Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Placental efficiency and adaptation: endocrine regulation

Size at birth is critical in determining life expectancy and is dependent primarily on the placental supply of nutrients. However, the fetus is not just a passive recipient of nutrients from the placenta. It exerts a significant acquisitive drive for nutrients, which acts through morphological and functional adaptations in the placenta, particularly when the genetically determined drive for fetal growth is compromised by adverse intrauterine conditions. These adaptations alter the efficiency with which the placenta supports fetal growth, which results in optimal growth for prevailing conditions in utero. This review examines placental efficiency as a means of altering fetal growth, the morphological and functional adaptations that influence placental efficiency and the endocrine regulation of these processes.
Quantum mechanics in terms of discrete beables.

An interpretation of quantum mechanics in terms of classical concepts, «beables,» due to de Broglie, Bohm, and Bell (BBB) is generalized and further developed. By assuming that all physical quantities take discrete values on sufficiently small scales, we can use this interpretation to give traject possible quantities, including the position of a particle, its spin, etc. When applied to position, it is shown that, in the continuum limit, this interpretation reduces to the causal one of Bohm. As an illustration, the BBB trajectories are computed explicitly in two simple models
Possible effects of tetrahydrobiopterin treatment in six children with autism ‐ clinical and positron emission tomography data: a pilot study

Six children, between 3 and 5 years of age, having infantile autism according to DSM‐III‐R, were treated for 3 months with 6R‐L‐erythro‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobiopterin (R‐BH4), a cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylases in the biosynthetic pathway of catecholamines and serotonin. A criterion for inclusion in the study was a relatively low level of R‐BH4 in the cerebrospinal fluid. For clinical evaluation, the Parental Satisfaction Survey (PASS) was used every fourth week and the Griffiths Developmental Scales were used before starting and 3 months after completing the treatment. During the treatment period, all parents reported improvements in the child's social functioning ‐ mainly eye contact and desire to interact ‐ and in the number of words or sounds which the child used. Small positive changes were noted on the Griffiths Developmental Scales between the two testing occasions. R‐BH4 levels in CSF increased significantly after treatment. The positron emission tomography (PET) study showed that the high value of dopamine D2 receptor binding in the caudate and putamen decreased by about 10% towards the normal level after treatment with R‐BH4. The observations in this open study indicate that the drug might be useful for a subgroup of children with autism, but there is a need for a larger double‐blind study with a longer treatment period.
The PhD viva: a space for academic development

This study examined the viva experiences of 87 social science PhD graduates from three Irish higher education institutions through a questionnaire that assessed outcome, preparation, conduct and post-viva. The majority were awarded their PhD with minor corrections, considered their viva as a summative assessment, and emphasised its purpose as authentication, examination and defence. Most felt well prepared yet few had experienced a ‘mock viva’ or viva workshop. Even those with minor corrections identified aspects of the viva for improvement. The study recommends that academic development programmes should incorporate assessment literacy for PhD students and supervisors and the need for evaluation of graduates’ viva experiences.
Optimization of Wireless Power Transfer Systems Enhanced by Passive Elements and Metasurfaces

This paper presents a rigorous optimization technique for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems enhanced by passive elements, ranging from simple reflectors and intermediate relays all the way to general electromagnetic guiding and focusing structures, such as metasurfaces and metamaterials. At its core is a convex semidefinite relaxation formulation of the otherwise nonconvex optimization problem, of which tightness and optimality can be confirmed by a simple test of its solutions. The resulting method is rigorous, versatile, and general—it does not rely on any assumptions. As shown in various examples, it is able to efficiently and reliably optimize such WPT systems in order to find their physical limitations on performance, optimal operating parameters, and inspect their working principles, even for a large number of active transmitters and passive elements.
Behavior intentions of the public after bans on smoking in restaurants and bars.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the potential effect of smoke-free policies on bar and restaurant patronage. METHODS Random-digit dialing techniques were used in surveying a representative sample of Massachusetts adults (n = 2356) by telephone. RESULTS Approximately 61% of the respondents predicted no change in their use of restaurants in response to smoke-free policies, 30% predicted increased use, and 8% predicted decreased use. In turn, 69% of the respondents predicted no change in their patronage of bars, while 20% predicted increased use and 11% predicted decreased use. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that smoke-free policies are likely to increase overall patronage of bars and restaurants.
Youth With Obesity and Obesity-Related Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Demonstrate Abnormalities in Carotid Structure and Function

Background— Adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at higher risk for stroke and myocardial infarction. Increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and stiffness are associated with these adverse outcomes. We compared carotid arteries in youth who were lean, were obese, or had T2DM. Methods and Results— Carotid ultrasound for cIMT measurement was performed, the Young elastic modulus and beta stiffness index were calculated, and anthropometric and laboratory values and blood pressure were measured in 182 lean, 136 obese, and 128 T2DM youth (aged 10 to 24 years). Mean differences were evaluated by ANOVA. Independent determinants of cIMT, Young elastic modulus, and beta stiffness index were determined with general linear models. Cardiovascular risk factors worsened from lean to obese to T2DM groups. T2DM subjects had greater cIMT than that in lean and obese subjects for the common carotid artery and bulb. For the internal carotid artery, cIMT measurements in both obese and T2DM groups were thicker than in the lean group. The carotid arteries were stiffer in obese and T2DM groups than in the lean group. Determinants of cIMT were group, group×age interaction, sex, and systolic blood pressure for the common carotid artery (r2=0.17); age, race, and systolic blood pressure for the bulb (r2=0.16); and age, race, sex, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol for the internal carotid artery (r2=0.21). Age, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were determinants of all measures of carotid stiffness, with sex adding to the Young elastic modulus (r2=0.23), and body mass index Z score, group, and group×age interaction contributing to the beta stiffness index (r2=0.31; all P<0.0001). Conclusions— Youth with obesity and T2DM have abnormalities in carotid thickness and stiffness that are only partially explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. These vascular changes should alert healthcare practitioners to address cardiovascular risk factors early to prevent an increase in the incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction.
Shall We Overcome? Self-Efficacy, Teacher Licensure Exams, and African American Preservice Teachers

ABSTRACT This article reports findings from a 3-year qualitative study exploring the experiences of African American preservice teachers as they prepared for the Praxis “basic skills” teacher-licensure exam, a gatekeeper to many teacher-education programs. Using the construct of self-efficacy, results illustrate how students assess their Praxis capabilities from (a) previous mastery or failure experiences with other standardized tests and classes from college to elementary school and (b) vicarious experiences from African American students, friends, and family members. The article provides recommendations to prepare students for preprofessional examinations such as Praxis that often limit the numbers of African American teachers eligible for certification.
Host-Specific Adaptation of HIV-1 Subtype B in the Japanese Population

ABSTRACT The extent to which HIV-1 clade B strains exhibit population-specific adaptations to host HLA alleles remains incompletely known, in part due to incomplete characterization of HLA-associated HIV-1 polymorphisms (HLA-APs) in different global populations. Moreover, it remains unknown to what extent the same HLA alleles may drive significantly different escape pathways across populations. As the Japanese population exhibits distinctive HLA class I allele distributions, comparative analysis of HLA-APs between HIV-1 clade B-infected Japanese and non-Asian cohorts could shed light on these questions. However, HLA-APs remain incompletely mapped in Japan. In a cohort of 430 treatment-naive Japanese with chronic HIV-1 clade B infection, we identified 284 HLA-APs in Gag, Pol, and Nef using phylogenetically corrected methods. The number of HLA-associated substitutions in Pol, notably those restricted by HLA-B*52:01, was weakly inversely correlated with the plasma viral load (pVL), suggesting that the transmission and persistence of B*52:01-driven Pol mutations could modulate the pVL. Differential selection of HLA-APs between HLA subtype members, including those differing only with respect to substitutions outside the peptide-binding groove, was observed, meriting further investigation as to their mechanisms of selection. Notably, two-thirds of HLA-APs identified in Japan had not been reported in previous studies of predominantly Caucasian cohorts and were attributable to HLA alleles unique to, or enriched in, Japan. We also identified 71 cases where the same HLA allele drove significantly different escape pathways in Japan versus predominantly Caucasian cohorts. Our results underscore the distinct global evolution of HIV-1 clade B as a result of host population-specific cellular immune pressures. IMPORTANCE Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) escape mutations in HIV-1 are broadly predictable based on the HLA class I alleles expressed by the host. Because HLA allele distributions differ among worldwide populations, the pattern and diversity of HLA-associated escape mutations are likely to be somewhat distinct to each race and region. HLA-associated polymorphisms (HLA-APs) in HIV-1 have previously been identified at the population level in European, North American, Australian, and African cohorts; however, large-scale analyses of HIV-1 clade B-specific HLA-APs in Asians are lacking. Differential intraclade HIV-1 adaptation to global populations can be investigated via comparative analyses of HLA-associated polymorphisms across ethnic groups, but such studies are rare. Here, we identify HLA-APs in a large Japanese HIV-1 clade B cohort using phylogenetically informed methods and observe that the majority of them had not been previously characterized in predominantly Caucasian populations. The results highlight HIV's unique adaptation to cellular immune pressures imposed by different global populations.
Relating price determination to disease prevalence

For orphan drugs, the yearly cost per patient is inversely related to the prevalence of the disease.1 2 3 4 5 Although this relation is widely recognised qualitatively, to our knowledge, no attempt has been made to define it mathematically. We examined the decisions made for non-cancer orphan drugs approved in Italy over the past years and developed the …
ALCN: Meta-Learning for Contrast Normalization Applied to Robust 3D Pose Estimation

To be robust to illumination changes when detecting objects in images, the current trend is to train a Deep Network with training images captured under many different lighting conditions. Unfortunately, creating such a training set is very cumbersome, or sometimes even impossible, for some applications such as 3D pose estimation of specific objects, which is the application we focus on in this paper. We therefore propose a novel illumination normalization method that lets us learn to detect objects and estimate their 3D pose under challenging illumination conditions from very few training samples. Our key insight is that normalization parameters should adapt to the input image. In particular, we realized this via a Convolutional Neural Network trained to predict the parameters of a generalization of the Difference-of-Gaussians method. We show that our method significantly outperforms standard normalization methods and demonstrate it on two challenging 3D detection and pose estimation problems.
The Effect of Hidden Curriculum on AcademicAchievementof High School Students FatemehBayanfar

The present study was an attempt to investigate the possible role of the hidden curriculum onacademic achievements of high school students and to provide a plausible model to decrease the negative effects of the hidden curriculum. Research method was mixed. The statistical population was all female high school students.The sample comprised 9 high school who were purposeful sampling selected the schools and classrooms observedfor 8 months. Different instruments were used including: 1academic achievement mean, 2. observation checklist 3. the standardized open-ended interview and informal conversational. Several statistical procedures including one-way repeated measure ANOVA, Scheffe’s test, Pearson coefficient of correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The coefficient of correlation between hidden curriculum and academic achievement variables was 0.50, which was not significant at the level of 0.05. With reference to R 2 , the data showed that 24.77% of students’ academic achievements have been influenced by hidden curriculum. After qualitative analysis of the findings on the hidden curriculum, the model was further explained and provided through eight chapters: 1. theoretical, 2. philosophy, 3. fundamental variables, 4. dimensions, 5. objectives, 6. principles, 7. methods 8. feedback and evaluation system.
The Metabolic and Endocrine Milieu of the Human Fetus and Mother at 18-21 Weeks of Gestation. I. Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations

ABSTRACT: Plasma levels of 17 amino acids were measured in 10 conscious mothers and their minimally stressed fetuses (mean body weight 302 g) at 18-21 wk gestation. Simultaneous blood samples were taken from the maternal antecubital vein, and from the fetal umbilical vein and artery by fetoscopy prior to termination of pregnancy. The mean concentrations of all amino acids were significantly higher in the fetal (2.26 mmol/liter) than in the maternal (0.96 mmol/liter) circulation, the total molar concentration of amino acids was 2.4 times greater in fetal than in maternal plasma. There was a significant positive relationship between maternal and fetal levels for most amino acids; the mean umbilical concentration difference was significantly positive for glycine, alanine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and histidine.
ART adherence, demographic variables and CD4 outcome among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy in Chennai, India

Abstract This is an analysis of available chart data recorded by HIV counselors and physicians on patient adherence and CD4 count in 304 patients with HIV who were prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Chennai, India. HIV counselors had categorized the majority of patients’ adherence as ‘regular’ (74.3%), with a significant minority being categorized as ‘irregular’ (17.8%), or ‘recently missed some doses’ (6.9%). Those categorized as ‘irregular’ had significantly lower CD4 counts than those classified as ‘regular’. Adherence was not associated with any demographic variable; however, it was associated with current CD4 and with change in CD4 since initiation of ART. This association was significant over and above the effects of time on ART. The most common reason for non-adherence was cost (32%), followed by the inability to return for a refill (i.e., patients who were unable or refused to obtain medicines elsewhere) (7.5%). These data suggest that although most patients in this Indian cohort reported regular adherence to ART, a subset admitted to less than regular adherence to ART, and those who admitted to less than regular adherence had worse CD4 outcomes. These data do not support concerns about adherence as a reason to withhold ART in developing countries, nor do they support claims that patients in India who struggle with adherence would be unwilling or unable to admit to non-adherence to health care professionals.
Dasatinib: the emerging evidence of its potential in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

Introduction: Current therapy options for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) include conventional chemotherapy, allogeneic stem cell transplant, interferon-alfa, and imatinib mesylate, which has recently achieved gold standard status. Although the majority of patients initially respond well to treatment with imatinib, wider clinical experience with this drug has resulted in the development of imatinib resistance being increasingly documented. There is therefore an unmet medical need for novel therapies to override imatinib resistance in CML. Aims: This review summarizes the emerging evidence for the potential use of dasatinib in the treatment of imatinib-resistant CML. Disease and treatment: Dasatinib is a novel small molecule that has shown potent antileukemic activity in imatinib-resistant cell lines, malignant marrow cells isolated from patients with imatinib-resistant CML, and in mouse xenograft models of imatinib-resistant CML. Preliminary data from an initial phase I dose escalation trial have been encouraging, indicating that dasatinib is generally well tolerated and produces hematologic and cytogenetic responses in patients with imatinib-resistant CML in all phases of the disease. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has not yet been reached, and dose escalation continues to determine the dose range that yields optimal results. Profile: Although dasatinib is still in the early stages of development, the potential impact of this molecule on the treatment of CML could be revolutionary, not only providing a much needed treatment option for patients with imatinib-resistant CML, but also, combined with imatinib, could possibly prove useful in delaying the onset of resistance to treatment. Furthermore, combined with other agents active in CML, dasatinib could have potential utility in purging residual leukemic cells in patients whose disease is controlled by imatinib.
Predictors of Transitional Phase Success In Visual Communication Design Education

Conceptualization (AC) Learning by thinking processing Active Experimentation (AE) Learning by doing Reflective Observation (RO) Learning by reflecting Figure 11. The Experiential Learning Theory model. Adapted from “Focus on architectural design process through learning styles,” by O. Demirbas and H. Demirkan, 2003, Design Studies, 24(5), p. 441. Copyright 2003 by Elsevier. Reprinted with permission. When discussing the theory, the model, and the instrument, it is crucial to distinguish among the terms and what they represent. The terms CE, RO, AC, and AE, refer to the poles of the two dimensions; the compound terms AC-CE, and AE-RO, refer to the bipolar dimensions themselves; and the words Accommodating, Diverging, Assimilating, and Converging, describe the four bivariate categories that individuals fall ✔
Cartilage Ossiculoplasty from Stapes to Tympanic Membrane in One-Stage Intact Canal Wall Tympanoplasty for Cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE To report hearing results of cartilage interposition ossiculoplasty in one-stage intact canal wall (ICW) tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma with intact stapes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study of pre and postoperative hearing status was conducted at a tertiary referral otologic center in a series of 61 patients having undergone one-stage ICW tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma with intact stapes and cartilage ossiculoplasty during the same procedure. RESULTS In the preoperative period, the mean air conduction thresholds (AC), air-bone gap (ABG), and speech reception thresholds (SRT) were 35.3, 20.14, and 35.6 dB, respectively. Postoperatively, with a mean follow-up of 29 months, AC, ABG, and SRT were 27.8, 13.34, and 28.8 dB, respectively. Mean hearing gain was 6.8 dB and mean SRT improvement was 6.8 dB. Mean bone conduction thresholds for 1, 2, and 4 kHz remained stable after surgery (17.6 dB preoperatively vs. 18 dB postoperatively). CONCLUSION Cartilage ossiculoplasty from stapes to tympanic membrane in one-stage ICW tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma is a safe, reliable, easy, and effective procedure, with no additional cost.
Teaching and Learning Calculus Using Computer

Learning mathematics is a major focus of educational institutions at all levels and technology has long been an important teaching tool in the field of mathematics. The new technological tools such as computers and computer software have provided educators and students with more opportunities to teach and to learn mathematics in new ways. The used of multimedia interactive courseware with its ability to visualize concepts will help instructors to explain calculus concepts, which previously, cannot be illustrated through the conventional methods of teaching. This paper will discuss the effectiveness of the Teaching and Mastering Calculus Computer Courseware (TEMACCC) on the achievement of diploma students in the subject Calculus. Specifically, this paper will discuss the effectiveness of TEMACCC versus traditional teaching and tutorial type on the achievement of diploma students in the subject of Calculus. This research is a quasi-experimental research involving students from three groups assigned to a control group (28 students), TECCC group (24 students) and TEMACCC group (23 students). TECCC and TEMACCC group are defined as two treatment groups. The statistical analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between students’ achievement in the control and TEMACCC groups. Findings indicate that students in TEMACCC group have better performance compared to those in the other two groups. This research implies that TEMACCC could be use as a tool in teaching and learning calculus.