Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Can We Learn from Long-Time Lasting Measurements of Felder-Silverman's Learning Styles?

This article describes a study, lasted three academic years, aiming to detect modifications of learning styles (LS) over the time. LS measurements have been performed according to the Felder-Silverman's learning styles model (FSLSM) and measuring tool (ILS questionnaire). Experimental results show that individual LS measured after one or two year/s, are subjected to high variability. On the contrary, changes in the mean values of LS (worked out over homogeneous groups) - useful to highlight effects of a given curriculum or educational environment on the subjects - are much more stable, although deserve low sensitivity.
Development, testing, and validation of a patient satisfaction questionnaire for use in the clinical genetics setting

Patient satisfaction is an important component of assessing quality of care. The purpose of this study is to develop a concise patient satisfaction tool specifically for use in the clinical genetics setting. An international survey identified two domains, “Respect Given” and “Patient Questions Answered” as being important components of satisfaction in the genetic encounter. A working group of professionals assembled a 14‐question pilot questionnaire that was subsequently tested in 13 clinical sites. Nearly 400 responses were used to validate the tool and ultimately construct a 7‐item questionnaire. The 7‐item questionnaire was found to be reliable and valid and addresses two key components of patient satisfaction: technical aspects of care and interpersonal relations. The tool is compared to other patient satisfaction tools developed for use in the clinical genetics setting. A Spanish version is also provided. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impaired L-Arginine Uptake But Not Arginase Contributes to Endothelial Dysfunction in Rats With Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract: Reduced nitric oxide bioavailability contributes to increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Arginase has been implicated as a potential therapeutic target to treat vascular dysfunction by improving substrate availability for endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The purpose of this study was to determine if arginase contributes to endothelial dysfunction in the 5/6 ablation infarction (AI) rat model of CKD. Endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings to acetylcholine was significantly impaired in AI animals versus sham after 8 weeks and was not improved by arginase inhibition (S-(2-Boronoethyl)-L-cysteine hydrochloride) alone or in combination with L-arginine. Additionally, scavenging of superoxide (Tempol, Tempol + L-arginine, Tempol + L-arginine + S-(2-Boronoethyl)-L-cysteine hydrochloride) was not effective, suggesting that a mechanism independent of oxidative stress contributes to endothelium-dependent relaxation in moderate to severe CKD. Aortic uptake of radiolabeled L-arginine was attenuated in AI animals and was associated with a reduced expression of the L-arginine transporter CAT-1. These data suggest that arginase does not contribute to endothelial dysfunction in CKD; however, impaired L-arginine transport may play an important role in diminishing substrate availability for nitric oxide production leading to endothelial dysfunction.
Stock market reaction to oil price shocks: A comparison between an oil-exporting economy and an oil-importing economy

In this study, we assess the responses of aggregate stock returns and their volatility in the face of oil price shocks in the Norwegian and Korean markets. Both Norway and Korea are small open economies; the former exports oil, and the latter imports it. We determine herein that the responses of aggregate stock returns and volatility differ substantially, depending on the underlying cause of the oil price rise and depending on whether an economy exports or imports oil. Additionally, a larger portion of stock return variations in small open economies can be explained by the world crude oil market as opposed to the US market; this implies that the small open economies have more oil-dependent technology and limited access to the global financial market. Finally, the results of our analysis of the conditional covariance measure indicate that the responses of stock returns and volatility are not based on a risk-return tradeoff relationship.
Fluid Resuscitation of Adults With Severe Falciparum Malaria: Effects on Acid-Base Status, Renal Function, and Extravascular Lung Water*

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of liberal fluid resuscitation of adults with severe malaria. Design, Setting, Patients, and Methods:Twenty-eight Bangladeshi and Indian adults with severe falciparum malaria received crystalloid resuscitation guided by transpulmonary thermodilution (PiCCO) in an intensive care setting. Systemic hemodynamics, microvascular indices and measures of acidosis, renal function, and pulmonary edema were followed prospectively. Results:All patients were hypovolemic (global end-diastolic volume index < 680 mL/m2) on enrollment. Patients received a median (range) 3230 mL (390–7300) of isotonic saline in the first 6 hours and 5450 mL (710–13,720) in the first 24 hours. With resuscitation, acid-base status deteriorated in 19 of 28 (68%), and there was no significant improvement in renal function. Extravascular lung water increased in 17 of 22 liberally resuscitated patients (77%); eight of these patients developed pulmonary edema, five of whom died. All other patients survived. All patients with pulmonary edema during the study were hypovolemic or euvolemic at the time pulmonary edema developed. Plasma lactate was lower in hypovolemic patients before (rs = 0.38; p = 0.05) and after (rs = 0.49; p = 0.01) resuscitation but was the strongest predictor of mortality before (chi-square = 9.9; p = 0.002) and after resuscitation (chi-square = 11.1; p < 0.001) and correlated with the degree of visualized microvascular sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes at both time points (rs = 0.55; p = 0.003 and rs = 0.43; p = 0.03, respectively). Persisting sequestration was evident in 7 of 15 patients (47%) 48 hours after enrollment. Conclusions:Lactic acidosis—the strongest prognostic indicator in adults with severe falciparum malaria—results from sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in the microcirculation, not from hypovolemia. Liberal fluid resuscitation has little effect on this sequestration and does not improve acid-base status or renal function. Pulmonary edema—secondary to increased pulmonary vascular permeability—is common, unpredictable, and exacerbated by fluid loading. Liberal fluid replacement of adults with severe malaria should be avoided.
GFR estimating equations in a multiethnic Asian population.

BACKGROUND Clinical practice guidelines recommend using equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management and research. The MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) Study and CKD-EPI (CKD Epidemiology Collaboration) equations originally were derived from a North American population and had an ethnic coefficient adjustment for African Americans. A Chinese coefficient for the MDRD Study equation subsequently was determined, but this has not been externally validated. We compared the accuracy of the equations, evaluated the ethnic coefficients, and assessed the equations for disease staging in a multiethnic Asian population with CKD. STUDY DESIGN A diagnostic test study comparing the Asian coefficient (and subgroups)-modified MDRD Study and CKD-EPI equations and a cross-sectional study assessing disease staging. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 232 outpatients (52% men; 40.5% Chinese, 32% Malay, and 27.5% Indian/other) with stable CKD. INDEX TEST Asian and ethnicity-based modifications of the MDRD Study and CKD-EPI equations. REFERENCE TEST Measured GFR using 3-sample plasma clearance of technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid ((99m)Tc-DTPA), calculated using the slope-intercept method, with body surface area normalization (du Bois) and Brochner-Mortensen correction. RESULTS Overall, the CKD-EPI equation is more accurate than the MDRD Study equation throughout the GFR range, with improved bias (median difference of estimated GFR - measured GFR) and root mean square error (P <0.001). CKD-EPI versus MDRD Study equation: bias, 1.1 ± 13.8 vs -1.0 ± 15.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2); precision, 12.1 vs 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Ethnic coefficients did not improve estimates of GFR significantly. The correctness of staging was improved using the CKD-EPI equation. LIMITATIONS All participants had CKD, but few were of European descent. The reference GFR technique was different from the original studies. CONCLUSIONS The CKD-EPI is more accurate than the MDRD Study equation, particularly at higher GFRs. Therefore, we recommend adopting the CKD-EPI equation without ethnic adjustment for estimating GFR in multiethnic Asian patients with CKD.
Transection and Occlusion of Lateral Semicircular Canal in Guinea Pigs

Audiologic and histopathologic examinations were made after occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal in eight guinea pigs. The lateral semicircular canal was drilled out, and then the canal lumens were plugged with muscle pieces. After a serial recording of auditory brain stem responses for 2 months, histologic specimens of the temporal bones were prepared in the lateral semicircular canal plane. One animal developed profound hearing loss due to suppurative labyrinthitis. The other seven animals showed no significant threshold elevation during this period. Histopathologic examination revealed that the bone defect on the lateral canal was replaced with newly formed bone; the perilymphatic and endolymphatic spaces maintained their compartmentalization; and the membranous endolymphatic canal healed to form complete blind ducts. These findings suggest that proper management of the injured semicircular canal is important for maintenance of postoperative hearing.
Combination of Ficus Carica Leaves Extract and Ubiquinone in a Chronic Model of Lithium Induce Reproductive Toxicity in Rats: Hindrance of Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Marker of Sperm Cell Degradation

Lithium carbonate (LC) is the most widely used as antipsychotic drug and can suppress reproductive performance via testicular toxicity and induction of oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to investigate biological activities of Ficus carica extract (FC) and ubiquinone (Coq10) against LC induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. For this purpose forty two Wistar albino rats were used in this study and allocated into seven groups 6 of each. 1 st groups was served as normal control rats, received distill water (C). 2 nd groups orally treated with 200 mg /kg body weight of Ficus carica extract (FE). 3 rd groups orally administered with 20 mg /kg body weight of CoQ10 (CoQ10). 4 th groups orally treated with 25 mg /kg body weight of Lithium carbonate (LC). 5 th group simultaneously treated with 25 mg /kg body weight of Lithium carbonate and 200mg/kg b.w of FE (FC+ LC). 6 th group simultaneously treated with 25 mg /kg body weight of Lithium carbonate and CoQ10 (20 mg/kg b.w) (LC+CoQ10). 7 th groups treated with 25 mg /kg body weight of Lithium carbonate, FE (200mg/kg b.w) and CoQ10 (20 mg/kg b.w) (FC+CoQ10+LC). The experiment lasted for 60 days. Revealed data showed that the LC induces significant (P>0.05) increase in serum ALT, AST level, testicular GSSG, NO, MDA and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG). But showed significant (P>0.05) decrease in testicular GSH, endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), cell energy (ATP), testosterone level and semen quality [Sperm cell concentration (SCC), mass motility (MM) and individual motility % (IM)]. On the other hand, FC, CoQ10 and their combination ameliorate negative impacts exhibited by LC. Data was confirmed by histological examination and Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 (as proapoptotic marker) of testes which revealed pathological alteration in LC, significant recovery in FC, CoQ10 and FC+CoQ10+LC. In conclusion, the present study suggests that FC, CoQ10 and their combination ameliorate LC-induced reduction in reproductive performance in male rats.
A Review on Fretting Wear Mechanisms, Models and Numerical Analyses

Fretting wear is a material damage in contact surfaces due to micro relative displacement between them. It causes some general problems in industrial applications, such as loosening of fasteners or sticking in components supposed to move relative to each other. Fretting wear is a complicated problem involving material properties of tribo-system and working conditions of them. Due to these various factors, researchers have studied the process of fretting wear by experiments and numerical modelling methods. This paper reviews recent literature on the numerical modelling method of fretting wear. After a briefly introduction on the mechanism of fretting wear, numerical models, which are critical issues for fretting wear modelling, are reviewed. The paper is concluded by highlighting possible research topics for future work.
Extracranial estimation of neural mass model parameters using the Unscented Kalman Filter

Data assimilation, defined as the fusion of data with preexisting knowledge, is particularly suited to elucidating underlying phenomena from noisy/insufficient observations. Although this approach has been widely used in diverse fields, only recently have efforts been directed to problems in neuroscience, using mainly intracranial data and thus limiting its applicability to invasive measurements involving electrode implants. Here we intend to apply data assimilation to non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) measurements to infer brain states and their characteristics. For this purpose, we use Kalman filtering to combine synthetic EEG data with a coupled neural-mass model together with Ary’s model of the head, which projects intracranial signals onto the scalp. Our results show that using several extracranial electrodes allows to successfully estimate the state and parameters of the neural masses and their interactions, whereas one single electrode provides only a very partial and insufficient view of the system. The superiority of using multiple extracranial electrodes over using only one, be it intra- or extracranial, is shown over a wide variety of dynamical behaviours. Our results show potential towards future clinical applications of the method. Author Summary To completely understand brain function, we will need to integrate experimental information into a consistent theoretical framework. Invasive techniques as EcoG recordings, together with models that describe the brain at the mesoscale, provide valuable information about the brain state and its dynamical evolution when combined with techniques coming from control theory, such as the Kalman filter. This method, which is specifically designed to deal with systems with noisy or imperfect data, combines experimental data with theoretical models assuming Bayesian inference. So far, implementations of the Kalman filter have not been suited for non-invasive measures like EEG. Here we attempt to overcome this situation by introducing a model of the head that allows to transfer the intracranial signals produced by a mesoscopic model to the scalp in the form of EEG recordings. Our results show the advantages of using multichannel EEG recordings, which are extended in space and allow to discriminate signals produced by the interaction of coupled columns. The extension of the Kalman method presented here can be expected to expand the applicability of the technique to all situations where EEG recordings are used, including the routine monitoring of illnesses or rehabilitation tasks, brain-computer interface protocols, and transcranial stimulation.
Arterial stiffness is associated with depression in middle-aged men - the Maastricht Study.

BACKGROUND Arterial stiffening may underlie the association between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but reported data are inconsistent. We investigated the associations between aortic stiffness and major depressive disorder (MDD) and depressive symptoms, and whether these differed by sex and age. METHODS We measured carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) using applanation tonometry, and we assessed depression using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a cohort of participants from The Maastricht Study. Logistic and negative binominal models were adjusted for age, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and CVD risk factors. RESULTS We included 2757 participants in our analyses (48.8% men, mean age 59.8 ± 8.1 yr, 27% T2DM). We found that cfPWV was associated with MDD in men (fully adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-3.84), but not in women (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.93-2.66), aged 60 years or younger. The ORs were not significant in individuals older than 60 years (men: OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.63-1.68; women: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.32-1.31). Similarly, cfPWV was associated with a higher PHQ-9 score in men (rate ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.09-1.52), but not in women (rate ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.99-1.23), aged 60 years or younger. Associations were not significant in individuals older than 60 years (men: rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.84-1.08; women: rate ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.90-1.12). LIMITATIONS We cannot rule out reversed causation in this cross-sectional study. CONCLUSION Greater aortic stiffness is associated with MDD and depressive symptoms among middle-aged men and to a lesser extent in women, whereas this association was not observed in old age.
Classificatory Smoothing - Alternative Income Models

The accounting literature has extensively discussed and tested income smoothing [2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 171. However, the role of extraordinary items in the "management" of income was not specifically and separately' tested for. The latter is the focus of this paper. For the purpose of our study we operationally define smoothing as the observed dampening of fluctuations about some level of income assumed to be normal for the firm. The object of smoothing is assumed to be the stream of ordinary income (before extraordinary items) per share. ' From observing the stream of net income, and that of ordinary income before extraordinary items, we infer whether firms' managements behave as if they use extraordinary items either alone or incrementally in order to dampen the fluctuations of ordinary income.
The magnetic structure of convection-driven numerical dynamos

The generation of a magnetic field in numerical simulations of the geodynamo is an intrinsically 3-D and time-dependent phenomenon. The concept of magnetic field lines and the frozen-flux approximation can provide insight into such systems, but a suitable visualization method is required. This paper presents results obtained using the Dynamical Magnetic Field line Imaging (DMFI) technique, which is a representation of magnetic field lines accounting for their local magnetic energy, together with an algorithm for the time evolution of their anchor points. The DMFI illustrations are consistent with previously published dynamo mechanisms, and allow further investigation of spatially and temporally complex systems. We highlight three types of magnetic structures: (i) magnetic cyclones and (ii) magnetic anticyclones are expelled by, but corotate with axial flow vortices; (iii) magnetic upwellings are amplified by stretching and advection within flow upwellings, and show structural similarity with helical plumes found in rotating hydrodynamic experiments. While magnetic anticyclones are responsible for the regeneration of a stable axial dipole, herewe showthat excursions and reversals of the dipole axis are caused by the emergence of magnetic upwellings, which amplify and transport a generally multipolar magnetic field from the inner to the outer boundary of the models. Geomagnetic observations suggest the presence of magnetic structures similar to those found in our models; thus,we discuss howour results may pertain to Earth's core dynamo processes. In order to make DMFI a standard tool for numerical dynamo studies, a public software package is available upon request to the authors (supplementary material is available at: http://www.ipgp.jussieu. fr/∼aubert/DMFI.html).
The GLT‐1 and GLAST Glutamate Transporters Are Expressed on Morphologically Distinct Astrocytes and Regulated by Neuronal Activity in Primary Hippocampal Cocultures

Abstract: The GLT‐1 and GLAST astroglial transporters are the glutamate transporters mainly involved in maintaining physiological extracellular glutamate concentrations. Defects in neurotransmitter glutamate transport may represent an important component of glutamate‐induced neurodegenerative disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and CNS insults (ischemia and epilepsy). We characterized the protein expression of GLT‐1 and GLAST in primary astrocyte—neuron cocultures derived from rat hippocampal tissues during neuron differentiation/maturation. GLT‐1 and GLAST are expressed by morphologically distinct glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive astrocytes, and their expression correlates with the status of neuron differentiation/maturation and activity. Up‐regulation of the transporters paralleled the content of the synaptophysin synaptic vesicle marker p38, and down‐regulation was a consequence of glutamate‐induced neuronal death or the reduction of synaptic activity. Finally, soluble factors in neuronal‐conditioned media prevented the down‐regulation of the GLT‐1 and GLAST proteins. Although other mechanisms may participate in regulating GLT‐1 and GLAST in the CNS, our data indicate that soluble factors dependent on neuronal activity play a major regulating role in hippocampal cocultures.
Who Has Access to Dual Credit in Illinois? Examining High School Characteristics and Dual Credit Participation Rates. Policy Research: IERC 2013-4.

research and scholarly interests broadly relate to P-16 educational policy and educational opportunity and inequality, with a particular interest in the community college institutional sector. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors wish to formally acknowledge Jennifer Dounay Zinth from Education Commission of the States for her thoughtful feedback on an earlier version of this research brief. We also express our thanks to our IERC colleagues, Jennifer Barnhart for her tireless effort in the preparation of this brief and Janet Holt for her substantive feedback on an earlier draft.
Teacher consultation and coaching within mental health practice: classroom and child effects in urban elementary schools.

OBJECTIVE To examine effects of a teacher consultation and coaching program delivered by school and community mental health professionals on change in observed classroom interactions and child functioning across one school year. METHOD Thirty-six classrooms within 5 urban elementary schools (87% Latino, 11% Black) were randomly assigned to intervention (training + consultation/coaching) and control (training only) conditions. Classroom and child outcomes (n = 364; 43% girls) were assessed in the fall and spring. RESULTS Random effects regression models showed main effects of intervention on teacher-student relationship closeness, academic self-concept, and peer victimization. Results of multiple regression models showed levels of observed teacher emotional support in the fall moderated intervention impact on emotional support at the end of the school year. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest teacher consultation and coaching can be integrated within existing mental health activities in urban schools and impact classroom effectiveness and child adaptation across multiple domains.