Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latino College Students Attending Highly Selective Universities: The Role of Ethnic Identity

Latinos trail behind their non-Latino White peers in academic achievement from early childhood through higher education. While attention has been paid to improving Latinos high school completion and college enrollment rates, far less attention has been given to college completion. This study utilized quantitative data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshman (NLSF) to address two overarching research questions: (1) Is a culturally accepting/inclusive school climate related to positive academic outcomes? and (2) Does the effect of the cultural climate on student achievement vary by students’ ethnic identity? The sample was comprised of 917 Latino college students attending 28 selective universities from across the nation. The empirical research on these areas of interest has produced mixed results. This may be partially due to ethnic identity and academic outcomes being defined and measured differently from one study to another, making it difficult to make comparisons from one study to another. This study examined ethnic identity from a multi-dimensional perspective and examined academic achievement from a mainstream and Latino perspective (students’ ability to obtain a formal education while maintaining strong family/community ties). The cultural school climate was related to five outcomes (timely degree completion, increased academic aspirations and connectedness to family, community, and ethnic group). The effect of the cultural climate on student achievement was dependent on students’ ethnic identity for seven outcomes (i.e. grades earned, timely degree completion, degree completion (six years), increased aspirations, reduced aspirations, family connectedness, and feeling resented by one’s ethnic group). The majority of these students completed their degree and earned high grades, however, a sizeable amount reported their going to college made them feel less part of their family and reported feeling resented by members of their ethnic group. This study supports the need to develop targeted programs to serve a range of Latino students because depending on the outcome in question and/or students’ unique dimensions of ethnic identity, some students stand to benefit more from culturally inclusive learning environments than others. Also, this study shows schools can strengthen students’ relationships with family and their ethnic group while also nurturing their academic aspirations and timely completion.
Diversity Management: Is it an Important Issue in Hotel Industry in Egypt?

Diversity management has become a critical aspect of operating a business. Continued developments in organizational globalization and the increasing workforce participation rates of diverse groups put diversity issues at centre stage. Literature of human resources emphasized that the cost of replacing a manager is $48 000, and other staff members is $12 000. calculations of turnover costs of $75,000 for females in a professional services firm, included replacement costs associated with searching for and interviewing new applicants. Diversity management has a great positive effect upon minimizing employee turnover and absenteeism. The study tried to explore the overall picture of managing human resources diversity in Five-Star hotels in Cairo and Luxor (two important tourist cities in Egypt). A field study of 348 questionnaires was yielded representing managers and subordinates across five-Star hotels in Cairo and Luxor positively shared the study. The study reveals a positive and supportive employment culture, a strong sense of advancement among the workforce where specific managerial issues need to be enhanced and entitled parties should bear their responsibility. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge in diversity management literature hospitality. Policy makers and institutions might benefit from this research by understanding the effect of internal organization culture on diversity management related issues. This article provides an understanding of specific diversity supported issues interrelated impacts that hotel organizations could employ.
Enhancement-Mode GaN MIS-HEMTs With n-GaN/i-AlN/n-GaN Triple Cap Layer and High- $k$ Gate Dielectrics

This letter presents details of high-performance enhancement-mode GaN MIS high-electron-mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT) devices. Devices with an n-GaN/i-AlN/n-GaN triple cap layer, a recessed-gate structure, and high- k gate dielectrics show high drain current and complete enhancement-mode operation. The maximum drain current and threshold voltage (V th) are 800 mA/mm and +3 V, respectively. These results indicate that a recessed AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT with the triple cap could be a promising new technology for future device applications.
A weighted low-rank matrix approximation based template matching scheme for inter-frame prediction

In the field of video coding, inter-frame prediction plays an important role in improving compression efficiency. This task is achieved by finding a predictor for each block such that the residual data can be close to zero as much as possible. For recent video coding standards, motion vectors are required for a decoder to locate the predictors during video reconstruction. Block matching algorithms are usually utilized in the stage of motion estimation to find such motion vectors. For decoderside inter-frame predictive coding, proper templates are defined and template matching algorithms are used to produce a predictor for each block such that the overhead information to transmit motion vectors can be avoided. However, the conventional criteria of either block matching or template matching algorithms may lead to the generation of worse predictors. To enhance coding efficiency, a weighted low-rank matrix approximation approach for decoder-side inter-frame prediction is proposed in this paper. By finding dominating block candidates as well as their corresponding importance factors, a predictor for each block is formed. Together with mode decision, the coder can switch to a better mode between the motion compensation by block matching and the proposed template matching scheme which can operate at decoder side.
Localized rosuvastatin via implantable bioerodible sponge and its potential role in augmenting bone healing and regeneration

Abstract Objective: Statins proved potential bone healing properties. Rosuvastatin is a synthetic, hydrophilic, potent and highly efficacious statin. In the current work, an attempt was investigated to develop, evaluate various bioerodible composite sponges enclosing rosuvastatin and explore their potential in augmenting bone healing and regeneration. Method: Twelve lyophilized sponge formulae were prepared adapting a 41.31 full factorial design. Xanthan gum, polycarbophil, Carbopol® and sodium alginate were investigated as anionic polymers, each at three chitosan:anionic polymer ratios (1:3, 1:1, 3:1). The formula of choice was implanted in fractured rat femora. Results: Visual and microscopic examination showed flexible homogenous porous structures with considerable bending ability. Polyelectrolyte complex formation was proved by DSC and FT-IR for all chitosan/anionic combinations except with xanthan gum where chitosan probably bound to the drug rather than xanthan gum. Statistical analysis proved that anionic polymer type and chitosan: polymer ratio, as well as, their interactions, exhibited significant effects on the release parameters at p ≤ 0.05. The optimum chitosan/anionic polymer complexation ratios were 3:1 for polycarbophil and 1:1 for Carbopol and alginate. The release at these ratios followed Fiction diffusion while other ratios had anomalous diffusion. Imwitor® 900K and HPMC K100M were added as release retarardants for further release optimization. The formula of choice was implanted in fractured rat femora. Histopathological examination revealed advanced stages of healing in treated femora compared to control ones. Conclusion: Biodegradable sponges for local rosuvastatin delivery proved significantly enhanced wound healing and regeneration properties to fractured bones.
Time domain scattering of scalar waves by two spheres in free-space

The formulation of time domain scattering of scalar waves by two scatterers of arbitrary shape is constructed using an equivalent of the T-matrix method formulated in the time domain. In the given solution, the positions of the scatterers are arbitrary, i.e., no simple special case of translation is chosen for them. The whole analysis is performed in the time domain requiring no inverse Fourier integrals to be evaluated. Scattering by two soft spheres in free-space is studied, as an example, in order to check the numerical accuracy, and demonstrate the utility of the expressions.
Cardiac Findings in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of cardiac structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Our study included 35 patients with ALS without a history of cardiac disease and an age- and gender-matched healthy control group (n = 34). All subjects received a CMR in a 1.5-T whole-body scanner. Patients were also screened with Holter monitoring, echocardiography, and a blood test of cardiac markers. Myocardial mass in ALS hearts was reduced compared to the control group, and ejection volumes in the left and right heart were severely decreased in ALS patients, as shown by echocardiography and CMR. The myocardium showed increased T1 enhancement in 77% of the patients compared to 27% of controls (p = 0.0001). A trend toward late gadolinium enhancement patterns consistent with myocardial fibrosis was observed in 23.5% of the patients (9.1% of controls). Holter monitoring was normal in all patients as well as troponin T. Cardiac involvement seems to be present in ALS patients without clinical cardiac symptoms and with a normal cardiac routine assessment. Structural myocardial defects in CMR may be due to sympathetic dysfunction and may account for reported cardiac deaths in late-stage ALS patients.
Selective Regulation of Bone Cell Apoptosis by Translational Isoforms of the Glucocorticoid Receptor

ABSTRACT Glucocorticoids are widely used in the treatment of inflammatory and other diseases. However, high-dose or chronic administration often triggers troublesome side effects such as metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis. We recently described that one glucocorticoid receptor gene produces eight translational glucocorticoid receptor isoforms that have distinct gene-regulatory abilities. We show here that specific, but not all, glucocorticoid receptor isoforms induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS bone cells. Whole human genome microarray analysis revealed that the majority of the glucocorticoid target genes were selectively regulated by specific glucocorticoid receptor isoforms. Real-time PCR experiments confirmed that proapoptotic enzymes necessary for cell death, granzyme A and caspase-6, were induced by specific glucocorticoid receptor isoforms. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further suggested that glucocorticoid receptor isoform-dependent induction of proapoptotic genes was likely due to selective coregulator recruitment and chromatin modification. Interestingly, the capabilities to transrepress proinflammatory genes were similar among glucocorticoid receptor isoforms. Together, these findings provide new evidence that translational glucocorticoid receptor isoforms can elicit distinct glucocorticoid responses and may be useful for the development of safe glucocorticoids with reduced side effects.
Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor deficiency in cirrhosis is not associated with increased plasma fibrinolysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The bleeding tendency of patients suffering from cirrhosis is in part ascribed to accelerated fibrinolysis. In this study, the role of the recently discovered inhibitor of fibrinolysis, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in cirrhosis was examined. METHODS In 64 patients with cirrhosis of varying severity, TAFI antigen levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with TAFI levels in control subjects. Furthermore, a plasma-based fibrinolysis assay was performed in the presence and absence of a specific inhibitor of activated TAFI. RESULTS TAFI levels were decreased in cirrhosis. Mean TAFI levels were 66% in Child's A, 55% in Child's B, 47% in Child's C cirrhosis, and 26% in acute liver failure. Decreased TAFI antigen levels were highly correlated with antithrombin and alpha(2)-antiplasmin activity levels. Clot lysis times and clot lysis ratio (defined as ratio between clot lysis time in the absence and presence of a specific inhibitor of activated TAFI) of cirrhotics were not significantly different from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Despite decreased levels of TAFI and other components of the fibrinolytic system, no evidence of increased plasma fibrinolytic potential in cirrhosis is observed using the plasma-based assay of this study. The reduction of antifibrinolytic factors in cirrhosis is compensated by the concomitant reduction in profibrinolytics.
Atypical lymphocyte morphology: an adverse prognostic factor for disease progression in stage A CLL independent of trisomy 12

We studied 270 patients with Binet stage A chronic lymphocytic leukaemia looking for adverse prognostic factors. In a multivariate analysis the following features were found to be risk factors for disease progression: atypical lymphocyte morphology (defined as either > 10% prolymphocytes or > 15% lymphocytes with cleaved nuclei or lymphoplasmacytoid cells); more than two karyotypic abnormalities; lymphocyte count > 30 × 109/l; lymphocyte doubling time < 1 year; enlargement of one or more lymph node groups.
Broadband 4×4 Butler matrix in microstrip multilayer technology designed with the use of three-section directional couplers and phase correction Networks

A two-octave 4×4 Butler matrix has been presented, for the first time in multilayer microstrip asymmetric coupledline technology. To achieve two-octave frequency band in terms of amplitude and phase responses a recently developed approach has been used in which multi-section coupled-line directional couplers and Schiffman C-sections are applied. A highperformance three-section coupled-line 3-dB microstrip directional coupler has been utilized as a basic element of the Butler matrix and two compensated microstripline Schiffman C-sections have been designed to provide appropriate differential phase characteristics. A very good performance has been achieved over two-octave frequency band in terms of amplitude and phase responses. The designed network can be easily applied in large microstrip networks as a surface mount element.
Preterm birth in Sweden 1973–2001: Rate, subgroups, and effect of changing patterns in multiple births, maternal age, and smoking

Background. The objectives of this report are to evaluate changes in the preterm birth rate in Sweden 1973–2001. Furthermore, describe the proportion of spontaneous and indicated preterm births and assess risk factors for the subgroups of preterm birth during the period from 1991 to 2001.
Integrating sphere effect in whole-bladder wall photodynamic therapy: III. Fluence multiplication, optical penetration and light distribution with an eccentric source for human bladder optical properties.

Whole-bladder-wall (WBW) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is performed using approximately 630 nm light emitted by an isotropic light source centered in the bladder cavity. The phenomenon of an increased fluence rate in this spherical geometry, due to light scattering, is denoted as the integrating sphere effect. The fluence rate and the optical penetration depth depend on a single tissue optical parameter, namely the reduced albedo. The optical properties of (diseased) human bladder tissue, i.e. absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, anisotropy factor and refractive index, were determined in vitro in the wavelength range of 450-880 nm. The integrating sphere effect and optical penetration depth were calculated with diffusion theory and compared to Monte Carlo (MC) computer simulations using approximately 630 nm optical properties. With increasing albedo, the integrating sphere effect calculated with diffusion approximation is increasingly larger than that found with MC simulations. Calculated and simulated optical penetration depths are in reasonable agreement. The smaller the integrating sphere effect for a given tissue absorption, the larger the optical penetration depth into the bladder wall, as the effective attenuation coefficient decreases. Optical penetration depths up to approximately 7.5 mm (definition dependent) can be responsible for unintended tissue damage beyond the bladder tissue. MC simulations were also performed with an eccentric light source and the uniformity of the light distribution at the bladder wall was assessed. The simulations show that even for a small eccentricity, the extremes in deviation from the mean fluence rate are large. All these results indicate that WBW PDT should be performed with some kind of in situ light dosimetry.
Household debts– and macroeconomic factors nexus in the United States: a cointegration and vector error correction approach

This study applies cointegration and error correction approaches to determine the effect of macroeconomic determinants on household debt in the United States of America. Cointegration analysis provides an effective framework used for estimating and modelling relationships from time series data. Short-run and long-run cointegration models explaining the relationships between the US household debt and related macroeconomic factors are estimated. The data used covers a period of 1990 Q1 to 2013 Q1 and is sourced from the electronic data delivery system of the OECD, USA Federal Housing Finance Agency and the USA Department of the Treasury among others. SAS 9.3 version was used to obtain the results. The sample and variables were meritorious according to KMO and Cronbach’s alpha. Unit root test results provided enough evidence to conclude that the series were stationary after first differencing. Further data analysis was carried out with the first lag chosen by the AIC and SBC. Three cointegrating vectors were identified and were later standardised to correctly provide parameter estimates of the vector error correction model of household debts. The model revealed some short and long-run relationships. Revealed by the model is that 1.5 % of long-run equilibrium was corrected per quarter. The results of the current study are crucial to households and policy makers. Researchers may also refer to these results.
Abatacept in the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis: results of a six-month, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial.

OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of abatacept, a selective T cell costimulation modulator, in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS In this 6-month, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study, 170 PsA patients with a psoriasis target lesion (TL) ≥2 cm who had previously taken disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents, were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive placebo or abatacept at doses of 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 30/10 mg/kg (2 initial doses of 30 mg/kg, followed by 10 mg/kg) on days 1, 15, and 29 and then once every 28 days thereafter. The primary end point was the American College of Rheumatology 20% criteria for improvement (ACR20 response) on day 169. Other key end points were magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores for joint erosion, osteitis, and synovitis, scores on the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey, the investigator's global assessment of psoriasis, the TL score, and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. RESULTS Proportions of patients achieving an ACR20 response were 19%, 33%, 48%, and 42% in the placebo, the abatacept 3 mg/kg, the abatacept 10 mg/kg, and the abatacept 30/10 mg/kg groups, respectively. Compared with placebo, improvements were significantly higher for the abatacept 10 mg/kg (P = 0.006) and 30/10 mg/kg (P = 0.022) groups, but not for 3 mg/kg group (P = 0.121). All abatacept regimens resulted in improved MRI, HAQ, and SF-36 scores, with 10 mg/kg showing the greatest improvements. Improvements in the TL and PASI scores were observed in all abatacept arms; a response according to the investigator's global assessment was seen only with 3 mg/kg of abatacept. The safety profiles were similar among the treatment arms. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that 10 mg/kg of abatacept, the approved dosage for rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, may be an effective treatment option for PsA.
The role of electromechanical delay in modelling the EMG-force relationship during quasi-dynamic contractions of the upper-limb

There is a discontinuity in published electromechanical delays (EMD) in upper-limb muscles and the state-of-the-art in modelling end-point force from electromyographic signals collected from one or more muscles. Published values are typically in the range of 10 to 30ms, depending on the nature of the contraction. In published literature where the EMG-force relationship is modelled, generally a delay of 100ms or more is induced during linear enveloping to match the EMD. The implications of EMD on end-point force prediction were considered using inter-session end-point force modelling with a support-vector-regression model. The delays were estimated using the first-order cross-correlation and the force and EMG signal were temporally aligned. The results show the delays vary by 20ms or more but did produce a notable trend based on elbow joint angle. We conclude that for upper-limb biomechanics modelling, the best practice is to align the force and EMG signals based on the induced delay during linear enveloping.
Full-waveform modeling of ground-coupled GPR antennas for wave propagation in multilayered media: The problem solved?

We propose a full-waveform approach for modeling time and frequency domain, off-ground and on-ground radars for wave propagation in multilayered media. The radar antennas are modeled using an equivalent set of infinitesimal electric dipoles placed over the antenna aperture. The linear relations between the fields in the transmission line, the sources, and the backscattered fields over the antenna aperture are expressed in terms of frequency dependent, global reflection and transmission coefficients, which are characteristic to the antenna. The interactions between the antenna and the layered medium are thereby accounted for. Far-field and near-field measurements are used to determine these antenna coefficients. The fields over the antenna aperture are calculated using three-dimensional Green's functions. We validated the approach using measurements with a 900 MHz centre frequency transmitting and receiving antenna situated at different heights above a copper plane. For heights larger than the antenna, a single point source and receiver was sufficient for accurately modeling the radar data. For smaller distances, using six sources and receivers provided remarkably good results. Although some simplifications were made in this paper, the proposed method shows great promise for characterizing multilayered media using full-waveform inversion, with very limited computation time compared to numerical methods.