Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antenatal Steroids and the IUGR Fetus: Are Exposure and Physiological Effects on the Lung and Cardiovascular System the Same as in Normally Grown Fetuses?

Glucocorticoids are administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm labour to promote fetal lung surfactant maturation. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with an increased risk of preterm labour. Hence, IUGR babies may be exposed to antenatal glucocorticoids. The ability of the placenta or blood brain barrier to remove glucocorticoids from the fetal compartment or the brain is compromised in the IUGR fetus, which may have implications for lung, brain, and heart development. There is conflicting evidence on the effect of exogenous glucocorticoids on surfactant protein expression in different animal models of IUGR. Furthermore, the IUGR fetus undergoes significant cardiovascular adaptations, including altered blood pressure regulation, which is in conflict with glucocorticoid-induced alterations in blood pressure and flow. Hence, antenatal glucocorticoid therapy in the IUGR fetus may compromise regulation of cardiovascular development. The role of cortisol in cardiomyocyte development is not clear with conflicting evidence in different species and models of IUGR. Further studies are required to study the effects of antenatal glucocorticoids on lung, brain, and heart development in the IUGR fetus. Of specific interest are the aetiology of IUGR and the resultant degree, duration, and severity of hypoxemia.
The Incidence, Clinical Outcomes, and Risk Factors of Thrombocytopenia in Intra-Abdominal Infection Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Studies on the incidence and risk factors of thrombocytopenia among intra-abdominal infection patients remain absent, hindering efficacy assessments regarding thrombocytopenia prevention strategies. Methods We retrospectively studied 267 consecutively enrolled patients with intra-abdominal infections. Occurrence of thrombocytopenia was scanned for all patients. All-cause 28-day mortality was recorded. Variables from univariate analyses that were associated with occurrence of hospital-acquired thrombocytopenia were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine thrombocytopenia predictors. Results Median APACHE II score and SOFA score of the whole cohort was 12 and 3 respectively. The overall ICU mortality was 7.87% and the 28-day mortality was 8.98%. The incidence of thrombocytopenia among intra-abdominal infection patients was 21.73%. Regardless of preexisting or hospital-acquired one, thrombocytopenia is associated with an increased ICU mortality and 28-day mortality as well as length of ICU or hospital stay. A higher SOFA and ISTH score at admission were significant hospital-acquired thrombocytopenia risk factors. Conclusions This is the first study to identify a high incidence of thrombocytopenia in patients with intra-abdominal infections. Our findings suggest that the inflammatory milieu of intra-abdominal infections may uniquely predispose those patients to thrombocytopenia. More effective thrombocytopenia prevention strategies are necessary in intra-abdominal infection patients.
Comparison of the Effect of IT and Puzzle-Based Teaching Methods with Respect to the Lecturing Method in the Educational Progress of the Computer Science Basics Course of High School’s 3rd Grade of Math-Physics Students of Urmia’s 1st District

The current study was aimed at comparing the impact of IT-based, puzzle-based, and lecturing teaching methods in the academic achievement of computer science basics course among third grade high school mathematics students in District one of Urmia City. This was a test study of pretest and posttest type with control group. The statistical population included female third grade high school mathematics students in Urmia City District one in the academic year 2014-2015. Through cluster sampling, 60 students were randomly selected and put into test (IT and puzzle) and control (lecture) groups. The curricula were executed by the researcher, and the academic achievement of students was evaluated with the first semester score as pretest and the second semester score as posttest. Analysis of covariance and Bonferroni’s post hoc test for pairwise comparisons were used to analyze the research data. Findings indicated that IT-based and puzzle-based teaching methods influenced the academic achievement of students. Moreover, puzzle-based teaching method influence the academic achievement of students more than IT-based, and IT-based teaching method was more effective in comparison with lecturing method.
Pattern and Epidemiology of Poisoning in the East African Region: A Literature Review

The establishment and strengthening of poisons centres was identified as a regional priority at the first African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) in June 2006. At this meeting, the possibility of a subregional poisons centre, that is, a centre in one country serving multiple countries, was suggested. The WHO Headquarters following consultation with counterparts at the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) and the SAICM Africa Regional Focal Point successfully submitted a proposal to the SAICM Quick Start Programme (QSP) Trust Fund Committee for a feasibility study into a subregional poisons centre in the Eastern Africa subregion. However, before such a study could be conducted it was deemed necessary to carry out a literature review on the patterns and epidemiology of poisoning in this region so as to inform the feasibility study. The current paper presents the results of this literature review. The literature search was done in the months of June and July 2012 by two independent reviewers with no language or publication date restrictions using defined search terms on PUBMED. After screening, the eventual selection of articles for review and inclusion in this study was done by a third reviewer.
Cultivating Quality Employee-Organization Relationships: The Interplay among Organizational Leadership, Culture, and Communication

ABSTRACT Based on a random sample of employees (n = 391) working in various industrial sectors in the United States, we examined the respective linkages between employee–organization relationships (EORs) and authentic leadership, symmetrical internal communication, and organizational culture. Results indicated that authentic leadership, organizational culture of supportiveness, emphasis on reward, and stability were significant predictors of the symmetrical internal communication system of an organization and EORs. Symmetrical internal communication cultivates quality EORs and mediates the effects of authentic leadership and cultural dimensions of supportiveness on EOR outcomes. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings were also discussed.
Stages in development of mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) virus- accelerated leukemia in AKR mice

Flow cytometric techniques involving correlated dual parameter analysis of fluorescence and light scatter and transplantation bioassays were used to describe a series of cellular changes in thymus of young (1-4 mo old) AKR mice during development of mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) virus-accelerated leukemia. Three stages of leukemogenesis were defined before appearance of frankly leukemic mice. Stage 1, apparent 28-40 d after injection of MCF 69L1 virus, represented steady-state infection of thymocytes by MCF virus without apparent change in light scatter properties of the cells or in expression of alloantigens Thy-1, Lyt-1, Lyt-2, L3T4a, B2A2, or H-2K on the major thymocyte subpopulations. Expression of MCF virus was highest in the population of small cortical thymocytes. Stage II was observed at highest frequency 50-60 d postinjection and represented the emergence of a clonal population of cells with transformed properties which could be resolved from normal thymocytes by light scatter and expression of B2A2, H-2K, and gp70 antigens. Stage III was observed at highest frequency at 70 d postinjection, when considerable enlargement of thymus had occurred, and appeared to represent the outgrowth of fully transformed cells that replaced the normal thymocyte subpopulations. The alloantigen phenotype of blast cells from frankly leukemic mice did not differ qualitatively from that of stage II or stage III cells but displayed considerable heterogeneity with respect to quantitative expression of alloantigens and gp70. At least two populations of leukemic blasts could be resolved in the majority of primary thymomas analyzed. It is unclear whether these populations represent the outgrowth of independent clones of transformed cells or if they are related in some way. Our data are consistent with MCF virus-induced transformation of cells in the lineage to small peanut agglutinin-positive, cortisone-sensitive thymocytes, a subpopulation that predominates in the thymus and which is thought to be destined for cell death in situ.
Nonlinear multilevel models, with an application to discrete response data

SUMMARY A procedure is proposed for the analysis of multilevel nonlinear models using a linearization. The case of log linear models for discrete response data is studied in detail. Nonlinear models arise in a number of circumstances, notably when modelling discrete data. In this paper we consider the multilevel nonlinear model. As in linear multilevel models, we shall consider the general case where any of the model coefficients can be random at any level, and where the random parameters may also be specified functions of the fixed parameter estimates, discussed by H. Goldstein, R. Prosser and J. Rasbash in an as yet unpublished report. In the next two sections we set out the model and define notation; this is followed by a section on estimation and then some examples.
Study of TNF-α, IL-1β and LPS Levels in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid of a Rat Model of Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to investigate the dynamic changes in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and LPS in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in a rat model of diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis (PD). Additionally, we evaluated alveolar bone loss and the histopathological response associated with experimental diabetes mellitus and experimental periodontitis. METHODS: DM and PD were induced together in 15 rats (group 1) by streptozotocin injection and ligature induction. Periodontitis alone was produced by ligature induction in 15 rats (group 2), diabetes alone was produced by streptozotocin injection in 15 rats (group 3), and fifteen systemically and periodontally healthy rats were used as controls (group 4). The gingival TNF-α, IL-1β and LPS levels were measured by using ELISA method. Periodontal destruction was assessed by measuring the alveolar bone loss. Periodontal inflammation was quantified by histopathological grading in H&E stained samples. RESULTS: Higher levels of TNF-α, IL1-β and LPS, increased alveolar bone loss and more serve histopathology were found in group 1 compared with group 2, group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). The quantities of TNF-α, IL1-β and LPS, the amount of alveolar bone loss and the severity of the histopathological finding were greater in group 2 than group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). Group 3 demonstrated higher levels of TNF-α, IL1-β and LPS, increased alveolar bone loss and more serve histopathology than group 4 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were noted between all of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that DM may lead to enhanced TNF-α, IL1-β and LPS production in the periodontal tissues. The resorption values of alveolar bone and the histological inflammation were more severe in rats with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus than in those with periodontitis alone, diabetes mellitus alone and control rats. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that hyperglycemia contributes to the heightened inflammatory response associated with periodontitis.
The role of environmental gradients in non‐native plant invasion into burnt areas of Yosemite National Park, California

Fire is known to facilitate the invasion of many non‐native plant species, but how invasion into burnt areas varies along environmental gradients is not well‐understood. We used two pre‐existing data sets to analyse patterns of invasion by non‐native plant species into burnt areas along gradients of topography, soil and vegetation structure in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. A total of 46 non‐native species (all herbaceous) were recorded in the two data sets. They occurred in all seven of the major plant formations in the park, but were least common in subalpine and upper montane conifer forests. There was no significant difference in species richness or cover of non‐natives between burnt and unburnt areas for either data set, and environmental gradients had a stronger effect on patterns of non‐native species distribution, abundance and species composition than burning. Cover and species richness of non‐natives had significant positive correlations with slope (steepness) and herbaceous cover, while species richness had significant negative correlations with elevation, the number of years post‐burn, and cover of woody vegetation. Non‐native species comprised a relatively minor component of the vegetation in both burnt and unburnt areas in Yosemite (percentage species = 4%, mean cover < 6.0%), and those species that did occur in burnt areas tended not to persist over time. The results indicate that in many western montane ecosystems, fire alone will not necessarily result in increased rates of invasion into burnt areas. However, it would be premature to conclude that non‐native species could not affect post‐fire succession patterns in these systems. Short fire‐return intervals and high fire severity coupled with increased propagule pressure from areas used heavily by humans could still lead to high rates of invasion, establishment and spread even in highly protected areas such as Yosemite.
Russian Pre-Service and Young In-Service Teachers’ Views on Cultural Dimensions of Russian Education: Power Distance

The article discusses Power Distance as one of the cultural dimensions of Russian education based on the perceptions and views of Russian pre-service and young in-service teachers. These views were elicited in the context of a 2 ECTS master’s degree course, “Cultural Dimensions of Education,” offered at Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia. The course includes Hofstede’s framework of cultural dimensions and the manifestation of these dimensions in educational settings, Hall’s cultural-factors theory (particularly high- and low- context cultures and monochronic versus polychronic cultures), but the research focuses on only one of the cultural dimensions, Hofstede’s Power Distance. The students’ reflections on their own experiences presented in writing as case studies and discussed with their peer students have been analyzed. Evidence has been gained that large Power Distance is a typical feature of Russian educational settings’ attitudes and relationships among all the actors—school administration, teachers, pupils, and their parents. The article discusses some of the cases presented and analyzed by the students and their arguments supporting their points of view.
The Glial or Neuronal Fate Choice of Oligodendrocyte Progenitors Is Modulated by Their Ability to Acquire an Epigenetic Memory

The identity of any cell type is determined by the specific pattern of gene expression. We show here that the ability of oligodendrocyte progenitors to acquire the identity of myelin-expressing cells or choose alternative fates is dependent on the activity of histone deacetylases. Using gene expression profiling, electrophysiological recordings, transplantation studies, and pharmacological inhibition, we demonstrate that specified NG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitors are plastic cells, whose decision to initiate an oligodendrocytic rather than astrocytic or neuronal program of gene expression requires the establishment of an epigenetic identity that is initiated by histone deacetylation.
The Structure and Sources of Right–wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation

Right–wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) are widely used constructs in research on social and political attitudes. This study examined their hierarchical and correlative structure (across sexes, generations and rater perspectives), as well as how genetic and environmental factors may contribute to individual differences in them (using different rater perspectives and nuclear twin family data). We found a substantive common aspect (beyond shared artificial variance arising from socially desirable responding) underlying both RWA and SDO: aggression against subordinate groups. We discussed how this aspect could help to explain the commonly reported correlation between the two concepts in Western countries. Estimates of genetic and environmental components in RWA and SDO based on self–reports were quite comparable with those based on peer reports. When controlling for error variance and taking assortative mating into account, individual differences in RWA were primarily due to genetic contributions including genotype–environment correlation, whereas variance in SDO was largely attributable to environmental sources shared and not shared by twins. The findings are discussed in terms of the utility of RWA and SDO as basic constructs to describe individual differences in social attitudes and with respect to the different patterns of genetic and environmental influences that underlie them. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
The Construction and Initial Validation of the Student Teachers’ Efficacy Scale for Teaching Students With Disabilities

Although there have been numerous instruments for assessing teacher efficacy in teaching general education students, there is a need to develop and validate an instrument that specifically assesses teachers’ efficacy in teaching students with disabilities. This study constructed and evaluated the psychometric properties of the Student Teachers’ Efficacy in Teaching Students With Disabilities (STETSD). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with independent samples from two sites were conducted. A four-factor model best fit the data. A moderate positive correlation was found between the STETSD and an existing resource teacher efficacy survey; the STETSD also significantly predicted the student teachers’ intentions to pursue a career in teaching students with disabilities. Implications for practice are discussed regarding the assessment of teacher efficacy in specific subjects, the use of the STETSD, and STETSD’s cross-validation with in-service teachers.
Karush-Kuhn-Tucker Optimality Based Local Search for Enhanced Convergence of Evolutionary Multi-Criterion Optimization Methods

Recent studies have used Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions to develop a KKT Proximity Measure (KKTPM) for terminating a multi-objective optimization simulation run based on theoretical convergence of solutions. In addition to determining a suitable termination condition and due to their ability to provide a single measure for convergence to Pareto-optimal solutions, the developed KKTPM can also be applied more directly to enhance the performance of an optimization algorithm. In this paper, we integrate the KKTPM information with an evolutionary multi-objective optimization (EMO) algorithm to enhance its convergence properties to Pareto-optimal solutions. Specifically, we use KKTPM to identify poorly converged nondominated solutions in every generation and apply an achievement scalarizing function based local search procedure to improve their convergence. Simulations on both constrained and unconstrained multiple and many-objective optimization problems demonstrate that the hybrid algorithm significantly improves the overall convergence properties. This study brings evolutionary optimization closer to mainstream optimization field and should motivate researchers to utilize KKTPM measure further within EMO and other numerical optimization algorithms for improving their working behaviors.
The whole-PTH/intact-PTH ratio is a useful predictor of severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism

Background. The newer parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay, whole-PTH, uses an antibody that binds the region harbouring the first amino acid, making it specific for the complete molecule, 1–84-PTH. Especially among dialysis patients, it has been reported that the level of whole-PTH can be calculated as ∼60% of their intact-PTH value. In addition, since 1–84-PTH is part of intact-PTH, the whole-PTH/intact-PTH ratio should not theoretically exceed 1. However, an abnormally high 1–84-PTH/intact-PTH ratio is reported in a few patients with parathyroid carcinoma, primary hyperparathyroidism and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In this study, we examined the correlation between the 1–84-PTH/intact-PTH ratio and the severity of hyperparathyroidism in patients on haemodialysis (HD). Patients and methods. The study population comprised 196 HD patients (males 113, females 83, age 67.4 ± 13.6 years, HD period 8.1 ± 7.3 years; mean ± SD). The whole-PTH/intact-PTH ratio was compared in patients with high PTH levels (intact-PTH ≥300 pg/ ml; high PTH group, n = 32), moderate PTH levels (intact-PTH >150–<300 pg/ml; moderate PTH group, n = 50) and low PTH levels (intact-PTH <150 pg/ml; low PTH group, n = 114). The ratio was also compared in 25 patients with at least one enlarged gland >0.5 cm3 suggesting nodular hyperplasia, as determined by power Doppler ultrasonography (hyperplasia group) with seven patients without enlarged gland (non-hyperplasia group) and six patients who had undergone total parathyroidectomy (post-PTx group). Results. The whole-PTH/intact-PTH ratio of the high PTH group (0.68 ± 0.1) was significantly higher than those of the moderate (0.61 ± 0.1, P < 0.001) and low (0.52 ± 0.1, P < 0.001) groups. Moreover, the ratio was significantly higher in the hyperplasia group (0.70 ± 0.1) than those in the non-hyperplasia group (0.59 ± 0.1, P < 0.05) and post-PTx group (0.456 ± 0.12, P < 0.001). Conclusions. The whole-PTH/intact-PTH ratio correlated with the severity of hyperparathyroidism. Our results suggest that the ratio might be a useful predictor of severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism in HD patients.
Measuring the Returns to R&D

We review the econometric literature on measuring the returns to R&D. The theoretical frameworks that have been used are outlined, followed by an extensive discussion of measurement and econometric issues that arise when estimating the models. We then provide a series of tables summarizing the major results that have been obtained and conclude with a presentation of R&D spillover returns measurement. In general, the private returns to R&D are strongly positive and somewhat higher than those for ordinary capital, while the social returns are even higher, although variable and imprecisely measured in many cases.