Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of Estimated Effect Sizes for Group versus Individual versus Control Treatments

ABSTRACTA meta-analysis was conducted combining results from nine studies, using seventy-five outcome measures of 349 subjects. Only studies that contrasted group, individual, and control treatments with a pretest-posttest design were selected. Estimates of effect sizes were calculated for group, individual, and control treatments across all studies, according to treatment modality (psychotherapy, counseling, or psychoeducation), type of control (no treatment or some treatment), date of the study (1955–1969 or 1977–1982), and the subjects' age (adult, adolescent, or child). Results indicated that both group and individual treatments had a measurable effect that was consistently greater than that of controls. Further, (1) counseling produced much more of an effect than either therapy or psychoeducation; (2) the more recent treatments produced larger effects than the older studies; and (3) group treatments were more effective than individual methods in the treatment of adolescents, but were less effective i.
Die erfassung von achtsamkeit als mehrdimensionales konstrukt: Die Deutsche version des Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS-D).

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Gegenwartige Theorien zur Achtsamkeit betonen die mehrdimensionale Natur des Prinzips. Die Forderung dieser Komponenten der Achtsamkeit spielt eine zentrale Rolle in verschiedenen Therapieformen. Fragestellung: Wie gut lasst sich Achtsamkeit als mehrdimensionales Konstrukt mit der deutschen Ubersetzung des „Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills” (KIMS-D) erfassen? Methode: Das 39-Item Inventar wurde ins Deutsche ubersetzt und einer Stichprobe von 469 studentischen Versuchspersonen vorgelegt. Die dimensionale Struktur, Reliabilitat und Validitat der verschiedenen Skalen wurde bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Die Befunde zeigen eine hohe Ubereinstimmung mit den Ergebnissen zur amerikanischen Originalfassung des KIMS-D. Wie angenommen, replizierte sich die Vier-Faktorenstruktur und es fanden sich erwartungsgemase Zusammenhange mit psychopathologischer Belastung und Indikatoren psychischer Gesundheit. Schlussfolgerungen: Mit der deutschen Version des KIMS liegt ein Inventar.
The Faciogenital Dysplasia Gene Product FGD1 Functions as a Cdc42Hs-specific Guanine-Nucleotide Exchange Factor*

The Rho family of small GTP-binding proteins plays important roles in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton organization and cell growth. Activation of these GTPases involves the replacement of bound GDP with GTP, a process catalyzed by the Dbl-like guanine-nucleotide exchange factors, all of which seem to share a putative catalytic motif termed the Dbl homology (DH) domain, followed by a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. Here we have examined the role of a Dbl-like molecule, the faciogenital dysplasia gene product (FGD1), which when mutated in its Dbl homology domain, cosegregates with the developmental disease Aarskog-Scott syndrome. We report that a polypeptide of FGD1 encompassing the DH and PH domains can bind specifically to the Rho family GTPase Cdc42Hs and stimulates the GDP-GTP exchange of the isoprenylated form of Cdc42Hs. Microinjection of this FGD1 polypeptide into Swiss 3T3 fibroblast cells induces the formation of peripheral actin microspikes, similar to that previously observed when cells were injected with a constitutively active form of Cdc42Hs. This effect of FGD1 on actin organization is readily inhibited by coinjection of a dominant-negative mutant of Cdc42Hs. Examination of NIH 3T3 cells expressing the FGD1 fragment revealed that similar to cells expressing Dbl, two independent elements downstream of Cdc42Hs, the Jun NH2-terminal kinase and the p70 S6 kinase, became activated. Hence, our results indicate that FGD1, through its DH and PH domains, acts as a Cdc42Hs-specific guanine-nucleotide exchange factor and suggest that the Cdc42Hs GTPase may have a role in mammalian development.
Constructing and Role-Playing Student Avatars in a Simulation of Teaching Algebra for Diverse Learners

From the perspectives of Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs), this study examines the design and implementation of a simulated teaching environment in Second Life (SL) for prospective teachers to teach algebra for diverse learners. Drawing upon the Learning-for-Use framework, the analyses provide evidence on the development of student avatars in construction and role-playing activities. The study reveals challenges, procedures, and suggestions for future simulations. This study also calls for research efforts toward preparing mathematics teachers for cultural diversity.
“Sure, I Would Like to Continue”

In order to explore one aspect of the engaging nature of computer games, this study will propose a method that aims at classifying the experience of engagement in video games. Inspired by a literature review, we will focus on the fundamental causes of engagement that motivate a player so much that he or she wants to continue playing. By organizing this willingness to continue playing into six broad types of causes of engagement—intellectual, physical, sensory, social, narrative, and emotional—we describe a typology of player engagement and a method that is intended to map players’ experience of engagement while playing video games. The engagement mapping method is inspired by card sorting found from a perspective of usability testing, and in order to exemplify the use of the method, occurrences of the six types of engagement were investigated during gameplay in Angry Birds and Wii Sports.
Fluoxetine depresses glutamate exocytosis in the rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes) via inhibition of P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels

Fluoxetine, an antidepressant that is used clinically in the treatment of mood disorders, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. In the present study we investigated the effects of fluoxetine on 4‐aminopyridine (4AP)‐evoked glutamate release in cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Fluoxetine suppressed the release of glutamate evoked by 4AP in a concentration‐dependent manner. This effect was associated with a reduction in the depolarization‐evoked increase in cytosolic free calcium levels in the absence of significant effect on the synaptosomal membrane potential. In addition, both ionomycin‐ and sucrose‐evoked glutamate releases were not affected by fluoxetine, indicating that fluoxetine‐mediated inhibition of glutamate release is not a direct effect on the exocytotic machinery. Furthermore, the inhibitory action of fluoxetine was completely abolished in synaptosomes pretreated with P/Q type Ca2+ channel blocker ω‐agatoxin IVA (ω‐AgTX IVA) or protein kinase C (PKC) stimulator 4β‐phorbol 12, 13‐dibutyrate (PDBu). These results suggest that, in cerebrocortical nerve terminals, fluoxetine inhibits glutamate release through the suppression of P/Q type Ca2+ channel activity. The presynaptic action of fluoxetine is mediated by a PKC‐sensitive signaling pathway. Synapse 48:170–177, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hand Posture's Effect on Touch Screen Text Input Behaviors: A Touch Area Based Study

Mobile devices with touch keyboards have become ubiquitous, but text entry on these devices remains slow and errorprone. Understanding touch patterns during text entry could be useful in designing robust error-correction algorithms for soft keyboards. In this paper, we present an analysis of text input behaviors on a soft QWERTY keyboard in three different text entry postures: index finger only, one thumb, and two thumb. Our work expands on the work of [1] by considering the entire surface area of digit contact with the smartphone keyboard, rather than interpreting each touch as a single point. To do this, we captured touch areas for every key in a lab study with 8 participants and calculated offsets, error rates, and size measurements. We then repeated the original experiment described in [1] and showed that significant differences exist when basing offset calculations on touch area compared to touch points for two postures.
Distributed Beamforming for Macro Diversity and Power Control With Large Arrays in Spatial Correlated Channels

Downlink beamforming plays a key role in massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems to provide reasonable signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in the presence of intercell interference (ICI). Due to an excessive backhaul overhead, limited cooperative beamforming is usually desirable. In this paper, we consider distributed beamforming that can exploit macro diversity with limited cooperation for cell-edge users where multiple base stations (BSs) transmit signals to those users simultaneously. Bounds on the SINRs are derived to see the impact of the spatial correlation. Since distributed beamforming itself cannot guarantee quality of service (QoS) requirements for given target SINRs with limited cooperation, based on derived closed-form expressions for bounds on SINRs, joint power control is considered with two different approaches. One is optimal, but central processing is required. The other approach is suboptimal, while it can be implemented as a distributed power control algorithm.
Graffiti . pc on the total domination number of a tree

The total domination number of a simple, undirected graph G is the minimum cardinality of a subset D of the vertices of G such that each vertex of G is adjacent to some vertex in D. In 2007 Graffiti.pc, a program that makes graph theoretical conjectures, was used to generate conjectures on the total domination number of connected graphs. More recently, the program was used to generate conjectures on the total domination number of trees. In this paper, we discuss and resolve several of these conjectures for trees, which are often improvements over known results for all connected graphs. keywords: Graffiti.pc, total dominating set, total domination number, degrees, eccentricities Mathematics Subject Classification: 05C35
Client-Specific Counselor Self-Efficacy in Novice Counselors: Relation to Perceptions of Session Quality.

Two versions of a counselor self-efficacy (CSE) measure were administered to 110 prepracticum counselors: a general version, assessing perceived capability to perform basic helping skills and manage the session process with clients generally; and a client-specific version, tapping capability to perform the same behaviors with a specific, current client. Client-specific CSE was found to (a) relate moderately to strongly with general CSE over the course of four counseling sessions, (b) increase significantly over sessions, and (c) account for unique variance in counselors' evaluations of the quality of their sessions. Although it was not a useful direct predictor of clients' session ratings, higher client-specific CSE was associated with greater congruence between counselors' and clients' perceptions of session quality. Implications for further research and training are considered.
A Multilayer Data Copy Test Data Compression Scheme for Reducing Shifting-in Power for Multiple Scan Design

The random-like filling strategy pursuing high compression for today's popular test compression schemes introduces large test power. To achieve high compression in conjunction with reducing test power for multiple-scan-chain designs is even harder and very few works were dedicated to solve this problem. This paper proposes and demonstrates a multilayer data copy (MDC) scheme for test compression as well as test power reduction for multiple-scan-chain designs. The scheme utilizes a decoding buffer, which supports fast loading using previous loaded data, to achieve test data compression and test power reduction at the same time. The scheme can be applied automatic test pattern generation (ATPG)-independently or to be incorporated in an ATPG to generate highly compressible and power efficient test sets. Experiment results on benchmarks show that test sets generated by the scheme had large compression and power saving with only a small area design overhead.
Power spectrum analysis of the ESO Slice Project galaxy redshift survey

We measure the power spectrum of the galaxy distribution in the ESO Slice Project (ESP) galaxy redshift survey. We develope a technique to describe the survey window function analytically, and then deconvolve it from the measured power spectrum using a variant of the Lucy method. We test the whole deconvolution procedure on ESP mock catalogues drawn from large N–body simulations, and find that it is reliable for recovering the correct amplitude and shape of P(k) at k > 0.065h Mpc 1 . In general, the technique is applicable to any survey composed by a collection of circular fields with arbitrary pattern on the sky, as typical of surveys based on fibre spectrographs. The estimated power spectrum has a well–defined power–law shape k n with n ≃ −2.2 for k ≥ 0.2h Mpc 1 , and a smooth bend to a flatter shape (n ≃ −1.6) for smaller k’s. The smallest wavenumber, where a meaningful reconstruction can be performed (k ∼ 0.06h Mpc 1 ), does not allow us to explore the range of scales where other power spectra seem to show a flattening and hints for a turnover. We also find, by direct comparison of the Fourier transforms, that the estimate of the two–point correlation function �(s) is much less sensitive to the effect of a problematic window function as that of the ESP, than the power spectrum. Comparison to other surveys shows an excellent agreement with estimates from blue–selected surveys. In particular, the ESP power spectrum is virtually indistinguishable from that of the Durham-UKST survey over the common range of k’s, an indirect confirmation of the quality of the deconvolution technique applied.
Neuroplasticity After Spinal Cord Injury and Training: An Emerging Paradigm Shift in Rehabilitation and Walking Recovery

Physical rehabilitation after spinal cord injury has been based on the premise that the nervous system is hard-wired and irreparable. Upon this assumption, clinicians have compensated for irremediable sensorimotor deficits using braces, assistive devices, and wheelchairs to achieve upright and seated mobility. Evidence from basic science, however, demonstrates that the central nervous system after injury is malleable and can learn, and this evidence has challenged our current assumptions. The evidence is especially compelling concerning locomotion. The purpose of this perspective article is to summarize the evidence supporting an impending paradigm shift from compensation for deficits to rehabilitation as an agent for walking recovery. A physiologically based approach for the rehabilitation of walking has developed, translating evidence for activity-dependent neuroplasticity after spinal cord injury and the neurobiological control of walking. Advanced by partnerships among neuroscientists, clinicians, and researchers, critical rehabilitation concepts are emerging for activity-based therapy to improve walking recovery, with promising clinical findings.
Global variation of body‐wave attenuation in the upper mantle from teleseismic P wave and S wave spectra

We constrain the spatial variation of P‐wave (tP*) and S‐wave (tS*) attenuation by inverting 190,000 teleseismic P‐ and S‐wave spectra up to 0.8 Hz. These spectra are derived from 250 deep earthquakes recorded at 880 broadband global and regional network stations. The variance and ratios of tP* and tS* values are consistent with PREM's upper mantle velocity and Q structures and conventional tP* and tS* values. High attenuation is resolved beneath stations in tectonically active regions characterized by high heat flow. Low attenuation marks stable continental regions. The maps of tP* and tS* correlate well with the variations of tS* computed and inferred from (1) the most recent surface‐wave Q model and (2) a thermal interpretation of shear‐wave velocity tomography. This indicates that maps of body‐ and surface‐wave attenuation reflect intrinsic attenuation and variable temperature in the mantle.
A Genome‐Wide Assessment of Variability in Human Serum Metabolism

The study of the genetic regulation of metabolism in human serum samples can contribute to a better understanding of the intermediate biological steps that lead from polymorphism to disease. Here, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to discover metabolic quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) utilizing samples from a study of prostate cancer in Swedish men, consisting of 402 individuals (214 cases and 188 controls) in a discovery set and 489 case‐only samples in a replication set. A global nontargeted metabolite profiling approach was utilized resulting in the detection of 6,138 molecular features followed by targeted identification of associated metabolites. Seven replicating loci were identified (PYROXD2, FADS1, PON1, CYP4F2, UGT1A8, ACADL, and LIPC) with associated sequence variants contributing significantly to trait variance for one or more metabolites (P = 10−13–10−91). Regional mQTL enrichment analyses implicated two loci that included FADS1 and a novel locus near PDGFC. Biological pathway analysis implicated ACADM, ACADS, ACAD8, ACAD10, ACAD11, and ACOXL, reflecting significant enrichment of genes with acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase activity. mQTL SNPs and mQTL‐harboring genes were over‐represented across GWASs conducted to date, suggesting that these data may have utility in tracing the molecular basis of some complex disease associations.
Fabrication and characteristics of Cr-doped fibers employing powder-in-tube technique

The fabrication of Cr-doped fibers (CDFs) using fiber drawing-tower combined with non-silica powder-in-tube (PIT) technique to achieve the active application of chromium ions in fiber is demonstrated for the first time. The fluorescence enhancement, transmission loss, and few-mode operation are discussed in the paper. The success in fabrication of CDFs with PIT method may open the possibility for utilizing CDFs as broadband fiber light source.
Earnings Management and Executive Compensation: A Case of Overdose of Option and Underdose of Salary?

We present and test hypotheses about how the components of compensation influence earnings management behavior. Hypotheses are based, in part, on the observation that discretion over accounting accruals gives managers a potentially valuable timing option that will lead to strategies for maximizing their compensation. Our empirical analysis shows that earnings management intensity, as measured by the absolute value of discretionary current accruals scaled by asset size, is related to managerial compensation contract design. We find the amounts of stock options and bonuses, and the incentive intensity of stock options, are positively related to earnings management intensity, whereas salaries are negatively related. Results do not reliably support either positive or negative effects of long-term incentive plans or restricted stock compensation on earnings management intensity, aside from the incentive intensity effect of restricted stock. We show that magnitudes of the effects of some compensation variables on earnings management intensity are conditional on proximity of premanaged earnings to specified targets. The importance of our findings is the strong evidence they provide that compensation contract design does influence earnings management, and that the influences of the various compensation components appear to be largely predictable on a presumption that (at least some) managers behave opportunistically.
A vulnerabilidade do idoso em situações de desastres: necessidade de uma política de resiliência eficaz

Este artigo apresenta uma analise sobre a vulnerabilidade do idoso diante dos desastres de causas naturais, considerando-se que, dentro do grupo vulneravel, os idosos podem apresentar maior grau de fragilidade em situacoes de emergencia. O objetivo e contribuir para o aumento da resiliencia da populacao idosa, no âmbito da Protecao e Defesa Civil, por ocasiao de eventos criticos. Os procedimentos metodologicos da pesquisa incluem a coleta de dados na legislacao referente aos direitos do idoso, em relatorios produzidos por orgaos oficiais, em documentos internacionais e na literatura que trata do tema do idoso e questoes afins, de modo geral. Conclui-se que, no Brasil, os diversos projetos e programas governamentais voltados para os idosos nao sao eficazes para reduzir a vulnerabilidade desse grupo social diante de desastres, sendo necessaria a elaboracao de protocolos especificos de prevencao, preparacao e resgate para a populacao idosa por parte dos agentes da Defesa Civil.
Aging Leads to Elevation of O-GlcNAcylation and Disruption of Mitochondrial Homeostasis in Retina

Retina is particularly susceptible to aging as oxidative damage accumulates within retina, leading to age-related retinal dysfunction or even visual loss. However, the underlying mechanisms still remain obscure and effective therapeutic strategy is urgently in need. Here, we quested for the answer particularly focusing on mitochondrial homeostasis and O-GlcNAcylation in rat retina. By comparing expression of electron transfer chain complexes and key factors in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in retinas of aged and young Sprague-Dawley rats, we found that mitochondrial Complex I, II, IV and V were increased in aged retina with decreased mtTFA and Mfn2. Also, we noticed that p38 and JNK of MAPK signaling were substantially more activated in aged retina, suggesting stress induction. In addition, we found that pan-O-GlcNAcylation was remarkably stronger with lower OGA expression in aged retina. To further elucidate the roles of Mfn2 and O-GlcNAcylation, we employed ARPE-19 cells and found that ATP production, oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial membrane potential were reduced and ROS level was increased by Mfn2 knockdown, while treating with PUGNAc or UDP-GlcNAc heightened oxygen consumption and reduced ROS. Our results suggest disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis may increase oxidative stress; yet enhanced O-GlcNAcylation might defend against oxidative stress and promote mitochondrial respiration in aged retina.
Autoimmunity and Glaucoma

Elevated intraocular pressure does not explain glaucoma in all patients, but there is information that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in this disorder. This review attempts to reveal the findings about specific changes in autoantibody profiles in glaucoma patients and their possible role in glaucoma. Considering that these changes in natural autoimmunity can be found consistently among different study populations, it might be a promising new tool for glaucoma detection.
In Vitro Sensitivity and Resistance of 46 Leptospira Strains Isolated from Rats in the Philippines to 14 Antimicrobial Agents

ABSTRACT The in vitro susceptibilities of 46 Leptospira isolates from rats to 14 antimicrobial agents were tested. All of the strains were found to be sensitive to ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, doxycycline, erythromycin, and streptomycin. In contrast, the tested isolates showed resistance to amphotericin B, 5-fluorouracil, fosfomycin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, neomycin, and vancomycin. These findings will help in selecting effective and ineffective antimicrobials for treatment of leptospirosis and for the development of new selective media, respectively.
Second Thoughts: Who Almost Participates in an IDA Program?

ABSTRACT Using data reported on applications to a large individual development account (IDA) program (N = 758), the purpose of this study is to examine the self-selection process. Persons who applied to the program but did not enroll had second thoughts about the IDA. Multivariate logistic regression showed that children in the household and negative net worth along with vehicle nonownership were positively related to second thoughts. Education-savers were more likely than home-savers and business-savers to have second thoughts. This information can be used to target individuals at risk of not enrolling in IDAs, ultimately expanding access to underserved, low-income households. Future research is needed to understand how IDA recruitment strategies and institutional characteristics affect program participation and second thoughts.