Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Academic performance in Iranian medical students during the pre-clinical stage

Background: Better understanding of factors associated with medical school performance is necessary to improve admission processes and to help students succeed in their career. This study follows a group of Iranian med students during their first 2.5 years of medical education, to evaluate their academic success in accordance with their demographic, cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics. Methods: 143 of 200 matriculants of Iran University of Medical Sciences medical school in 2010, were followed for 5 consecutive semesters of the preclinical stage. Demographic and cognitive characteristics were collected using self-administered data collection forms. The NEO Five-Factor (personality) Inventory (NEO-FFI) was used to assess participants’ non-cognitive characteristics. The 5 semesters’ cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) was the measure of academic performance. Pooled t-test, one-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression and logistic regression model, and Spearman coefficients of correlation were applied in data analysis Results: There was a significant difference in participants’ GPA regarding their gender (p=0.008), using privilege in National University Entrance Examination (NUEE)(p<0.0001), the number of times one has taken part in NUEE (p=0.034) and being occupied in paid jobs (p=0.01). There were no significant differences in participants’ GPA regarding NEO-FFI domains. Conclusions: Females and students with a better academic performance prior to their admission in medical school had better academic records. We found no association between academic performance and personality because participants were followed through a preclinical stage where non-cognitive characteristics plays a less important role in their performance and evaluations.
Anti‐factor V auto‐antibody in the plasma and platelets of a patient with repeated gastrointestinal bleeding

Summary. Development of autoantibody against coagulation factor V (FV) is a rare clinical condition with hemorrhagic complications of varying severity. The aim of this study was to establish the pathomechanism of an acquired FV deficiency and characterize the FV inhibitor responsible for the clinical symptoms. A 78‐year‐old female was admitted to hospital with severe gastrointestinal bleeding. General clotting tests and determination of clotting factors were performed by standard methods. FV antigen and FV containing immune complexes were measured by ELISA. The FV molecule was investigated by Western blotting and by sequencing the f5 gene. The binding of patient's IgG to FV and activated FV (FVa) was demonstrated in an ELISA system and its effect on the procoagulant activity of FVa was tested in clotting tests and in a chromogenic prothrombinase assay. Localization of the epitope for the antibody was performed by blocking ELISA. FV activity was severely suppressed both in plasma and platelets. FV antigen levels were normal by ELISA using polyclonal anti‐FV antibody or monoclonal antibody against the connecting region of FV, but depressed when HV1 monoclonal antibody against the C2 domain in the FV light‐chain was used as capture antibody. The FV molecule was found intact. An IgG reacting with both FV and FVa was present in the patient's plasma and its binding to FV was inhibited by HV1 antibody. FV‐containing immune complexes were detected in the patient's plasma and platelet lysate. The patient's IgG inhibited the procoagulant function of FVa. An anti‐FV IgG was present in the patient's plasma and platelets. The autoantibody reacted with an epitope in the C2 domain of FV light chain and neutralized the procoagulant function of FVa.
The Utility of Geometric Morphometrics to Elucidate Pathways of Cichlid Fish Evolution

Fishes of the family Cichlidae are famous for their spectacular species flocks and therefore constitute a model system for the study of the pathways of adaptive radiation. Their radiation is connected to trophic specialization, manifested in dentition, head morphology, and body shape. Geometric morphometric methods have been established as efficient tools to quantify such differences in overall body shape or in particular morphological structures and meanwhile found wide application in evolutionary biology. As a common feature, these approaches define and analyze coordinates of anatomical landmarks, rather than traditional counts or measurements. Geometric morphometric methods have several merits compared to traditional morphometrics, particularly for the distinction and analysis of closely related entities. Cichlid evolutionary research benefits from the efficiency of data acquisition, the manifold opportunities of analyses, and the potential to visualize shape changes of those landmark-based methods. This paper briefly introduces to the concepts and methods of geometric morphometrics and presents a selection of publications where those techniques have been successfully applied to various aspects of cichlid fish diversification.
of Copenhagen prize thesis Duality based optical flow algorithms with applications

We consider the popular TV-L1 optical flow formulation, and the so-called duality based algorithm for minimizing the TV-L1 energy. The original formulation is extended to allow for vector valued images, and minimization results are given. In addition we consider di↵erent definitions of total variation regularization, and related formulations of the optical flow problem that may be used with a duality based algorithm. We present a highly optimized algorithmic setup to estimate optical flows, and give five novel applications. The first application is registration of medical images, where X-ray images of di↵erent hands, taken using di↵erent imaging devices are registered using a TV-L1 optical flow algorithm. We propose to regularize the input images, using sparsity enhancing regularization of the image gradient to improve registration results. The second application is registration of 2D chromatograms, where registration only have to be done in one of the two dimensions, resulting in a vector valued registration problem with values having several hundred dimensions. We propose a novel method for solving this problem, where instead of a vector valued data term, the di↵erent channels are coupled through the regularization. This results in a simple formulation of the problem, that may be solved much more e ciently than the conventional coupling. In the third application of the TV-L1 optical flow algorithm we consider the problem of interpolating frames in an image sequence. We propose to move the motion estimation from the surrounding frames directly to the unknown frame by parametrizing the optical flow objective function such that the interpolation assumption is directly modeled. This reparametrization is a powerful trick that results in a number of appealing properties, in particular the motion estimation becomes more robust to noise and large displacements, and the computational workload is more than halved compared to usual bidirectional methods. Finally we consider two applications of frame interpolation for distributed video coding. The first of these considers the use of depth data to improve interpolation, and the second considers using the information from partially decoded video frames to improve interpolation accuracy in high-motion video sequences.
Bullying in a networked era: a literature review

This research update presents an aggregation and summary of recent academic literature on youth bullying. The purpose of this document is to “translate” scholarly research for a concerned public audience, which may include but is not limited to parents, caregivers, educators, and practitioners. This translation highlights recent findings and developments in the literature and makes them accessible to the informed but non-expert reader. The document’s two guiding questions are “What is bullying? ” (Section I) and “What can be done about bullying? ” (Section II). Section I begins with a brief overview of key definitions and related research conversations and then addresses bullying’s prevalence, the types of individuals involved in bullying, the characteristics of individuals involved and the consequences of their involvement, and community-level dynamics related to bullying. Section II covers four areas where action has been taken to address problems associated with bullying – school policy, curricula, school climate, and parents – and ends on a note about approaches that mix or cut across these areas. The purpose is to render lessons learned from research and assessment accessible to those interested in deepening or expanding their knowledge of bullying-related issues.
Adenosine Transport by Rat and Guinea Pig Synaptosomes: Basis for Differential Sensitivity to Transport Inhibitors

Adenosine transport by rat and guinea pig synaptosomes was studied to establish the basis for the marked differences in the potency of some transport inhibitors in these species. An analysis of transport kinetics in the presence and absence of nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI) using synaptosomes derived from several areas of rat and guinea pig brain indicated that at least three systems contributed to adenosine uptake, the Km values of which were ˜0.4, 3, and 15 μM in both species. In both species, the system with the Km of 3 μM was potently (IC50 of ˜0.3 nM) and selectively inhibited by NBTI. This NBTI‐sensitive system accounted for a greater proportion of the total uptake in the guinea pig than in the rat and was inhibited by dipyridamole, mioflazine, and related compounds more potently in the guinea pig. Preliminary experiments with other species indicate that adenosine transport in the mouse is similar to that in the rat, whereas in the dog and rabbit, it is more like that in the guinea pig. In the rat, none of the systems appeared to require Na+, but the two systems possessing the higher affinities for adenosine were inhibited by veratridine‐ and K+‐induced depolarization. The transport systems were active over a broad pH range, with maximal activity between pH 6.5 and 7.0. Our results are consistent with the possibility that adenosine transport systems may be differentiated into uptake and release systems.
WHICH HYPOTHESIS IS VALID IN OECD COUNTRIES, KUZNETS U CURVE OR GREAT U-TURN? SYSTEM GMM ESTIMATION FOR DYNAMIC PANEL DATA

The results of research in recent years have claimed that the relationship between economic growth and income inequality no longer supports Kuznets' inverse-U hypothesis. The expectation of “Inverse-U” in explaining the relationship between economic growth and income inequality replaced with “Great U-Turn” instead. In this context, this research aims to explain the relationship between income inequality and economic growth per capita in OECD countries for the period of 2000-2012. The analysis made using Dynamic Panel Data Method to explain the relationship between income inequality and economic growth per capita which shows evidence in support of Great U-Turn. The result of variables which alleged to cause income inequality to turn positive again, such as rapid technological change (positive), the labor force in the agriculture sector (positive), interest rate (negative) and foreign direct investment (negative) were all statistically significant. The results also indicated that labor force with a higher level of education has the effect of reducing income inequality while the effect of the unemployment rate on inequality was negative.
Developing a measure of work uncertainty

Uncertainty is a key contingency in the relationship between work characteristics and outcomes such as employee performance and well-being. In this paper, we specify and test a self-report measure of work uncertainty for use in any setting to facilitate research and decision making regarding the design of work. Using data collected from three diverse samples, analyses found support for a multi-dimensional model that corresponds to resource, task, and input/output sources of uncertainty. The scales showed discriminant validity, and task uncertainty was found to moderate the relationship between job control and intrinsic job satisfaction in a form consistent with theoretical predictions. Practitioner Points The self-report measure of work uncertainty may be used to evaluate existing work design and facilitate its redesign. As research demonstrates, it is critical that the level of job control afforded to employees is congruent with the level of uncertainty they experience. Failure to consider the role of uncertainty in linking job control to outcomes (e.g., performance, well-being) can undermine work redesign investment.
Identification of factors associated with poor peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization in Hodgkin's disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although the use of drugs which damage stem cells is common in patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD), factors affecting peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilization have not been clearly established in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with poor PBPC mobilization in patients with HD. DESIGN AND METHODS In order to address this issue we have evaluated in 54 patients with HD mobilized with G-CSF alone the following factors: sex, age, histologic subtype, B symptoms at diagnosis, status of remission, previous chemotherapy and radiotherapy, interval from diagnosis and last chemotherapy cycle to harvest, and dose of G-CSF. Univariate analysis was performed using Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation and Spearman's correlation. A stepwise regression model was used to determine which of the variables was the most predictive of PBPC mobilization. RESULTS In univariate analysis poorer PBPC mobilization was observed in patients who had previously received at least two courses of mini-BEAM (p=0.006), a high number of different chemotherapy regimens (p=0.002), a chemotherapy score >30 (p=0.02) and more than 9 months of alkylating agents (p=0.07). We did not find radiotherapy to be a significant factor affecting progenitor cell yield (p=0.59). In the stepwise regression model, only the previous administration of two or more mini-BEAM cycles predicted a poor PBPC yield (p=0.006). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Previous chemotherapy, principally exposure to a mini-BEAM regimen, seems to be the principal factor affecting collection of PBPC in patients with HD mobilized with G-CSF alone. Since mini-BEAM is an effective salvage regimen in relapsed or refractory HD, collection of PBPC should be planned when there has been no or only minimal exposure to a mini-BEAM regimen.
Health and Cognitive Ageing: the Emerging Role of Sensorimotor Abilities

Recent research on the role of health in cognitive ageing is reviewed to show that the relationship between health and cognitive function is still not entirely clear, possibly due to methodological limitations in health measurement When the relationship has been reported, its effect appears to be small Recent research suggests that sensorimotor abilities may have a stronger association with cognitive function in old age than health. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between health, sensorimotor function and cognition by evaluating two alternative models using structural equation modelling. These analyses suggested that while health may have a negligible direct effect on cognition in old age it may have a significant direct effect via sensorimotor processes.
HEGEMONIC MASCULINITY AND SEXUAL STEREOTYPING IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Previous research had indicated the preservice teachers (PTs) with coaching orientations reinforced sexism and masculine bias while employing the sport education (SE) model. The purpose of the current study was to examine the degree to which SE delivered by PTs with teaching orientations served to combat or reinforce sexism and masculine bias. Participants were two PTs who taught four SE seasons during their culminating internship. The theory of hegemonic masculinity (HM) guided data collection and analysis. Data were collected through formal, informal and stimulated recall interviews, passive participant observation, and document analysis. Analytic induction and constant comparison were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that sexism and masculine bias were largely combatted and rejected during the SE seasons and that the PTs provided a relatively equitable experience for girls and smaller, less physically able boys. Key reasons for the PTs’ success included their liberal views about sport, their willingness to confront the prevailing sporting culture, and the fact that they taught elementary-aged children.
The role of travel and mobility in processes of identity formation among the Positanesi

This article is based on an ethnographic study of the community of Positano on the Amalfi Coast in the south of Italy. It examines how the flows of visiting tourists have shaped the economy, lifestyle and rhythms of this small but world-famous tourist destination. Through visual imagery and narratives, I explore how residents of the community create meaningful identities amidst the continuous flux and flow of people arriving and departing. The article builds on the concepts of travel and mobility as underlying features in postmodern societies and as vehicles of identity formation among residents in tourist destinations. The findings illustrate how tourism has transformed the locality of Positano into a network of networks, and has thrust the inhabitants of this small coastal village into the global economy. The research also explores some of the intergenerational differences among older and younger residents that are exacerbated by the changes brought about by tourism. Reflecting on my role as an anthropologist doing research ‘at home’, the article seeks to contribute to the growing field of the anthropology of tourism.
An analysis of factors affecting fashion opinion leadership and fashion opinion seeking

Purpose – This paper aims to test hypothesized relationships of consumer need for uniqueness, attention to social comparison information, status consumption, and role‐relaxed consumption with opinion leadership and opinion seeking for new fashionable clothing.Design/methodology/approach – The authors surveyed 598 consumers between the ages of 18 and 83 years using a self‐administered questionnaire. Correlation and linear regression analyses showed that all four independent variables were related to both dependent variables.Findings – Consumer need for uniqueness was related positively to opinion leadership, but negatively with opinion seeking for younger consumers. Attention to social comparison information was positively related more highly to opinion seeking than to opinion leadership. Status consumption had the largest overall positive association, followed by role‐relaxed consumption, which was negatively related.Research limitations/implications – Some findings confirm earlier studies and some break .
The Orbitofrontal Cortex as Part of a Hierarchical Neural System Mediating Choice between Two Good Options

Animals rely on environmental cues to identify potential rewards and select the best reward available. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is proposed to encode sensory-specific representations of expected outcome. However, its contribution to the selection of a preferred outcome among different reward options is still unclear. We investigated the effect of transient OFC inactivation (achieved by presession injection of muscimol and baclofen) in a novel two-reward choice task. In discrete trials, rats could choose between a solution of polycose and an equally caloric, but highly preferred, solution of sucrose by visiting one of two liquid dispensers after the presentation of a specific cue signaling the availability of one or both of the solutions. We found that OFC inactivation did not affect outcome preference: rats maintained high preference for sucrose and adapted their behavioral responding when the cue–outcome contingencies were reversed. However, when rats were tested drug-free 24 h after OFC inactivation and reversal learning, memory for the newly learned contingencies was poor. These results suggest a potential conflict between OFC (encoding pre-reversal contingencies) and other brain circuits (encoding the new contingencies). Remarkably, repeating the OFC inactivation before the reversal memory test restored normal behavior, confirming the hypothesis of a dominant impact of OFC on other decision-making circuits. These results indicate that the representations encoded in the OFC, while not essential to the expression of outcome preference, exert hierarchical control on downstream decision-making circuits.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection and Palivizumab: Are Families Receiving Accurate Information?

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of information provided by medical practitioners to families regarding the efficacy and limitations of prophylaxis with palivizumab for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants. A single-question survey was distributed to medical practitioners who described themselves as having both prescribed palivizumab for infants and discussed the effects of the drug with families. Responses were anonymous and returned immediately after reviewing the survey question. Respondents were requested to choose the answer that most closely resembled their understanding of palivizumab effects on the degree of illness and severity of RSV infection. All surveys distributed were completed and answers assessed by medical specialty. A total of 456 surveys were returned. Neonatologists and pediatricians accounted for the majority of responses. The answer that most closely reflects the medical literature, that palivizumab will decrease hospitalization but have no effect on need for mechanical intubation or mortality, was chosen only 2% of the time. Families are not receiving accurate information regarding the expected potential benefits and limitations of immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab. This is a very expensive drug with unclear cost-effectiveness. If changes are to be made to current recommendations as to use of palivizumab, families must receive informed consent that accurately reflects the literature.
Why is prosody in speech-language pathology so difficult?

An important question for speech-language pathologists is how best to define and characterize atypical prosody, with the eventual aim of designing effective intervention for it. With a view to investigating why prosodic atypicality should be hard to define and what considerations a speech-language pathologist should keep in mind, this paper begins by setting out some established functions of prosody and the forms that convey them, and goes on to review the neurological bases of prosodic disorder and some of the conditions in which prosodic disorder is known to occur. Factors in the perception of prosodic disorder are discussed, including the relationship between prosody and other aspects of communication, to identify the problems of distinguishing between prosody and interacting factors. The relationship between phonological prosodic categories and disordered prosody is considered, i.e., the problems of assigning disordered prosody to these categories for clinicians. Current methods of assessment, transcription and approaches to treatment are briefly considered, and an evaluation is made of how much progress has been made towards answering the initial question.