Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changing Work and Work-Family Conflict

Schedule control and supervisor support for family and personal life may help employees manage the work-family interface. Existing data and research designs, however, have made it difficult to conclusively identify the effects of these work resources. This analysis utilizes a group-randomized trial in which some units in an information technology workplace were randomly assigned to participate in an initiative, called STAR, that targeted work practices, interactions, and expectations by (1) training supervisors on the value of demonstrating support for employees’ personal lives and (2) prompting employees to reconsider when and where they work. We find statistically significant, although modest, improvements in employees’ work-family conflict and family time adequacy, and larger changes in schedule control and supervisor support for family and personal life. We find no evidence that this intervention increased work hours or perceived job demands, as might have happened with increased permeability of work across time and space. Subgroup analyses suggest the intervention brought greater benefits to employees more vulnerable to work-family conflict. This study uses a rigorous design to investigate deliberate organizational changes and their effects on work resources and the work-family interface, advancing our understanding of the impact of social structures on individual lives.
Effects of frequency and duration on psychometric functions for detection of increments and decrements in sinusoids in noise.

Psychometric functions for detecting increments or decrements in level of sinusoidal pedestals were measured for increment and decrement durations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ms and for frequencies of 250, 1000, and 4000 Hz. The sinusoids were presented in background noise intended to mask spectral splatter. A three-interval, three-alternative procedure was used. The results indicated that, for increments, the detectability index d' was approximately proportional to delta I/I. For decrements, d' was approximately proportional to delta L. The slopes of the psychometric functions increased (indicating better performance) with increasing frequency for both increments and decrements. For increments, the slopes increased with increasing increment duration up to 200 ms at 250 and 1000 Hz, but at 4000 Hz they increased only up to 50 ms. For decrements, the slopes increased for durations up to 50 ms, and then remained roughly constant, for all frequencies. For a center frequency of 250 Hz, the slopes of the psychometric functions for increment detection increased with duration more rapidly than predicted by a "multiple-looks" hypothesis, i.e., more rapidly than the square root of duration, for durations up to 50 ms. For center frequencies of 1000 and 4000 Hz, the slopes increased less rapidly than predicted by a multiple-looks hypothesis, for durations greater than about 20 ms. The slopes of the psychometric functions for decrement detection increased with decrement duration at a rate slightly greater than the square root of duration, for durations up to 50 ms, at all three frequencies. For greater durations, the increase in slope was less than proportional to the square root of duration. The results were analyzed using a model incorporating a simulated auditory filter, a compressive nonlinearity, a sliding temporal integrator, and a decision device based on a template mechanism. The model took into account the effects of both the external noise and an assumed internal noise. The model was able to account for the major features of the data for both increment and decrement detection.
Embedding organisational quality improvement through middle manager ownership.

PURPOSE To strengthen the middle manager role in a hospital quality improvement (QI) program, with a view to increasing and sustaining organisational QI implementation. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Case study based action research project, combining pre- and post-action quantitative and qualitative data collection, relating to a QI program intervention in an Australian metropolitan specialist teaching hospital. A model for enhancing the middle manager role in QI was developed and then implemented as the action over a 12-month period. FINDINGS Middle manager understanding and ownership of the QI program and organisational QI implementation significantly increased, although their perceived enjoyment of being involved in QI decreased. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS This case-study based action research project was limited to one organisation of a specific type - a large specialist metropolitan teaching hospital. The composition of the middle manager group, therefore, is necessarily limited to particular specialties. It is acknowledged that findings from case study and action research methodologies are limited in their generalisability, but assist in the development of knowledge and principles that can be adapted to different settings. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS This QI implementation model can increase levels of organisational QI implementation by effecting a positive change in middle manager attitude to and involvement in QI. ORIGINALITY/VALUE There are many theories regarding the importance of the middle manager role in QI, but little empirical research into exactly what this role may be and how it may be strengthened. This research adds to the knowledge base, and provides clear steps for achieving increased staff involvement and QI implementation.
Motion detection deficits in infantile esotropia without nystagmus.

PURPOSE To investigate whether adults with infantile strabismus but without latent nystagmus have abnormalities of horizontal motion detection. METHODS Eleven adult subjects with infantile esotropia but without latent nystagmus and 15 control subjects were required to detect the onset of motion and drift direction of a sinusoidal, spatial frequency grating that moved with linearly increasing velocity. The grating was presented monocularly in paracentral vision at an eccentricity of 16.5 degrees with a field size of 18 degrees. The contrast of the grating was just above contrast threshold for visibility. RESULTS The mean velocity threshold for detection of motion was raised significantly in the patient group compared with the control group. Nine of the 11 subjects with infantile esotropia demonstrated directional asymmetry for the detection of motion. Thresholds were elevated more often when the grating was moving nasally in the squinting eye and temporally in the nonsquinting eye, and raised thresholds were more prevalent in the squinting eye. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that in infantile esotropia, the presence of motion perception deficits are not always associated with the development of latent nystagmus. The predominance of nasally directed motion deficits in the squinting eye and temporally directed motion deficits in the nonsquinting eye was unexpected and may have been caused by abnormal development of cortical motion processing.
Neurodevelopmental Deceleration by Urban Fine Particles from Different Emission Sources: A Longitudinal Observational Study

Background: A few studies have reported associations between traffic-related air pollution exposure at schools and cognitive development. The role of PM components or sources other than traffic on cognitive development has been little explored. Objectives: We aimed to explore the role of PM sources in school air on cognitive development. Methods: A cohort of 2,618 schoolchildren (average age, 8.5 years) belonging to 39 schools in Barcelona (Spain) was followed up for a year. Children completed computerized tests assessing working memory, superior working memory, and inattentiveness during four visits. Particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) was measured during two 1-week campaigns in each school, both outdoors and in the classroom. Source apportionment resulted in nine sources: mineral, organic/textile/chalk, traffic, secondary sulfate and organics, secondary nitrate, road dust, metallurgy, sea spray, and heavy oil combustion. Differences in cognitive growth trajectories were assessed with mixed models with age-by-source interaction terms. Results: An interquartile range increase in indoor traffic-related PM2.5 was associated with reductions in cognitive growth equivalent to 22% (95% CI: 2%, 42%) of the annual change in working memory, 30% (95% CI: 6%, 54%) of the annual change in superior working memory, and 11% (95% CI: 0%, 22%) of the annual change in the inattentiveness scale. None of the other PM2.5 sources was associated with adverse effects on cognitive development. Conclusions: Traffic was the only source of fine particles associated with a reduction in cognitive development. Reducing air pollution from traffic at primary schools may result in beneficial effects on cognition. Citation: Basagaña X, Esnaola M, Rivas I, Amato F, Alvarez-Pedrerol M, Forns J, López-Vicente M, Pujol J, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Querol X, Sunyer J. 2016. Neurodevelopmental deceleration by urban fine particles from different emission sources: a longitudinal observational study. Environ Health Perspect 124:1630–1636; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/EHP209
How Does Leaf Anatomy Influence Water Transport outside the Xylem?1[OPEN]

Anatomical data from diverse species, applied to a novel integrative model, elucidate the mechanistic basis of differences in water transport outside the xylem in leaves. Leaves are arguably the most complex and important physicobiological systems in the ecosphere. Yet, water transport outside the leaf xylem remains poorly understood, despite its impacts on stomatal function and photosynthesis. We applied anatomical measurements from 14 diverse species to a novel model of water flow in an areole (the smallest region bounded by minor veins) to predict the impact of anatomical variation across species on outside-xylem hydraulic conductance (Kox). Several predictions verified previous correlational studies: (1) vein length per unit area is the strongest anatomical determinant of Kox, due to effects on hydraulic pathlength and bundle sheath (BS) surface area; (2) palisade mesophyll remains well hydrated in hypostomatous species, which may benefit photosynthesis, (3) BS extensions enhance Kox; and (4) the upper and lower epidermis are hydraulically sequestered from one another despite their proximity. Our findings also provided novel insights: (5) the BS contributes a minority of outside-xylem resistance; (6) vapor transport contributes up to two-thirds of Kox; (7) Kox is strongly enhanced by the proximity of veins to lower epidermis; and (8) Kox is strongly influenced by spongy mesophyll anatomy, decreasing with protoplast size and increasing with airspace fraction and cell wall thickness. Correlations between anatomy and Kox across species sometimes diverged from predicted causal effects, demonstrating the need for integrative models to resolve causation. For example, (9) Kox was enhanced far more in heterobaric species than predicted by their having BS extensions. Our approach provides detailed insights into the role of anatomical variation in leaf function.
EXPORTS AND PAKISTAN'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

To investigate the extent to which the growth of exports, capital stock ind labor force have contributed to the economic development of Pakistan during the last three decades, the peper employs the Granger causality test together with advanced econometric techniques used to examine the characteristics of time series involved. The empirical results show that among three factors, i.e., labor, capital, and exports, in relative terms, labor force has played the most significant role in overall growth of Pakistan, followed by exports.
On the evolution of Linux kernels: a complex network perspective

This paper presents a novel method to study the evolution of Linux kernel components using complex networks to understand how Linux kernel components evolve over time. After analyzing the node degree distribution, clustering coefficient, and average path length of the call graphs corresponding to the kernel components of 130 development versions and 94 stable versions (V1.0 to V2.4.35), we found that the call graphs of the file system, driver, kernel, memory management, and net components are scale‐free, small‐world complex networks. In addition, all of the five components exhibit very strong preferential attachment tendency. With such in‐depth understanding of the features of the Linux kernel components, we propose a generic method that could be used to find major structural changes that occur during the evolution of software systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low Rate of Microsatellite Instability in Young Patients with Adenomas: Reassessing the Bethesda Guidelines

BACKGROUND AND AIM:Screening adenomas for microsatellite instability (MSI) in patients younger than 40 yr of age has been recommended by the Bethesda Guidelines as a means of identifying patients at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). We sought to determine the rate of MSI in adenomas removed from individuals under 40 yr of age over a 5-yr period in a university general gastroenterology practice.METHODS:We identified patients between 18 and 39 yr of age with endoscopically removed adenomatous colorectal polyps. Patients with polyposis syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal carcinoma were excluded. A three-generation family history was obtained via telephone interview. Endoscopic and histology reports were reviewed. Adenomas were tested for MSI using the BAT26 and BAT40 microsatellite markers, and expression of the MSH2 and MLH1 proteins was assessed by immunostaining.RESULTS:A total of 34 patients had 46 adenomas removed endoscopically. Out of 34 patients, 14 (41%) had a family history of colorectal cancer and 3 were from Amsterdam criteria positive families. A total of 28 of 46 adenomas (61%) were distal to the splenic flexure. Polyps ranged in size from 2 to 20 mm and averaged 6.6 mm. Five polyps (11%) were tubulovillous adenomas, and the remainder were tubular adenomas. None of the polyps were serrated adenomas and none demonstrated high-grade dysplasia. Among the 40 adenomas available for testing, none demonstrated MSI using either BAT26 (0/40) or BAT40 (0/21), nor did any of the polyps tested demonstrate loss of either MSH2 or MLH1 expression (0/16). CONCLUSION:Screening adenomas from patients younger than 40 yr of age for MSI was ineffective in identifying potentially new cases of HNPCC. New strategies that improve on the current clinical and molecular screening methods should be developed so that at-risk individuals can be identified and referred for germline testing before developing their first cancer.
Threshold values of intramucosal pH and mucosal-arterial CO2 gap during shock resuscitation.

BACKGROUND The gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) and gastric mucosal-arterial CO2 gap (GAP) estimate visceral perfusion and predict outcome. Threshold values of these variables for use during resuscitation, however, remain poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to develop clinically derived cutoffs for both pHi and GAP for predicting death and multiple organ failure (MOF) in trauma patients. METHODS This was a cohort study of 114 consecutive trauma patients who had pHi determined at 24 hours after intensive care unit admission. The corresponding GAP for each of these values of pHi was obtained through chart review. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for both pHi and GAP with respect to death and MOF. These curves were used to determine the value of each variable that maximized the sum of sensitivity and specificity in predicting outcome. chi2 tests and odds ratios were used to determine if significant differences in outcome occurred above and below these cutoff values. RESULTS Of 114 patients who had pHi determined at 24 hours after admission, 108 had corresponding GAP values available. The values of pHi and GAP that maximized sensitivity and specificity were 7.25 and 18 mm Hg, respectively. The odds ratio for pHi versus death was 4.6 and for pHi versus MOF was 4.3. The odds ratios for GAP versus death and MOF were 2.9 and 3.3, respectively. CONCLUSION In trauma patients, the ability to predict death and MOF is maximized at values of pHi less than 7.25 and GAP greater than 18 mm Hg. These values represent clinically derived cutoffs that should be useful for evaluating the adequacy of intestinal perfusion during resuscitation.
A new description of Saniwa ensidens Leidy, an extinct varanid lizard from Wyoming

briefly described ^ as Saniwa ensidens. The type specimen was deposited in the United States National Museum, where it has remained in the same unprepared condition as originally received 50 years ago. It was preserved in a considerable number of blocks of ash-colored rock, the only evidence of the embedded specimen being two vertebrae, which had been uncovered, and the numerous bones which protruded from the broken faces of the
Cleavage of PITSLRE Kinases by ICE/CASP-1 and CPP32/CASP-3 during Apoptosis Induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor*

Emerging evidence suggests that multiple aspartate-specific cysteine proteases (caspases (CASPs)) play a crucial role in programmed cell death. Many cellular proteins have been identified as their substrates and serve as markers to assay the activation of CASPs during the death process. However, no substrate has yet been unambiguously identified as an effector molecule in apoptosis. PITSLRE kinases are a superfamily of Cdc2-like kinases that have been implicated in apoptotic signaling and tumorigenesis. In this paper we report that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated apoptosis is associated with a CrmA- and Bcl-2-inhibitable cleavage of PITSLRE kinases, indicating a role for CASPs. Testing of seven murine CASPs for their ability to cleave p110 PITSLRE kinase α2-1 in vitrorevealed that only CASP-1 (ICE (interleukin-1β-converting enzyme)) and CASP-3 (CPP32) were able to produce the same 43-kDa cleavage product as observed in cells undergoing TNF-induced apoptosis. Mutational analysis revealed that cleavage of p110 PITSLRE kinase α2-1 occurred at Asp393 within the sequence YVPDS, which is similar to that involved in the CASP-1-mediated cleavage of prointerleukin-1β. TNF-induced proteolysis of PITSLRE kinases was still observed in fibroblasts from CASP-10/0 mice. These data implicate CASP-3 as a potentially important CASP family protease responsible for the cleavage of PITSLRE kinases during TNF-induced apoptosis.
Inflammation and specialized intestinal metaplasia of cardiac mucosa is a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that cardiac mucosa, carditis, and specialized intestinal metaplasia at an endoscopically normal-appearing cardia are manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA In the absence of esophageal mucosal injury, the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease currently rests on 24-hour pH monitoring. Histologic examination of the esophagus is not useful. The recent identification of specialized intestinal metaplasia at the cardia, along with the observation that it occurs in inflamed cardiac mucosa, led the authors to focus on the type and condition of the mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction and its relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS Three hundred thirty-four consecutive patients with symptoms of foregut disease, no evidence of columnar-lined esophagus, and no history of gastric or esophageal surgery were evaluated by 1) endoscopic biopsies above, at, and below the gastroesophageal junction; 2) esophageal motility; and 3) 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. The patients were divided into groups depending on the histologic presence of cardiac epithelium with and without inflammation or associated intestinal metaplasia. Markers of gastroesophageal reflux disease were compared between groups (i.e., lower esophageal sphincter characteristics, esophageal acid exposure, the presence of endoscopic erosive esophagitis, and hiatal hernia). RESULTS When cardiac epithelium was found, it was inflamed in 96% of the patients. The presence of cardiac epithelium and carditis was associated with deterioration of lower esophageal sphincter characteristics and increased esophageal acid exposure. Esophagitis occurred more commonly in patients with carditis whose sphincter, on manometry, was structurally defective. Specialized intestinal metaplasia at the cardia was only seen in inflamed cardiac mucosa, and its prevalence increased both with increasing acid exposure and with the presence of esophagitis. CONCLUSION The findings of cardiac mucosa, carditis, and intestinal metaplasia in an endoscopically normal-appearing gastroesophageal junction are histologic indicators of gastroesophageal reflux disease. These findings may be among the earliest signs of gastroesophageal reflux and contribute to the authors understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease process.
Extent of Alcohol Consumption among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: The British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Background: This study aimed to identify subgroups of childhood cancer survivors at highest risk of consuming alcohol, consuming above recommended weekly levels, and consuming potentially harmful amounts and compare survivor risks with those expected from the general population. Methods: Using the British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, a population-based cohort of 17,981 individuals diagnosed with childhood cancer (1940-1991) and surviving ≥5 years, 14,836 were eligible for a questionnaire that ascertained drinking behavior, as previously ascertained in the 2002 General Household Survey throughout Britain. Results: Of 10,389 survivors who responded, 77.2% were alcohol drinkers, 23.8% consumed over weekly recommendations, and 3.9% consumed potentially harmful amounts. Survivors were less likely than the general population to be a current drinker {odds ratio [OR; 99% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.52 (0.46-0.60)}, consume over weekly recommended levels [OR (99% CI): 0.65 (0.58-0.73)], and consume harmful amounts [OR (99% CI): 0.40 (0.32-0.49)]. Survivors of a central nervous system neoplasm or leukemia, particularly those treated with brain irradiation, were the least likely to have adverse drinking behaviors when compared with the general population. However, survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma, non–Hodgkin's lymphoma, Wilms' tumor, bone sarcoma, and soft tissue sarcoma had adverse drinking behaviors at levels expected from the general population. Conclusion: Overall adverse drinking behaviors were less frequent in survivors than expected from the general population, but subgroups with adverse drinking behaviors were identified, and it is these subgroups who are most in need of intervention. Impact: UK clinical follow-up guidelines for childhood cancer survivors need strengthening in relation to alcohol consumption. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(5); 1174–84. ©2010 AACR.