Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early education and care experiences and cognitive skills development: A comparative perspective between Australian and American children

Australia and the US, while sharing many cultural and economic similarities, show notable differences in policies and practices regarding children's early education and care (EEC). Although both countries rely on the private market for EEC, Australia has stronger supports for high-quality EEC and provides parents of all income levels greater financial support for EEC. Little research has compared the EEC experiences of young children in the two contexts and resultant links with children's readiness for formal schooling. This research uses nationally representative longitudinal birth cohort studies from Australia and the US to address two primary questions. First, what are the types and extent of EEC experiences during infancy, toddler and preschool years in the two contexts? Second, do EEC experiences promote the cognitive skills essential for children's success at school?
Growth-differentiation factor-15 for early risk stratification in patients with acute chest pain

Aims Growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has emerged as a biomarker of increased mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) in patients diagnosed with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. We explored the usefulness of GDF-15 for early risk stratification in 479 unselected patients with acute chest pain. Methods and results Sixty-nine per cent of the patients presented with GDF-15 levels above the previously defined upper reference limit (1200 ng/L). The risks of the composite endpoint of death or (recurrent) MI after 6 months were 1.3, 5.1, and 12.6% in patients with normal (<1200 ng/L), moderately elevated (1200–1800 ng/L), or markedly elevated (>1800 ng/L) levels of GDF-15 on admission, respectively (P < 0.001). By multivariable analysis that included clinical characteristics, ECG findings, peak cardiac troponin I levels within 2 h (cTnI0–2 h), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, and cystatin C, GDF-15 remained an independent predictor of the composite endpoint. The ability of the ECG combined with peak cTnI0–2 h to predict the composite endpoint was markedly improved by addition of GDF-15 (c-statistic, 0.74 vs. 0.83; P < 0.001). Conclusion GDF-15 improves risk stratification in unselected patients with acute chest pain and provides prognostic information beyond clinical characteristics, the ECG, and cTnI.
Quiescent Times in Gamma-Ray Bursts: Hints of a Dormant Inner Engine

We perform a statistical analysis of the temporal structure of long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We consider a sample of bursts in which a long quiescent time is present. By comparing the prequiescent with the postquiescent emission we show that they display similar temporal structures, hardness ratios, and emitted powers, but, on average, the postquiescent emission is roughly twice as long as the prequiescent emission. We then analyze a sample of long and bright GRBs (long and faint GRBs are not included) and find that the average duration of the quiescent times is comparable to the average duration of the emission periods. This leads us to suggest an interpretation of quiescent times as due to dormancy periods of the inner engine. The interpretation of quiescent times as instead caused by stochastic modulations of a continuous wind is less plausible due to the larger energy requirements that it imposes on the inner engine. Interestingly, before and after a dormancy period the inner engine produces similar emissions.
Rearrangeable Networks with Limited Depth

Rearrangeable networks are switching systems capable of establishing simultaneous independent communication paths in accordance with any one-to-one correspondence between their n inputs and n outputs. Classical results show that $\Omega ( n \log n )$ switches are necessary and that $O ( n \log n )$ switches are sufficient for such networks. We are interested in the minimum possible number of switches in rearrangeable networks in which the depth (the length of the longest path from an input to an output) is at most k, where k is fixed as n increases. We show that $\Omega ( n^{1 + 1/k} )$ switches are necessary and that $O ( n^{1 + 1/k} ( \log n )^{1/k} )$ switches are sufficient for such networks.
A 20-Year Follow-up of Young Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hormonal, metabolic, and anthropomorphic parameters change over 20 years in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: One hundred ninety-three women with PCOS, aged 20–25 years, were diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, divided into four phenotypes (A–D), and followed at 5-year intervals for 20 years. Androgens, gonadotropins, insulin, glucose, body mass index, waist circumference, and ovarian volume were measured. RESULTS: At diagnosis, 57% had classic features (phenotype A), 9% had classic features without ovarian findings (phenotype B), 26% had the ovulatory phenotype (C), and 7% were nonhyperandrogenic (D). After 10 years, androgens decreased (P<.05); at 15 years, waist circumference increased (P<.05); at 20 years, ovarian volume decreased (P<.01). Serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone decreased nonsignificantly and fasting insulin and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index were unchanged. Eighty-five women (44%) were ovulatory at 20 years, and 18 women (8%) could no longer be diagnosed as having PCOS. CONCLUSION: After 20 years of follow-up in women with PCOS, androgens and ovarian volume decreased and there were more ovulatory cycles suggesting a milder disorder, whereas metabolic abnormalities persisted and waist circumference increased. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Relationship between the estimates of desaturase activities and cardiometabolic phenotypes in Koreans

In the present study, we evaluated the relationships of estimated desaturase activities with cardiometabolic risk factors including abdominal obesity, atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype and inflammation in Koreans. Ninety-three healthy volunteers participated in this cross-sectional study. LDL particle size was determined using gradient gel electrophoresis and inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and adiponectin were measured. Stearoyl–coA desaturase, delta-6 desaturase and delta-5 desaturase were estimated as precursor to fatty acid ratios. The results showed that stearoyl–coA desaturase was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.235, p<0.05), triglyceride (r = 0.261, p<0.001), and HDL-cholesterol (r = −0.226, p<0.05). Stearoyl–coA desaturase was associated with only triglyceride (r = 0.283, p<0.01). Delta-6 desaturase was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.236, p<0.05), waist circumference (r = 0.218, p<0.05), triglyceride (r = 0.399, p<0.001), C-reactive protein (r = 0.333, p<0.001), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (r = 0.229, p<0.05), HDL-cholesterol (r = −0.325, p<0.01), LDL particle size (r = −0.297, p<0.01) and adiponectin (r = −0.233, p<0.05). In contrast, delta-5 desaturase was correlated with body mass index (r = −0.324, p<0.01), waist circumference (r = −0.276, p<0.01), triglyceride (r = −0.329, p<0.01), C-reactive protein (r = −0.215, p<0.05), HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.262, p<0.05) and LDL particle size (r = 0.278, p<0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that delta-6 desaturase (p<0.01) together with waist circumference (p<0.001) were found to be independent factors for determining plasma levels of C-reactive protein (R2 = 0.230). Estimated desaturase activities are closely associated with the features of cardiometabolic risk in Koreans.
Co-Regulations of Spartina alterniflora Invasion and Exogenous Nitrogen Loading on Soil N2O Efflux in Subtropical Mangrove Mesocosms

Both plant invasion and nitrogen (N) enrichment should have significant impact on mangrove ecosystems in coastal regions around the world. However, how N2O efflux in mangrove wetlands responds to these environmental changes has not been well studied. Here, we conducted a mesocosm experiment with native mangrove species Kandelia obovata, invasive salt marsh species Spartina alterniflora, and their mixture in a simulated tide rotation system with or without nitrogen addition. In the treatments without N addition, the N2O effluxes were relatively low and there were no significant variations among the three vegetation types. A pulse loading of exogenous ammonium nitrogen increased N2O effluxes from soils but the stimulatory effect gradually diminished over time, suggesting that frequent measurements are necessary to accurately understand the behavior of N-induced response of N2O emissions. With the N addition, the N2O effluxes from the invasive S. alterniflora were lower than that from native K. obovata mesocosms. This result may be attributed to higher growth of S. alterniflora consuming most of the available nitrogen in soils, and thus inhibiting N2O production. We concluded that N loading significantly increased N2O effluxes, while the invasion of S. alterniflora reduced N2O effluxes response to N loading in this simulated mangrove ecosystem. Thus, both plant invasion and excessive N loading can co-regulate soil N2O emissions from mangrove wetlands, which should be considered when projecting future N2O effluxes from this type of coastal wetland.
Improving Fiscal Policy in the EU: The Case for Independent Forecasts

ARE OFFICIAL OUTPUT FORECASTS BIASED? We point out that official forecasts of output dynamics are crucial to the assessment of cyclically adjusted budget balances, and provide evidence that in some euro-area countries biased forecasts have played a thus far neglected role in generating excessive deficits. We suggest that the forecast bias may be politically motivated, and that forecasts produced by an independent authority would be better than in-house Ministry of Finance forecasts for the purpose of monitoring budget formation and budget outcomes. — Lars Jonung and Martin Larch
IMMUNOREGULATION OF LIVER REGENERATION BY THE ARYL HYDROCARBON RECEPTOR: ROLE OF LYMPHOCYTES AND INTERFERON-GAMMA

The following individuals read and discussed the thesis submitted by student Christopher John Horras, and they evaluated his presentation and response to questions during the final oral examination. They found that the student passed the final oral examination. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Kristen Mitchell, for her guidance over the course of my time at Boise State University. I would like to thank Dr. Julia Oxford and Dr. Troy Rohn for their support as members of my thesis committee, and I would like to thank Dr. their expert advice and generosity. I would also like to acknowledge all of the current and past members of the Mitchell laboratory at Boise State University for all of their support and technical assistance. Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to my family and close friends for all of their encouragement, kindness, and love, especially my wife, Rachelle.Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent environmental contaminant that elicits toxicity by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The toxic effects associated with TCDD exposure include immunotoxicity and dysregulated cell cycle control, although the mechanisms are poorly understood. A previous report indicates that exposure to TCDD suppresses hepatocyte proliferation in a mouse model of liver regeneration induced by 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). Based on reports that liver regeneration is negatively regulated by interferon (IFN)-γ produced by activated natural killer (NK) cells, along with the well-established immunotoxic effects of TCDD in other model systems, we hypothesized that TCDD treatment attenuates liver regeneration by enhancing NK cell activation and IFN-γ production in the regenerating liver. We also considered the effects of TCDD on natural killer (NK) T and T cells, which are capable of producing IFN-γ as well. Mice were treated with TCDD (20 µg/kg) one day prior to v surgical PH. Hepatocyte proliferation in the remnant liver was measured based on the incorporation of a thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine. Lymphocytes were collected from the spleen and remnant liver and analyzed by flow cytometry. IFN-γ was measured by intracellular staining followed by flow cytometry. Consistent with other reports, we found that TCDD treatment suppressed hepatocyte proliferation in the regenerating liver by 50-80%. However, contrary to our hypothesis, exposure to TCDD had no effect on the number of lymphocytes in the spleen or liver after PH, nor did it increase IFN-γ + production by lymphocytes in the regenerating liver. Moreover, exposure to TCDD did not …
Auctions with selective entry and risk averse bidders: theory and evidence

type="main"> We study auctions with selective entry and risk averse bidders. Our model accounts for risk averse bidders' endogenous participation decision and thus encompasses the existing entry models. We establish entry and bidding equilibrium in first-price auction and ascending auction mechanisms and show that bidders' entry behavior differs between these two mechanisms with different forms of risk aversion. Our approach provides testable implications of risk aversion in terms of entry behavior. We analyze a timber auction data set and propose a simple test for the form of bidders' risk aversion based on our model implications.
Illustrating Magnetic Field Lines using a Discrete Particle Model

In this paper we demonstrate how a computational physics approach based on a discrete particle model can be employed for the visualization of magnetic field lines. This can be regarded as an illustration technique for the underlying vector field. To accomplish this, a model for ellipsoidal shaped particles consisting of ferromagnetic materials is described in combination with a parallel simulation algorithm based on an electrostatically enhanced Molecular Dynamics approach. For interactive viewing of the time-dependent simulation data, a hardware-based projection algorithm for the perspectively correct rendering of large numbers of illuminated ellipsoids is presented.
Youth Employment and Academic Performance: Production Functions and Policy Effects

This paper proposes an approach to identifying the education production function with endogenous inputs, and applies it in the context of part-time employment decisions by UK teenagers in compulsory education. We identify simultaneously the eect of part-time employment and latent endogenous inputs including study eort, at dierent points in time, and compare the reduced-form eect of having a job while at school with the production function parameter. Part-time employment is shown to reduce academic performance among girls but not boys. We present evidence that this is due to employment crowding out a wider range of productive activities among girls than boys.
Gender, Education, and Employment in Cote D'Ivoire

This paper uses recent survey data to investigate gender differences in education and labor market participation. The authors found that the two are inter-linked. Gender related differences in education and labor market participation cannot be explained by the arguably benign process of female specialization in child-rearing. It is more likely due to either discrimination or to differentially low work aspirations on the part of women or to both. In either case, this would pose a problem worthy of concern to policymakers. Second, on either interpretation the problem can, as it happens, be diminished by increasing female access to and performance in education. This is because education powerfully reduces, but does not fully eliminate, the differential participation of women and men in the labor market. In conclusion the authors state that interventions in the labor market and in access to education can be expected to be mutually reinforcing. Improving the chances of women gaining employment in the private, unionized sector will enhance the incentives for parents to invest in their daughters' education and provide girls with role models for motivation in study. Improving the access of girls to schooling narrows the gender differential in participation in wage employment.
Modified ranks of tensors and the size of circuits

We consider a concept of the rank of a tensor which is related to the contact rank introduced by Razborov [15]. We prove some upper and lower bounds for the tensor of multiplication of polynomials mod (z” — 1) and derive some corollaries for contact rank, for the size of depth 2 algebraic and boolean circuits and for a multiparty communication complexity problem. In particular we give answers to a conjecture of A. A. Razborov and a problem of M.Saks and A. Wigderson.
The Choice of Payment Method in European Mergers & Acquisitions

We study merger and acquisition (M&A) payment choices of European bidders for publicly and privately held targets in the 1997-2000 period. Europe is an ideal venue for studying the importance of corporate governance in making M&A payment choices, given the large number of closely held firms, and the wide range of capital markets, institutional settings, laws and regulations. The tradeoff between corporate governance concerns and debt financing constraints is found to have a large bearing on the bidder's payment choice. Consistent with earlier evidence, we find that several deal and target characteristics significantly affect the method of payment choice.
Human action recognition using temporal-state shape contexts

In this paper, we present a temporal-state shape context (TSSC) method that exploits space-time shape variations for human action recognition. In our method, the silhouettes of objects in a video clip are organized into three temporal states. These states are defined by fuzzy time intervals, which can lessen the degradation of recognition performance caused by time warping effects. The TSSC features capture local characteristics of the space-time shape induced by consecutive changes of silhouettes. Experimental results show that our method is effective for human action recognition, and is reliable when there are various kinds of deformations. Moreover, our method can identify spatially inconsistent parts between two shapes of the actions, which could be useful in action analysis applications.
Legitimacy Theories of the European Union

Until the Maastricht Treaty, European governments had long pursued European integration on the working assumption of a "permissive consensus" by the public. The popular and legal challenges to the Maastricht Treaty questioned the legitimacy of further integration.Normative political theory has responded to this legitimacy crisis by means of normative reasoning addressing concepts, arguments and theories regarding the substantive normative standards for the Europen political order, institutions and policies. After a brief overview of the reception of the Treaty on European Union in Section1, Section 2 explores the different views found in this literature regarding symptoms, diagnosis and medication. Section 3 provides a taxonomy of conceptions, mechanisms and objects of legitimacy. Section 4 presents a unifying perspective that may accommodate many of these various contributions. It focuses on the need for trust and trustworthiness to explore how the perceived normative legitimacy affects present compliance and long term popular support for the European Union. The chapter concludes by reviewing several central areas of normative research in addressing - and perhaps alleviating - such legitimacy deficits.
Traac Light Control Using Sarsa with Three State Representations

Category: Control, Navigation, and Planning: reinforcement learning. No part of this work has been submitted or appeared in other scientiic conferences. Abstract SARSA is applied to a simulated traac light control problem and compared with a xed-duration strategy and a simple, rule-based strategy. The performance of SARSA with three diierent representations of the current state of traac is analyzed. SARSA is shown to be superior to the best, xed-duration light timing and close to optimal for the simulation used in this article.
Exploring the American Revolution from Multiple Perspectives through Critical Literacy Discussions in a Fifth-Grade Classroom

The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks require that the American Revolution be taught in fifth-grade classrooms. Unfortunately, many teachers must resort to utilizing textbooks that are unappealing to students and that share history from just one point of view. Incorporating quality children’s literature into the social studies curriculum can provide a more well-rounded view of historical events. Furthermore, critical literacy discussions encourage children to question what might be missing from the text, and understand content from multiple perspectives. This naturalistic, descriptive study conducted in a fifth-grade classroom in a multicultural, suburban school in southeastern Massachusetts, examined how reading children’s literature about the American Revolution influenced students’ understanding of historical events. Students were guided by their teacher to read their textbook critically, explore the educational website BrainPOP , and read quality children’s literature about various groups that participated in the Revolutionary War. Findings suggest that reading and reviewing various sources versus a single history textbook led students to develop a better understanding of the American Revolution. Students’ initial beliefs that only white males were involved in the Revolution gave way to new understanding of the important roles of white women, male and female African slaves, Native Americans, and children. This study shows positive outcomes of integrating critical literacy in social studies instruction, helping students develop a more comprehensive understanding of historical events.
Precisely wrong? Urinary fractionated metanephrines and peer-based laboratory proficiency testing.

Measurements of urinary fractionated metanephrines (normetanephrine and metanephrine), the O-methylated metabolites of norepinephrine and epinephrine, provide a sensitive test for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. We present evidence suggesting inaccurate metanephrine and normetanephrine calibration by US laboratories. Metanephrines are present in urine mainly as sulfate- and glucuronide-conjugated metabolites produced from free metanephrines by the actions of conjugating enzymes (1). An acid hydrolysis step is usually performed to liberate the free metanephrines from the conjugated metabolites. This step minimizes requirements for high analytical sensitivity, simplifying subsequent measurement. Urinary fractionated metanephrines are usually measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are more recent alternatives offering high sample throughput and improved analytical specificity (2)(3). Clinical laboratories in the US participate in proficiency testing programs, primarily aimed at determining agreement in diagnostic test results among laboratories. Identical survey samples are distributed to participating laboratories, with results stratified according to testing methodologies. Laboratories that report results deviating by more than a certain amount from the mean of their peer groups fail the proficiency test. Until the spring of 2004, the only source of commercially available urine metanephrine calibrators in the US was Bio-Rad. As with … aE-mail steve_binder{at}bio-rad.com