Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
School Readiness

School readiness includes the readiness of the individual child, the school’s readiness for children, and the ability of the family and community to support optimal early child development. It is the responsibility of schools to meet the needs of all children at all levels of readiness. Children’s readiness for kindergarten should become an outcome measure for a coordinated system of community-based programs and supports for the healthy development of young children. Our rapidly expanding insights into early brain and child development have revealed that modifiable factors in a child’s early experience can greatly affect that child’s health and learning trajectories. Many children in the United States enter kindergarten with limitations in their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development that might have been significantly diminished or eliminated through early identification and attention to child and family needs. A strong correlation between social-emotional development and school and life success, combined with alarming rates of preschool expulsion, point toward the urgency of leveraging opportunities to support social-emotional development and address behavioral concerns early. Pediatric primary care providers have access to the youngest children and their families. Pediatricians can promote and use community supports, such as home visiting programs, quality early care and education programs, family support programs and resources, early intervention services, children’s museums, and libraries, which are important for addressing school readiness and are too often underused by populations who can benefit most from them. When these are not available, pediatricians can support the development of such resources. The American Academy of Pediatrics affords pediatricians many opportunities to improve the physical, social-emotional, and educational health of young children, in conjunction with other advocacy groups. This technical report provides an updated version of the previous iteration from the American Academy of Pediatrics published in 2008.
The relationship between genotype, developmental stability and mating performance: disentangling the epigenetic causes

Developmental stability (DS) may confer an advantage in competition for mates. The present study tests this hypothesis using Drosophila immigrans, and proposes a novel approach to help broadly define the epigenetic factors causing such an effect. We first estimated the magnitude of isofemale heritability in sternopleural bristle fluctuating asymmetry (FA), using replicate genetic lines extracted from nature. Positional FA (PFA) exhibited significant among–line variation, and the heritability estimate of 0.10 (0.046 s.e.m.) was statistically significant. Among individual males, there was a significant positive relationship between PFA and copulation latency (time elapsed between introduction of females and copulation) and duration, but not copulation frequency. Moreover, high–DS lines exhibited significantly shorter copulation latency and duration compared with low–DS lines. When these components of sexual performance were again contrasted between lines with among–individual differences in bristle asymmetry controlled statistically, significant line effects on copulation latency and duration disappeared. The results suggest that deficits in the developmental apparatus underlying one particular trait can compromise individual sexual performance, and weaken the hypothesis that FA is a cue of overall ‘genetic quality’.
Relationship of Nonlinear Analysis, MRI and SPECT in the Lateralization of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of lateralization by nonlinear analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and interictal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods: Twenty-three patients (7 males, 16 females) were examined by MRI, interictal SPECT and EEG. Nonlinear dynamic properties of neuronal networks were estimated by calculating correlation dimensions on interictal EEG signals and corresponding surrogate data. Lateralization was detected based on the criteria introduced in this study. Concordance rates of the results among the three methods were compared. Results: Epileptogenic foci were shown in the temporal areas in 21 patients using the nonlinear method (8 left, 2 right, 11 both), while 20 patients showed abnormalities in temporal lobes on MR images (13 left, 5 right, 2 both). Low cerebral blood flows of the temporal lobes were detected in all patients (11 left, 8 right, 4 both). Completely concordant lateralization was observed in 8 patients (35%) for the nonlinear method and MRI, in 9 patients (39%) for the nonlinear method and SPECT, and in 10 patients (43%) for MRI and SPECT. There were no significant differences among the concordance rates for these different methods. Conclusions: Our results revealed that correlation dimension is useful for differentiating dynamic properties of neuronal networks in the interictal state, and can provide informative data for localizing epileptogenic foci in epileptic patients. Therefore, the present nonlinear method is recommended for use with patients during presurgical evaluation.
Undermining the Rule of Law: Democratization and the Dark Side of Police Reform in Mexico

Abstract This article asks whether democratization, under certain historical conditions, may relate to the deteriorating rule of law. Focusing on Mexico City, where police corruption is significant, this study argues that the institutionalized legacies of police power inherited from Mexico's one-party system have severely constrained its newly democratic state's efforts to reform the police. Mexico's democratic transition has created an environment of partisan competition that, combined with decentralization of the state and fragmentation of its coercive and administrative apparatus, exacerbates intrastate and bureaucratic conflicts. These factors prevent the government from reforming the police sufficiently to guarantee public security and earn citizen trust, even as the same factors reduce capacity, legitimacy, and citizen confidence in both the police and the democratically elected state. This article suggests that when democracy serves to undermine rather than strengthen the rule of law, more democracy can actually diminish democracy and its quality.
Adequacy of Health and Safety Training Among Young Latino Construction Workers

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the adequacy of safety training provided to young Latino immigrant construction workers. The study posited that, because of their youth and immigrant status, these workers would be less likely to receive adequate training. Methods: We interviewed 50 youths aged ≤21 who had worked at least 10 days in construction in the previous year. The in-person interview included 140 questions covering a range of construction work and health and safety experiences. Results: Participants reported performing a range of hazardous tasks, some while under the age of 18. Of these, 68% to 72% reported receiving some training, but median training time was only 1 hour. Only 24% reported receiving written training material. Those with less English ability received less training. Conclusions: Young Latino immigrants in this study received inadequate training given the hazardous work they performed. Clinical Significance: Results of this research, especially the relatively low level of English communication skills among young Latino workers, point to the need for increased bilingual services not just in worker safety training programs, but also in medical clinics and emergency rooms that treat Latino workers.
[Outcome of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty for patients with pulmonary valve stenosis].

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) for patients with pulmonary valve stenosis (PS). METHODS From February 1996 to March 2003, 65 patients with isolated PS were diagnosed by echocardiography and received PBPV in our department, clinical data were analyzed in this study. RESULTS Age of 65 patients ranged from 1 to 48 years [mean (13.5 +/- 9.3) years]. The pulmonary transvalvular gradient (PTG) was (86.4 +/- 33.6) mm Hg(1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and the right ventricular systolic pressure was (107.5 +/- 36.5) mm Hg before PBPV. Single-balloon valvuloplasty was performed in 41 patients, double-balloon valvuloplasty in 6 patients and Inoue-balloon valvuloplasty in 18 patients. The ratio of balloon/valve ranged from 1.00 to 1.19 in 19 patients, from 1.20 to 1.39 in 42 patients, and greater than 1.40 in 4 patients. The procedure was classified as successful when the RV-PA gradient was < 36 mm Hg post procedure, 6 to 12 months follow up was finished after PBPV by catheterization or echocardiography in 25 patients. Immediate post procedure success rate was 81.5% (53/65). The lowest PTG immediately post procedure was seen in Inoue balloon group and balloon/valve ratio between 1.20 to 1.39 group. Post procedure, tricuspid valve regurgitation was evidenced in 2 patients, reactive right ventricular outflow tract stenosis was shown in 26 patients (13 from Inoue group) and pulmonary regurgitation was detected in 3 patients. The mean PTG was (35.7 +/- 23.9) mm Hg at follow-up. PTG gradually reduced to normal in 6 patients with post procedure PTG > or = 36 mm Hg. Right ventricular outflow tract stenosis was attenuated in all 11 followuped patients. There was no restenosis during follow-up. CONCLUSION Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty was effective and safe for treating patients with pulmonary valve stenosis. Superior outcome was linked with balloon/valve ratio between 1.20 to 1.39 and Inoue balloon valvuloplasty in this cohort.
Epidemiology of primary systemic vasculitis in children: a population-based study from southern Sweden

Objectives: To estimate the annual incidence rate of paediatric primary systemic vasculitis (PSV) in a defined geographical area in southern Sweden. Methods: Potential cases of PSV [IgA vasculitis (IgAV, Henoch–Schönlein purpura), Kawasaki disease (KD), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), and Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK)] were identified in a comprehensive regional healthcare register. The study area is Skåne, the southernmost county of Sweden (population 1.29 million; 21.4% aged <18 years). Case records for children (0–17 years) assigned a diagnosis code between M300 and M319 and/or D690 were reviewed to ascertain diagnosis. Only patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 were included. Results: In total, 556 patients with PSV were identified. The annual incidence rate per million children (95% confidence interval) was estimated to be 200 (183–217) for all PSV, 175.5 for IgAV (160–191), 20.1 for KD (14.9–25.4), 1.4 (0–2.8) for each of GPA and MPA, 0.7 (0–1.7) for PAN, and 0.4 (0–1.1) for each of EGPA and TAK. Among children aged <10 years, 99.5% of cases were either IgAV or KD, both exhibiting a seasonal pattern paralleling infections. There were no deaths, but three cases of end-stage renal disease were noted, all in MPA. Conclusions: Vasculitis is relatively common during childhood. Mild cases associated with the infection season are most common in the youngest age groups, while during adolescence a substantial proportion has more severe forms of vasculitis.
Suppression of Row Hammer Effect by Doping Profile Modification in Saddle-Fin Array Devices for Sub-30-nm DRAM Technology

The row hammer effect has become a reliability issue that cannot be ignored in sub-30-nm dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) products because of the narrow isolation spacing between the array devices. Improving the row hammer effect via fabrication process optimization is first proposed in this paper. An additional phosphorus (P) implantation with energy and dosage modification applied in the common source area between two adjacent buried word lines of the access devices and energy adjustment of the well implantation are applied to provide a doping profile modification in the array device. With the proper implantation setting of the high energy and 2X dosage in the additional P implantation, a localized shielding effect from the electric field by a depletion effect could be used to reduce the chances of hammering gate-induced electrons in the channel leaking to the adjacent access device. This proposed mechanism could be supported by the experimental results of the doping profile. Therefore, the row hammer effect can be suppressed by up to 30% in normalized fail bit counts. This proposed methodology could be used in future generations to suppress the row hammer effect in DRAMs.
Association of genetic polymorphisms in IL17A and IL17F with gastro-duodenal diseases.

BACKGROUND & AIM The important role of IL-17 in inflammatory response to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization has been indicated. We investigated the associations between gastro-duodenal diseases and polymorphisms of IL17A (rs2275913 G>A) and IL17F (rs763780 T>C). METHODS The study was performed in 548 subjects (363 controls and 185 peptic ulcer cases). The multiplex PCR-SSCP method was used to detect gene polymorphisms. RESULTS Overall, number of rs2275913 A allele was significantly associated with an increased risk for peptic ulcer (OR, 1.50; 95%CI, 1.11-2.01; p=0.0082). The frequency of rs2275913 GA+AA genotype was also significantly higher in ulcer cases than controls (OR, 1.72; 95%CI, 1.09-2.72; p=0.020). The rs2275913 GA+AA genotype conferred an increased risk for the severity of gastric mucosal atrophy in subjects younger than 60 years (OR, 2.83; 95%CI, 1.14-7.04; p=0.025). Both atrophy and metaplasia were increased with age in rs2275913 GA+AA genotype. In NSAIDs/aspirin users, number of rs2275913 A allele was associated with an increased risk for a peptic ulcer (OR, 3.98; 95%CI, 1.48-10.7; p=0.0061). There was no association of rs763780 with the development of peptic ulcer. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the evidence that rs2275913 is associated with an increased risk for peptic ulcer and the severity of the gastric mucosal atrophy in comparatively younger subjects. In addition, this allele is also associated with the increased risk for peptic ulcer in NSAIDs/aspirin users.
Evaluation of in silico splice tools for decision‐making in molecular diagnosis

It appears that all types of genomic nucleotide variations can be deleterious by affecting normal pre‐mRNA splicing via disruption/creation of splice site consensus sequences. As it is neither pertinent nor realistic to perform functional testing for all of these variants, it is important to identify those that could lead to a splice defect in order to restrict transcript analyses to the most appropriate cases. Web‐based tools designed to provide such predictions are available. We evaluated the performance of six of these tools (Splice Site Prediction by Neural Network [NNSplice], Splice‐Site Finder [SSF], MaxEntScan [MES], Automated Splice‐Site Analyses [ASSA], Exonic Splicing Enhancer [ESE] Finder, and Relative Enhancer and Silencer Classification by Unanimous Enrichment [RESCUE]‐ESE) using 39 unrelated retinoblastoma patients carrying different RB1 variants (31 intronic and eight exonic). These 39 patients were screened for abnormal splicing using puromycin‐treated cell lines and the results were compared to the predictions. As expected, 17 variants impacting canonical AG/GT splice sites were correctly predicted as deleterious. A total of 22 variations occurring at loosely defined positions (±60 nucleotides from an AG/GT site) led to a splice defect in 19 cases and 16 of them were classified as deleterious by at least one tool (84% sensitivity). In other words, three variants escaped in silico detection and the remaining three were correctly predicted as neutral. Overall our results suggest that a combination of complementary in silico tools is necessary to guide molecular geneticists (balance between the time and cost required by RNA analysis and the risk of missing a deleterious mutation) because the weaknesses of one in silico tool may be overcome by the results of another tool. Hum Mutat 29(7), 975–982, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transfer Function Analysis of Cerebral Autoregulation Dynamics during Jaw Movements

Mastication as a mild but life-long exercise has been examined as a possibility for maintaining brain function in the elderly. Little is known, however, about the cerebral circulatory response during masticatory movement. The aim of this study was to develop a monitoring system for circulation dynamics during masticatory movement and to apply this system to the study of cerebral autoregulation. Cerebral blood flow, heart rate, and arterial blood pressure were simultaneously recorded, and changes in these circulatory systems were quantitatively evaluated in 38 young healthy volunteers. Transfer function analysis was also performed on blood pressure and cerebral blood flow for investigation of cerebral autoregulation during gum chewing. Although increases in cerebral blood flow, mean blood pressure, and heart rate suggested the activation of cerebral and systemic circulation during gum chewing, increased cerebral circulation was independent of systemic circulation. Our results suggest that cerebral autoregulation is well maintained during jaw movements.
Nicotine Modulates the Expression of a Diverse Set of Genes in the Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cell Line*

Nicotine exposure can have long lasting effects on nervous system function, some of which must contribute to nicotine dependence. Up-regulation, an increase in numbers of radioligand-binding nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), occurs on exposure to nicotine at high concentrations. To determine whether altered gene expression might account for long term changes and up-regulation following nicotine exposure, we assessed effects of 1 h of 1 mm nicotine exposure on alteration of gene expression in the neuron-like SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma clonal line. Repeat and cross-controlled microarray analyses yielded a list of 17 genes from the initially screened ∼5,000 whose expression was consistently altered following nicotine treatment. Subsequent quantitative, real time reverse transcriptase PCR analyses confirmed altered expression in 14 of 16 genes tested. Further, the general nAChR antagonist, d-tubocurarine, blocked all but two of the observed changes in gene expression, indicating that these changes are dependent on nAChR activation. Use of other antagonists revealed that nAChR subtypes can differentially affect gene expression. The genes affected code for proteins that may be broadly categorized into four groups: transcription factors, protein processing factors, RNA-binding proteins, and plasma membrane-associated proteins. Our results suggest that nicotinic activation of nAChR may have a broad role in affecting cellular physiology through modulating gene expression.
Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Emerging Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Bloodstream Infections in Mainland China

ABSTRACT Recently, the newly emerged hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strain (hvKP) has caused great concern globally, but the clinical features and molecular characteristics of bacteremia caused by hvKP are rarely reported in mainland China. Seventy patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia were investigated to study the clinical features of hvKP infection from 2008 till 2012 in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital. The molecular characteristics of the hvKP strains were also studied using PCR, multilocus sequence typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methods. hvKP was identified in 31.4% of the patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia, which displayed 4 serotypes (K1, K2, K20, and K57). Patients with hvKP infection tended to have no underlying diseases compared to those with classic K. pneumoniae (cKP). More hvKP-positive patients (95.5%) had community-acquired infection than did cKP-infected patients (35.4%) (P < 0.001). The 30-day mortality rate was lower in hvKP-infected patients than in cKP-infected patients (4.5% compared to 16.7%). Resistance to tested antimicrobials was significantly greater in cKP- than in hvKP-infected patients. Two extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing hvKP strains were found. Seven novel sequence types (STs) and 4 new alleles of K. pneumoniae were revealed. A strong correlation was found between two STs (ST23, ST1265) and the K1 serotype. The hvKP isolates (n = 22) had 14 different PFGE patterns, and among them 10 K1 isolates shared similar PFGE patterns. The emerging hvKP strain was prevalent in patients with severe community-acquired infections in healthy individuals in China. Identification of ESBL-producing hvKP strains in hvKP-infected patients will facilitate clinical management of hvKP infection.
INSECTS AND OTHER INVERTEBRATE PREDATORS

This chapter succeeds Collins and Washino (1985) and Legner (1985). It consists of 3 parts. Initially, the literature since the first edition is reviewed. The latest references cited there were published in 1980 and 1981, respectively. Legner (1995) refers to references until 1995 but the scope is different. Therefore, literature after 1981 is included here with a few earlier references when necessary. Invertebrate predators other than Toxorhynchites and copepods, which are covered in other chapters, are listed irrespective of their potential as biological control agents or pest status of prey mosquitoes. For the most part, only English-language references are included. Regarding biological control of rice field mosquitoes, Lacey and Lacey (1990) provide the complete literature including reports in Proceedings of California Mosquito Control Association, not cited here. Second, predation by invertebrates and its significance in mosquito population dynamics are reviewed. This information is essential for ecologically sound manipulation of pest populations. Contribution of predation in egg and adult stages to dynamics of mosquito populations has not been evaluated quantitatively; therefore, only predation in the larval stage is included here. Larval predation is reviewed by 3 habitat types, namely, ground pools, natural containers (phytotelmata 5 small water bodies on living or dead plants) and artificial containers. Also included here are articles and reviews (Mogi 1981, Barr 1985, Service 1993) published after 1981, from which earlier publications can be traced. Third, difficulties and possibilities of using invertebrate predators for mosquito control are discussed.