Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Public's Attitudes Toward Tissue Donation: A Multi-Method Approach

UNDERSTANDING THE PUBLIC’S ATTITUDES TOWARD TISSUE DONATION: A MULTIMETHOD APPROACH Lindsey A. Kurland A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013 Major Director: Laura A. Siminoff, Professor and Chair, Department of Social and Behavioral Health The impact of deceased tissue donation and transplantation is far-reaching; however, little is known about the public’s attitudes towards tissue donation. Siminoff, Traino, and Gordon (2010) found that families’ attitudes towards tissue donation were a significant predictor of consent; specifically, families that were initially favorable towards tissue donation were more likely to donate their loved ones tissues than families that were initially unfavorable towards tissue donation. Using a qualitative coding approach and the Tripartite Model of Attitude Structure (affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitude components) as a conceptual framework, families’ expressed attitudes toward tissue donation were extracted from N=240 audiorecordings of past tissue donation requests from 16 different OPOs. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with N=14 Tissue Requesters from LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach, Virginia about their perceptions of families’ attitudes. Together, 14 attitude domains and 34 subdomains were derived from the families’ expressed attitudes. Several multivariate analyses were performed. After controlling for time spent discussing tissue donation and confusion between tissues and organs, affective attitudes were significantly different among three FDM initial response groups (favorable, unsure, and unfavorable). Further, the attitude domains “donation invokes positive emotion” and “pro-donation behaviors” were the best discriminators of FDM groups. Suggestions for educational interventions were discussed.
Effective Ionization Coefficients and Transport Parameters in Ultradilute $\hbox{SF}_{6} + \hbox{N}_{2}$ Mixtures

The effective ionization coefficients in ultradilute SF<sub>6</sub> + N<sub>2</sub> gas mixtures are calculated from a Monte Carlo technique over the range 100 ≤ E/N ≤ 270 Td together with electron drift velocities and pulsed Townsend mean energies. SF<sub>6</sub> contents in the mixtures of 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, and 1% are considered. The effective ionization coefficients decrease with the increase of the SF<sub>6</sub> concentration in the mixtures at a given E/N, while the variation of the drift velocities and pulsed Townsend mean energies with respect to SF<sub>6</sub> concentrations is relatively constant in the E/N range of this paper.
MoCFI: A Framework to Mitigate Control-Flow Attacks on Smartphones

Runtime and control-flow attacks (such as code injection or return-oriented programming) constitute one of the most severe threats to software programs. These attacks are prevalent and have been recently applied to smartphone applications as well, of which hundreds of thousands are downloaded by users every day. While a framework for control-flow integrity (CFI) enforcement, an approach to prohibit this kind of attacks, exists for the Intel x86 platform, there is no such a solution for smartphones. In this paper, we present a novel framework, MoCFI (Mobile CFI), that provides a general countermeasure against control-flow attacks on smartphone platforms by enforcing CFI. We show that CFI on typical smartphone platforms powered by an ARM processor is technically involved due to architectural differences between ARM and Intel x86, as well as the specifics of smartphone OSes. Our framework performs CFI on-the-fly during runtime without requiring the application's source code. For our reference implementation we chose Apple's iOS, because it has been an attractive target for control-flow attacks. Nevertheless, our framework is also applicable to other ARM-based devices such as Google's Android. Our performance evaluation demonstrates that MoCFI is efficient and does not induce notable overhead when applied to popular iOS applications.
Fungi Contaminated by Radionuclides : Critical Review of Approaches to Modeling

INTRODUCTION Data derived from sampling at areas contaminated by the Chernobyl fallout have demonstrated the organic layer of soil to be a major pool of radiocesium in forest ecosystems (Linkov and Schell, 1999, Ruhm et al., 1996). Fungi can directly bind or precipitate radionuclides; they also can indirectly affect radionuclide speciation and mobility in forest soils (Gadd, 1996). Fungi are the greatest living biomass in the decomposing organic layers of forest soil. They are the primary sources of enzymes necessary to degrade the litter. Fungi are one of the most important components of forest ecosystems, since they determine to a large extent the fate and transport processes of radionuclides in forests (Linkov and Von Stackelberg, 1999; Riesen et al., 1999; Linkov and Schell, 1999). Understanding radionuclide accumulation by fungi is also essential for the development of remediation technologies for contaminated areas. Phytoremediation is emerging as an attractive alternative to high-cost traditional cleaning methods for large areas polluted with low to moderate levels of heavy metals and radionuclides. Recent studies show that phytoremediation of soils contaminated by Cs may be feasible (Last et al., 1997). Mycorrhizal fungi can maximize radionuclide accumulation and removal from contaminated soil by plants (Entry et al., 1996). This paper is not intended to provide a comprehensive review of biological processes, but rather to critically review existing modeling techniques. In the recent International Atomic Energy Agency model-model and model-data intercomparisons (BIOMASS, 1999) the radionuclide accumulation in fungi was found to be the most difficult to predict. Developing reliable radioecological models to describe the radionuclide accumulation in fungi requires an evaluation of many uncertain parameters and variables. These parameters have been found to be especially uncertain as compared to other forest compartments. Many parameters are represented by aggregated values averaged over time, space and species. The uncertainty of these parameters should be considered as an integral part of the modeling process. Excessive model complexity will result in a limited utility of the model, since many uncertain model parameters decrease the overall reliability of model predictions. On the other hand, using over-simplistic models in situations when a better understanding of the ecosystem has already been achieved, might also lead to unrealistic model results that could possibly contradict available experimental data.
Ruggedness and neutrality—the NKp family of fitness landscapes

It has come to be almost an article of faith amongst population biologists and GA researchers alike that the principal feature of a fitness landscape as regards evolutionary dynamics is “ruggedness”, particularly as measured by the auto-correlation function. In this paper we demonstrate that auto-correlation alone may be inadequate as a mediator of evolutionary dynamics, specifically in the presence of large scale neutrality. We introduce the NKp family of landscapes (a variant on NK landscapes) which possess the remarkable property that varying the degree of neutrality has minimal effect on the correlation structure. It is demonstrated that NKp landscapes feature neutral networks which have a "constant innovation" property comparable with the neutral networks observed in models of RNA secondary structure folding landscapes. We show that evolutionary dynamics on NKp landscapes vary dramatically with the degree of neutrality at high neutrality the dynamics are characterised by population drift along neutral networks punctuated by transitions between networks. The relevance of these models to natural and artificial evolution is discussed.
A Low‐Frequency Variant in MAPK14 Provides Mechanistic Evidence of a Link With Myeloperoxidase: A Prognostic Cardiovascular Risk Marker

BACKGROUND Genetics can be used to predict drug effects and generate hypotheses around alternative indications. To support Losmapimod, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor in development for acute coronary syndrome, we characterized gene variation in MAPK11/14 genes by exome sequencing and follow-up genotyping or imputation in participants well-phenotyped for cardiovascular and metabolic traits. METHODS AND RESULTS Investigation of genetic variation in MAPK11 and MAPK14 genes using additive genetic models in linear or logistic regression with cardiovascular, metabolic, and biomarker phenotypes highlighted an association of RS2859144 in MAPK14 with myeloperoxidase in a dyslipidemic population (Genetic Epidemiology of Metabolic Syndrome Study), P=2.3×10(-6)). This variant (or proxy) was consistently associated with myeloperoxidase in the Framingham Heart Study and Cardiovascular Health Study studies (replication meta-P=0.003), leading to a meta-P value of 9.96×10(-7) in the 3 dyslipidemic groups. The variant or its proxy was then profiled in additional population-based cohorts (up to a total of 58 930 subjects) including Cohorte Lausannoise, Ely, Fenland, European Prospective Investigation of Cancer, London Life Sciences Prospective Population Study, and the Genetics of Obesity Associations study obesity case-control for up to 40 cardiovascular and metabolic traits. Overall analysis identified the same single nucleotide polymorphisms to be nominally associated consistently with glomerular filtration rate (P=0.002) and risk of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2), P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS As myeloperoxidase is a prognostic marker of coronary events, the MAPK14 variant may provide a mechanistic link between p38 map kinase and these events, providing information consistent with current indication of Losmapimod for acute coronary syndrome. If replicated, the association with glomerular filtration rate, along with previous biological findings, also provides support for kidney diseases as alternative indications.
Wellbeing from Birth

PART ONE: INTRODUCING WELLBEING Early Childhood Matters Wellbeing Themes PART TWO: THE THEORY OF WELLBEING The ABC Of Wellbeing Companionable Learning PART THREE: EVERYDAY WELLBEING Children's Wellbeing All to Play for PART FOUR: INVESTING IN WELLBEING Observation, Assessment and Planning Being Key Companions When Things Go Wrong Wellbeing and Integration
Unexplained iron deficiency in idiopathic and heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background Anaemia is common in left heart failure and is associated with a poorer outcome. Many patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are anaemic or iron-deficient. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency in PAH and to identify possible causes. Methods All patients with idiopathic or heritable PAH diagnosed in 1995–2008 were identified. Controls were selected from patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Full blood counts were examined and any abnormality was investigated. Patients were excluded if they had a cause for iron deficiency. The prevalence study was based on 85 patients with idiopathic PAH and 120 with CTEPH. A separate group of 20 patients with idiopathic PAH and 24 with CTEPH with matching haemodynamics were prospectively investigated for serum factors affecting iron metabolism. Results The prevalence study identified a point prevalence of unexplained iron deficiency of 50% in premenopausal women with idiopathic PAH compared with 8% in premenopausal women with CTEPH (p=0.002); 14% in postmenopausal women with idiopathic PAH compared with 6% in postmenopausal women with CTEPH (p=0.16); 28% in men with idiopathic PAH men compared with 2% in men with CTEPH (p=0.002); and 60% in patients with heritable PAH. The serum study showed that patients with idiopathic PAH had lower serum iron and transferrin saturations than those with CTEPH. Interleukin-6 levels correlated with iron levels(r=−0.6, p=0.006) and transferrin saturations (r=−0.68, p=0.001) in idiopathic PAH but not in CTEPH. Conclusions The prevalence of unexplained iron deficiency is significantly higher in idiopathic PAH than in CTEPH. This may be linked to interleukin-6.
Numerical Simulation of Thrombotic Occlusion in Tortuous Arterioles

Tortuous microvessels alter blood flow and stimulate thrombosis but the physical mechanisms are poorly understood. Both tortuous microvessels and abnormally large platelets are seen in diabetic patients. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the physical effects of arteriole tortuosity and platelet size on the microscale processes of thrombotic occlusion in microvessels. A new lattice-Boltzmann method-based discrete element model was developed to simulate the fluid flow field with fluid-platelet coupling, platelet interactions, thrombus formation, and thrombotic occlusion in tortuous arterioles. Our results show that vessel tortuosity creates high shear stress zones that activate platelets and stimulate thrombus formation. The growth rate depends on the level of tortuosity and the pressure and flow boundary conditions. Once thrombi began to form, platelet collisions with thrombi and subsequent activations were more important than tortuosity level. Thrombus growth narrowed the channel and reduced the flow rate. Larger platelet size leads to quicker decrease of flow rate due to larger thrombi that occluded the arteriole. This study elucidated the important roles that tortuosity and platelet size play in thrombus formation and occlusion in arterioles.
Improving Japanese EFL Learners' Writing Performance Through Self-Regulated Strategy Development

This study examines the use and effectiveness of self-regulated strategy development (SRSD), a writing instructional model, in helping Japanese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) at the university level develop skills and strategies that will improve their writing skills and performance. A pretest and posttest rated by two raters, with SRSD instruction over a 5-week period in between for the experimental group, suggested that the participants who received the treatment could significantly improve their opinion-writing outcomes. This study suggests that instructors could assist language learners develop self-regulated strategies to improve their writing outcomes.
Polymorphismsof the CD24 Gene Are Associated with Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis

CD24 is a cell-surface protein mainly expressed in cells of the immune and central nervous system (CNS), cells that play a critical role in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). In the current study, we investigated four polymorphisms of the CD24 gene regarding their associations with MS. To this end, univariate and multivariate meta-analysis were applied along with modifications to include data from family-trios so as to increase the robustness of the meta-analysis. We found that the polymorphism 226 C>T (Ala57Val) of the CD24 gene is associated with MS according to the recessive mode of inheritance (odds ratio = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.81). Moreover, the 1527–1528 TG>del polymorphism is inversely associated with MS according to the dominant mode of inheritance (odds ratio = 0.57; 95% CI 0.39, 0.83). Conversely, the 1056 A>G and 1626 A>G polymorphisms were not found to be associated with MS. We conclude that the CD24 226 C>T polymorphism increases the risk of MS, while the 1527–1528 TG>del polymorphism seems to have a protective role against MS, suggesting that these two polymorphisms can be used as predictive biomarkers for MS development.
Mechanical Antagonism in Legged Robots

In this work, we use first principles of kinematics to provide a fundamental insight into mechanical power distribution within multi-actuator machines. Individual actuator powers—not their net sum—determine the efficiency and actuator size of a multi-joint machine. Net power delivered to the environment naturally discards important information about how that power is generated. For example, simultaneous positive and negative powers will cancel within a mechanism, wasting energy and raising peak power requirements. The same effect can bias power draw toward a single actuator while the other actuators do zero work. In general, it is best for all actuators to contribute equally to the net power demand because balance minimizes the mechanical power requirements of individual actuators. In this paper, we present the actuation power space, within which we measure the antagonism in a machine (joints working against each other due to kinematic constraints). We show the difference between the net power consumed by the task and the total power supplied by the actuators. We derive the power quality measure as a smooth objective function which encodes both antagonism and the balance of power between actuators. As a demonstration of our general framework, we apply our technique to a legged-robot design to find improved kinematics for performing a running gait. This technique finds mechanisms with optimal power distribution, regardless of actuator choice or loss models, so it can be applied early in the design process using mechanism kinematics alone. After choosing appropriate kinematics for an application, designers can independently optimize each actuator in a design to minimize local losses.
The Dynamics of Conflict: A Guide to Engagement and Intervention

Preface to the Second Edition: A Reflective Approach to Conflict vii PART ONE: CONFLICT 1 1 The Nature of Conflict 3 2 How People Approach Conflict 33 3 Power and Conflict 67 4 Culture and Conflict 92 PART TWO: ENGAGEMENT AND INTERVENTION 121 5 Resolving Conflict 123 6 Engaging Conflict 146 7 Communication 182 8 Negotiation 211 9 Working with Impasse 245 10 Mediation 269 11 Other Approaches to Conflict Intervention 301 12 Why We Intervene in Conflict 333 References 345 About the Author 353 Index 355
Detection of Gene Expression in Genetically Engineered Microorganisms and Natural Phytoplankton Populations in the Marine Environment by mRNA Analysis

A simple method that combines guanidinium isothiocyanate RNA extraction and probing with antisense and sense RNA probes is described for analysis of microbial gene expression in planktonic populations. Probing of RNA sample extracts with sense-strand RNA probes was used as a control for nonspecific hybridization or contamination of mRNA with target DNA. This method enabled detection of expression of a plasmid-encoded neomycin phosphotransferase gene (nptII) in as few as 104Vibrio cells per ml in 100 ml of seawater. We have used this method to detect expression of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase large-subunit gene (rbcL) in Synechococcus cultures and natural phytoplankton populations in the Dry Tortugas, Florida. During a 36-h diel study, rbcL expression of the indigenous phytoplankton was greatest in the day, least at night (1100, 0300, and 0100 h), and variable at dawn or dusk (0700 and 1900 h). These results are the first report of gene expression in natural populations by mRNA isolation and probing. This methodology should be useful for the study of gene expression in microorganisms released into the environment for agricultural or bioremediation purposes and indigenous populations containing highly conserved target gene sequences.
Effect of trunk-restraint training on function and compensatory trunk, shoulder and elbow patterns during post-stroke reach: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of trunk restraint (TR) training on post-stroke compensatory trunk movements during functional reach, and to identify functional gains of TR within the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: Six databases were searched prior to 20 February 2013. Randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of a post-stroke reaching intervention with and without TR in the adult post-stroke population were included in this review. Data related to study inclusion/exclusion criteria, methodology, study participants and between-group outcomes (p < 0.05) were extracted. All outcomes were categorized according to functional domains defined within the ICF. Results: Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria. TR groups demonstrated significant between-group differences (p < 0.05) for decreased compensatory trunk displacement (4/5 RCTs), increased elbow extension (3/5 RCTs) and increased shoulder flexion (2/5 RCTs). All significant between-group differences fell within the Body Structure/Function domain of the ICF. Conclusions: Trunk restraint is a simple, cost-effective technique that may help to reduce compensatory trunk/shoulder/elbow movements in the post-stroke adult population. Synthesis of study outcomes also highlights applications of TR to clinical practice and areas for further research. Implications for Rehabilitation The ability to use the shoulder and elbow to perform functional reach is a primary goal in post-stroke recovery; however, compensatory trunk movements are often used to achieve the reaching goal. Long-term use of compensatory strategies may contribute to secondary impairments, such as learned non-use, joint contractures and pain. Trunk restraint enables functional reach practice, while limiting compensatory strategies in the moderately to severely impaired stroke population.
Ischemia and reperfusion related myocardial inflammation: A network of cells and mediators targeting the cardiomyocyte

Occlusion of a coronary artery if maintained for longer period of time results in damage of the cardiac tissue. However, restoration of blood flow to previously ischemic tissue can itself induce further cardiac damage, a phenomenon known as myocardial reperfusion injury. Cardiac homoeostasis is supported by a network of direct and indirect interactions between cardiomyocytes and resident cell types such as fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells or invading blood cells. This review will discuss the role of the cellular interplay in ischemia‐reperfusion injury from a cardiomyocyte‐centered view, although we are aware that other cellular interactions are equally important. We will try to work out currently unresolved questions and potential future directions in the field. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(2):110–119, 2015
Epidemiology of the Guillain-Barré syndrome

This review focuses on recent epidemiological findings on Guillain-Barré syndrome regarding incidence, antecedent events related to the disease, prognosis and prognostic indicators, and treatment. Moreover, this review summarizes recent observations on clinical variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome and their relationship with the prevailing clinical presentation of the disease. The epidemiological observations which have advanced the understanding of the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome are also discussed.