Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Quality of Media Reports on Discoveries Related to Human Genetic Diseases

Objectives: To examine (1) the quality of media reports (newspapers, television and public radio) of genetic discoveries with medical relevance and (2) factors related to the completeness and balance of the stories. Methods: Analysis of the accuracy, balance, and completeness of 228 media stories reporting 24 genetic discoveries between 1996 and 2000 using a previously validated instrument. Results: Although usually accurate, the stories contained only 45.5 ± 13.8% (mean ± SD) of relevant items. Stories appearing on television and stories reporting discoveries of genes for rare diseases were the least complete. Stories in non-US English-speaking newspapers included more content items per word than US stories. Less balanced stories exaggerated the benefits of discoveries, ignored possible risks, and did not present a range of expert opinion. Scientists were sometimes the source of exaggeration. Conclusions: To increase the quality of media reports about genetic discoveries, stories should include more relevant items and be written by journalists skilled in science writing. Scientists will have to resist the tendency to exaggerate. These conclusions may apply to media stories of other discoveries as well.
Development of PIR sensor based indoor location detection system for smart home

Smart home is expected to offer various intelligent services by recognizing residents along with their life style and feelings. One of the key issues for realizing the smart home is how to detect the locations of residents. Currently, the research effort is focused on two approaches: terminal-based and non-terminal-based method. The terminal-based method employs a type of device that should be carried by the resident while the non-terminal-based method requires no such device. This paper presents a novel non-terminal-based approach using an array of pyroelectric infrared sensors (PIR sensors) that can detect residents. The feasibility of the system is evaluated experimentally on a test bed
How to motivate childcare workers to engage preschoolers in physical activity.

BACKGROUND Data available indicate that numerous childcare workers are not strongly motivated to engage children aged 3-5 in physical activity. Using the theory of planned behavior as the main theoretical framework, this study has 2 objectives: to identify the determinants of the intention of childcare workers to engage preschoolers in physical activity and to identify the variables that could be used to develop an intervention to motivate childcare workers to support preschoolers' physical activity. METHODS 174 childcare workers from 60 childcare centers selected at random in 2 regions of Quebec completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing the constructs of the theory of planned behavior as well as past behavior, descriptive norm and moral norm. RESULTS Moral norm, perceived behavioral control and subjective norm explained 85% of the variance in intention to engage the children in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS To motivate childcare workers, it is necessary that they perceive that directors, children's parents and coworkers approve of their involvement in children's physical activity. In addition, their ability to overcome perceived barriers (lack of time, loaded schedule, inclement weather) should be developed. Access to a large outdoor yard might also help motivate childcare workers.
Microarray analyses reveal regional astrocyte heterogeneity with implications for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)‐regulated glial proliferation

Numerous studies have suggested that astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit molecular and functional heterogeneity. In this regard, astroglia from different CNS locations express distinct immune system, and neurotransmitter proteins, have varying levels of gap junction coupling and respond differently to injury. However, the relevance of these differences to human disease is unclear. As brain tumors in children arise in specific CNS locations, we hypothesized that regional astroglial cell heterogeneity might partly underlie the propensity for gliomas to arise in these areas. In this study, we performed high‐density RNA microarray profiling on astrocytes from postnatal day 1 optic nerve, cerebellum, brainstem, and neocortex. We showed that astroglia from each region are molecularly distinct, and we were able to develop gene expression patterns that distinguish astroglia, but not neural stem cells, from these different brain regions. We next used these microarray data to determine whether brain tumor suppressor genes were differentially expressed in these distinct populations of astroglia. Interestingly, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene expression was decreased at both the RNA and protein levels in neocortical astroglia relative to astroglia from the other brain regions. To determine the functional significance of this finding, we found increased astroglial cell proliferation in optic nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum, but not neocortex, following Nf1 inactivation in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide molecular evidence for CNS astroglial cell heterogeneity, and suggest that differences in tumor suppressor gene expression might contribute to the regional localization of human brain tumors. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distortion of axonal cytoskeleton: an early sign of glaucomatous damage.

PURPOSE Glaucoma damages the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of major cytoskeleton components, F-actin, microtubules (MTs), and neurofilaments (NFs), in the RNFL during the development of glaucoma. methods: Intraocular hypertension was induced in a rat model by laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. Retinas were obtained after 2 to 3.5 weeks of treatment. Multiple fluorescent stains were used to identify F-actin, MTs, NFs, and nuclei simultaneously in the same tissue. Distribution of these components in a whole-mounted retina was examined by confocal microscopy. Fluorescent stain was quantitatively described. RESULTS In normal RNFL F-actin, MTs, and NFs were intensely stained. Along the bundles, F-actin and MTs were strongly colocalized, but alternating strands of F-actin and NFs were apparent. Normal RNFL lacked nuclei. In glaucomatous retinas, irregular staining of F-actin, MTs, and NFs was found within the bundles. A strong network of F-actin appeared on the RNFL surface and between the bundles. In severely damaged retinal regions total loss of F-actin and MTs was found, whereas residual strands of NFs were evident. Before the decrease in RNFL thickness, irregularity of F-actin stain and density of nuclei in the RNFL significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that F-actin, MTs, and NFs are rich and approximately uniformly distributed in the normal RNFL. Glaucoma causes alteration of the cytoskeleton in the RNFL. F-actin is the most sensitive component in its response to stress on the retina. An increase in the number of nuclei in the RNFL may be an early sign of glaucomatous damage.
Seasonality of LH, testosterone and sperm parameters in spider monkey males (Ateles geoffroyi)

There are no reported data on hormonal fluctuations in black‐handed spider monkey males. On previous research about the reproductive physiology of this monkey we have found that during the dry season females show ovulatory estrogen peaks and males present the best quality semen. As part of an ongoing research, in this study we assessed seasonal variations in the concentration of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) in three adult spider monkey males to corroborate the seasonal reproductive synchrony. At the same time sperm count and motility were evaluated to search for any correlation between those sperm parameters and hormonal concentrations. We took blood and semen samples (by electroejaculation) of anesthetized males throughout the rainy (June–September) and dry (October–May) months. Our results revealed that T and LH were higher throughout the dry season and there was a significant correlation between T concentration and sperm count. Although higher during the dry season, sperm motility tended to correlate with testosterone and LH levels. These results demonstrated that black‐handed spider monkeys have a tendency to show a seasonal pattern of reproduction being the dry season the most likely time to achieve fertilization. Am. J. Primatol. 71:427–431, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effect of Intratympanic Methylprednisolone and Gentamicin Injection on Ménière’s Disease

Objectives To compare the efficacy of intratympanic injections of methylprednisolone (ITMP) and intratympanic injections of gentamicin (ITG) to control the symptoms of Ménière’s disease and to evaluate their effect on hearing level. Study Design A historical cohort study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods Eighty-nine patients affected by Ménière’s disease were included in this study, of whom 47 were treated with ITG and 42 were treated with ITMP. Two periods of follow-up were considered: 0 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months after the intratympanic injections (ITI). Mean outcome measurements consisted of control of vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and aural fullness; pure-tone average (PTA); and speech discrimination score (SDS). Results The 2 groups had the same number of vertigo spells per month before ITI (P = .883). Six to 12 months after ITI, 82.9% of the ITG group and 48.1% of the ITMP group achieved complete control of vertigo (P = .004). There was better control of tinnitus and aural fullness with ITG than with ITMP (P ≤ .002). The 2 groups had a statistically significant difference in hearing level before ITI (P ≤ .001). This difference was no longer present 6 to 12 months after ITI (P > .05). Conclusion Intratympanic injections of gentamicin are more efficient than ITMP in controlling the symptoms of Ménière’s disease. The 2 groups ended up without a difference in hearing level after ITI. According to these findings, administrating ITMP to control Ménière’s disease seems to be less beneficial than ITG.
Marketing sustainability through sport: testing the sport sustainability campaign evaluation model

ABSTRACT Research question: The sport industry has deepened its commitment to implementing and deploying environmental sustainability initiatives. However, until this study there were no uniform ways to evaluate these efforts. To this end, the purpose of this study is to create and test the sport sustainability campaign evaluation model among sport participants of a 10-mile run event. Research methods: We tested the fit of the sport sustainability campaign evaluation model using 531 participants of a community run. Results and Findings: Needs, values, internal constraints, and points of attachment explained 52.1% of the variance in attitudes toward the campaign. Attitudes, external constraints, past behavior and all of the indirect effects of the other variables combined, explained 74.2% of the variance in participating in sustainability initiatives. Sport professionals can use this model to assess environmental sustainability campaigns and promote attitudinal and sustainable behaviors. Implications: The findings of this study have important implications for sport managers and marketers as they create and further advance their organization’s sustainability campaigns. Understanding the needs and values of sport participants can help marketers and managers determine how those needs and values affect positive attitudes towards the campaign. Increasing the positive attitudes towards the campaign, while minimizing the negative influence of external constraints to act sustainably, can increase sustainable behavioral intentions and thus increase the success of the sport organization’s sustainability campaign. This model can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability campaigns to influence attitudes and behaviors of sport participants.
Transcriptional profiling of a human papillomavirus 33–positive squamous epithelial cell line which acquired a selective growth advantage after viral integration

Alterations in gene expression represent key events in carcinogenesis. We have studied HPV‐induced cervical carcinogenesis, using an HPV‐33‐positive cell line (UT‐DEC‐1) established from a low‐grade vaginal dysplasia (VAIN‐I). Early‐passage cells contained HPV‐33 in episomal form, but these were superseded at later passages by cells carrying only integrated virus. To gain insight into the biologic significance of HPV integration, we compared the level of gene expression in normal vaginal keratinocytes, early‐passage and late‐passage UT‐DEC‐1 cells, using cDNA microarrays. Total RNA was isolated from cells by CsCl‐gradient centrifugation, reverse‐transcribed with MMLV reverse transcriptase and labeled with α‐32P ATP. A cDNA microarray expression profile analysis was performed with Clontech's Human Cancer 1.2 cDNA expression array kit. The 16 upregulated genes (cut‐off 2‐fold), identified by comparing both cell types to control keratinocytes, appeared to support cell‐cycle progression or to be functional in mitosis. These included, e.g., MCM4 DNA replication licensing factor, cdc2p34 and chromatin assembly factor 1 p48 subunit. Downregulated genes (44 altogether) interfered with apoptosis and cell adhesion, including the apoptosis‐inducing genes FRAP, Bik and caspase‐9 precursor. The most significant differences between the late and early passages (29 and 46 constantly up‐ and downregulated genes without any fluctuation) were overexpression of the transcription factors E2F5 with its dimerization partner DP1, NF‐κB and serine/threonine kinases and underexpression of enzymes of the MAPK pathway. Acquisition of a selective growth advantage after viral integration might be explained by a major shift from a MAPK pathway to cell‐cycle dysregulation (G2/M). © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linked-in by FDI: The Role of Firm-Level Relationships for Knowledge Transfers in Africa and Asia

Abstract This study combines evidence from interviews in seven countries with (i) government institutions responsible for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), (ii) 102 multinationals (MNEs), and (iii) 226 domestic firms linked to these foreign affiliates as suppliers, customers, or competitors, to identify whether relations between MNEs and domestic firms lead to direct transfers of knowledge/technology. We first document that there are relatively few linkages between MNEs and domestic firms in sub-Saharan Africa compared with Asia. However, when linkages are present in sub-Saharan Africa they raise the likelihood of direct knowledge/technology transfers from MNEs to domestic firms as compared to linked-in firms in Asia. Finally, we do not find that direct knowledge/technology transfers are more likely to occur through FDI than through trade. As such our results are not consistent with the view that tacit knowledge transfers are more likely to occur through localised linkages.
Toward a consensus on reference values for thyroid volume in iodine-replete schoolchildren: results of a workshop on inter-observer and inter-equipment variation in sonographic measurement of thyroid volume.

OBJECTIVE Interpretation of thyroid ultrasonography for assessing goiter prevalence requires valid reference criteria from iodine-sufficient populations. Reports have suggested the current reference criteria for thyroid volume (T(vol)) of WHO/ICCIDD (International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders) may be too high. Our objective was to determine if inter-observer and/or inter-equipment variability contributes to the disagreement in sonographic T(vol) in children reported from iodine-sufficient areas. DESIGN A 2-day workshop in which four experienced ultrasound examiners from around Europe measured T(vol) in 45 6--12-year-old Swiss schoolchildren using four different portable ultrasound machines. One of the participating examiners (observer A) had generated the T(vol) data in European children that are the basis for the WHO/ICCIDD reference criteria. METHODS Sonographic T(vol) was measured in each child by all four examiners on all four machines. Six hundred and eighty-four examinations were completed, with examiners having no knowledge of one another's results. Inter-observer and inter-equipment variation was calculated. RESULTS Mean inter-equipment variation in T(vol) was 15.2% (95% CI: 14.1, 16.3%). There were no significant differences in T(vol) between equipment (P=0.51). For all observers, the mean inter-observer variation in T(vol) was 25.6% (95% CI: 23.9, 27.2%). At all ages and all body surface areas, there was a large systematic measurement bias (+30% volume) between the mean T(vol) of observer A and the mean Tvol of observers B, C and D. Reanalysis using data from observers B, C and D reduced the mean inter-observer variation in T(vol) to 13.3% (95% CI: 11.9, 14.7%). A correction factor for the systematic difference of operator A for the P50 and P97 of T(vol) was estimated using analysis of covariance. When applied to the WHO/ICCIDD reference data, it sharply reduced the discrepancy between the WHO/ICCIDD criteria and those from other iodine-sufficient children around the world. CONCLUSIONS Inter-equipment error contributes minimally to reported differences in sonographic T(vol). Even among experienced examiners, inter-observer variation in sonographic T(vol) in children can be high, and probably contributes to the current disagreement on normative values in iodine-sufficient children. A systematic bias at least partially explains why the WHO/ICCIDD reference data differ from those reported from other iodine-sufficient children around the world. The findings argue strongly for the standardization of methods used for sonographic measurement of T(vol) in children.
[Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors and hypertension control status among hypertensive patients in the outpatient setting].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the status of the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors and hypertension control among hypertensive patients in the outpatient setting in China. METHODS This multi-center cross-sectional study was carried out from June to December 2009. Study patients were consecutively recruited from 46 hypertension outpatient clinics in 22 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities of China according to identical inclusion criteria. More than 100 consecutive patients should be recruited in each outpatient clinic, and 5206 hypertensive outpatients were included. The patients were examined by questionnaires, physical examinations, and biochemical analyses. Risk factors were defined according to the 2010 Chinese guidelines for the management of hypertension. RESULTS In this patient cohort, dyslipidemia was found in 61.5% (3203/5206), obesity in 56.0% (2917/5206), and impaired glucose regulation in 27.8% (1449/5206) patients. The prevalence of smoking was 34.9% (910/2605) in male hypertensive patients, 88.9% (4630/5206) hypertensive patients had at least one of the above-mentioned four risk factors and 17.4% (906/5206) had three or more risk factors. Only 4.1% (211/5206) hypertensive outpatients were classified as low cardiovascular risk patients, 72.5% (3774/5206) hypertensive outpatients were classified as high or very high cardiovascular risk patients. The general blood pressure control rate was 44.3% (2304/5206), which was higher in the age group of ≥ 65 years than in those of 35-44 years [51.3% (818/1596) vs. 29.6% (160/541), P < 0.01], higher in low-risk patients than in high-risk patients [65.4% (138/211)vs. 41.9% (1581/3774), P < 0.01] and higher in patients under regular therapy ( ≥ 9 months per year) than in those of irregular therapy (< 6 months per year) [50.7% (1744/3442)vs. 30.0% (391/1305), P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, especially dyslipidemia and obesity, is common, and cardiovascular risk is high while blood pressure control rate is low among hypertensive outpatients in China.
Coaching competency and satisfaction with the coach: A multi-level structural equation model

Abstract The purpose of this initial predictive validity study was to determine the ability of measures derived from the Athletes' Perceptions of Coaching Competency Scale II – High School Teams (APCCS II-HST) to predict satisfaction with the head coach. Specification of the statistical model was informed by the mediational model of coach–athlete interactions. The technical quality of the satisfaction measure was evaluated before testing the predictive validity of the coaching competency measures. Data were collected from athletes of seven sports. Athlete observations (N = 748) were clustered within teams (G = 74). Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) provided evidence for factorial invariance of a reduced version of the satisfaction measure by athlete gender. Multi-level CFA provided evidence of model–data consistency for a reduced version of the satisfaction measure. Multi-level structural equation modelling provided evidence for the ability of latent coaching competency to positively predict latent satisfaction at both the athlete level (technique competency and motivation competency) and the team level (coaching competency) and for close model–data fit. Implications of this study include: that the APCCS II-HST should be viewed as a replacement for the Coaching Competency Scale when the intended population is appropriate; a preliminary multi-level measurement model for satisfaction with one's coach that should be considered as a potential starting point in subsequent studies; and empirical support for a key relationship proposed in the mediational model of coach–athlete interactions.
ATTACKING PERFORMANCE PROFILE OF FOOTBALL TEAMS IN DIFFERENT NATIONAL LEAGUES ACCORDING TO UEFA RANKINGS FOR CLUB COMPETITIONS

The aim of this study was to compare the attacking performance profiles of the football teams playing in the national leagues of different rankings, defined on the basis of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) coefficient regarding club competitions. Applying the method of random sampling, one national league belonging to the first group – 4 participants in the Champions League and 3 teams participating in the Europa League (CL4+EL3; Germany), one belonging to the second group – CL3+EL3 (France), one belonging to the third group (CL2+EL3; Austria) and one from the fourth group – CL1+EL3 (Serbia) were selected. The analysis included all championship matches within the mentioned national competitions during the 2016/2017 season, which was a total of 1162 matches. The variables related to ball possession, passing game structure and efficacy and goal scoring attacks were monitored (19 variables in total). The results of this study have shown that there are significant differences in the organization of attacking games by the teams competing in the leagues of different rankings. It can be concluded that the players of the teams from the German and French leagues possess higher quality in technical and tactical sense, and are trained to play extremely fast, with a high degree of success in ball control.