Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inside the Mindful Mind

Although the psychological benefits of mindfulness training on emotion regulation are well-documented, the precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. In the present account, we propose a new linkage between mindfulness and improved emotion regulation—one that highlights the role played by executive control. Specifically, we suggest that the present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance that is cultivated by mindfulness training is crucial in promoting executive control because it increases sensitivity to affective cues in the experiential field. This refined attunement and openness to subtle changes in affective states fosters executive control because it improves response to incipient affective cues that help signal the need for control. This, in turn, enhances emotion regulation. In presenting our model, we discuss how new findings in executive control can improve our understanding of how mindfulness increases the capacity for effective emotion regulation.
INCOME DIVERSIFICATION AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN THE NORTHERN UPLANDS OF VIETNAM

In the context of the economic development, income diversification is sometimes defined as the process by which households switch from growing low-value staple food crops to growing a mix of food crops and higher-value commercial crops (crop diversification) and from farming to non-farm activities (non-farm diversification). The literature on income diversification has measured trends, identified determinants, and speculated on the constraints to diversification, but there has been relatively little analysis of the contribution of diversification to income growth. This paper uses household survey data from 1993 and 1998 to quantify the contribution of crop diversification and non-farm diversification to the growth of household income in the northern upland region of Vietnam. We find that rural incomes have increased substantially over this period, but non-farm income has increased at the same rate as farm income. Poor households are particularly dependent on crop income growth, while higher-income households rely more on non-farm diversification to increase their incomes. Crop diversification has made a non-negligible contribution to rising living standards in the northern uplands, but the contribution of yield growth is substantially greater. Crop income growth among poor households is based heavily on yield increases, while income growth among richer households is associated with area expansion and crop diversification. These results have implications for policies and investment to improve rural living standards.
SIGNAL POLYMORPHISM IN THE WEB-DECORATING SPIDER ARGIOPE ARGENTATA IS CORRELATED WITH REDUCED SURVIVORSHIP AND THE PRESENCE OF STINGLESS BEES, ITS PRIMARY PREY

Abstract Many spiders, and in particular those in the genus Argiope, spin highly visible web decorations whose function and significance are the subject of spirited debate. In this work, we present data to address two of the competing hypotheses that fuel this controversy. In particular, we examine the relationship between the presence of web decorations and spider survivorship (predator-protection hypothesis) and the relationship between the presence of prey and spider decorating behavior (the prey-attraction hypothesis). Our laboratory studies reveal that the decorating behavior of the spider A. argentata has a genetic component but that the expression of decorating behavior tends to be elicited only when a spider is well fed. Furthermore, our field studies show that in the presence of abundant stingless bees, spider decorating behavior is induced. Nevertheless, our field surveys also suggest that spiders that decorate their webs show reduced survivorship. We propose that the high correlation between web decorating in the presence of stingless bees supports the hypothesis that A. argentata engage in decorating behavior when attracting or targeting specific prey types. However, we also propose that web decorations attract the predators of A. argentata because high-frequency decorators suffer lower survivorship than spiders that decorate moderately or rarely. These findings suggest that spider web decorating behavior is affected by conflicting selection pressures: the positive effect of prey attraction versus the negative effect of predator attraction. Due to the heritable component of decorating behavior, web decorating among A. argentata is likely to be particularly sensitive to the spider's local ecology as well as local patterns of gene flow. Corresponding Editor: L. Stevens
PERSPECTIVE ARTICLE: Growth factors and cytokines in wound healing

Wound healing is an evolutionarily conserved, complex, multicellular process that, in skin, aims at barrier restoration. This process involves the coordinated efforts of several cell types including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, macrophages, and platelets. The migration, infiltration, proliferation, and differentiation of these cells will culminate in an inflammatory response, the formation of new tissue and ultimately wound closure. This complex process is executed and regulated by an equally complex signaling network involving numerous growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. Of particular importance is the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) family, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), interleukin (IL) family, and tumor nerosis factor‐α family. Currently, patients are treated by three growth factors: PDGF‐BB, bFGF, and GM‐CSF. Only PDGF‐BB has successfully completed randomized clinical trials in the Unites States. With gene therapy now in clinical trial and the discovery of biodegradable polymers, fibrin mesh, and human collagen serving as potential delivery systems other growth factors may soon be available to patients. This review will focus on the specific roles of these growth factors and cytokines during the wound healing process.
Deviant Reactions to the College Pressure Cooker: A Test of General Strain Theory on Undergraduate Students in the United States

Anonymous surveys administered to approximately 500 undergraduate students in the United States provided the data for this investigation. The study examines whether academic stressors increased the likelihood of cheating. Overall, the findings offer partial support for Agnew's general strain theory. Frustration related to blocked goals and cumulative stress were significant predictors of exam cheating and plagiarism; however, measures of negatively valued stimuli and the removal of positive stimuli were inconsistent predictors. Additionally, a theoretically unexpected finding was produced as perceived injustice decreased academic dishonesty. Implications of the findings are discussed.
A prospective randomised trial of viscocanalostomy with and without implantation of a reticulated hyaluronic acid implant (SKGEL) in open angle glaucoma

Aim: To prospectively assess the efficacy and complications of viscocanalostomy with a reticulated hyaluronic acid implant (VSRHAI) versus standard viscocanalostomy in patients with medically uncontrolled open angle glaucoma. Methods: A consecutive series of 40 patients (40 eyes) with uncontrolled open angle glaucoma underwent non-penetrating antiglaucomatous surgery. After the excision of the deep scleral flap they were randomly assigned to either a standard viscocanalostomy or additional implantation of a reticulated hyaluronic acid implant. Follow up visits were over a period of 12 months after surgery. Results: The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 26.5 (SD 6.1) mm Hg for all patients enrolled. The mean IOP was 8.1 (SD 5.6) mm Hg 1 day after surgery for the viscocanalostomy group (p<0.001) and 12.0 (SD 5.2) mm Hg for the VSRHAI group (p<0.001). The postoperative IOP difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.03). The success rate, defined as an IOP lower than 22 mm Hg without medication, was 40% in both groups at 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.90). The number of postoperative complications was equally low for both groups. Conclusions: Both surgical procedures, viscocanalostomy and VSRHAI, provide comparable success rates over a 1 year follow up period. The specific intraoperative and postoperative complications of non-penetrating surgery were seen in our series, although the overall rate of postoperative complications proved equally low for both techniques.
Effects of dietary vitamin E on growth performance as well as intestinal structure and function of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque 1818)

To evaluate the impact of dietary vitamin E supplementation on growth performance, the intestinal structure and function of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque 1818) was investigated. A total of 900 healthy channel catfish (weight, 5.20±0.15 g) were divided into four groups, which received experimental diets with different vitamin E content (0, 50, 100 or 1,000 mg/kg). At the end of the feeding trial (after 15 weeks), the growth and gut performance of the animals was determined. The digestive enzyme activity in hepatopancreas and gut was also detected. In addition, the height of intestinal fold, the thickness of the mucous membrane and the number of somatostatin-positive cells was examined by histological analysis. Dietary vitamin E supplementation at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly improved the growth and gut performance, which also increased the activity of several digestive enzymes compared to that in animals without vitamin E supplementation (P<0.05). In addition, vitamin E supplementation also significantly increased the height of intestinal fold and the thickness of the mucous membrane (P<0.05). Fish with dietary vitamin E supplementation at appropriate doses also had more somatostatin-positive cells in than those without vitamin E supplementation (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary vitamin E supplementation at 50 and 100 mg/kg was shown to improve the growth performance as well as intestinal structure and function of channel catfish.
Species comparison of postnatal bone growth and development.

The purpose of this review is to identify the critical events in human postnatal bone growth and to compare human bone development to that of other species. Bone is a dynamic connective tissue whose postnatal development in all species reflects its multiple tasks within the body. The two major functions of the skeleton in all mammals are to provide mechanical support as a part of the locomotor apparatus, and to ensure the safe environment of the vital organs of the body. In addition, bones are involved in metabolic pathways associated with mineral homeostasis serving as a reservoir for calcium and phosphorus. Bone matrix is also a repository for many growth factors and cytokines that are released locally and systemically during the process of bone resorption (autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine function). Bones provide safe and steady environment for bone marrow. Important characteristics of postnatal bone growth are expressed in different types of bone. Each bone in our body has a unique shape that reflects a specific function of that bone and time when this function starts to develop. Growth patterns of specific bones that exhibit important characteristics of postnatal bone development are used to illustrate these characteristics. Thus, this discussion focuses on the postnatal growth of one bone of the upper limb (humerus, non weight bearing bone), one bone of the lower limb (femur, weight bearing bone) and one bone from the craniofacial region (mandible, non weight bearing bone with intermittent mechanical load). The following events are critical milestones in postnatal bone growth and development: the appearance of secondary ossification centers, longitudinal bone growth at the epiphyseal growth plate, the fusion of secondary ossification centers, diametric bone growth, and bone vascularity. This review begins with a general discussion of the composition and structure of bone, discusses the appearance and fusion of secondary ossification centers, details the role of the epiphyseal growth plate and metaphysis in bone growth, discusses diametric increases in the diaphysis as well as formation and remodeling of osteons in human compact bone, and emphasizes the importance of bone vascularity in postnatal growth and development. Overview of Postnatal Bone Growth
Empirical network jitter measurements for the simulation of a networked control system

Delay variation or jitter is an inherent feature of packet switched communication networks due to bottlenecks. In communication systems buffering is commonly used to mitigate in real time multimedia applications at the expense of an additional delay. This method is therefore not suitable for control systems implemented over packet switched communication networks due to the additional delay which can make the system unstable. Hence, jitter modelling and management is necessary. This paper focuses on the development and experimental verification of a suitable jitter model for wireless and wired network bottlenecks. The effects of jitter are then investigated by quantifying the performance of a simulated Networked Control System (NCS). According to the results, the reduction in attenuation due to jitter compared to a jitter free benchmark ranges from approximately 0.01-0.04dB depending on the encoding type.
Intramedullary osteosynthesis versus plate osteosynthesis in subtrochanteric fractures

Due to an ever-aging population and a growing prevalence of osteoporosis and motor vehicle accidents, the number of subtrochanteric fractures is increasing worldwide. The choice of the appropriate implant continues to be critical for fixation of unstable hip fractures. The subtrochanteric region has certain anatomical and biomechanical features that can make fractures in this region difficult to treat. The preferred type of device is a matter of debate. Increased understandings of biomechanical characteristics of the hip and improvement of the implant materials have reduced the incidence of complications. The surgeons choose between the two methods according to Seinsheimer's classification and also to their personal preferences. As a general principle, the open reduction and internal fixation were performed in stable fractures, and the closed reduction and internal fixation were performed in unstable fractures. The advantages of intramedullary nailing consist in a small skin incision, lower operating times, preservation of fracture hematoma and the possibility of early weight bearing. The disadvantages consist in a difficult closed reduction due to important muscular forces, although the nail can be used as a reduction instrument, and higher implant cost. In open reduction internal fixation techniques, the advantage is represented by anatomical reduction which, in our opinion, is not necessary. The disadvantages are represented by: higher operating time, demanding surgery, large devascularization, higher infection rates, late weight bearing, medial instability, refracture after plate removal and inesthetic approach.
Cell-interaction molecules on immunocompetent lymphocytes. Development of anti-parent cell-interaction-molecule-receptor reactions in F1 hybrid mice and evidence for a unique F1 hybrid subset of interacting cells

The experiments presented herein demonstrate that F1-parent T-B cell cooperation in vivo is significantly diminished by the addition of lymphoid cells of opposite parental type. This inhibition phenomenon is not a straightforward allosuppression mechanism as (a) it can be induced by parental lymphoid cells depleted by T cells, (b) it does not operate on cooperative interactions between homologous T and B cells of opposite parental type, and (c) absolutely requires the presence of F1 cells as participants in the reactions generated. The possible involvement of alloantibodies produced aberrantly under the experimental conditions employed has been ruled out by direct macrophage/antigen-presenting cell components of the reactions has been excluded. Because the presence of parental lymphoid cells only affects cooperative interactions between F1 T cells and B lymphocytes of opposite parental type but has no inhibitory effect on cooperative interactions between homologous F1, T and B cells, this (and other points discussed herein) strongly argues for the existence of one or more subsets of F1 interacting partner cells that are uniquely specific for F1, as distinct from either parental type cell interaction determinants. For reasons discussed, it appears that the most likely mechanism underlying such parental cell-induced inhibitory effects on F1-parent partner cell interactions is the development of anti-self cell interaction structure responses by F1 cells against the relevant self-specific cell-interaction structures of the parental partner cells involved.
Stress system dysregulation in pediatric generalized anxiety disorder associated with comorbid depression

Because chronic stress is an important risk factor for anxiety states and depressive disorders, we studied hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic system activity via changes in cortisol and alpha amylase activity levels in pediatric generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients (n = 26) with comorbid depression and a healthy comparison group (n = 26). Morning plasma cortisol and diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) activity were assessed, also reactivity of HPA-axis, sAA activity, and heart rate following a psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test for children). GAD patients with comorbid depression showed increased morning plasma and salivary cortisol levels, ameliorating throughout in-patient treatment, and higher sAA activity in their diurnal profile. Both HPA and sympathetic activity positively correlated with the severity of anxiety and depression. We also demonstrated a blunted HPA and sympathetic response to acute stress in patients. This pattern of neuroendocrine and sympathetic changes seems to be distinct from the one previously reported in pediatric patients with only social anxiety or depressive disorders. We propose morning plasma and saliva cortisol levels as potential physiological indicators for supporting the evaluation of symptoms' severity and treatment progress in children with GAD and comorbid depressive disorder.
Addressing the Dilemma in ESP Teaching: The English Language Teacher or the Subject-matter Specialist?

Teaching English for Specific Purposes (TESP) has been a controversial issue among EFL teachers and others. The question raised by many is whether the English language instructor or the subject matter specialist should teach ESP courses. The main purpose of the present study was to re-address this issue. To this end, 60 second-year students majoring in Feqh and Islamic Law at Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch were randomly selected. Then, they were divided into two classes with 30 members in each. The classes were taught by two lecturers – an EFL instructor and a subjectmatter specialist – for an entire semester. At the end of the course, two types of measures were used: an achievement test and an attitude questionnaire. Analysis of the results represented that the EFL instructor's class scored higher than the subject-matter specialist’s class on the achievement test, and that they expressed greater satisfaction with their classes on the attitude questionnaire. Implications of the findings are discussed, accordingly.
Diverse Lyme disease spirochetes bind integrin alpha IIb beta 3 on human platelets

Lyme disease is a chronic, multisystemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. An infectious strain of B. burgdorferi was previously shown to bind to human platelets via the integrin alpha IIb beta 3. In this study, a diverse group of Lyme disease spirochetes was tested for platelet- and alpha IIb beta 3-binding activity. This collection included representatives of each of the three species that cause Lyme disease, B. burgdorferi (sensu stricto), B. garinii, and B. afzelii. Strains were characterized for infectivity in mouse models or were low-passage isolates from human patients. Each of the 11 infectious strains bound to platelets immobilized in microtiter wells and in suspension. Binding to platelets in suspension was specifically inhibited by a blocking anti-alpha IIb beta 3 antibody, and representatives of each species bound to purified alpha IIb beta 3. The strains that did not bind alpha IIb beta 3 or platelets were all noninfectious. No obvious relationship was observed between binding to platelets and expression of the bacterial outer surface protein OspA, OspB, or OspC, as assessed by immunoblotting. These results demonstrate that integrin alpha IIb beta 3-binding activity is widespread among the Borrelia species that cause Lyme disease and are consistent with a role for alpha IIb beta 3 binding in the transmission and/or pathogenesis of Lyme disease.
The Effect of Air Permeability and Water Vapor Permeability of Cleanroom Clothing on Physiological Responses and Wear Comfort

The function of cleanroom clothing is to protect the product from contamination by people, and to dissipate electrostatic discharge. People in the cleanroom work environment often complain about the discomforts associated with the wearing of cleanroom clothing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of air permeability and water vapor permeability of cleanroom clothing on the subject's physiological and subjective responses. Five male and five female subjects participated in this study. The experimental goal was to simulate the operator's regular tasks in a semiconductor manufacturing cleanroom. Each subject completed three treatment combinations with three different cleanroom clothing types. A three-factor experiment was designed (significance level p = 0.05). The independent variables included gender, cleanroom clothing, and duration. The dependent measures included heart rate, core temperature, skin temperature, micro-climate relative humidity, micro-climate temperature, and subjective responses. A total of 40 min was involved for each treatment condition. The results indicate that skin temperature, micro-climate temperature and micro-climate relative humidity were lower while wearing cleanroom clothing with high air permeability and high water vapor permeability. The significant gender difference was found in skin temperature. As the task time increased, the micro-climate temperature also increased but the micro-climate relative humidity decreased at first and then increased. In addition, the physiological responses showed significant positive correlations with the subjective perception of clothing comfort. The findings of this study may provide useful information for cleanroom clothing design and selection.
Students’ Self Assessment of Academic Attainment: accuracy and stability from 7 to 16 years and influence of domain and social comparison group 1

Pupils’ appraisals of their own ability have been found to be important in their school progress. This paper examines the accuracy and stability of academic self assessments from 7 to 16 years, and the effect of two factors on developments over time: domain/school subject (mathematics or reading/English) and social comparison group (general to children of the same age or specific to own class). Results come from a major longitudinal study of pupils in London schools. An overall lowering in self assessments from 7 to 16 years was accompanied from 11 years by greater accuracy. But systematic differences were found between domains; overall ability ratings were higher in reading/English, and there was more stability in ratings from 11 to 16 years. There was a marked drop in self assessments from the general to the own class social comparison group. But again there were domain differences: there was a greater drop at 11 and 16 years in reading/English. 1An earlier version of the material presented was given in.