Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Conundrum of Calcaneal Spurs

Background: Chronic plantar heel pain is a common and potentially debilitating condition, often caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar calcaneal spurs were originally considered the cause of plantar fasciitis but are now regarded as an incidental finding by most authors. We aimed to test this hypothesis and to investigate predisposing factors for the development of spurs. Methods: We reviewed all lateral ankle X rays taken in our institution over a 6-month period and identified all X rays demonstrating calcaneal spurs. Then, we identified a similar number of age- and sex-matched controls without spurs. We contacted both groups by telephone and compared symptoms of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, associated comorbidities, and foot and ankle outcome scores (FAOSs). Results: We reviewed the X rays of 1103 consecutive patients and found a spur prevalence of 12.4%, more common in women and older patients. Questioning of the spur group and control group found a higher body mass index in the spur group. Patients with spurs were 4 times more likely to have diabetes mellitus and 10 times more likely to have lower-limb osteoarthritis. Patients with spurs had more foot pain and poorer FAOS than the control group, even when patients with plantar fasciitis were excluded. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the presence of a plantar calcaneal spur may be an indicator of foot pain independent of plantar fasciitis. Although spurs may not cause foot pain themselves, they may be an indication of other associated conditions. Clinical relevance: We have demonstrated the relevance of a radiographic finding once considered irrelevant. Level of Evidence: Prognostic, Level III: Case-control study
Proteins of the malaria parasite sexual stages: expression, function and potential for transmission blocking strategies

SUMMARY The sexual phase of the malaria pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum, culminates in fertilization within the midgut of the mosquito and represents a crucial step in the completion of the parasite's life-cycle and transmission of the disease. Two decades ago, the first sexual stage-specific surface proteins were identified, among them Pfs230, Pfs48/45, and Pfs25, which were of scientific interest as candidates for the development of transmission blocking vaccines. A decade later, gene information gained from the sequencing of the P. falciparum genome led to the identification of numerous additional sexual-stage proteins with antigenic properties and novel enzymes that putatively possess regulatory functions during sexual-stage development. This review aims to summarize the sexual-stage proteins identified to date, to compare their stage specificities and expression patterns and to highlight novel regulative mechanisms of sexual differentiation. The prospective candidacy of select sexual-stage proteins as targets for transmission blocking strategies will be discussed.
Accurate static branch prediction by value range propagation

The ability to predict at compile time the likelihood of a particular branch being taken provides valuable information for several optimizations, including global instruction scheduling, code layout, function inlining, interprocedural register allocation and many high level optimizations. Previous attempts at static branch prediction have either used simple heuristics, which can be quite inaccurate, or put the burden onto the programmer by using execution profiling data or source code hints. This paper presents a new approach to static branch prediction called value range propagation. This method tracks the weighted value ranges of variables through a program, much like constant propagation. These value ranges may be either numeric of symbolic in nature. Branch prediction is then performed by simply consulting the value range of the appropriate variable. Heuristics are used as a fallback for cases where the value range of the variable cannot be determined statically. In the process, value range propagationsubsumes both constant propagation and copy propagation. Experimental results indicate that this approach produces significantly more accurate predictions than the best existing heuristic techniques. The value range propagation method can be implemented over any “factored” dataflow representation with a static single assignment property (such as SSA form or a dependence flow graph where the variables have been renamed to achieve single assignment). Experimental results indicate that the technique maintains the linear runtime behavior of constant propagation experienced in practice.
Cellular phenotypes in human stenotic lesions from haemodialysis vascular access.

BACKGROUND Haemodialysis vascular access dysfunction (due to venous stenosis and thrombosis) is a leading cause of hospitalization and morbidity. The aim of the current study was to identify the specific cell types present within stenotic tissue samples from patients with AV fistula and graft failure. METHODS Discarded tissue segments were collected from the stenotic portions (usually near the graft-vein anastomosis or the AV anastomosis) of 23 dialysis grafts and 20 AV fistulae, and examined for expression of smooth muscle alpha actin, desmin, vimentin and a macrophage marker. RESULTS The majority of cells within the venous neointima (both grafts and fistulae) were myofibroblasts, with a smaller number of desmin positive smooth muscle cells. The graft neointima had a similar cellular phenotype, albeit without any desmin positive contractile smooth muscle cells. The majority of cells within the PTFE graft material were macrophages. Analysis of sequential sections revealed the presence of fibroblasts within the venous neointima and intragraft region. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that contractile smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts and macrophages all play a role in the pathogenesis of dialysis access dysfunction (grafts and fistulae). Targeting these specific cell types might result in the development of novel therapeutic paradigms for haemodialysis vascular access dysfunction.
Investigating effort–reward imbalance and work–family conflict in relation to morningness–eveningness and shift work

Abstract The effort–reward imbalance model (ERI; Siegrist, 1996) has been found to be a strong predictor of both psychological and physiological outcomes. Morningness–eveningness (M-E) is believed to relate to shift workers’ ease of adjustment to irregular working patterns. However, it has not been investigated in conjunction with the ERI model. The present study (1) explored whether M-E acts as a predictor of psychological adjustment to shift work, above and beyond the contribution of the ERI model and (2) examined whether the formulation of the ERI model may be overly complex. A sample of police employees (N=112) completed a baseline questionnaire that contained the ERI model and a measure of M-E. Two months later, participants completed measures of work–family conflict and burnout. Regression analyses demonstrated that ERI was a significant predictor of psychological adjustment to shift work. Moreover, and for the first time, M-E was found to make a unique contribution to the prediction of work–family conflict, such that evening types reported greater levels of maladjustment. However, it did not make a unique contribution to the prediction of burnout. The possibility that the ERI model is unnecessarily complex received partial support, with the ratio score only contributing additional variance in one of four regressions. The results indicate that adjustment to shift work and attendant effects on work–family conflict can be affected by an individual's morning-evening typology.
Immovable magic - Pierre Bourdieu on gender and power

The goal of the article is threefold. First, the gender theoretical reasoning in Pierre Bourdieu's sociology is reviewed and interpreted. Second, Bourdieu's gender perspective is related to his most important theoretical sources of inspiration, above all Durkheim and Weber. Third, some critical remarks about Bourdieu are presented. With his strong emphasis on self-reproducing power mechanisms, Bourdieu becomes nearly defeatist in his descriptions of society's gender system. In his own strange way, he seems to be a more convinced feminist than most of the declared feminists who conduct gender research today.
A systematic review of social support in youth sport

The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies concerning social support in youth sport from 1990 to 2013. A total of 73 studies were evaluated and are reported in four sections: sample characteristics; research designs; social support provider type; and key correlates relating to social support. Samples ranged from 1 to 564. Studies examined a wide range of sports, ages (10–22 years) and competition levels. Studies used qualitative (23%), quantitative (75%) and mixed-model (2%) designs. The main conclusion is that recent advances in the conceptualization of social support have generated a more diverse set of methods to examine the quantity and satisfaction of social support in a sports context. Coaches were identified as the most prevalent provider of social support through offering participants unique forms of tangible, informational, emotional and esteem support. Furthermore, coach, parent and peer support plays a significant role in shaping youth sport experiences both from a positive (athlete motivation levels, elite sport participation) and negative (drop-out) perspective. The discussion focuses on the current status of the research area, limitations, suggested practical implications (e.g., providing proactive support) and future research directions (e.g., examining optimal support matching).
Temperature and pH-dependent supramolecular self-assembly of amelogenin molecules: a dynamic light-scattering analysis.

Evidence for the molecular self-assembly of amelogenin proteins to form quasi-spherical particles ("nanospheres") in solution, both in vitro and in vivo, has recently been documented. A particle-size distribution analysis of dynamic light-scattering data was undertaken to investigate the influence of temperature on this molecular self-assembly process at three different pH's. The long-term objective was to correlate these observations to the unusual physiochemical characteristics of the protein, to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of amelogenin "nanospheres" and understanding of their putative relation to amelogenin function in vivo. We analyzed data using two different algorithms: Dynamics and DynaLS. It was found that at pH 8, in a temperature range between 5 and 25 degrees C, the size of the recombinant amelogenin nanospheres is monodisperse, giving rise to particles of 15-18 nm in hydrodynamic radius. However, heterogeneous distribution of particle size was observed at temperature ranges between 27 and 35 degrees C, becoming monodisperse again with larger particles (60-70 nm) after the temperature was elevated to 37-40 degrees C. We interpret these results to suggest that amelogenin molecular self-association possesses a second stage assembly process at temperatures of 30-35 degrees C, creating larger entities which apparently are structured and stable at 37-40 degreesC. The effect of pH on the size of amelogenin "aggregates" was much more noticeable at 37 degrees C compared to that at 25 degrees C. This observation suggests that at physiological temperature (i.e., 37 degrees C) amelogenin molecular self-assembly is extremely sensitive to pH changes. This finding supports the notion that local pH changes in the microenvironment of the enamel extracellular matrix may play critical roles in controlling the structural organization of the organic matrix framework.
Conceptualizing ConflictSpace: Toward a Geography of Relational Power and Embeddedness in the Analysis of Interstate Conflict

The concept of ConflictSpace facilitates the systematic analysis of interstate conflict data. Building on relational theories of power, we identify the spatiality of conflict as a combination of territorial and network embeddedness. The former is modeled through spatial analysis and the latter by social network analysis. A brief empirical example of the spread of World War I illustrates how the position of states within physical and network spaces explains their roles within a broader geography of territorial settings and network relations.
Is Unsolicited Support Protective or Destructive in Collectivistic Culture? Receipt of Unsolicited Job Leads and Depression in Urban China

Is receipt of unsolicited support—aid that is passively obtained without asking—protective or destructive in collectivistic culture? This study focuses on receipt of unsolicited job leads and examines competing hypotheses on its direct and indirect effects (through financial dissatisfaction) on depression using unique nationally representative data of working-age urban adults in China. Its direct effect should be negative from the distress-reducing perspective but positive from the distress-inducing perspective. Its indirect effect should be negative based on the stress prevention model but positive predicted by comparative reference group theory. Also, the reinforced collectivistic norm explanation expects the distress-reducing perspective and the stress prevention model to have stronger explanatory power in China. Results from path analysis support the distress-inducing perspective and comparative reference group theory. Receipt of unsolicited job leads is positively associated with depression partially through financial dissatisfaction in urban China.
Voices of Early Career Psychologists in Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology Ψ

This article reports on a survey of early career members of the Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP). Seventy early career psychologists completed a survey assessing the usefulness and climate of SCP, barriers to and facilitative factors for involvement in SCP, inclusiveness of SCP regarding cultural diversity and professional interests, degree of involvement in various aspects of SCP, and their areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with SCP membership. In general, participants were split on the degree to which they were satisfied with SCP, with participants in faculty positions reporting significantly more positive views of SCP than their practitioner counterparts did. Faculty members viewed SCP as more useful to their careers and reported more positive social interactions within SCP than did non–faculty members. Open-ended responses suggested that satisfaction with SCP was related to availability of mentorship and opportunities for involvement in SCP. Suggestions for engaging new professionals in SCP are offered.
‘Meeting Face to Face Creates New Insights’: Recruiting Persons with User Experiences as Students in an Educational Programme in Social Work

Even though empowerment and involvement of users have, for a long time, been important goals for educational programmes in social work, these programmes have only to a very little extent availed themselves of the resources that people with user experiences have to offer. This article will present a course that is part of the bachelor programmes in social work and social education at Lillehammer University College in Norway. Persons with user experiences were recruited and took part in a course on equal terms with the bachelor students. Four lecturers from the college, including the author as the project leader, carried out the planning and implementation of the course. The article gives an account of the experiences gained from the course as expressed by the students.
Mentoring and Undergraduate Academic Success: A Literature Review

Despite a growing body of research about mentoring, definitional, theoretical, and methodological deficiencies reduce the usefulness of existing research. This article provides a critical review of the literature on mentoring, with an emphasis on the links between mentoring and undergraduate academic success. The first section describes a variety of ways in which mentoring has been defined within higher education, management, and psychology. Issues related to developing a standard operational definition of mentoring within higher education are discussed. The second section provides a critical review of empirical research about mentoring and undergraduate education. The third section describes four different theoretical perspectives that could be used in future research about mentoring. Finally, future directions for research, including methodological issues and substantive concerns, are addressed.
NMR Structure and CD Titration with Metal Cations of Human Prion α2-Helix-Related Peptides

The 173–195 segment corresponding to the helix 2 of the C-globular prion protein domain could be one of several “spots” of intrinsic conformational flexibility. In fact, it possesses chameleon conformational behaviour and gathers several disease-associated point mutations. We have performed spectroscopic studies on the wild-type fragment 173–195 and on its D178N mutant dissolved in trifluoroethanol to mimic the in vivo system, both in the presence and in the absence of metal cations. NMR data showed that the structure of the D178N mutant is characterized by two short helices separated by a kink, whereas the wild-type peptide is fully helical. Both peptides retained these structural organizations, as monitored by CD, in the presence of metal cations. NMR spectra were however not in favour of the formation of definite ion-peptide complexes. This agrees with previous evidence that other regions of the prion protein are likely the natural target of metal cation binding.
Functional Role of Gonadotrope Plasticity and Network Organization

Gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary are characterized by their ability to mount a cyclical pattern of gonadotropin secretion to regulate gonadal function and fertility. Recent in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that gonadotropes exhibit dramatic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) exposure. GnRH engagement of actin is critical for gonadotrope function on multiple levels. First, GnRH-induced cell movements lead to spatial repositioning of the in vivo gonadotrope network toward vascular endothelium, presumably to access the bloodstream for effective hormone release. Interestingly, these plasticity changes can be modified depending on the physiological status of the organism. Additionally, GnRH-induced actin assembly appears to be fundamental to gonadotrope signaling at the level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, which is a well-known regulator of luteinizing hormone (LH) β-subunit synthesis. Last, GnRH-induced cell membrane projections are capable of concentrating LHβ-containing vesicles and disruption of the actin cytoskeleton reduces LH secretion. Taken together, gonadotrope network positioning and LH synthesis and secretion are linked to GnRH engagement of the actin cytoskeleton. In this review, we will cover the dynamics and organization of the in vivo gonadotrope cell network and the mechanisms of GnRH-induced actin-remodeling events important in ERK activation and subsequently hormone secretion.
Relationships among Parenting Practices, Parental Stress, Child Behaviour, and Children's Social-Cognitive Development.

The present study included observational and self-report measures to examine associations among parental stress, parental behaviour, child behaviour, and children's theory of mind and emotion understanding. Eighty-three parents and their 3- to 5-year-old children participated. Parents completed measures of parental stress, parenting (laxness, overreactivity), and child behaviour (internalizing, externalizing); children completed language, theory of mind, and emotion understanding measures. Parent–child interactions also were observed (N=47). Laxness and parenting stress predicted children's theory of mind performance and parental usage of imitative gestures and vocalizations accounted for unique variance in emotion understanding. Associations also were found between child behaviour and emotion understanding. Results provide support for direct and indirect associations between parent–child interactions and early social-cognitive development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow through Collapsible Tubes at High Reynolds Numbers

The pressure-flow relationships of collapsible tubes were studied utilizing the Starling resistor model. Reynolds numbers much higher than previously reported were used to simulate high cardiac output states. Alterations which occur in vivo, including longitudinal tension, stretch, tubing diameter, length, and outflow resistance were also simulated and systematically investigated. The pressure-flow curves showed an initial rising phase, a plateau phase, as well as a late-rising phase which has not been reported previously. Self-induced oscillations occurred during the plateau phase and persisted throughout the late-rising phase. These perturbations were markedly increased by longitudinal tension and stretch, but were attenuated by increased diameter, length, and outflow pressure. These instabilities may prove to be an explanation for the “venoiia hum.
‘Once upon a time there was a mouse’: children's technology-mediated storytelling in preschool class

With the current expansion of digital tools, the media used for narration is changing, challenging traditional literacies in educational settings. The present study explores what kind of activities emerge when six-year-old children in a preschool class write a digital story, using a word processor and speech-synthesised feedback computer software. Empirical material was collected in a primary school that participates in a larger community project on writing with digital technology. The focus of the study is on how the storytelling activity is mediated by the technologies and the participants (teacher and children). The results show that the digital tools used, in part, directed the children away from narrating, instead turning their attention to negotiations of division of labour and literate conventions. The latter were also at the forefront of the teacher's contributions to the children's activity. Despite these circumstances, the children succeed in accomplishing the instructed task of collaboratively composing a story.