Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a new image-based user interface for robot-assisted needle placements with the Robopsy system

The main challenges of Computed Tomography (CT)-guided organ puncture are the mental registration of the medical imaging data with the patient anatomy, required when planning a trajectory, and the subsequent precise insertion of a needle along it. An interventional telerobotic system, such as Robopsy, enables precise needle insertion, however, in order to minimize procedure time and number of CT scans, this system should be driven by an interface that is directly integrated with the medical imaging data. In this study we have developed and evaluated such an interface that provides the user with a point-and-click functionality for specifying the desired trajectory, segmenting the needle and automatically calculating the insertion parameters (angles and depth). In order to highlight the advantages of such an interface, we compared robotic-assisted targeting using the old interface (non-image-based) where the path planning was performed on the CT console and transferred manually to the interface with the targeting procedure using the new interface (image-based). We found that the mean procedure time (n=5) was 22±5 min (non-image-based) and 19±1 min (image-based) with a mean number of CT scans of 6±1 (non-image-based) and 5±1 (image-based). Although the targeting experiments were performed in gelatin with homogenous properties our results indicate that an image-based interface can reduce procedure time as well as number of CT scans for percutaneous needle biopsies.
Developing Self-regulation and Self-efficacy: A Cognitive Mechanism Behind the Success of Biology Boot Camps

The Louisiana State University Biology Intensive Orientation for Students (BIOS) Program has been found to be an effective retention initiative for freshman Biological Science majors (S. M. Wischusen, Wischusen, & Pomarico, 2010; S. M. Wischusen, Wischusen, W. E., 2007). Students who attended the five-day camp out-perform their non-participant peers in introductory biology courses and have higher retention, progression and graduation rates. This study uses a cognitive view to explore the underlying factors, self-regulation and self-efficacy, namely that contribute to the program’s capacity to help students obtain sustainable academic success. The pre/post-test measurements of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, as well as qualitative measures, were employed to evaluate the program as a format for developing self-regulation and self-efficacy. BIOS was also shown to calibrate students’ selfefficacy and self-regulation for optimal performance in Biology 1201, the introductory course for science majors. Camp participants exhibited higher self-efficacy, self-regulation, and final Biology 1201 grades than their non-BIOS peers. These results offer insight into the mechanism behind the success of science boot camps and the role of motivation and metacognition in STEM retention initiatives.
Prenatal attachment: Where do we go from here?

Over the past 30 years, there has been increasing research in the areas of the identification, and measurement, of the relationship between the parents-to-be and their unborn child. This research is of importance because of the potential link between prenatal attitudes and attachment and parental behaviour both before and after birth (Condon & Corkindale, 1997; Pollock & Percy, 1999). The literature on prenatal attachment has clearly demonstrated that individual differences do exist in this early relationship, varying from being highly attached early in the pregnancy to demonstrating low, or no, attachment during pregnancy (Doan & Howell, 1998). Doan, Zimerman and Howell (1997, 1998) also found that, even prior to becoming pregnant, there are individual differences in non-pregnant men and women in the ability to conceptualize being pregnant and attached to the fetus, and the extent to which this conceptualization is positive. In this paper, using data collected from several of our research projects, we will discuss some of the factors that contribute to the variability in prenatal attachment, relevant measurement issues and the implications for both future research and clinical work with families.
[Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ as an Electrocatalyst for H2 Production: Dependence on Acid Strength and Isomer Distribution

[Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ (where PPh2NBn2 is 1,5-dibenzyl-3,7-diphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane), has been studied as an electrocatalyst for the production of hydrogen in acetonitrile. Strong acids, such as p-cyanoanilinium, protonate [Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ prior to reduction under catalytic conditions, and an effective pKa of 6.7 ± 0.4 was determined for the protonation product. Through multinuclear NMR spectroscopy studies, the nickel(II) complex was found to be doubly protonated without any observed singly protonated species. In the doubly protonated complex, both protons are positioned exo with respect to the metal center and are stabilized by an N–H–N hydrogen bond. The formation of exo protonated isomers is proposed to limit the rate of hydrogen production because the protons are unable to gain suitable proximity to the reduced metal center to generate H2. Preprotonation of [Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ has been found to shift the catalytic operating potential to more positive potentials by up.
An Investigation of Unsaturated Soil Stiffness

ABSTRACT: Deformation characteristics of the soils are important for engineering calculations and one important parameter is stiffness. The stiffness of the soil is affected by several factors including degree of saturation, matric suction and applied strain. It has been recognized that the stiffness of soil is highly non-linear and it can be derived from the stress-strain curve or from dynamic measurements based on wave propagation theory. In this paper, the evaluation of stiffness for unsaturated soils with the influence of soil matric suction is presented.
How Social Preferences Shape Incentives in (Experimental) Markets for Credence Goods[Link]

Credence goods markets suffer from inefficiencies caused by superior information of sellers about the surplus‐maximising quality. While standard theory predicts that equal mark‐up prices solve the credence goods problem if customers can verify the quality received, experimental evidence indicates the opposite. We identify a lack of robustness with respect to heterogeneity in social preferences as a possible cause of this and conduct new experiments that allow for parsimonious identification of sellers’ social preference types. Our results confirm the assumed heterogeneity in social preferences and provide strong support for our explanation of the failure of verifiability to increase efficiency.
Hypothalamic Vasopressin Gene Expression Increases in Both Males and Females Postpartum in a Biparental Rodent

In previous studies, the closely related neuropeptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin have been implicated in the central mediation of parental behaviour. Several studies in rats and sheep have demonstrated a role for oxytocin in the initiation of maternal behaviour. Recently, a few studies in a biparental species, the prairie vole (Microxytocinus ochrogaster) have suggested that vasopressin is important for paternal care. The present study investigated this latter possibility by measuring changes in vasopressin and oxytocin hypothalamic gene expression 1 day and 6 days following parturition in prairie voles which show paternal care and in montane voles (M. montanus) which lack paternal care. In prairie voles, vasopressin gene expression increased in both males and females postpartum, relative to sexually naive controls. In the non‐paternal montane vole, no change in vasopressin gene expression was observed in either sex. In contrast to this species difference in vasopressin gene expression, hypothalamic oxytocin gene expression increased in both prairie and montane vole females, but not in males of either species. To augment measures of gene expression, we assessed vasopressin (V1a) and oxytocin receptor binding in both species. Although forebrain vasopressin V1a receptor binding was not altered following parturition in either species, oxytocin receptor binding increased in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in females, but not males, in both prairie and montane voles. In summary, vasopressin gene expression increases in both males and females postpartum in a biparental species and oxytocin gene expression and receptor binding increase selectively in females. These results are consistent with earlier reports of a role for vasopressin in paternal care and for oxytocin in maternal behaviour.
The Asymmetrical Structure of Golgi Apparatus Membranes Revealed by In situ Atomic Force Microscope

The Golgi apparatus has attracted intense attentions due to its fascinating morphology and vital role as the pivot of cellular secretory pathway since its discovery. However, its complex structure at the molecular level remains elusive due to limited approaches. In this study, the structure of Golgi apparatus, including the Golgi stack, cisternal structure, relevant tubules and vesicles, were directly visualized by high-resolution atomic force microscope. We imaged both sides of Golgi apparatus membranes and revealed that the outer leaflet of Golgi membranes is relatively smooth while the inner membrane leaflet is rough and covered by dense proteins. With the treatment of methyl-β-cyclodextrin and Triton X-100, we confirmed the existence of lipid rafts in Golgi apparatus membrane, which are mostly in the size of 20 nm –200 nm and appear irregular in shape. Our results may be of significance to reveal the structure-function relationship of the Golgi complex and pave the way for visualizing the endomembrane system in mammalian cells at the molecular level.
Labor Investment in a New International Mixed Market

This paper considers a continuous-time dynamic mixed market model of labor investment decisions of a domestic public firm and a foreign private firm. The paper studies the optimal levels of preemptive investment for the long-run structure of the international mixed market. It is then demonstrated that there are no perfect equilibria in which neither firm invests to its steady-state reaction curve.
The “Supporting Kids, Avoiding Problems” (SKIP) study: relationships between school exclusion, psychopathology, development and attainment – a case control study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between children who are at risk of being or who have been excluded from school between the ages of 4 and 12 years and the role of psychopathology, development and attainment. Design/methodology/approach – A case-control approach was conducted. Cases were children who had been excluded from school compared to those who had no reported exclusions and normative data where possible. A range of measures were used to collect information from the parent, child and teacher on areas covering the child’s mental health and well-being. Findings – The findings showed the number of difficulties faced by children who are at risk of being or who have been excluded from school compared to gender- and age-matched controls and normative data increased. Behavioural difficulties were apparent in the majority of the cases and an alarming number of children reported self-harm. Interestingly nearly all the cases had recognised needs, but not all of them were acce.
Catch-and-release of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua): post-release behaviour of acoustically pretagged fish in a natural marine environment

Studying the sublethal effects of catch-and-release (C&R) is challenging, as there are several potential sources of bias. For example, if behavioural alterations immediately after the release event are to be studied, separation of tagging effects from actual C&R effects is required, which is a challenge in the wild, particularly in marine environments. To investigate the effects of C&R on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in their natural environment, 80 cod were caught in fyke nets, fitted with acoustic transmitters, and released. After recovery from tagging and handling for at least 14 days, nine individuals were recaptured and released at least once during experimental angling, following best release practice. All cod survived the C&R event and did not show any large-scale behavioural changes (i.e., changes in diel vertical migrations). However, analysis of small-scale vertical movements showed that three individuals underwent short-term alterations (e.g., reduced or increased swimming activity). This study .
The/O/in OVER Is Different From the/O/in OTTER: Phonological Effects in Children With and Without Dyslexia

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Coping at Work. The role of knowledge and coping expectancies in health and sick leave

The main purpose of this thesis is to explore the effect of response outcome expectancies (coping) and knowledge on health and sick leave. The theoretical base of the thesis is the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (CATS) (Ursin & Eriksen, 2004) and the non-injury model (P. H. Sorensen et al., 2010). A new inventory for measuring response outcome expectancies (coping, helplessness and hopelessness); the Theoretically Originated Measure of the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress, or TOMCATS, was developed and tested. The factor structure was confirmed and the convergent validity of TOMCATS was found to be satisfactory (paper 1) Response outcome expectancies from the TOMCATS inventory were significant predictors of health, and could also predict health independently of socioeconomic status (SES). Individuals with higher SES experienced more coping, less helplessness and hopelessness, and had better health (paper 1). In order to test the applied value of coping and knowledge, a systematic review of active workplace interventions with sick leave as an outcome was done. While most interventions did not significantly decrease sick leave, there was evidence that graded activity, the Sheerbrooke model and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) significantly reduced sick leave (paper 2). AtWork, an active workplace intervention based on the non-injury model, was tested in a cluster randomized controlled trial. The sample was 125 units of two Norwegian municipalities. The results indicated that an approach combining educational meetings, a colleague trained as a peer advisor and an outpatient clinic significantly reduced sick leave. Without the outpatient clinic the intervention had mixed results overall. The intervention was also feasible in the workplace (paper 3).
Influence of Age and Gender Differences on Mental Health Literacy of Anxiety Disorders

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of age and gender on Mental Health Literacy (MHL) of various anxiety disorders. In all 162 individuals aged 18-71, both students and non-students completed one of two questionnaires, which differed only on the gender of the vignettes character. Participants had to label six vignettes and state their opinion on how well adjusted the characters were, and if treatment was necessary. ‘Correct’ labelling of the different disorders varied, from 3% 29.0 % of all participants. Gender differences of participants had a significant effect on literacy as females demonstrated higher MHL and the youngest group (18-29) showed better MHL. However a nonsignificant effect of vignette gender on recognition rates was found. The research points to the evidence that MHL remains relatively low for all anxiety disorders. Limitations are considered.
Attitudes Towards and Knowledge About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients Among Italian Nurses: An Observational Study

PURPOSE To assess Italian nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards gay and lesbian sexual orientation and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients, as there is currently no literature exploring the attitudes of nurses in Italy. METHODS A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2015 to January 2016, using a data collection tool composed of three validated questionnaires and a sociodemographic form. FINDINGS Eight hundred twenty-four nurses filled out the questionnaire. Despite their awareness of homosexuality as a "natural expression of one's sexuality," Italian nurses showed only moderately positive attitudes towards lesbian and gay patients. A more positive attitude was displayed by women when compared with men (p < .001). Greater knowledge of homosexuality was associated with female gender (p = .042), moderate-wing political affiliation (p = .014), and more affirmative behaviors (p = .008). Men were found to have greater awareness of being prepared to care for LGBT people (p = .022). CONCLUSIONS Although Italian nurses displayed moderately positive attitudes and affirmative behaviors, there is the need to increase their cultural competencies regarding sexual minorities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE LGBT patients feel some discomfort in approaching physicians or nurses. It is important to know nurses' attitudes in caring for LGBT patients in order to modify inappropriate and discriminatory behaviors.
What is Gab: A Bastion of Free Speech or an Alt-Right Echo Chamber

Over the past few years, a number of new "fringe" communities, like 4chan or certain subreddits, have gained traction on the Web at a rapid pace. However, more often than not, little is known about how they evolve or what kind of activities they attract, despite recent research has shown that they influence how false information reaches mainstream communities. This motivates the need to monitor these communities and analyze their impact on the Web's information ecosystem. In August 2016, a new social network called Gab was created as an alternative to Twitter. It positions itself as putting "people and free speech first", welcoming users banned or suspended from other social networks. In this paper, we provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first characterization of Gab. We collect and analyze 22M posts produced by 336K users between August 2016 and January 2018, finding that Gab is predominantly used for the dissemination and discussion of news and world events, and that it attracts alt-right users, conspiracy theorists, and other trolls. We also measure the prevalence of hate speech on the platform, finding it to be much higher than Twitter, but lower than 4chan's Politically Incorrect board.
Caring for Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer: The Experiences of Zambian Nurses

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of Zambian nurses caring for women with advanced breast cancer. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive design and purposive sampling. Seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted with registered nurses practicing in the Cancer Diseases Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia, and analyzed using thematic analyses. Results: Two themes emerged from the data - caring for women with advanced breast cancer is challenging and the good outweighs the bad. The majority of the participants agreed that caring for women with advanced breast cancer and witnessing their suffering were challenging. Not having formal education and training in oncology nursing was disempowering, and one of the various frustrations participants experienced. The work environment, learning opportunities, positive patient outcomes, and the opportunity to establish good nurse–patient experiences were positive experiences. Conclusions: Although negative experiences seemed to be overwhelming, participants reported some meaningful experiences while caring for women with advanced breast cancer. The lack of formal oncology nursing education and training was a major factor contributing to their negative experiences and perceived as the key to rendering the quality of care patients deserved. Ways to fulfill the educational needs of nurses should be explored and instituted, and nurses should be remunerated according to their levels of practice.
Effects of stressor controllability on psychophysiological, cognitive and behavioural responses in patients with major depression and dysthymia

Background The experience of uncontrollability and helplessness in the face of stressful life events is regarded as an important determinant in the development and maintenance of depression. The inability to successfully deal with stressors might be linked to dysfunctional prefrontal functioning. We assessed cognitive, behavioural and physiological effects of stressor uncontrollability in depressed and healthy individuals. In addition, relationships between altered cortical processing and cognitive vulnerability traits of depression were analysed. Method A total of 26 unmedicated depressed patients and 24 matched healthy controls were tested in an expanded forewarned reaction (S1–S2) paradigm. In a factorial design, stressor controllability varied across three consecutive conditions: (a) control, (b) loss of control and (c) restitution of control. Throughout the experiment, error rates, ratings of controllability, arousal, emotional valence and helplessness were assessed together with the post-imperative negative variation (PINV) of the electroencephalogram. Results Depressed participants showed an enhanced frontal PINV as an electrophysiological index of altered information processing during both loss of control and restitution of control. They also felt more helpless than controls. Furthermore, frontal PINV magnitudes were associated with habitual rumination in the depressed subsample. Conclusions These findings indicate that depressed patients are more susceptible to stressor uncontrollability than healthy subjects. Moreover, the experience of uncontrollability seems to bias subsequent information processing in a situation where control is objectively re-established. Alterations in prefrontal functioning appear to contribute to this vulnerability and are also linked to trait markers of depression.
A Biomonitor for Tracking Changes in the Availability of Lakewater Cadmium over Space and Time

ABSTRACT Determining the exposure of organisms to contaminants is a key component of Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs). Effective estimates of exposure consider not only the total concentrations of contaminants in an organism's surroundings but also the availability of the contaminants to organisms. Contaminant availability can be inferred from mechanistic models and verified by measurements of contaminant concentrations in organisms. We evaluated the widespread lake-dwelling insect Chaoborus as a potential biomonitor for use in exposure assessments for three metals: cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). We show that larvae of this midge maintain constant their concentrations of the essential metals Cu and Zn and thus cannot be used to monitor them. In contrast, larval Cd concentrations varied widely both among lakes and in a given lake over time. We were able to relate these variations in biomonitor Cd to changes in lakewater Cd and pH using the Free Ion Activity Model (FIAM). Our results suggest that Chaoborus larvae could be used as an effective tool for estimating the Cd exposure of organisms in lakes for the purposes of ERAs.