Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Stress Symptoms, Dissociation, and Depression among Rescue Personnel 24 Hours after the Bet-Yehoshua Train Crash in Israel: The Effects of Gender

Abstract Introduction: The effect of immediate exposure to traumatic events and gender differences is under-studied in the literature. Most studies focus on acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) phases in order to measure gender differences, and tend to neglect the immediate expo-sure to the disaster. Hypothesis: The main hypothesis was that female rescue personnel would exhibit higher levels of acute stress symptoms, dissociation, and depressive symptoms in the 24 hours following a traumatic event. Methods: Twenty-three rescue personnel participated in a search and rescue operation at the Bet-Yehoshua train crash in Israel. The rescue personnel group was divided based on gender. Each participant completed a demographic questionnaire including questions that assessed psychological symptoms and issues such as perceived threat to life, the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), and the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression questionnaire (CES-D). Statistical inferences were calculated using t-tests and chi-square tests, along with testing of covariance (MANCOVA) in order to indentify which factors are related to psychiatric symptomatology following the immediate exposure to disaster. Results: The results suggest that among rescue personnel, women did not differ in their levels of acute stress, dissociation, and depressive symptoms from men. Conclusions: These results suggest the possibility that the gender differences in reactions to traumatic events do not emerge in the acute stress reactions (ASR) phase (up to 24 hours after the event), but later on when people have time to process the trauma. Another possibility that may explain the discrepancy between this study and the common knowledge in the literature is that women rescue personnel are considered a highly selected group, which does not reflect on the general population of women. More studies are needed in order to substantiate these results.
Extracellular Signaling through the Microenvironment: A Hypothesis Relating Carcinogenesis, Bystander Effects, and Genomic Instability

Abstract Barcellos-Hoff, M. H. and Brooks, A. L. Extracellular Signaling through the Microenvironment: A Hypothesis Relating Carcinogenesis, Bystander Effects, and Genomic Instability. Radiat. Res. 156, 618–627 (2001). Cell growth, differentiation and death are directed in large part by extracellular signaling through the interactions of cells with other cells and with the extracellular matrix; these interactions are in turn modulated by cytokines and growth factors, i.e. the microenvironment. Here we discuss the idea that extracellular signaling integrates multicellular damage responses that are important deterrents to the development of cancer through mechanisms that eliminate abnormal cells and inhibit neoplastic behavior. As an example, we discuss the action of transforming growth factor β (TGFB1) as an extracellular sensor of damage. We propose that radiation-induced bystander effects and genomic instability are, respectively, positive and negative manifestations of this homeostatic process. Bystander effects exhibited predominantly after a low-dose or a nonhomogeneous radiation exposure are extracellular signaling pathways that modulate cellular repair and death programs. Persistent disruption of extracellular signaling after exposure to relatively high doses of ionizing radiation may lead to the accumulation of aberrant cells that are genomically unstable. Understanding radiation effects in terms of coordinated multicellular responses that affect decisions regarding the fate of a cell may necessitate re-evaluation of radiation dose and risk concepts and provide avenues for intervention.
How General are Risk Preferences? Choices Under Uncertainty in Different Domains

We analyze the extent to which individuals' choices over five employer-provided insurance coverage decisions and one 401(k) investment decision exhibit systematic patterns, as would be implied by a general utility component of risk preferences. We provide evidence consistent with an important domain-general component that operates across all insurance choices. We find a considerably weaker relationship between one's insurance decisions and 401(k) asset allocation, although this relationship appears larger for more "financially sophisticated" individuals. Estimates from a stylized coverage choice model suggest that up to thirty percent of our sample makes choices that may be consistent across all six domains.
FEATURE ARTICLE Neural Dynamics and the Fundamental Mechanisms of Event-related Brain Potentials

Event-related potentials (ERPs) provide a critical link between the hemodynamic response, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging, and the dynamics of the underlying neuronal activity. Single-trial ERP recordings capture the oscillatory activity that are hypothesized to underlie both communication between brain regions and amplified processing of behaviorally relevant stimuli. However, precise interpretations of ERPs are precluded by uncertainty about their neural mechanisms. One influential theory holds that averaged sensory ERPs are generated by partial phase resetting of ongoing electroencephalographic oscillations, while another states that ERPs result from stimulus-evoked neural responses. We formulated critical predictions of each theory and tested these using direct, intracortical analyses of neural activity in monkeys. Our findings support a predominant role for stimulus-evoked activity in sensory ERP generation, and they outline both logic and methodology necessary for differentiating evoked and phase resetting contributions to cognitive and motor ERPs in future studies.
Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Neuropsychology: a Two-Way Interaction

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) represents the progressive accumulation of a constellation of cognitive deficits, making neuropsychology central to the diagnosis of AD. These cognitive deficits may occur in a wide range of domains, though recent taxonomies have focused on slowly progressive disorders of a single domain (e.g., language, memory or praxis) remaining isolated for much of the early course of the disease. In this paper we review some of the methodological matters related to patient assessment, suggesting that a cognitive approach to the diagnosis of AD should be used. In addition, we will review some of the most significant contributions that neuropsychological findings in patients with AD have made to the understanding of normal cognition.
A Multicultural Test of the Theory of Work Adjustment: Investigating the Role of Heterosexism and Fit Perceptions in the Job Satisfaction of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Employees.

Two expanded models (i.e., mediated and moderated) of the theory of work adjustment (TWA; R. V. Dawis, G. England, & L. H. Lofquist, 1964; R. V. Dawis & L. H. Lofquist, 1984) were tested for their capacity to explain the job satisfaction of a sample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual employees (N 397). Consistent with cultural critiques of the TWA, person–organization fit perceptions were tested as the mediator of the relationship between heterosexism and job satisfaction in one set of hypotheses, and experiences with informal heterosexism were tested as a moderator in the relationship between person– organization fit perceptions and job satisfaction in a separate set of hypotheses. The mediated model but not the moderated model was supported. Results were confirmed by a cross-validation sample.
Decreased levels of serum nesfatin-1 in patients with preeclampsia

Abstract Context: Nesfatin-1 is implicated to possess an anti-inflammatory effect. Objective: The aim of our study is to investigate whether abnormal serum levels of nesfatin-1 are associated with the presence and severity of preeclampsia. Methods: A total of 120 women with preeclampsia and 92 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were enrolled in this study. Results: Women with preeclampsia showed significantly reduced levels of serum nesfatin-1 levels than women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were significantly decreased in women with severe preeclampsia compared with women with mild preeclampsia. Conclusion: Decreased serum nesfatin-1 levels are associated with the presence and severity of preeclampsia.
Web Semantics : Science , Services and Agents on the World Wide Web

The large amount of Semantic Web data and its fast growth pose a significant computational challenge in performing efficient and scalable reasoning. On a large scale, the resources of single machines are no longer sufficient and we are required to distribute the process to improve performance. In this article, we propose a distributed technique to perform materialization under the RDFS and OWL ter Horst semantics using the MapReduce programming model. We will show that a straightforward implementation is not efficient and does not scale. Our technique addresses the challenge of distributed reasoning through a set of algorithms which, combined, significantly increase performance. We have implemented WebPIE (Web-scale Inference Engine) and we demonstrate its performance on a cluster of up to 64 nodes. We have evaluated our system using very large real-world datasets (Bio2RDF, LLD, LDSR) and the LUBM synthetic benchmark, scaling up to 100 billion triples. Results show that our implementation scales linearly and vastly outperforms current systems in terms of maximum data size and
Fixed-dose combinations of renin-angiotensin blocking agents with calcium channel blockers or hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of hypertension

Hypertension is a health threat which, so far, is not successfully managed, despite the availability of effective drug treatment. Guidelines recommend drug–drug combinations as a first-line treatment in high-risk patients with severe hypertension, or as an escalation for patients not controlled on monotherapy. Blockers of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are usually the basis for such treatment. Both calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) are recommended partners. There is only one end point study comparing different combinations. ACCOMPLISH compared a combination of benazepril with either amlodipine or HCTZ in patients with compelling indications for CCBs. The primary end point of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality was reduced by 20% in the benazepril/CCB arm, as were selected secondary end points. Side effects were generally more frequent with CCB than with the thiazide combinations. However, no comparative study of the ACCOMPLISH type exists for patients with compelling indications for thiazides. In summary, the evidence indicates that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/CCB combinations are more effective in selected high-risk patients with compelling indications for the use of CCBs than are ACEi/HCTZ combinations. Side effects offset these data, and compelling indications may have favored the outcomes. Comparisons in a more unselected patient population are needed to define the role of particular drug–drug combinations.
Lipid Products of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Interact with Rac1 GTPase and Stimulate GDP Dissociation*

A number of reports suggest that under different conditions leading to cytoskeleton reorganization the GTPase Rac1 and possibly RhoA are downstream targets of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase). In order to gain more insight into this particular signaling pathway, we have addressed the question of a possible direct interaction of PI 3-kinase products with the Rho family GTPases RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. Using recombinant proteins, we found that Rac1 and, to a lesser extent, RhoA but not Cdc42 were capable to selectively bind to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) in a mixture of crude brain phosphoinositides. Nucleotide-depleted Rac1 was the most efficient, but the GDP- and GTP-bound forms retained significant PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 binding activity. This protein-lipid association involved electrostatic as well as hydrophobic interactions, since both phosphate groups located at specific positions of the inositol ring and fatty-acyl chains were absolutely required. Based on the sequence of Rac1, two potential binding sites were identified, one at the C terminus and one in the extra α-helical domain. Deletion of these two domains resulted in a complete loss of binding to PI 3-kinase products. Finally, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 strongly stimulated GDP dissociation from Rac1 in a dose-dependent manner. In agreement, data obtained in intact cells suggest that PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 might target Rac1 to peculiar membrane domains, allowing formation of specific clusters containing not only small GTPases but other partners bearing pleckstrin homology domains such as specific exchange factors required for Rac1 and RhoA activation.
The Effect of Using Metacognitive Strategies for Solving Geometry Problems on Students' Achievement and Attitude.

The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of using metacognitive strategies for problem solving in “geometry” on fifth grade students’ achievement, metacognitive skills and attitude. Experimental method was used with a pretest/posttest control group design. Firstly, both groups were subject to a pretest that was comprised of “the achievement test”, “the metacognitive skills inventory” and “the attitude toward mathematics scale”. Next, the experimental group (39 students) was taught geometry for eight weeks by lesson plans and worksheets designed to improve the students’ ability to use metacognitive skills for solving problems. In the meantime, the control group (36 students) was taught through traditional methods. In the end, the three data collection instruments were administered to both groups as a posttest. The data were analyzed via dependent and independent t-tests, and it is seen that the experimental group had significantly higher posttest scores when compared to the control group. More significant results were obtained when the findings revealed by statistical analyses were accompanied by student essays. It was observed that the students in the experimental group had developed a better attitude toward geometry and mathematics, which might be attributed to the improvement in their self-confidence. Furthermore, these students had developed the ability to perceive the importance of problem solving, to understand problems, to be involved in planned studying, and to control and be aware of the problem solving process. The improvement in their attitude toward geometry and mathematics led to a corresponding increase in their achievement.
Laboratory measurements on electric and elastic properties of fractured geothermal reservoir rocks under simulated EGS conditions

For developing the technique of Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), the estimation of injected water distribution is essential. To estimate water saturation changes deep under the ground, geophysical explorations (e.g., seismic and electromagnetic explorations) have been applied; however, the relationship between the electric/elastic properties and the water saturation in reservoir rocks has not been well known. Our goal is to elucidate this basic relationship as well as effects of salinity and fracture porosity on it via fluid-flow experiments for more quantitative interpretation of geophysical explorations. In this research, we prepared two types of specimen from geothermal reservoir rocks; A) contains artificially induced thermal cracks (porosity = 10.5%) and B) initially contains a single fracture (porosity = 3.8%). In fluid-flow tests, specimens were initially filled with nitrogen gas (10 MPa of pore pressure) under 20 MPa of confining pressure; the gas emulates the superheated steam that is observed in the geothermal fields. Then, brine (0.1 and 1wt%-KCl) which emulates the artificial recharge to the reservoir, was injected into the samples (11-16 MPa of injection pressure). During the tests, water saturation, permeability, complex resistivity (in the frequency range of 10-2-105 Hz) and elastic wave velocity were simultaneously measured. As a result of Type A specimen, resistivity dramatically decreased from 104 to 102 Ω due to the brine injection. However, P-wave velocity was almost constant (the difference was less than 1%) at that time. These results indicate that resistivity could be sensitive to minor changes in water saturation in the reservoirs compared with P-wave velocity. As a result of Type B specimen, we observed salinity effect on resistivity
Effectors Increase the Affinity of ADP-ribosylation Factor for GTP to Increase Binding*

The stoichiometry of the binding of GTP to ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) proteins, normally quite low at ∼0.05 mol/mol protein, was found to increase to a maximum of 1 mol/mol in the presence of effectors. The mechanism of this action was found to result from the ability of these effectors to increase the affinity of ARF for activating guanine nucleotide triphosphates. The existence of a conformation of ARF with low affinity (>100 μm) for GTP is proposed. The actions of effectors to increase the equilibrium binding of GTP is interpreted as evidence that these same effectors interact with and modulate the affinity of the inactive ARF for GTP. A new model for these interactions among ARF, effectors, and GTP is proposed, and a preliminary test in cells is supportive of these observations with relevance to signaling in cells.
Utility of the MMPI-2-RF Validity Scales in Detection of Simulated Underreporting: Implications of Incorporating a Manipulation Check

We examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) underreporting Validity Scales in a simulation design with a sample of 257 undergraduate college students. Extending past research by Sellbom and Bagby, we added a manipulation check to determine whether individuals complied with instructions to underreport and examined the impact of underreporting on all of the MMPI-2-RF substantive scales. Results indicated that individuals who complied with instructions to underreport produced statistically significantly and meaningfully higher scores on the MMPI-2-RF underreporting Validity Scales (Uncommon Virtues [L-r] and Adjustment Validity [K-r]) when compared with those who received standard instructions and with individuals who did not comply with instructions to underreport. Moreover, in comparisons with both groups, participants who complied with instructions to underreport had lower scores on the majority of the substantive scales. L-r and K-r added incremental predictive utility (in reference to one another) in differentiating individuals who underreported from individuals who were given standard instructions.
Student motivations as predictors of high-level cognitions in project-based classrooms

It is well established that active learning helps students engage in high-level thinking strategies and develop improved cognitive skills. Motivation and self-regulated learning research, however, illustrates that cognitive engagement is an effortful process that is related to students’ valuing of the learning tasks, adoption of internalized goal orientations, and development of personal agency. In this study, we test these relationships by generating multiple regression models that use motivational variables to predict college students’ use of elaboration and critical thinking in project-based courses. We find that elaboration strategies are significantly and positively predicted in regression models based on task value and intrinsic goal orientation or on task value and self-efficacy. Regression analyses illustrate that models based on task value and intrinsic goal orientation, in combination with either self-efficacy or extrinsic goal orientation, described students’ use of critical thinking strategies. These findings support prior research that shows that student motivations are significantly tied to their use of cognitive strategies. The findings extend the existing research base by illustrating the extent to which student motivations may be used to predict cognitive engagement in active, project-based environments.
Resistance to the Novel Fungicide Pyrimorph in Phytophthora capsici: Risk Assessment and Detection of Point Mutations in CesA3 That Confer Resistance

Pyrimorph is a novel fungicide with high activity against the plant pathogen Phytophthora capsici. We investigated the risk that P. capsici can develop resistance to pyrimorph. The baseline sensitivities of 226 P. capsici isolates, tested by mycelial growth inhibition, showed a unimodal distribution with a mean EC50 value of 1.4261 (±0.4002) µg/ml. Twelve pyrimorph-resistant mutants were obtained by repeated exposure to pyrimorph in vitro with a frequency of approximately 1×10−4. The resistance factors of the mutants ranged from 10.67 to 56.02. Pyrimorph resistance of the mutants was stable after 10 transfers on pyrimorph-free medium. Fitness in sporulation, cystospore germination, and pathogenicity in the pyrimorph-resistant mutants was similar to or less than that in the parental wild-type isolates. On detached pepper leaves and pepper plants treated with the recommended maximum dose of pyrimorph, however, virulence was greater for mutants with a high level of pyrimorph resistance than for the wild type. The results suggest that the risk of P. capsici developing resistance to pyrimorph is low to moderate. Among mutants with a high level of pyrimorph resistance, EC50 values for pyrimorph and CAA fungicides flumorph, dimethomorph, and mandipropamid were positively correlated. This indicated that point mutations in cellulose synthase 3 (CesA3) may confer resistance to pyrimorph. Comparison of CesA3 in isolates with a high level of pyrimorph resistance and parental isolates showed that an amino acid change from glutamine to lysine at position 1077 resulted in stable, high resistance in the mutants. Based on the point mutations, an allele-specific PCR method was developed to detect pyrimorph resistance in P. capsici populations.
Self-Discrepancy : A Theory Relating Self and Affect

This article presents a theory of how different types of discrepancies between self-state representations are related to different kinds of emotional vulnerabilities. One domain of the self (actual; ideal; ought) and one standpoint on the self (own; significant other) constitute each type of self-state representation. It is proposed that different types of self-discrepancies represent different types of negative psychological situations that are associated with different kinds of discomfort. Discrepancies between the actual/own self-state (i.e., the self-concept) and ideal self-states (i.e., representations of an individual's beliefs about his or her own or a sitmifieant other's hopes, wishes, or aspirations for the individual) signify the absence of positive outcomes, which is associated with dejection-related emotions (e.g., disappointment, dissatisfaction, sadness). In contrast, discrepancies between the actual/own self-state and ought self-states (i.e., representations of an individual's beliefs about his or her own or a significant other's beliefs about the individual's duties, responsibilities, or obligations) signify the presence of negative outcomes, which is associated with agitation-related emotions (e.g., fear, threat, restlessness). Differences in both the relative magnitude and the accessibility of individuals' available types of self-discrepancies are predicted to be related to differences in the kinds of discomfort people are likely to experience. Correlational and experimental evidence supports the predictions of the model. Differences between self-discrepancy theory and (a) other theories of incompatible self-beliefs and (b) actual self negativity (e.g., low self-esteem) are discussed.