Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy on circulating inhibin B in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD) frequently induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The mechanism by which this effect occurs remains largely unexplained. The aim of this study was to measure changes in inhibin B production in response to LOD to see whether this could explain the mechanism of action of LOD. METHODS This prospective study included 50 anovulatory women with PCOS. All women underwent LOD. Blood samples were collected before and after LOD to measure plasma concentrations of inhibin B, gonadotrophins and androgens. RESULTS The pre-operative median plasma concentration of inhibin B was 110.0 pg/ml (range 19.0-567.0 pg/ml). There was a statistically significant inverse correlation (r= -0.286; P < 0.05) between body mass index (BMI) and inhibin B. Non-obese women with PCOS (BMI <or= 30 kg/m2; n=37) displayed significantly (P < 0.05) higher plasma inhibin B concentrations [122.0 pg/ml (range 19.0-567.0 pg/ml)] compared with those [51.0 pg/ml (range 27.0-201.0 pg/ml)] of obese PCOS women (BMI > 30 kg/m2; n=13). Following LOD, 39 women ovulated. No statistically significant change of inhibin B after LOD was observed in the overall group of women with PCOS or in the subgroup of non-obese PCOS women with higher pre-operative inhibin B. CONCLUSIONS The lack of any change of inhibin B after LOD makes it unlikely that this hormone has any role to play in the mechanism of action of LOD.
TCP Extensions for Multipath Operation with Multiple Addresses

TCP/IP communication is currently restricted to a single path per connection, yet multiple paths often exist between peers. The simultaneous use of these multiple paths for a TCP/IP session would improve resource usage within the network and, thus, improve user experience through higher throughput and improved resilience to network failure. Multipath TCP provides the ability to simultaneously use multiple paths between peers. This document presents a set of extensions to traditional TCP to support multipath operation. The protocol offers the same type of service to applications as TCP (i.e., reliable bytestream), and it provides the components necessary to establish and use multiple TCP flows across potentially disjoint paths. This document defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet community.
Discrete phase space - II: The second quantization of free relativistic wave fields

The Klein–Gordon equation, the Maxwell equation, and the Dirac equation are presented as partial difference equations in the eight-dimensional covariant discrete phase space. These equations are also furnished as difference-differential equations in the arena of discrete phase space and continuous time. The scalar field and electromagnetic fields are quantized with commutation relations. The spin-1/2 field is quantized with anti-commutation relations. Moreover, the total momentum, energy and charge of these free relativisitic quantized fields in the discrete phase space and continuous time are computed exactly. The results agree completely with those computed from the relativisitic fields defined on the space-time continuum.
Do better IR tools improve the accuracy of engineers' traceability recovery?

Large-scale software development generates an ever-growing amount of information. Multiple research groups have proposed using approaches from the domain of information retrieval (IR) to recover traceability. Several enhancement strategies have been initially explored using the laboratory model of IR evaluation for performance assessment. We conducted a pilot experiment using printed candidate lists from the tools RETRO and ReqSimile to investigate how different quality levels of tool output affect the tracing accuracy of engineers. Statistical testing of equivalence, commonly used in medicine, has been conducted to analyze the data. The low number of subjects in this pilot experiment resulted neither in statistically significant equivalence nor difference. While our results are not conclusive, there are indications that it is worthwhile to investigate further into the actual value of improving tool support for semi-automatic traceability recovery. For example, our pilot experiment showed that the effect size of using RETRO versus ReqSimile is of practical significance regarding precision and F-measure. The interpretation of the effect size regarding recall is less clear. The experiment needs to be replicated with more subjects and on varying tasks to draw firm conclusions.
Analysis of Timed and Long-Run Objectives for Markov Automata

Markov automata (MAs) extend labelled transition systems with random delays and probabilistic branching. Action-labelled transitions are instantaneous and yield a distribution over states, whereas timed transitions impose a random delay governed by an exponential distribution. MAs are thus a nondeterministic variation of continuous-time Markov chains. MAs are compositional and are used to provide a semantics for engineering frameworks such as (dynamic) fault trees, (generalised) stochastic Petri nets, and the Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL). This paper considers the quantitative analysis of MAs. We consider three objectives: expected time, long-run average, and timed (interval) reachability. Expected time objectives focus on determining the minimal (or maximal) expected time to reach a set of states. Long-run objectives determine the fraction of time to be in a set of states when considering an infinite time horizon. Timed reachability objectives are about computing the probability to reach a set of states within a given time interval. This paper presents the foundations and details of the algorithms and their correctness proofs. We report on several case studies conducted using a prototypical tool implementation of the algorithms, driven by the MAPA modelling language for efficiently generating MAs.
Physical and physiological responses in Paddle Tennis competition

Paddle-tennis is a racket sport practised by 4.5 million people around the world and it is increasing each year. The aim of this study was to analyse physical responses, i.e., partial and total distances covered, and physiological responses, i.e., mean heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and lactate, during competition. Sixty sets were analysed on twenty-four male paddle-tennis players. Differences in physical and physiological variables were evaluated using one way ANOVA. High level players (C1) covered lower distance than middle (C2) and lower level (C3) players during set and match play (P<0.05). In addition, HR in C1 was 131.7±16.3 beats/min and versus 156.4±15.6 and 150.8±14.4 beats/min of C2 and C3, respectively (P<0.05). Finally, C1 remained 43.7% and 12.9% of the playing time in HR2 (50-70% of maximum HR) and HR4 (80-90%of maximum HR) zones, respectively; while that C2 and C3 registered 15-20% and 30-32% in HR2 and HR4 zone, respectively (P<0.05). RPE was also significantly lower in C1 with regard to the one found in C2 and C3. These results reveal that C1 shows lower physical and physiological responses than C2 and C3, and these responses are similar to single tennis and table-tennis sports but lower than squash and badminton in match play.
Google Scholar as a new source for citation analysis

Traditionally, the most commonly used source of bibliometric data is Thomson ISI Web of Knowledge, in particular the Web of Science and the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), which provide the yearly Journal Impact Factors (JIF). This paper presents an alternative source of data (Google Scholar, GS) as well as 3 alternatives to the JIF to assess journal impact (h-index, g-index and the number of citations per paper). Because of its broader range of data sources, the use of GS gen- erally results in more comprehensive citation coverage in the area of management and international business. The use of GS particularly benefits academics publishing in sources that are not (well) cov- ered in ISI. Among these are books, conference papers, non-US journals, and in general journals in the field of strategy and international business. The 3 alternative GS-based metrics showed strong correlations with the traditional JIF. As such, they provide academics and universities committed to JIFs with a good alternative for journals that are not ISI-indexed. However, we argue that these metrics provide additional advantages over the JIF and that the free availability of GS allows for a democratization of citation analysis as it provides every academic access to citation data regardless of their institution's financial means.
Bubbles and Crashes

These notes consider Abreu and Brunnermeier’s (2003) paper on the failure of rational arbitrage in asset markets. Recall that the “no-trade” theorem states that speculative bubbles cannot exist in a world with only rational traders even if there is asymmetric information, so long as these traders share a common prior. Believers in the efficient market hypothesis argue that even if there are also behavioral or boundedly rational traders in the market, the presence of rational arbitrageurs will still push asset prices to fundamental values. Various models have been put forward as to why this might not be the case (e.g. Delong et al. 1990; Shleifer and Vishny, 1997). The idea of AB’s paper is that even when rational arbitrageurs are aware of mispricing, a lack of common knowledge may prevent them from coordinating their attacks on a buble. As a result, persistent mispricing may occur even in the presence of rational traders.
Anti‐CD25 antibodies affect cytokine synthesis pattern of human dendritic cells and decrease their ability to prime allogeneic CD4+ T cells

Anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies are widely used in clinical transplantation to prevent acute allograft rejection. Although their effects on T lymphocytes have been extensively studied, their impact on human dendritic cells (DC) has never been reported. Furthermore, the role of the IL‐2 in DC functions has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we confirm that the stimulation of human monocyte‐derived DC with LPS strongly induced the expression of CD25 and that LPS‐matured DC also expressed the β and γ chain of the IL‐2R. We also showed that adding anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies to LPS induced a decrease in IL‐12, IL‐1, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ production and an increase in IL‐10 synthesis by DC compared with stimulation with LPS alone. Furthermore, we showed that these modifications diminished the T helper priming ability of DC and polarized the alloimmune response toward TH2. In contrast, humanized anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies did not affect the up‐regulation of CD86, CD80, CD83, HLADR, or CD40 induced upon LPS stimulation. Taken together, this study discloses some previously unrecognized effects of anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies on DC that may contribute to their clinical efficacy. In addition, this study also shed some light on the role of the IL‐2 in human DC activation.
The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with maintenance monotherapy in the UK

Background This study characterized a cohort of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients on maintenance bronchodilator monotherapy for ≥6 months to establish their disease burden, measured by health care utilization. Methods Data were extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and linked to Hospital Episode Statistics. The monotherapy period spanned the first prescription of a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist or a long-acting muscarinic antagonist until the end of the study (December 31, 2013) or until step up to dual/triple therapy, for example, addition of another long-acting bronchodilator, an inhaled corticosteroid, or both. A minimum of four consecutive prescriptions and 6 months on continuous monotherapy were required. Patients <50 years old at first COPD diagnosis or with another significant respiratory disease before starting monotherapy were excluded. Disease burden was evaluated by measuring patients’ rate of face-to-face interactions with a health care professional (HCP), COPD-related exacerbations, hospitalizations, and referrals. Results A cohort of 8,811 COPD patients (95% Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage A/B) on maintenance monotherapy was identified between 2002 and 2013; 45% of these patients were still on monotherapy by the end of the study. Median time from first COPD diagnosis to first monotherapy prescription was 56 days, while the median time on maintenance bronchodilator monotherapy was 2 years. The median number of prescriptions was 14. On average, patients had 15 HCP interactions per year, and one in ten patients experienced a COPD exacerbation (N=8,811). One in 50 patients were hospitalized for COPD per year (n=4,848). Conclusion The average monotherapy-treated patient had a higher than average HCP interaction rate. We also identified a large cohort of patients who were stepped up to triple therapy despite a low rate of exacerbations. The use of the new class of long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist fixed-dose combinations may provide a useful step-up treatment option in such monotherapy patients, before the use of inhaled corticosteroids.
Examining Reading Comprehension Strategies Selected and Used by Two Teachers of d/Dhh Students in an Elementary School Classroom

ii Dedication . iv Acknowledgment . v Vita . vi List of Tables . ix Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Purpose of the Study . 3 Significance of the Study and the Research Problem . 5 Definitions of Key Terms . 9 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 12 The Qualitative Similarity Hypothesis (QSH) . 12 Specific Challenges in Reading for d/Dhh Students . 18 Specific Challenges in the Development of English Literacy . 19 Reading Comprehension Strategies . 30 Teachers’ Perceptions of Education . 40 Chapter 3: Methodology . 53 Research Questions . 54 viii Rationale for Research Approach . 55 Role of the Researcher . 57 Research Setting and Sample . 59 Design of the Study . 62 Data Collection . 63 Data Analysis . 75 Chapter 4: Findings . 81 Case Study 1: Total Communication Teacher – Speech and Sign Classroom . 84 Case Study 2: Oral-Aural Teacher – Speech Classroom . 130 Cross Case Analysis and Conclusion . 164 Chapter 5: Discussion . 170 Interpretation of Findings . 171 Implications for Practice . 178 Study Limitations . 181 Recommendations for Future Research . 183 References . 187 Appendix A: Participant’s Consent Form . 200 Appendix B: Interviews Questions . 204 Appendix C: Observation Forum . 209 Appendix D: Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) Questions . 211
Frontline employees in the health clinic: Impression management multiplexing when performing in-the-round

ABSTRACT Using Goffman's dramaturgical perspective of impression management, the present study focuses on the staged performances of frontline employees (FLEs) at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Qualitative analysis reveals how FLEs in health clinics engage in staged communication to perform their jobs and facilitate patient care. Our findings highlight three overarching themes in which FLEs’ communication compounds frontstage and backstage practices: performing on a multidimensional stage, enacting scripted and improvisational roles, and incorporating regulatory strategies to accomplish their work. We argue these communicative practices culminate into the proposed theoretical concept of impression management multiplexing (IMM). Implications for clinic FLEs, patient care, and patient privacy are discussed.
Changes in Caribbean surface hydrography during the Pliocene shoaling of the Central American Seaway

Pliocene d18O records of shallow and deep dwelling planktonic foraminifers from the Caribbean (Ocean Drilling Program sites 999 and 1000), the tropical east Pacific (sites 1241 and 851), and the Atlantic (site 925, Ceara Rise, and site 1006, western Great Bahama Bank) were used to examine Atlantic-Caribbean-Pacific atmospheric and oceanic linkages associated with the progressive closure of the Central American Seaway (5.5–3 Ma). Comparisons indicate the development of an inner-Caribbean salinity gradient in the mixed layer and salinity changes on precessional periodicities after 4.4 Ma (site 1000), when the Pacific-Caribbean throughflow became significantly restricted. The high-amplitude variability in salinity is also observed at site 1006, monitoring the Caribbean outflow into the Atlantic. Comparisons of Caribbean and Atlantic planktonic d18O records suggest the North Atlantic subtropical gyre as a major source for high-salinity surface waters. Precession-induced variations in the volume transport of Pacific surface water masses through the Panamanian Seaway are considered a main factor to explain the Caribbean salinity minima. Results from a coupled climate model point to changes in the El Nin˜o–Southern Oscillation state as a potential trigger for changes in the amount of Pacific inflow into the Caribbean.
Metabolic alterations in rat somatosensory cortex following unilateral vibrissal removal

Local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose were studied by [14C]-2- deoxyglucose autoradiography in adult rats following acute and chronic unilateral deafferentation, with particular attention to the barrel field regions of the primary somatosensory cortex. Deafferentation was produced by permanently removing all of the large whiskers (vibrissae) on one side of the face. Data from experimental animals were then compared to data from sham-operated controls at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 days after deafferentation. The rate of glucose utilization was maximally depressed at day 1 in the deafferented barrel field. After that, there was a progressive recovery of glucose utilization toward control levels at each subsequent time point. In contrast, glucose utilization in the barrel field associated with the intact set of whiskers increased by day 5 and remained elevated throughout the duration of the experiment. Similar patterns of altered cerebral metabolism were observed following unilateral infraorbital nerve transection. These results demonstrate that interference with normal somatosensory input causes a transient decrease in glucose metabolism of the contralateral cortical barrel-field and, in addition, causes long-term increments in glucose metabolism in the ipsilateral cortical barrel field--a structure not normally influenced by acute manipulation.
Significant social-emotional influences on the motivation of gifted students. How can teachers foster healthy 'hearts' and 'minds'?

We’ve all met them – those gifted students who exude a love of learning. They approach learning opportunities in their particular area, or areas of special ability, with confidence and purpose. They are able to immerse themselves in a particular task, working independently to achieve a successful learning outcome (Ainley, 2000). What influences such high levels of motivation towards positive engagement in learning? Are ALL gifted students highly motivated learners? This paper examines significant social-emotional influences on the motivation of gifted students. The paper aims to increase teacher awareness and understanding of the critical role that the emotions play in the development of giftedness. While the motivation to engage in learning is very much determined by cognitive, social, emotional, and cultural factors specific to each individual, an understanding and knowledgeable teacher and appropriate classroom and school environments are also key contributing factors. Therefore, some practical teaching strategies and pedagogical approaches suited to fostering the healthy social-emotional development of gifted student are outlined.
Understanding Event Sport Tourism Experiences of Support Partners: A Research Note

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research reflection is to set the stage for a more detailed research agenda in exploring event sport tourism experiences of support partners (SPs) during events. Using photo elicitation, the article presents a preliminary empirical case study. Visual materials were assembled by three female participants to interrogate how SPs experience “spectator space” and explore the processes that produced those experiences, an area of study that remains relatively unexplored in leisure research. Initial findings show how waiting to see the triathlete can be anxiety-provoking, but the release of emotion when smiles are exchanged constitutes core activities of being there. However, there are more questions than answers, and there is a need for further inquiry. Suggestions for future research on the impact of serious leisure on intimate others are given.
Analysis of a Vaccination Model for Carrier Dependent Infectious Diseases with Environmental Effects

We have proposed and analyzed a nonlinear mathematical model for the spread of carrier dependent infectious diseases in a population with variable size structure including the role of vaccination. It is assumed that the sus ceptibles become infected by direct contact with infectives and/or by the carrier popula tion present in the environment. The density of carrier population is assumed to be governed by a generalized logistic model and is dependent on environmental and human factors which are conducive to the growth of carrier population. The model is analyzed using stability theory of differential equations and numerical simulation. We have found a threshold condition, in terms of vaccine induced reproduction number R(�) which is, if less than one, the disease dies out in the absence of carriers provided the vaccine efficacy is hi gh enough, and otherwise the infection is maintained in the population. The model also exhibits backward bifurcation at R(�) = 1. It is also shown that the spread of an infectious disease inc reases as the carrier population density increases. In addition, the con stant immigration of susceptibles makes the disease more endemic.
Molecular genetics of colorectal cancer

Approximately 90% of colorectal cancer cases are sporadic without family history or genetic predisposition, while in less than 10% a causative genetic event has been identified. Historically, colorectal cancer classification was only based on clinical and pathological features. Many efforts have been made to discover the genetic and molecular features of colorectal cancer, and there is more and more evidence that these features determine the prognosis and response to (targeted) treatment. Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease, with three known major molecular groups. The most common is the chromosomal instable group, characterized by an accumulation of mutations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The second is the microsatellite instable group, caused by dysfunction of DNA mismatch repair genes leading to genetic hypermutability. The CpG Island Methylation phenotype is the third group, distinguished by hypermethylation. Colorectal cancer subtyping has also been addressed using genome-wide gene expression profiling in large patient cohorts and recently several molecular classification systems have been proposed. In this review we would like to provide an up-to-date overview of the genetic aspects of colorectal cancer.