Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Much Does My Baby Cost? An Analysis of Gender Differences in Income, Career Interruption, and Child Bearing

As in many other professions, public relations has shown persistent patterns of income disparity between men and women practitioners. Previous public relations scholarship has analyzed the factors that contribute to income disparities. Factors previously identified as mediators of the relationship between income and gender include professional experience, participation in strategic decision-making, and manager role enactment. Nevertheless, gender differences in income persist even after controlling for the influence of these mediators. One possible explanation for on-going gender differences in income is that women are more likely than men to take “time out” from their careers to have children. Arguably, such mid-career interruption may result in less accumulation of human capital, depressed upward mobility, and differential suppression of salaries for women. To investigate this possibility, an online survey was conducted in 2004 of public relations practitioners who were members of PRSA. A systematic sample was drawn from the membership list of PRSA; 505 practitioners responded, for a 24% response rate. In the sample, men reported average annual salaries of $93,494 (median=$73,250); on average, women earned $66,467 (median= $60,000). If women’s salaries were not depressed by career interruptions to have babies, their salaries would increase, on average, from $66,467 to $66,615. The $148 (0.2%) increase in annual income is not statistically or practically significant. Thus, career interruption to have a baby does not account for salary differences between men and women practitioners.
Some neuro-computational investigations into the reviewing of object-files

When a person attends to an object, a temporary working memory representation is created for it, specific to that individual “token” object. This differs from more general accumulated memories for “types” of objects. Kahneman, Treisman, and Gibbs (1992) conducted a series of “object-reviewing” studies showing that these token object representations are able to persist after focal attention is withdrawn from an object, and can be reactivated when the same object is reattended to shortly afterwards. Kahneman et al. (1992) used the term “object-files” to refer to these working memory representations. In the years since the publication of these seminal results many subsequent studies have further probed this type of memory. However, the question of the neural mechanisms which implement object-files is still largely an open one. In this thesis I attempt to examine these mechanisms, asking what is required computationally for such memory traces to persist and be reactivated, and how and why they might be implemented in the brain. My study has three distinct parts. Firstly, I present a computational analysis of the problem, the results of which provide number of avenues of further enquiry. Secondly, I present a neural network implementation of a mechanism, hypothesised in the previous analysis, that is able to account for results of the object-reviewing paradigm. Finally, I present the results of a series of human psychophysical experiments, investigating the relationship of object-reviewing performance with the ability to track multiple moving objects, first observed by Pylyshyn and Storm (1988). The results of these experiments would appear to have implications for the theoretical foundations of both object-reviewing and multiple object tracking research.
The Acquisition of Long-Distance Reflexives in Chinese as an Interlanguage: An Experimental Study

to be learned, the existence of a pragmatic account in terms of general principles of usage undermines the alleged unlearnability essential to this type of grammatical hypothesis. 2. And insofar as the constructional meanings are indefeasible—that is, the interpretations are inflexible and can be specified by exceptionless rule, we may confidently attribute the interpretation to a grammatical source; but insofar as they are defeasible and show all the hallmarks of nonmonotonic inference that we associate with pragmatic inference, we should attribute the pattern of preferred interpretation to pragmatics.
The Influence of Anisotropy on the Stability of a Beam Guided Disc Delay Line

The effect of anisotropy on disc delay line beam propagation is examined by means of a paraxial ray analysis. Anisotropic transfer matrices describe the disc's optical characteristics. The theory is applied to explain different propagation loss experimentally observed on three recirculating patterns on a Y-cut quartz disc delay line.
Significance of Spiritual (SI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) on the Caring Behavior of Nurses

Nurses play a pivotal role in providing quality healthcare to patients. Their caring behavior contributes significantly to the satisfaction, wellbeing of patients, and performance of healthcare organizations [2]. Poor quality of care exhibited by the nurses can have a telling effect on the sustainability of healthcare organizations [3]. Therefore, it is imperative that nurses with right characteristics (high levels of spiritual and emotional intelligence) are educated, recruited, and trained to provide patient-centered passionate care. The current research argues that a study at the dimension level is as important as the study at the construct level to understand the complete effects of the constructs and its dimensions. This study differs from other studies as it attempts to answer a fundamental question: What are the dimensions of SI and EI that influence the dimensions of caring behavior of nurses?
Fast and Compact Hash Tables for Integer Keys

A hash table is a fundamental data structure in computer science that can offer rapid storage and retrieval of data. A leading implementation for string keys is the cache-conscious array hash table. Although fast with strings, there is currently no information in the research literature on its performance with integer keys. More importantly, we do not know how efficient an integer-based array hash table is compared to other hash tables that are designed for integers, such as bucketized cuckoo hashing. In this paper, we explain how to efficiently implement an array hash table for integers. We then demonstrate, through careful experimental evaluations, which hash table, whether it be a bucketized cuckoo hash table, an array hash table, or alternative hash table schemes such as linear probing, offers the best performance---with respect to time and space---for maintaining a large dictionary of integers in-memory, on a current cache-oriented processor.
Strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Differ Primarily by Insertions or Deletions, Not Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) strains demonstrate varied pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns following XbaI digestion, which enable epidemiological surveillance of this important human pathogen. The genetic events underlying PFGE differences between strains, however, are not defined. We investigated the mechanisms for strain variation in O157 by recovering and examining nucleotide sequences flanking each of the XbaI restriction enzyme sites in the genome. Our analysis demonstrated that differences between O157 strains were due to discrete insertions or deletions that contained the XbaI sites polymorphic between strains rather than single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the XbaI sites themselves. These insertions and deletions were found to be uniquely localized within the regions of the genome that are specific to O157 compared to E. coli K-12 (O islands), suggesting that strain-to-strain variation occurs in these O islands. These results may be utilized to devise novel strain-typing tools for this pathogen.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase is not essential for the development of fibrosis and liver damage induced by CCl4 in mice

The aim of the present work was to investigate the role of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) in CCl4‐induced cirrhosis by utilizing iNOS knock out mice (iNOS−/−). Cirrhosis was produced by i.p. administration of CCl4 (1 ml kg−1 of body weight) dissolved in olive oil three times a week for 3 months to iNOS−/− or iNOS+/+ (wild type) mice; appropriate olive oil controls were performed. Nitrite plus nitrate levels were lower in iNOS−/− compared with iNOS+/+ mice, but CCl4 did not produce a significant effect in any mice. Reduced (GSH) glutathione was increased in iNOS−/− mice receiving vehicle and in both groups receiving CCl4; lipid peroxidation increased significantly in iNOS+/+ but not in iNOS−/− mice. Bilirubins, alanine aminotransferase and collagen (measured as the hepatic hydroxyproline content) were increased significantly by the chronic intoxication with CCl4 in both iNOS−/− and iNOS+/+ mice; importantly there was no difference between these groups. This study clearly suggests that NO derived from iNOS does not participate in cholestasis, necrosis or fibrosis induced by CCl4 in the mice. The present results are in disagreement with several studies indicating a beneficial or detrimental effect of this molecule utilizing different experimental approaches and in agreement with some studies indicating that NO does not affect liver damage in some models. It must be pointed out that this is the first report in iNOS knock out mice utilizing the chronic model of intoxication with CCl4; thus, comparisons with other models or approaches are difficult to reconcile. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demographic and psychographic variables predicting NASCAR sponsor brand recall

Four demographic variables (education, age, gender and internet use) and two psychographic variables (attitude towards NASCAR sponsors and NASCAR involvement) were investigated for impact on NASCAR fan ability to recall sponsor brands. Regression analysis indicates that the above variables are significant predictors of ability to recall sponsor brands, combining to explain 33% of observed variance.
PRECISION MEASUREMENTS OF THE CLUSTER RED SEQUENCE USING AN ERROR-CORRECTED GAUSSIAN MIXTURE MODEL

The red sequence is an important feature of galaxy clusters and plays a crucial role in optical cluster detection. Measurement of the slope and scatter of the red sequence are affected both by selection of red sequence galaxies and measurement errors. In this paper, we describe a new error-corrected Gaussian Mixture Model for red sequence galaxy identification. Using this technique, we can remove the effects of measurement error and extract unbiased information about the intrinsic properties of the red sequence. We use this method to select red sequence galaxies in each of the 13,823 clusters in the maxBCG catalog, and measure the red sequence ridgeline location and scatter of each. These measurements provide precise constraints on the variation of the average red galaxy populations in the observed frame with redshift. We find that the scatter of the red sequence ridgeline increases mildly with redshift, and that the slope decreases with redshift. We also observe that the slope does not strongly depend on cluster richness. Using similar methods, we show that this behavior is mirrored in a spectroscopic sample of field galaxies, further emphasizing that ridgeline properties are independent of environment. These precise measurements serve as an important observational check on simulations and mock galaxy catalogs. The observed trends in the slope and scatter of the red sequence ridgeline with redshift are clues to possible intrinsic evolution of the cluster red sequence itself. Most importantly, the methods presented in this work lay the groundwork for further improvements in optically based cluster cosmology.
Probiotic Prophylaxis in Predicted Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Infectious complications and associated mortality are a major concern in acute pancreatitis. Enteral administration of probiotics could prevent infectious complications, but convincing evidence is scarce. Our aim was to assess the effects of probiotic prophylaxis in patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS In this multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 298 patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE II] score ≥8, Imrie score ≥3, or C-reactive protein> 150 mg/L) were randomly assigned within 72 h of onset of symptoms to receive a multispecies probiotic preparation (n = 153) or placebo (n = 145), administered enterally twice daily for 28 days. The primary endpoint was the composite of infectious complications-i.e., infected pancreatic necrosis, bacteremia, pneumonia, urosepsis, or infected ascites-during admission and 90-day follow-up. Analyses were by intention to treat. This study is registered, number ISRCTN38327949. FINDINGS One person in each group was excluded from analyses because of incorrect diagnoses of pancreatitis; thus, 152 individuals in the probiotics group and 144 in the placebo group were analysed. Groups were much the same at baseline in terms of patients' characteristics and disease severity. Infectious complications occurred in 46 (30%) patients in the probiotics group and 41 (28%) of those in the placebo group (relative risk 1.06, 95% CI 0.75-1.51). 24 (16%) patients in the probiotics group died, compared with nine (6%) in the placebo group (relative risk 2.53, 95% CI 1.22-5.25). Nine patients in the probiotics group developed bowel ischaemia (eight with fatal outcome), compared with none in the placebo group (p = 0.004). INTERPRETATION In patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis, probiotic prophylaxis with this combination of probiotic strains did not reduce the risk of infectious complications and was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Probiotic prophylaxis should therefore not be administered in this category of patients. ( Lancet. 2008;371(9613):651-659) MGH Besselink, HC van Santvoort, E Buskens, et al, for the Dutch Acute Pancreatitis Study Group.
Relationship of Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Achievement Among English Language Learners

There has been a rapid increase in the emergence of minority groups during the past few decades in the United States. Hispanics are the largest minority group that has people who speak English as a second language. The increasing proportion of English Language Learning (ELL) students has made it more difficult to maintain high learning standards. Furthermore, this increase has led to other problems such as the over and underrepresentation of ELL students in special education, high dropout rates and the underachievement obtained in standardized tests such us the Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS). For this reason, researchers have strongly emphasized the importance of studying self-regulated learning (SRL) as a critical component in the learning process as it is suggested to improve the academic outcomes of students. However, SRL has mostly been researched in middle class Caucasians but there has not been much research in relation to minorities or ELL students. Due to the paucity of research, the present study examined the relationship between SRL and academic achievement of ELL students. The study was conducted in a southern Arizona school district. The sample was comprised of 30 students attending seventh and eighth grades from a solicited sample of 130 students. The students completed the Motivated Strategies Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Results indicated that SRL is related to the academic achievement of students in reading, writing, and mathematics. Similarly, the components of SRL (i.e., motivation and learning strategies), especially motivation, were found to be significantly related to achievement as well. Additionally, the MSLQ was encountered to be a reliable instrument to be used with ELL
Microwave-Photonic Links Based on Transistor-Lasers: Small-Signal Gain Analysis

The link gain for a directly modulated microwave-photonic link based on a transistor-laser (TL) is derived by making use of signal flow graph techniques. In contrast to conventional laser diodes, the three-terminal TL introduces an extra microwave port for impedance tuning of link parameters. Gain contour simulations using a small-signal equivalent circuit model for the TL indicate the potential for increased link gain compared with links that are terminated in 50 Ω at all ports.
Learning from Human Demonstrations for Real-Time Case-Based Planning

One of the main bottlenecks in deploying casebased planning systems is authoring the case-base of plans. In this paper we will present a collection of algorithms that can be used to automatically learn plans from human demonstrations. Our algorithms are based on the basic idea of a plan dependency graph, which is a graph that captures the dependencies among actions in a plan. Such algorithms are implemented in a system called Darmok 2 (D2), a case-based planning system capable of general game playing with a focus on real-time strategy (RTS) games. We evaluate D2 with a collection of three different games with promising results.
Designing an Optimal Energy Efficient Cluster-Based Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radio Networks

An approach for joint optimal design system parameters is considered for energy efficient cluster-based spectrum sensing in cognitive radio (CR) networks. The design problem is formulated and subjected to primary user protection constraints and spectrum utilization requirements. An iterative algorithm with low computational complexity is proposed to determine joint optimal sensing time, data transmission time, and the number of CR users that maximize energy efficiency of the system. The design criterion combines two design parameters, namely, sensing time and data transmission time, into one parameter in order to reduce the complexity. The key idea of the proposed algorithm is to employ the impact of transmission power variation on both the optimal sensing time and the corresponding probability of false alarm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is presented and evaluated through simulation results.
Perioperative results following lumbar discectomy: comparison of minimally invasive discectomy and standard microdiscectomy.

OBJECT Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy is a refinement of the standard open microsurgical discectomy technique. Proponents of the minimally invasive technique suggest that it improves patient outcome, shortens hospital stay, and decreases hospital costs. Despite these claims there is little support in the literature to justify the adoption of minimally invasive discectomy over standard open microsurgical discectomy. In the present study, the authors address some of these issues by comparing the short-term outcomes in patients who underwent first time, single-level lumbar discectomy at L3-4, L4-5, or L5-S1 using either a minimally invasive percutaneous, muscle splitting approach or a standard, open, muscle-stripping microsurgical approach. METHODS A retrospective chart review of 172 patients who had undergone a first-time, single-level lumbar discectomy at either L3-4, L4-5, or L5-S1 was performed. Perioperative results were assessed by comparing the following parameters between patients who had undergone minimally invasive discectomy and those who received standard open microsurgical discectomy: length of stay, operative time, estimated blood loss, rate of cerebrospinal fluid leak, post-anesthesia care unit narcotic use, need for a physical therapy consultation, and need for admission to the hospital. RESULTS Forty-nine patients underwent minimally invasive discectomy, and 123 patients underwent open microsurgical discectomy. At baseline the groups did differ significantly with respect to age, but did not differ with respect to height, weight, sex, body mass index, level of radiculopathy, side of radiculopathy, insurance status, or type of preoperative analgesic use. No statistically significant differences were identified in operative time, rate of cerebrospinal fluid leak, or need for a physical therapy consultation. Statistically significant differences were identified in length of stay, estimated blood loss, postanesthesia care unit narcotic use, and need for admission to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective study, patients who underwent minimally invasive discectomy were found to have similar perioperative results as those who underwent open microsurgical discectomy. The differences, although statistically significant, are of modest clinical significance.
Temporomandibular joint‐evoked responses by spinomedullary neurons and masseter muscle are enhanced after repeated psychophysical stress

Psychological stress is a risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal pain of the head and neck; however, the basis for this relationship remains uncertain. This study tested the hypothesis that psychophysical stress alone was sufficient to alter the encoding properties of spinomedullary dorsal horn neurons and masseter muscle activity in male rats. Repeated forced swim conditioning increased markedly both the background firing rate and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)‐evoked activity of neurons in deep dorsal horn, while neurons in superficial laminae were less affected. Stress also increased the responses to stimulation of facial skin overlying the TMJ of neurons in deep and superficial dorsal horn. TMJ‐evoked masseter muscle activity was enhanced significantly in stressed rats, an effect that was reduced by prior blockade of the spinomedullary junction region. These data indicated that repeated psychophysical stress induced widespread effects on the properties of medullary dorsal horn neurons and masseter muscle activity. The effects of stress were seen preferentially on neurons in deep dorsal horn and included enhanced responses to chemosensory input from the TMJ and mechanical input from overlying facial skin. The stress‐induced elevation in TMJ‐evoked masseter muscle activity matched well with the changes seen in dorsal horn neurons. It is concluded that the spinomedullary junction region plays a critical role in the integration of psychophysical stress and sensory information relevant for nociception involving deep craniofacial tissues.
Identification of Tension Sensing Motif of Histone H3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Its Regulation by Histone Modifying Enzymes

To ensure genome stability during cell division, all chromosomes must attach to spindles emanating from the opposite spindle pole bodies before segregation. The tension between sister chromatids generated by the poleward pulling force is an integral part of chromosome biorientation. In budding yeast, the residue Gly44 of histone H3 is critical for retaining the conserved Shugoshin protein Sgo1p at the pericentromeres for monitoring the tension status during mitosis. Studies carried out in this work showed that Lys42, Gly44, and Thr45 of H3 form the core of a tension sensing motif (TSM). Similar to the previously reported G44S mutant, K42A, G44A, and T45A alleles all rendered cells unable to respond to erroneous spindle attachment, a phenotype suppressed by Sgo1p overexpression. TSM functions by physically recruiting or retaining Sgo1p at pericentromeres as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation and by in vitro pulldown experiments. Intriguingly, the function of TSM is likely regulated by multiple histone modifying enzymes, including the histone acetyltransferase Gcn5p, and deacetylases Rpd3p and Hos2p. Defects caused by TSM mutations can be suppressed by the expression of a catalytically inactive mutant of Gcn5p. Conversely, G44S mutant cells exhibit prominent chromatin instability phenotype in the absence of RPD3. Importantly, the gcn5− suppressor restores the tension sensing function in tsm− background in a fashion that bypasses the need of stably associating Sgo1p with chromatin. These results demonstrate that the TSM of histone H3 is a key component of a mechanism that ensures faithful segregation, and that interaction with chromatin modifying enzymes may be an important part of the mitotic quality control process.