Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PSYCHE an interdisciplinary journal of research on consciousness Sustained Inattentional Blindness : The Role of Location in the Detection of Unexpected Dynamic Events

Attempts to understand visual attention have produced models based on location, in which attention selects particular regions of space, and models based on other visual attributes (e.g., in which attention selects discrete objects or specific features). Previous studies of inattentional blindness have contributed to our understanding of attention by suggesting that the detection of an unexpected object depends on the distance of that object from the spatial focus of attention. When the distance of a briefly flashed object from both fixation and the focus of attention is systematically varied, detection appears to have a location-based component. However, the likelihood that people will detect an unexpected event in sustained and dynamic displays may depend on more than just spatial location. We investigated the influence of spatial location on inattentional blindness under precisely controlled, sustained and dynamic conditions. We found that although location-based models cannot fully account for the detection of unexpected objects, spatial location does play a role even when displays are visible for an extended period.
Relationships between learning approaches and outcomes of students studying a first-year biology topic on-campus and by distance

This study investigates the relationship between learning approach and outcome for distance and on-campus first-year biology students. It uses a topic-specific version of the Study Process Questionnaire, recent articulations of the Structure of Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) model and individual interviews. Deep approaches were related to better quality SOLO categories of learning outcomes, but many students appeared to adopt a mix of surface and deep approaches to learning, or used little of either, and demonstrated poor quality learning outcomes. A strong approach/outcome relationship was not evident for the younger on-campus cohort. It is argued that these results highlight the need to look beyond learning approaches towards more multidimensional and integrative perspectives of student learning.
Diagnosis of invasive fungal disease using serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan: a bivariate meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND The (1→3)-β-D-Glucan (BG) assay has been approved for diagnosing invasive fungal disease (IFD). However, the test performance has been variable. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the overall accuracy of BG assay for diagnosing IFD. METHODS The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively) of BG for diagnosing IFD were pooled using a bivariate meta-analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses. RESULTS Twelve reports, including 15 studies, were included for the analysis (proven and probable IFD vs possible or no IFD). The sensitivity, specificity, PLR and NLR were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67-0.83), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.73-0.92), 5.05 (95% CI, 2.71-9.43), and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.20-0.39), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that the BG assay had higher specificities for patients with hematological disorders and a positive BG result with two consecutive samples. The combination of galactomannan and BG increased the specificity value to 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99) for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. CONCLUSION Serum BG determination is clinically useful for diagnosing IFD in at-risk patients, especially for hematology patients. The combination of galactomannan and BG was sufficient for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. Since the BG assay is not absolutely sensitive and specific for IFD, the BG results should be interpreted in parallel with clinical findings.
Induction of morphological changes in BEAS‐2B human bronchial epithelial cells following chronic sub‐cytotoxic and mildly cytotoxic hexavalent chromium exposures

Certain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds are well established occupational respiratory tract carcinogens. However, despite extensive studies, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Cr(VI)‐induced lung cancer remain poorly understood. In fact, the models used were often suboptimal and yielded conflicting results that were heavily dependent upon the system and experimental conditions employed. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic subcytotoxic and mildly cytotoxic (0.1–2 µM) Cr(VI) exposures on cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells, the main targets of Cr(VI) carcinogenicity. Our studies with the nontumorigenic BEAS‐2B cell line suggest that relatively short exposures (h) to sublethal Cr(VI) doses (0.1–1 µM) may render these cells less sensitive to contact inhibition. We have also observed a reduced sensitivity to Cr(VI)‐induced apoptosis shortly after the beginning of exposure to a mildly cytotoxic Cr(VI) dose (2 µM). Further studies are needed to determine whether these two phenotypes are involved in the Cr(VI)‐induced carcinogenic process. Additionally, evidence gathered in this study strongly points to a Cr(VI) interference with cell adhesion to the substratum and with cell–cell interactions. Finally, by chronically exposing BEAS‐2B cells to mildly cytotoxic Cr(VI) doses (1 and 2 µM), we were able to induce changes in cell morphology and pattern of growth characteristic of an early phase of pre‐malignant progression. Mol. Carcinog. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Study of Mechanical Optimization Strategy for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Based on an Electromechanical Model

An optimal electrode position and interventricular (VV) delay in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves its success. However, the precise quantification of cardiac dyssynchrony and magnitude of resynchronization achieved by biventricular (BiV) pacing therapy with mechanical optimization strategies based on computational models remain scant. The maximum circumferential uniformity ratio estimate (CURE) was used here as mechanical optimization index, which was automatically computed for 6 different electrode positions based on a three-dimensional electromechanical canine model of heart failure (HF) caused by complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB). VV delay timing was adjusted accordingly. The heart excitation propagation was simulated with a monodomain model. The quantification of mechanical intra- and interventricular asynchrony was then investigated with eight-node isoparametric element method. The results showed that (i) the optimal pacing location from maximal CURE of 0.8516 was found at the left ventricle (LV) lateral wall near the equator site with a VV delay of 60 ms, in accordance with current clinical studies, (ii) compared with electrical optimization strategy of E RMS, the LV synchronous contraction and the hemodynamics improved more with mechanical optimization strategy. Therefore, measures of mechanical dyssynchrony improve the sensitivity and specificity of predicting responders more. The model was subject to validation in future clinical studies.
Transgender Health

Abstract Transgender people face many typical experiences associated with growing old compounded by unique stresses and challenges related to being transgender. Public and corporate policies and a history of discrimination tend to isolate transgender elders, potentially impairing their health, quality of life, and longevity. Health care providers and transgender people alike need accurate and representative information about the experiences and needs of these elders. Research on the lives and concerns of transgender elders is necessary to better understand their aging and caregiving experiences and to illuminate effective and respectful interventions to support them across the life course.
Self‐Concept of Academic Ability and the Adult College Student

Adults' self-concept of academic ability is discussed within the larger context of self-concept theory, the presence of adults in college, and the sparse research on adult self-concept. The operation of adult self-concept was explored with data gathered from 480 undergraduate students age 25 or older. Adult self-concept of academic ability appeared to operate much as predicted by the theory. It was shaped from past academic activities (credits earned and GPA), and it affected subjective academic outcomes such as “how well one feels he/she is doing in college” and “whether one's goals are being met by the college experience. ” It also affected objective outcomes such as current credit load carried and grades attained. Self-concept did not vary by race, gender, or income, though it did vary by age. Subdomains of self-concept were explored, and the most important appeared to be interaction skills within the classroom. Relating academic self-concept to other psychological variables showed that it is unrelated to motivation, positively related to global self-esteem, and negatively related to depression, stress, and external attributions for academic success.
The influence of student learning characteristics on purchase of paper book and eBook for university study and personal interest

First-year university students (n = 199) completed an online questionnaire that queried their purchase of paper books and eBooks for university study and personal interest. The questionnaire also required students to rate their learning characteristics including reading strategies, study self-regulation, learning control beliefs and achievement motivation. Self-reported student learning characteristic scores were associated with self-reported book purchases. For example, as student extrinsic motivation scores increased, number of paper books purchased for university study tended to increase. As student learning control belief scores increased, purchase of eBooks for university study tended to increase. Collectively, such results lend support to the conclusion that education students who embrace emerging technologies such as eBooks and who read for leisure perceive themselves as more able learners than students who do not embrace emerging technologies such as eBooks and who do not read for leisure.
Ontogeny of baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the developmental changes in baroreflex function during fetal and postnatal life in sheep. Resting mean arterial blood pressure increased significantly from 55 +/- 2 mmHg in fetuses to 86 +/- 3 mmHg in newborn lambs and to 105 +/- 4 mmHg in 4- to 6-wk-old lambs. The sensitivity (gain) of the renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) response to baroreceptor stimulation was greater (P < 0.05) in fetuses (-7.7 +/- 1.9%/mmHg) than in newborn (-2.9 +/- 0.1%/mmHg) and 4- to 6-wk-old lambs (-2.2 +/- 0.2%/mmHg). The threshold and saturation pressures for the baroreflex function curve were lower (P < 0.05) in fetuses (44 +/- 2 and 61 +/- 2 mmHg) than in newborn (59 +/- 4 and 106 +/- 5 mmHg) or 4- to 6-wk-old lambs (78 +/- 5 and 132 +/- 6 mmHg). Similar findings were observed when the heart rate response to baroreceptor stimulation was examined. Additional experiments were performed in newborn and 4- to 6-wk-old lambs to determine whether the rise in arterial blood pressure associated with postnatal maturation contributed to baroreflex resetting. Sustained elevation of arterial blood pressure by 15-20 mmHg for over 90 min did not reset the baroreflex function curve in either newborn or 4- to 6-wk-old lambs. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Microtubule Dynamics Regulate Cyclic Stretch-Induced Cell Alignment in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Microtubules are structural components of the cytoskeleton that determine cell shape, polarity, and motility in cooperation with the actin filaments. In order to determine the role of microtubules in cell alignment, human airway smooth muscle cells were exposed to cyclic uniaxial stretch. Human airway smooth muscle cells, cultured on type I collagen-coated elastic silicone membranes, were stretched uniaxially (20% in strain, 30 cycles/min) for 2 h. The population of airway smooth muscle cells which were originally oriented randomly aligned near perpendicular to the stretch axis in a time-dependent manner. However, when the cells treated with microtubule disruptors, nocodazole and colchicine, were subjected to the same cyclic uniaxial stretch, the cells failed to align. Lack of alignment was also observed for airway smooth muscle cells treated with a microtubule stabilizer, paclitaxel. To understand the intracellular mechanisms involved, we developed a computational model in which microtubule polymerization and attachment to focal adhesions were regulated by the preexisting tensile stress, pre-stress, on actin stress fibers. We demonstrate that microtubules play a central role in cell re-orientation when cells experience cyclic uniaxial stretching. Our findings further suggest that cell alignment and cytoskeletal reorganization in response to cyclic stretch results from the ability of the microtubule-stress fiber assembly to maintain a homeostatic strain on the stress fiber at focal adhesions. The mechanism of stretch-induced alignment we uncovered is likely involved in various airway functions as well as in the pathophysiology of airway remodeling in asthma.
"TREASURED AWAKENINGS:" RECIPROCITY AND THE REFLECTING TEAM PROCESS

Abstract In this article we review a case in which videotaped conversations were exchanged between a reflecting team and a family over a six-month period of therapy. A follow-up interview three years after working together further elaborates the meaningfulness for this family of their reflecting team experience. In this case, exchanges between the family and the reflecting team were seen by clients and therapists as playing a significant role in facilitating change by all parties involved. Examining this recursivity elucidates ideas about partnering with families in ways that can transform our clinical practices and our lives.
Dental Screening of Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients

Dental screenings were completed on 209 pediatric patients six months and older that were scheduled for cardiac surgery from two different geographical locations. The screening involved an educational session on bacterial endocarditis and preventive dentistry followed by a dental examination. We found that sixty-two (30 percent) patients had seen a dentist regularly, ninety-three (44 percent) practiced daily oral hygiene and thirty-seven (18 percent) knew about bacterial endocarditis. Local dentists performed invasive procedures on seventy-one (34 percent) patients and thirty-four (48 percent) received antibiotic prophylaxis. Only twenty-three (68 percent) of the thirty-four patients received the then current American Heart Association antibiotic regimen. Dental disease was diagnosed in 175 (84 percent) of the 209 patients: 164 (78 percent) gingivitis; sixty (29 percent) caries; six (7 percent) dental abscess; three (1 percent) periodontal abscess; five (2 percent) periocornitis. Cardiac surgery was postponed in twenty-four (12 percent) patients. We conclude that parents lacked knowledge about bacterial endocarditis even after being informed during their routine cardiology visit, there appears to be a deficiency of knowledge among dentists regarding the indications and antibiotic regimen required to prevent bacterial endocarditis, and all cardiac surgical patients should have a dental exam and preventive dental program implemented prior to six months of age and dental screening prior to their cardiac surgery.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in Plasma: Its Role in Thrombotic Disease

Impaired fibrinolytic function, mainly due to an elevation of the plasma PAI-1 concentration, is a common finding in patients with thrombotic disease. Unfortunately, regarding patients with idiopathic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), no reliable prospective or genetic studies have been published. Concerning postoperative DVT, preoperatively increased PAI-1 level seems to predict a postoperative DVT in patients subjected to hip surgery. Several longitudinal cohort studies of patients with manifest coronary heart disease (CHD) have linked elevated plasma PAI-1 or tPA antigen concentrations to future cardiovascular events, particularly myocardial infarction. Before PAI-1 can be regarded as a risk factor in the conventional epidemiological sense, its relationship to myocardial infarction must be demonstrated in prospective studies of healthy populations. Regulation of the plasma concentration of PAI-1 is complex and at present not well understood. Multiple interactions with disturbances of both carbohydrate and lipoprotein metabolism are evident. Many studies have been carried out in cultured cells, but data can hardly be transformed into human pathophysiology. It seems that both environmental and genetic factors are of importance for the plasma PAI-1 concentration. Recently, knowledge of the importance of genetic factors involved in the regulation of plasma PAI-1 concentration has become available. Interestingly, preliminary data suggest that the 4G/5G polymorphism located within the PAI-1 promoter is connected to CHD. More data on larger patient groups are needed and will certainly shed new light on the importance of impaired fibrinolytic function in the etiology of CHD in the near future.
Repeat breeder syndrome in dairy cows: influence of breed and age on its prevalence and the success of a hormone therapy*

Th e aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of repeat breeder syndrome (RBS) in diff erent breeds and reproductive ages of cattle in central Croatia and to assess the eff ectiveness of hormone therapy as a treatment option. A total of 1088 dairy cows were observed, 218 heifers and 870 multiparous cows. Aft er the third unsuccessful artifi cial insemination (n = 164) and a thorough clinical and gynecological examination, the cows were tested for sexually transmitted diseases. An RBS diagnosis was based on failure to conceive, negative laboratory tests for sexually transmitted diseases, and the absence of other reproductive disorders. Th e highest prevalence of RBS was found in crossbreed cows, followed by the Holstein-Friesian, Red Holstein, and Simmental breeds. RBS was not detected in cows of the Swiss Brown breed. Th e prevalence of RBS was signifi cantly higher in heifers in comparison to multiparous cows. Cows diagnosed with RBS were administrated hormone therapy based on the Double Ovsynch protocol with applications of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and a prostaglandin analogue (cloprostenol). Th is hormone treatment resulted in a higher conception rate in all treated animals and signifi cantly impacted the culling rate due to the subfertility.
Conceptualizing and Evaluating Career Success

Within the vast literature on the antecedents of career success, the success criterion has generally been operationalized in a rather deficient manner. Several avenues for improving the conceptualization and measurement of both objective and subjective career success are identified. Paramount among these is the need for greater sensitivity to the criteria that study participants, in different contexts, use to construe and judge their career success. This paper illustrates that contextual and individual factors are likely to be associated with the relative salience of objective and subjective criteria of career success. Drawing on social comparison theory, propositions are also offered about when self- and other-referent success criteria are likely to be most salient. A broader research agenda addresses career success referent choice, organizational interventions, and potential cultural differences. This article maps out how future research can be more sensitive to how people actually do conceptualize and evaluate their own career success.
Accurate calibration of cameras and range imaging sensor: the NPBS method

A method is presented for modeling and calibration of sensors, to reach an accuracy similar in magnitude to the resolution of the sensors. The authors focus on camera and range image calibration. They show the limitations of existing methods, and present an approach and camera calibration using mathematical B-Spline functions. This method is abbreviated as NPBS (N-Planes B-Spline). It is an extension of the two-planes method, but relies on pure mathematical modeling based on spline approximation theory. The mathematical modeling is combined with a calibration device that enables accurate data acquisition to calibrate a camera and a light plane independently. Experimental results are presented showing accuracy on the determination of a scattered plane. <<ETX>>
Transgendered Women of the Philippines

ABSTRACT A convenience sample of 147 transgendered females (i.e., male-to-female (MtF) transgenders, or transwomen, transgendered members of a community often called bakla in the Philippines) was studied. Participants (mean 23.6 years) completed a questionnaire covering, inter alia, demographics, transition histories, sexual preferences, sexual and gender identities, experience of social attitudes towards transgenderism, as well as beliefs about the origins of their own transgenderism. Despite a level of education that was high in relation to the national average, the level of unemployment in our sample was comparatively high. Participants' family backgrounds revealed a significantly higher frequency of older sisters than younger ones. Participants differed in the ways in which they self-identified, but overwhelmingly reported early feelings of gender incongruity (i.e., in early or middle childhood) and initial transition in adolescence. Though most were at the time of the study using hormones, surgery was relatively uncommon, and sex reassignment surgery rare. While none of the participants aspired to a male identity, many anticipated that they would nevertheless be presenting as male later in their lives. An overwhelming majority reported a sexual attraction to men, the vast majority of these exclusively so. Participants commonly reported that Filipino society was unfavourably disposed towards the transgendered. Many reported rejection by their parents, though this was more common (a) by fathers, and (b) when they had earlier begun to transition. Participants most commonly cited inborn biology or God's Will as a factor underlying their own transgenderism. Very few cited social influences.
Involvement of Roma parents in children’s education in Croatia: A comparative study

This article compares Roma and mainstream parents’ involvement in the education of their children, based on Epstein’s six-dimensional model of parent–school partnership. The survey was conducted in Croatia on two sub-samples: 60 Roma parents and 908 mainstream parents. Results suggest that Roma parents show lower interest in participating in volunteer work and school decision making than do mainstream parents, they rate their children’s achievement and school satisfaction lower, and they have lower academic aspirations for their children.