycated hemoglobin levels. Results Rates of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) were 57% in the first (lower) of 4 socioeconomic strata by income and were 55.5% in the third (higher). People in the higher socioeconomic stratum were significantly less likely to have undiagnosed diabetes (2% vs 9%). Among people aged 55 to 64 years, rates of diabetes were significantly higher among those in the lower socioeconomic stratum than among those in the higher stratum. Rates of undiagnosed diabetes had similar differences. Approximately three-fourths of the respondents reported having no health insurance, and we found no difference between people in different socioeconomic strata. Conclusion Rates of obesity and diabetes in this border community are among the highest in the United States. Belonging to the lower socioeconomic stratum significantly increased the likelihood of having undiagnosed diabetes and, in patients too young to be eligible for Medicare, the overall risk of developing diabetes. Modest improvement in income has a beneficial effect on health in this racial/ethnic minority community.