Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in the Expression Patterns of TGFβ Isoforms and Associated Genes in Astrocytic Brain Tumors

Simple Summary Numerous molecular changes are observed during tumor progression. Genes associated with TGFβ isoforms are involved in many cancers, including brain cancer. Using molecular techniques to evaluate 43 brain tumor sections from patients at different stages of astrocytic brain tumor, we assessed differences in the expression patterns of genes associated with TGFβ isoforms and quantified the mRNA of three TGFβ isoforms. Our study confirmed significant differences in the expression of genes associated with TGFβ isoforms as well as differences in isoform expression and the identification of 16 genes that differentiate between disease grades. Database analysis revealed interactions between the products of these genes, some of which are associated with tumorigenesis. Differences in the expression patterns of transcripts associated with TGFβ isoforms confirm that they are involved in astrocytic brain tumor transformation. Quantitative assessment of TGFβ2 mRNA may be a useful method in the future to facilitate the diagnosis of disease grade. Abstract Genes associated with the TGFβ isoforms are involved in a number of different cancers, and their effect on the progression of brain tumors is also being discussed. Using an oligonucleotide microarray method, we assessed differences in expression patterns of genes in astrocytic brain tumor sections from 43 patients at different stages of disease. Quantitative mRNA assessment of the three TGFβ isoforms was also performed by real-time RT-qPCR. Oligonucleotide microarray data were analyzed using the PL-Grid Infrastructure. The microarray analysis showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 expression in G3/G4 stage relative to G2, whereas real-time RT-qPCR validation confirmed this change only for the TGFβ2 isoform (p < 0.05). The oligonucleotide microarray method allowed the identification of 16 differential genes associated with TGFβ isoforms. Analysis of the STRING database showed that the proteins encoded by the analyzed genes form a strong interaction network (p < 0.001), and a significant number of proteins are involved in carcinogenesis. Differences in expression patterns of transcripts associated with TGFβ isoforms confirm that they play a role in astrocytic brain tumor transformation. Quantitative assessment of TGFβ2 mRNA may be a valuable method to complement the diagnostic process in the future.
Scaffolding preservice teachers' design of WebQuests

In recent years, WebQuests have been widely used to integrate technology with domain pedagogy; teacher educators have explored the WebQuest model to assist preservice teachers in developing technology integration skills akin to those of practicing teachers in everyday schools. Given sufficient support, preservice teachers may design effective WebQuests and improve their technology integration skills prior to entering the teaching profession. During the past two decades, scaffolding has been studied as a strategy to support the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Appropriately designed scaffolds may enable preservice teachers to both understand the underlying assumptions and assess the viability of their WebQuest designs in everyday classrooms. This qualitative study examined how preservice teachers reported they used and perceived scaffolds when designing WebQuests. The study was guided by the following research questions: 1. How do preservice teachers report using scaffolds when designing their WebQuests? 2. How do preservice teachers perceive the effectiveness of scaffolds in designing their WebQuests? Sixteen participants were purposefully selected from an undergraduate-level introductory course section designed to prepare preservice teachers to integrate technology into their teaching. Data from multiple sources were collected, including interviews with five participants and the instructor, surveys on preservice teachers’ backgrounds and opinions about scaffolding materials and procedures, videotaped classroom activities, course project assignments submitted to the instructor, and handouts and course website postings provided by the instructor. Data were analyzed using constant comparison methods, and several major themes, subthemes, and patterns emerged. The results indicated that preservice teachers followed, adapted, and combined scaffolds as they designed their WebQuest projects. They valued provided scaffolds that explicitly directed their designs or could be modeled, as well as peer or instructor feedback and discussion. They also sought additional scaffolding to support their design needs, and they did not use scaffolds they perceived as ineffective. This study operationalized WebQuest scaffolds of different types and functions in order to support preservice teachers’ design of WebQuests. The results supported some reports related to designing and implementing WebQuest scaffolds, but contradicted others. Implications for future research are discussed. INDEX WORDS: Scaffolding, WebQuest, Teacher Education, Preservice Teachers, Technology Integration SCAFFOLDING PRESERVICE TEACHERS’ DESIGN OF WEBQUESTS
Predicting Future Operating Cash Flows in Jordanian Commercial Banks by Using Fair Value Accounting

The aim of this paper is to examine the ability of fair value accounting data to predict future operating cash flows up to three years ahead in Jordanian commercial banks, as well as to test whether there are significant differences among banks according to their size with regard to the ability of fair value accounting to predict cash flows. Multiple linear regression method is used to analyze the financial data of the study population, which consist of (13) Jordanian commercial Banks for the period (2005-2014). The study sample is the same as the study population. The fair value financial assets and liabilities are used in (3) models. The first model contains net financial assets; the second model includes total financial assets and total financial liabilities; and the third model contains the detailed components of financial assets and liabilities. The study concludes that fair value accounting data (through net financial assets, through total financial assets and total financial liabilities, and through items of financial assets and financial liabilities) have a statistically significant predictive ability in predicting future operating cash flows of Jordanian commercial banks for three subsequent years. The results also show that there are no statistically significant differences among Jordanian commercial banks according to their size with regard to the ability of fair value accounting to predict future operating cash flows up to three years ahead. Nevertheless, the predictive ability is greater for large-sized banks. This study recommends maintaining the continuity of applying fair value accounting by Jordanian commercial banks, and following any updates related to fair value accounting in the IFRS.
Seismic gap between buildings founded on different soil types experiencing pounding during earthquakes

Several formulas have been suggested in the literature to evaluate the minimum seismic gap that would prevent collisions between adjacent buildings during earthquakes, including those based on the absolute sum of the peak displacements (ABS), square root of the sum of the squares (SRSS), the double difference (DDC) method, Australian code, and approach proposed by Naderpour et al. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of the seismic gap on the behavior of buildings experiencing pounding, as well as verify the accuracy of these five formulas for structures founded on different soil types. Three buildings (4-story, 6-story, and 8-story buildings) were considered and three pounding scenarios were modeled. In the first part of the study, these three pounding scenarios were analyzed by considering three different seismic gaps (1 mm, 1 cm, and 1 m). In the second part, the accuracy of the aforementioned formulas was verified for buildings founded on different soil types (hard rock, rock, very dense soil and soft rock, stiff soil, and soft clay soil). The results indicated that the seismic gap had a significant influence on the response of colliding buildings, including the peak story accelerations and pounding forces. Moreover, increasing the gap did not always lead to a reduction in the effects of pounding, unless it was large enough to eliminate structural collisions during earthquakes. In addition, all five formulas were found to provide poor estimates when considering different soil types. The ABS and the Naderpour et al. formulas were found to always be conservative, but they overestimated the minimum gap that would prevent pounding. Moreover, the DDC and Australian code formulas provided overestimate, accurate, and underestimate results, and the SRSS formula provided both accurate and overestimate results.
Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced myotube atrophy.

Muscle atrophy is commonly observed during cisplatin chemotherapy, leading to a reduced quality of life in cancer patients. Reduced skeletal muscle mass caused by cisplatin treatment results from the activation of ubiquitin ligases-Atrogin-1 and MuRF1, but the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ATP production, in cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy. Skeletal C2C12 myotubes were treated with cisplatin, and gene and protein expression were evaluated. Mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and ROS levels were measured using fluorescent dyes. Mitochondrial respiratory function, ATP production rates, and glycolytic capacity were also analyzed using an extracellular flux analyzer. Metabolomic analyses were performed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Cisplatin treatment reduced myosin heavy chain expression by activating the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Increased ROS production was observed after cisplatin treatment, followed by significant changes in apoptosis-related gene expression and decrease in mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, respiration, and ATP production. Glycolytic capacity and TCA cycle metabolite levels were reduced with cisplatin treatment. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone mesylate prevented up-regulation of Atrogin-1 gene expression and restored myosin heavy chain levels, accompanied by a decrease in ROS generation, but not mitochondrial ATP production. We concluded that cisplatin-induced myotube atrophy was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Reducing ROS generation, rather than promoting ATP production, could be a useful therapeutic strategy for preventing cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy.
On the nexus between energy efficiency, financial inclusion and environment: Evidence from emerging seven economies using novel research methods

Abstract Emerging seven (E7) are some of the rising economies in the world and are expected to be economically strengthened in the coming few decades due to rapid economic growth. Besides, financial inclusion and globalization are also rising in these economies, which compel them to adopt energy saving techniques to lower carbon (CO2) emissions in the region. This study aims to explore the influence of these variables on CO2 emissions in E7 economies over the period from 2004 to 2019. Various panel econometric approaches reveal that all the variables are stationary at first difference. Also, the long-run cointegration association exists between them. The non-normal distribution of data leads to the adoption of the panel quantile estimator for the long run estimations across three quantiles (i.e., q0.25, q0.50, and q0.75). The empirical findings illustrate that energy efficiency is negatively associated to CO2 emissions in all the quantiles. However, financial inclusion, economic growth, globalization, and composite risk index are the prominent factors of CO2 emissions. Such factors are the primary reasons for environmental degradation in the region. The estimated panel causality test results confirm the feedback effect for the variables except for globalization, which runs toward CO2 emissions. Based on findings, this study suggests policies regarding the encouragement of energy efficiency and alteration of economic growth from non-renewable energy sources to renewables. Devotion of financial inclusion towards green finance and green bonds promotion and reducing composite risk to promote environmental sustainability.
Impact of a combined cognitive and response inhibition training in school-age children

The aims of this work were: (1) to implement a brief 6 sessions intervention, which combines training activities of Cognitive Inhibition (CI) and Response Inhibition (RI), in a group of schoolchildren aged from 6 to 8 years (M = 6.8, SD = .61; n = 38; 60.5% girls, 39.5% boys); (2) to analyze the effects of the intervention on training tasks performances, on untraining inhibitory tasks (near transfer) and on performance in a FI task (far transfer); and (3) to study individual differences in training effects associated with baseline inhibitory performance. An experimental design, pre-test, post-test and control group (CG), was implemented. The main results indicate an improvement in performance in trained tasks -differences between first and last session: CI training Z = -3.455, p = . 001; RI training Z = -3.758, p < . 001-, low effects of the intervention on performance in an untrained CI task -experimental group (EG), difference pre/post-test performance: F(1,16) = 3.893, p = . 066, np2 = . 196- and effects on performance in the FI task -F(1,36) = 6.484, p = . 015, np2 = . 153. In the first two cases, it was observed that the students with a lower base line inhibitory performance, showed greater profits -CI training, r = -. 524, p = . 031; RI training, r = -. 470, p = . 057; untrained CI task, r = . 755, p = . 001. We discussed the transfer based processing on short interventions and the use of different tasks measurements
At‐risk alcohol users have disrupted valence discrimination during reward anticipation

Alcohol use disorder is characterised by disrupted reward learning, underpinned by dysfunctional cortico‐striatal reward pathways, although relatively little is known about the biology of reward processing in populations who engage in risky alcohol use. Cues that trigger reward anticipation can be categorized according to their learnt valence (i.e., positive vs. negative outcomes) and motivational salience (i.e., incentive vs. neutral cues). Separating EEG signals associated with these dimensions is challenging because of their inherent collinearity, but the recent application of machine learning methods to single EEG trials affords a solution. Here, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to quantify risky alcohol use, with participants split into high alcohol (HA) (n = 22, mean AUDIT score: 13.82) and low alcohol (LA) (n = 22, mean AUDIT score: 5.77) groups. We applied machine learning multivariate single‐trial classification to the electroencephalography (EEG) data collected during reward anticipation. The LA group demonstrated significant valence discrimination in the early stages of reward anticipation within the cue‐P3 time window (400–550 ms), whereas the HA group was insensitive to valence within this time window. Notably, the LA, but not the HA group demonstrated a relationship between single‐trial variability in the early valence component and reaction times for gain and loss trials. This study evidences disrupted hypoactive valence sensitivity in the HA group, revealing potential neurophysiological markers for risky drinking behaviours which place individuals at‐risk of adverse health events.
Fatal Aviation Accidents: Fiscal Years 2009-2013

This report describes the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA’s) Autopsy Program Team’s efforts to support accident investigation and research conducted within the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, including descriptive characteristics for fatal aviation accidents and incidents investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board for fiscal years 2009 through 2013. Autopsy data utilizing the Medical Analysis Tracking Registry database was ordered into the following categories: date of autopsy acquisition, date of accident, region and state of residence, accident type, age, gender, pilot flight hours, aircraft type, and governing operation. Incidental medical findings described in the autopsy reports were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition – Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) and International Classification of Disease, Procedure Coding System. The Team reviewed 1,330 fatal accidents/incidents from fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and assisted with requests. Additionally, the Team obtained over 95% of autopsy reports for individuals involved in fatal aviation accidents, averaging 266 fatal accidents/incidents per year. The average age of a fatally injured pilot was 55 years, compared to the average age of 45 for the U.S. Civil pilot population. Accidents involving float planes were 2.63% of all fatal accidents. An analysis of 22 Medical Transport fatal accidents revealed 46% occurred during the repositiong phase of the flight. During the time frame of the study, 37 (31.35%) of pilots let their FAA medical certificate laspse in 118 Light Sport aircraft fatal accidents. Summaries of information collected from fatal accident/incidents are included in the report.
Enhancing consumer perceptions of privacy and trust: a GDPR label perspective

PurposeThe General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduces significant data protection obligations on all organizations within the European Union (EU) and those transacting with EU citizens. This paper presents the GDPR privacy label and uses two empirical studies to examine the effectiveness of this approach in influencing consumers' privacy perceptions and related behavioral intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper tests the efficacy of two GDPR privacy label designs, a consent-based label and a static label. Study 1 examines the effects of each label on perceptions of risk, control and privacy. Study 2 investigates the influence of consumers' privacy perceptions on perceived trustworthiness and willingness to interact with the organization.FindingsThe findings support the potential of GDPR privacy labels for positively influencing perceptions of risk, control, privacy and trustworthiness and enhancing consumers' willingness to transact and disclose data to online organizations.Practical implicationsThe findings are useful for organizations required to comply with the GDPR and present a solution to requirements for transparent communications and explicit consent.Originality/valueThis study examines and demonstrates the efficacy of visualized privacy policies in impacting consumer privacy perceptions and behavioral intentions.
Childlessness and one-child intentions among recently married couples in Iran

79 Abstract Objective (s): Awareness of people's childbearing intentions, which play a key role in predicting future fertility behaviors, is one of the most crucial topics in low-fertility societies. This study aimed to investigate the fertility intentions of recently married couples in Iran. Methods: The data of the National Marriage Survey in Iran (2016-2017) were analyzed using secondary analyses technique. The sample consisted of 8,977 people in provincial capitals. Results: The results revealed that 2.1% of people intend to remain childless and 16.9% want to have one-child. The most important reasons for childlessness intention were the financial costs of the children and the lack of interest in having a child. Ethnicity was one of the main determinants. The Baluchs and the Arabs tend to have more children than the other ethnic groups, and the Gilakis were most inclined to be childless or have one-child. Furthermore, education, participation in religious rites, employment status and religion have a significant effect on fertility intentions. Conclusion: Although the childlessness intention was low, one-fifth of people tend to have less than two children. This could affect future fertility rates negatively given the expansion of higher education and the economic challenges. Thus, policymakers should prioritize reconciliation policies and child care
Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Support Programme Using a Mobile Application versus Phone Advice on Patients at Risk of Coronary Heart Disease – A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This study aimed to examine the preliminary effect of a nurse-led support programme using a mobile application versus nursing telephone advice on patients at risk of CHD living in the community. Patients and Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was adopted. Sixty eligible CHD participants were randomized into the app group (App) or the nursing telephone advice (NTA) group to support their own health care and exercise. Data were collected at baseline (T0), 1 month (T1), and 3 months (T2). Outcomes were total amount of exercise, self-efficacy of chronic disease management, total time of exercise, blood pressure, and lipid concentrations. Data were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation models. Results Ninety-two individuals were screened for eligibility and 60 were randomized into the app group (n = 30) or NTA group (n = 30). The mean age of the participants was 60.92. The total attrition rate at T2 was 1.66%. The app group showed a moderate effect (Cohen’s d =0.43) in significant increase in exercise amount, and reduction of lipid concentration (total cholesterol d=−0.43, triglyceride d=−0.39) respectively. Other outcomes showed improvement trend but non-significant between group. Conclusion The CHD app is effective to motivate CHD patients for maintaining exercise amount which will be beneficial to their lipid control.
Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Stenosis: In-Hospital Clinical Outcomes at a Single Neurovascular Center

Background: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a minimally invasive and proven percutaneous procedure that is widely used to treat patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the in-hospital outcomes of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients undergoing CAS at a single neurovascular center. Methods: The study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of 1158 patients (asymptomatic, n = 636; symptomatic, n = 522; male, n = 816; median age, 71 years; NASCET method, 70–99% stenosis, n = 830) who underwent CAS between May 2009 and December 2020. In-hospital neurological outcomes, adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media, acute myocardial infarction, intraprocedural complications, and access-site issues were evaluated. The primary endpoints were disabling stroke (including disabling cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome [CHS]) and all in-hospital deaths. Results: A carotid stent could not be deployed in one patient due to calcified plaques (technical failure rate of 0.09%). Four patients (0.3%) experienced in-hospital, stroke-associated death, while five patients (0.4%) died from non-stroke-related causes. All stroke-associated deaths occurred in the symptomatic group and were due to CHS. The disabling stroke rate was 0.9% overall (n = 10; 0.5% versus 1.3% in asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients, respectively). Nineteen patients (1.6%) reached the in-hospital primary endpoint. More patients in the symptomatic group achieved this endpoint than in the asymptomatic group (2.5% versus 0.9%, respectively; p = 0.060). Conclusions: An evaluation was conducted on the in-hospital outcomes of 1158 patients at a single center who underwent CAS and was performed by trained physicians who were supervised by a senior neurovascular interventionist with over 20 years of experience, confirming the excellent safety profile of this procedure with a low rate of complications.