Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estrogen withdrawal, increased breast cancer risk and the KRAS-variant

The KRAS-variant is a biologically functional, microRNA binding site variant, which predicts increased cancer risk especially for women. Because external exposures, such as chemotherapy, differentially impact the effect of this mutation, we evaluated the association of estrogen exposures, breast cancer (BC) risk and tumor biology in women with the KRAS-variant. Women with BC (n = 1712), the subset with the KRAS-variant (n = 286) and KRAS-variant unaffected controls (n = 80) were evaluated, and hormonal exposures, KRAS-variant status, and pathology were compared. The impact of estrogen withdrawal on transformation of isogenic normal breast cell lines with or without the KRAS-variant was studied. Finally, the association and presentation characteristics of the KRAS-variant and multiple primary breast cancer (MPBC) were evaluated. KRAS-variant BC patients were more likely to have ovarian removal pre-BC diagnosis than non-variant BC patients (p = 0.033). In addition, KRAS-variant BC patients also appeared to have a lower estrogen state than KRAS-variant unaffected controls, with a lower BMI (P < 0.001). Finally, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) discontinuation in KRAS-variant patients was associated with a diagnosis of triple negative BC (P < 0.001). Biologically confirming our clinical findings, acute estrogen withdrawal led to oncogenic transformation in KRAS-variant positive isogenic cell lines. Finally, KRAS-variant BC patients had greater than an 11-fold increased risk of presenting with MPBC compared to non-variant patients (45.39% vs 6.78%, OR 11.44 [3.42–37.87], P < 0.001). Thus, estrogen withdrawal and a low estrogen state appear to increase BC risk and to predict aggressive tumor biology in women with the KRAS-variant, who are also significantly more likely to present with multiple primary breast cancer.
Genre and Literacy-Modeling Context in Educational Linguistics

Christie (1992), in the previous year's volume of the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, reviewed literacy initiatives in Australia which drew on systemic functional linguistics, focusing on three themes: differences between speech and writing, written genres, and the study of spoken language. This paper is designed to complement her review, highlighting ongoing research within the same general theoretical framework, and focusing on the general question of modeling context in educational linguistics.
Perfectionism and athlete burnout in junior elite athletes: the mediating role of coping tendencies

Abstract Recent research indicates that some dimensions of perfectionism are positively related to athlete burnout, whereas others are negatively related to athlete burnout. The divergent relationship between these dimensions of perfectionism and athlete burnout may be explained by different coping tendencies. The present investigation examined whether different coping tendencies mediate the relationship between self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism and burnout. Two-hundred and six junior elite athletes (M age=15.15 years, SD=1.88 years, range=11–22 years) completed measures of self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, coping tendencies, and athlete burnout. Structural equation modeling indicated that the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism and athlete burnout was mediated by different coping tendencies. Higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism was related to higher levels of avoidant coping which, in turn, was related to higher levels of athlete burnout. In contrast, higher levels of self-oriented perfectionism was related to higher levels of problem-focused coping and lower levels of avoidant coping which, in turn, was related to lower levels of athlete burnout. The findings suggest that different coping tendencies may underpin the divergent relationship between self-oriented and socially prescribed dimensions of perfectionism and athlete burnout.
A Power and Prediction Analysis for Knockoffs with Lasso Statistics

Knockoffs is a new framework for controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) in multiple hypothesis testing problems involving complex statistical models. While there has been great emphasis on Type-I error control, Type-II errors have been far less studied. In this paper we analyze the false negative rate or, equivalently, the power of a knockoff procedure associated with the Lasso solution path under an i.i. d. Gaussian design, and find that knockoffs asymptotically achieve close to optimal power with respect to an omniscient oracle. Furthermore, we demonstrate that for sparse signals, performing model selection via knockoff filtering achieves nearly ideal prediction errors as compared to a Lasso oracle equipped with full knowledge of the distribution of the unknown regression coefficients. The i.i. d. Gaussian design is adopted to leverage results concerning the empirical distribution of the Lasso estimates, which makes power calculation possible for both knockoff and oracle procedures.
Outward Foreign Direct Investment and Domestic Investment: the Case of Developing Countries; by Ali J. Al-Sadig; IMF Working Paper 13/52; February 1, 2013

Over the past two decades, the growth rate of outward foreign direct investment (FDI) from developing and transition economies has increased significantly. Given the role of physical capital accumulation in determining the economic growth rate, it is important to assess how domestic investment responds to such outflows. This study empirically examines the effects of outward FDI on domestic investment in developing countries. Using data from 121 developing and transition economies over the period 1990–2010, the results suggest that FDI outflows negatively impact the rate of domestic investment. JEL Classification Numbers: E22, F21, F23, O16
The Statistical Recurrent Unit

Sophisticated gated recurrent neural network architectures like LSTMs and GRUs have been shown to be highly effective in a myriad of applications. We develop an un-gated unit, the statistical recurrent unit (SRU), that is able to learn long term dependencies in data by only keeping moving averages of statistics. The SRU's architecture is simple, un-gated, and contains a comparable number of parameters to LSTMs; yet, SRUs perform favorably to more sophisticated LSTM and GRU alternatives, often outperforming one or both in various tasks. We show the efficacy of SRUs as compared to LSTMs and GRUs in an unbiased manner by optimizing respective architectures' hyperparameters for both synthetic and real-world tasks.
Effects of magnesium and vitamin b6 on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

INTRODUCTION The importance of resolving the problem of premenstrual syndrome for patients has been emphasized due to its direct and indirect economical effects on the society. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 on the severity of premenstrual syndrome in patients referring to health centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2009-10. METHODS This two-stage double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 126 women who were randomly allocated into 3 groups to receive magnesium, vitamin B6, or placebo. The study was performed in 10 selected health centers in Isfahan and lasted for 4 months. To confirm premenstrual syndrome, the participants were asked to complete a menstrual diary for 2 months at home. Drug interventions were continued for two cycles and the results of before and after the intervention were compared. RESULTS The findings of this study showed that the mean scores of premenstrual syndrome significantly decreased after the intervention in all groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION According to our findings, vitamin B6 and placebo had the most and least efficiency in improving the mean premenstrual syndrome score.
Arabinose‐Induction of lac‐Derived Promoter Systems for Penicillin Acylase Production in Escherichia coli

Arabinose was shown to serve as an effective inducer for induction of the lac‐derived promoters in Escherichia coli using penicillin acylase (PAC) as a model protein. Upon the induction with a conventional inducer, isopropyl‐β‐d‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), for pac overexpression, which is regulated by thetrc or (DE3)/T7 promoter, the production of PAC was limited by the accumulation of PAC precursors (proPAC) as inclusion bodies. Negative cellular responses, such as growth inhibition and cell lysis, were frequently observed, resulting in a low pac expression level and poor culture performance. Interestingly, these technical hurdles can be overcome simply through the use of arabinose as an inducer. The results indicate that arabinose not only induced the lac‐derived promoter systems (i.e., trc and (DE3)/T7) for pac (or LLpac) overexpression but also facilitated the posttranslational processing of proPAC for maturation. However, the arabinose‐inducibility appears to be host‐dependent and becomes less observable in the strains with a mutation in the ara operon. The arabinose‐inducibility was also investigated in the expression system with the coexistence of the trc promoter system regulating pac expression and another arabinose‐inducible promoter system of araB regulating degP coexpression.
Work Outcomes for Female Liver Transplant Recipients With Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

The purpose of this retrospective survey was to describe post-liver transplant work outcomes for female liver transplant recipients with histories of alcohol-related liver disease. The theoretical framework guiding the study was Laffrey’s conception of health. The Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test was used to measure alcohol-related liver disease. Forty-seven female liver transplant recipients whose Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test scores were indicative of alcohol-related liver disease comprised the convenience sample. Using a mailed questionnaire, post-transplant work and daily activities were assessed. Work was operationally defined as including either employment or household work. Results revealed that 59% of the female recipients were working post-transplant and that working recipients had higher conception of health scores than did non-working recipients.
Cell signaling pathways in the neuroprotective actions of the green tea polyphenol (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate: implications for neurodegenerative diseases

Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that brain iron misregulation and oxidative stress (OS), resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation from H2O2 and inflammatory processes, trigger a cascade of events leading to apoptotic/necrotic cell death in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's (PD), Alzheimer's (AD) and Huntington's diseases, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Thus, novel therapeutic approaches aimed at neutralization of OS-induced neurotoxicity, support the application of ROS scavengers, transition metals (e.g. iron and copper) chelators and non-vitamin natural antioxidant polyphenols, in monotherapy, or as part of antioxidant cocktail formulation for these diseases. Both experimental and epidemiological evidence demonstrate that flavonoid polyphenols, particularly from green tea and blueberries, improve age-related cognitive decline and are neuroprotective in models of PD, AD and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injuries. However, recent studies indicate that the radical scavenger property of green tea polyphenols is unlikely to be the sole explanation for their neuroprotective capacity and in fact, a wide spectrum of cellular signaling events may well account for their biological actions. In this article, the currently established mechanisms involved in the beneficial health action and emerging studies concerning the putative novel molecular neuroprotective activity of green tea and its major polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), will be reviewed and discussed.
Teacher knowledge of assistive technology for inclusive classrooms

This nonexperimental, mixed-methods study explored elementary general and special education teachers’ knowledge related to assistive technology as both teacher groups are charged with the appropriate education of students with special needs in inclusive classrooms. The study sought to examine the nature of the knowledge that drives the decision making process related to assistive technology and how such knowledge is acquired. The conceptual framework for this study was a blend of Shulman’s concept of pedagogical content knowledge as a category within the teacher knowledge base and Shulman’s sources of teacher knowledge. Participants for the study included elementary general and special education teachers from a school district in Northeast Alabama. Teachers completed a survey during which they rated their level of familiarity with each device, their perceived utility of each device, and, if applicable, a brief description of how they have implemented the device and how they acquired knowledge related to the device. Then, the researcher conducted three focus groups: a focus group of elementary general education teachers, a focus group of elementary special education teachers, and a focus group that blended the two teacher groups. Data from the focus groups were analyzed through the lens of Shulman’s concept of pedagogical content knowledge and sources of teacher knowledge. Results from the study suggested a significant difference in the knowledge of assistive technology between elementary general education teachers and elementary special education teachers. Yet, both teacher groups involved within the study seemed to view assistive technology as a valuable tool for benefitting students with special needs in inclusive classrooms. Knowledge of how to select and implement assistive technology appears to be a very specialized
Diverging trends in incidence and mortality, and improved survival of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in the Netherlands, 1989-2007.

BACKGROUND We studied progress in the fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the Netherlands by describing the changes in incidence, treatment, relative survival, and mortality during 1989-2007. PATIENTS AND METHODS We included all adult patients with NHL [i.e. all mature B-, T-, and natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms, with the exception of plasma cell neoplasms], newly diagnosed in the period 1989-2007 and recorded in the Netherlands Cancer Registry (n=55 069). Regular mortality data were derived from Statistics Netherlands. Follow-up was completed up to 1 January 2009. Annual percentages of change in incidence, mortality, and relative survival were calculated. RESULTS The incidence of indolent B-cell and T- and NK-cell neoplasms rose significantly (estimated annual percentage change=1.2% and 1.3%, respectively); incidence of aggressive B-cell neoplasms remained stable. Mortality due to NHL remained stable between 1989 and 2003, and has decreased since 2003. Five-year relative survival rates rose from 67% to 75%, and from 43% to 52%, respectively, for indolent and aggressive mature B-cell neoplasms, but 5-year survival remained stable at 48% for T- and NK-cell neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS In the Netherlands, incidence of indolent mature B-cell and mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms has increased since 1989 but remained stable for aggressive neoplasms. Survival increased for all mature B-cell neoplasms, preceding a declining mortality and increased prevalence of NHL (17 597 on 1 January 2008).
Assessment literacy in primary physical education

Internationally, assessment is acknowledged as a critical aspect of pedagogical practice and accountability systems, and as having a fundamental bearing upon what knowledge and ways of articulating knowledge come to be valued in schools. Teachers’ assessment literacy is arguably fundamental to their ability to successfully engage with multiple expectations of assessment and to facilitate assessment as a process that continually supports learning. Informed by Hay and Penney’s ((2013) Assessment in Physical Education: A Sociocultural Perspective. London: Routledge) assessment literacy framework, a qualitative case study investigation was undertaken with 18 primary physical education teachers in a regional area in Australia to gain insight into their assessment practices. The study utilised informal interviews, survey and document analysis. Primary physical education teachers were shown to be engaging with the comprehension, application, interpretation and critical engagement elements of the assessment literacy framework, albeit with limitations. Assessment practices appear to be embedded in teaching practices but were, in the main, superficial. Data analysis highlighted gaps in knowledge about assessment, a focus on accountability and performance, and a lack of moderation and student engagement in assessment. This study directs attention to the tensions, uncertainties and complexities associated with developing assessment of physical education and the challenges associated with extending quality and efficacy in assessment practices.
The effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation on the surface microstructure and roughness of hydroxyapatite-coated implant

Purpose The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation on the change of hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implant surface microstructure according to the laser energy and the application time. Methods The implant surface was irradiated by Er:YAG laser under combination condition using the laser energy of 100 mJ/pulse, 140 mJ/pulse and 180 mJ/pulse and application time of 1 minute, 1.5 minutes and 2 minutes. The specimens were examined by surface roughness evaluation and scanning electron microscopic observation. Results In scanning electron microscope, HA-coated implant surface was not altered by Er:YAG laser irradiation under experimental condition on 100 mJ/pulse, 1 minute. Local areas with surface melting and cracks were founded on 100 mJ/pulse, 1.5 minutes and 2 minutes. One hundred forty mJ/pulse and 180 mJ/pulse group had surface melting and peeling area of HA particles, which condition was more severe depending on the increase of application time. Under all experimental condition, the difference of surface roughness value on implant surface was not statistically significant. Conclusions Er:YAG laser on HA-coated implant surface is recommended to be irradiated below 100 mJ/pulse, 1 minute for detoxification of implant surface without surface alteration.
Working with families following brain injury

It has been recognised for several decades that a moderate to severe acquired brain injury frequently causes a high level of psychological stress within the immediate family, who often provide long-term care and support. However, although there is an abundance of research evidence for family burden and stress following brain injury, research into the effectiveness of psychological interventions designed to support such families is relatively scarce. This paper will summarise some of the existing research literature and examine the clinical process of working with families following acquired brain injury. After a brief and selective review of the evidence for caregiver stress following brain injury, we will consider some theoretical models and concepts relevant to family work, and the existing research evidence regarding family interventions. We will then focus on our experience of working with families in clinical practice and our approach will be illustrated using a case study.
Effect of Socio-economic Variables on Immediate Memory Span of School Children of Hisar

Abstract The present study was attempted to make an insight into the immediate memory span for digits among the school children aged (10-12 years) and its relation with different socio-economic variables. A sample of 204 school going children was selected purposively from Hisar city in Haryana. They were tested individually for memory span with the help of PGI Memory scale and other aspects were studied with the help of a pre-structured interview schedule. The results showed that overall mean span of memory were 6. 04 in 10-11years and 6. 06 in 11-12 years. This shows that immediate memory span increases gradually and slowly with age. On studying the association of memory span and various socio-economic variables, it has been found that Age, sex, family type and type of school were not related significantly to memory span. Whereas, income, caste, education, occupation of father and school environment showed a statistically significant relationship.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Magnesium Concentrations in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Magnesium concentration is a proven predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients. Recent reports have indicated that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use affects serum magnesium levels, however few studies have investigated the relationship between PPI use and magnesium levels in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to clarify the association between PPI use and serum magnesium levels in hemodialysis patients. We designed this cross sectional study and included 1189 hemodialysis patients in stable condition. Associations between PPI and magnesium-related factors, as well as other possible confounders, were evaluated using a multiple regression model. We defined hypomagnesemia as a value < 2.0 mg/dL, and created comparable logistic regression models to assess the association between PPI use and hypomagnesemia. PPI use is associated with a significantly lower mean serum magnesium level than histamine 2 (H2) receptor antagonists or no acid-suppressive medications (mean [SD] PPI: 2.52 [0.45] mg/dL; H2 receptor antagonist: 2.68 [0.41] mg/dL; no acid suppressive medications: 2.68 [0.46] mg/dL; P = 0.001). Hypomagnesemia remained significantly associated with PPI (adjusted OR, OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.14–3.69; P = 0.017). PPI use is associated with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia in hemodialysis patients. Future prospective studies are needed to explore magnesium replacement in PPI users on hemodialysis.
VEGF levels in the alveolar compartment do not distinguish between ARDS and hydrostatic pulmonary oedema

Although overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 165 in the lung causes pulmonary oedema, its role in human acute lung injury (ALI) is unclear. VEGF levels are reported to be lower in bronchoalveolar lavage from ALI patients compared with normals, but these studies did not include a comparably ill control group with noninflammatory pulmonary oedema. The current authors hypothesised that VEGF levels in pulmonary oedema fluid would be lower in ALI patients compared with control patients with severe hydrostatic pulmonary oedema. VEGF was measured in pulmonary oedema fluid and plasma from 56 patients with ALI and 46 controls with severe hydrostatic pulmonary oedema. Pulmonary oedema fluid levels of VEGF did not differ between patients with hydrostatic oedema (median 799 pg·mL−1, interquartile range (IQR) 226–2,281) and ALI (median 507, IQR 0.8–1,031). Plasma levels were also the same (median 20.5 pg·mL−1, IQR 0–152 versus 4.8, IQR 0–99.8). There was no association between plasma or oedema fluid VEGF levels and outcomes including mortality. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in pulmonary oedema fluid were depressed both in acute lung injury and hydrostatic pulmonary oedema. The decrease in air space concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor in acute lung injury may not be a function of the degree of lung injury, but rather may result from alveolar flooding.