Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliability of urine lactate as a novel biomarker of lactate production capacity in maximal swimming

Abstract Context: Postexercise urine lactate may be a novel biomarker of lactate production capacity during exercise. Objective: To evaluate the reliability and utility of the urine lactate concentration after maximal swimming trials between different training protocols (6 × 50 m and 3 × 100 m) and training states (active and nonactive swimmers). Materials and methods: Lactate and creatinine were determined by spectrophotometry in blood and urine. Results: Blood and urine lactate concentrations were correlated in-between training protocols and in participants of different training states. The reliability of the urine lactate concentration was moderate for one of the training protocols and good or moderate for the two training states. Additionally, it was lower than that of the blood lactate concentration, and did not improve after normalizing to the urine creatinine concentration. Discussion and conclusion: Although promising as a biomarker of lactate production capacity, urine lactate requires further research to improve its reliability.
Characteristics of multiple sclerosis in aboriginals living in British Columbia, Canada

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify and describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in aboriginals in British Columbia (BC), Canada and compare these findings with non-aboriginal MS patients. Methods: This retrospective chart and database review accessed patient information from the linked BC-wide MS clinical and genetics databases. Data gathered included: demographics (age, sex and ethnicity); clinical characteristics (MS onset date, disease course and disability scores (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]). Aboriginals were identified via the database linkage augmented by physician and nurse recall. Two non-aboriginal comparator groups with definite MS were selected. Group one included all definite MS patients in the BC MS database, and group two comprised MS patients matched by sex, age at onset and initial disease course. Patient characteristics were compared using the Student’s t-test, chi-squared test, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to examine disease progression (time to sustained and confirmed EDSS 6) Results: We identified 26 aboriginals with MS, of which 19/26 (73%) were female, 23/26 (89%) had relapsing-onset MS and a mean onset age of 31.1 years. There were no significant differences between the MS aboriginals and the non-matched (n = 5708) comparator group with respect to age, sex or disease course (p > 0.1), However, aboriginals progressed more rapidly to EDSS 6 from disease onset (p < 0.001) when compared with the matched and unmatched comparator groups. Conclusion: We identified a small, but important cohort of aboriginals with MS; being the largest identified to date. There was evidence of more rapid MS progression in aboriginals compared with non-aboriginals.
The effect of density stratification on the resonant absorption of MHD waves in coronal loops

The standing quasi-modes of the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in a zero-β cylindrical magnetic flux tube that undergoes a longitudinal density stratification and radial density structuring are considered. The radial structuring is assumed to be a linearly varying density profile. Using the relevant connection formulae of the resonant absorption, the dispersion relation for the fast MHD body waves is derived and solved numerically to obtain both the frequencies and damping rates of the fundamental and first-overtone, k = 1, 2, modes of both the kink (m = 1) and fluting (m = 2) waves, where k and m are the longitudinal and azimuthal mode numbers, respectively.
Warning: Trading Can Be Hazardous to Your Wealth! (Just Watch Out for Bears!)

In this paper, we conduct a quantitative, qualitative and neuro-economic experiment investigating the effects of risk-preferences and emotions on investors’ trading strategies and performance. The focus of our experiment is a computerised simulated trading game, where investors decide, on a tick-by-tick basis, how much of their wealth to allocate to risk-free cash and/or risky shares (in each period, they can buy or sell shares, or hold their position). Overall, the trading game represents a bear market. Our results demonstrate that risk-aversion and emotions may be detrimental to trading performance in a bear market, and that an optimal level of each may exist.
Frequency dependent AC electroosmotic flow in nanochannels

We report frequency-dependent bidirectional AC electroosmotic flow (AC-EOF) in a nanochannel with double layer overlap. This work follows our report in μTas 2008 of unidirectional AC-EOF in nanochannels [1]. Observed is a bidirectional pumping behavior; simulations of the low frequency pumping confirm a direction opposite to that of AC-EOF in microchannels. By this frequency-dependent bidirectional pumping, nanochannel AC-EOF behaves in fundamentally different way than microchannel AC-EOF. Generally, the results are of importance for the understanding of ion and liquid transport in nanoconfinement.
Heme oxygenase in the retina in diabetes

Introduction. Heme oxygenase (HO) isoforms, HO-1, and HO-2, are responsible for heme breakdown to iron and carbon monoxide (CO). HO may respond to oxidative stress and may modulate the expression of vasoactive factors like nitric oxide (NO). Since diabetes induced oxidative stress may change HO, the present study examined whether diabetes is associated with HO alterations, its relationship with NO, endothelin-1(ET-1) and the functional significance. Materials & Methods. Male SD rats with Streptozotocin induced diabetes were investigated after six-weeks. Poorly controlled diabetic animals were randomized to one of three treatment groups (n = 6 each group); a) untreated, b) HO-1 inhibitor SnPP-IX (50µmol/kgIP/day), c) NO donor molsidomine (120mg/L PO/day) and were compared with age and sex matched non diabetic control animals with or without SnPP-IX treatment. Color Doppler ultrasound analysis was used to determine retinal resistivity index (RI). mRNA for HO-1, HO-2, ET-1, eNOS and iNOS were analyzed with competitive RT-PCR. HO distribution in the retina was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Results. Diabetic animals expressed lower body weight, higher blood glucose and increased glycated hemoglobin levels. HO-1 and HO-2 immuno-reactivity were identified in the retina. Diabetes induced increased RI was associated with up-regulation of both ET-1 and HO-1 mRNA expression but not eNOS or iNOS mRNA. Both SnPP-IX and molsidomine treatments prevented a diabetes increase of RI, in spite of increased ET-1 expression and were associated with increased iNOS mRNA. Conclusions. The present data suggests that the HO system is up-regulated in short term diabetes leading to HO and NO interactions which may modulate vascular function in the retina.
Clinical impact of the interstitial lung disease multidisciplinary service

Multidisciplinary discussions (MDDs) have been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy in interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis. However, their clinical impact on patient care has never been clearly demonstrated. We describe the effect that an ILD multidisciplinary service has upon the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected ILD.
Accrual reversals and audit fees: the role of abnormal audit fees*

Abstract This study examines whether abnormal audit fees impair auditor independence or reflect auditors’ efforts by using accruals reversal. All accruals must ultimately reverse, but those reversals have different effects on earnings persistence. Management may communicate the private information by different kinds of accruals. Therefore, auditors that have inside information should be able to identify managers who use their reporting discretion accruals to signal private information to investors. Our results suggest that normal audit fees reflect audit effort to identify different kinds of accruals reversal, but positive abnormal audit fees impair audit quality.
Understanding the parietal lobe syndrome from a neurophysiological and evolutionary perspective

In human and nonhuman primates parietal cortex is formed by a multiplicity of areas. For those of the superior parietal lobule (SPL) there exists a certain homology between man and macaques. As a consequence, optic ataxia, a disturbed visual control of hand reaching, has similar features in man and monkeys. Establishing such correspondence has proven difficult for the areas of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). This difficulty depends on many factors. First, no physiological information is available in man on the dynamic properties of cells in the IPL. Second, the number of IPL areas identified in the monkey is paradoxically higher than that so far described in man, although this issue will probably be reconsidered in future years, thanks to comparative imaging studies. Third, the consequences of parietal lesions in monkeys do not always match those observed in humans. This is another paradox if one considers that, in certain cases, the functional properties of neurons in the monkey’s IPL would predict the presence of behavioral skills, such as construction capacity, that however do not seem to emerge in the wild. Therefore, constructional apraxia, which is well characterized in man, has never been described in monkeys and apes. Finally, only certain aspects, i.e. hand directional hypokinesia and gaze apraxia (Balint’s psychic paralysis of gaze), of the multifaceted syndrome hemispatial neglect have been described in monkeys. These similarities, differences and paradoxes, among many others, make the study of the evolution and function of parietal cortex a challenging case.
Development and Application of a Model to Estimate the Impact of Type 1 Diabetes on Health-Related Quality of Life

OBJECTIVE To develop a simulation model to assess the impact of type 1 diabetes and its associated complications on health-related quality of life of a population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The methodology builds upon 1) an existing population model of type 1 diabetes progression, 2) an empirical study designed to measure state- and age-specific health statuses of type 1 diabetes, and 3) existing literature to quantify quality of life of the corresponding health status. Health statuses were measured in a group of type 1 diabetic patients using the Medical Outcomes Study short form 36 (SF-36). A published empirical regression equation was then used to predict corresponding Quality of Well-Being Index (QWB) scores from these assessments. The QWB scores were incorporated into a previously developed type 1 diabetes progressionand cost simulation model. Sensitivity analyses on key parameters were performed, and the model was found to be robust. RESULTS The augmented model can estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as well as costs associated with type 1 diabetes on any population of interest over any period of time. The model is used to compare intensive versus conventional treatment strategies using a simplified set of assumptions regarding the relative effects of these alternative treatments. With these assumptions, intensive strategy produces more QALYs than does conventional strategy and is cost-beneficial after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS The model enables health planners to perform cost-effectiveness analyses to compare alternative treatment strategies for type 1 diabetes and support subsequent decision making.
Standardized Patients

Standardized patients (SPs) are trained actors who are used to engage health care providers in various types of clinical encounters for the purposes of training and evaluation. In the past, SPs have most often been a tool for training clinicians in “traditional” medical skills such as the taking of medical histories or the conduct of physical exams. More recently, however, SPs have been increasingly used to assist in the development and assessment of psychosocial skills, including those related to patient-centered communication, relationship building, and motivational interviewing. Given this shift, it is argued that the time is ripe for exploring ways that health educators can adopt SP methodologies, whether for providing continuing education for individual providers or evaluating organizations or programs. This article introduces ways of using SPs and discusses strengths and challenges related to various approaches.
Enhanced expression of heat shock protein 27 following neoadjuvant hormonal therapy is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to characterize changes in the expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in prostate cancer before and after androgen withdrawal therapy and to assess the prognostic significance of HSP27 expression in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) following neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 97 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who received NHT followed by RP. Paired needle biopsy and corresponding RP specimens obtained from these patients were analyzed for expression of the HSP27 protein by immunohistochemical staining. These findings were evaluated with respect to several clinicopathological factors. RESULTS HSP27 expression in the RP specimens following NHT was significantly up-regulated compared with that in the corresponding needle biopsy specimens. The expression level of HSP27 in the biopsy specimens was significantly associated with the biopsy Gleason score, but not with other factors available before RP. HSP27 expression in the RP specimens was significantly correlated with the pre-operative value of serum prostate-specific antigen and pathological stage, but not with other pathological factors. Biochemical recurrence-free survival in patients with strong HSP27 expression in the RP specimens was significantly lower than that in those with weak HSP27 expression; however, the expression level of HSP27 was not an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSION Despite the lack of independent significance, the expression level of HSP27 in prostate cancer tissue after NHT, which may inversely reflect the therapeutic effect of NHT, could be a useful parameter predicting biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing RP.
Dietary intake, feeding and care practices of children in Kathonzweni division, Makueni District, Kenya.

OBJECTIVE To determine and compare the socio-economic characteristics, childcare and feeding practices among children aged 6-59 months of households participating in a World Vision Kenya programme with non-participants. DESIGN A comparative cross-sectional survey. SETTING A World Vision Kenya project area (Kimundi and Yinthungu sub-locations) and a non-project area (Thavu and Yeekanga sub-locations) both in Kathonzweni division, Makueni district. STUDY POPULATION A random sample of 320 children aged 6-59 months and their respective households. A sub-sample (n=60) was assessed for dietary intake. RESULTS A significantly higher proportion of children in the non-project area (63.8%) than in the project area (37.5 %)(p=0.00) were introduced to complementary foods within the first three months. The first main food given to children in both areas was unenriched cereal porridge. In both areas, grandmothers were reported to be the main alternative caregivers though most of the mothers prepared food for the children while other caretakers did the actual feeding. CONCLUSION No significant difference was noted in the childcare practices in the two areas contrary to what may have been expected since the programme aimed at promoting appropriate childcare and feeding practices hence the expected difference.
Adolescent psychopathology: III. The clinical consequences of comorbidity.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical consequences associated with the lifetime occurrence of comorbid psychiatric disorders. METHOD In a community sample of 1,507 older adolescents (aged 14 through 18 years), subjects with "pure" and comorbid forms of four major psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, substance use, and disruptive behavior) were compared on six clinical outcome measures. RESULTS The impact of comorbidity was strongest for academic problems, mental health treatment utilization, and past suicide attempts; intermediate on measures of role functioning and conflict with parents; and nonsignificant on physical symptoms. The greatest incremental impact of comorbidity was on anxiety disorders; the least was on substance use disorders. Although some patterns of comorbidity were much more common in boys (e.g., substance use and disruptive behavior disorder) or in girls (e.g., depression and anxiety), the impact of specific comorbid disorders on the clinical measures was not different for females and males. The effect of comorbidity was not due to current psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS The significance of comorbidity differs across specific comorbid disorders and across outcome measures, with some comorbid disorders being much more detrimental, and some outcome measures much more affected, than others.
Saccades in gilles de la tourette's syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (GTS) is presumed to be an inherited disorder with an unclear pathophysiology. An involvement of the basal ganglia is suspected. Besides vocal tics, one of the main symptoms is the presence of motor tics. As eye movements are a specialized part of the motor system, we investigated whether they differed in some typical way in GTS patients. To study the control of saccades in GTS, different paradigms were used to elicit saccades, which were either externally triggered and visually guided or internally triggered and without visual target. GTS patients (n = 10) showed a significant increase of the latency of antisaccades, a highly impaired performance of sequences of memory‐guided saccades, and an isolated reduction of the peak velocity in the antisaccades. Overall the results were similar to those found with similar paradigms in patients with Huntington's disease (HD). In analogy to the known pathology of HD, these findings can be attributed to ascending loops from the basal ganglia that inappropriately activate the frontal cortex, especially some of the eye movement‐related areas there. This impairment seems to be a rather specific effect, since some oculomotor features that are preserved by structures of the frontal cortex, such as the effect of a fixation target on saccadic latency (“gap effect”), were normal.
Free Allocation and the Endowment Effect in Cap-and-Trade Systems: Evidence from the European Electricity Sector

Independence of installation-level emissions from endowments of allowances allocated for free constitutes a necessary condition for the cost-effectiveness of a cap-and-trade system. A causal relationship between allocations and emissions suggests the presence of an endowment effect induced by free allocation and indicates a loss in cost effectiveness. The issue is relevant to the EU's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), where a large share of the total allocation occurs for free. This paper tests for the presence of an endowment effect among European electricity sector plants as regulated under the EU ETS by evaluating whether growth in plant-level emissions of power generators changed due to a switch from free allocation to full auctioning. To overcome the endogeneity of allocations I exploit a natural experiment inducing exogenous variation in the allocation of allowances to power producers. While electricity producers located in EU-15 countries were subject to full auctioning starting in 2013, free allocation continued under the so-called 10c rule in eight member states. I apply a matched difference-in-differences research design to a unique EU-wide plant-level dataset of emissions and technical characteristics, constructing a synthetic control group. I find no evidence of a general endowment effect. However, there is some evidence in favor of an endowment effect for a sub-sample of small emitters.
The Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Families, Neighborhoods, and School Environments on Cognitive Outcomes among Schoolchildren

Schools, families, and neighborhoods can support the development of happy, healthy children and adolescents. However, a majority of children in the United States also experience adversity in their early lives that can have deleterious effects on their cognitive and socioemotional development. Measuring and modeling early adversity is fundamental to understanding development as it occurs through interactions with schools, families and neighborhoods. As outlined by Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model of human development, proximal and distal forces shape development, and cannot be isolated when relating measures of the developmental context to outcomes for individuals. For schools and other social programs to support students from high adversity backgrounds, the nature and structure of adversity and contextual influences must be measured and modeled in a robust manner. The three distinct papers in this dissertation describe the construction and evaluation of measurements for adversity, family conflict, neighborhood quality, and school safety, along with models that relate these elements to each other and cognitive outcomes in childhood and adolescence. Structural equation modeling is used to investigate the latent variables generated to measure the constructs and the nature of their relationships. The studies use nationally representative data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to create and test the theoretically driven models. The first study constructs and tests latent variables aligned with the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework in order to generate a continuous and theoretically coherent measurement of adversity. The second study uses this ACEs measurement along with measures of family conflict and neighborhood quality to generate and test path models informed by the bioecological theory of development. The third study applies these measures of developmental constructs to the study of safety in schools and identifies the differential function of school safety for children with varying levels of adversity to better understand the potential for school-based interventions. Results from these studies indicate the utility of a latent variable approach to measuring adversity, and the viability of path analysis for the study of how ACEs, family conflict and neighborhood quality influence cognitive outcomes. Additionally, results provide evidence for the necessity of varied and networked developmental supports for children from highly adverse beginnings, above those that may be available through reforms to school safety. Taken together, these studies provide a rich portrait of childhood development incorporating multiple contextual influences, and add to our understanding of what schools can and cannot do to support children.
The Utility of a Theoretical Framework of a Culture of Leadership

iv Dedication . vi Acknowledgement . vii List of Tables . xiii List of Figures . xiv CHAPTER I: RATIONALE AND INTRODUCTION . 1 St. Marys Area Middle School Culture – Then . 3 Military Leadership Influence . 4 Academic Practice . 7 Co-Curricular Activity . 8 Outliers as Building Blocks . 9 St. Marys Area Middle School Culture – Now . 11 Visionary Leadership Influence . 11 Academic Advancements.13 Co-Curricular Exemplars . 15 A Culture of Leadership – Why and How . 20 A Culture of Leadership – Scholarly Topics . 22 CHAPTER II: A REVIEW OF THE RELEVANT LITERATURE . 24 A Brief History of the Principal Position in Public School . 24 School Leadership – The Standards . 29 Visionary Thinking . 35 Vision and Leadership . 37