Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Cystatin C a promising marker of renal function, at birth, in neonates prenatally diagnosed with congenital kidney anomalies?

BACKGROUND Despite the increased prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), no reliable renal marker for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been validated yet in neonates. Cystatin C (CysC) is specific to the neonate and is proposed as a sensitive marker for this population. The aims of the study were first to define a reference interval in our center of CysC at birth in normal term babies and assess CysC as a marker of GFR in a group of term neonates prenatally diagnosed with CAKUT compared to controls. METHODS One hundred normal term neonates (control group) and 33 neonates with kidney malformation (KM) had the CysC levels in their cord blood measured. A reference interval for CysC in controls was calculated using non-parametric methods. CysC from controls was compared first to the whole group of neonates with KM, then with KM group divided in infants (n = 20) with unilateral kidney malformation (UKM) and those (n = 13) with bilateral kidney malformation (BKM). A multivariable analysis was performed to assess the difference in CysC between the groups with adjustment on other factors. The ability of CysC to discriminate neonates with BKM from the controls was assessed by a non-parametric receiver-operated characteristics (ROC) curve. RESULTS In the control group, the CysC reference interval was [1.54-2.64] mg/L with a median (M) CysC of 2.02 IQR [1.86-2.23]. In the neonates with KM, M CysC was 1.98 IQR [1.79-2.34]; 1.88 IQR [1.76-2.01] in the UKM group and 2.52 IQR [2.16-2.71] in BKM group. Using a multivariate regression analyses, CysC was significantly increased (P < 0.001) in BKM compared to controls with an increment of CysC of 24.5%, and independent from gender, weight and size. The ROC curve analyses, comparing BKM versus controls with a chosen cut-off for CysC of 2.34, showed a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 86%. CONCLUSIONS Comparing CysC with a reference interval of CysC validated in our center, we showed a significant increase of CysC in neonates presenting BKM compared to controls and those with UKM.
Gender role attitudes, troubles talk, and marital satisfaction in Japan

Using data from the 2006 Japanese General Social Survey, we examine the association between gender role attitudes, spousal “troubles talk,” and marital satisfaction. We find that, in line with prior research, belief in gender egalitarianism is associated with higher marital satisfaction for men, whereas it is negatively associated with women’s marital satisfaction. More troubles talk is associated with higher marital satisfaction for both genders. Only for women, troubles talk significantly mediates the association between gender role attitudes and marital satisfaction. Compared with gender-traditional women, egalitarian women have troubles talk less frequently and thus experience lower marital satisfaction.
Understanding learning cultures

This paper sets out an explanation about the nature of learning cultures and how they work. In so doing, it directly addresses some key weaknesses in current situated learning theoretical writing, by working to overcome unhelpful dualisms, such as the individual and the social, and structure and agency. It does this through extensive use of some of Pierre Bourdieu's key ideas—seeing learning cultures operating as fields of force. This makes clear the relationality of learning cultures, and the fact that they operate across conventionally drawn boundaries of scale. The paper argues that this approach also paves the way for the full incorporation of individual learners into situated learning accounts.
Age at menarche and near final height after treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist alone or combined with growth hormone in Korean girls with central precocious puberty

Abstract. The use of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) in central precocious puberty (CPP) is known to slow puberty progression, subsequently prevent early menarche, and attenuate the height loss caused by advanced skeletal maturation. But enhancing the final height has been so controversial that an additional approach has been used. We investigated the menarcheal age and near final height (NFH) in girls with CPP treated with GnRHa (N = 61) or GnRHa combined GH (N = 24). GnRHa was started at 8.1 ± 0.7 yr and administered for 2.1 ± 1.0 years. GH was used for 2.1 ± 1.1 yr in subjects with a short predicted adult height (PAH). Menarche occurred at 11.6 ± 0.8 yr of age, which was 15.7 ± 6.4 mo after GnRHa discontinuation. PAH increased significantly from 152.0 ± 7.2 cm to 158.8 ± 5.6 cm during treatment, and the NFH (159.7 ± 4.8 cm) was taller than the midparental height (157.8 ± 3.4 cm). The combined treatment group showed a greater height increment during treatment. Younger age, taller height at the start of treatment, taller parental height and longer duration of treatment were the factors influencing NFH. In conclusion, GnRHa treatment in girls with CPP could improve NFH and delay menarche close to the general population. If GnRHa combined with GH is used in girls with CPP and a short midparental height, it would improve the NFH to a value similar to that in the general population.
Visual impairment and self-esteem

This account follows on from the research report ‘Visual impairment and its impact on self-esteem’ (Bowen, 2010) published in this journal. The original article reported the results of an investigation of self-esteem levels amongst a sample group of 60 children with visual impairment. Four children, whose self-esteem was measured as ‘low’ or ‘very low’ on the B/G STEEM (1993) at the outset of the study were provided with educational programmes in school designed to enhance self-esteem, and their self-esteem was subsequently re-tested on two further occasions. The strategic interventions trialled were ‘circle time’, ‘circle of friends’ and individual mentoring. The interventions were trialled singly and in combination. There was no conclusive evidence that any one strategic intervention, or combination of interventions, was more successful at enhancing self-esteem than any other. However, three out of the four pupils had achieved higher scores for self-esteem by the second assessment; all of them had increased self-esteem levels by the third assessment six months later; and their schools openly commented about the benefits of the interventions for the young people concerned. Possible explanations for the apparent improvements in the target children are offered.
Human cadavers Vs. multimedia simulation: A study of student learning in anatomy

Multimedia and simulation programs are increasingly being used for anatomy instruction, yet it remains unclear how learning with these technologies compares with learning with actual human cadavers. Using a multilevel, quasi‐experimental‐control design, this study compared the effects of “Anatomy and Physiology Revealed” (APR) multimedia learning system with a traditional undergraduate human cadaver laboratory. APR is a model‐based multimedia simulation tool that uses high‐resolution pictures to construct a prosected cadaver. APR also provides animations showing the function of specific anatomical structures. Results showed that the human cadaver laboratory offered a significant advantage over the multimedia simulation program on cadaver‐based measures of identification and explanatory knowledge. These findings reinforce concerns that incorporating multimedia simulation into anatomy instruction requires careful alignment between learning tasks and performance measures. Findings also imply that additional pedagogical strategies are needed to support transfer from simulated to real‐world application of anatomical knowledge. Anat Sci Educ 7: 331–339. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.
Thin film dynamics with surfactant phase transition

A thin liquid film covered with an insoluble surfactant in the vicinity of a first-order phase transition is discussed. Within the lubrication approximation we derive two coupled equations to describe the height profile of the film and the surfactant density. Thermodynamics of the surfactant is incorporated via a Cahn-Hilliard–type free-energy functional which can be chosen to describe a transition between two stable phases of different surfactant density. Within this model, a linear stability analysis of stationary homogeneous solutions is performed, and drop formation in a film covered with surfactant in the lower density phase is investigated numerically in one and two spatial dimensions.
Introduction to the brave new workplace: organizational behavior in the electronic age

This paper provides an overview of the nature and meaning of organizational behavior in the electronic age. I review objectives and questions addressed by the Special Issue on Brave New Workplace. Next, I review literature on new work, new workers and the new workplace which provides the context for the Special Issue and its contributions. Specifically, I review literature on features of ‘the new modernism’ in society. I relate macro level social trends and globalization to the political economy of workplace risks. Four themes which characterize new work and work settings are addressed: electronic work, self-management, individualization of risks, and the inversion of the gender characteristics at work and home. Social implications of new work are explored, including implications which new work practices and new modernist institutions hold for the family, for gender relations and for communities. I conclude by discussing how papers in the current volume contribute to understanding key issues in the brave new workplace. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A need to belong? The prevalence of experiences of belonging and exclusion in school among minority ethnic children living in the ‘White hinterlands’

Based on a survey of 711 children in Northern Ireland, this paper explores a range of aspects of experiences of belonging and exclusion in relation to school among three main minority ethnic groups: Irish Traveller, Chinese/Asian and European Migrant children. The study examines variations between each group and how they compare to the White settled population. The findings indicate that all three groups experience lower levels of belonging and higher levels of exclusion compared to their White, settled Northern Irish peers. The experiences of Irish Traveller children were the most negative. The article adds to the dearth of data on minority ethnic children living in mainly white regions in the UK and Ireland. It argues for the need to move beyond achievement gaps in assessing minority ethnic children's differential experiences in education and highlights the potential of belongingness as a concept for the further study of differential patterns of need and processes of inclusion.
Rotor Pole Optimization of Novel Axial-Flux Brushless Doubly Fed Reluctance Machine for Torque Enhancement

This paper presents an optimal design of the rotor pole in a novel axial-flux brushless doubly fed reluctance machine (AF-BDFRM), which features higher torque and power density than its counterpart radial-flux BDFRM. The rotor span and rotor overhang lengths were the optimized parameters, with the goals of improving torque density and improving the quality of the output power, i.e., reducing the torque ripple. The optimal design process was applied to obtain the optimized shape for maximizing torque density while minimizing torque ripple in a 16 kW machine. Then, the optimal design results were verified by means of the transient 3-D finite-element analysis. Furthermore, the results of the optimally designed rotor pole were compared with those of a previously developed diamond shape. Finally, a sample prototype of one HP was selected for testing, considering the manufacturing cost and available testing facilities to verify the proper working of the novel AF-BDFRM.
A cross-cultural study on the use of gestures: Evidence for cross-linguistic transfer?

Anecdotal reports provide evidence of so called “hybrid” gesturer whose non-verbal behavior of one language/culture becomes visible in the other. The direction of this gestural transfer seems to occur from a high to a low frequency gesture language. The purpose of this study was therefore to test systematically 1) whether gestural transfer occurs from a high frequency gesture language to a low frequency gesture language, 2) if the frequency of production of some gesture types is more likely to be transferred than others, and 3) whether gestural transfer can also occur bi-directionally. To address these questions, we investigated the use of gestures of English–Spanish bilinguals, French–English bilinguals, and English monolinguals while retelling a cartoon. Our analysis focused on the rate of gestures and the frequency of production of gesture types. There was a significant difference in the overall rate of gestures: both bilingual groups gestured more than monolingual participants. This difference was particularly salient for iconic gestures. In addition, we found that French–English bilinguals used more deictic gestures in their L2. The results suggest that knowledge of a high frequency gesture language affects the gesture rate in a low-frequency gesture language.
Linking Love and Lies: A Formal Test of the Mccornack and Parks Model of Deception Detection

This paper reports a replication and extension of the McCornack & Parks model of relational deception detection which argued that the association between relational involvement and accuracy in detecting deception is mediated by judgmental confidence and truth-bias; and that relational involvement, confidence, truth-bias and accuracy form a causal chain. Recent research testing some of these links has yielded results which cast doubt upon the validity of the model. Moreover, research examining suspicion has raised questions concerning the generalizability of the model across various levels of aroused suspicion. The present study represents the first rigorous path-analytic test of the model, as well as a test of the model's generalizability. Testing the model in a sample of ninety romantically involved couples, this study found unqualified support for the model as it was originally specified. In addition, the model seems to be generalizable across levels of aroused suspicion. The implications of the model for research on relationships are discussed.
Neural Aspects of Fatigue

Fatigue brought about by intense muscular contraction typically is accompanied by a reduction in motor-unit firing rate. The decrease in motor-unit output with fatigue appears to be caused by two interacting processes: 1) a decline in the net excitatory drive to motoneurons and 2) adaptation in the responsiveness of motoneurons to synaptic input. Whether a reduction in motor-unit firing rate in itself contributes to force loss associated with fatigue, however, is an unresolved question. The neuromuscular wisdom hypothesis suggests that decreases in firing rate help to maintain force by optimizing the input to motor units as their contractile properties change. On the other hand, recent work indicates that mechanical function of some motor units is altered during prolonged activity such that diminished firing rate would augment force loss and, thereby, contribute to fatigue. Neural adaptations, therefore, may serve to limit the extent of muscular activity. NEUROSCIENTIST 2:203-206, 1996
From strength to strength: a single-case design study of PETTLEP imagery frequency

Imagery is one of the most widely-researched topics in sport psychology. Recent research has been focused on how imagery works and how to apply it to have the greatest possible performance effect. However, the amount of imagery needed to produce optimal effects has been under-researched, particularly in relation to the PETTLEP model of imagery (Holmes & Collins, 2001). This study examined the effects of differing frequencies of PETTLEP imagery on bicep curl performance, using a single-case design. Following a baseline period, participants completed PETTLEP imagery 1×/week, 2×/week, or 3×/week in a counterbalanced pattern. Results indicated that PETTLEP imagery had a positive effect on performance. In addition, as the frequency of imagery increased, a larger performance effect was apparent. These results support the notion that PETTLEP imagery can lead to strength gains if performed at least 1× per week, but that completing imagery more frequently may be more effective.
Outcome Evaluation of a School-Based Program for Pregnant and Parenting Girls

Outcome Evaluation of a School-Based Program for Pregnant and Parenting Girls by Angela L. Glynn MS, Texas Southern University, 2006 BS, Texas Southern University, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University May 2015 Abstract Research has indicated that effective parenting programs for pregnant and parenting teens greatly improve educational and career opportunities for teen parents. Such research underscores the need for schools to use these programs in their efforts to increase high school graduation rates for this population. The aim of this case study was to assess if aResearch has indicated that effective parenting programs for pregnant and parenting teens greatly improve educational and career opportunities for teen parents. Such research underscores the need for schools to use these programs in their efforts to increase high school graduation rates for this population. The aim of this case study was to assess if a school-based parenting program was successful and, if so, how elements of this program might be useful to educators who are planning similar programs. The study included an examination of archived program data, which included end-of-year reports related to the program and participants, and interviews with 12 key program administrators and teachers. Outcome evaluation theory and a logic model served as the conceptual framework. The research design had 2 parts: a quantitative secondary analysis of archived data and qualitative interviews. The program data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The interview data were downloaded into a computer-assisted qualitative software program to organize the data, code the data, and to determine major themes. Major findings were that the program met goals and objectives due to: (a) clearly stated and specific program objectives;(b) a high level of program support from district and administrative staff; (c) a major asset of the program, its curriculum; (d) adequate resources and funding, and (e) the active participation of, and open communication between, parents/guardians of program participants, faculty, and staff. This study contributes to social change by showing educators and parents that an effective schoolbase parenting program can result in improved high school completion and brighter outcomes for pregnant and parenting students. Outcome Evaluation of a School-Based Program for Pregnant and Parenting Girls by Angela L. Glynn MS, Texas Southern University, 2006 BS, Texas Southern University, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University May 2015
Long non-coding RNA UCA1 induces non-T790M acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer

The aim of this study was to explore the role of long non-coding RNA UCA1 (urothelial cancer-associated 1) in acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In our study, UCA1 expression was significantly increased in lung cancer cells and patients with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Over-expression of UCA1 was significantly associated with a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) [13.0 vs. 8.5 months, P < 0.01] in tumors with respond to EGFR-TKIs. The significant relationship was not observed in patients with T790M mutation (10.5 vs. 12.0 months, P = 0.778), but in patients with non-T790M (19.0 vs. 9.0 months, P = 0.023). UCA1 knockdown restored gefitinib sensitivity in acquired resistant cells with non-T790M and inhibited the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The mTOR inhibitor was effective in UCA1-expressing cell PC9/R. Inhibiting mTOR could change the expression of UCA1, although there was no significant difference. In conclusion, the influence of over-expression of UCA1 on PFS for patients with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs was from the subgroup with non-T790M mutation. UCA1 may induce non-T790M acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway and EMT.
No Child Left Behind and Tutoring in Reading and Mathematics: Impact of Supplemental Educational Services on Large Scale Assessment

This quantitative study evaluated the effects of Supplemental Educational Services (SES), a federally mandated component of No Child Left Behind, on student achievement in reading and mathematics. SES provides free tutoring outside school to disadvantaged students who attend Title I schools that are in their third year of failing to achieve adequate yearly progress on state assessments. Data from the fifth year of SES implementation in a large urban school were analyzed to determine if the mostly small and not statistically significant effects obtained in prior years were stronger as the tutoring services acquired additional refinement and maturity. A matched treatment-control group design was employed, in which students who received SES tutoring in reading, mathematics, or both were matched to similar schoolmates who were eligible for SES services but did not participate. Results showed consistently positive but small, not statistically significant, effect sizes for the outcome measures. Student achievement results and their implication for policy and practice are discussed.
The Association of Attitude to Reading and Reading Achievement Among a Representative Sample of Nine Year Olds in Ireland

This study explored the association between reading self-belief and reading achievement among a representative sample of nine year old children in the Republic of Ireland. Results from analysis of variance and simple effects analysis showed a positive linear association between reading achievement and attitude to reading. The association was observed in the full sample, was strongest among girls and among children in third grade, and did not differ significantly between social classes or between children who had attained different levels of reading achievement. However, there was evidence of inflated attitude to reading among children in the below average reading sub-sample.
PolyFit: Polygonal Surface Reconstruction from Point Clouds

We propose a novel framework for reconstructing lightweight polygonal surfaces from point clouds. Unlike traditional methods that focus on either extracting good geometric primitives or obtaining proper arrangements of primitives, the emphasis of this work lies in intersecting the primitives (planes only) and seeking for an appropriate combination of them to obtain a manifold polygonal surface model without boundary. ,,We show that reconstruction from point clouds can be cast as a binary labeling problem. Our method is based on a hypothesizing and selection strategy. We first generate a reasonably large set of face candidates by intersecting the extracted planar primitives. Then an optimal subset of the candidate faces is selected through optimization. Our optimization is based on a binary linear programming formulation under hard constraints that enforce the final polygonal surface model to be manifold and watertight. Experiments on point clouds from various sources demonstrate that our method can generate lightweight polygonal surface models of arbitrary piecewise planar objects. Besides, our method is capable of recovering sharp features and is robust to noise, outliers, and missing data.