Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inferior Oblique Muscle Weakening: Is It Possible to Quantify Its Effects on Horizontal Deviations?

Objective. To evaluate and quantify the effect of inferior oblique muscle weakening on horizontal deviations. Methods. The medical files of patients who had undergone an inferior oblique weakening as a single procedure were all reviewed. The main measures were the type of inferior oblique overaction (IOOA), pre- and postoperative amount of IOOA, and horizontal deviations in primary position. Results. The study was conducted with 66 patients (30 males, 36 females). The median age was 11 years (1–49). Of the 66 patients, 30 (45.5%) had primary and 36 (54.5%) had secondary IOOA. The most common procedure was inferior oblique anteriorization in 32 patients (48.5%). The mean postoperative horizontal and vertical deviations and the amount of IOOA were decreased postoperatively (p = 0.001 for all). The median amount of correction of horizontal near and distance deviations was 4Δ (0–20). The preoperative amount of IOOA, the presence of fourth nerve palsy, and the type of the weakening procedure had no significant effect on the amount of correction of horizontal deviations. Conclusion. The inferior oblique weakening procedures have secondary effects and warrant reduction of horizontal deviations in varying degrees. This should be borne in mind in planning a simultaneous horizontal muscle surgery and setting the surgical amount.
Tyrosine Residues That Control Binding and Gating in the 5-Hydroxytryptamine3 Receptor Revealed by Unnatural Amino Acid Mutagenesis

The mechanism by which agonist binding triggers pore opening in ligand-gated ion channels is poorly understood. Here, we used unnatural amino acid mutagenesis to introduce subtle changes to the side chains of tyrosine residues (Tyr141, Tyr143, Tyr153, and Tyr234), which dominate the 5-HT3 receptor binding site. Heterologous expression in oocytes, combined with radioligand binding data and a model of 5-HT (serotonin) computationally docked into the binding site, has allowed us to determine which of these residues are responsible for binding and/or gating. We have shown that Tyr 143 forms a hydrogen bond that is essential for receptor gating but does not affect binding, whereas a hydrogen bond formed by Tyr153 is involved in both binding and gating of the receptor. The aromatic group of Tyr234 is essential for binding and gating, whereas its hydroxyl does not affect binding but plays a steric role in receptor gating. Tyr141 is not involved in agonist binding or receptor gating but is important for antagonist interactions. These data, combined with a new model of the nonliganded 5-HT3 receptor, lead to a mechanistic explanation of the interactions that initiate the conformational change leading to channel opening. Thus, we suggest that agonist entry into the binding pocket may displace Tyr143 and Tyr153 and results in their forming new hydrogen bonds. These bonds may form part of the network of bond rearrangements that trigger the conformational change leading to channel opening. Similar rearrangements may initiate gating in all Cys-loop receptors.
The Role of the Educational Leader: Perceptions and Expectations in a Period of Change

AT A TIME OF RAPID pedagogical and policy change in the Australian early childhood educators' professional context, little is known about the experience of the evolving Educational Leader role. This position is currently mandated in educational settings for young children, but at the time of writing, both the perceptions about the nature of the role and expectations of such a person, were unclear. This paper reports on a study across two geographical regions which contributes to the knowledge base of the unfolding of this role in the prior-to-school early childhood sector. Based on surveys from 206 people in the ACT and NSW in 2012, information collection was followed by a series of intensive workshops designed to facilitate understanding of the role and of the processes of educational change. Data from the survey and from these 41 workshop participants from diverse organisational and geographical settings enable greater insight to the issues, complexities and potential of this important role in the educational and policy landscape as well as the realities of workplace experiences of Educational Leaders. This paper has a focus on survey responses as affirmed through contributions by workshop participants; the actual enquiry projects undertaken by participants as part of the workshop initiatives are not included in the current paper. Despite contextual differences in responses, it is clear that expectations of the Educational Leader are high, appointment processes are constrained and role definition needs relevant local clarification.
Radial pulse analysis at deep pressure in abnormal health conditions

Radial pulse analysis is popular as complementary approach for health diagnosis in India and China. Three pulse pressure signals on the two hands carry rich information about health status. Pressure applied while observing the pulse signal plays an important role in the analysis of the body conditions based on dynamic nature of the pulse signal. Deep pressure is the pressure applied on pulse point prior to complete obstruction of radial artery. Pulse morphologies for deep pressure in abnormal health conditions are studied for the group of subjects suffering from chronic gastritis, arthritis and prostate enlargement. Two abnormal pulse patterns have been identified relating to the characteristics of dicrotic notch at deep pressure and the dynamics of pulse segment in the late diastole phase of the pulse. These new abnormal pulse patterns are identified with their correlation to abnormal status. Time domain quantification parameters namely Dicrotic Notch Suppression Ratio (DNSR) and BAD Notch Ratio are defined to identify their presence.
The grid of the French syllable

In this article it is argued that phonological relations can best be represented by bracketed grids (Halle and Vergnaud 1987). The elements of a syllable have a linear relationship to each other and grids are a better formalism to express this than trees. In section 1, an abstract definition of government is given. It is argued that the concrete realization of this notion is different in phonology from the one in syntax. In section 2, we specify a theory of the syllabic grid, which is demonstrated with an analysis of French syllabification in section 3 and subsequently applied to the facts of French liaison in section 4. It is claimed that an explanation of these facts based on grids is superior to one based on trees.
Developing best practice guidelines for designing living environments for people with dementia and sight loss

ABSTRACT The paper considers a process of developing evidence-based design guidelines to be used in environments where people with dementia and sight loss are living. The research involved a systematically conducted literature review and a series of consultations with people affected by dementia and/or sight loss who lived or worked in care homes or in domestic settings. Findings from the literature and the consultations were used in an iterative process to develop the guidelines. The process is outlined, providing examples from the guidelines about lighting and colour and contrast. In discussing the research findings and the development process, the authors consider implications of the work including the weakness of the evidence base, the challenges of improving this and the need for innovative approaches to understanding the complexities of design for people with dementia and sight loss. They highlight the emphasis in the literature on independence for people with sight loss and the focus on control of people with dementia, arguing that this falls short of a genuinely person-centred approach, which recognises the active participation of people with dementia and sight loss.
Molecular identification of SqKv1A. A candidate for the delayed rectifier K channel in squid giant axon

We have cloned the cDNA for a squid Kvl potassium channel (SqKv1A). SqKv1A mRNA is selectively expressed in giant fiber lobe (GFL) neurons, the somata of the giant axons. Western blots detect two forms of SqKv1A in both GFL neuron and giant axon samples. Functional properties of SqKv1A currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes are very similar to macroscopic currents in GFL neurons and giant axons. Macroscopic K currents in GFL neuron cell bodies, giant axons, and in Xenopus oocytes expressing SqKv1A, activate rapidly and inactivate incompletely over a time course of several hundred ms. Oocytes injected with SqKv1A cRNA express channels of two conductance classes, estimated to be 13 and 20 pS in an internal solution containing 470 mM K. SqKv1A is thus a good candidate for the "20 pS" K channel that accounts for the majority of rapidly activating K conductance in both GFL neuron cell bodies and the giant axon.
Elderly mental model of reminder system

The growing numbers of elderly is inevitable. As we get older, we will experience some memory declines, thus an assistive technology such as reminder system is recommended. However, the uptake of reminder system is still low. Many researchers from the western countries are interested in exploring the use of reminder system as part of assistive technology for the elderly. Nevertheless, no research is solely focused on what actually elderly users expect from a reminder system. Hence, this paper attempts to assess and propose elderly mental model on reminder system. We conducted a series of studies: interview, usability evaluation and drawing activity with eight (8) participants. Our results revealed that elderly users expected that a reminder system should be simple, familiar, flexible and recognizable to them. We also learned that drawing and user study can be effective methods for assessing a mental model depending on type of user groups involved in the study.
Examining the impact of a gender-specific drug court on recidivism

Abstract Research into the effects of drug courts on recidivism has generally demonstrated positive results. These results have led to the expansion of the drug court model which focuses on causes or problems for specific populations, such as drunk drivers, mental health/dual diagnosis individuals, veterans, and others. While research has examined various adaptations to the drug court model, very few examinations have evaluated adaptations of the drug court model on female offenders. Characteristics of female offenders and their drug use have led some scholars to suggest that drug courts would be an appropriate intervention for this population. While past research has examined the role of gender in drug courts, this research occurs using samples from coed courts. The current study expands and adds to the literature on drug courts by evaluating a drug court designed just for female offenders. Female drug court participants are matched to a sample of probationers on multiple variables. Results indicate that a drug court for female offenders significantly lowers recidivism. Furthermore, the research examines and highlights the practical and methodological importance of measuring risk and examining treatment completion.
The ethics of care and transformational research practices in Aotearoa New Zealand

Democratising methodologies often require research partnerships in practice. Research partnerships between indigenous and non-indigenous partners are commonplace, but there is unsatisfactory guidance available to non-indigene researchers about how to approach the relationship in a way that builds solidarity with the aims of the indigenous community. Worse still, non-indigenous researchers may circumvent indigenous communities to avoid causing offense, in effect silencing those voices. In this article, we argue that the ethics of care provides a framework that can guide ethical research practice, because it attends to the political positioning of the people involved, acknowledges inequalities and aims to address these in solidarity with the community. Drawing on our research partnership in Aotearoa New Zealand, we explain how the ethics of care intertwines with Māori values, creating a synergistic and dialogic approach.
Challenges to overcurrent protection devices under line-line faults in solar photovoltaic arrays

Solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays behave distinctively from conventional power sources so that they need special consideration in fault analysis and protection. The faults inside PV arrays usually cause overcurrent that may damage PV components. This paper focuses on the challenges to overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) in a PV array under two types of unique fault scenarios. One is a line-line fault that occurs under low irradiance conditions. In this circumstance, the fault current may not be large enough to trip the OCPDs in the PV array, even when high irradiance occurs later in the day. The other fault scenario is that when PV blocking diodes are used in the PV array, the reverse current may be greatly limited. However, OCPDs might not detect the reverse current properly. In both fault scenarios, the fault may not be cleared successfully by conventional OCPDs. Therefore, faults may remain undetected, which could lead to reduced system efficiency, reduced system reliability, and even unexpected safety hazards.
Current-Mode CMOS Image Sensor

This thesis presents a current-mode CMOS image sensor using lateral bipolar phototransistors (LPTs). The objective of this design is to improve the photosensitivity of the image sensor, and to provide photocurrent amplification at the circuit level. Lateral bipolar phototransistors can be implemented using a standard CMOS technology with no process modification. Under illumination, photogenerated carriers contribute to the base current, and the output emitter current is amplified through the transistor action of the bipolar device. Our analysis and simulation results suggest that the LPT output characteristics are strongly dependent on process parameters including base and emitter doping concentrations, as well as the device geometry such as the base width. For high current gain, a minimized base width is desired. The 2D effect of current crowding has also been discussed. Photocurrent can be further increased using amplifying current mirrors in the pixel and column structures. A prototype image sensor has been designed and fabricated in a standard 0. 18μm CMOS technology. This design includes a photodiode image array and a LPT image array, each 70× 48 in dimension. For both arrays, amplifying current mirrors are included in the pixel readout structure and at the column level. Test results show improvements in both photosensitivity and conversion efficiency. The LPT also exhibits a better spectral response in the red region of the spectrum, because of the nwell/p-substrate depletion region. On the other hand, dark current, fixed pattern noise (FPN), and power consumption also increase due to current amplification. This thesis has demonstrated that the use of lateral bipolar phototransistors and amplifying current mirrors can help to overcome low photosensitivity and other deterioration imposed by technology scaling. The current-mode readout scheme with LPT-based photodetectors can be used as a front end to additional image processing circuits.
Towards Positional Isolation of Three Quantitative Trait Loci Conferring Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Two Spanish Barley Landraces

Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring broad spectrum resistance to powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei, were previously identified on chromosomes 7HS, 7HL and 6HL in the Spanish barley landrace-derived lines SBCC097 and SBCC145. In the present work, a genome-wide putative linear gene index of barley (Genome Zipper) and the first draft of the physical, genetic and functional sequence of the barley genome were used to go one step further in the shortening and explicit demarcation on the barley genome of these regions conferring resistance to powdery mildew as well as in the identification of candidate genes. First, a comparative analysis of the target regions to the barley Genome Zippers of chromosomes 7H and 6H allowed the development of 25 new gene-based molecular markers, which slightly better delimit the QTL intervals. These new markers provided the framework for anchoring of genetic and physical maps, figuring out the outline of the barley genome at the target regions in SBCC097 and SBCC145. The outermost flanking markers of QTLs on 7HS, 7HL and 6HL defined a physical area of 4 Mb, 3.7 Mb and 3.2 Mb, respectively. In total, 21, 10 and 16 genes on 7HS, 7HL and 6HL, respectively, could be interpreted as potential candidates to explain the resistance to powdery mildew, as they encode proteins of related functions with respect to the known pathogen defense-related processes. The majority of these were annotated as belonging to the NBS-LRR class or protein kinase family.
Destinées sociales : le rôle de l'école et du milieu d'origine : Mobilité sociale : La part de l'hérédité et de la formation

Le debat sur l'egalite des chances se limite souvent a des appreciations sur le lien entre l'origine sociale des individus et leur cursus scolaire. L'origine sociale a pourtant un impact direct sur les destinees sociales tout aussi important que sur les parcours scolaires. Au-dela de l'ecole, le devenir des individus porte encore la marque de leurs origines. A diplome donne, les individus ont notamment une nette tendance a reproduire la situation sociale de leurs parents. Cette tendance a l'heredite sociale n'est pas nouvelle et n'est pas non plus propre a la France. Elle etait deja tout aussi significative pour les generations nees avant-guerre et a deja ete mise en evidence dans d'autres pays europeens comme aux Etats-Unis. Malgre l'expansion du systeme educatif, la societe francaise n'est ni plus ni moins « meritocratique » aujourd'hui qu'il y a quelques decennies
Essential role for acid sphingomyelinase-inhibited autophagy in melanoma response to cisplatin

The sphingolipid metabolising enzyme Acid Sphingomyelinase (A-SMase) has been recently shown to inhibit melanoma progression and correlate inversely to tumour grade. In this study we have investigated the role of A-SMase in the chemo-resistance to anticancer treatmentusing mice with melanoma allografts and melanoma cells differing in terms of expression/activity of A-SMase. Since autophagy is emerging as a key mechanism in tumour growth and chemo-resistance, we have also investigated whether an action of A-SMase in autophagy can explain its role. Melanoma sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin in terms of cell viability/apoptosis, tumour growth, and animal survival depended directly on the A-SMase levels in tumoural cells. A-SMase action was due to inhibition of autophagy through activation of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Treatment of melanoma-bearing mice with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine restored sensitivity to cisplatin of tumours expressing low levels of A-SMase while no additive effects were observed in tumours characterised by sustained A-SMase levels. The fact that A-SMase in melanomas affects mTOR-regulated autophagy and plays a central role in cisplatin efficacy encourages pre-clinical testing on the modulation of A-SMase levels/activity as possible novel anti-neoplastic strategy.
Impact of privacy attitude, concern and awareness on use of online social networking

Online social networking has extended the boundaries of social communication. Now everybody can share their personal stuffs, feelings and relations even on internet too. Although it provides an ease of communication but on the other side this online interaction has created a pool of wide information which can be easily achieved and can be misused. These Online Social Networks offer security, and privacy mechanisms to protect users' sensitive information from undesired accesses but still these rules are violated as users are not fully aware about the risks and their preventions. The main purpose of this analysis is to examine the affect of privacy issues on usage trends of social networking sites. This paper explains the impact of gender, age and profession of user on attitude and awareness and in turn behavior of social network users. A research model is developed which is based on proposed hypothesis. This research model has been confirmed through data collected from 400 social networking site users through online survey based on questionnaire, and the analysis results provide support to the model.
The developmental trajectory of Borderline personality disorder and peer victimisation: Australian family carers’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Victimisation is a traumatic experience linked to development of Borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, there is limited research investigating the developmental journey prior to BPD diagnosis. School environments offer an opportunity for BPD prevention and early intervention. A survey with 19 Australian family carers of people with BPD asked what they noticed during the person’s infancy, childhood and adolescence, and their experiences of seeking help during that time. Sensitivity was most noticeable during infancy; difficulty making friends, school refusal/truancy and being bullied were prominent concerns once the child was at school; and concerns about anger, moodiness and impulsivity were the strongest prompts to seek help during adolescence, though doctor or teacher recommendation to do so was uncommon. BPD family carers’ experiences suggest that improved focus on addressing bullying and communication is needed.
Online/Offline Provable Data Possession

Provable data possession (PDP) allows a user to outsource data with a guarantee that the integrity can be efficiently verified. Existing publicly verifiable PDP schemes require the user to perform expensive computations, such as modular exponentiations for processing data before outsourcing to the storage server, which is not desirable for weak users with limited computation resources. In this paper, we introduce and formalize an online/offline PDP (OOPDP) model, which divides the data processing procedure into offline and online phases. In OOPDP, most of the expensive computations for processing data are performed in the offline phase, and the online phase requires only lightweight computations like modular multiplications. We present a general OOPDP transformation framework which is applicable to PDP-related schemes with metadata aggregatability and public metadata expansibility. Following the framework, we present two efficient OOPDP instantiations. Technically, we present aggregatable vector Chemeleon hash functions which map a vector of values to a group element and play a central role in the OOPDP transformation. Theoretical and experimental analyses confirm that our technique is practical to speed-up PDP schemes.
Simultaneous Vs . Sequential Auctions , Intensity of Competition and Uncertainty

Under what circumstances will an auctioneer be better off selling his inventory sequentially, rather than selling them all in a single auction? If bidders come sequentially, there is an obvious reason to sell items sequentially. However, even when all bidders present at the beginning of the auction, and both the auctioneer and bidders are impatient, we show that a sequential auction can still be more profitable for the auctioneer, depending on the “intensity of competition”, which is characterized by the number of items available relative to the number of bidders. Moreover, a sequential auction without a reserve price can perform better than an auction with one, if the auctioneer cannot commit not to (eventually) sell items below any reserve price announced at the beginning of the auction. A sequential auction can also be better when bidders do not know exactly how many items are available for sale. The auctioneer can then take advantage of this uncertainty by pretending to have low inventory, to stimulate competition among the bidders. This result is then extended to a more general T period setting. Simultaneous vs. Sequential Auctions, Intensity of Competition and Uncertainty