Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of a Multimedia Intervention on Outcomes Expectations and Perceived Self-Efficacy for the Sex Educator Role for Parents/Caregivers of African American Adolescent Males

Assessing health literacy is important as it is known to impact health including health behavior, health outcomes, communication with providers, adherence to treatment regimens, and health care costs. African Americans in the United States have lower health literacy than their Caucasian counterparts making a review of current research on this population important. A systematic review of the literature was conducted assessing studies which examined health literacy in African Americans. All articles were original research measuring health literacy using the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, short-form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, and the Newest Vital Sign. A number of databases were searched and yielded a scarcity of health literacy studies that included a majority of African American subjects. Studies addressing this population would potentially lead to interventions aimed at improving health outcomes of the African American population.
Long-Term and Sustained COMP-Ang1 Induces Long-Lasting Vascular Enlargement and Enhanced Blood Flow

Vascular enlargement is a characteristic feature of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1)-induced changes in adult blood vessels. However, it is unknown whether tissues having Ang1-mediated vascular enlargement have more blood flow or whether the enlargement is reversible. We have recently created a soluble, stable and potent Ang1 variant, COMP-Ang1. In the present study, we investigated the effects of varied dose and duration of COMP-Ang1 on vascular enlargement and blood flow in the tracheal microvasculature of adult mice and explored a possible mechanism of long-lasting vascular enlargement. We found that COMP-Ang1 administered by adenoviral vector induced long-lasting vascular enlargement and increased tracheal blood flow. In contrast, short-term administration of COMP-Ang1 recombinant protein induced transient vascular enlargement that spontaneously reversed within a month. In both cases, the vascular enlargement resulted from endothelial proliferation. The COMP-Ang1–induced vascular remodeling is mediated mainly through Tie2 activation. Sustained overexpression of Tie2 could participate in the maintenance of vascular changes. Together, our findings indicate that sustained treatment with COMP-Ang1 can produce long-lasting vascular enlargement and increased blood flow.
An Internet traffic classification methodology based on statistical discriminators

This work presents an Internet traffic classification methodology based on statistical discriminators and cluster analysis. An accuracy identification of Internet applications is an important research area, because it is directly related to solve many network problems such as: quality of service (QoS), traffic control, security, network management and operation. The main difference to previous approaches lies in the discriminators use; rather than using only one set of discriminators for all classes we use a set of different statistical discriminators for each traffic class. Using real traces into the training and classification phases, we validated the methodology for P2P traffic class.
Effects of Suboptimally Presented Erotic Pictures on Moral Judgments: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

Previous research has identified a set of core factors that influence moral judgments. The present study addresses the interplay between moral judgments and four factors: (a) incidental affects, (b) sociocultural context, (c) type of dilemma, and (d) participant’s sex. We asked participants in two different countries (Colombia and Spain) to judge the acceptability of actions in response to personal and impersonal moral dilemmas. Before each dilemma an affective prime (erotic, pleasant or neutral pictures) was presented suboptimally. Our results show that: a) relative to neutral priming, erotic primes increase the acceptance of harm for a greater good (i.e., more utilitarian judgments), b) relative to Colombians, Spanish participants rated causing harm as less acceptable, c) relative to impersonal dilemmas, personal dilemmas reduced the acceptance of harm, and d) relative to men, women were less likely to consider harm acceptable. Our results are congruent with findings showing that sex is a crucial factor in moral cognition, and they extend previous research by showing the interaction between culture and incidental factors in the making of moral judgments.
Assessing Fisheries as Vectors for Toxic Materials from the Environment to Humans . An assessment of potential health risks posed by shellfish collected in estuarine waters near Pensacola , Florida

As part of an environmental health study of northwest Florida, we conducted an initial screening level assessment of contaminants in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and oysters (Crassostrea virginica) collected in bays and bayous in the Pensacola, FL area. Tissue samples were analyzed for mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium, tin, zinc, 17 dioxin/furan compounds, and 12 dioxin-like PCB congeners (PCB-77, PCB-81, PCB-105, PCB114, PCB-118, PCB-123, PCB-126, PCB-156, PCB-157, PCB-167, PCB-169, and PCB-189). Contaminant levels were compared to Screening Values (SV) calculated using the U.S. EPA recommendations for establishing consumption advisories. Four different consumption rates were used in the derivation of the SVs. We identified five chemicals of concern (dioxins/furans/PCBs, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and zinc) in either crab muscle, crab hepatopancreas, total crab tissue, or oysters based
Montclair State University Digital Montclair State University Digital Commons Commons Population Structure and Conservation Genetics of the Oregon Population Structure and Conservation Genetics of the Oregon Spotted Frog, Rana Pretiosa Spotted Frog, Rana Pretiosa

The Oregon spotted frog ( Rana pretiosa ) is one of the most threatened amphibians in the Paciﬁc Northwest. Here we analyzed data from 13 microsatellite loci and 298 bp of mitochondrial DNA in frogs collected from 23 of the remaining R. pretiosa populations in order to (1) assess levels of genetic diversity within populations of R. pretiosa , (2) identify the major genetic groups in the species, (3) estimate levels of genetic differentiation and gene ﬂow among populations within each major group, and (4) compare the pattern of differentiation among R. pretiosa populations with that among populations of R. cascadae , a non-endangered congener that also occurs in Oregon and Washington. There is a strong, hierarchical genetic structure in R. pretiosa . That structure includes six major genetic groups, one of which is represented by a single remaining population. R. pretiosa populations have low genetic diversity (average H e = 0.31) compared to R. cascadae (average H e = 0.54) and to other ranid frogs. Genetic subdivision among populations is much higher in R. pretiosa than in R. cascadae , particularly over the largest geographic distances (hundreds of kilometers). A joint analysis of migration rates among populations and of effective sizes within populations (using MIGRATE) suggests that both species have extremely low migration rates, and that R. pretiosa have slightly smaller effective sizes. However, the slight difference in effective sizes between species appears insufﬁcient to explain the large difference in genetic diversity and in large-scale genetic structure. We therefore hypothesize that low connectivity among the more widely-spaced R. pretiosa populations (owing to their patchier habitat), is the main cause of their lower genetic diversity and higher among-population differentiation. R. include maintaining habitat connectivity to facilitate gene ﬂow among populations that are still potentially connected, and either expanding habitat or founding additional ‘backup’ populations to maintain diversity in the isolated populations. We recommend that special consideration be given to conservation of the Camas Prairie population in Northern Oregon. It is the most geographically isolated population, has the lowest genetic diversity ( H e = 0.14) and appears to be the only remaining representative of a major genetic group that is now almost extinct. Finally, because the six major groups within R. pretiosa are strongly differentiated, occupy different habitat types, and are geographically separate, they should be recognized as evolutionarily signiﬁcant units for purposes of conservation planning.
Insights into the Classification of Myasthenia Gravis

Background and Purpose Myasthenia gravis (MG) is often categorized into thymoma-associated MG, early-onset MG with onset age <50 years, and late-onset MG with onset age ≥50 years. However, the boundary age of 50 years old between early- and late-onset MG remains controversial, and each category contains further subtypes. We attempted to classify MG from a statistical perspective. Methods We analyzed 640 consecutive MG patients using two-step cluster analysis with clinical variables and discrimination analysis, using onset age as a variable. Results Two-step cluster analyses categorized MG patients into the following five subtypes: ocular MG; MG with thymic hyperplasia (THMG); generalized anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-negative MG; thymoma-associated MG; and generalized AChR-Ab-positive (SP) MG without thymic abnormalities. Among these 5 subtypes, THMG showed a distribution of onset age skewed toward a younger age (p<0.01), whereas ocular MG and SPMG without thymic abnormalities showed onset age skewed toward an older age (p<0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively). The other 2 subtypes showed normal distributions. THMG appeared as the main component of early-onset MG, and ocular MG and SPMG without thymic abnormalities as the main components of late-onset MG. Discrimination analyses between THMG and ocular MG and/or SPMG without thymic abnormalities demonstrated a boundary age of 45 years old. Conclusions From a statistical perspective, the boundary age between early- and late-onset MG is about 45 years old.
Adaptive workflow scheduling under resource allocation constraints and network dynamics

Workflow concepts are well suited for scenarios where many distributed entities work collaboratively together to achieve a common goal. Today, workflows are mostly used as computerized model for business processes executed in instances in commercial Workflow Management Systems. However, there are many other application domains where computer-supported cooperative work can be captured and organized by workflows. In this paper, we investigate the task of scheduling workflows in self-organizing wireless networks for disaster scenarios. Most research work in the field of workflow scheduling has been driven by temporal and causality constraints. We present an adaptive scheduling algorithm that finds a suitable execution sequence for workflow activities by additionally considering resource allocation constraints and dynamic topology changes. Our approach utilizes a multi-stage distribution algorithm which we extend with techniques to cope with network dynamics.
Perception Subsystem for a Cognitive Architecture

A new computational perception algorithm is introduced for intended integration into a new cognitive architecture. The subsystem extracts features describing relations that hold over two or more entities in a simulated microworld which it observes. A new feature extraction algorithm used in the subsystem, the Adaptive Parallel Terraced Scan, is described in detail. Initial experiments which begin to investigate performance of the proof-of-concept prototype are described, and results presented. Finally, areas of future work to be pursued in order to build on these initially promising results are outlined.
Why Are the K Dwarfs in the Pleiades So Blue?

The K dwarfs in the Pleiades fall nearly mag below a main-sequence isochrone when plotted in a color-magnitude diagram utilizing V magnitude as the luminosity index and B-V as the color index. This peculiarity has been known for 40 years but has gone unexplained and mostly ignored. When compared to Praesepe members, the Pleiades K dwarfs again are subluminous (or blue) in a color-magnitude diagram using B-V as the color index. However, using V-I as the color index, stars in the two clusters are coincident to MV ∼ 10; using V-K as the color index, Pleiades late K and M stars fall above the main-sequence locus defined by Praesepe members. We believe that the anomalous spectral energy distributions for the Pleiades K dwarfs, as compared to older clusters, are a consequence of rapid stellar rotation and may be primarily due to spottedness. If so, the required areal filling factor for the cool component has to be very large (≥50%). Weak-lined T Tauri stars have similar color anomalies, and we suspect that this is a common feature of all very young K dwarfs (spectral type >K3). The peculiar spectral energy distribution needs to be considered in deriving accurate pre–main-sequence isochrone-fitting ages for clusters like the Pleiades, since the age derived will depend on the temperature index used.
Unsafe Texting and Socially Problematic Texting

As texting becomes the dominant medium for communication, problematic and unsafe texting habits arise. Understanding who is more likely to engage in problematic texting can give insight into the underlying traits driving these behaviors. The current exploratory study investigated the extent to which texting habits were correlated with an individual difference measure, the Need for Cognition scale. Results indicated endorsement of certain texting behaviors is inversely related to an individual’s need for cognition, or the extent to which a person enjoys and engages in thinking. In particular, texting behaviors related to safety (e.g., texting while walking), avoidance texting (e.g., texting while in a new place), negative behaviors (e.g., texting to insult or gossip), and health (e.g., waking up to respond to texts) were correlated negatively with stronger need for cognition. These and other texting behaviors have human factors implications of health, safety, and interpersonal relations.
Reducing cognitive load by mixing auditory and visual presentation modes

This article reports findings on the use of a partly auditory and partly visual mode of presentation for geometry worked examples. The logic was based on the split-attention effect and the effect of presentation modality on working memory. The split-attention effect occurs when students must split their attention between multiple sources of information, which results in a heavy cognitive load. Presentation-modality effects suggest that working memory has partially independent processors for handling visual and auditory material. Effective working memory may be increased by presenting material in a mixed rather than a unitary mode. If so, the negative consequences of split attention in geometry might be ameliorated by presenting geometry statements in auditory, rather than visual, form. The results of 6 experiments supported this hypothesis.
MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS OF FAST BREAK IN HIGH LEVEL BASKETBALL

One of the most important characteristics, which defines playing style of elite basketball teams, is game speed. We aimed to analyse the use of fast breaks by the winning and losing teams and the relation of its effectiveness with the following variables: a) type of ball recovery; b) initial action, c) ball advancing mode; d) number of passes; e) fast break completion; f) completion type; g) effectiveness; h) points scored. The statistical analyses were conducted in IMB SPSS Statistics by means of Crosstabs command, Chi-square of Pearson and Phi coefficient. Significance differences were set at p<. 05. Results showed great similarities on the use, efficacy, and points scored from fast breaks when comparing the winning and losing teams. Fast breaks mostly started after a rebound (46.7%), pass interception (27.8%) or steal (18.6%). Furthermore, elite teams usually made the maximum of two passes (96.4%) and ended the attack on the primary break (88.7%). More importantly, fast break successfulness increased when the initial action was a pass. These results might help coaches in designing the training process oriented to improve the offensive transition.
The interaction between emotion and economic decision-making

Emotions play an important role in daily life decisions. For example, we are likely to choose, judge, or evaluate things around us in different ways depending on whether we are feeling sad, anxious, or happy. Emotional reactions to life events and outcomes, such as winning an award, or getting a divorce, should also predict individuals’ subsequent decisions. However, the mechanisms by which such interactions between emotions and decisions unfold are still poorly understood. The aim of this thesis was two-fold: first, to characterize a computational model of how emotions are integrated into decisions; second, to provide a better understanding of the cognitive and neural mechanisms by which manipulating emotions can alter decisions. Following the general introduction and methods description, the first experimental chapter shows that integrating emotions (self-report feelings) in a computational model of decision-making could reliably predict people’s gambling choices, indicating a unique contribution of feelings to decisions. The second experimental chapter explores the influence of incidental emotional priming on gambling choice and the underlying neural mechanisms, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The findings suggest that how external emotions impact decisions, at both behavioural and neural levels, varied with individual differences in levels of trait anxiety. The third experimental chapter attempts to extend this finding by testing how risky decisions are altered in patients with clinical anxiety, relative to healthy controls; demonstrating a dissociation between sensitivity to risk, which was enhanced in anxiety, and sensitivity to monetary losses, which was not associated with anxiety. This thesis provides a more complete understanding of the complex interactions between emotions, mood and decision-making. In the final chapter the findings are discussed in light of influential theories in cognitive neuroscience and behavioural economics that posit a central role for emotions in determining the choices we make.
Exercises in canine physical rehabilitation: range of motion of the forelimb during stair and ramp ascent.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate overall joint range of motion of the forelimb in healthy dogs ascending stairs compared with incline slope walking. METHODS Normal canine forelimb kinematics (range of motion, flexion and extension) were compared during ascent of stairs or a ramp, and compared to unimpeded trotting on a flat surface. Eight adult dogs with no evidence of orthopaedic or neurological lameness were assessed using a 2-dimensional kinematic system as they walked up a custom built ramp and stairs. RESULTS In healthy dogs, ramp and stair ascent consistently had greater range of motion compared to trotting on a flat surface, and ramp ascent had significantly greater range of motion compared to stair ascent (P<0·05). Shoulder flexion and extension, elbow extension and carpal flexion were all significantly greater while ascending the ramp compared to stairs. Shoulder extension on the flat was significantly greater than while ascending stairs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE When planning physical rehabilitation exercises following injury to the forelimb, stair and ramp ascent may be considered, as both augment range of motion of joints. Ramp ascent provides the greatest increase in range of motion of forelimb joints.
Insulin Therapy and Risk of Prostate Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background Previous observational studies have shown that insulin therapy may modify the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). However, these studies yielded controversial results. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to determine whether insulin use was associated with PCa risk in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Method A literature search was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library Central database between January 1966 and January 2013. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were used to estimate pooled relative risks (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Result A total of 11 (10 cohorts, and one case–control) studies published between 2007 and 2013 were included in the meta-analysis, representing data for 205,523 male subjects and 7,053 PCa cases. There were five studies investigating the influence of insulin and other glucose-lowering agents on the risk of PCa , and six studies investigating the influence of glargine and non-glargine insulin. Insulin use was not associated with PCa risk when compared with other glucose-lowering agents (RR=0.89, 95% CI, 0.72-1.09). Use of insulin glargine did not contribute to susceptibility to PCa as compared with use of non-glargine insulin (RR=1.26, 95% CI, 0.86-1.84). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of present results, since no individual study affected the pooled result significantly. Conclusions Our results suggest that, there may be no significant association between insulin use and risk of PCa as compared with other glucose-lowering agents in patients with DM, and there was no substantial evidence for increase risk of PCa among insulin glargine users as compared to non-glargine insulin users. Further studies are warranted to validate these conclusions.
Self-Monitoring and the Metatraits.

Prior attempts at locating self-monitoring within general taxonomies of personality traits have largely proved unsuccessful. However, past research has typically neglected (a) the bidimensionality of the Self-Monitoring Scale and (b) the hierarchical nature of personality. The objective of this study was to test hypotheses that the two self-monitoring factors are located at the level of the metatraits. Using data from two large multi-informant samples, one community (Sample 1: N = 552, Mage = 51.26, 61% female; NPeers = 1,551, Mage = 48.61, 37% female) and one online (Sample 2: N = 3,726, Mage = 24.89, 59% female; NPeers = 17,868, Mage = 26.23, 64% female), confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Results confirmed hypotheses that acquisitive self-monitoring would have a strong positive relation to metatrait Plasticity, whereas protective self-monitoring would have a moderate negative relation to metatrait Stability. In both samples, constraining the correlation between acquisitive self-monitoring and Plasticity to unity did not alter model fit indices, indicating that the two putatively distinct constructs are identical. Findings have wide-ranging implications, including integration of the construct of self-monitoring into the mainstream of personality research, as the latter moves toward the development of broad explanatory theories.