Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using the Internet to Train Therapists: Randomized Comparison of Two Scalable Methods

Background One of the major barriers to the dissemination and implementation of psychological treatments is the scarcity of suitably trained therapists. The currently accepted method of training is not scalable. Recently, a scalable form of training, Web-centered training, has been shown to have promise. Objective The goal of our research was to conduct a randomized comparison of the relative effects of independent and supported Web-centered training on therapist competence and investigate the persistence of the effects. Methods Eligible therapists were recruited from across the United States and Canada. They were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 forms of training in enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E), a multicomponent evidence-based psychological treatment for any form of eating disorder. Independent training was undertaken autonomously, while supported training was accompanied by support from a nonspecialist worker. Therapist competence was assessed using a validated competence measure before training, after 20 weeks of training, and 6 months after the completion of training. Results A total of 160 therapists expressed interest in the study, and 156 (97.5%) were randomized to the 2 forms of training (81 to supported training and 75 to independent training). Mixed effects analysis showed an increase in competence scores in both groups. There was no difference between the 2 forms of training, with mean difference for the supported versus independent group being –0.06 (95% Cl –1.29 to 1.16, P=.92). A total of 58 participants (58/114, 50.9%) scored above the competence threshold; three-quarters (43/58, 74%) had not met this threshold before training. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the odds of scoring over the competence threshold (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.99; P=.96). At follow-up, there was no significant difference between the 2 training groups (mean difference 0.19, 95% Cl –1.27 to 1.66, P=.80). Overall, change in competence score from end of training to follow-up was not significant (mean difference –0.70, 95% CI –1.52 to 0.11, P=.09). There was also no difference at follow-up between the training groups in the odds of scoring over the competence threshold (OR 0.95, 95% Cl 0.34 to 2.62; P=.92). Conclusions Web-centered training was equally effective whether undertaken independently or accompanied by support, and its effects were sustained. The independent form of Web-centered training is particularly attractive as it provides a means of training large numbers of geographically dispersed therapists at low cost, thereby overcoming several obstacles to the widespread dissemination of psychological treatments.
Combined effects of thinning and decline on fine root dynamics in a Quercus robur L. forest adjoining the Italian Pre-Alps

Aims Oak decline is a complex phenomenon, characterized by symptoms of canopy transparency, bark cracks and root biomass reduction. Root health status is one of the first stress indicators, and root turnover is a key process in plant adaptation to unfavourable conditions. In this study, the combined effects of decline and thinning were evaluated on fine root dynamics in an oak forest adjoining the Italian Pre-Alps by comparison of acute declining trees with non-declining trees, both with and without thinning treatment of surrounding trees. Methods Dynamics of volumetric root length density (RLD V ) and tip density (RTD V ), root tip density per unit length of root (RTD L ), diameter, branching index (BI) and mycorrhizal colonization were monitored by soil coring over 2 years as possible descriptors of decline. Key Results At the beginning of the experiment, the relationship between canopy transparency and root status was weak, declining trees having slightly lower RLD V (-20 %) and RTD V (-11 %). After a 1 year lag, during which the parameters were almost unaffected, BI and RLD V , together with tip density, tip vitality and mycorrhizal colonization, became the descriptors most representative of both decline class and thinning. Thinning of declining trees increased RLD V (+12 %) and RTD V (+32 %), but reduced tip mycorrhizal colonization and vitality over time compared with non-thinned trees, whereas the opposite occurred in healthy trees, together with a marked decrease in branching. After thinning, there was an initial reduction in the structure of the ectomycorrhizal community, although recovery occurred about 10 months later, regardless of decline severity. Conclusions Decline causes losses of fine root length, and a moderate recovery can be achieved by thinning, allowing better soil exploration by oak roots. The close correlation between root vitality and mycorrhizal colonization and their deterioration after thinning indicates that decline does not benefit from reduced root competition, excluding the hypothesis of limited water and nutrient availability as a possible cause of the syndrome in this forest.
Optical Spectroscopy of Barium Fluoride Crystals under Simultaneous Pulsed Excitation

This paper reports optical absorption spectra and rapidly decaying luminescence of BaF2 crystals measured at 295 K under excitation pulse of accelerated electrons and excited simultaneous stimulated emission of CdSe crystal. It is shown that the simultaneous excitation of the crystals BaF2 pulse accelerated and SE semiconductors in electronic components STE absorption leads to a reduction efficiency of creation of STE and the appearance of fast decaying emission in the UV region of the spectrum.
Comparative oral dose toxicokinetics of sodium selenite and selenomethionine

Selenium (Se) poisoning by different forms of Se occurs in the United States. However, the toxicokinetics of different selenocompounds after oral ingestion is not well documented. In this study the toxicokinetics of Se absorption, distribution and elimination were determined in serum and whole blood of lambs that were orally dosed with increasing doses of Se as sodium selenite (inorganic Se) or selenomethionine (SeMet, organic Se). Thirty‐two lambs were randomly assigned to eight treatment groups, with four animals per group. Se was administered at 1, 2 or 3 mg kg−1 body weight, as either sodium selenite or SeMet with proper control groups. Blood and serum were collected at predetermined time points for 7 days post‐dosing. Resulting Se concentrations in both serum and whole blood from SeMet treatment groups were significantly greater than those given equimolar doses of Se as sodium selenite. Se concentrations in serum and whole blood of lambs dosed with SeMet peaked at significantly greater concentrations when compared with lambs dosed with equimolar doses of sodium selenite. Based on the serum and whole blood kinetics, the rate of Se absorption was greater for SeMet than for sodium selenite although rates of absorption for both Se forms decreased with increasing dose. The rates of Se elimination increased with dose. These results demonstrate that SeMet has a greater absorption rate and a similar retention time resulting in a greater area under the curve and thus bioavailability than sodium selenite, which must be considered in both overdose and nutritional exposures. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Multicenter prospective evaluation study of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy combined with antegrade stenting (with video)

Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS) is often indicated for advanced stage patients. Therefore it is important to prevent adverse events associated with EUS‐HGS procedures and obtain long stent patency. EUS‐guided antegrade stenting (AS) has been developed as an advanced technique. Thus, to prevent adverse events and achieve long stent patency, EUS‐AS combined with EUS‐HGS (EUS‐HGAS) has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and efficacy of EUS‐HGAS in a multicenter, prospective study.
Comprehensive Analysis of Non-Synonymous Natural Variants of G Protein-Coupled Receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest superfamily of transmembrane receptors and have vital signaling functions in various organs. Because of their critical roles in physiology and pathology, GPCRs are the most commonly used therapeutic target. It has been suggested that GPCRs undergo massive genetic variations such as genetic polymorphisms and DNA insertions or deletions. Among these genetic variations, non-synonymous natural variations change the amino acid sequence and could thus alter GPCR functions such as expression, localization, signaling, and ligand binding, which may be involved in disease development and altered responses to GPCR-targeting drugs. Despite the clinical importance of GPCRs, studies on the genotype-phenotype relationship of GPCR natural variants have been limited to a few GPCRs such as β-adrenergic receptors and opioid receptors. Comprehensive understanding of non-synonymous natural variations within GPCRs would help to predict the unknown genotype-phenotype relationship and yet-to-be-discovered natural variants. Here, we analyzed the non-synonymous natural variants of all non-olfactory GPCRs available from a public database, UniProt. The results suggest that non-synonymous natural variations occur extensively within the GPCR superfamily especially in the N-terminus and transmembrane domains. Within the transmembrane domains, natural variations observed more frequently in the conserved residues, which leads to disruption of the receptor function. Our analysis also suggests that only few non-synonymous natural variations have been studied in efforts to link the variations with functional consequences.
Functional walking capacity as an outcome measure of laparoscopic prostatectomy: the effect of lidocaine infusion.

BACKGROUND Intravenous lidocaine infusion has been shown to affect postoperative pain intensity. This present study was performed to assess the effect of intra- and postoperative lidocaine infusion on postoperative functional walking capacity, as a measure of surgical recovery. METHODS Forty patients undergoing laparoscopic prostatectomy were randomized to receive an i.v. infusion of either lidocaine 2 mg kg(-1) h(-1) during surgery and 1 mg kg(-1) min(-1) for the first 24 postoperative hours (lidocaine group) or an equivalent volume of saline 0.9% (control group). All patients received postoperative patient-controlled analgesia with i.v. morphine. Primary outcome was functional walking capacity, as assessed by distance attained during the 2 min walking test (2MWT), recorded daily for the first 3 postoperative days. Morphine consumption and pain intensity were recorded. RESULTS 2MWT distance decreased by an average of 60% (P<0.01) in both groups on postoperative day 1 (from 150 m before surgery to 53 m), but the decrease was 26 m less in the lidocaine group (P=0.009). During postoperative days 2 and 3, the 2MWT distance increased to an average of 96 m, still 30% less than the preoperative values. There was a significant negative correlation on postoperative days 1 and 2 between the 2MWT distance, pain intensity and fatigue, and morphine consumption. Lidocaine infusion was an independent predictor of the degree of postoperative decrease in 2MWT distance. More patients in the lidocaine group were free from PCA on the second postoperative day (P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS Infusion of lidocaine during surgery and for the first postoperative day attenuated the deterioration in functional walking capacity, and had an opioid sparing effect.
Extracting Response Style Bias From Measures of Positive and Negative Affect in Aging Research

Objectives This study investigated the role of response style biases in the assessment of positive and negative affect in aging research; it addressed whether response styles (a) are associated with age-related changes in cognitive abilities, (b) lead to distorted conclusions about age differences in affect, and (c) reduce the convergent and predictive validity of affect measures in relation to health outcomes. Method A multidimensional item response theory model was used to extract response styles from affect ratings provided by respondents to the psychosocial questionnaire (n = 6,295; aged 50-100 years) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Results The likelihood of extreme response styles (disproportionate use of "not at all" and "very much" response categories) increased significantly with age, and this effect was mediated by age-related decreases in HRS cognitive test scores. Removing response styles from affect measures did not alter age patterns in positive and negative affect; however, it consistently enhanced the convergent validity (relationships with concurrent depression and mental health problems) and predictive validity (prospective relationships with hospital visits, physical illness onset) of the affect measures. Discussion The results support the importance of detecting and controlling response styles when studying self-reported affect in aging research.
Rhizosphere priming effects on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics among tree species with and without intraspecific competition.

Rhizosphere priming effects (RPEs) play a central role in modifying soil organic matter mineralization. However, effects of tree species and intraspecific competition on RPEs are poorly understood. We investigated RPEs of three tree species (larch, ash and Chinese fir) and the impact of intraspecific competition of these species on the RPE by growing them at two planting densities for 140 d. We determined the RPE on soil organic carbon (C) decomposition, gross and net nitrogen (N) mineralization and net plant N acquisition. Differences in the RPE among species were associated with differences in plant biomass. Gross N mineralization and net plant N acquisition increased, but net N mineralization decreased, as the RPE on soil organic C decomposition increased. Intraspecific competition reduced the RPE on soil organic C decomposition, gross and net N mineralization, and net plant N acquisition, especially for ash and Chinese fir. Microbial N mining may explain the overall positive RPEs across species, whereas intensified plant-microbe competition for N may have reduced the RPE with intraspecific competition. Overall, the species-specific effects of tree species play an important role in modulating the magnitude and mechanisms of RPEs and the intraspecific competition on soil C and N dynamics.
Impact of Laboratory Charge Display Within the Electronic Health Record Across an Entire Academic Medical Center: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives To determine the impact of systemwide charge display on laboratory utilization. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial with a baseline period and an intervention period. Tests were randomized to a control arm or an active arm. The maximum allowable Medicare reimbursement rate was displayed for tests in the active arm during the intervention period. Total volume of tests in the active arm was compared with those in the control arm. Residents were surveyed before and after the intervention to assess charge awareness. Results Charge display had no effect on order behavior. This result held for patient type (inpatient vs outpatient) and for insurance category (commercial, government, self-pay). Residents overestimated the charges of tests both before and after the intervention. Many residents failed to notice the charge display in the computerized order entry system. Conclusions The impact of charge display depends on context. Charge display is not always effective.
What determines skin sensitization potency: Myths, maybes and realities. The 500 molecular weight cut‐off: An updated analysis

It is widely accepted that substances must have a molecular weight (MW) < 500 to penetrate effectively through the skin to induce sensitization. Roberts et al. (2012. Contact Dermatitis 68: 32–41) evaluated a data set of 699 substances taken from the TIMES‐SS expert system and identified that of the 13 substances with a MW > 500, five were sensitizers. This provided good evidence to refute such a MW 500 threshold. While Roberts et al. (2012) made a convincing case that the MW > 500 cut‐off was not a true requirement for sensitization, the number of counter examples identified were too few to draw any statistical conclusions. This updated analysis systematically interrogated a large repository of sensitization information collected under the EU REACH regulation. A data set of 2904 substances that had been tested for skin sensitization, using guinea pigs and/or mice were collected. The data set contained 197 substances with a MW > 500; 33 of these were skin sensitizers. Metal containing complexes, reaction products and mixtures were excluded from further consideration. The final set of 14 sensitizers substantiated the original findings. The study also assessed whether the same reaction chemistry principles established for low MW sensitizers applied to chemicals with a MW > 500. The existing reaction chemistry considerations were found appropriate to rationalize the sensitization behaviour of the 14 sensitizers with a MW > 500. The existence of the MW 500 threshold, based on the widespread misconception that the ability to penetrate efficiently the stratum corneum is a key determinant of skin sensitization potential and potency, was refuted. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in condom use among MSM in the United States: the role of antiretroviral therapy and seroadaptive strategies

Objective:Evaluate changes in condomless anal sex at last sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) and assess if these changes are associated with the adoption of serosorting and biomedical prevention. Design:The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance is a crosssectional survey done in up to 21 cities in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014. Methods:MSM were recruited through venue-based sampling. Among men reporting at least one male partner, we evaluated changes in condomless anal sex at last sex with a partner with (1) HIV-concordant (proxy for serosorting) or (2) HIV-discordant (discordant/unknown) status. We hypothesized that if concordant condomless sex was increasing while discordant was stable/declining, the increases could be driven by more men attempting to serosort. We used generalized estimating equations assuming a Poisson distribution and robust variance estimator to explore whether temporal changes in the outcomes varied by selected characteristics. We also assessed changes in condomless anal sex by antiretroviral therapy (ART) use among HIV-positive MSM. Results:Among 5371 HIV-positive MSM, there were increases in concordant (19% in 2005 to 25% in 2014, P < 0.001) and discordant condomless sex (15 to 19%, P < 0.001). The increases were not different by ART use. Among 30 547 HIV-negative MSM, concordant (21 to 27%, P < 0.001) and discordant condomless sex (8 to 13%, P < 0.001) increased. Conclusion:Our data suggest that condom use decreased among MSM and that the trends are not explained by serosorting or ART. Promotion of condoms and increased access to preexposure prophylaxis are vital to ensure that the benefits of ART in reducing transmission of HIV are not undermined.
Shear Performance of Glass Fiber Reinforced Glulam Bolted Connection

To evaluate the shear performance of the textile glass fiber and the sheet glass fiber reinforced glulam bolted connections, a tension type shear test was conducted. The average yield shear strength of the bolted connection of reinforced glulam was increased by 12% ~ 31% compared to the non-reinforced glulam. It was confirmed that the shear performance of 5D end distance of the glass fiber reinforced glulam connection corresponds to that of 7D of the non-reinforced glulam connection proposed in building design requirements in various countries. Compared to the non-reinforced glulam, the average shear strength of textile glass fiber reinforced glulam was markedly increased. The non-reinforced glulam and the GFRP reinforced glulam underwent a momentary splitting fracture. However, the failure mode of textile glass fiber reinforced glulam showed a good ductility.
Fluxes and fate of dissolved methane released at the seafloor at the landward limit of the gas hydrate stability zone offshore western Svalbard

Widespread seepage of methane from seafloor sediments offshore Svalbard close to the landward limit of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) may, in part, be driven by hydrate destabilization due to bottom water warming. To assess whether this methane reaches the atmosphere where it may contribute to further warming, we have undertaken comprehensive surveys of methane in seawater and air on the upper slope and shelf region. Near the GHSZ limit at ∼400 m water depth, methane concentrations are highest close to the seabed, reaching 825 nM. A simple box model of dissolved methane removal from bottom waters by horizontal and vertical mixing and microbially mediated oxidation indicates that ∼60% of methane released at the seafloor is oxidized at depth before it mixes with overlying surface waters. Deep waters are therefore not a significant source of methane to intermediate and surface waters; rather, relatively high methane concentrations in these waters (up to 50 nM) are attributed to isopycnal turbulent mixing with shelf waters. On the shelf, extensive seafloor seepage at <100 m water depth produces methane concentrations of up to 615 nM. The diffusive flux of methane from sea to air in the vicinity of the landward limit of the GHSZ is ∼4–20 μmol m−2 d−1, which is small relative to other Arctic sources. In support of this, analyses of mole fractions and the carbon isotope signature of atmospheric methane above the seeps do not indicate a significant local contribution from the seafloor source.
Transcriptomic analysis identifies a role of PI3K–Akt signalling in the responses of skeletal muscle to acute hypoxia in vivo

Changes in gene expression that occur within hours of exposure to hypoxia in in vivo skeletal muscles remain unexplored. Two hours of hypoxia caused significant down‐regulation of extracellular matrix genes followed by a shift at 6 h to altered expression of genes associated with the nuclear lumen while respiratory and blood gases were stabilized. Enrichment analysis of mRNAs classified by stability rates suggests an attenuation of post‐transcriptional regulation within hours of hypoxic exposure, where PI3K–Akt signalling was suggested to have a nodal role by pathway analysis. Experimental measurements and bioinformatic analyses suggested that the dephosphorylation of Akt after 2 h of hypoxic exposure might deactivate RNA‐binding protein BRF1, hence resulting in the selective degradation of mRNAs.