Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Transverse Aortic Constriction on Cardiac Structure, Function and Gene Expression in Pregnant Rats

Background There is an increased risk of heart failure and pulmonary edema in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders. However, in a previous study we found that pregnancy protects against fibrosis and preserves angiogenesis in a rat model of angiotensin II induced cardiac hypertrophy. In this study we test the hypothesis that pregnancy protects against negative effects of increased afterload. Methods Pregnant (gestational day 5.5–8.5) and non-pregnant Wistar rats were randomized to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgery. After 14.2±0.14 days echocardiography was performed. Aortic blood pressure and left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume loops were obtained using a conductance catheter. LV collagen content and cardiomyocyte circumference were measured. Myocardial gene expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Heart weight was increased by TAC (p<0.001) but not by pregnancy. Cardiac myocyte circumference was larger in pregnant compared to non-pregnant rats independent of TAC (p = 0.01), however TAC per se did not affect this parameter. Collagen content in LV myocardium was not affected by pregnancy or TAC. TAC increased stroke work more in pregnant rats (34.1±2.4 vs 17.5±2.4 mmHg/mL, p<0.001) than in non-pregnant (28.2±1.7 vs 20.9±1.5 mmHg/mL, p = 0.06). However, it did not lead to overt heart failure in any group. In pregnant rats, α-MHC gene expression was reduced by TAC. Increased in the expression of β-MHC gene was higher in pregnant (5-fold) compared to non-pregnant rats (2-fold) after TAC (p = 0.001). Nine out of the 19 genes related to cardiac remodeling were affected by pregnancy independent of TAC. Conclusions This study did not support the hypothesis that pregnancy is cardioprotective against the negative effects of increased afterload. Some differences in cardiac structure, function and gene expression between pregnant and non-pregnant rats following TAC indicated that afterload increase is less tolerated in pregnancy.
Magnetic-to-digital converters using single-amplifier-based second-order delta-sigma modulators

In this paper, two magnetic-to-digital converters (MDCs) using single-amplifier-based second-order delta-sigma modulators (DSMs) are presented to detect the dc magnetic field. The proposed second-order DSM required only a single-operational amplifier to achieve the second-order noise shaping. Both the proposed circuits have been fabricated in a 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS DPDM process, and the resolution of 11 bits can be achieved. The measured sensitivities are 1.486 and 0.459 mV/mT, and the minimum detectable magnetic fields are 0.6 mT and 0.4 mT for the MDC with and without the pre-amplifier, respectively. Both the measured nonlinearities are smaller than 1.3% within the range of /spl plusmn/ 100 mT.
Prevalence and predictors of depression in the older Asian Americans in Houston

A study was conducted in the greater Houston area in the United States with 1840 Asian American participants where 413 (22.5%) were 55 years and older and 12.6 percent had depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analysis found that the likelihood of being depressed was significantly increased among individuals with anxiety symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 769.36), at least a high school education (OR = 21.756), a greater number of generations living in the household (OR = 3.789), and chronic pain (OR = 2.604). Conversely, being married reduced the likelihood of being depressed by 89.5 percent (OR = .105). Implications focus on help-seeking behaviors of older Asian Americans in relation to their mental health needs.
Working memory and referential communication—multimodal aspects of interaction between children with sensorineural hearing impairment and normal hearing peers

Whereas the language development of children with sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) has repeatedly been shown to differ from that of peers with normal hearing (NH), few studies have used an experimental approach to investigate the consequences on everyday communicative interaction. This mini review gives an overview of a range of studies on children with SNHI and NH exploring intra- and inter-individual cognitive and linguistic systems during communication. Over the last decade, our research group has studied the conversational strategies of Swedish speaking children and adolescents with SNHI and NH using referential communication, an experimental analog to problem-solving in the classroom. We have established verbal and non-verbal control and validation mechanisms, related to working memory capacity and phonological short term memory. We present main findings and future directions relevant for the field of cognitive hearing science and for the clinical and school-based management of children and adolescents with SNHI.
Tmod1 and CP49 Synergize to Control the Fiber Cell Geometry, Transparency, and Mechanical Stiffness of the Mouse Lens

The basis for mammalian lens fiber cell organization, transparency, and biomechanical properties has contributions from two specialized cytoskeletal systems: the spectrin-actin membrane skeleton and beaded filament cytoskeleton. The spectrin-actin membrane skeleton predominantly consists of α2β2-spectrin strands interconnecting short, tropomyosin-coated actin filaments, which are stabilized by pointed-end capping by tropomodulin 1 (Tmod1) and structurally disrupted in the absence of Tmod1. The beaded filament cytoskeleton consists of the intermediate filament proteins CP49 and filensin, which require CP49 for assembly and contribute to lens transparency and biomechanics. To assess the simultaneous physiological contributions of these cytoskeletal networks and uncover potential functional synergy between them, we subjected lenses from mice lacking Tmod1, CP49, or both to a battery of structural and physiological assays to analyze fiber cell disorder, light scattering, and compressive biomechanical properties. Findings show that deletion of Tmod1 and/or CP49 increases lens fiber cell disorder and light scattering while impairing compressive load-bearing, with the double mutant exhibiting a distinct phenotype compared to either single mutant. Moreover, Tmod1 is in a protein complex with CP49 and filensin, indicating that the spectrin-actin network and beaded filament cytoskeleton are biochemically linked. These experiments reveal that the spectrin-actin membrane skeleton and beaded filament cytoskeleton establish a novel functional synergy critical for regulating lens fiber cell geometry, transparency, and mechanical stiffness.
Undergraduate regional migration in the UK: perspectives on local markets and trends for gender and international student groups

This article presents an analysis of degree course acceptances for UK undergraduate students in 2002 and 2008. It examines student mobility between the UK regions, and the trends in their movement within local markets. Data shows a growing trend for students to study within local regions, especially women. Increases in acceptances of over 10% are observed for students in Wales, a saturated local market is observed for Scotland, whilst in other regions there are increased student acceptances of up to 9%. Data shows the government target for 50% participation in higher education by 2010 was broadly achieved in 2008. The changing landscape in higher education is considered for its student migration and strategic income implications. Caps on student numbers are considered against balancing finances through international student numbers, highlighting implications for capacity planning and changing competition strategies. Findings highlight a need for possible strategic alliances in order to maintain positive regional developments.
“Reactive Ethnicity” or “Assimilation”? Statements, Arguments, and First Empirical Evidence for Labor Migrants in Germany

In this article, we scrutinize the often stated assumption that labor migrants in Germany turn away from integration and reaffirm their ethnicity by examining their identificational, cognitive, and social assimilation processes. Using data from the German Socio-economic Panel, we present trend analyses of different hostland- and homeland-related indicators for the past fifteen years. Results are presented separately for first- and second-generation migrants from Turkey, the EU, and the former Yugoslavia. While not all assimilation-related indicators change a great deal over time, they show at least a substantial difference between the first and the second generation. With regard to the homeland-related indicators, the results by no means suggest that Turkish migrants try to compensate for their comparatively disadvantaged social status by revitalizing ethnic cultural habits or homeland-oriented identifications.
Serum fibrinogen alpha C‐chain 5.9 kDa fragment as a biomarker for early detection of hepatic fibrosis related to hepatitis C virus

Clinical application of biomarker candidates discovered by proteomic analysis is challenging. The purpose of this study was to standardize preanalytical conditions for measurement of serum levels of fibrinogen alpha C‐chain 5.9 kDa fragment (FIC 5.9) and to test the diagnostic value of this peptide for detection of early hepatic fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related chronic hepatitis.
Navigating and querying code without getting lost

A development task related to a crosscutting concern is challenging because a developer can easily get lost when exploring scattered elements of code and the complex tangle of relationships between them. In this paper we present a source browsing tool that improves the developer's ability to work with crosscutting concerns by providing better support for exploring code. Our tool helps the developer to remain oriented while exploring and navigating across a code base. The cognitive burden placed on a developer is reduced by avoiding disorienting view switches and by providing an explicit representation of the exploration process in terms of exploration paths. While our tool is generally useful, good navigation support is particularly important when exploring crosscutting concerns.
Guyon ' s Canal Syndrome Due to Tortuous Ulnar Artery : A Case Report

Aims: To report of a case with Guyon's canal syndrome due to tortuous distal ulnar artery. Although ulnar nerve entrapment has been quite frequently reported due to posttraumatic false aneurysms, thrombosis, or true aneurysms of the distal ulnar artery in Guyon's canal, only one case has been reported due to tortuous distal ulnar artery in literature by now. Methods: A 62 year-old woman with intermittent pain, intermittent burning sensation and continuous numbness on the ulnar side of her left hand was admitted. Electromyographic examination showed an ulnar neuropathy in the Guyon's canal and an ipsilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Results: Exploration of the ulnar nerve in the Guyon's canal at the wrist showed that an S shaped tortuous ulnar artery compressed the ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve decompression by ulnar artery transposition was performed and carpal ligament was partially excised. After the operation, pain and burning sensation were improved completely in a few hours, but numbness was continued. Conclusion: Tortuous peripheral arteries are too rare causes of peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes. Resolution of intermittent pain and burning sensation by ulnar artery transposition in the presented case was suggested that the symptoms might be due to pulsatile pressure like in vascular compression of cranial nerves.
Chimerism-Based Experimental Models for Tolerance Induction in Vascularized Composite Allografts: Cleveland Clinic Research Experience

The preclinical experimental models of vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) have been rapidly developed for the assessment of immunomodulatory protocols for clinical application. Recently, researchers have focused on immunomodulatory protocols which overcome the immunologic barrier between the allogeneic donor and recipient and may lead to tolerance induction. In order to test the feasibility of chimerism induction, experimental VCAs have been performed in different models including rodents, large animals, and nonhuman primates. These models differ in the complexity of transplanted tissue and in their responses to immunomodulatory protocols. In most applications, VCA contains multiple-tissue components; however, each individual component of CTA possesses unique immunologic characteristics that ultimately contribute to the chimerism induction and successful outcome of the VCA. Heterogenic character and complexity of tissue components in different VCA models determine the quality and robustness of donor-specific chimerism. As introduced in experimental studies, variable immunomodulatory options have been studied to achieve tolerance to VCA in rodents and large animal models allowing for widespread application in clinic. In this paper, based on our own experience, we have analyzed the current knowledge of tolerance-inducing strategies via chimerism induction in VCA experimental models in the context of immunomodulatory protocols and VCA complexity and their relevance and applicability to clinical practice.
Combining Process Modeling and Requirements Engineering: An Experience Report

Using IT development efforts for achieving new business goals is a challenging task. Optimally, IT projects and solutions should be aligned to answer the real requirements of actual business development targets. Process modeling has been widely applied as a tool for business process and IT development. The goal of this study is to investigate how to combine process modeling and requirements engineering (RE) in software development projects. We studied the use of process modeling focused Business-driven development (BDD) method and other modeling techniques to support complex large projects in the outsourced environment. The results presented here are based on 17 interviews, a study of 4 projects implemented with the BDD method and the experiences gathered from 11 other large projects at the case study organization. This report outlines the results of combining process modeling to use case, business rule and other requirements and architecture modeling. To a large extent, the results were positive and indicate the benefits for using business process modeling as a visual tool for combining business and IT development, and as a part of the requirements. However, the perspective and abstraction level for process modeling should be carefully selected. Our study concludes also that requirements modeling should cover different aspects from both project and enterprise context in a comprehensive manner.
Religion, risk prevention and health promotion in adolescents: A community-based approach

Religion is an area that is increasingly examined as to how it relates to psychological and physical adjustment. However, there is a dearth of research as to how this factor operates in the lives of adolescents. The limited research available does suggest the importance of religious belief systems to youths. This paper provides a discussion of the role of religion in decreasing adolescent risk behaviour and increasing healthy lifestyle choices from a stress and coping perspective. Issues related to ethnicity and culture are presented. Research directions, therapeutic implications and practical suggestions for utilizing community resources are provided.
Youth Radio and the Pedagogy of Collegiality.

In this article, Vivian Chavez and Elisabeth Soep explore the collaboration among youth and adult participants at Youth Radio, a broadcast-training program in the San Francisco Bay Area. At Youth Radio, participants transcend the conventional relationship between adult "teachers" and youth "learners" to coproduce media products. Chavez and Soep introduce the concept of "pedagogy of collegiality" to describe this process. Using two case studies, they demonstrate the four features of this pedagogy: joint framing, youth-led inquiry, mediated intervention, and distributed accountability. Chavez and Soep articulate a framework that recognizes the asymmetrical relationships among adults and disenfranchised youth while presenting a nuanced alternative. Their work contributes to the growing literature illuminating the role of youth media as a tool for expanding democratic participation.
Molecular Genotyping of Shigella sonnei Strains Isolated From Children With Bloody Diarrhea Using Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis on the Total Genome and PCR-RFLP of IpaH and IpaBCD Genes

Background: Identification, understanding of antibiotic sensitivity patterns and molecular characterization of genetic elements of Shigella species are important because of both epidemiological and clinical indications in developing countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze molecular epidemiology of Shigella isolates recovered from children with diarrhea in Shiraz (Southern Iran), using IpaH and IpaBCD PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and to determine pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of total DNA of the S. sonnei isolates to find the clonality among these strains. Patients and Methods: A total of 82 clinical strains of Shigella spp. , S. sonnei (n = 61), S. flexneri (n = 16), Shigella boydii (n = 3) and S. dysenteriae (n = 2) isolated from the stool samples of 719 patients, aged two months to 14 years, with positive occult blood (OB) test were characterized based on their IpaH and IpaBCD genes PCR-RFLP patterns. Genomic DNAs of S. sonnei strains were analyzed by PFGE. Results: All Shigella isolates were positive for both invasive genes and showed homogeneous profiles for such genes except for two S. sonnei strains, which had IpaH bands with different sizes and PCR-RFLP profiles. Forty palsotypes were determined among the 41 S. sonnei strains. Sample patterns were divided into two groups based on the drawn dendrogram with a similarity range of 70% to 100%. Conclusions: The results revealed that the strains under study could be epidemically related. It seems that an alternative subtyping method is needed to study the relationship among clinical S. sonnei strains and their transmission. Here, we reported for the first time, two strains of S. sonnei with a different PCR-RFLP pattern for IpaH gene.
Parametric Representations of Bird Sounds for Automatic Species Recognition

This paper is related to the development of signal processing techniques for automatic recognition of bird species. Three different parametric representations are compared. The first representation is based on sinusoidal modeling which has been earlier found useful for highly tonal bird sounds. Mel-cepstrum parameters are used since they have been found very useful in the parallel problem of speech recognition. Finally, a vector of various descriptive features is tested because such models are popular in audio classification applications, and bird song is almost like music. We briefly introduce the methods and evaluate their performance in the classification and recognition of both individual syllables and song fragments of 14 common North-European Passerine bird species
Influence of value predispositions, interpersonal contact, and mediated exposure on public attitudes toward homosexuals in Singapore

This national survey tracks changes in Singaporeans' attitudes toward lesbians and gay men (ATLG) and examines value predispositions, interpersonal contact, and mediated exposure as predictors of ATLG and acceptance of homosexuals. The study replicates and extends research done previously and addresses temporal shifts in values and views. Findings indicate that the relatively small positive change in ATLG from 2005 to 2010 was mainly due to values and demographic factors. The addition of several new predictive variables increased the variance explained for why people hold certain ATLG and their acceptance. Conformity to norms, intrinsic religiosity, Western orientation, interpersonal contact, and mediated exposure were significantly associated with both ATLG and acceptance of homosexuals. Perception of homosexuality as a choice was significantly associated with ATLG but not with acceptance of homosexuals. Asian orientation and extrinsic religiosity showed no significant association with either dependent variable. The findings are discussed in the context of a multicultural Asian society and future directions for research.
Teacher Qualifications and School Climate: Examining Their Interrelationship for School Improvement

Using Chicago data, we examine whether teacher qualifications and school climate are related and if so, how they interact to improve student learning. We find that schools that are advantaged in one tend to be advantaged in the other. Moreover, while collective teacher qualifications and dimensions of climate independently influence elementary/middle school achievement, the effects of teacher qualifications depend on the level of safety and order in schools. Each is a necessary but not sufficient condition. Thus, although NCLB has focused attention on employing highly qualified teachers, this study suggests that attention needs to be paid to schools' climates as well.
The Cohomology of Non-Locality and Contextuality

In a previous paper with Adam Brandenburger, we used sheaf theory to analyze the structure of non-locality and contextuality. Moreover, on the basis of this formulation, we showed that the phenomena of non-locality and contextuality can be characterized precisely in terms of obstructions to the existence of global sections. Our aim in the present work is to build on these results, and to use the powerful tools of sheaf cohomology to study the structure of non-locality and contextuality. We use the Cech cohomology on an abelian presheaf derived from the support of a probabilistic model, viewed as a compatible family of distributions, in order to define a cohomological obstruction for the family as a certain cohomology class. This class vanishes if the family has a global section. Thus the non-vanishing of the obstruction provides a sufficient (but not necessary) condition for the model to be contextual. We show that for a number of salient examples, including PR boxes, GHZ states, the Peres-Mermin magic square, and the 18-vector configuration due to Cabello et al. giving a proof of the Kochen-Specker theorem in four dimensions, the obstruction does not vanish, thus yielding cohomological witnesses for contextuality.
A longitudinal study of school peer networks and adjustment to middle school

A cohort of children was followed across the first 2 years of their middle school experience. Utilising a multi‐method, longitudinal research design, children's school peer networks were described as they moved from sixth to seventh grades. Next, predictive relations between these school peer network variables in sixth grade and seventh grade adjustment was determined. Results indicated that social groupings became more gender integrated from sixth to seventh grades. Further, adjustment can be explained in terms of children adjusting to gender roles.