Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of Lymphocyte Proliferation during Primary Immune Response in Macaques Infected with Pathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251: Preliminary Report of the Effect of Early Antiviral Therapy

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetics of lymphocyte proliferation during primary infection of macaques with pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and to study the impact of short-term postexposure highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) prophylaxis. Twelve macaques were infected by intravenous route with SIVmac251 and given treatment for 28 days starting 4 h postexposure. Group 1 received a placebo, and groups 2 and 3 received combinations of zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC), and indinavir. Macaques in group 2 received AZT (4.5 mg/kg of body weight), 3TC (2.5 mg/kg), and indinavir (20 mg/kg) twice per day by the oral route whereas macaques in group 3 were given AZT (4.5 mg/kg) and 3TC (2.5 mg/kg) subcutaneously twice per day, to improve the pharmacokinetic action of these drugs, and a higher dose of indinavir (60 mg/kg). The kinetics of lymphocyte proliferation were analyzed by monitoring 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake ex vivo and by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. HAART did not protect against SIV infection but did strongly impact on virus loads: viremia was delayed and lowered during antiviral therapy in group 2, with better control after treatment was stopped, and in group 3, viremia was maintained at lower levels during treatment, with virus even undetectable in the blood of some macaques, but there was no evidence of improved control of the virus after treatment. We provide direct evidence that dividing NK cells are detected earlier than dividing T cells in the blood (mostly in CD45RA− T cells), mirroring plasma viremia. Dividing CD8+ T cells were detected earlier than dividing CD4+ T cells, and the highest percentages of proliferating T cells coincided with the first evidence of partial control of peak viremia and with an increase in the percentage of circulating gamma interferon-positive CD8+ T cells. The level of cell proliferation in the blood during SIV primary infection was clearly associated with viral replication levels because the inhibition of viral replication by postexposure HAART strongly reduced lymphocyte proliferation. The results and conclusions in this study are based on experiments in a small numbers of animals and are thus preliminary.
Family Interventions in Psychosis: A Review of the Evidence and Barriers to Implementation

Objective Family interventions for schizophrenia are recommended psychological interventions worldwide. The National Institute for Care and Clinical Excellence (UK) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists recommend family interventions as a first‐line treatment and “treatment essential,” respectively, at all stages of psychosis and with all aspects of care. However, the success of the integration of these interventions into routine clinical services has been problematic and remains a major challenge. Methods We outline the national guidelines on family interventions for schizophrenia and review the evidence for this approach. Drawing on recent systematic reviews and through searching electronic databases for relevant articles, we review the barriers and facilitators associated with implementing family interventions into routine clinical services. Results National guidelines continue to recommend psychological interventions for schizophrenia, reflecting the evidence base to support the provision of this approach across the psychosis spectrum. Reported estimates of implementation rates remain low and vary between 0% and 53%. Barriers to implementing family interventions exist at the service user, clinician, and organisational level. Factors that facilitate implementation of family interventions have been reported to a lesser extent. Conclusions Implementation of family interventions for schizophrenia remains poor and is below recommended levels, with wide variation of implementation rates reported. This reflects inequality in the provision of family interventions for schizophrenia. Barriers at the service user, clinician, and organisational level have influenced the implementation of family interventions. A research agenda for improving consistent implementation of family interventions for schizophrenia is discussed.
Structure of children’s basic health units: descriptive study

Objetivo: avaliar, na perspectiva de medicos e enfermeiros, a estrutura das Unidades Basicas de Saude que assistem a crianca menor de um ano no municipio de Cuiaba-MT. Metodo: Estudo descritivo avaliativo do qual participaram 26 profissionais (12 medicos e 14 enfermeiros) que atuam na rede basica de saude. Os dados foram coletados mediante aplicacao de questionario, no periodo de outubro a dezembro de 2010. Resultados: A avaliacao dos profissionais apontou para carencias na estrutura fisica das unidades, principalmente a ausencia de locais para o desenvolvimento de atividades educativas e acolhimento dos usuarios, alem da falta de materiais basicos para assistir a crianca. Conclusao: Pode-se considerar que, o atendimento em geral e bom, mas ha necessidade de investimentos na estrutura fisica, capacitacao dos profissionais, resolutividade e contrarreferencia
A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Changes in Chinese Migrant Workers’ Mental Health: 1995~2011

为探索中国农民工心理健康水平随年代的变迁，运用横断历史研究方法，对1995至2011年70篇采用90项症状自评量表（SCL-90）的调查数据进行分析，以考察46485名被试在所测心理问题的9个因子上得分随年代的变化趋势。 结果发现：（1） SCL-90各因子均值与年代之间呈负相关，年代可以解释9个因子1%至31%的变异；17年来9因子均值下降范围在1%至39%之间，其中人际关系、抑郁、焦虑、敌对、恐怖和偏执六个方面改善效果最为突出，得分降幅均在12%以上。 这说明17年来中国农民工心理健康总体水平在逐步提升。 （2）存在明显的亚群体差异：东部地区农民工心理健康水平比其他地区改善的更为全面；从事制造业农民工的心理健康水平明显提升了，而建筑业的无变化；青年农民工心理健康水平在下降，敌对和焦虑两方面尤其突出；男性农民工的心理健康水平下降了，而女性却提高了。
To stylize or not to stylize?

Virtual characters contribute strongly to the entire visuals of 3D animated films. However, designing believable characters remains a challenging task. Artists rely on stylization to increase appeal or expressivity, exaggerating or softening specific features. In this paper we analyze two of the most influential factors that define how a character looks: shape and material. With the help of artists, we design a set of carefully crafted stimuli consisting of different stylization levels for both parameters, and analyze how different combinations affect the perceived realism, appeal, eeriness, and familiarity of the characters. Moreover, we additionally investigate how this affects the perceived intensity of different facial expressions (sadness, anger, happiness, and surprise). Our experiments reveal that shape is the dominant factor when rating realism and expression intensity, while material is the key component for appeal. Furthermore our results show that realism alone is a bad predictor for appeal, eeriness, or attractiveness.
Analysis of HLA-B15 and HLA-B27 in spondyloarthritis with peripheral and axial clinical patterns

Objective Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) B27 and HLA-B15 are associated with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Recent Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria emphasise a distinction between SpA with axial and peripheral patterns. We analysed whether HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 alleles could associate with these patterns. Methods We studied 100 healthy individuals and 178 patients with SpA according to European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) criteria. Patients were then classified according to ASAS criteria, the axial spondyloarthritis pattern (axSpA) being defined by ascertained sacroiliitis and the peripheral pattern (pSpA) by enthesitis and/or arthritis in extremities. A combined ax/p pattern was also considered. Results Only HLA-B27 and HLA-B15 alleles were associated with SpA. ASAS criteria for axSpA were met in 152 patients (12 with isolated axSpA and 140 with a combined ax/p patterns). When the ASAS peripheral criteria were applied, 161 patients met these criteria (13 with isolated pSpA and 148 with a combined ax/p pattern). HLA-B27 was found in 83% of patients with axSpA and 43% of ax/pSpA patients according to axASAS. HLA-B27 occurred in 7% controls but not in any patient with isolated pSpA. HLA-B15 was encountered in 31% of patients with isolated pSpA and 20% of ax/pSpA patients according to pASAS criteria. Moreover, 2 healthy controls, but none of our patients with isolated axSpA were positive for HLA-B15. Conclusions Our data suggest that the presence of HLA-B15 favours the development of isolated/combined peripheral rather than isolated axSpA, while HLA-B27 promotes an isolated/combined axial disease and excludes a peripheral pattern. HLA-B15 should be considered in addition to HLA-B27 when diagnosing patients with SpA according to ASAS criteria.
Virtuous states and virtuous traits: How the empirical evidence regarding the existence of broad traits saves virtue ethics from the situationist critique

A major objection to the study of virtue asserts that the empirical psychological evidence implies traits have little meaningful impact on behavior, as slight changes in situational characteristics appear to lead to large changes in virtuous behavior. We argue in response that the critical evidence is not these effects of situations observed in social psychological experiments, but evidence of stable individual differences obtained from correlations of individual’s behaviors across multiple contexts. The totality of the empirical evidence is shown to support this claim: broad traits are real, prominent, and consequential, and these traits, conceptualized as density distributions of personality states, exhibit remarkable consistency. In short, the evidence in favor of individual differences is empirically solid, and the study of ethics focused on virtue is not threatened by psychological research.
A study of programming problem representation in novice and expert programmers

Based on a study by Chi and Glasser on physics problem-solving, [1] we hypothesized that novices represent computer programming problems initially on the basis of surface features, such as application areas, while experts represent programming problems on the basis of deep features, such as solution method and data structures. Using a problem sorting task, we studied differences in representation among beginning programmers, experienced programmers, and programming managers. Each participant in the study was given specifications for 27 different programming problems, and was asked to group together problems whose method of solution would be similar. The 27 problems were designed to have three different treatments on each of three dimensions of variation: data-structure, algorithm, and application area. Beginning programmers tended to group problems by application area, experienced programmers grouped by algorithm, and programming managers used a mix of the two methods. The experts were more consistent in their groupings and took more time to complete the grouping task, both of which are consistent with Chi and Glasser and reflect the expected novice/expert representation difference.
Administrative burdens and over-exertion in Swedish short sea shipping

ABSTRACT Despite significant changes in work tasks performed on board, towards more sedentary monitoring and administrative work, the incidence of occupational injuries and disorders remains high among seafarers. In order to improve safety standards, industry stakeholders increasingly require written documentation of numerous routines, procedures and tasks performed on board. These increased demands have however added to the administrative burden. Some say, to the extent that administrative work has become a safety risk in itself. This paper presents the result of a survey investigating how Swedish seafarers perceive their own level of fatigue, stress and over-exertion related to work. The material consists of 1309 respondents originating from a random selection procedure, of which 651 reported to be employed in short sea shipping. Multiple regression analysis (OLS regression), allowing adjusted effects, were applied in several steps of the analysis. The highest levels of exertion were reported by employees in the catering department, positions not generally associated with high administrative burden. Perceived high levels of administrative work do increase the level of exertion, but cannot explain the observed pattern. Future ship and trade-specific studies on physical and mental well-being and complementary studies on the catering department’s working conditions and work environment are necessary.
The Angiotensin II Pressor System of the Rat Forebrain

An anterior hypothalamic knife cut that leaves intact two central sites of action of angiotension II produces the same deficits in the pressor responses to angiotensin II that have been attributed to destruction of two circumventricular organs (the subfomical organ and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis). The central pressor actions of angiotensin II are necessary for the full expression of renin-dependent renal hypertension. The anterior hypothalamic knife cut attenuates renin-dependent aortic ligation hypertension. It has been shown that electrolytic destruction more anterior to this knife cut, in the anteroventral 3rd ventricle region, also attenuates two forms of renin-dependent hypertension, aortic ligation hypertension and two-kidney Goldblatt hypertension in the rat. Electrolytic lesions in the subfomical organ also reduce renin-dependent, two-kidney Goldblatt hypertension. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that a common efferent system from the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and subfomical organ mediates the central pressor response to angiotensin II and is involved in the development of renin-dependent hypertension. A model is proposed for the circuitry in the rat forebrain that is involved in the pressor response to angiotensin II.
Yeast Modulation of Human Dendritic Cell Cytokine Secretion: An In Vitro Study

Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. The concept of individual microorganisms influencing the makeup of T cell subsets via interactions with intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) appears to constitute the foundation for immunoregulatory effects of probiotics, and several studies have reported probiotic strains resulting in reduction of intestinal inflammation through modulation of DC function. Consequent to a focus on Saccharomyces boulardii as the fundamental probiotic yeast, very little is known about hundreds of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in terms of their interaction with the human gastrointestinal immune system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate 170 yeast strains representing 75 diverse species for modulation of inflammatory cytokine secretion by human DCs in vitro, as compared to cytokine responses induced by a S. boulardii reference strain with probiotic properties documented in clinical trials. Furthermore, we investigated whether cytokine inducing interactions between yeasts and human DCs are dependent upon yeast viability or rather a product of membrane interactions regardless of yeast metabolic function. We demonstrate high diversity in yeast induced cytokine profiles and employ multivariate data analysis to reveal distinct clustering of yeasts inducing similar cytokine profiles in DCs, highlighting clear species distinction within specific yeast genera. The observed differences in induced DC cytokine profiles add to the currently very limited knowledge of the cross-talk between yeasts and human immune cells and provide a foundation for selecting yeast strains for further characterization and development toward potentially novel yeast probiotics. Additionally, we present data to support a hypothesis that the interaction between yeasts and human DCs does not solely depend on yeast viability, a concept which may suggest a need for further classifications beyond the current definition of a probiotic.
Surrogate losses for cost-sensitive classification with example-dependent costs

We study surrogate losses in the context of cost-sensitive classification with example-dependent costs, a problem also known as regression level set estimation. We give sucient conditions on the surrogate loss for the existence of a surrogate regret bound. Such bounds imply that as the surrogate risk tends to its optimal value, so too does the expected misclassification cost. These kinds of bounds are not only intuitively natural requirements of the surrogate loss, but have also emerged in recent years as critical tools when proving consistency of algorithms based on surrogate losses. Our sucient conditions encompass example-dependent versions of the hinge, exponential, and other common losses. These results provide theoretical justification for some previously proposed surrogate-based algorithms, and suggests others that have not yet been developed.
Incidence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in a population with organic erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION Advanced age in men is accompanied by an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Prior studies revealed that 56% of an ED population have asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, 75% of men with CAD have symptoms of ED, and 91% of our ED patients have cardiovascular risks. AIM Because metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR) are both predictors of CVD, we wished to evaluate these parameters in our population. METHODS Our men (N = 154) were evaluated for multiple cardiovascular risk factors and graded on severity of ED. The severity of ED was evaluated by the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. The prevalence of MS was determined by NCEP/ATP III criteria. Insulin resistance was measured by QUICKI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Bivariate associations among total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride/HDL, and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were compared. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate the relation between the presence and severity of IR with the severity of ED. RESULTS The total cholesterol/HDL ratio was moderately and negatively correlated with QUICKI (r = -0.33; P < 0.01) and similarly for the triglyceride/HDL ratio (r = -0.32; P < 0.01). Metabolic syndrome was present in 43% of our ED population as opposed to 24% in a matched patient population. Approximately 79.2% of our total population had IR and 73.3% of the nondiabetic portion (N = 120) had IR, compared to 26% in a general population study. Metabolic syndrome (P = 0.01), IR (P = 0.01), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) >110 mg/dL (P = 0.01) correlated positively and moderately with increasing severity of ED by SHIM score. CONCLUSION Men with ED have a high incidence of MS and IR. Early detection of metabolic disease in patients with ED may be a gateway to the reduction endothelial dysfunction in younger men with increased cardiovascular risk but who present for treatment of ED alone.
Improving health care student attitudes toward older adults through educational interventions: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Educational institutions should aim to positively influence the attitudes of future health care practitioners toward older patients to ensure the provision of quality patient care. This systematic review of the literature aims to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions designed to improve health care student behaviors and/or attitudes toward older people. The 29 studies included in this review utilized a variety of interventions, methods, and measurement tools. The most common type of educational intervention incorporated interaction with real patients. Few studies evaluated the impact of interventions on behavior; therefore, more observational studies are required. Overall interventions incorporating interactions with real patients who are independently living had a positive impact on student attitudes toward older adults. Clinically focused placements with patients who are ill may still have a place in the development of the patient-centered interview and assessment skills, along with improving confidence and competence, despite not having a favorable impact on attitudes.
Flexible, Mobile Agent Based Intrusion Detection for Dynamic Networks

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are security tools that attempt to detect malicious activities which are targeted against a network and its resources. Similar to virus scanners, IDS sensors need regular updates of their attack databases to detect novel intrusion attempts. Additionally, the identification of distributed intrusions requires cooperation of different sensors. Mobile devices present a new challenge to intrusion detection. Whenever such a machine (e.g. laptop) is plugged into the network, it introduces a potential entry point that might be exploited by hackers. Ideally, the newly inserted device immediately participates in the intrusion detection process. This would require an instant integration into the detection process and an automatic update of the attack database. Such requirements are not addressed by current ID systems that assume a static environment. We present Sparta, a mobile agent based ID system that allows to detect network intrusions in a changing, dynamic environment. Each participating device only requires an agent platform as well as generic sensor support. When connected to the network it becomes automatically and smoothly integrated into the ID process.
Effects of Goal-Directed Emotions on Salesperson Volitions, Behavior, and Performance: A Longitudinal Study

The authors investigate the motivational effects of emotions in a sales force context. The personal stakes that salespeople have in a goal situation triggered anticipation of emotions that result from attaining or failing to attain their performance goal. Positive anticipatory emotions were positively related to volitions and mediated the relationship between personal stakes and volitions. Goal attainment was positively related to positive outcome emotions and negatively related to negative outcome emotions. Goal-directed behavior was positively associated with positive outcome emotions, independently of goal attainment. The findings suggest that emotions are an important driving force behind sales force motivation. The authors discuss the implications for sales management, theory development, and further research.
A Signalling Model of Environmental Overcompliance

I model environmental overcompliance as a signalling device. In the model, a benevolent government may or may not tighten environmental standards. Production costs under the stricter environmental regulation are private information to the firms, and tightening environmental policy is socially desirable only if such costs are sufficiently low. The key assumption of the model is that firms differ in the cost of complying, and so those firms that enjoy a comparative advantage may actually benefit from tighter regulation. In these circumstances, such firms may overcomply in order to signal to the government that compliance costs are low, thus inducing the government to enforce stricter regulation.