Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Avoiding Communication: Shyness, Reticence, and Communication Apprehension

This new edition represents a summation of the extensive work that has been done on communication apprehension, shyness, reticence, and so forth. It is an invaluable introduction to the area for the novice and a 'must have' reference book for serious scholars. Practitioners will find it useful for its detailed coverage of intervention tactics and their relative effectiveness. Those interested in understanding why they are fearful in communication situations will find the book's explanations to be of considerable use. All in all, the book is a wonderful resource for anyone with an interest in phenomena that interfere with communication activities.
Intestinal Host-Microbe Interactions under Physiological and Pathological Conditions

The intestinal mucosa is unique in that it can be tolerant to the resident, symbiotic microbiota but remaining, at the same time, responsive to and able to fight pathogens. The close interaction between host-symbiotic microbiota at the mucosal level poses important challenges since microbial breaches through the gut barrier can result in the breakdown of gut homeostasis. In this paper, hosts-integrated components that help to preserve intestinal homeostasis including barrier and immune function are discussed. In addition global alterations of the microbiota that can play a role in the initiation of an exaggerated inflammatory response through an abnormal signaling of the innate and adaptive immune response are briefly described.
Trends in cervical cancer mortality in South Africa.

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is an important cause of death throughout the world, especially in less developed countries. Reports of trends in cervical cancer mortality from less developed countries have been limited by poor data quality and inaccurate population estimates. This paper examines trends in cervical cancer mortality in South Africa from 1949 to 1990 and discusses the impact of cytology screening on these trends. METHODS Analysis of national mortality statistics and reconstructed population data. RESULTS The age-standardized mortality rates for Whites declined after the mid 1960s, while that for Coloureds rose, particularly before the 1970s. These trends were affected predominantly by trends among women in the 35-64 age range. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of mortality in successive birth cohorts for Whites is consistent with a reduction in age-specific mortality following the advent of cytological screening. The same pattern is not evident in trends for Coloureds, among whom screening has apparently had a minor impact if any at all. The apparent lack of impact of screening in those groups of women most at risk of cervical cancer lends weight to demands for the implementation of equitable and rational screening programmes for cervical cancer in South Africa and internationally.
Muscle activity and pedal force profile of triathletes during cycling to exhaustion

The purpose of this study was to analyze pedaling cadence, pedal forces, and muscle activation of triathletes during cycling to exhaustion. Fourteen triathletes were assessed at the power output level relative to their maximal oxygen uptake (355 ± 23 W). Cadence, pedal forces, and muscle activation were analyzed during start, middle, and end test stages. Normal and tangential forces increased from the start to the end of the test (-288 ± 33 to − 352 ± 42 N and − 79 ± 45 to − 124 ± 68 N, respectively) accompanied by a decrease in cadence (96 ± 5 to 86 ± 6 rpm). Muscle activation increased from the start to the middle and the end in the gluteus maximus (27 ± 5.5% and 76 ± 9.3%) and in the vastus lateralis (13 ± 3.5% and 27 ± 4.4%), similar increase was observed from the start to the end in the rectus femoris and the vastus medialis (50 ± 9.3% and 20 ± 5.7%, respectively). Greater normal force along with enhanced activation of knee and hip extensor muscles is linked with fatigue and declines in cadence of triathletes during cycling to exhaustion.
Direct Mediation and a Visible Metastable Supersymmetry Breaking Sector

We analyze an R-symmetry breaking deformation of the ISS model for a direct mediation of supersymmetry breaking from a metastable vacuum. The model is weakly coupled and calculable. The LSP gravitino is light (m3/2 < 16 eV) and the MSSM spectrum is natural with a light Higgs. The supersymmetry breaking sector, which is usually hidden, is observable (m ~ 1 TeV) and may be a candidate for cold dark matter. We discuss its production and signature at LHC. We propose a UV completion of the model in terms of a duality cascade.
Long-Term Survivors with Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

Background: To report the tumor, patient, and treatment characteristics of long-term metastatic uveal melanoma survivors. Methods: A non-comparative, retrospective case series of patients from a single institution surviving >24 months with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM). Results: Nine patients met the study criteria and their charts were reviewed. The mean age at diagnosis of UM was 44.1 years (SD +/- 14.4 years). Initial treatment modalities included enucleation (67%), brachytherapy (22%), and proton beam radiation (11%). The average time from primary tumor diagnosis to detection of metastasis was 125.9 months (SD +/- 95 months). The most common location for initial metastasis was the liver. All patients underwent treatment for metastatic disease including systemic therapy, surgical resection, and isolated hepatic perfusion. The majority of patients received treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (sorafenib, sunitinib, and/or imatinib). The median survival with metastasis was 51 months (range 27-123 months). Patients had a long disease-free interval before presentation of metastatic disease. Conclusions: A small subset of patients with metastatic UM has prolonged survival. Identification of these patients may be helpful for future clinical trial design.
Disconnection Mechanism and Regional Cortical Atrophy Contribute to Impaired Processing of Facial Expressions and Theory of Mind in Multiple Sclerosis: A Structural MRI Study

Successful socialization requires the ability of understanding of others’ mental states. This ability called as mentalization (Theory of Mind) may become deficient and contribute to everyday life difficulties in multiple sclerosis. We aimed to explore the impact of brain pathology on mentalization performance in multiple sclerosis. Mentalization performance of 49 patients with multiple sclerosis was compared to 24 age- and gender matched healthy controls. T1- and T2-weighted three-dimensional brain MRI images were acquired at 3Tesla from patients with multiple sclerosis and 18 gender- and age matched healthy controls. We assessed overall brain cortical thickness in patients with multiple sclerosis and the scanned healthy controls, and measured the total and regional T1 and T2 white matter lesion volumes in patients with multiple sclerosis. Performances in tests of recognition of mental states and emotions from facial expressions and eye gazes correlated with both total T1-lesion load and regional T1-lesion load of association fiber tracts interconnecting cortical regions related to visual and emotion processing (genu and splenium of corpus callosum, right inferior longitudinal fasciculus, right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus). Both of these tests showed correlations with specific cortical areas involved in emotion recognition from facial expressions (right and left fusiform face area, frontal eye filed), processing of emotions (right entorhinal cortex) and socially relevant information (left temporal pole). Thus, both disconnection mechanism due to white matter lesions and cortical thinning of specific brain areas may result in cognitive deficit in multiple sclerosis affecting emotion and mental state processing from facial expressions and contributing to everyday and social life difficulties of these patients.
A Monolithically Integrated Pressure/Oxygen/Temperature Sensing SoC for Multimodality Intracranial Neuromonitoring

A fully integrated SoC for multimodality intracranial neuromonitoring is presented in this paper. Three sensors including a capacitive MEMS pressure sensor, an electrochemical oxygen sensor and a solid-state temperature sensor are integrated together in a single chip with their respective interface circuits. Chopper stabilization and dynamic element matching techniques are applied in sensor interface circuits to reduce circuit noise and offset. On-chip calibration is implemented for each sensor to compensate process variations. Measured sensitivity of the pressure, oxygen, and temperature sensors are 18.6 aF/mmHg, 194 pA/mmHg, and 2 mV/°C, respectively. Implemented in 0.18 m CMOS, the SoC occupies an area of 1.4 mm × 4 mm and consumes 166 μW DC power. A prototype catheter for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has been implemented and the performance has been verified with ex vivo experiment.
Global and Specific Self-Concepts of Gifted Adolescents in Hong Kong

Global and domain-specific self-concepts of 205 Chinese gifted adolescents in Hong Kong were assessed using 7 scales of the Chinese version of the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA; Chan, 1997, Harter, 1988). These adolescents differentiated 6 self-concept domains (Scholastic Competence, Social Acceptance, Athletic Competence, Physical Appearance, Behavioral Conduct, and Close Friendship), and their scores on general self-concept (Global Self-Worth) could be predicted by their scores on particular domain-specific self-concepts. On the basis of specific self-concept measures, relatively homogeneous clusters of gifted students (labeled the stereotyped gifted, the modest gifted, and the superstars) were identified. The characteristics of the three clusters of gifted adolescents were also interpreted in terms of students' IQ, leadership, and the denial of giftedness.
Large Investors: Implications for Equilibrium Asset, Returns, Shock Absorption, and Liquidity

The growing share of financial assets that are held and managed by large institutional investors whose desired trades move asset prices is at odds with the traditional competitive assumption that investors are small and take prices as given. This paper relaxes the traditional price-taking assumption and instead presents a dynamic multiple asset model of imperfect competition in asset markets among large investors who differ in their risk aversion. The model is used to study asset price dynamics during an LTCM-like scenario in which market rumors of distressed asset sales are followed at a later date by the sales themselves. Using the model, it is shown that large investors front-run distressed sales; asset prices overshoot their long-run fundamentals; and asset pricing models experience temporary breakdown. During the period of model breakdown assets equilibrium returns are explained by the market portfolio and by transient liquidity factors.
Grupper utvecklas, men kanske inte som vi tror

Background: Current models of group and team development generally favour a linear progressive developmental pattern (Tuckman-Wheelan), taking for granted that all groups move from relative irrationality and inefficency to rationality and efficiency through learning or maturation in sequential stages. Aims: (i) To question the generality of the linear progressive models of group development, (ii) to elucidate their context dependency and to (iii) identify alternative patterns in a study of 28 Problem Based Learning groups (project teams). Methods: Students in two PBL based group and organisational psychology programmes distributed over 28 tutorial groups, as a part of their studies during one term collectively produced (i) group diaries and (ii) rating scales. These, and underlying self observation notes, were analysed by two independent researchers through a close reading for narratives of group development and a series of related factors. Results: The study shows that (i) linear developmental patterns occur, (ii) alternative developmental patterns, as e.g. punctuated equilibrium patterns occur, and (iii) in some groups no development at all seems to occur. An attempt is made to relate the different patterns to factors such as (i) the quality and nature of the group formation process, (ii) organisational contexts, (iii) boundaries, and (iii) temporal factors (group duration, group age, past group history). Conclusions: In PBL tutorial groups or project teams no developmental model is generally valid. The development of the groups depends to a high degree on contextual factors which may be mediated by crucial events during the formation period and later. (Less)
Progressive-Stress Accelerated Degradation Test for Highly-Reliable Products

For highly reliable products with very few test units, a progressive-stress accelerated degradation test (PSADT) has been proposed in the literature to obtain timely information of the product's lifetime distribution. The results, however, are restricted to the case where the product's degradation path follows a Wiener process (Brownian motion) with a linear drift rate. But in practical applications, the product's mean degradation path may be non-linear. Hence, how to address the lifetime distribution in this situation is a worthy topic for reliability analysts. In this paper, a PSADT with a non-linear degradation path is constructed using the cumulative exposure model. Then the product's lifetime distribution can be analytically obtained by the first passage time of its degradation path. Furthermore, we derive an exact relationship between the lifetime distributions of the PSADT, and the conventional constant-stress degradation test (CSDT), which allows us to extrapolate the product's lifetime distribution under typical stress. Finally, the usage of the proposed model, and the efficiency of PSADT to reduce the product's life testing time are demonstrated in the example.
XEN-D0501, a Novel Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Antagonist, Does Not Reduce Cough in Patients with Refractory Cough.

RATIONALE Heightened cough responses to inhaled capsaicin, a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist, are characteristic of patients with chronic cough. However, previously, a TRPV1 antagonist (SB-705498) failed to improve spontaneous cough frequency in these patients, despite small reductions in capsaicin-evoked cough. OBJECTIVES XEN-D0501 (a potent TRPV1 antagonist) was compared with SB-705498 in preclinical studies to establish whether an improved efficacy profile would support a further clinical trial of XEN-D0501 in refractory chronic cough. METHODS XEN-D0501 and SB-705498 were profiled against capsaicin in a sensory nerve activation assay and in vivo potency established against capsaicin-induced cough in the guinea pig. Twenty patients with refractory chronic cough participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study evaluating the effect of 14 days of XEN-D0501 (oral, 4 mg twice daily) versus placebo on awake cough frequency (primary outcome), capsaicin-evoked cough, and patient-reported outcomes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS XEN-D0501 was more efficacious and 1,000-fold more potent than SB-705498 at inhibiting capsaicin-induced depolarization of guinea pig and human isolated vagus nerve. In vivo XEN-D0501 completely inhibited capsaicin-induced cough, whereas 100 times more SB-705498 was required to achieve the same effect. In patients, XEN-D0501 substantially reduced maximal cough responses to capsaicin (mean change from baseline, XEN-D0501, -19.3 ± 16.4) coughs; placebo, -1.8 ± 5.8 coughs; P < 0.0001), but not spontaneous awake cough frequency (mean change from baseline, XEN-D0501, 6.7 ± 16.9 coughs/h; placebo, 0.4 ± 13.7 coughs/h; P = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS XEN-D0501 demonstrated superior efficacy and potency in preclinical and clinical capsaicin challenge studies; despite this improved pharmacodynamic profile, spontaneous cough frequency did not improve, ruling out TRPV1 as an effective therapeutic target for refractory cough. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrialsregister. eu (2014-000306-36).
THE RELATIONSHIP OF PARTICIPATION MOTIVATION TO GOAL ORIENTATIONS AND PERCEIVED PHYSICAL ABILITY IN BRAZILIAN SWIMMERS

The relationships of achievement participation motivation, goal orientations and perceived physical ability were investigated in young competitive Brazilian swimmers. Four hundred and twenty five swimmers (287 males and 138 females, ranging in age from 11 to 25 years) completed the Participation Motivation Inventory (PMI), the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), and the Perceived Physical Ability Scale (PPA). Findings provided evidence for the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. Regression analyses showed that ego orientation predicted motives for participation related to status and fitness. In contrast, task orientation predicted motivational variables related with competition, energy release and skills/health. Perceived physical ability predicted variables with different degrees of self-determination.
The code within the code: microRNAs target coding regions

The coding sequence of a protein must contain the information required for the canonical amino acid sequence. However, the redundancy of the genetic code creates potential for embedding other types of information within coding regions as well. In a genome-wide computational screen for functional motifs within coding regions based on evolutionary conservation, highly conserved motifs included some expected motifs, some novel motifs and coding region target sites for known microRNAs, which are generally presumed to target 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs) (www.SiteSifter.org). We report here an analysis of published proteomics experiments that further support a functional role for coding region microRNA binding sites, though the effects are weaker than for sites in the 3’ UTR. We also demonstrate a positional bias with greater conservation for sites at the end of the coding region, and the beginning and end of the 3’ UTR. An increased effectiveness of microRNA binding sites at the 3’ end of transcripts could reflect proximity to the poly(A) tail or interactions with the 5’ terminal 7mGpppN “cap”, which is physically adjacent to this region once the message is circularized. The effectiveness of 3’ UTR sites could reflect a cooperative role for RNA binding proteins. Finally, increased microRNA conservation near the stop codon suggests to us the possible involvement of proteins that execute nonsense-mediated decay, since this process is activated by tagging of termination codons with factors that induce transcript degradation.
Clinical spectrum, management and outcome of neonatal candidiasis.

OBJECTIVE To identify clinical spectrum, management and outcome of neonatal candidiasis. METHODS The retrospective study was conducted at the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised microbiological records of all the babies admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from January 2009 to January 2014 that were reviewed to identify those with positive candida cultures. Medical records were analysed for demographic and clinical spectrum features, management and outcome. SPSS 16 was used statistical analysis. RESULTS Of the total 1550 neonatal admissions, 560 (36%) had positive cultures, and, of them, candida was isolated in 49(8.8%) neonates. Among them, 13(26%) had candida albicans and the rest had candida species. Majority were males 34(70%), and preterm with 30(61%) being <37 weeks. The mean birth weight was 2000±873 grams. Mean age at admission was 6±7.6 days. Overall, 39(80%) had ≥2 risk factors. The commonest site of isolation was blood in 41(84%). Besides, 32 (65%) received fluconazole alone for treatment. Mean duration of anti-fungal therapy was 10±5 days (range: 1-21 days). Twelve (24%) neonates expired and the cause of death was candida sepsis in 10(20%) cases. Mortality was not significantly associated with gender, place of birth, gestation, risk factors, length of stay, prior antibiotic exposure or receipt of antifungal prophylaxis except those who were ≤1500 grams (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Approximately one in ten at-risk neonates may develop candida sepsis with high mortality. Early institution of anti-fungal therapy may prove to be life-saving.
An Investigation into Teacher Wellbeing during the Teacher Training Year.

For those studying for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), the teaching practice placement can be a daunting experience. Trainee teachers have to adjust into a new workplace and a complicated professional role which can be stressful; this can result in teachers leaving the profession in their early years if they do not equip themselves with coping strategies and display resilient behaviour. The aims of this study were to gain a deeper understanding of how a cohort of science and design and technology PGCE students settled into schools on their teaching placement and to investigate any differences between mature trainees (those who had taken at least one gap year after their undergraduate degree) and those who have continued straight through their education. Two questionnaires (pre n= 42; post n=48) and a voluntary interview (n=7) were used. Many trainees described their experience as rewarding, yet exhausting and challenging. However, the interviews highlighted there was some erosion of their personal ‘self’ at this early stage of their career. This resulted in, for example, changes in their sleep, eating and exercise patterns and an impact on their relationships.
Developing a Global Model of Accounting Education and Examining IES Compliance in Australia, Japan, and Sri Lanka

The introduction of International Education Standards (IES) signals a clear move by the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) to ensure high quality standards in professional accounting education at a global level. This study investigated how IES are perceived and valued by member bodies and academics in three counties: Australia, Japan, and Sri Lanka. It examined: (1) levels of awareness of IES; (2) drivers of compliance and convergence and non-compliance and non-convergence with IES; and (3) key factors influencing IES adoption. Both quantitative and qualitative data have been collected from interviews and questionnaire surveys to report on these findings. Further, as part of the study, comprehensive case studies of the accounting education systems of Australia, Japan, and Sri Lanka were developed. These case studies not only provided an insight into issues of diversity, culture, and language as they relate to IES, but also preceded the development of a global model of accounting education.1 This model is proposed as a way to assist interested parties in any country to readily identify their own unique system of professional accounting education.