Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Narrative Inquiry: Experience and Story in Qualitative Research

'The literature on narrative inquiry has been, until now, widely scattered and theoretically incomplete. Clandinin and Connelly have created a major tour de force. This book is lucid, fluid, beautifully argued, and rich in examples. Students will find a wealth of arguments to support their research, and teaching faculty will find everything they need to teach narrative inquiry theory and methods' - Yvonna S. Lincoln, professor, Department of Educational Administration, Texas A&M University.Understanding experience as lived and told stories - also known as narrative inquiry - has gained popularity and credence in qualitative research. Unlike more traditional methods, narrative inquiry successfully captures personal and human dimensions that cannot be quantified into dry facts and numerical data. In this definitive guide, Jean Clandinin and Michael Connelly draw from more than twenty years of field experience to show how narrative inquiry can be used in educational and social science research. Tracing the origins of narrative inquiry in the social sciences, they offer new and practical ideas for conducting fieldwork, composing field notes, and conveying research results. Throughout the book, stories and examples reveal a wide range of narrative methods. Engaging and easy to read, "Narrative Inquiry" is a practical resource from experts who have long pioneered the use of narrative in qualitative research.
Online learning of color transformation for interactive object recognition under various lighting conditions

This paper describes an online learning method of color transformation for interactive object recognition. In order to recognize objects under various lighting conditions, the system estimates a color transformation from the color of an object model by observing the color of a reference object. The system first initializes a general color transformation. Next, the system automatically recognizes a target object with the color transformation. When the system fails in recognition, the system recovers the failure with user interaction. Then the system improves the color transformation with an observed color pair of the recognized target object. By repeating, this process, the system adapts to the new environment. Experiments using real-world refrigerator scenes are shown.
Results of gait analysis including the Oxford foot model in children with clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to evaluate how clubfeet treated with the Ponseti method compare with control feet in gait analysis and whether additional information can be provided by the Oxford foot model. METHODS All patients with a minimum age of three years in our prospective database of clubfeet treated with the Ponseti method were considered for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were an associated syndrome or neurological disease, positional (slight) clubfoot, and presentation at an age of more than three months. Of the 125 patients with 199 clubfeet who satisfied the criteria, thirty-six (29%) agreed to participate in the study. Four of these were excluded because of insufficient gait analysis data, leaving thirty-two patients with fifty clubfeet for evaluation. Clinical examination and three-dimensional gait analysis including the Oxford foot model were performed, and a disease-specific questionnaire was administered. Kinetic and kinematic results were compared with those of an age-matched control group (n = 15). RESULTS The mean score on the disease-specific questionnaire was 83.5. Gait analysis showed significantly decreased range of motion, plantar flexion, and power of the ankle compared with controls. The mean external foot progression angle of 5.7° in the Ponseti group was slightly less than that in the controls. Slight intoeing occurred in 24%, and 12% did not achieve a neutral position during swing phase. Slight compensation was observed, including external rotation of the hip in 28%. The Oxford foot model revealed differences in foot motion between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Clubfoot treatment with the Ponseti method yielded good clinical results with high functional scores. Three-dimensional gait analysis demonstrated distinctive but slight deviations. Intoeing was less frequent and less severe compared with groups in the literature. We recommend the use of three-dimensional gait analysis, including a foot model, as an objective tool for evaluation of the results of clubfoot treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
COMPARISON OF THE FAT ELIMINATION BETWEEN LONG-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES AND MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES IN RATS WITH ISCHEMIC ACUTE RENAL FAILURE

To guide the administration of fat emulsion in the nutritional support of acute renal failure (ARF), pharmacokinetic analysis with an one-compartment open model after bolus intravenous injection was performed to compare the elimination kinetics of long-chain triglycerides (LCT) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in ischemic acute renal failure rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups, namely LCT normal group, LCT ARF group, MCT normal group and MCT ARF group. The model of ischemic acute renal failure was induced by clamping the left renal artery for 60 min and contralateral nephrectomy. All the rats were fasted with water ad libitum for 10 h before 0.3 g/kg body weight of 10% Intralipid (LCT) or 10% Lipofundin (MCT:LCT = 50:50) was injected as a bolus to them via the tail vein. The serum triglyceride concentration was determined at 2, 10, 40, 70, 100, 130 and 160 min after intravenous injection for kinetic analysis. The results showed that the elimination rate constant (ke) of LCT ARF group was significantly decreased, while the half life period (t1/2) of it was significantly longer than those of LCT normal group. The ke and t1/2 of MCT showed no statistical difference between normal and ARF groups. In the normal group the ke of LCT was significantly decreased compared with MCT whereas the t1/2 was significantly prolonged. In the ARF group the ke of LCT was much less than that of MCT while the t1/2 was much longer. The serum insulin levels of both MCT groups were significantly higher than those of LCT groups. These results indicate that MCT will be eliminated more rapidly than LCT in ARF rats. MCT may also increase the secretion of insulin. In conclusion, MCT may be more favorable than LCT in the nutritional management of ARF.
On Security Vulnerabilities of Null Data Frames in IEEE 802.11 Based WLANs

Null data frames are a special but important type of frames in IEEE 802.11 based wireless local area networks (e.g., 802.11 WLANs). They are widely used for power management, channel scanning and association keeping alive. The wide applications of null data frames come from their salient features such as lightweight frame format and implementation flexibility. However, such features can be taken advantage of by malicious attackers to launch a variety of attacks. In this paper, we identify the potential security vulnerabilities in the current applications of null data frames. We then study two types of attacks taking advantage of these vulnerabilities in detail, and evaluate their effectiveness based on extensive experiments. Finally, we point out that our work has broader impact in that similar vulnerabilities exist in many other networks.
Applying Unidirectional versus Reciprocal Teaching Strategies in Web-Based Environment and Their Effects on Computer Programming Learning

This study aimed to investigate effects of unidirectional versus reciprocal teaching strategies on computer programming learning. Thus, this study conducted an experiment with participating novice programmers, who applied no strategies, unidirectional, and reciprocal teaching strategies for computer programming learning by using a web-based learning system (VPen). Yet, this study explored participants' perceptions toward the VPen system and the strategies. The paper reports results of this study as well as it provides useful suggestions on application of the strategies by using the VPen for teaching and research community of this field and for future studies.
Adenosine Signaling Mediates Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells on Mineralized Matrices

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are attractive cell sources for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal and differentiation ability. Design of biomaterials with an intrinsic ability that promotes hESC differentiation to the targeted cell type boasts significant advantages for tissue regeneration. We have previously developed biomineralized calcium phosphate (CaP) matrices that inherently direct osteogenic differentiation of hESCs without the need of osteogenic-inducing chemicals or growth factors. Here, we show that CaP matrix-driven osteogenic differentiation of hESCs occurs through A2b adenosine receptor (A2bR). The inhibition of the receptor with an A2bR-specific antagonist attenuated mineralized matrix-mediated osteogenic differentiation of hESCs. In addition, when cultured on matrices in an environment deficient of CaP minerals, exogenous adenosine promoted osteogenic differentiation of hESCs, but was attenuated by the inhibition of A2bR. Such synthetic matrices that intrinsically support osteogenic commitment of hESCs are not only beneficial for bone tissue engineering but can also be used as a platform to study the effect of the physical and chemical cues to the extracellular milieu on stem cell commitment. Insights into the cell signaling during matrix-induced differentiation of stem cells will also help define the key processes and enable discovery of new targets that promote differentiation of pluripotent stem cells for bone tissue engineering.
A rational framework for evaluating the next generation of vaccines against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Since the early 1980s, several investigations have focused on developing a vaccine against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of Johne's disease in cattle and sheep. These studies used whole-cell inactivated vaccines that have proven useful in limiting disease progression, but have not prevented infection. In contrast, modified live vaccines that invoke a Th1 type immune response, may improve protection against infection. Spurred by recent advances in the ability to create defined knockouts in MAP, several independent laboratories have developed modified live vaccine candidates by transpositional mutation of virulence and metabolic genes in MAP. In order to accelerate the process of identification and comparative evaluation of the most promising modified live MAP vaccine candidates, members of a multi-institutional USDA-funded research consortium, the Johne's disease integrated program (JDIP), met to establish a standardized testing platform using agreed upon protocols. A total of 22 candidates vaccine strains developed in five independent laboratories in the United States and New Zealand voluntarily entered into a double blind stage gated trial pipeline. In Phase I, the survival characteristics of each candidate were determined in bovine macrophages. Attenuated strains moved to Phase II, where tissue colonization of C57/BL6 mice were evaluated in a challenge model. In Phase III, five promising candidates from Phase I and II were evaluated for their ability to reduce fecal shedding, tissue colonization and pathology in a baby goat challenge model. Formation of a multi-institutional consortium for vaccine strain evaluation has revealed insights for the implementation of vaccine trials for Johne's disease and other animal pathogens. We conclude by suggesting the best way forward based on this 3-phase trial experience and challenge the rationale for use of a macrophage-to-mouse-to native host pipeline for MAP vaccine development.
Application of four-layer neural network on information extraction

This paper applies neural network to extract marsh information. An adaptive back-propagation algorithm based on a robust error function is introduced to build a four-layer neural network, and it is used to classify Thematic Mapper (TM) image of Zhalong Wetland in China and then extract marsh information. Comparing marsh information extraction results of the four-layer neural network with three-layer neural network and the maximum likelihood classifier, conclusion can be drawn as follows: the structure of the four-layer neural network and the adaptive back-propagation algorithm based on the robust error function is effective to extract marsh information. The four-layer neural network adopted in this paper succeeded in building the complex model of TM image, and it avoided the problem of great storage of remotely sensed data, and the adaptive back-propagation algorithm speeded up the descending of error. Above all, the four-layer neural network is superior to the three-layer neural network and the maximum likelihood classifier in the accuracy of the total classification and marsh information extraction.
International Outsourcing and Wage Rigidity: A Formal Approach and First Empirical Evidence

International Outsourcing effects on labor markets are mostly analyzed within flexible wage settings. Using a modern duality approach, this paper formally investigates differences occurring in industries with low skilled wage rigidity and, for the first time in literature, presents empirical evidence supporting the theoretical findings. Using a logit model to analyze microeconomic German panel data, results show that International Outsourcing significantly increases low skilled unemployment when taking place in industries characterized by low skilled wage rigidity. Thus, in terms of unemployment, not International Outsourcing but inflexible labor market institutions instead should be blamed for harming low skilled labor.
Branchial expression and localization of SLC9A2 and SLC9A3 sodium/hydrogen exchangers and their possible role in acid–base regulation in freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

SUMMARY Experiments were conducted on adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to test the hypothesis that SLC9 Na+/H+ exchangers (SLC9A2, NHE2; and SLC9A3, NHE3) on the gill epithelium are localized specifically to a subset of mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs) that are unable to bind peanut lectin agglutinin (PNA). This cell type, termed the PNA– MRC, is a sub-type of MRC believed to function in Na+ uptake and acid excretion. A technique using biotinylated PNA was used to distinguish between the PNA– and PNA+ MRCs on fixed gill sections. In contrast to expectations, both NHE2 (mRNA) and NHE3 (protein) were confined to cells enriched with Na+/K+-ATPase and capable of binding PNA. Thus, in trout, NHE2 and NHE3 are localized to PNA+ MRCs, the cells previously believed to be responsible for Cl– uptake and base excretion. Levels of mRNA for NHE2, the predominant isoform in the gill, were increased during 72 h of hypercapnic acidosis; NHE3 mRNA and protein levels were unaffected. Because plasma cortisol levels were increased during hypercapnia (from 35.3±9.4 to 100.1±30.9 ng ml–1), the effects of experimentally elevated cortisol levels on NHE expression were investigated. The elevation of plasma cortisol using intraperitoneal implants caused a significant increase in NHE2 mRNA expression without affecting NHE3 mRNA or protein abundance. Thus, we suggest that NHE2 contributes to acid–base regulation during hypercapnia owing to its transcriptional regulation by cortisol. The finding of NHE expression in PNA+ MRCs is discussed with reference to current models of ionic and acid–base regulation in teleost fish.
Heterogeneity in IT Landscapes and Monopoly Power of Firms: A Model to Quantify Heterogeneity

The term "heterogeneity" is widely used to describe complex IT systems and can refer to various characteristics, such as vendor, technology, or semantic diversity of the systems components. However, no commonly accepted definition or quantification of this “diversity” can be found in IS literature. In this article we transfer well-studied measures from other disciplines (especially economics and the anti-monopoly legislation) to heterogeneity in IT landscapes. The two main contributions of this article are A) the definition of heterogeneity in an IT landscape as a statistical property – which therefore can be measured by statistical indexes and B) a generic approach to quantify heterogeneity in IT landscapes. The applicability of the conceptualization and the approach to quantify heterogeneity is demonstrated in two real IT organizations.
A Policy-Improving System with a Mixture of Bayesian Networks Adapting Agents to Continuously Changing Environments

A variety of adaptive learning systems which adapt themselves to complicated environments has been studied and developed in the broad field of AI researches. For example, many reinforcement learning (RL) methods have been proposed to adapt agents to the environments. At the same time, Bayesian network (BN), one of the stochastic models, has attracted increasing attention due to its noise robustness, reasoning power, etc. We have proposed a system improving RL agents' policies with a mixture model of RNs, and have evaluated the adapting performance of our system. Each structure of BN can be regarded as a stochastic knowledge representation in the policy acquired through RL. It has been confirmed that the agent with our system could improve their policies by the information derived from the mixture, and then could adequately adapt to dynamically-switched environments. In this research, we propose a method to appropriately normalize mixing parameters of the mixture for the use in common adaptive learning systems, and evaluate the fundamental performance of our system in continuously-changing environment
Susceptibility pathways in Fanconi's anemia and breast cancer.

The study of rare genetic diseases can lead to insights into the cause and treatment of common diseases. An example is the rare chromosomal instability disorder, Fanconi Anemia (FA). Studies of this disease have elucidated general mechanisms of bone marrow failure, cancer pathogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. The principal features of FA are aplastic anemia in childhood, susceptibility to cancer or leukemia, and hypersensitivity of FA cells to DNA cross-linking agents. There are thirteen FA genes, and one of these genes is identical to the well known breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2. The corresponding FA proteins cooperate in the recognition and repair of damaged DNA. Inactivation of FA genes occurs not only in FA patients but also in a variety of cancers in the general population. These findings have broad implications for predicting the sensitivity and resistance of tumors to conventional anti-cancer agents, to inhibitors of poly-ADP ribose polymerase 1, an enzyme involved in DNA repair, and to other inhibitors of DNA repair.
Flexible hardware abstraction of the TI MSP430 microcontroller in TinyOS

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) promote energy-efficiency as the main design criterion. This introduces rather conflicting requirements for the hardware adaptation layer. Maximizing the efficiency requires that the presentation must closely mimic the underlying hardware model. On the other hand, increasing the level of abstraction simplifies the development, but at the cost of lowered efficiency because it obstructs the link between the application and the hardware. As new microcontrollers and radios are introduced for use in WSNs, applications must be able to effectively use new low power features and peripherals. The MSP430 family of microcontrollers by Texas Instruments is specifically designed for ultra-low-power applications. It incorporates a 16-Bit RISC CPU, peripherals and a clock system. The MSP430F149 is one of the most popular members of the family. As shown in Fig. 1, it has 60 KB Flash, 2 KB of RAM and a flexible clock system sourced by an internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) and/or two external oscillators. It also contains a 12-Bit A/D Converter, two independent timers and two USARTs.
Birth Order and Sibling Gender Ratio of a Clinical Sample Broader Autism Phenotype in Iranian Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders vs. Normal Children

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the broader autism phenotype in Iranian parents of children with autism spectrum disorders and parents of typically developing children. Method: Parents of children with ASD and parents of typically developing children were asked to complete the Persian version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). In the ASD group, families included 204 parents (96 fathers and 108 mothers) of children diagnosed as having autism (Autistic Disorder, or AD) (n=124), Asperger Syndrome (AS) or High Functioning Autism (HFA) (n=48) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) (n=32) by psychiatrists based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4thedition (DSM-IV-TR) criteria. In the control group, 210 (108 fathers and 102 mothers) parents of typically developing children. Parents of typically developing children were selected from four primary schools. Based on family reports, their children did not have any psychiatric problems. Total AQ score and each of the 5 subscales were analyzed using two-way ANOVAs with sex and group as factors.
Cognitive radio network as wireless sensor network (II): Security consideration

This is the second paper in a series of using cognitive radio network as wireless sensor network. The motivation of the paper is to push the convergence of radar and communication systems into a unified cognitive network. This paper studies this vision from a secure point of view. We propose two methods for robust spectrum sensing in the same framework of cognitive radio network. The first method is based on robust principal component analysis (PCA), to separate spectrum sensing results into the low rank signal matrix and the sparse attack matrix. Using sparse attack cancellation in least squares, the second method iteratively estimates the relative transmitted power of primary user under the threats of attackers. Then the relative transmitted power of primary user can be calculated from the recovered signal matrix. Both two methods can detect the sparse compromised cognitive radio nodes and effectively obtain the relative transmitted power.
Out of Play: Critical Essays on Gender and Sport

From beer ads in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue to four-year-old boys and girls playing soccer; from male athletes’ sexual violence against women to homophobia and racism in sport, Out of Play analyzes connections between gender and sport from the 1980s to the present. The book illuminates a wide range of contemporary issues in popular culture, children’s sports, and women’s and men’s college and professional sports. Each chapter is preceded by a short introduction that lays out the context in which the piece was written. Drawing on his own memories as a former athlete, informal observations of his children’s sports activities, and more formal research such as life-history interviews with athletes and content analyses of sports media, Michael A. Messner presents a multifaceted picture of gender constructed through an array of personalities, institutions, cultural symbols, and everyday interactions.