Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of the dorsal raphé nucleus in reward-seeking behavior

Pharmacological experiments have shown that the modulation of brain serotonin levels has a strong impact on value-based decision making. Anatomical and physiological evidence also revealed that the dorsal raphé nucleus (DRN), a major source of serotonin, and the dopamine system receive common inputs from brain regions associated with appetitive and aversive information processing. The serotonin and dopamine systems also have reciprocal functional influences on each other. However, the specific mechanism by which serotonin affects value-based decision making is not clear. To understand the information carried by the DRN for reward-seeking behavior, we measured single neuron activity in the primate DRN during the performance of saccade tasks to obtain different amounts of a reward. We found that DRN neuronal activity was characterized by tonic modulation that was altered by the expected and received reward value. Consistent reward-dependent modulation across different task periods suggested that DRN activity kept track of the reward value throughout a trial. The DRN was also characterized by modulation of its activity in the opposite direction by different neuronal subgroups, one firing strongly for the prediction and receipt of large rewards, with the other firing strongly for small rewards. Conversely, putative dopamine neurons showed positive phasic responses to reward-indicating cues and the receipt of an unexpected reward amount, which supports the reward prediction error signal hypothesis of dopamine. I suggest that the tonic reward monitoring signal of the DRN, possibly together with its interaction with the dopamine system, reports a continuous level of motivation throughout the performance of a task. Such a signal may provide “reward context” information to the targets of DRN projections, where it may be integrated further with incoming motivationally salient information.
Advances in Medical Education and Practice Dovepress Resource-oriented Coaching for Reduction of Examination-related Stress in Medical Students: an Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms Introduction: The years spent in acquiring medical education is considered a stressful period in the life of many students. Students whose mental health deteriorates during this long period of study are less likely to become empathic and productive physicians. In addition to other specific stressors, academic examinations seem to further induce medical school-related stress and anxiety. Combined group and individual resource-oriented coaching early in medical education might reduce examination-related stress and anxiety and, consequently, enhance academic performance. Good quality evidence, however, remains scarce. In this study, therefore, we explored the question of whether coaching affects examination-related stress and health in medical students. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial. Students who registered for the first medical academic examination in August 2014 at the University of Lübeck were recruited and randomized into three groups. The intervention groups 1 and 2 received a 1-hour psychoeduca-tive seminar. Group 1 additionally received two 1-hour sessions of individual coaching during examination preparation. Group 3 served as a control group. We compared changes in self-rated general health (measured by a single item), anxiety and depression (measured by the hospital anxiety and depression scale), as well as medical school stress (measured by the perceived medical school stress instrument). In order to further investigate the influence of group allocation on perceived medical school stress, we conducted a linear regression analysis. Results: We saw a significant deterioration of general health and an increase in anxiety and depression scores in medical students while preparing for an examination. We found a small, but statistically significant, effect of group allocation on the development of perceived medical school stress. However, we could not differentiate between the effects of group coaching only and group coaching in combination with two sessions of individual coaching. Conclusion: The health of medical students deteriorated while preparing for an examination. Short-term resource-oriented coaching might be an effective means of reducing medical school stress in candidates preparing for an examination.
Personalized Texts and Second Language Reading: A Study in Self-Efficacy

The participants were 38 diverse, novice, Spanish students from a large, suburban, high school in the southeastern United States. During the study, the researcher collected self-efficacy data via a Google form as participants completed the preand post-Spanish reading self-efficacy questionnaire. The National Spanish Exam (NSE) provided the linguistic competency data. The NSE is an annual, online, standardized examination offered by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.
What Is the Vulnerability of a Food System to Global Environmental Change

Assessing the vulnerability of broadly described food systems to global environmental change requires a new, synthetic approach. Food systems can best be conceptualized as the integration of humans and the environment or coupled social-ecological systems. However, much of the existing literature on vulnerability assessment focuses on either social or ecological systems, and conceptual gaps limit the holistic evaluation of linked systems in which both social and ecosystem outcomes are important. I suggest an approach with which to integrate factors across a food system to assess the system's vulnerability to environmental change by focusing on key processes and system characteristics. However, the multiple objectives of different actors in food systems make tradeoffs inevitable and complicate the evaluation of vulnerability. Further development and use of this approach is a promising avenue for future research because empirical evidence is needed to further elaborate these understandings.
Googling Self-injury: the state of health information obtained through online searches for self-injury.

IMPORTANCE Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate destruction of one's body tissue without suicidal intent, is a significant issue for many youth. Research suggests that adolescents and emerging adults prefer the Internet as a means to retrieve NSSI resources and that important others (eg, caregivers) may also seek this information online. To our knowledge, no research to date has examined the quality of health information regarding NSSI on the Internet. OBJECTIVES To examine the scope and nature of web searches for NSSI websites and to evaluate the quality of health-information websites found via these online searches. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Ninety-two NSSI-related search terms were identified using the Google AdWords Keywords program. The first page of Google search results for each term was content-analyzed for website type and health-information websites were further coded for credibility, NSSI myth propagation, and quality of health information. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Frequency of NSSI web searches and indices of health information quality. RESULTS Nonsuicidal self-injury-related search terms were sought more than 42 million times in the past year and health-information websites were the most common website type found (21.5%). Of these, a health and/or academic institution endorsed only 9.6%. At least one NSSI myth was propagated per website, including statements that NSSI indicates a mental disorder (49.3%), a history of abuse (40%), or the notion that primarily women self-injure (37%). The mean quality of health information score on these websites was 3.49 (SD = 1.40) of 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Nonsuicidal self-injury-related search terms are frequently sought out worldwide and are likely to yield noncredible and low-quality information that may propagate common NSSI myths. These data suggest health professionals need to be aware of what information is online and should refer young patients and their families to reliable online resources to enhance NSSI literacy. Efforts to facilitate people's access to credible NSSI resources via the Internet are also needed.
Dolomite formation in the dynamic deep biosphere: results from the Peru Margin

Early diagenetic dolomite beds were sampled during the Ocean Drilling Programme (ODP) Leg 201 at four reoccupied ODP Leg 112 sites on the Peru continental margin (Sites 1227/684, 1228/680, 1229/681 and 1230/685) and analysed for petrography, mineralogy, δ13C, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr values. The results are compared with the chemistry, and δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr values of the associated porewater. Petrographic relationships indicate that dolomite forms as a primary precipitate in porous diatom ooze and siliciclastic sediment and is not replacing the small amounts of precursor carbonate. Dolomite precipitation often pre‐dates the formation of framboidal pyrite. Most dolomite layers show 87Sr/86Sr‐ratios similar to the composition of Quaternary seawater and do not indicate a contribution from the hypersaline brine, which is present at a greater burial depth. Also, the δ13C values of the dolomite are not in equilibrium with the δ13C values of the dissolved inorganic carbon in the associated modern porewater. Both petrography and 87Sr/86Sr ratios suggest a shallow depth of dolomite formation in the uppermost sediment (<30 m below the seafloor). A significant depletion in the dissolved Mg and Ca in the porewater constrains the present site of dolomite precipitation, which co‐occurs with a sharp increase in alkalinity and microbial cell concentration at the sulphate–methane interface. It has been hypothesized that microbial ‘hot‐spots’, such as the sulphate–methane interface, may act as focused sites of dolomite precipitation. Varying δ13C values from −15‰ to +15‰ for the dolomite are consistent with precipitation at a dynamic sulphate–methane interface, where δ13C of the dissolved inorganic carbon would likewise be variable. A dynamic deep biosphere with upward and downward migration of the sulphate–methane interface can be simulated using a simple numerical diffusion model for sulphate concentration in a sedimentary sequence with variable input of organic matter. Thus, the study of dolomite layers in ancient organic carbon‐rich sedimentary sequences can provide a useful window into the palaeo‐dynamics of the deep biosphere.
Efficacy of unilateral laminectomy for bilateral decompression in lumbar spinal stenosis.

OBJECTIVE We have conducted a prospective study to evaluate the results and effectiveness of bilateral decompression via a unilateral laminectomy in 50 patients with 98 levels of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis without instability. METHODS Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form-36, and subjective Satisfaction Measurement. RESULTS Adequate decompression was achieved in all patients. The mean follow-up time was 22.8 months (range 19 - 47 months). Surgical decompression resulted in a dramatic reduction of overall pain in all patients (late postoperative VAS score was 2.16 +/- 0.81). The ODI scores decreased significantly in early and late follow-up evaluations and the SF-36 scores demonstrated significant improvement in late follow-up results in our series. Patient satisfaction rate was 94%, and its improvement rate was 96%. CONCLUSION For degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with or without mild degenerative spondylolisthesis, the unilateral approach allowed sufficient and safe decompression of the neural structures and adequate preservation of vertebral stability, resulted in a highly significant reduction of symptoms and disability, and improved health-related quality of life.
Approach for generating performance models from UML models of SOA systems

Model-Driven SOA is an emerging approach for developing service-oriented systems using models at different levels of abstractions and applying model transformations to generate either code or other models for the analysis of non-functional properties, such as performance. The paper proposes an approach for deriving layered queueing performance models for the evaluation of the runtime performance characteristics of such systems in the early development phases, before the entire system is built and can be deployed and measured. Early performance evaluation helps to choose an appropriate architecture, design and configuration alternatives, so that the final system meets its performance requirements. The starting point for derivation is a platform independent UML model of a SOA system representing the workflows, architecture of the underlying components offering services, and behavior of the corresponding runtime scenarios. A platform dependent model, obtained by weaving platform services into the platform-independent model through aspect-oriented modeling techniques, represents the source model for the transformation into a performance model. The deployment of the software on hardware resources is also part of the source model. The UML model is annotated with performance information by using the standard UML profile MARTE. The proposed approach is illustrated with a healthcare application.
Inpatient Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonias with Integrative Medicine

Introduction. The aim of the presented observational case series was to evaluate the experience in treating patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) within integrative medicine, particularly anthroposophic medicine in a well-experienced and specialized unit. Patients and Methods. Patients with proven CAP were evaluated (CAP-study group) based on a retrospective chart review. To estimate the severity of pneumonia, the pneumonia severity index (PSI) was applied. Treatment efficacy was evaluated regarding body temperature, CRP level, leukocytes blood count, the need to be treated on ICU, and mortality. Results were compared with the inpatient data of the Pneumonia PORT Validation Cohort. Results. 15/18 patients of the CAP-study group belonged to risk class groups I–III (low and moderate risk), 2 patients to risk class IV, and one patient to risk class V (severe pneumonia). 16/18 patients were treated with anthroposophic medicine only and 2/18 got additionally antibiotic therapy (both of risk class IV). A significant reduction of body temperature, CRP level, and leukocytes blood count has been obtained by applying anthroposophic medicine, while neither complications nor pneumonia-related death occurred. Compared with the control group there was no significant difference in mortality rate, whereby no patient had to be treated on the ICU, but the duration of hospital stay was significantly longer in the presented series. Conclusion. Inpatient treatment of CAP with anthroposophic medicine without the use of antibiotics may achieve reasonable results in selected cases. Additional larger sized prospective controlled trials should further clarify the role of AM in the treatment of CAP.
Baicalein Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells through Inactivation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Baicalein, a natural flavonoid obtained from the rhizome of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been reported to have anticancer activities in several human cancer cell lines. However, its antimetastatic effects and associated mechanisms in melanoma cells have not been extensively studied. The current study examined the effects of baicalein on cell motility and anti-invasive activity using mouse melanoma B16F10 cells. Within the noncytotoxic concentration range, baicalein significantly inhibited the cell motility and invasiveness of B16F10 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Baicalein also reduced the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9; however, the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 were concomitantly increased. The inhibitory effects of baicalein on cell motility and invasiveness were found to be associated with its tightening of tight junction (TJ), which was demonstrated by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance and downregulation of the claudin family of proteins. Additionally, treatment with baicalein markedly reduced the expression levels of lipopolysaccharide-induced phosphorylated Akt and the invasive activity in B16F10 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that baicalein inhibits B16F10 melanoma cell migration and invasion by reducing the expression of MMPs and tightening TJ through the suppression of claudin expression, possibly in association with a suppression of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway.
Mobile Networks as a Two-Sided Platform - Case Open Telco

Internet companies have utilized the benefits of open innovation and open APIs for a long time, but mobile operators are just entering the open domain with a concept referred to here as Open Telco. This paper investigates how open APIs can be applied to mobile networks in order to transform them from a one-sided into a two-sided platform where new business models can be utilized. The research method is based on a single case study using a representative usage scenario. The research framework, applied in this case study, was driven by the literature analysis. The research was started by creating a set of usage scenarios for analysis by an expert group. The most representative case was then selected for a closer examination with the results presented in accordance with the research framework. According to the results, the Open Telco concept creates an ecosystem that enables a two-sided platform. However, positive network effects require at least national coverage; developers want innovative pricing schema and novel payment services need changes for regulation. Finally, the research limitations are expressed, the proposals for the next steps are given, results are compared with the literature findings, and conclusions are drawn.
Older people's participation in and engagement with falls prevention interventions in community settings: an augment to the Cochrane systematic review.

BACKGROUND Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of fall prevention conducted in community settings have recently been systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVE To augment this review by analysing older people's participation in the trials and engagement with the interventions. DESIGN Review of the 99 single and multifactorial RCTs included in the Cochrane systematic review of falls prevention interventions. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 60+/mean age minus one standard deviation of 60+. METHODS Calculated aggregate data on recruitment (proportion who accepted the invitation to participate), attrition at 12 month follow-up (loss of participants), adherence (to intervention protocol) and whether adherence moderated the effect of interventions on trial outcomes. RESULTS The median recruitment rate was 70.7% (64.2-81.7%, n = 78). At 12 months the median attrition rate including mortality was 10.9% (9.1-16.0%, n = 44). Adherence rates (n = 69) were ≥80% for vitamin D/calcium supplementation; ≥70% for walking and class-based exercise; 52% for individually targeted exercise; approximately 60-70% for fluid/nutrition therapy and interventions to increase knowledge; 58-59% for home modifications; but there was no improvement for medication review/withdrawal of certain drugs. Adherence to multifactorial interventions was generally ≥75% but ranged 28-95% for individual components. The 13 studies that tested for whether adherence moderated treatment effectiveness produced mixed results. CONCLUSIONS Using median rates for recruitment (70%), attrition (10%) and adherence (80%), we estimate that, at 12 months, on average half of community-dwelling older people are likely to be adhering to falls prevention interventions in clinical trials.
Unsupervised Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring of Residential Appliances

—Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) is a technique in which electrical appliances are monitored through the disaggregation of the aggregate electrical signal gathered from a single metering point. NILM has recently attracted wide interest in research for application in both the commercial and residential sectors. In this paper, a completely unsupervised NILM system is proposed for application in the residential sector. The proposed system consists of four stages. First, events are detected in real-time using a bucketing technique and EM clustering. Features are then extracted from the transient behavior of appliances. Afterwards, mean-shift clustering is utilized in the detection of recurrences. Finally, an initial transition matching approach is proposed. The system is then tested on the publicly available BLUED dataset and showed high event detection and clustering results and reported a possibility of complete disaggregation up to 92% of the total consumed energy.
Perisynaptic Localization of δ Subunit-Containing GABAA Receptors and Their Activation by GABA Spillover in the Mouse Dentate Gyrus

In cerebellar granule cells, δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors are found exclusively at extrasynaptic sites, but their subcellular distribution in other brain areas is poorly understood. We examined the anatomical localization and physiological activation of these receptors in adult mouse dentate gyrus granule cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed a high density of δ subunits in the molecular layer and a much lower density in the cell body layer. At the ultrastructural level, immunogold-labeled δ subunits were found at the edge of symmetric synapses on granule cell dendrites. Functional correlates of this perisynaptic localization were obtained by comparing inhibitory responses in δ subunit-deficient (δ-/-) and wild-type (wt) mice. In whole-cell recordings at 22°C, the weighted decay time constants (τw) of spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) were significantly longer in wt mice but were similar at 34°C, reflecting the role of temperature-dependent GABA uptake in shaping sIPSC decay. IPSCs evoked by minimal stimulation (eIPSCs) near the somata had similar τw in δ-/- and wt mice, but eIPSCs elicited from dendritic sites decayed significantly more slowly in wt mice, consistent with a higher density of δ subunit-containing receptors in the molecular layer. The τw of dendritic eIPSCs of wt mice were shortened by ZnCl2 (10 μm), reflecting the high Zn2+ sensitivity of δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors, and were prolonged by the GAT-1 GABA transporter inhibitor NO711 (10 μm). Our results demonstrate a perisynaptic localization of δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors and indicate that these receptors can be activated by GABA overspill in the molecular layer.