Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Making Sense of School Sanctioning Policies in Urban High Schools

Background/Context School sanctioning policies that allow for external intervention into and closure of low-performing schools have become central components of the current educational accountability movement. Recent studies indicate that these policies compel principals and teachers to alter school and classroom practices in ways that target resources toward efforts to improve schoolwide test scores. Focus of Study The present study extends this research by examining whether and how school sanctioning policies compel principals and teachers in urban high schools to address the failure that students experience in academic courses and on standardized tests. Research Design Using qualitative case study methods, we followed principals and teachers in two urban high schools placed under district sanctions as they sought to make sense of and respond to both their schools’ failure, as measured by standardized test scores, and high rates of academic course failure. The study employs a cultural sociological perspective to trace the explanations of school and course failure that the principals and teachers constructed as they interpreted the sanctioning policy, and to document the extent to which these interpretations became entrenched in school and classroom practices. Findings Analyses of interview and observation data indicate that faculty in both schools enacted numerous changes in response to district sanctions. Whether these changes become institutionalized as part of school or classroom practice depended on the principals’ and teachers’ abilities to mobilize schemas, material resources, and legitimacy. The changes that sanctioning prompted, however, had little impact on faculty efforts to address course failure. Course failure remained bound to a moral causality that located its cause in students’ moral deficiencies and that justified the attenuation of the schools’ responsibility for it. Conclusions The study's findings highlight the limits of school sanctioning policies to improve schooling for students in urban high schools and raise fundamental questions about to whom and for what such policies ultimately hold schools accountable.
Traffic‐related air pollution and dry night cough during the first 8 years of life

Editor, With great interest, we read the article by Sucharew et al. (1) published in this journal. The authors studied the association between traffic exhaust exposure and recurrent dry night cough during the first 3 yr of life in a cohort of 550 children of allergic parents living in the greater Cincinnati Ohio area. Children with traffic exhaust exposures in the highest tertile were found to have a 45% [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.45 (1.09–1.94)] increased risk of recurrent dry night cough compared to less exposed children. Few studies so far have investigated the association between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and dry night cough, and most data published so far including the data presented by Sucharew et al.(1) were limited to young children. Gehring et al. (2) reported significant positive associations between traffic-related air pollution (fine particulate matter, PM2.5; nitrogen dioxide, NO2; and soot) and dry night cough during the first year of life for 1756 participants of two German birth cohort studies living in the city of Munich [adj. OR (95% CI) 1.31 (1.07–1.60) per 1.5 lg/m increase in PM2.5; 1.36 (1.07–1.74) per 8.5 lg/m 3 NO2; and 1.27 (1.04–1.55) per 0.4 · 10/m soot]. During the second year of life, these associations were attenuated. Within the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) birth cohort study (3), we collected information on asthma and related symptoms including dry cough during the first 8 yr of life by means of annual standardized questionnaires. We recently reported statistically significant positive associations between traffic-related air pollution and the incidence of asthma [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) per 3.2 lg/m increase in PM2.5 1.28 (1.10–1.49)] and prevalence of asthma [1.26 (1.04–1.51)] as well as the prevalence of wheeze [1.20 (1.08–1.33)] and prevalence of asthma symptoms [1.15 (1.02–1.28)] during the first 8 yr of life (4). Age-specific associations from models with air pollution/age interaction terms revealed little variation of the effects of air pollution on asthma and related symptoms with age. Findings were similar for NO2 and soot. Dry night cough was not considered as a health outcome in this analysis. We do have information on traffic-related air pollution and dry night cough for a total of 3861 children. The annual prevalence of dry night cough ranged from 13.6 to 23.3% during the first 8 yr of life (Fig. 1). We analyzed the association between dry night cough and annual average levels of traffic-related air pollution (fine particulate matter, PM2.5; nitrogen dioxide, NO2; and soot) at the birth address by means of generalized estimation equations (GEE) as described previously (4) adjusting for confounding variables. Overall, there was a significant positive association between dry night cough and traffic-related air pollution [adj. OR (95% CI) 1.11 (1.02–1.22) per 3.2 lg/m increase in PM2.5; Age (yrs) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pr ev al en ce (% )
Anxiety mediates the impact of stress on psychosomatic symptoms in Chinese

The literature has stipulated that stress causes somatic symptoms; however, the pathway has not been empirically examined. This study examines the relationship between stress, anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms by investigating the mediating roles of anxiety and depression in the relationship between stress and somatic symptoms in the general Chinese population. Data were collected from 202 Chinese participants in a household survey conducted between August and September 2013 in Hong Kong. The measurements included a Patient Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Sociodemographics. By using structural equation modeling, anxiety was a significant mediator of the effect of stress on somatic symptoms (Z = 4.328, p < .001, 95% CI = .061, .152), even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. The findings imply that clinical presentation of somatic symptoms will be helpful for general practitioners in primary care in diagnosing anxiety.
Bayesian reconstruction strategy of fluorescence-mediated tomography using an integrated SPECT-CT-OT system

Following the assembly of a triple-modality SPECT-CT-OT small animal imaging system providing intrinsically co-registered projection data of all three submodalities and under the assumption and investigation of dual-labeled probes consisting of both fluorophores and radionuclides, a novel multi-modal reconstruction strategy is presented in this paper aimed at improving fluorescence-mediated tomography (FMT). The following reconstruction procedure is proposed: firstly, standard x-ray CT image reconstruction is performed employing the FDK algorithm. Secondly, standard SPECT image reconstruction is performed using OSEM. Thirdly, from the reconstructed CT volume data the surface boundary of the imaged object is extracted for finite element definition. Finally, the reconstructed SPECT data are used as a priori information within a Bayesian reconstruction framework for optical (FMT) reconstruction. We provide results of this multi-modal approach using phantom experimental data and illustrate that this strategy does suppress artifacts and facilitates quantitative analysis for optical imaging studies.
Towards topic-based summarization for interactive document viewing

Our research aims at interactive document viewers that can select and highlight relevant text passages on demand. Another related objective is the generation of topic-specific summaries of texts as opposed to general purpose summaries. This paper introduces our notions of discourse structure tree and level-of-detail tree. Both structures are used to represent relevant aspects of a text segment for the above mentioned purposes. Furthermore, we introduce a Knowledge Acquisition Framework for DIScourse processing (KAFDIS) that allows the incremental and efficient acquisition of knowledge for the reliable construction of the discourse structure graph and the level-of-detail tree based on cue phrases. An effective knowledge acquisition process is crucial to allow the economical development of systems that can handle a large variety of topics. Our knowledge acquisition approach ensures always a consistent knowledge base whose semantics are well controlled by the expert. It is an incremental approach that allows patching of the knowledge base as soon as the need arises without causing any inconsistencies. We also present promising experimental results with our approach.
Arabidopsis Casein Kinase 1-Like 6 Contains a Microtubule-Binding Domain and Affects the Organization of Cortical Microtubules1[W][OA]

Members of the casein kinase 1 (CK1) family are evolutionarily conserved eukaryotic protein kinases that are involved in various cellular, physiological, and developmental processes in yeast and metazoans, but the biological roles of CK1 members in plants are not well understood. Here, we report that an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CK1 member named casein kinase 1-like 6 (CKL6) associates with cortical microtubules in vivo and phosphorylates tubulins in vitro. The unique C-terminal domain of CKL6 was shown to contain the signal that allows localization of CKL6 to the cortical microtubules. This domain on its own was sufficient to associate with microtubules in vivo and to bind tubulins in vitro. CKL6 was able to phosphorylate soluble tubulins as well as microtubule polymers, and its endogenous activity was found to associate with a tubulin-enriched subcellular fraction. Two major in vitro phosphorylation sites were mapped to serine-413 and serine-420 of tubulin β. Ectopic expression of wild-type CKL6 or a kinase-inactive mutant form induced alterations in cortical microtubule organization and anisotropic cell expansion. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CKL6 is a protein kinase containing a novel tubulin-binding domain and plays a role in anisotropic cell growth and shape formation in Arabidopsis through the regulation of microtubule organization, possibly through the phosphorylation of tubulins.
Detecting Auto Insurance Fraud by Data Mining Techniques

The paper presents fraud detection method to predict and analyze fraud patterns from data. To generate classifiers, we apply the Naive Bayesian Classification, and Decision Tree-Based algorithms. A brief description of the algorithm is provided along with its application in detecting fraud. The same data is used for both the techniques. We analyze and interpret the classifier predictions. The model prediction is supported by Bayesian Naive Visualization, Decision Tree visualization, and Rule-Based Classification. We evaluate techniques to solve fraud detection in automobile insurance.
Electrical artificial skin using ultraflexible organic transistor

We demonstrate ultrathin, ultraflexible, large-area pressure sensors based on an organic transistor integrated circuit. A 10-m-thick plastic film with an organic transistor active matrix is developed that can be bent to a bending radius of less than 1 mm to create an electrical artificial skin (E-skin). The thin-film, flexible pressure-sensor matrix is implemented on a curved surface, and the spatial distribution of pressure is successfully obtained in real time.
Final Report : Keyword extraction from text

We have devised a model for tagging stack overflow questions with keywords which help classify them into meaningful categories. We have explored various features like bigram, code based, length of text and models like naive bayes, logistic regression and search based approach (tf-idf) . Topic models were also explored and used as another feature to boost the discriminatory power of the model. Multilabel logistic regression along with these features is the technique that came out to be the best for this task. We dealt with challenges of cleaning the large dataset, running online LDA over it and efficiently implementing the models that scales to large dataset.
Multiple roles for sialylated glycans in determining the cardiopulmonary 1 tropism of adeno-associated virus 4 2 3 4

24 25 Adeno-associated virus 4 (AAV4) is one of the most divergent serotypes amongst known 26 AAV isolates. Mucins or O-linked sialoglycans have been identified as the primary attachment 27 receptor for AAV4 in vitro. However, little is known about the role(s) played by sialic acid 28 interactions in determining AAV4 tissue tropism in vivo. In the current study, we first 29 characterized two loss-of-function mutants obtained by screening a randomly mutated AAV4 30 capsid library. Both mutants harbored several amino acid residue changes localized to the three31 fold icosahedral symmetry axes on the AAV4 capsid and displayed low transduction efficiency 32 in vitro. This defect was attributed to decreased cell surface binding as well as uptake of mutant 33 virions. These results were further corroborated by low transgene expression and recovery of 34 mutant viral genomes in cardiac and lung tissue following intravenous administration in mice. 35 Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed rapid clearance of AAV4 mutants from the blood circulation 36 in conjunction with low hemagluttination potential ex vivo. These results were recapitulated in 37 mice pre-treated intravenously with sialidase, directly confirming the role of sialic acids in 38 determining AAV4 tissue tropism. Taken together, our results support the notion that blood39 borne AAV4 particles interact sequentially with O-linked sialoglycans expressed abundantly on 40 erythrocytes followed by cardiopulmonary tissues and subsequently for viral cell entry. 41
The Bacillus subtilis 168 alkaline phosphatase III gene: impact of a phoAIII mutation on total alkaline phosphatase synthesis

The first alkaline phosphatase (APase) structural gene mutant of Bacillus subtilis 168 was constructed by using a clone identified by hybridization to a synthetic degenerative oligonucleotide. The design of the probe was based on the first 29 amino acids of the sequenced mature APase III protein, which had been isolated from the secreted fraction of vegetative, phosphate-starved cells. DNA sequencing of the clone revealed the first 80 amino acids of the APase III protein, including a typical procaryotic signal sequence of 32 amino acids preceding the start of the mature protein. The 29 amino acids encoded by the predicted open reading frame immediately following the signal sequence are identical to the first 29 amino acids of the sequenced mature protein. This region shows 80% identity to strand A of the beta sheet that is very well conserved in Escherichia coli and mammalian APases. A phoAIII structural mutant was constructed by insertional mutagenesis with a fragment internal to the coding region. The effects of this mutation on APase production in B. subtilis 168 were analyzed under both phosphate starvation and sporulation conditions. The mutation in APase III reduced the total vegetative APase specific activity by approximately 40% and sporulation APase specific activity by approximately 45%. An APase protein was isolated from sporulating cells at stage III and was identified as APase III by protein sequencing of the amino terminus and by its absence in the phoAIII mutant. The APase III gene has been mapped to approximately 50 degrees on the B. subtilis chromosome.
Navigation, Wayfinding, and Place Experience within a Virtual City

We report a qualitative study of navigation, wayfinding, and place experience within a virtual city. Cityscape is a virtual environment (VE), partially algorithmically generated and intended to be redolent of the aggregate forms of real cities. In the present study, we observed and interviewed participants during and following exploration of a desktop implementation of Cityscape. A number of emergent themes were identified and are presented and discussed. Observing the interaction with the virtual city suggested a continuous relationship between real and virtual worlds. Participants were seen to attribute real-world properties and expectations to the contents of the virtual world. The implications of these themes for the construction of virtual environments modeled on real-world forms are considered.
Gamified training for vehicular user interfaces — Effects on drivers' behavior

In densely populated areas, we currently see a paradigm shift in personal mobility. For the younger generation, car usership is gradually replacing the need of car ownership. However, for example, when relying on car sharing solutions, users often spontaneously drive cars they are not used to. Results are increased stress and a higher risk of accidents. For that reason, we present a mobile application-based training solution for vehicular user interfaces. The evaluation of the training application has shown that a short training cannot counteract the negative influence of operating comfort car functions while driving. The use of game design elements in the application increased the training motivation, but also lowered the information reception.
DNA methylation differences associated with tumor tissues identified by genome scanning analysis.

Most investigations on the role of DNA methylation in cancer have focused on epigenetic changes associated with known tumor suppressor genes. This may have led to an underestimation of the number of CpG islands altered by DNA methylation, since it is possible that a subset of unknown genes relevant to cancer development may preferentially be affected by epigenetic rather than genetic means and would not be identified as familial deletions, mutations, or loss of heterozygosity. We used a recently developed screening procedure (methylation-sensitive arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction to scan genomic DNA for CpG islands methylated in white blood cells (WBCs) and in tumor tissues. DNA methylation pattern analysis showed little interindividual differences in the WBCs and normal epithelium (adjacent to colon, bladder, and prostate cancer cells), but with some tissue-specific differences. Cancer cells showed marked methylation changes that varied considerably between different tumors, suggesting variable penetrance of the methylation phenotype in patients. Direct sequencing of 8 of 45 bands altered in these cancers showed that several of them were CpG islands, and 2 of these sequences were identified in GenBank. Surprisingly, three of the bands studied corresponded to transcribed regions of genes. Thus, hypermethylation of CpG islands in cancer cells is not confined to the promoters of growth regulatory genes but is also found in actively transcribed regions.
Imaging in Colorectal Cancer: Progress and Challenges for the Clinicians

The use of imaging in colorectal cancer (CRC) has significantly evolved over the last twenty years, establishing important roles in surveillance, diagnosis, staging, treatment selection and follow up. The range of modalities has broadened with the development of novel tracer and contrast agents, and the fusion of technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). Traditionally, the most widely used modality for assessing treatment response in metastasised colon and rectal tumours is CT, combined with use of the RECIST guidelines. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that tumour size does not always adequately correlate with clinical outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a more versatile technique and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI and diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI may be used to evaluate biological and functional effects of treatment. Integrated fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT combines metabolic and anatomical imaging to improve sensitivity and specificity of tumour detection, and a number of studies have demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy of this modality in a variety of tumour types, including CRC. These developments have enabled the progression of treatment strategies in rectal cancer and improved the detection of hepatic metastatic disease, yet are not without their limitations. These include technical, economical and logistical challenges, along with a lack of robust evidence for standardisation and formal guidance. In order to successfully apply these novel imaging techniques and utilise their benefit to provide truly personalised cancer care, advances need to be clinically realised in a routine and robust manner.
Design and analysis of an underwater inductive coupling power transfer system for autonomous underwater vehicle docking applications

We develop a new kind of underwater inductive coupling power transfer (ICPT) system to evaluate wireless power transfer in autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) docking applications. Parameters that determine the performance of the system are systematically analyzed through mathematical methods. A circuit simulation model and a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation model are developed to study the power losses of the system, including copper loss in coils, semiconductor loss in circuits, and eddy current loss in transmission media. The characteristics of the power losses can provide guidelines to improve the efficiency of ICPT systems. Calculation results and simulation results are validated by relevant experiments of the prototype system. The output power of the prototype system is up to 45 W and the efficiency is up to 0.84. The preliminary results indicate that the efficiency will increase as the transmission power is raised by increasing the input voltage. When the output power reaches 500 W, the efficiency is expected to exceed 0.94. The efficiency can be further improved by choosing proper semiconductors and coils. The analysis methods prove effective in predicting the performance of similar ICPT systems and should be useful in designing new systems.
MicroRNA Profiling in Muc2 Knockout Mice of Colitis-Associated Cancer Model Reveals Epigenetic Alterations during Chronic Colitis Malignant Transformation

Our previous studies have demonstrated that genetic deletion of the Muc2 gene causes colorectal cancers in mice. The current study further showed that at the early stage (<3 months) the Muc2 knockout mice spontaneously developed chronic inflammation in colon and rectum, similar pathological features as human colitis; and at the late stage (>3 months) the mice exhibited colorectal cancer, including a unique phenotype of rectal prolapsed (rectal severe inflammation and adenocarcinoma). Thus, the age of 3 months might be the key point of the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer. To determine the mechanisms of the malignant transformation, we conducted miRNA array on the colonic epithelial cells from the 3-month Muc2 −/− and +/+ mice. MicroRNA profiling showed differential expression of miRNAs (i.e. lower or higher expression enrichments) in Muc2 −/− mice. 15 of them were validated by quantitative PCR. Based on relevance to cytokine and cancer, 4 miRNAs (miR-138, miR-145, miR-146a, and miR-150) were validate and were found significantly downregulated in human colitis and colorectal cancer tissues. The network of the targets of these miRNAs was characterized, and interestedly, miRNA-associated cytokines were significantly increased in Muc2 −/−mice. This is the first to reveal the importance of aberrant expression of miRNAs in dynamically transformation from chronic colitis to colitis-associated cancer. These findings shed light on revealing the mechanisms of chronic colitis malignant transformation.