Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transition of Children with Disabilities into Early Childhood Education and Care Centres

THIS PAPER REPORTS ON findings from research (Warren, 2013) which sought to understand, in the New South Wales (NSW) context, the factors impacting on the transition into early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres for children with disabilities from the perspective of both parents of children with disabilities and educators in ECEC centres. The study aimed to identify successes and barriers, and consider potential interventions and procedures that might increase the participation of children with disabilities in ECEC centres. This paper will discuss findings from the educator perspective only, including 37 completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from 10 teacher participants. Thematic analysis revealed the importance of communication with parents, relationships with previous service providers, opportunities for professional learning and organisational support.
Projective Q-factorial toric varieties covered by lines

We give a structural theorem for ℚ-factorial toric varieties covered by lines in ℙN, and compute their dual defect. This yields a characterization of defective ℚ-factorial toric varieties in ℙN. The combinatorial description of such varieties is used to characterize some finite sets of monomials with discriminant equal to one.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Incident Cardiovascular Disease: Heterogeneity Across Event Subtypes and Mediating Effect of Blood Biomarkers: The PRIME Study

Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether the association between baseline cardiovascular health (CVH) and incident cardiovascular disease differs according to coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke subtypes, and to assess the mediating effect of inflammatory and hemostatic blood biomarkers. Methods and Results The association of ideal CVH with outcomes was derived in 9312 middle‐aged men from Northern Ireland and France (whole cohort) in multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The mediating effect of baseline inflammatory and hemostatic blood biomarkers was evaluated in a case–control study nested within the cohort after 10 years of follow‐up. After a median follow‐up of 10 years, 614 first CHD events and 117 first stroke events were adjudicated. Compared with those with poor CVH, those with an ideal CVH profile at baseline had a 72% lower risk of CHD (hazard ratio=0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.17; 0.46) and a 76% lower risk of stroke (hazard ratio =0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.06; 0.98). The magnitude of the risk reductions was similar for incident angina and myocardial infarction, but was lower for ischemic stroke. In the controls, the mean concentrations of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, and fibrinogen decreased with higher CVH status. Furthermore, the association of behavioral CVH with incident CHD was partly mediated by high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (16.69%), IL‐6 (8.52%), and fibrinogen (7.30%) Conclusions Our study shows no clear heterogeneity in the association of baseline CVH with the main subtypes of cardiovascular disease. This supports a universal promotion of ideal CVH for all cardiovascular disease subtypes. Furthermore, our mediation analysis suggests that the lower risk of CHD associated with ideal CVH is partly mediated by lower inflammatory and hemostatic blood biomarkers.
Real-time spatial-temporal signal processing with optical nonlinearities

The instantaneous response time of parametric optical nonlinearitics enable real-time processing of, and interaction between, spatial and temporal optical waveforms. We review the various signal-processing alternatives based on three- and four-wave-mixing arrangements among spatial and temporal information carrying waveforms. The fast response time of the interaction permits information exchange between the time and space domains, providing the ability to correlate and convolve signals from the two domains. We demonstrate the usefulness of real-time signal processing with optical nonlinearities with the following experiments: converting waveforms from the time to space domain as well as from the space to time domain, spectral phase conjugation and spectral inversion of ultrafast waveforms, transmission of the spatial correlation function on an ultrafast waveform, and a suggestion for a single-shot triple autocorrelation measurement.
Distribution of substance P‐like, leucine‐enkephalin‐like, and bombesine‐like immunoreactivity and acetylcholinesterase activity in the visual system of salamanders

In the urodele species Salamandra salamandra and Batrachoseps attenuatus, the distribution of the neuropeptides substance P (SP), leucine‐enkephalin (LENK), and bombesine (BOMB) was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry in brain areas containing retinofugal projection sites (tectum mesencephali, praetectum, thalamus) as well as in brain regions postsynaptic to the tectum. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was studied histochemically.
Modelling microbiological water quality in the Seine river drainage network: past, present and future situations

The Seine river watershed is characterized by a high population density and intense agricultural activities. Data show low microbiological water quality in the main rivers (Seine, Marne, Oise) of the watershed. Today, there is an increasing pressure from different social groups to restore microbiological water quality in order to both increase the safety of drinking water production and to restore the possible use of these rivers for bathing and rowing activities, as they were in the past. A model, appended to the hydro-ecological SENEQUE/Riverstrahler model describing the functioning of large river systems, was developed to describe the dynamics of faecal coliforms (FC), the most usual faecal contamination indicator. The model is able to calculate the distribution of FC concentrations in the whole drainage network resulting from land use and wastewater management in the watershed. The model was validated by comparing calculated FC concentrations with available field data for some well-documented situations in different river stretches of the Seine drainage network. Once validated, the model was used to test various predictive scenarios, as, for example, the impact of the modifications in wastewater treatment planned at the 2012 horizon in the Seine watershed in the scope of the implementation of the european water framework directive. The model was also used to investigate past situations. In particular, the variations of the microbiological water quality in the Parisian area due to population increase and modifications in wastewater management were estimated over the last century. It was shown that the present standards for bathing and other aquatic recreational activities are not met in the large tributaries upstream from Paris since the middle of the 1950's, and at least since the middle of the XIXth century in the main branch of the Seine river downstream from Paris. Efforts carried out for improving urban wastewater treatment in terms or organic matter and nutrient loading resulted in a sensible reduction of microbiological contamination, but were not specific enough toward bacteriological contamination for achieving the objective of restoring levels compatible with bathing activities in the Parisian area.
An Exploration of Anticipation of Stuttering in Adults

Objective: The experience of stuttering is more complex than its observable behaviors, and in order for a person who stutters (PWS) to truly experience fluent speech the complete experience of stuttering must be removed. This study investigates the effects of various speaking conditions on one aspect of the experience of stutteringanticipation of stuttering. Methods: Ten adult stutterers were asked to read three passages under three reading conditions: normal reading, choral speech, and extremely prolonged speech. Participants made pre anticipatory evaluations assuming normal reading and post anticipatory evaluations assuming reading under a recently performed condition. A Friedman test was utilized to determine the presence of a difference between reading conditions for both dependent variables–stuttering occurrences and changes in anticipation of stuttering. These differences were then examined using a non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: Results from the Friedman tests indicated significant differences between stuttering occurrences and differences in pre and post anticipated events of stuttering at all common significant levels. The non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests revealed significant differences in stuttering occurrences between choral speech and normal reading (p=0.008) and extremely prolonged speech and normal reading (p=0.008). The Wilcoxon also revealed significant differences in anticipation of stuttering between choral speech and normal reading (p=0.005) and extremely prolonged speech and normal reading (p=0.005). Conclusion: This study informs us that for some PWS, anticipation of stuttering events are eliminated while speaking with extremely prolonged speech and/or choral speech. The importance of this finding is the beginning of understanding the difference between perceivably fluent speech (remaining under the control of stuttering) and fluent speech that more closely approximates that of a typical speaker.
Testosterone and progesterone, but not estradiol, stimulate muscle protein synthesis in postmenopausal women.

CONTEXT The effect of the female sex steroids, estradiol and progesterone, on muscle protein turnover is unclear. Therefore, it is unknown whether the changes in the hormonal milieu throughout the life span in women contribute to the changes in muscle protein turnover and muscle mass (eg, age associated muscle loss). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the effect of sex hormones on muscle protein synthesis and gene expression of growth-regulatory factors [ie, myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1), myostatin (MSTN), follistatin (FST), and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3)]. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN We measured the basal rate of muscle protein synthesis and the expression of muscle growth-regulatory genes in 12 premenopausal women and four groups of postmenopausal women (n=24 total) who were studied before and after treatment with T, estradiol, or progesterone or no intervention (control group). All women were healthy, and pre- and postmenopausal women were carefully matched on body mass, body composition, and insulin sensitivity. RESULTS The muscle protein fractional synthesis rate was approximately 20% faster, and MYOD1, FST, and FOXO3 mRNA expressions were approximately 40%-90% greater (all P<.05) in postmenopausal than premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, both T and progesterone treatment increased the muscle protein fractional synthesis rate by approximately 50% (both P<.01), whereas it was not affected by estradiol treatment and was unchanged in the control group. Progesterone treatment increased MYOD1 mRNA expression (P<.05) but had no effect on MSTN, FST, and FOXO3 mRNA expression. T and estradiol treatment had no effect on skeletal muscle MYOD1, MSTN, FST, and FOXO3 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION Muscle protein turnover is faster in older, postmenopausal women compared with younger, premenopausal women, but these age-related differences do not appear to be explained by the age- and menopause-related changes in the plasma sex hormone milieu.
Statistical Zero-knowledge Arguments: Theory and Practice

During a statistical zero-knowledge argument, the arguer convinces the verifier on the truth of an assertment, without revealing next to nothing—but the truth of the assertment—even to an omnipotent verifier. The crucial part here is "next to nothing": compared to perfect zero-knowledge arguments where absolutely nothing (but the truth of the assertment) can be revealed, statistical zero-knowledge arguments are often much more practical. In this presentation, we will survey some recent developments in this area. We will both touch the theoretical and practical aspects of statistical zero-knowledge, ending the survey with my recent results that connect Hilbert's 10th problem to finding practical statistical zero-knowledge arguments.
Marketing Orientation in Hospitals: Findings from a Multi-Phased Research Study

ABSTRACT It is clear from numerous studies conducted over a wide variety of industries that marketing-oriented organizations perform better than those that do not adopt this business philosophy. Recent studies have confirmed this finding in healthcare organizations as well. What is now coming to light is the way in which a marketing orientation does contribute to better performance in hospitals, and the difficulties marketers face in getting recognition of that fact by non-marketers in their organization. This article reports on a multi-phased research study of the implementation of marketing-oriented behaviors in a hospital setting.
Development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice requires vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor

The development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis, has been studied in mice that were (i) vitamin D-deficient, (ii) minus the vitamin D receptor, (iii) minus a vitamin D 25-hydroxylase, and (iv) minus the vitamin D 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase. EAE development was markedly suppressed in mice lacking the vitamin D receptor and partially suppressed in vitamin D-insufficient mice. However, the absence of either of the two key hydroxylases (i.e., 25-hydroxylase and 1α-hydroxylase) neither inhibits nor enhances the development of EAE. These results indicate that vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor are required for the development of EAE. The results also suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 may not play a role in this autoimmune response.
Surface runoff features on Mars: Testing the carbon dioxide formation hypothesis

[1] Fresh gully-like features on Mars strongly suggest that fluid flowed on the surface in the recent past. Here we consider the possibility that CO2 vapor-supported flows formed the gullies. We find that neither condensed CO2 nor CO2 clathrate hydrate are likely to accumulate in significant quantities in the Martian crust. In addition, if condensed CO2 were present under lithostatic pressures, exposure to the atmosphere would produce features analogous to terrestrial pyroclastic flows, not surface runoff. Finally, the source volume of CO2 required to support a flow excludes clustered or episodic gully formation. Therefore, we conclude that CO2 cannot have formed the gullies. In light of these results, liquid water flow remains the preferred formation mechanism for the recent surface runoff features.
Comparative Study of the Postoperative Complications of Microvascular Surgery in Elderly and Young Patients

Free flap reconstruction of complex defects has revolutionized cancer and trauma treatment and offers a reliable and efficient method for reconstructing tissue defects. We analyzed the donor, flap, and systemic complications in an aging group and in a group of younger patients to identify whether age is an important factor in complication rates. This study was a retrospective review of the medical records of 43 consecutive patients who underwent free flap reconstructions. Patients were divided into two groups according to age (group A: younger than 60 years, group B: 60 years or older). We analyzed the free flap types and donor site, flap, and postoperative systemic complications. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the influence of age on complication rate. Donor site complications developed in three cases in group A and in three cases in group B. Flap complications occurred in 17 cases in group A and in 5 cases in group B. Systemic complications occurred in two cases in group A and in five cases in group B. Age did not have a statistically significant impact on free flap complications, and old age was not a risk factor for free flap surgery.
Homicidal Adolescents: A Replication

30 homicidal delinquents were matched with 30 nonviolent delinquents on age, race, sex, and socioeconomic status. Both groups received physical, psychological, educational, psychiatric and social examinations. Data were evaluated using stepwise discriminant analysis. Previous research was replicated. Homicidal adolescents shared four symptoms: criminally violent families, gang participation, alcohol abuse, severe learning difficulties. In addition, when the sample and the original group of murderers were combined the contrast between groups became clearer. Juvenile murderers lived in criminally violent families learning aggression during early childhood. Cognitive and perceptual deficits associated with epilepsy and central nervous system (CNS) conditions led to difficulties in the school years. During adolescence, gang participation and alcohol abuse added to earlier risk factors.
Family of Cell Surface Proteins on Lymphocytes and Distinguishes a New PGRL Is a Major CD81-Associated Protein

CD81 exerts a range of interesting effects on T cells including early thymocyte differentiation, LFA-1 activation, and provision of costimulation. To better understand the mechanisms by which CD81 inﬂuences T cell function we evaluated CD81 molecular complexes on T cells. The most prominent CD81-associated cell surface protein on thymocytes as well as a number of T cell and B cell lines has an apparent molecular mass of 75 kDa. The 75-kDa protein was puriﬁed and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-ﬂight mass spectrometry followed by postsource-decay proﬁling. p75 is a novel type I transmembrane protein of the Ig superfamily which is most similar to FPRP. We cloned and sequenced both human and mouse PG regulatory-like protein (PGRL) and characterized mouse PGRL expression in both lymphocytes and nonlymphoid tissues. The discovery of PGRL allows for the clustering of a small family of related proteins including PGRL, FPRP, V7/CD101, and IGSF3. Expression constructs containing various domains of PGRL with an epitope tag were coexpressed with CD81 and used to determine that the interaction of CD81 with PGRL requires the membrane distal Ig3–Ig4 domains of PGRL. Although it remains to be determined whether PGRL possesses PG regulatory functions, transwell chamber experiments show that PGs and CD81 coordinately regulate T cell motility. The Journal of Immunology, 2001, 167: 5115–5121. of human thymocytes or mature T cells activates the integrin LFA-1 (3, 4). We and others have also shown that cross-linking of CD81 with Abs can provide a costimulatory signal with CD3 on human thymocytes, T cell lines, and naive mouse T cells (4–6).
The merger rate of galaxies in the Illustris simulation: a comparison with observations and semi-empirical models

We have constructed merger trees for galaxies in the Illustris simulation by directly tracking the baryonic content of subhaloes. These merger trees are used to calculate the galaxy–galaxy merger rate as a function of descendant stellar mass, progenitor stellar mass ratio, and redshift. We demonstrate that the most appropriate definition for the mass ratio of a galaxy–galaxy merger consists in taking both progenitor masses at the time when the secondary progenitor reaches its maximum stellar mass. Additionally, we avoid effects from ‘orphaned’ galaxies by allowing some objects to ‘skip’ a snapshot when finding a descendant, and by only considering mergers which show a well-defined ‘infall’ moment. Adopting these definitions, we obtain well-converged predictions for the galaxy–galaxy merger rate with the following main features, which are qualitatively similar to the halo–halo merger rate except for the last one: a strong correlation with redshift that evolves as ∼(1 + z)^(2.4–2.8), a power law with respect to mass ratio, and an increasing dependence on descendant stellar mass, which steepens significantly for descendant stellar masses greater than ∼2 × 10^(11)M_⊙. These trends are consistent with observational constraints for medium-sized galaxies (M* ≳ 10^(10) M_⊙), but in tension with some recent observations of the close pair fraction for massive galaxies (M* ≳ 10^(11) M_⊙), which report a nearly constant or decreasing evolution with redshift. Finally, we provide a fitting function for the galaxy–galaxy merger rate which is accurate over a wide range of stellar masses, progenitor mass ratios, and redshifts.
Wireless sensor networks protocols for efficient collision avoidance in multi-path data propagation

Data propagation in wireless sensor networks can be performed either by hop-by-hop single transmissions or by multi-path broadcast of data. Although several energy-aware MAC layer protocols exist that operate very well in the case of single point-to-point transmissions, none is especially designed and suitable for multiple broadcast transmissions.In this paper we propose a family of new protocols suitable of multi-path broadcast of data, and show, through a detailed and extended simulation evaluation, that our parameter-based protocols significantly reduce the number of collisions and thus increase the rate of successful message delivery (to above 90%) by trading off the average propagation delay. At the same time, our protocols are shown to be very energy efficient, in terms of the average energy dissipation per delivered message.
Younger Stroke Patients With Large Pretreatment Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Lesions May Benefit From Endovascular Treatment

Background and Purpose— Lesion volume on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) before acute stroke therapy is a predictor of outcome. Therefore, patients with large volumes are often excluded from therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of endovascular treatment in patients with large DWI lesion volumes (>70 mL). Methods— Three hundred seventy-two patients with middle cerebral or internal carotid artery occlusions examined with magnetic resonance imaging before treatment since 2004 were included. Baseline data and 3 months outcome were recorded prospectively. DWI lesion volumes were measured semiautomatically. Results— One hundred five patients had lesions >70 mL. Overall, the volume of DWI lesions was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome, survival, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (P<0.001 each). In patients with DWI lesions >70 mL, 11 of 31 (35.5%) reached favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score, 0–2) after thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3 reperfusion in contrast to 3 of 35 (8.6%) after thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 0-2a reperfusion (P=0.014). Reperfusion success, patient age, and DWI lesion volume were independent predictors of outcome in patients with DWI lesions >70 mL. Thirteen of 66 (19.7%) patients with lesions >70 mL had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage with a trend for reduced risk with avoidance of thrombolytic agents. Conclusions— There was a growing risk for poor outcome and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage with increasing pretreatment DWI lesion volumes. Nevertheless, favorable outcome was achieved in every third patient with DWI lesions >70 mL after successful endovascular reperfusion, whereas after poor or failed reperfusion, outcome was favorable in only every 12th patient. Therefore, endovascular treatment might be considered in patients with large DWI lesions, especially in younger patients.