Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feeling different: the experience of living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND In Canada the incidences of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is estimated to be in 1 in 100 live births caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, the disorder is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities among Canadian children and its effects are life lasting. No research has attempted to describe the experience of living with FASD from the perspective of Canadian children. PURPOSE The main purpose of this study was to describe the children's experience of living with FASD. METHODS A qualitative method was used to examine the children's experiences. Twenty-two (22) children, aged 6 to 18 years, living in urban and rural communities across Canada participated in an unstructured in-depth interview. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's qualitative method. RESULTS For all children in this study, living day-to-day with FASD meant feeling different. Within this construct knowing the disability; feeling alone-feeling supported, and overcoming the disability were dominant themes which emerged. CONCLUSION Implications for practice and research have been described. KEYWORDS Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, children's experience, qualitative research.
Constructing and validating a new measure of ingroup identification

Настоящото емпирично изследване се фокусира върху конструирането и валиди- зацията на скала, която измерва централност, социална, общностна, и взаимозависима идентификация и има за цел да направи разграничение между тези четири различни типа идентификация със социални групи. Основната идея е да се проверят психометричните свойства на новосъздадената Скала за централност, социална, общностна и взаимозависи- ма идентификация (СЦСОВИ) и да се установи дали различия в себеконструирането, ори- ентацията към междуличностни взаимоотношения, пола и културата могат да предскажат всеки един тип идентификация. Резултатите предоставят първоначална подкрепа за ва- лидността и надеждността на СЦСОВИ, разкриват междукултурни различия във вътреш- ногруповата идентификация и подкрепят очакванията ни за корелация между определени видове ориентация към междуличностни взаимоотношения и точно определени типове идентификация със социални групи.
Computational single-photon depth imaging without transverse regularization

Depth profile reconstruction of a scene at low light levels using an active imaging setup has wide-ranging applications in remote sensing. In such low-light imaging scenarios, single-photon detectors are employed to time-resolve individual photon detections. However, even with single-photon detectors, current frameworks are limited to using hundreds of photon detections at each pixel to mitigate Poisson noise inherent in light detection. In this paper, we discuss two pixelwise imaging frameworks that allow accurate reconstruction of depth profiles using small numbers of photon detections. The first framework addresses the problem of depth reconstruction of an opaque target, in which it is assumed that each pixel contains exactly one reflector. The second framework addresses the problem of reconstructing multiple-depth pixels. In each scenario, our framework achieves photon efficiency by combining accurate statistics for individual photon detections with a longitudinal sparsity constraint tailored to the imaging problem. We demonstrate the photon efficiencies of our frameworks by comparing them with conventional imagers that use more naïve models based on high light-level assumptions.
Emotionality and Semantic Onsets: Exploring Orienting Attention Responses in Advertising

Prior research on attention shifts to advertisements has focused primarily on demonstrating how perceptual features can shift attention to advertisements. In this article, the authors demonstrate that certain semantic characteristics of nonfocal advertising elements may similarly attract attention when consumers are focused on a primary task elsewhere in the visual field. In three experiments, the authors investigate how orienting attention responses to highly emotional advertising elements influence ad and brand awareness in cluttered environments. Specifically, they demonstrate that preattentive processing of the semantic information in nonfocal ad headlines can elicit orienting attention responses that result in predictable increases in ad and brand awareness.
Serum Cystatin C Predicts Progression of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE—Renal function is an important determinant of coronary atherosclerosis, and serum cystatin C is a novel accurate measure of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. We hypothesized that in individuals with type 1 diabetes, cystatin C would 1) predict progression of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (SCA) and 2) be a stronger predictor of SCA than serum creatinine, GFR (estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault [GFRCG] and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [GFRMDRD] formulas), and albumin excretion rate. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Coronary artery calcification was measured twice, using Imatron C-150 Ultrafast CT, over a 2.5 ± 0.4-year interval in 509 adults with type 1 diabetes (42% male, age 36 ± 9 years, duration 23 ± 9 years). SCA progression (n = 131) was defined as a >2.5 increase in square root calcium volume score or development of clinical coronary artery disease. Predictors of SCA progression were examined in a model selected by stepwise logistic regression and an a priori–determined model. Next, each measure of renal function was inserted into the stepwise model, one at a time, and Akaike information criterion was used to compare the fit of the competing models. RESULTS—The stepwise model included cystatin C (odds ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.00–2.18, P = 0.048), age, baseline coronary artery calcification, sex, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure, and HDL. The stepwise model had a better fit than any of the competing models with serum creatinine, GFRCG, GFRMDRD, or albumin excretion rate replacing cystatin C. CONCLUSIONS—In individuals with type 1 diabetes, cystatin C modestly predicts SCA.
GABAergic systems in a model of age-related cognitive impairment

GABAergic Systems in a Model of Age-Related Cognitive Impairment. (May 2011) Candi Lynn LaSarge, B.S.; B.S., University of Washington; M.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jennifer L Bizon With medical advancements extending the life span, age-related cognitive decline is a growing problem for the United States. A rat model of cognitive aging was used to investigate the GABAergic neurotransmitter system in relation to changes in learning and memory functions. Confocal stereology was used to determine the number of GABAergic and cholinergic projection neurons in the rostral basal forebrain of spatially characterized young and aged male F344 rats. The GABAergic system was then assessed as a potential target for improving age-related cognitive decline using an odor discrimination task sensitive to decline in aging. Performance of aged rats was impaired compared to young rats on the spatial version of the Morris water maze. Notably, a high degree of variability in individual abilities was observed among aged rats such that some aged rats performed on par with young (aged-unimpaired) and others performed outside the range of young, demonstrating impairment (aged-impaired). The number of
DAC-MACS: Effective Data Access Control for Multi-Authority Cloud Storage Systems

Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-based Encryption (CPABE) is one of the most suitable technologies for data access control in cloud storage systems. This paper firstly presents the Attribute-based Encryption (ABE), secure deletion and secretsharing schemes. Then we construct a CP-ABE model using secret-sharing methods to insure its security. At last, we propose an improved scheme on Data Access Control for Multi-Authority Cloud Storage Systems DAC-MACS to insure the security of the central authority (CA). KeywordsAccess control; CP-ABE; Secret-sharing; Secure deletion
Examining post‐translational modification‐mediated protein–protein interactions using a chemical proteomics approach

Post‐translational modifications (PTM) of proteins can control complex and dynamic cellular processes via regulating interactions between key proteins. To understand these regulatory mechanisms, it is critical that we can profile the PTM‐dependent protein–protein interactions. However, identifying these interactions can be very difficult using available approaches, as PTMs can be dynamic and often mediate relatively weak protein–protein interactions. We have recently developed CLASPI (cross‐linking‐assisted and stable isotope labeling in cell culture‐based protein identification), a chemical proteomics approach to examine protein–protein interactions mediated by methylation in human cell lysates. Here, we report three extensions of the CLASPI approach. First, we show that CLASPI can be used to analyze methylation‐dependent protein–protein interactions in lysates of fission yeast, a genetically tractable model organism. For these studies, we examined trimethylated histone H3 lysine‐9 (H3K9Me3)‐dependent protein–protein interactions. Second, we demonstrate that CLASPI can be used to examine phosphorylation‐dependent protein–protein interactions. In particular, we profile proteins recognizing phosphorylated histone H3 threonine‐3 (H3T3‐Phos), a mitotic histone “mark” appearing exclusively during cell division. Our approach identified survivin, the only known H3T3‐Phos‐binding protein, as well as other proteins, such as MCAK and KIF2A, that are likely to be involved in weak but selective interactions with this histone phosphorylation “mark”. Finally, we demonstrate that the CLASPI approach can be used to study the interplay between histone H3T3‐Phos and trimethylation on the adjacent residue lysine 4 (H3K4Me3). Together, our findings indicate the CLASPI approach can be broadly applied to profile protein–protein interactions mediated by PTMs.
Measuring resilience in competitive tennis players: psychometric properties of the Resilience Scale for Adults

The Resilience Scale for Adults is considered a valid and reliable measure of resilience resources and has received validation support across several populations. This study attempted to validate and examine the psychometric properties of the instrument in a sample of competitive tennis players to prospectively appropriate the inventory for use among athletes. The tennis athletes (n = 365) completed the Resilience Scale for Adults, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and the stress items included on the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis model fit indices revealed an acceptable level of fit for the original six-factor structure. The Resilience Scale for Adults scale and subscales were negatively associated with stress and correlated positively with mental toughness, providing evidence of the convergent validity of the Resilience Scale for Adults. Collectively, the findings offer initial support for using the Resilience Scale for Adults to assess a broad range of protective factors among competitive tennis players. Further research is required to explore the adaptation or refinement of the Resilience Scale for Adults for use in multiple sporting contexts.
Symbioses: A Key Driver of Insect Physiological Processes, Ecological Interactions, Evolutionary Diversification, and Impacts on Humans*

ABSTRACT Symbiosis is receiving increased attention among all aspects of biology because of the unifying themes it helps construct across ecological, evolutionary, developmental, semiochemical, and pest management theory. Insects show a vast array of symbiotic relationships with a wide diversity of microorganisms. These relationships may confer a variety of benefits to the host (macrosymbiont), such as direct or indirect nutrition, ability to counter the defenses of plant or animal hosts, protection from natural enemies, improved development and reproduction, and communication. Benefits to the microsymbiont (including a broad range of fungi, bacteria, mites, nematodes, etc.) often iansport, pfrom antagonists, and protection from environmental extremes. Symbiotic relationships may be mutualistic, commensal, competitive, or parasitic. In many cases, individual relationships may include both beneficial and detrimental effects to each partner during various phases of their life histories or as environmental conditions change. The outcomes of insect-microbial interactions are often strongly mediated by other symbionts and by features of the external and internal environment. These outcomes can also have important effects on human well being and environmental quality, by affecting agriculture, human health, natural resources, and the impacts of invasive species. We argue that, for many systems, our understanding of symbiotic relationships will advance most rapidly where context dependency and multipartite membership are integrated into existing conceptual frameworks. Furthermore, the contribution of entomological studies to overall symbiosis theory will be greatest where preoccupation with strict definitions and artificial boundaries is minimized, and integration of emerging molecular and quantitative techniques is maximized. We highlight symbiotic relations involving bark beetles to illustrate examples of the above trends.
The intrahemispheric functional properties of the developing sensorimotor cortex are influenced by maturation

The investigation of the functional changes in the sensorimotor cortex has important clinical implications as deviations from normal development can anticipate developmental disorders. The functional properties of the sensorimotor cortex can be characterized through the rolandic mu rhythm, already present during infancy. However, how the sensorimotor network develops from early infancy to adulthood, and how sensorimotor processing contributes to the generation of perceptual-motor coupling remains largely unknown. Here, we analyzed magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data recorded in two groups of infants (11–24 and 26–47 weeks), two groups of children (24–34 and 36–60 months), and a control group of adults (20–39 years), during intermixed conditions of rest and prehension. The MEG sensor array was positioned over the sensorimotor cortex of the contralateral hemisphere. We characterized functional connectivity and topological properties of the sensorimotor network across ages and conditions through synchronization likelihood and segregation/integration measures in an individual mu rhythm frequency range. All functional measures remained almost unchanged during the first year of life, whereas they varied afterwards through childhood to reach adult values, demonstrating an increase of both segregation and integration properties. With age, the sensorimotor network evolved from a more random (infants) to a “small-world” organization (children and adults), more efficient both locally and globally. These findings are in line with prior studies on structural and functional brain development in infants, children and adults. We could not demonstrate any significant change in the functional properties of the sensorimotor cortex in the prehension condition with respect to rest. Our results support the view that, since early infancy, the functional properties of the developing sensorimotor cortex are modulated by maturation.
Registration of bimodal retinal images - improving modifications

The proper optical disc segmentation in images provided by confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscope and by color fundus-camera is a necessary step in early glaucoma or arteriosclerosis detection. Fusing information from both modalities into a vector-valued image is expected to improve the segmentation reliability. The paper describes a registration of these images using optimization based on mutual information criterion function extended with gradient-image mutual information. The controlled random search (CRS) has been found to be a more robust optimization routine than the simulated annealing (SA) while tested on a set of 174 image pairs. Finally, the multi-resolution algorithm for bimodal retinal image registration achieving the success-rate of 94% is proposed.
Risk model of aortic valve replacement after cardiovascular surgery based on a National Japanese Database

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate early results of aortic valve replacement (AVR) after cardiovascular surgery and create a risk model using a national database in Japan. METHODS: We used the Japan Adult Cardiovascular Surgery Database. Between 2008 and 2013, 2157 patients who underwent AVR for aortic stenosis after cardiovascular surgery or redo AVR were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The background of prior surgery (including overlapping cases) was as follows: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 31.9%; valve, 67.5% and thoracic aorta, 9.0%. The mean age was 70.4. Concomitant procedures were as follows: CABG, 14.5%; mitral valve surgery, 29.9% and aortic surgery, 5.9%. The 30-day and operative mortality rates were 5.5 and 8.5%, respectively. Major morbidity occurred in 25.7%. The incidence rate of stroke was 3.8%, and that of pacemaker implantation was 3.7%. There were seven risk factors for both the operative mortality and composite outcome: age, active endocarditis, ejection fraction <30%, New York Heart Association classification IV, mitral regurgitation ≥2, renal failure and other concomitant cardiac procedure. The C-indexes of operative mortality and the composite outcome were 0.761 and 0.709, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We could identify risk factors predicting the operative mortality and composite outcome associated with AVR after prior cardiovascular surgery based on a national Japanese database. Early outcomes were acceptable despite these operations being associated with a higher risk than primary AVR. Our results may be informative when treating such high-risk patients.
Associations Between Problematic Internet Use and Adolescents' Physical and Psychological Symptoms: Possible Role of Sleep Quality

Objective: To evaluate the associations between problematic Internet use (PIU) and physical and psychological symptoms among Chinese adolescents, and to investigate the possible role of sleep quality in this association. Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in 4 cities in China. The Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and demographic variables were used to measure adolescents' physical and psychological symptoms and sleep quality, respectively, in 13,723 students (aged 12–20 years). Problematic Internet use was assessed by the 20-item Young Internet Addiction Test. Logistic regressions were used to evaluate the effects of sleep quality and PIU on physical and psychological symptoms, and to identify the mediating effect of sleep quality in adolescents. Results: Prevalence rates of PIU, physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and poor sleep quality were 11.7%, 24.9%, 19.8%, and 26.7%, respectively. Poor sleep quality was found to be an independent risk factor for both physical and psychological symptoms. The effects of PIU on the 2 health outcomes were partially mediated by sleep quality. Conclusions: Problematic Internet use is becoming a significant public health issue among Chinese adolescents that requires urgent attention. Excessive Internet use may not only have direct adverse health consequences but also have indirect negative effects through sleep deprivation.
Trust as a Mediator of the Relationship between Ethical Leadership and Organizational Citizenship

In this paper we investigate the trust-based mechanisms underlying the relationship between ethical leadership and followers’ organizational citizenship behavior. Based on three-wave survey data obtained from 184 employees and their supervisors, we find that affective trust mediates the impact of ethical leadership on organizational citizenship behaviors directed at the organization and co-workers. In addition, we find that affective trust mediates the relationship between cognitive trust and follower’s organizational citizenship behaviors. Our findings suggest that both affective and cognitive trust play an important role in the social-exchange processes that underlie the relationship between ethical leadership and the discretionary behavior of followers.
The Effects of Self-Efficacy and Social Influence on Behavioral Intention in Mobile Learning Service

The purpose of this study is to examine the structural relationship among self-efficacy, social influence, effort expectancy, performance expectan- cy, and behavioral intention of mobile learning, which is based on the extended technology acceptance model. The results revealed that firstly, self-efficacy has positive effects on performance expectancy, social influence, and effort expec- tancy. Second, social influence has positive effects on performance expectancy, behavioral intention, and effort expectancy. Third, effort expectancy has posi- tive effects on performance expectancy and behavioral intention. Fourth, per- formance expectancy has a positive effect on behavioral intention. Managers of mobile learning should focus on self-efficacy to enhance behavioral intention.
Sample Size Estimation for Non-Inferiority Trials: Frequentist Approach versus Decision Theory Approach

Background Non-inferiority trials are performed when the main therapeutic effect of the new therapy is expected to be not unacceptably worse than that of the standard therapy, and the new therapy is expected to have advantages over the standard therapy in costs or other (health) consequences. These advantages however are not included in the classic frequentist approach of sample size calculation for non-inferiority trials. In contrast, the decision theory approach of sample size calculation does include these factors. The objective of this study is to compare the conceptual and practical aspects of the frequentist approach and decision theory approach of sample size calculation for non-inferiority trials, thereby demonstrating that the decision theory approach is more appropriate for sample size calculation of non-inferiority trials. Methods The frequentist approach and decision theory approach of sample size calculation for non-inferiority trials are compared and applied to a case of a non-inferiority trial on individually tailored duration of elastic compression stocking therapy compared to two years elastic compression stocking therapy for the prevention of post thrombotic syndrome after deep vein thrombosis. Results The two approaches differ substantially in conceptual background, analytical approach, and input requirements. The sample size calculated according to the frequentist approach yielded 788 patients, using a power of 80% and a one-sided significance level of 5%. The decision theory approach indicated that the optimal sample size was 500 patients, with a net value of €92 million. Conclusions This study demonstrates and explains the differences between the classic frequentist approach and the decision theory approach of sample size calculation for non-inferiority trials. We argue that the decision theory approach of sample size estimation is most suitable for sample size calculation of non-inferiority trials.