Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Duration of untreated psychosis as predictor of long-term outcome in schizophrenia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is one of the few potentially modifiable predictors of outcomes of schizophrenia. Long DUP as a predictor of poor short-term outcome has been addressed in previous meta-analyses, but the long-term effects of DUP remain unclear. Aims To analyse the associations between DUP and long-term outcomes of schizophrenia. Method A systematic literature search was performed using seven electronic databases and manual searches. Random effects weighted meta-analysis with correlation coefficients was used to pool the results. Results We identified 3493 unique publications, from which 33 samples met our predefined selection criteria. Long DUP correlated statistically significantly with poor general symptomatic outcome, more severe positive and negative symptoms, lesser likelihood of remission and poor social functioning and global outcome (correlations 0.13–0.18). Long DUP was not associated with employment, quality of life or hospital treatment. Conclusions The small but mostly consistent correlation between long DUP and poor outcome indicates that early intervention in psychosis may have at least subtle positive effects on the long-term course of illness.
Detecting Coevolution in and among Protein Domains

Correlated changes of nucleic or amino acids have provided strong information about the structures and interactions of molecules. Despite the rich literature in coevolutionary sequence analysis, previous methods often have to trade off between generality, simplicity, phylogenetic information, and specific knowledge about interactions. Furthermore, despite the evidence of coevolution in selected protein families, a comprehensive screening of coevolution among all protein domains is still lacking. We propose an augmented continuous-time Markov process model for sequence coevolution. The model can handle different types of interactions, incorporate phylogenetic information and sequence substitution, has only one extra free parameter, and requires no knowledge about interaction rules. We employ this model to large-scale screenings on the entire protein domain database (Pfam). Strikingly, with 0.1 trillion tests executed, the majority of the inferred coevolving protein domains are functionally related, and the coevolving amino acid residues are spatially coupled. Moreover, many of the coevolving positions are located at functionally important sites of proteins/protein complexes, such as the subunit linkers of superoxide dismutase, the tRNA binding sites of ribosomes, the DNA binding region of RNA polymerase, and the active and ligand binding sites of various enzymes. The results suggest sequence coevolution manifests structural and functional constraints of proteins. The intricate relations between sequence coevolution and various selective constraints are worth pursuing at a deeper level.
SRED: stabilized RED

This paper describes a mechanism we call "SRED" (stabilized random early drop). Like RED (random early detection) SRED pre-emptively discards packets with a load-dependent probability when a buffer in a router in the Internet or an intranet seems congested. SRED has an additional feature that over a wide range of load levels helps it stabilize its buffer occupation at a level independent of the number of active connections. SRED does this by estimating the number of active connections or flows. This estimate is obtained without collecting or analyzing state information on individual flows. The same mechanism can be used to identify flows that may be misbehaving, i.e. are taking more than their fair share of bandwidth. Since the mechanism is statistical in nature, the next step must be to collect state information of the candidates for "misbehaving", and to analyze that information. We show that candidate rows thus identified indeed have a high posterior probability of taking a larger than average amount of bandwidth.
Shield: vulnerability-driven network filters for preventing known vulnerability exploits

Software patching has not been effective as a first-line defense against large-scale worm attacks, even when patches have long been available for their corresponding vulnerabilities. Generally, people have been reluctant to patch their systems immediately, because patches are perceived to be unreliable and disruptive to apply. To address this problem, we propose a first-line worm defense in the network stack, using shields -- vulnerability-specific, exploit-generic network filters installed in end systems once a vulnerability is discovered, but before a patch is applied. These filters examine the incoming or outgoing traffic of vulnerable applications, and correct traffic that exploits vulnerabilities. Shields are less disruptive to install and uninstall, easier to test for bad side effects, and hence more reliable than traditional software patches. Further, shields are resilient to polymorphic or metamorphic variations of exploits [43]. In this paper, we show that this concept is feasible by describing a prototype Shield framework implementation that filters traffic above the transport layer. We have designed a safe and restrictive language to describe vulnerabilities as partial state machines of the vulnerable application. The expressiveness of the language has been verified by encoding the signatures of several known vulnerabilites. Our evaluation provides evidence of Shield's low false positive rate and small impact on application throughput. An examination of a sample set of known vulnerabilities suggests that Shield could be used to prevent exploitation of a substantial fraction of the most dangerous ones.
An Experimental Study on Effectiveness of Integrated Curriculum Model (ICM) in Social Studies Education for Gifted and Talented Learners.

This experimental study examines the effects of Integrated Curriculum Model (ICM) on 4th grade elementary gifted and talented students’ academic achievement, creativity and critical thinking (Control Group N= 10, Experimental Group N= 11) in the social studies classroom context, in Istanbul, Turkey. Integrated Curriculum Model was utilized to create a social studies curriculum unit named luckily it is present that both cover Turkish Ministry National Education aims and standards and goes beyond for that for gifted and talented learners in accordance of ICM. Research was conducted in a unique state school for identified gifted and talented learners by the Ministry of National Education branch named Counseling and Research Center for identification by means of multiple scales. Prior to the experiment both experimental and control groups were attained equally in terms of use of scales academic achievement, creative thinking skills test and critical thinking skills test’s pre-test results. As stated above, Integrated Curriculum Model was utilized to create a social studies unit and implementation of its instruction in the experimental group while no intervention was made for the control group. After 8 weeks of implementation of the social studies unit, results of the experiment indicated that there was a significant difference in terms of academic achievement, creativity, and critical thinking between treatment and comparison groups. Key words: Social studies, gifted and talented education, curriculum and instruction.
Effectiveness of full range leadership development among middle managers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the Full Range Leadership Development Program (FR-LDP) of middle managers of a furniture company in Thailand and explore how they experience the leadership development phenomenon. It addresses the fundamental question of how effective leadership behaviors occur and are sustained. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 31 middle managers completed a six-month multi-methods development program of three alternating training sessions and on-the-job practice. A 360-degree feedback survey of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5X Short, comprising 284 questionnaires of “leaders” and “raters,” was used to measure the change in effective leadership behaviors and the overall leadership outcome. A sub-sample of 20 participants from these managers was selected for in-depth interviews at the end of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews and critical incident analysis was applied to understand the leadership experience of these managers. Findings – The study revealed that leadership behavior and overall outcome performance had improved over the course of the FR-LDP. The program did contribute positively to individual learning. Sustained effectiveness was not due solely to the development or intervention process, but also on individual objectives and action, together with supervisor interest and support. Research limitations/implications – The study provides a valid, in-depth insight into leadership in Thailand, which has practical application. However, the size of the sample may not be sufficient for broad generalizations in other cultural contexts or environments. Originality/value – The study extends the understanding of how middle managers develop transformational leadership in Thailand. The study contributes to how middle managers learn what they need to know, how they get to know it and factors that influence their practice of transformational leadership in their workplace. The findings provide to organizations options on resources, talent retention and sustaining organizational performance.
Animation: Does It Facilitate Learning?

Graphics, such as maps, have been used since ancient times to portray things that are inherently visual. More recently, graphics such as diagrams and graphs, have been used to portray things that are metaphorically spatio-visual. The assumption is that graphics facilitate comprehension, learning, memory, and inference. Assumptions aside, research on static graphics has shown that only carefully designed and appropriate graphics prove to be beneficial. Despite enthusiasm for animated graphics, the research reviewed here on their efficacy is not encouraging. In cases where animated graphics seemed superior to static ones, scrutiny of the actual stimuli revealed that the animated graphics conveyed more information, especially about the microsteps between larger steps. Lack of benefit from animations of events may be because animations are difficult to perceive and because events are often conceived of as sequences of discrete steps. Overall, this analysis suggests two principles, Apprehension and Expression, for successful animated graphics, though these principles do not guarantee that animated graphics will be superior to equivalent static ones.
Using Webquest in Learning Grammar: Students' Perceptions in Higher Education

Webquest is an internet based learning tool that can be used by students in learning English. This study investigates students’ perceptions about the use of Webquest to support learning grammar in Higher Education. Seventy-two of second semester students were involved as participants in this study. Questionnaire and interview were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The result of this study revealed that students had positive perceptions toward the use of Webquest in learning grammar. They believed that Webquest can be used as one of effective internet based learning tools in studying grammar.
Lifestyle Practices, Psychological Well-Being, and Substance Use among Chinese-Canadian Youth

Lifestyle factors serve an important determinant of health and are critical to youths’ psychosocial development. This cross-sectional survey study aimed to assess the associations between lifestyle practices and mental health and substance use among a sample of 152 Chinese-Canadian youth in the Greater Toronto Area. Findings indicated that youths’ sedentary behaviors are linked to increased depressed mood, stress, and suicidal ideation. Moreover, a lack of healthy eating habits is associated with increased substance use. The use of a buddy program, installation of peer counseling, and an implementation of a holistic health policy may help promote healthy living for Chinese-Canadian youth.
Circulating cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objectives: Raised serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) has been reported to predict erosive disease in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), subnormal sCOMP levels have been associated with ongoing inflammation and growth retardation. In this study we aimed to assess sCOMP, C-reactive protein (CRP), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in children/adolescents with JIA and in referents. Method: We enrolled 52 JIA patients at planned outpatient visits and 54 inpatients with ongoing infection (‘infection referents’). A total of 120 referents testing negative for immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated allergy (‘IgE referents’) served as controls. All serum samples were analysed for COMP, IGF-1, and CRP. Results: The average sCOMP level was highest among the IgE referents and lowest among the infection referents. In the JIA patients, the level of sCOMP was not associated with the level of CRP or with clinical signs of disease activity. Conclusions: The results of this study do not support routine clinical analysis of sCOMP levels in patients with JIA.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta Is a Major Regulator of Human Neonatal Immune Responses following Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have suggested that T-cell responses may contribute to RSV immunopathology, which could be driven by dendritic cells (DCs). DCs are productively infected by RSV, and during RSV infections, there is an increase of DCs in the lungs with a decrease in the blood. Pediatric populations are particularly susceptible to severe RSV infections; however, DC responses to RSV from pediatric populations have not been examined. In this study, primary isolated DCs from cord blood and adult peripheral blood were compared after RSV infection. Transcriptional profiling and biological network analysis identified transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and associated signaling molecules as differentially regulated in the two age groups. TGF-β1 was decreased in RSV-infected adult-blood DCs but increased in RSV-infected cord blood DCs. Coculture of adult RSV-infected DCs with autologous T cells induced secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Conversely, coculture of cord RSV-infected DCs and autologous T cells induced secretion of IL-4, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-17. Addition of purified TGF-β1 to adult DC-T-cell cocultures reduced secretion of IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-2, and TNF-α, while addition of a TGF-β chemical inhibitor to cord DC-T-cell cocultures increased secretion of IL-12p70. These data suggest that TGF-β acts as a major regulator of RSV DC-T-cell responses, which could contribute to immunopathology during infancy.
Effects of Think-Aloud Pair Problem Solving on Secondary-Level Students' Performance in Career and Technical Education Courses.

A randomized posttest–only control group experimental design was used to determine the effects of think– aloud pair problem solving (TAPPS) on the troubleshooting performance of 34 secondary–level career and technical education students. There was no significant difference in success rate between TAPPS students and students who worked alone (χ (1) = . 747, p = . 39, φ = . 148). There was no significant difference in completion time between students who successfully completed the troubleshooting task using TAPPS and those who were successful working alone (t (9) = –. 74, p = . 48, d = 0.45). The reserachers tentatively concluded that the use of TAPPS may not be an appropriate strategy at the secondary level if the agricultural instructors’ focus is a higher success rate and a reduction in the time to complete the task. However, agricultural instructors may have other legitimate reasons for using TAPPS such as a way to facilitate collaborative learning or as a way for instructors to identify student misunderstandings that could be used to inform decisions about individualized or even group instructional interventions.
In Vivo Changes After Mechanical Injury

Chondrocytes undergo apoptosis in response to mechanical injury in vitro. The current clinical study correlates arthroscopic and magnetic resonance imaging results with biopsy specimens of cartilage from patients with knee injury. Twenty patients were evaluated at a mean 2.7 months after acute knee injury. The mean age of the patients was 32 years and the mean weight was 83 kg. Cartilage lesions were graded separately on magnetic resonance images and arthroscopy in a blinded manner. During arthroscopy, a 1.8 mm diameter biopsy specimen was obtained from the edge of cartilage lesion. The biopsy specimen underwent histologic examination by safranin O staining and detection of chondrocyte apoptosis by the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation. There was a positive correlation in 50% (10 of 20) when the presence or absence of cartilage lesions by magnetic resonance imaging was correlated with arthroscopy. All cases of partial thickness or full-thickness cartilage loss that were seen by arthroscopy also were detected by magnetic resonance images. Apoptotic cells were significantly more numerous in biopsy specimens from lesions compared with control biopsy specimens. The findings of reduced cell viability attributable to apoptosis may have profound implications for cartilage repair. This opens potential therapeutic avenues for the treatment of posttraumatic cartilage lesions through apoptosis prevention.
Acculturation and Performance of Hispanics on Selected Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Tests

This study investigated the effect of acculturation on Halstead-Reitan neuropsychological test performances on nonimpaired Hispanics. The sample consisted of three groups of 50 subjects, representing distinct levels of acculturation: (a) Mexican-American, (b) Anglo-American, and (c) Mexican. A significant effect (p > .05) for acculturation was found on several measures, including the Tactual Performance Test (TPT; Dominant, Nondominant, and Total), the Seashore Rhythm Test, and the Halstead Category Test. Measures not affected by acculturation were TPT Localization and Memory, Finger Tapping, and the Trail Making Test. Recommendations for further research and clinical implications of findings are discussed.
Contact or no contact after adoption : what it means and how it affects family life, attachment and identity

This qualitative study examines contact between adoptive and birth families in the context of adoptive family life. It examines the meaning and perception of contact in adoptive families and its perceived advantages and disadvantages for the children's attachment and identity formation, comparing families with and without contact. Attachment and identity theory was the theoretical framework for semi-structured interviews, relationship and identity games with the children, and observations of the children and parents together and separately. Attachment comes from trust developed from consistent care, interest, love and the meeting of physical and emotional needs; it is the core of well-formed identity. Identity comes from feeling lovable and worthwhile, and in this context from background information from adopters. The sample was 10 adoptive families with 13 children with contact, and nine families with 12 children without contact. Eight children had face-to-face contact, 11 had indirect letterbox contact. All except one were now securely attached, although many had been insecure when placed because of neglect or abuse in their background. The most important finding was the similarity between the two groups: 24 out of 25 children were securely attached and all but two had well-formed identity. The assumption that contact is a major influence on identity and attachment is not supported. The main influence was open, comfortable communication between adoptive parents and children, who could ask their parents anything. At the time of contact half the adoptive mothers had feelings of despair, although they felt positive at other times. Fathers were less positive about contact. Boys were more sanguine about it than girls; girls felt more intensely, and some were angry with their birth mothers. A unique finding was that about half the older-placed children took as long to become securely attached as they had spent with their birth families and in care.
Is Thermosensing Property of RNA Thermometers Unique?

A large number of studies have been dedicated to identify the structural and sequence based features of RNA thermometers, mRNAs that regulate their translation initiation rate with temperature. It has been shown that the melting of the ribosome-binding site (RBS) plays a prominent role in this thermosensing process. However, little is known as to how widespread this melting phenomenon is as earlier studies on the subject have worked with a small sample of known RNA thermometers. We have developed a novel method of studying the melting of RNAs with temperature by computationally sampling the distribution of the RNA structures at various temperatures using the RNA folding software Vienna. In this study, we compared the thermosensing property of 100 randomly selected mRNAs and three well known thermometers - rpoH, ibpA and agsA sequences from E. coli. We also compared the rpoH sequences from 81 mesophilic proteobacteria. Although both rpoH and ibpA show a higher rate of melting at their RBS compared with the mean of non-thermometers, contrary to our expectations these higher rates are not significant. Surprisingly, we also do not find any significant differences between rpoH thermometers from other -proteobacteria and E. coli non-thermometers.
High‐frequency homologous plasmid‐plasmid recombination coupled with conjugation of plasmid SCP2* in Streptomyces

Non‐transmissible derivatives of the Streptomyces multi‐copy plasmid pIJ101 were mobilized, by co‐integrate formation, at frequencies approaching 100% (measured per recipient) by derivatives of the conjugative, low‐copy‐number Streptomyces coeli‐color A3(2) plasmid SCP2*. Efficient co‐integrate formation required that the plasmids shared at least 112 bp sequence identity, and it occurred only during conjugation. An SCP2* plasmid gene is involved in the process. Co‐integrates were presumably formed in the donor cells and transported to the recipient cells. This is a new phenomenon, not known in other bacteria.
Effects of Ca2+ and HCO3-on Capacitation, Hyperactivation and Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Guinea Pig Spermatozoa

In our previous report, we demonstrated that the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins (TPSP) of guinea pig was associated with capacitation and hyperactivation (CAHA), and Ca 2+ and HCO 3 - were required for the initiation of CAHA and increasing the TPSP. The aim of this study was to further investigate the mechanism underlying the above events. The results showed that addition of cAMP agonists, dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) and isobutyl-methylxantine (IBMX), to HCO 3 - -free medium significantly increased CAHA to the normal level (when sperm were incubated in TALP). Although addition of the cAMP agonists to Ca 2+ -free medium increased CAHA, the percentages of hyperactivated and capacitated sperm were still significantly lower than the normal level. Compared with HCO 3 - -free or Ca 2+ -free medium, TPSP was increased when db-cAMP and IBMX were added in the media. H-89, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), inhibited CAHA in a dose-dependent manner and totally blocked TPSP. These results confirm a previous observation that Ca 2+ and HCO 3 - regulated CAHA and TPSP in a cAMP/PKA pathway, and support an interation between TPSP and CAHA of sperm. Besides the cAMP/PKA pathway, Ca 2+ might have also played a role in regulating CAHA by other pathways since the normal level of CAHA did not recover by adding cAMP agonists in the media.