Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of interleukin-6 G-174C gene polymorphism on coronary artery disease, cardiovascular complications and mortality in dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Inflammation is a well recognized central component of atherosclerotic processes in chronic kidney disease. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are a strong determinant of cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. We evaluated the impact of IL-6 gene G-174C polymorphism associated with modified IL-6 production on the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiovascular events and mortality in chronic dialysis patients. METHODS We studied n = 463 patients on chronic dialysis with angiographically confirmed (n = 218) or excluded (n = 245) CAD followed up for 65 months after initiation of dialysis. Monitored were arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking, CRP and fibrinogen. IL-6 gene G-174C polymorphism was determined by PCR amplification. RESULTS The CC genotype was associated with an impaired patient survival (p < 0.05) remaining an independent risk factor for death in multivariate analysis (HR for CC genotype: 3.58, CI: 1.41-9.07, p < 0.01). CC genotype carrying CAD patients suffered significant frequently cardiovascular events (revascularization, myocardial infarction, death) compared to GG/GC genotype carriers (85.2% vs. 66.5, p < 0.05). However, the IL-6 gene G-174C polymorphism was not related to the onset and development of CAD itself (ns) and the inflammation parameters CRP and fibrinogen did not differ between the genotypes under investigation (ns). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that IL-6 gene G-174C polymorphism is associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality in chronic dialysis patients.
Upper and lower solutions method and a fractional differential equation boundary value problem.

The method of lower and upper solutions for fractional differential equation Du(t)+ g(t,u(t)) = 0,t 2 (0,1),1 < � � 2, with Dirichlet boundary condition u(0) = a,u(1) = b is used to give sufficient conditions for the existence of at least onesolution.
The Poisson–Boltzmann equation for biomolecular electrostatics: a tool for structural biology

Electrostatics plays a fundamental role in virtually all processes involving biomolecules in solution. The Poisson–Boltzmann equation constitutes one of the most fundamental approaches to treat electrostatic effects in solution. The theoretical basis of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation is reviewed and a wide range of applications is presented, including the computation of the electrostatic potential at the solvent‐accessible molecular surface, the computation of encounter rates between molecules in solution, the computation of the free energy of association and its salt dependence, the study of pKa shifts and the combination with classical molecular mechanics and dynamics. Theoretical results may be used for rationalizing or predicting experimental results, or for suggesting working hypotheses. An ever‐increasing body of successful applications proves that the Poisson–Boltzmann equation is a useful tool for structural biology and complementary to other established experimental and theoretical methodologies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When and how does diversity increase group performance?: A theoretical model followed by an experimental study

For the last fifteen years, research on workplace diversity has mostly investigated the direct effects of a diverse workforce on organizational performance. In general, researchers and practitioners now acknowledge the importance of having a diverse workforce by suggesting that it improves decision making processes that lead to more creativity and innovation. However, diversity does not only bring positive consequences. It has often been recognized that workforce heterogeneity can reduce intra-group cohesiveness, and lead to conflicts and misunderstandings which, in turn, can lower employee satisfaction, organizational citizenship behaviors, and increase turnover. Despite such a paradox in the diversity literature, answers to research questions such as “how” and “when” diversity influences performance at work are still limited within the scientific literature in management. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide answers to these questions by proposing a research model that emphasizes the role of collective identity salience and psychological safety climate as important conditions under which diversity may lead to increased group performance. The model also highlights three levels of psychological mechanisms (i.e. individual-, dyadic-, and group-level) to explain how diversity can lead to augmented group performance. An experimental study is conducted to test whether this model will hold in a laboratory setting, under a high level of control. Gender-based identity is the representative indicator of diversity that is used to manipulate group composition. Identity salience (personal identity versus collective
Interface Between Newly Formed Dentine and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: A Preliminary Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

INTRODUCTION: This study was carried out to investigate calcific tissue formation against mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) after pulp capping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pulps of six teeth from four dogs were exposed and capped with MTA. After extraction each tooth was sectioned into halves. Each half was then further sectioned in the mesiodistal or buccolingual direction. Calcified tissue of the capped area was examined from either the pulpal side or in profile view using scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam imaging. RESULTS: The results from all views showed that MTA crystals were in direct contact with calcified tissue. Calcified bridges after focused ion beam preparation showed the same pattern that were seen by scanning electron microscopy in profile view. Newly deposited dentine and early phase of calcosphirit structures could clearly be distinguished from older tubular dentine. CONCLUSION: MTA when used as a pulp capping agent could produce calcific tissue in underlying pulp.
Facilitating software refactoring with appropriate resolution order of bad smells

Bad smell is a key concept in software refactoring. We have a bunch of bad smells, refactoring rules, and refactoring tools, but we do not know which kind of bad smells should be resolved first. The resolution of one kind of bad smells may have impact on the resolution of other bad smells. Consequently, different resolution orders of the same set of bad smells may require different effort, and/or lead to different quality improvement. In order to ease the work and maximize the effect of refactoring, we try to analyze the relationships among different kinds of bad smells, and their impact on resolution orders of these bad smells. With the analysis, we recommend a resolution order of common bad smells. The main contribution of this paper is to motivate the necessity to arrange resolution orders of bad smells, and recommend a resolution order of common bad smells.
Influences of Maternal Care on Chicken Welfare

Simple Summary For a domestic chick, the mother hen is an important role model; chicks learn a great deal from their mother about what to peck, when to rest and how to behave when there is a threat. However, in large farms, natural brooding is not commercially viable and so chicks are hatched in large incubators and reared artificially. Chicks reared without a mother in this way are more fearful and more likely to develop behavioural problems, such as feather pecking. We discuss the important features of maternal care in chickens, the behavioural consequences of deprivation, and the welfare implications on commercial farms. We finish by suggesting ways to simulate natural maternal care to improve commercial chick rearing practice. Abstract In domestic chickens, the provision of maternal care strongly influences the behavioural development of chicks. Mother hens play an important role in directing their chicks’ behaviour and are able to buffer their chicks’ response to stressors. Chicks imprint upon their mother, who is key in directing the chicks’ behaviour and in allowing them to develop food preferences. Chicks reared by a mother hen are less fearful and show higher levels of behavioural synchronisation than chicks reared artificially. In a commercial setting, more fearful chicks with unsynchronised behaviour are more likely to develop behavioural problems, such as feather pecking. As well as being an inherent welfare problem, fear can also lead to panic responses, smothering, and fractured bones. Despite the beneficial effects of brooding, it is not commercially viable to allow natural brooding on farms and so chicks are hatched in large incubators and reared artificially, without a mother hen. In this review we cover the literature demonstrating the important features of maternal care in domestic chickens, the behavioural consequences of deprivation and the welfare implications on commercial farms. We finish by suggesting ways to use research in natural maternal care to improve commercial chick rearing practice.
Reciprocal Shading For Mixed Reality

Reciprocal shading for mixed reality aims to integrate virtual objects into real environments in a way that they are in the ideal case indistinguishable from real objects. It is therefore an attractive technology for architectural visualizations, product visualizations and for cultural heritage sites, where virtual objects should be seamlessly merged with real ones. Due to the improved performance of recent graphics hardware, real-time global illumination algorithms are feasible for mixed-reality applications, and thus more and more researchers address realistic rendering for mixed reality. The goal of this thesis is to provide algorithms which improve the visual plausibility of virtual objects in mixed-reality applications. Our contributions are as follows: First, we present five methods to reconstruct the real surrounding environment. In particular, we present two methods for geometry reconstruction, a method for material estimation at interactive frame rates and two methods to reconstruct the color mapping characteristics of the video see-through camera. Second, we present two methods to improve the visual appearance of virtual objects. The first, called differential instant radiosity, combines differential rendering with a global illumination method called instant radiosity to simulate reciprocal shading effects such as shadowing and indirect illumination between real and virtual objects. The second method focuses on the visual plausible rendering of reflective and refractive objects. The high-frequency lighting effects caused by these objects are also simulated with our method. The third part of this thesis presents two user studies which evaluate the influence of the presented rendering methods on human perception. The first user study measured task performance with respect to the rendering mode, and the second user study was set up as a web survey where participants had to choose which of two presented images, showing mixed-reality scenes, they preferred.
Quasi-finite representations,free field realizations,and character formulae of Lie superalgebras of infinite rank

We classify the quasi-finite irreducible highest weight modules over the infinite rank Lie superalgebras $\hgltwo$, $\hC$ and $\hD$, and determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for quasi-finite irreducible highest weight modules to be unitarizable with respect to natural $\ast$-structures of the Lie superalgebras. The unitarizable irreducible modules are constructed in terms of Fock spaces of free quantum fields, and explicit formulae for their formal characters are also obtained by investigating Howe dualities between the infinite rank Lie superalgebras and classical Lie groups.
Postural Stability of Patients with Schizophrenia during Challenging Sensory Conditions: Implication of Sensory Integration for Postural Control

Postural dysfunctions are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia and affect their daily life and ability to work. In addition, sensory functions and sensory integration that are crucial for postural control are also compromised. This study intended to examine how patients with schizophrenia coordinate multiple sensory systems to maintain postural stability in dynamic sensory conditions. Twenty-nine patients with schizophrenia and 32 control subjects were recruited. Postural stability of the participants was examined in six sensory conditions of different level of congruency of multiple sensory information, which was based on combinations of correct, removed, or conflicting sensory inputs from visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems. The excursion of the center of pressure was measured by posturography. Equilibrium scores were derived to indicate the range of anterior-posterior (AP) postural sway, and sensory ratios were calculated to explore ability to use sensory information to maintain balance. The overall AP postural sway was significantly larger for patients with schizophrenia compared to the controls [patients (69.62±8.99); controls (76.53±7.47); t1,59 = -3.28, p<0.001]. The results of mixed-model ANOVAs showed a significant interaction between the group and sensory conditions [F5,295 = 5.55, p<0.001]. Further analysis indicated that AP postural sway was significantly larger for patients compared to the controls in conditions containing unreliable somatosensory information either with visual deprivation or with conflicting visual information. Sensory ratios were not significantly different between groups, although small and non-significant difference in inefficiency to utilize vestibular information was also noted. No significant correlations were found between postural stability and clinical characteristics. To sum up, patients with schizophrenia showed increased postural sway and a higher rate of falls during challenging sensory conditions, which was independent of clinical characteristics. Patients further demonstrated similar pattern and level of utilizing sensory information to maintain balance compared to the controls.
Absence of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 Accelerates Stress-Induced Axonopathy in the Optic Projection

How neurons respond to stress in degenerative disease is of fundamental importance for identifying mechanisms of progression and new therapeutic targets. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of cation-selective ion channels are candidates for mediating stress signals, since different subunits transduce a variety of stimuli relevant in both normal and pathogenic physiology. We addressed this possibility for the TRP vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) subunit by comparing how the optic projection of Trpv1−/− mice and age-matched C57 controls responds to stress from elevated ocular pressure, the critical stressor in the most common optic neuropathy, glaucoma. Over a 5 week period of elevated pressure induced by microbead occlusion of ocular fluid, Trpv1−/− accelerated both degradation of axonal transport from retinal ganglion cells to the superior colliculus and degeneration of the axons themselves in the optic nerve. Ganglion cell body loss, which is normally later in progression, occurred in nasal sectors of Trpv1−/− but not C57 retina. Pharmacological antagonism of TRPV1 in rats similarly accelerated ganglion cell axonopathy. Elevated ocular pressure resulted in differences in spontaneous firing rate and action potential threshold current in Trpv1−/− ganglion cells compared with C57. In the absence of elevated pressure, ganglion cells in the two strains had similar firing patterns. Based on these data, we propose that TRPV1 may help neurons respond to disease-relevant stressors by enhancing activity necessary for axonal signaling.
Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome

Treatment of “subacromial impingement syndrome” of the shoulder has changed drastically in the past decade. The anatomical explanation as “impingement” of the rotator cuff is not sufficient to cover the pathology. “Subacromial pain syndrome”, SAPS, describes the condition better. A working group formed from a number of Dutch specialist societies, joined by the Dutch Orthopedic Association, has produced a guideline based on the available scientific evidence. This resulted in a new outlook for the treatment of subacromial pain syndrome. The important conclusions and advice from this work are as follows: (1) The diagnosis SAPS can only be made using a combination of clinical tests. (2) SAPS should preferably be treated non-operatively. (3) Acute pain should be treated with analgetics if necessary. (4) Subacromial injection with corticosteroids is indicated for persistent or recurrent symptoms. (5) Diagnostic imaging is useful after 6 weeks of symptoms. Ultrasound examination is the recommended imaging, to exclude a rotator cuff rupture. (6) Occupational interventions are useful when complaints persist for longer than 6 weeks. (7) Exercise therapy should be specific and should be of low intensity and high frequency, combining eccentric training, attention to relaxation and posture, and treatment of myofascial trigger points (including stretching of the muscles) may be considered. (8) Strict immobilization and mobilization techniques are not recommended. (9) Tendinosis calcarea can be treated by shockwave (ESWT) or needling under ultrasound guidance (barbotage). (10) Rehabilitation in a specialized unit can be considered in chronic, treatment resistant SAPS, with pain perpetuating behavior. (11) There is no convincing evidence that surgical treatment for SAPS is more effective than conservature management. (12) There is no indication for the surgical treatment of asymptomatic rotator cuff tears.
Predicting Latino Male Student Retention: the Effect of Psychosocial Variables on Persistence for First-year College Students at a Southwest University

The purpose of this study was to investigate and predict Latino male student retention using ACT’s Engage College survey at a research university in the southwestern region of the U.S. ACT’s Engage survey was designed to predict first-year college retention using 10 psychosocial measures. However, no empirical study exists to support ACT’s claim especially for Latino male students. Data from a four-year research university between 2009 and 2011 were analyzed with logistic regression. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the whole sample (N = 8,061) and for the Latino male subsample (n = 860). In the entire sample’s first regression model, high school grade quartile and SAT score as well as demographic variables were used as predictor variables. In this model, the independent variables of high school grade point average quartile, SAT score, gender, and race made statistically significant contributions to the model (Nagelkerke R2 = .031, p < .01). In the entire sample’s second regression model, ACT’s 10 psychosocial variables were added to the first regression model as predictor variables. Results indicated the instrument was valid for the freshmen as a whole because five out of 10 psychosocial measures displayed statistically significant odds ratios (ORs) for predicting retention: (a) Commitment to College (OR = 1.006, p < .01), (b) Academic Discipline (OR = 1.005, p < .01), (c) Social Activity (OR = -.997, p < .01), (d) Social Connection (OR = 1.004, p < .01), and (e) Academic Self-Confidence (OR = -.997, p < .01). Regarding the subsample of 860 Latino males, none of the 10 psychosocial measures produced statistically significant results. The findings indicate the need to determine a new way of identifying at-risk Latino male students because current methods have failed to build a robust predictive model for this student population.
Gender deception in asynchronous online communication: A path analysis

The increasing social reliance on computer-mediated communication has resulted in the rise of deceptive communication. Gender is a salient feature of identity that can be easily disguised online, and yet the phenomenon of gender deception has not been fully investigated. This study adopts a multifactorial analysis to examine motivation, self-efficacy and gender of a deceiver in relation to self-efficacy and gender of the detector as a contribution to understanding online gender deception. An asynchronous online game was developed to simulate scenarios in which males were incentivized to speak like females, and females were incentivized to speak like males. Using path analysis, we analyzed cognitive factors of gender deception, to support our hypotheses that an actor’s actual gender can affect the motivation to deceive; males had higher self-efficacy beliefs in gender deception, and females had a higher success rate in detecting such deception. Our research suggests that the gender of the message recipient could be a significant factor in uncovering gender deception.
The Social Organization of High School Sojourner Experiences: At the Intersection between Corporate Transnationalism and Educational Processes

ii Acknowledgments. vi Vita . viii List of Tables . xv List of Figures . xvi Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Statement of the Problem . 5 Objectives of the Study . 10 Research Questions . 10 Overview of the Study. 11 Significance of the Study . 15 Methodology . 17 Overview of Institutional Ethnography . 18 Research Site and Participant Selection . 20 Data Collection Procedure . 30 xi Study Timeline . 33 Data Analysis . 34 Definition of Terms . 36 Basic Assumptions of the Study . 38 Limitations of the Study . 39 Chapter 2: The Early Graduation Gambit of Japanese High-School Sojourners in the US: Organizing Educational Paths across Borders . 41 Abstract . 41. 4
Using Advance Organizers to Enhance Students' Motivation in Learning Biology.

This study investigated the effect of using advance organizers on students’ motivation to learn biology. The research design used was quasi-experimental design where the nonrandomised Solomon Four group was adopted. The focus was on the topic pollution. The sample comprised of 166 form three (third grade in the secondary school cycle) students in Bureti District, Kenya. Data was collected by using Students’ Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ). A t-test, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that students taught using advance organizers had a higher level of motivation than those taught using conventional teaching methods. The findings further indicate that following the intervention, male students had a significantly higher level of motivation than their female counterparts. This paper concludes by discussing the implications of these findings on current practice.