Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apnea‐related sleep fragmentation and poor vigilance in children with well‐controlled asthma

It has been reported that sleep problems and neurocognitive deficit in asthmatic children is prevalent. However, systematic studies on these problems in stable asthma using polysomnography have rarely been performed. We therefore investigated sleep and neurocognitive functioning in children with well‐controlled asthma. Forty‐three children with well‐controlled, stable asthma and 31 controls (age range: 6–9 years) were enrolled in the study. Subjects were questioned for daytime sleepiness using the Paediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale. Complete overnight polysomnography and neurocognitive function tests were performed on all subjects. Children with stable asthma had lower pulmonary function in comparison to their age‐matched controls. Asthmatic children had a higher apnea–hypopnea index (P < 0.001) and apnea–hypopnea‐related arousal index (P < 0.001) as compared with non‐asthmatics. Deep sleep was decreased in asthmatics (P = 0.001). In the vigilance test, the mean number of correct answers was lower (P = 0.005) and the mean reaction time was slower (P = 0.002) in asthmatic children. A hierarchical multiple linear regression showed that deep sleep and apnea–hypopnea‐related arousal index were significant predictors of vigilance. The data suggest that the prevalence of paediatric sleep‐disordered breathing and sleep fragmentation could be very high among children with well‐controlled asthma. Moreover, vigilance, the ability to maintain attention and alertness, was worse in stable asthmatic children when compared with healthy controls. Sleep‐disordered breathing should be checked even in stable asthmatic children as they are at risk for developing neurobehavioural deterioration associated with frequent arousals during sleep. Furthermore, early treatment for asthma may be required in order to prevent airway remodelling that could cause sleep problems.
Fluorescence Changes of Genetic Calcium Indicators and OGB-1 Correlated with Neural Activity and Calcium In Vivo and In Vitro

Recent advance in the design of genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) has further increased their potential for direct measurements of activity in intact neural circuits. However, a quantitative analysis of their fluorescence changes (ΔF) in vivo and the relationship to the underlying neural activity and changes in intracellular calcium concentration (Δ[Ca2+]i) has not been given. We used two-photon microscopy, microinjection of synthetic Ca2+ dyes and in vivo calibration of Oregon-Green-BAPTA-1 (OGB-1) to estimate [Ca2+]i at rest and Δ[Ca2+]i at different action potential frequencies in presynaptic motoneuron boutons of transgenic Drosophila larvae. We calibrated ΔF of eight different GECIs in vivo to neural activity, Δ[Ca2+]i, and ΔF of purified GECI protein at similar Δ[Ca2+] in vitro. Yellow Cameleon 3.60 (YC3.60), YC2.60, D3cpv, and TN-XL exhibited twofold higher maximum ΔF compared with YC3.3 and TN-L15 in vivo. Maximum ΔF of GCaMP2 and GCaMP1.6 were almost identical. Small Δ[Ca2+]i were reported best by YC3.60, D3cpv, and YC2.60. The kinetics of Δ[Ca2+]i was massively distorted by all GECIs, with YC2.60 showing the slowest kinetics, whereas TN-XL exhibited the fastest decay. Single spikes were only reported by OGB-1; all GECIs were blind for Δ[Ca2+]i associated with single action potentials. YC3.60 and D3cpv tentatively reported spike doublets. In vivo, the KD (dissociation constant) of all GECIs was shifted toward lower values, the Hill coefficient was changed, and the maximum ΔF was reduced. The latter could be attributed to resting [Ca2+]i and the optical filters of the equipment. These results suggest increased sensitivity of new GECIs but still slow on rates for calcium binding.
Effectiveness of a diode laser in addition to non-surgical periodontal therapy: study of intervention.

BACKGROUND Chronic periodontitis affects 47% of adult population over the age of 30. The first phase of periodontal treatment is always represented by scaling and root planning (SRP), that is a causal, non-surgical therapy that recognizes as primary aims the control of bacterial infection and the reduction of periodontal plaque-associated inflammation. Yet, another innovative causal therapy is represented by the irradiation of periodontal pockets with laser. AIM To evaluate the effect of a 940-nm diode laser as an adjunct to SRP in patients affected by periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-eight adult patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis were sequentially enrolled and undergone to periodontal examination (V1) in order to detect gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and probing depth (PD). The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the first (n=34) received SRP treatment alone, the control group (n=34) received SRP and 940-nm diode laser therapy. RESULTS Data were analyzed by Student's t-test, with two tails; for all clinical parameters, both groups reported statistically significant differences compared to basal values (p<0.0001). Both procedures were effective in improving GI, PI and PD, but the use of diode laser was associated with more evident results. CONCLUSIONS Considered the better clinical outcomes, diode laser can be routinely associated with SRP in the treatment of periodontal pockets of patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis.
Foe or friend of adult education? The paradox of multicultural policy for adult immigrants in Canada

Abstract This study explores adult education programmes under the auspices of multiculturalism at a Chinese cultural centre in Canada in helping immigrants with their cultural development and integration in Canadian society. The study employs an exploratory case study approach combining methods of document analysis and personal interviews. The findings reveal the paradox of multiculturalism as both an enabler and constrainer for adult and lifelong education of immigrant learners. On the one hand, the creation of the cultural centre as a learning space affords members of the community opportunities of adult and lifelong learning. On the other hand, their cultural and educational roles were hindered by lack of proper funding, support and recognition. The paradox of multiculturalism speaks to the co-existence of Canada’s commitments to democratic principles of fairness, justice and equality with the negative attitudes and behaviours toward ethno-specific organisations. The findings of this study have significant implications for adult education in revisiting its practices and developing more inclusive and accessible programmes for adult immigrants.
Nanoconstriction-based spin-Hall oscillators

Recent observations of coherent microwave magnetization oscillations driven by pure spin current have provided novel opportunities for the development of active spintronic devices. It was demonstrated that pure spin current produced by the spin-Hall effect (SHE) can be utilized to implement magnetic nano-oscillators that do not require electrical current flows through the active magnetic layer, allowing one to avoid detrimental effects associated with large densities of the electric current in the magnetic layer typical for the traditional spin-transfer torque (STT) spintronic devices. The previously demonstrated spin-Hall nano-oscillators (SHNO) were found to exhibit a relatively large power and small auto-oscillation linewidth at cryogenic temperatures. However, both of these characteristics significantly degrade at increased temperatures. This drawback can be avoided if a single dynamical mode with a significant spatial extent can be selectively excited in an SHNO. One can expect that the auto-oscillation area should depend on the spin injection geometry. However, in practice local injection of spin current leads to the spontaneous formation of the so-called “bullet” auto-oscillation mode, whose spatial dimensions are determined by the nonlinear self-localization effects rather than the spin-current injection area. Here, we demonstrate SHNOs characterized by efficient room-temperature generation of coherent microwave signals, achieved by controlling the auto-oscillation characteristics using magnetic dipolar effects instead of the self-localization.
Estradiol downregulation of the tumor suppressor gene BTG2 requires estrogen receptor‐α and the REA corepressor

B‐cell Translocation Gene 2 (BTG2/TIS21/PC3) is an anti‐proliferative tumor suppressor gene whose expression is significantly reduced in breast carcinomas, and in MCF‐7 and T‐47D breast cancer cell lines treated with estradiol (E2). In this study the mechanisms involved in E2 down regulation of BTG2 gene expression were examined. Depletion of ERα by siRNA indicated that the receptor is required for E2 down regulation of BTG2 mRNA levels, and cycloheximide experiments indicated that the effect of E2 on BTG2 expression was independent of intermediary protein synthesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that ERα interacts with the BTG2 promoter in a ligand‐independent fashion whereas transfection experiments indicated that ERα's DNA and ligand binding domains are required for E2 repression of BTG promoter activity. Surprisingly, histone deacetylase (HDACs) activity is essential for basal expression as evidenced by trichostatin A inhibition of BTG2 mRNA levels. Estradiol treatment did not alter histone H3 acetylation although it did induce displacement of RNA polymerase II from the BTG2 gene. Depletion of the ER specific corepressor REA (Repressor of Estrogen Receptor Activity) significantly abrogated E2‐mediated BTG2 repression. Taken together, our results reveal a requirement of HDAC activity for basal BTG2 expression and the ERα‐REA interaction for estrogen repression of the BTG2 gene. The ability of E2‐bound ERα and REA to suppress BTG2 expression indicates a positive role for this corepressor in regulation of breast cancer cell proliferation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immersion lithography defectivity analysis at DUV inspection wavelength

Significant effort has been directed in recent years towards the realization of immersion lithography at 193nm wavelength. Immersion lithography is likely a key enabling technology for the production of critical layers for 45nm and 32nm design rule (DR) devices. In spite of the significant progress in immersion lithography technology, there remain several key technology issues, with a critical issue of immersion lithography process induced defects. The benefits of the optical resolution and depth of focus, made possible by immersion lithography, are well understood. Yet, these benefits cannot come at the expense of increased defect counts and decreased production yield. Understanding the impact of the immersion lithography process parameters on wafer defects formation and defect counts, together with the ability to monitor, control and minimize the defect counts down to acceptable levels is imperative for successful introduction of immersion lithography for production of advanced DR's. In this report, we present experimental results of immersion lithography defectivity analysis focused on topcoat layer thickness parameters and resist bake temperatures. Wafers were exposed on the 1150i-α-immersion scanner and 1200B Scanner (ASML), defect inspection was performed using a DUV inspection tool (UVisionTM, Applied Materials). Higher sensitivity was demonstrated at DUV through detection of small defects not detected at the visible wavelength, indicating on the potential high sensitivity benefits of DUV inspection for this layer. The analysis indicates that certain types of defects are associated with different immersion process parameters. This type of analysis at DUV wavelengths would enable the optimization of immersion lithography processes, thus enabling the qualification of immersion processes for volume production.
Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Inactivation of the Hormone Jasmonoyl-l-Isoleucine by Multiple Members of the Cytochrome P450 94 Family in Arabidopsis*

Background: Accumulation of the plant hormone jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine (JA-Ile) is tightly controlled to prevent overactivation of defense responses. Results: Cytochrome P450 94s (CYP94s) with distinct tissue expression patterns localize to ER and oxidize JA-Ile to a dicarboxy derivative that fails to assemble JA-Ile co-receptor complexes. Conclusion: Sequential CYP94-catalyzed oxidations block receptor activation and signaling. Significance: P450s inactivate fatty acid-derived signals in both plants and animals. The plant hormone jasmonate (JA) controls diverse aspects of plant immunity, growth, and development. The amplitude and duration of JA responses are controlled in large part by the intracellular level of jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine (JA-Ile). In contrast to detailed knowledge of the JA-Ile biosynthetic pathway, little is known about enzymes involved in JA-Ile metabolism and turnover. Cytochromes P450 (CYP) 94B3 and 94C1 were recently shown to sequentially oxidize JA-Ile to hydroxy (12OH-JA-Ile) and dicarboxy (12COOH-JA-Ile) derivatives. Here, we report that a third member (CYP94B1) of the CYP94 family also participates in oxidative turnover of JA-Ile in Arabidopsis. In vitro studies showed that recombinant CYP94B1 converts JA-Ile to 12OH-JA-Ile and lesser amounts of 12COOH-JA-Ile. Consistent with this finding, metabolic and physiological characterization of CYP94B1 loss-of-function and overexpressing plants demonstrated that CYP94B1 and CYP94B3 coordinately govern the majority (>95%) of 12-hydroxylation of JA-Ile in wounded leaves. Analysis of CYP94-promoter-GUS reporter lines indicated that CYP94B1 and CYP94B3 serve unique and overlapping spatio-temporal roles in JA-Ile homeostasis. Subcellular localization studies showed that CYP94s involved in conversion of JA-Ile to 12COOH-JA-Ile reside on endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In vitro studies further showed that 12COOH-JA-Ile, unlike JA-Ile, fails to promote assembly of COI1-JAZ co-receptor complexes. The double loss-of-function mutant of CYP94B3 and ILL6, a JA-Ile amidohydrolase, displayed a JA profile consistent with the collaborative action of the oxidative and the hydrolytic pathways in JA-Ile turnover. Collectively, our results provide an integrated view of how multiple ER-localized CYP94 and JA amidohydrolase enzymes attenuate JA signaling during stress responses.
Dynamic Advisor-Based Ensemble (dynABE): Case Study in Stock Trend Prediction of a Major Critical Metal Producer

The demand of metals by modern technology has been shifting from common base metals to a variety of minor metals, such as cobalt or indium. The industrial importance and limited geological availability of some minor metals have led to them being considered more "critical," and there is a growing interest in such critical metals and their producing companies. In this research, we create a novel framework, Dynamic Advisor-Based Ensemble (dynABE), to predict the stock trend of major critical metal producers. Specifically, dynABE first utilizes domain knowledge to group the features into different "advisors," each advisor dealing with a particular economic sector. Then through ensembles of weak classifiers, each advisor produces a prediction result, and all the advisors are combined again in a biased online update fashion to dynamically make the final prediction. Based on a misclassification error of 32% for Jinchuan Group's stock (HKG: 2362), we further test a simple stock trading strategy, which leads to a back-tested return of 296%, or an excess return of 130% within one year. In addition, the feature set selected by dynABE also suggests potentially influential factors to metal criticality, because stock prices of major producers influence metal production. Therefore, not only does this research propose a novel framework for specialized stock trend prediction, it also provides domain insights into dynamic features that potentially influence metal criticality.
Bacteriological quality of crops irrigated with wastewater in the Xochimilco plots, Mexico City, Mexico

Xochimilco county plots (Mexico City), one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the Valley of Mexico, produce a large portion of the fresh vegetables consumed in the city. These plots are generally irrigated with domestic wastewater, and for this reason, it was deemed important to examine and evaluate the bacteriological quality of the water, soil, and vegetables from these plots that are harvested and marketed. The soils were also examined for the classical parameters such as nitrates, ammonia, etc., and organic matter and texture. The crops selected for this study were radishes, spinach, lettuce, parsley, and celery because they are usually consumed raw. The highest bacterial counts were encountered in leafy vegetables, i.e., spinach (8,700 for total coliform and 2,400 for fecal coliform) and lettuce (37,000 for total coliform and 3,600 for fecal coliform). Statistically significant differences in bacterial counts between rinsed and unrinsed edible portions of the crops were observed even in rinsed vegetables, and high densities of fecal coliform were detected, indicating that their consumption represents a potential health hazard. The total coliform values found in irrigation water ranged from 4 X 10(4) to 29 X 10(4), and for fecal coliform the values ranged from 5 X 10(2) to 30 X 10(2).
Ranking Decision Making Units in Fuzzy-DEA Using Entropy

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) can be regarded as a useful management tool to the assessment evaluation of decision making units (DMUs) using multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. In some cases, to evaluate the efficiency having imprecise inputs and outputs such as fuzzy or interval data the efficiency of DMUs won’t be exact as well. Most researches have been conducted were based on getting define efficiency and ranking so far. In this paper, the fuzzy efficiency scores of decision making units are counted and the entropy of which is determined and at the same time, they will be ranked from a new view point. To do this, maximum entropy as a special class weighting function is used, and then the fuzzy efficiency of DMUs considering the optimistic level will be computed. At the end, having a numerical example, the concept of method analyzed.
Students' Experience and attitude Towards Corporal Punishment in the Elementary Schools of the Central Zone of Tigray Region in Ethiopia

Abstract:Children in Ethiopia are legally protected against all forms of cruel and inhuman treatment including corporal punishment (CP) at school as well as other childcare institutions. They, indeed, enjoy a constitutional right in this regard. However, in reality, they are indiscriminately subjected to CP in schools. Their experience with CP in schools through their own voice is hardly heard. Aiming to obtain descriptive information concerning the nature and consequences of CP from students, this study was conducted in the second cycle elementary schools of the Central Zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Further, this study also assessed students' attitude towards CP and its association with some of their demographics. A group administered instrument pack with three sections was used to collect data from 670 students drawn using multistage cluster sampling procedure. The results indicated that a quarter of students are subjected to CP. More male students are punished with CP than female students. A wide range of students' behaviours attract CP. For the majority, CP did not lead to any psychological aftereffects. However, significant portions of students experienced various psychological effects of which some are of serious nature. CP resulted in different physical effects too. The attitude of students towards CP is predominantly negative. While student demographics such as grade level, fathers' education, mothers' education and their status of being corporally punished influence their attitude, gender does not influence it. Implications for further research, teacher training and reforms in policy implementation are explored.
Classroom learning environment in Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences: students' perspective.

BACKGROUND In 2009 the ISPO team conducted an analysis of the student performance at Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences (PIPOS) and concluded the situation 'unsatisfactory'. This study aims to explore the opinions of the current students regarding the nature of the classroom learning climate at PIPOS. METHODS This survey was carried out in 2010 at PIPOS, Peshawar. The data was collected on a self adapted questionnaire based on a literature review. It was distributed among the 48 students. The data was considered non-parametric categorical, hence contingency table statistics is applied in descriptive format. The statistics were analysed at 95% CI. RESULTS The replies reveal that the variables tested were imperative and it was appalling that the majority went for second score 'Fair' while fewer were in grade 'Good'. CONCLUSION PIPOS stands low in the ISPO 2010 report, with a high student failure rate due to issues related to curriculum and teaching methodology. There is a lot to improve relating the students' level up to the international standards.
Dimensions of hospital service quality: a critical review: perspective of patients from global studies.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to review the service quality dimensions established in various studies conducted across the world specifically applied to health care. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Studies conducted on quality of care selected from literature databases - Ebsco, Emerald Insight, ABI/Inform - was subjected to a comprehensive in-depth content analysis. FINDINGS Service quality has been extensively studied with considerable efforts taken to develop survey instruments for measuring purposes. The number of dimensional structure varies across the studies. Self-administered questionnaire dominates in terms of mode of administration adopted in the studies, with respondents ranging from 18 to 85 years. Target sample size ranged from 84-2,000 respondents in self-administered questionnaires and for mail administration ranged from 300-2,600 respondents. Studies vary in terms of the scores used ranging from four to ten-point scale. A total of 27 of the studies have used EFA, 11 studies have used structural equation modelling and eight studies used gap scores. Cronbach's alpha is the most commonly used measure of scale reliability. There is variation in terms of measuring the content, criteria and construct validation among the studies. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The literature offers dimensions used in assessing patient perceived service quality. The review reveals diversity and a plethora of dimensions and methodology to develop the construct discussed. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The reported study describes and contrasts a large number of service-quality measurement constructs and highlights the usage of dimensions. The findings are valuable to academics in terms of dimensions and methodology used, approach for analysis; whereas findings are of value to practitioners in terms of the dimensions found in the research and to identify the gap in their setting.