Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MCP1 SNPs and Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Cohorts from West Africa, the USA and Argentina: Lack of Association or Epistasis with IL12B Polymorphisms

The monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine that plays an important role in the recruitment of monocytes to M. tuberculosis infection sites, and previous studies have reported that genetic variants in MCP1 are associated with differential susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). We examined eight MCP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a multi-ethnic, case-control design that included: 321 cases and 346 controls from Guinea-Bissau, 258 cases and 271 controls from The Gambia, 295 cases and 179 controls from the U.S. (African-Americans), and an additional set of 237 cases and 144 controls of European ancestry from the U.S. and Argentina. Two locus interactions were also examined for polymorphisms in MCP1 and interleukin 12B (IL12B), another gene implicated in PTB risk. Examination of previously associated MCP1 SNPs rs1024611 (−2581A/G), rs2857656 (−362G/C) and rs4586 (+900C/T) did not show evidence for association. One interaction between rs2857656 and IL12B SNP rs2288831 was observed among Africans but the effect was in the opposite direction in Guineans (OR = 1.90, p = 0.001) and Gambians (OR = 0.64, p = 0.024). Our data indicate that the effect of genetic variation within MCP1 is not clear cut and additional studies will be needed to elucidate its role in TB susceptibility.
It’s either you or me! Impact of deviations on social exclusion and leaving

When detecting deviations from group norms, observers often respond by attempting to exclude the deviates or by leaving the group. Despite the commonalities between these two impactful responses, they have rarely been addressed simultaneously. Therefore, three experiments investigated how deviant behavior in small groups relates to observers’ intentions to exclude the deviate from the in-group and to leave that group themselves. Exclusion intentions are evoked by severe deviations from core elements of the group norm, mediated by heightened identity subversion (Studies 1–3). Study 3 demonstrated that leaving becomes more likely when perceived situational control is low—here evoked by acceptance of the deviant behavior by other in-group members, suggesting that aggravating conditions must be present for this response. Observing deviations seems to trigger leaving and exclusion intentions, yet they result from two distinct processes. We discuss our results in relation to work on group schism and literature on social exclusion.
Equity and Excellence

The identification of gifted and talented students and the accompanying fact that most identification systems result in the underrepresentation of students from African American, Hispanic, Native American, English language learning, and low-income families are two of the most discussed and hotly debated topics in the field. This article provides an overview of past efforts to mitigate inequity in both K-12 and higher education program identification, highlights successes and limitations, and presents a particular perspective in order to help facilitate broader thinking about the purpose of identification, the development of talent, and how academic excellence can be fostered while simultaneously increasing equity in gifted education.
US and Turkish preschoolers’ observational knowledge of astronomy

ABSTRACT The purpose of this cross-cultural study was to describe and compare US and Turkish children's observational knowledge of the day and night cycle and to identify similarities predicted by framework theory. Fifty-six (27 US and 29 Turkish) young children (ages 48–60 months) participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were individually conducted, digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. The results demonstrate that preschoolers from the two cultures are able to make comparable informal observations of the sky, and their observational knowledge includes many similarities, with one exception, as predicted by framework theory. US children were more likely to perform better than the Turkish children on the question about the time of observation for the moon. Although science concepts and skills are better represented in US early childhood education programs than the Turkish program, the results suggest that this advantage did not translate into performance differences between US and Turkish children.
Cingulate cortical cells projecting to monkey frontal eye field and primary motor cortex

We compared the distribution of cingulate cortical cells projecting to the frontal eye field (FEF) and primary motor cortex (MI) using a multiple retrograde labeling technique. Two fluorescent tracers were injected into physiologically identified FEF and MI in each monkey. The location of cells projecting to the forelimb area of MI served to identify the rostral (CMAr) and caudal (CMAc) cingulate motor areas. We found two foci of cells projecting to the FEF: rostral (CEFr) and caudal (CEFc) cingulate eye field. The CEFr was located rostral to the CMAr, while the CEFc was located rostro-ventral to the CMAc. Cells projecting to the FEF and MI scarcely overlapped, indicating that each area receives different sets of information from the cingulate cortex.
Crohn’s disease and the mycobacterioses: A quarter century later. Causation or simple association?

It has been more than 25 years since Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was first proposed as an etiologic agent in Crohn’s disease based on the isolation of this organism from several patients. Since that time, a great deal of information has been accumulated that clearly establishes an association between M. paratuberculosis and Crohn’s disease. However, data are conflicting and difficult to interpret and the field has become divided into committed advocates and confirmed skeptics. This review is an attempt to provide a thorough and objective summary of current knowledge from both basic and clinical research from the views and interpretations of both the antagonists and proponents. The reader is left to draw his or her own conclusions related to the validity of the issues and claims made by the opposing views and data interpretations. Whether M. paratuberculosis is a causative agent in some cases or simply represents an incidental association remains a controversial topic, but current evidence suggests that the notion should not be so readily dismissed. Remaining questions that need to be addressed in defining the role of M. paratuberculosis in Crohn’s disease and future implications are discussed.
Students' Classroom Engagement Produces Longitudinal Changes in Classroom Motivation.

Changes in motivation anticipate changes in engagement, but the present study tested the reciprocal relation that changes in students’ classroom engagement lead to corresponding longitudinal changes in their classroom motivation. Achievement scores and multiple measures of students’ course-specific motivation (psychological need satisfaction, self-efficacy, and mastery goals) and engagement (behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and agentic aspects) were collected from 313 (213 females, 100 males) Korean high school students using a 3-wave longitudinal research design. Two key findings emerged from a multilevel structural equation modeling analysis: (a) Students’ initial classroom engagement predicted corresponding longitudinal changes in all 3 midsemester motivations, and (b) early semester changes in engagement predicted corresponding longitudinal changes in end-of-semester psychological need satisfaction and self-efficacy, but not mastery goals. Changes in engagement also predicted course achievement. These findings reveal the underappreciated benefits that high-quality classroom engagement contributes to the understanding, prediction, and potential facilitation of constructive changes in students’ in-course motivation.
Campus Suicide Prevention

A public health approach to suicide prevention (SP) emphasizes using a comprehensive plan utilizing multiple strategies to address suicide in the community of interest. Universities using this approach are called to develop interventions to increase SP knowledge, reduce suicide risk factors, enhance protective factors, and examine their efforts scientifically to evaluate program effectiveness. The current study polled responding college students (N = 819) about their exposure to campus SP messaging materials, participation in SP activities, and whether they experiencedhavinga person close to them attempt or die by suicide during the three years of a SP program funded by the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (2004). Students were also queried about their perceived level of SP knowledge, knowledge of suicide facts, and the stigma associated with receiving treatment for suicidal thoughts and behaviors using the Suicide Prevention Exposure, Awareness, and Knowledge Survey (SPEAKS). Simultaneous multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between study variables. Results indicated that exposure to SP messaging materials predicted a higher level of self-perceived knowledge and a lower level of perceived stigma. Participating in SP activities and having someone close to you attempt or die by suicide predicted both a higher level of perceived knowledge and actual knowledge of suicide facts. Self-identifying as male predicted a higher level of stigma. Implications for campus SP programming are discussed.
Helicobacter pylori Protein JHP0290 Binds to Multiple Cell Types and Induces Macrophage Apoptosis via Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Dependent and Independent Pathways

Activated macrophages at the sub-mucosal space play a major role in generating innate immune responses during H. pylori infection. Final disease outcome largely depends on how H. pylori and bacterium-derived products modulate macrophage responses. Here, we report that JHP0290, a functionally unknown protein from H. pylori, regulates macrophage functions. Recombinant purified JHP0290 (rJHP0290) had the ability to bind to several cell types including macrophages, human gastric epithelial cell lines, human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) and human neutrophils. Exposure to rJHP0290 induced apoptosis in macrophages concurrent with release of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF). A mutant strain of H. pylori disrupted in the jhp0290 gene was significantly impaired in its ability to induce apoptosis and TNF in macrophages confirming the role of endogenous protein in regulating macrophage responses. Intracellular signaling involving Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs) and ERK MAPK were required for rJHP0290-induced TNF release and apoptosis in macrophages. Furthermore, rJHP0290-induced TNF release was partly dependent on activation of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB). Neutralizing antibodies against TNF partially blocked rJHP0290-induced macrophage apoptosis indicating TNF-independent pathways were also involved. These results provide mechanistic insight into the potential role of the protein JHP0290 during H. pylori-associated disease development. By virtue of its ability to induce TNF, an acid suppressive proinflammatory cytokine and induction of macrophage apoptosis, JHP0290 possibly helps in persistent survival of the bacterium inside the stomach.
Impact of coping strategies on perceived stress, depression, and cortisol profiles among gynecologic cancer patients

We explored associations between problem-focused, emotional processing, and emotional expression coping strategies and markers of stress including perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and diurnal cortisol profiles among women with gynecologic cancer. Problem-focused coping was associated with less perceived stress, fewer depressive symptoms, and more rhythmic diurnal salivary cortisol profiles. Emotional processing was associated with lower perceived stress and fewer depressive symptoms. Emotional expression was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and elevated diurnal mean and evening cortisol levels. Results point to key differences in coping strategies. In this sample, only problem-focused coping was linked with adaptive differences in both psychological and physiological stress measures.
Genel Kimya Dersinde Öğrencilerin Kavram Haritalama ve Problem Çözme İnancının İncelenmesi

Bu arastirmanin amaci ogrencilerin Genel Kimya dersinde kimyasal denge konusundaki kavramlari nasil iliskilendirdigini ve hazirladiklari kavram haritalari ile ogrencilerin problem cozme inanci arasindaki iliskinin incelenmesidir. Iki asamada gerceklestirilen bu arastirmaya 60 universite ogrencisi katilmistir. Bu ogrenciler esit sayida iki gruba ayrilmistir. Birinci asamada birinci grup kavram haritalarini kendi baglanti cumlecikleri (KBC) ile hazirlarken ikinci grup verilen baglanti cumlecikleri (VBC) ile hazirlamistir. Ikinci asamada birinci gruba kavram haritalarini hazirlamada baglanti cumlecikleri verilmistir. Ikinci gruba verilmemistir. Arastirmanin verileri her iki asamada hazirlanan kavram haritalari ve problem cozme inanci olcegi ile toplanmistir. Arastirma sonucunda verilen baglanti cumlecikleri ile hazirlanan kavram haritalari daha basarili bulunmustur. Kavram haritalama ve problem cozme inanci arasinda istatistiksel olarak anlamli iliski bulunmamistir
Predictive Factors of Organizational Support Communication in Volunteer Mentor Retention

Predictive Factors of Organizational Support Communication in Volunteer Mentor Retention by Jennifer K. Stukey MBA, Southeastern University, 2007 BS, Southeastern University, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Administration Walden University December 2015 Abstract Research has shown that long-term volunteer retention is critical for sustaining the viability of youth mentoring programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). Data from recent studies have indicated that volunteers must continue their service for at least 1 year in to have a sustainable effect on the mentee. Results from prior studies haveResearch has shown that long-term volunteer retention is critical for sustaining the viability of youth mentoring programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). Data from recent studies have indicated that volunteers must continue their service for at least 1 year in to have a sustainable effect on the mentee. Results from prior studies have indicated that the support provided by the agency to the volunteer can predict volunteer retention. However, a gap in current literature exists regarding the effect of support communication on volunteer retention. Therefore, the purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the relationship between organizational support, communication, and retention of volunteers in the BBBS agency. The VPM was developed to explain the life cycle of volunteerism and was the theoretical framework for this study. The primary research question examined how well the variables related to organizational support communication predict the likelihood of volunteer retention. This study used secondary data collected by BBBS as part of the support communication process they provide to their volunteers. Results from a logistic regression analysis revealed that the amount of face-to-face contact and the number of match support specialists positively predicted volunteer retention of at least 1 year. Results from this study can contribute to social change by informing best practices on the types of support communication for long-term volunteer retention. Specifically, leaders and managers of volunteer agencies should develop policies and procedures that maximize the amount of face-to-face communication provided to volunteers from the agency. Predictive Factors of Organizational Support Communication in Volunteer Mentor Retention by Jennifer K. Stukey MBA, Southeastern University, 2007 BS, Southeastern University, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Administration
A k-mean-directions Algorithm for Fast Clustering of Data on the Sphere

A k-means-type algorithm is proposed for efficiently clustering data constrained to lie on the surface of a p-dimensional unit sphere, or data that are mean-zero-unit-variance standardized observations such as those that occur when using Euclidean distance to cluster time series gene expression data using a correlation metric. We also provide methodology to initialize the algorithm and to estimate the number of clusters in the dataset. Results from a detailed series of experiments show excellent performance, even with very large datasets. The methodology is applied to the analysis of the mitotic cell division cycle of budding yeast dataset of Cho et al. [Molecular Cell (1998), 2, 65–73]. The entire dataset has not been analyzed previously, so our analysis provides an understanding for the complete set of genes acting in concert and differentially. We also use our methodology on the submitted abstracts of oral presentations made at the 2008 Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) to identify similar topics. Our identified groups are both interpretable and distinct and the methodology provides a possible automated tool for efficient parallel scheduling of presentations at professional meetings. The supplemental materials described in the article are available in the online supplements.
Logspline Density Estimation under Censoring and Truncation

In this paper we consider logspline density estimation for data that may be left-truncated or right-censored. For randomly left-truncated and right-censored data the product-limit estimator is known to be a consistent estimator of the survivor function, having a faster rate of convergence than many density estimators. The product-limit estimator and B-splines are used to construct the logspline density estimate for possibly censored or truncated data. Rates of convergence are established when the log-density function is assumed to be in a Besov space. An algorithm involving a procedure similar to maximum likelihood, stepwise knot addition, and stepwise knot deletion is proposed for the estimation of the density function based upon sample data. Numerical examples are used to show the nite-sample performance of inference based on the logspline density estimation.
Role of Phosphodiesterase 3 in NO/cGMP-Mediated Antiinflammatory Effects in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract— Atherosclerosis involves cellular immune responses and altered vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function. Nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP is uniquely capable of inhibiting key processes in atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the effects of NO/cGMP and their molecular mechanisms in the regulation of NF-&kgr;B–dependent gene expression in VSMCs. We found that cGMP-elevating agents such as the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), reduced TNF-&agr;–induced NF-&kgr;B–dependent reporter gene expression in rat aortic VSMCs in a cGMP-dependent manner. The effects of SNAP and CNP on NF-&kgr;B are mediated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) but not cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) based on the findings that the selective PKA inhibitor, PKI, abolished the effects of SNAP and CNP on NF-&kgr;B, whereas the PKG inhibitor Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMP had no effect. Inhibition of cGMP-inhibited cAMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) blocked SNAP- and CNP-elicited effects on NF-&kgr;B–dependent transcription. Furthermore, cGMP analogues such as 8-pCPT-cGMP, which selectively activates PKG but does not inhibit PDE3, had no effect on NF-&kgr;B–mediated transcription. Activation of PKA by SNAP or cAMP-elevating agents not only inhibited TNF-&agr;–induced NF-&kgr;B–dependent reporter gene expression but also reduced endogenous NF-&kgr;B–dependent adhesion molecule and chemokine expression. These results suggest that SNAP and CNP exert inhibitory effects on NF-&kgr;B–dependent transcription by activation of PKA via cGMP-dependent inhibition of PDE3 activity. Therefore, PDE3 is a novel mediator of inflammation in VSMCs.
Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Auditory Evoked Responses in Preterm Infants: I. Patient Characteristics and Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome

The diagnostic and predictive value of brainstem, middle latency, and cortical auditory evoked responses, obtained in the neonatal period, in 81 preterm infants was assessed in relation to neurodevelopmental outcome. Eighteen healthy term infants served as a control group. In this report the patient characteristics and neurodevelopmental outcome are presented. The preterm infants were neonatally classified according to risk category and gestational age. At 5 y of age the neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed based on neurologic and neuropsychologic evaluations. The neuropsychologic test results showed the highest IQ scores in term infants, intermediate IQ scores in low risk preterm infants, and lowest IQ scores in high risk preterm infants. The intermediate IQ scores in the low risk preterm group were due to significantly lower test scores in a small subgroup of low risk preterm infants. In a post hoc analysis 12 low risk preterm infants with an unfavorable outcome could be identified. The neuropsychologic test results of the remaining low risk infants showed no clear differences compared with the term infants. The results suggest that the unfavorable outcome of the low risk preterm group as a whole is due to moderate to severe impairment of the few, rather than slight impairment of the majority.
Moving beyond ‘Next Wednesday’: The interplay of lexical semantics and constructional meaning in an ambiguous metaphoric statement

Abstract What factors influence our understanding of metaphoric statements about time? By examining the interpretation of one such statement – namely, Next Wednesday’s meeting has been moved forward by two days – earlier research has demonstrated that people may draw on spatial perspectives, involving multiple spatially based temporal reference strategies, to interpret metaphoric statements about time (e.g. Boroditsky 2000; Kranjec 2006; McGlone and Harding 1998; Núñez et al. 2006). However, what is still missing is an understanding of the role of linguistic factors in the interpretation of temporal statements such as this one. In this paper, we examine the linguistic properties of this famous temporally ambiguous utterance, considered as an instantiation of a more schematic construction. In Experiment 1, we examine the roles of individual lexical items that are used in the utterance in order to better understand the interplay of lexical semantics and constructional meaning in the context of a metaphoric statement. Following up on prior suggestions in the literature, we ask whether the locus of the ambiguity is centred on the adverb, centred on the verb, or distributed across the utterance. The results suggest that the final interpretation results from an interplay of verb and adverb, suggesting a distributed temporal semantics analogous to the distributed semantics noted for the metaphoric source domain of space (Sinha and Kuteva 1995) and consistent with a constructional view of language (Goldberg 2003). In Experiment 2, we expand the linguistic factors under investigation to include voice and person. The findings suggest that grammatical person, but not grammatical voice, may also influence the interpretation of the Next Wednesday’s meeting metaphor. Taken together, the results of these two studies illuminate the interplay of lexical and constructional factors in the interpretation of temporal metaphors.