Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do marginal investments made by NHS healthcare commissioners in the UK produce the outcomes they hope to achieve? Observational study

Objective To investigate the effect of targeted marginal annual investments by local healthcare commissioners on the outcomes they expected to achieve with these investments. Design Controlled before and after study. Setting: 152 commissioning organisations (primary care trusts) in England. Methods National surveys of commissioning managers in 2009 and 2010 to identify: the largest marginal investments made in four key conditions/services (diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic pulmonary airways disease and emergency and urgent care) in 2008/2009 and 2009/2010; the outcomes commissioners expected to achieve with these investments; and the processes commissioners used to develop these investments. Collation of routinely available data on outcomes commissioners expected from these investments over the period 2007/2008 to 2010/2011. Results 51% (77/152) of commissioners agreed to participate in the survey in 2009 and 60% (91/152) in 2010. Around half reported targeted marginal investments in each condition/service each year. Routine data on many of the outcomes they expected to achieve through these investments were not available. Also, commissioners expected some outcomes to be achieved beyond the time scale of our study. Therefore, only a limited number of outcomes of investments were tested. Outcomes included directly standardised emergency admission rates for the four conditions/services, and the percentage of patients with diabetes with glycated haemoglobin <7. There was no evidence that targeted marginal investments reduced emergency admission rates. There was evidence of an improvement in blood glucose management for diabetes for commissioners investing to improve diabetes care but this was compromised by a change in how the outcome was measured in different years. This investment was unlikely to be cost-effective. Conclusions Commissioners made marginal investments in specific health conditions and services with the aim of improving a wide range of outcomes. There was little evidence of impact on the limited number of outcomes measured.
Effects of single-gender mathematics classrooms on self-perception of mathematical ability and post secondary engineering paths: an Australian case study

This study focused on a population of female engineering students, probing the influences of their secondary school experience on their choice to pursue an engineering course of study at university. The motivating question is: Do unique opportunities exist in an all-female secondary school mathematics classroom, which impact a young woman's self-perception of her mathematics ability as well as promote a positive path towards an engineering-based university major? Using both qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments, this study examined a sample of Australian engineering students enrolled at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Demographic statistics show that 40% of UTS’ female engineering student population attended a single-gender secondary school, indicating a potential influence of school type (single-gender) on engineering enrolment patterns. Female students were primarily motivated to pursue a post secondary engineering path because of a self-belief that they are good at mathematics. In contrast, male students were more influenced by positive male role models of family members who are practising engineers. In measures of self- perception of mathematical skill and ability, female students from single-gender schools outscored their male engineering counterparts. Additionally, female students seem to benefit from verbal encouragement, contextualisation, same gender problem-solving groups and same gender classroom dynamics.
Distancing at close range: making strange devices in Dorothy Heathcote's process drama Teaching Political Awareness Through Drama

By refocusing traditions preoccupied with stimulating critical reflection, the article seeks to contribute to a rekindling of a socially oriented drama teaching and to add to the reservoir of teacher reflection in the field. A passage of a drama by Dorothy Heathcote is analysed, in which the theme of pollution is the concrete starting point, whilst the governing idea is concerned with a concept of politics: ‘to discourse about why it is that some people seem by right to be able to decide what shall happen to others’ (Heathcote, letter to author, 2007). But the main focus of the article is to investigate the notion of distancing in drama education; the analytical lens is rhetoric theory, and the method of analysis is a close reading of a three-minute video sequence. This article discusses aspects of distancing that can be regarded as rhetorical devices, thus regarding distancing as a more composite aesthetic device than it is commonly considered in drama teaching, where it is seen primarily as a tool for protection. In choosing a rhetorical perspective, the article sets out to demonstrate an analytical approach, which, in its attention to detail, discloses not only artistic and pedagogic choices made on a structural level but also in the exercise of language.
Reasserting the Reconstructed Professional Firm: A Rejoinder to Brock (2008)

The surprising and widespread changes that are occurring in almost all expert services in advanced societies at the present time, including especially the professions and management (Leicht and Fennel 2001; Muzio et al. 2007), suggest that there is a need for these subjects to be more extensively studied. Because such changes are, we believe, as yet inadequately understood, we welcome David Brock’s comments as an opportunity to further debate these issues. David Brock seems to have two main points. Firstly, he suggests we do not recognize the substantial similarity of our research findings with some of those found by other researchers, especially those following archetype ideas (Greenwood et al. 1990; Greenwood and Hinings 1993; Cooper et al. 1996; Brock et al. 1999; Pinnington and Morris 2003; Brock 2006). This, in his view, stems from our misinterpretation of archetype theory. Secondly, we do not sufficiently clarify and operationalize the distinctive features of our proposed alternative model to the managed professional business (MPB). While there is something to be said for both comments, they do not recognize some fundamental differences in our approaches. We both respond here to both David Brock’s specific criticisms and we also suggest, more generally, that there is a need to extend debate in this area. Our response to David Brock’s first point is that, yes, there is substantial similarity between our findings and those of other researchers; but we nonetheless see distinct limits to this. He expresses surprise at some unexpected features of our work because he is trying to fit what we have done into the categories he and other archetype researchers habitually use. Actually, our approach involves recasting the way professions (or for that matter other expert occupations) and their modes of organization are studied. Perhaps we erred in not giving enough prominence to the philosophical and theoretical distinctiveness of the approach used in our study. It is obviously important to point out conceptual differences, but we evidently assumed that the nature of our critique of archetype theory (Kirkpatrick and Ackroyd 2003; Ackroyd and Kirkpatrick 2003) was already sufficiently in the public domain that it did not require extended consideration. Although we indicated some of the features of our approach by pointing to the work of some well-known and like-minded commentators (Archer 1995; Reed 2005), in retrospect, it would have been advisable to have given more attention to the novel conceptual underpinnings Organization Studies 29(01): 150–155 ISSN 0170–8406 Copyright © 2008 SAGE Publications (Los Angeles, London, New Delhi and Singapore) Stephen Ackroyd Lancaster University Management School, UK
Rigidity analysis for protein motion and folding core identification

Protein folding plays an essential role in protein function and stability. Despite the explosion in our knowledge of structural and functional data, our understanding of protein folding is still very limited. In addition, methods such as folding core identification are gaining importance with the increased desire to engineer proteins with particular functions and efficiencies. However, defining the folding core can be challenging for both experiment and simulation. In this work, we use rigidity analysis to effectively sample and model the protein's energy landscape and identify the folding core. Our results show that rigidity analysis improves the accuracy of our approximate landscape models and produces landscape models that capture the subtle folding differences between protein G and its mutants, NuG1 and NuG2. We then validate our folding core identification against known experimental data and compare to other simulation tools. In addition to correlating well with experiment, our method can suggest other components of structure that have not been identified as part of the core because they were not previously measured experimentally.
Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses of the Multicultural Teaching Scale

The ongoing conceptual controversy of cultural competence for preservice teachers led to the current study that explored the underlying structure of cultural competence through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis methods. A total of 793 preservice teachers from two large Midwestern universities completed the Multicultural Teaching Scale. Results of EFAs supported a two-factor solution of cultural competence: praxis and knowledge. The final model derived from EFA yielded a 28-item two-factor model that fits the data, where χ2/df = 2.50, comparative fit index = . 91, Tucker—Lewis index = . 91, and root mean square error of approximation = . 06. The model comparison results suggested that the two-factor model from the current study was the best fit for the data. These findings indicate a more parsimonious model of cultural competence and suggest that the current MTS structure should be revised to more accurately reflect the structure of cultural competence for preservice teachers.
Co‐occurrence of 4p16.3 deletions with both paternal and maternal duplications of 11p15: Modification of the Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome phenotype by genetic alterations predicted to result in either a Beckwith–Wiedemann or Russell–Silver phenotype

Paternal duplications of chromosome region 11p15 can result in Beckwith–Weidemann syndrome (BWS), whereas maternal duplications of the same region on 11p15 can result in Russell–Silver syndrome (RSS). These two syndromes have numerous opposing phenotypes, especially with regards to growth parameters. The differences in the phenotype are proposed to be due to altered dosage of imprinted genes that control growth within this region of 11p15. Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is due to deletions of a region in 4p16.3 and there is no known parent‐of‐origin effect for deletions of the WHS critical region, and no genes are known to be imprinted in this region. We report on three individuals with very similar unbalanced translocations resulting in a derivative chromosome 4 with both a deletion of 4p16.3 and a duplication of 11p15. Two of these individuals are family members with one inheriting the derivative 4 from her balanced mother and the other inheriting the derivative 4 from his balanced father. The third individual is unrelated and inherited his derivative 4 from his balanced father. While the findings of these individuals included some features of WHS and RSS or BWS, the phenotypes as an aggregate are distinct from these syndromes. The genomic and phenotypic characterization of these three individuals demonstrates how unbalanced translocations can result in the modification of chromosome duplication and deletion syndromes and identifies genomic architecture that may be responsible for mediating a recurrent translocation between 4p and 11p. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Exposure History on the Immunology and Development of Resistance to Human Schistosomiasis Mansoni

Background Previous studies suggest that humans can acquire immunity to reinfection with schistosomes, most probably due to immunologic mechanisms acquired after exposure to dying schistosome worms. Methodology/Principal Findings We followed longitudinally two cohorts of adult males occupationally exposed to Schistosoma mansoni by washing cars (120 men) or harvesting sand (53 men) in Lake Victoria. Men were treated with praziquantel each time S. mansoni infection was detected. In car washers, a significant increase in resistance to reinfection, as measured by the number of cars washed between cure and reinfection, was observed after the car washers had experienced, on average, seven cures. In the car washers who developed resistance, the level of schistosome-specific IgE increased between baseline and the time at which development of resistance was first evidenced. In the sand harvesters, a significant increase in resistance, as measured by the number of days worked in the lake between cure and reinfection, was observed after only two cures. History of exposure to S. mansoni differed between the two cohorts, with the majority of sand harvesters being lifelong residents of a village endemic for S. mansoni and the majority of car washers having little exposure to the lake before they began washing cars. Immune responses at study entry were indicative of more recent infections in car washers and more chronic infections in sand harvesters. Conclusions/Significance Resistance to reinfection with S. mansoni can be acquired or augmented by adults after multiple rounds of reinfection and cure, but the rate at which resistance is acquired by this means depends on immunologic status and history of exposure to S. mansoni infection.
Situational perspectives on social identity in Northern Ireland

Tajfel (1981) has argued that his concept of the group-derived social identity is best thought of as an ‘intervening causal mechanism’ operating in diverse social situations. The rationale for this ‘dynamic’ approach is that invariant conditions are unlikely in intergroup social relations while the way in which these relationships are perceived is even less likely to be static. The implication is that individuals may vary in terms of their social identity from one setting to another. This study examined the effects of situations on the salience of ethnopolitical social identities in Northern Ireland. Following pilot work, the results of a questionnaire listing 36 common situations revealed four situation types—Irish, British, Anglo-Irish and ‘The Troubles’—which were found to enhance, attenuate or reverse feelings of ethnicity. Analysis of variance revealed main effects for both religion and situation type with the interaction between these two variables also being significant. Despite many deviations away from an overall ethnopolitical identity the groups did not display cross-cutting. These findings suggested that whilst many social settings may give rise to minor variations in social identity the importance of this identity in Northern Ireland will mitigate any overall tendency to cross the ethnic divide.
Protestant Work Ethic, Confucian Values, and Work-Related Attitudes in Singapore

The current article examined the extent to which Western Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) and Eastern Confucian values would influence employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment in an East Asian culture. Based on survey data from 151 employees in Singapore, the study showed that these two values have distinct relationships with job-related attitudes. The PWE had significant relationships with affective, continuance, and normative organizational commitment, whereas the Confucian value dimensions of diligence and harmony were significantly related to job satisfaction and affective/normative commitment, respectively. Additional dominance analysis revealed that Confucian harmony was more useful in predicting affective commitment, whereas PWE was more useful in predicting normative commitment. The cultural validity of the PWE and the cultural specificity of the Confucian values are discussed along with practical implications of the research findings.
Characterization of a calici-like virus (Newbury agent) found in association with astrovirus in bovine diarrhea

A bovine calici-like virus and astrovirus, present in the same fecal sample from an outbreak of diarrhea, were separated from each other by calf passage. The calici-like virus (Newbury agent SRV-1) caused anorexia, diarrhea, and xylose malabsorption in gnotobiotic calves aged 17 to 60 days, whereas the bovine astrovirus was nonpathogenic in similar calves. The calici-like virus was shown to be antigenically distinct from a previously described isolate (Newbury agent SRV-2) by two-way cross-protection experiments in calves; calves immune to homologous challenge became clinically ill and excreted virus when challenged with the heterologous virus.
Development and Validation of the Work Role Motivation Scale for School Principals (WRMS-SP)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale to assess work role motivation in school principals: the Work Role Motivation Scale for School Principals (WRMS-SP). The WRMS-SP is designed to measure intrinsic motivation, three types of extrinsic motivation (identified, introjected, and external), and amotivation with respect to three work roles (administrative, instructional leadership, and informative). Research Design: Data were gathered via a sample of 570 French Canadian school principals who completed an online questionnaire. Findings: Confirmatory factor analyses support (a) the 15-factor scale structure (5 types of motivation × 3 roles), (b) factor structure invariance over gender and job position, and (3) construct validity through a multitrait-multimethod matrix method analysis, which confirms the convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs and supports simplex patterns with respect to the roles, as well as intercorrelations between subscales and external criteria. Conclusions: The WRMS-SP is a promising instrument that could deepen our understanding, both theoretical and applied, of the professional functioning of principals and the repercussions on school success and improvement.
Evaluating traditional peer-review processes and their alternatives: An opinionated discussion

The advancement of science requires the timely and effective communication of important findings, which often takes the form of peer-reviewed journal articles. In the past decade, there has been significant changes in the world of scientific publishing with the rise of e-journals, open-access articles, and a greater volume of manuscript submissions. However, the overwhelming majority of journals rely on a traditional peer-review model, which is often inefficient and ineffective. In this discussion, I evaluate the core assumptions of traditional peer-review processes, assess current alternatives to traditional peer-review, and provide recommendations for authors, reviewers, Associate Editors, and Editors. Overall, the intent of the discussion is to raise the importance of this issue and provide some suggestions for change.
Sex, Love and Security: Accounts of Distance and Commitment in Living Apart Together Relationships

Drawing on a 2011 national survey and 50 semi-structured interviews, we explore the differing ways in which those in living apart together (LAT) relationships discuss and experience notions of commitment. We found that sexual exclusivity in LAT relationships is expected by the large majority, regardless of their reasons for living apart. The majority of the interviewees also expressed a high degree of commitment to their partner in terms of love, care and intimacy, alongside an appreciation of the increased freedom and autonomy that living apart has to offer. Respondents were divided into four groups according to their perceived commitment: 1. Autonomous commitment, 2. Contingent commitment, 3. Ambivalent commitment, and 4. Limited commitment. Despite differing degrees of commitment, however, the overall finding was that the importance of relating and making relational decisions was central, even in the lives of those living in such unconventional relationship styles.
Association Between Glaucoma, Glaucoma Therapies, and Erectile Dysfunction

Purpose:To examine the association between (1) glaucoma and erectile dysfunction (ED) and (2) topical &bgr;-blocker (BB) use and ED. Methods:A comprehensive, province-wide database of physician visits and diagnoses and prescription drug dispensing was used to identify cases of ED (1380) and find corresponding controls (13,800). A conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate rate ratios for 2 main exposures: (1) diagnosis of glaucoma and (2) use of a prescription of a topical BB before the index date. A variety of risk factors were adjusted for. Results:Cases were more likely to have coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. A crude rate ratio of the current diagnosis of ED in a population with at least 2 separate diagnoses of glaucoma was 1.34 and when adjusted for a number of variables (including oral BB use), this ratio was 1.37 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.76]. Use of topical BB in the 30 days before the diagnosis of ED did not have a significant association with a diagnosis of ED, with crude and adjusted rate ratios of 1.05 and 1.10, respectively (95% CI, 0.61-1.99). Topical ocular prostaglandin use was also not associated with ED, with crude and adjusted rate ratios of 0.96 and 0.93, respectively (95% CI, 0.57-1.53). Conclusions:Our results confirmed an association between ED and glaucoma that cannot be attributed to topical BB use. Given that most cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors were adjusted for, further research in this area will be necessary to elucidate the nature of this association and potential causation.
Analysis of Fmr1 Deletion in a Subpopulation of Post‐Mitotic Neurons in Mouse Cortex and Hippocampus

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited mental retardation and the leading cause of autism. FXS is caused by mutation in a single gene, FMR1, which encodes an RNA‐binding protein FMRP. FMRP is highly expressed in neurons and is hypothesized to have a role in synaptic structure, function, and plasticity by regulating mRNAs that encode pre‐ and post‐synaptic proteins. Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice have been used as a model to study FXS. These mice have been reported to show a great degree of phenotypic variability based on the genetic background, environmental signals, and experimental methods. In this study, we sought to restrict FMRP deletion to two brain regions that have been implicated in FXS and autism. We show that ablating Fmr1 in differentiated neurons of hippocampus and cortex results in dendritic alterations and changes in synaptic marker intensity that are brain region specific. In our conditional mutant mice, FMRP‐deleted neurons have activated AKT‐mTOR pathway signaling in hippocampus but display no apparent behavioral phenotypes. These results highlight the importance of identifying additional factors that interact with Fmr1 to develop FXS. Autism Res 2014, 7: 60–71. © 2013 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2013 INSAR/Wiley Periodicals, Inc.