Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Should long-acting (depot) antipsychotics be used in early schizophrenia? A systematic review

Background: The relapse rate after a first episode of schizophrenia is high, often due to non-adherence with medication. Long-acting injections of antipsychotics (LAI) are used to promote adherence to medication. Objective: To review the literature on the use of LAIs in first-episode and early schizophrenia. Method: A systematic electronic search of all original data containing peer-reviewed studies published in English using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane and PsychINFO from the onset of records. Reference lists from retrieved articles were examined for further relevant studies. Results: Ten studies were identified: two cohort studies; three randomised controlled trials; and five open studies. These studies, although limited, demonstrated the effectiveness of LAI in early schizophrenia. Seven of the 10 studies had risperidone long-acting injection as the only LAI. Conclusion: LAIs may be useful in the treatment of early schizophrenia in terms of symptom control and relapse reduction, particularly if chosen by the patient or when medication adherence is a priority. There is a need for a large-scale, randomised controlled trial comparing oral and LAI antipsychotics to assess long-term outcomes.
White matter microstructure contributes to age-related declines in task-induced deactivation of the default mode network

Task-induced deactivations within the brain’s default mode network (DMN) are thought to reflect suppression of endogenous thought processes to support exogenous goal-directed task processes. Older adults are known to show reductions in deactivation of the DMN compared to younger adults. However, little is understood about the mechanisms contributing to functional dysregulation of the DMN in aging. Here, we explored the relationships between functional modulation of the DMN and age, task performance and white matter (WM) microstructure. Participants were 117 adults ranging from 25 to 83 years old who completed an fMRI task switching paradigm, including easy (single) and difficult (mixed) conditions, and underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The fMRI results revealed an age by condition interaction (β = −0.13, t = −3.16, p = 0.002) such that increasing age affected deactivation magnitude during the mixed condition (β = −0.29, t = −3.24 p = 0.002) but not the single condition (p = 0.58). Additionally, there was a WM by condition interaction (β = 0.10, t = 2.33, p = 0.02) such that decreasing WM microstructure affected deactivation magnitude during the mixed condition (β = 0.30, t = 3.42 p = 0.001) but not the single condition (p = 0.17). Critically, mediation analyses indicated that age-related reductions in WM microstructure accounted for the relationship between age and DMN deactivation in the more difficult mixed condition. These findings suggest that age-related declines in anatomical connectivity between DMN regions contribute to functional dysregulation within the DMN in older adults.
Rapid Developmental Emergence of Stable Depolarization during Wakefulness by Inhibitory Balancing of Cortical Network Excitability

The ability to generate behaviorally appropriate cortical network states is central to sensory perception and plasticity, but little is known about the timing and mechanisms of their development. I paired intracellular and extracellular recordings in the visual cortex of awake infant rats to determine the synaptic and circuit mechanisms regulating the development of a key network state, the persistent and stable subthreshold membrane potential (Vm) depolarization associated with wakefulness/alertness in cortical networks, called the “desynchronized” or “activated” state. Current-clamp recordings reveal that the desynchronized state is absent during the first 2 postnatal weeks, despite behavioral wakefulness. During this period, Vm remains at the resting membrane potential >80% of the time, regardless of behavioral state. Vm dynamics during spontaneous or light-evoked activity were highly variable, contained long-duration supratheshold plateau potentials, and high spike probability, suggesting an unstable and hyperexcitable early cortical network. Voltage-clamp recordings reveal that effective feedforward inhibition is absent at these early ages despite the presence of feedback inhibition. Stable membrane depolarization during wakefulness finally emerges 1–2 d before eye opening and is statistically indistinguishable from that in adults within days. Reduced cortical excitability, fast feedforward inhibition, and the slow cortical oscillation appear simultaneously with stable depolarization, suggesting that an absence of inhibitory balance during early development prevents the expression of the active state and hence a normal wakeful state in early cortex. These observations identify feedforward inhibition as a potential key regulator of cortical network activity development.
The Destructiveness of Laissez-Faire Leadership Behavior

This study examined the mediating role of economic leader–member exchange (ELMX) on the negative associations between laissez-faire leadership and affective commitment, self-reported work effort, and self-reported organizational citizenship behavior. Two samples were used. Study 1 consisted of 199 employees from an international high-technology manufacturing organization. Study 2 consisted of 197 employees from an international private security firm. Both studies supported a positive association between laissez-faire leadership and an ELMX relationship. Study 1 showed that ELMX fully mediated the negative association between laissez-faire leadership and affective commitment. Study 2 showed that ELMX fully mediated the negative association between laissez-faire leadership and self-reported work effort and partially mediated the negative association between laissez-faire leadership and self-reported organizational citizenship behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Differential Regulation of Matrix-Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in vascular remodeling, (neuro)inflammation, blood-brain barrier breakdown and neuronal apoptosis. Proinflammatory mechanisms are suggested to play an important role during early brain injury and cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study aimed to analyze MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 in patients with SAH and their respective association with cerebral vasospasm (CVS). Methods Blood samples were collected in 20 SAH patients on days 1 to 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 and 20 healthy age and gender matched volunteers. Serum MMPs and TIMPs were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Doppler sonographic CVS was defined as a mean blood flow velocity above 120 cm/sec in the middle cerebral artery. When discharged from hospital and at 6 month follow-up neurological outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Score and the modified Rankin Scale. Results MMP-9 was higher in SAH patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). Patients with CVS (n = 11) had elevated MMP-9 serum levels compared to patients without CVS (n = 9, p<0.05). Higher MMP-9 was observed in the presence of cerebral ischemia associated with cerebral vasospasm (p<0.05). TIMP-1 was increased in patients with SAH on day 4 (p<0.05). There was an imbalance of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in favor of MMP-9 in SAH patients, in particular those with CVS (p<0.001). MMP-3 and TIMP-3 were significantly lower in SAH patients throughout day 4 and day 7, respectively (p<0.05). We did not find an association between MMP-, TIMP levels and neurological outcome after 6 months. Conclusions MMP-3 and -9 are differentially regulated in SAH patients with both enzymes showing peak levels correlating with the development of CVS. The inhibitors TIMP-1 and -3 were low during the acute phase after SAH and increased later on which might suggest a preponderance of pro-inflammatory mechanisms.
1 FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCT-MARKET COMPETITION

This paper presents a game-theoretic model to analyze how the existence of roduct-flexible manufacturing technology can affect the technology and market strategies of competing firms. Our two-firm, twomarket model allows each firm to invest in a technology dedicated to its home market or a flexible technology that also can be used to invade its rival's market and/or provide a credible threat to retaliate if its own market is invaded. In contrast to single-firm models in which the availability of a flexible technology at a low cost makes firms better off, we find that unless several restrictive conditions are met, the existence of flexible technology (at a reasonable cost) can intensify competition; firms would be better off if the flexible technology did not exist. Depending on the nature of the competition, consumers may or may not benefit from its existence. The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful comments from Garth Saloner, Mihkel Tombak, and seminar participants at MIT, Stanford, Columbia, and ORSA/TIMS.
Polymorphisms in the Dopamine Receptor 2 Gene Region Influence Improvements during Working Memory Training in Children and Adolescents

Studying the effects of cognitive training can lead to finding better treatments, but it can also be a tool for investigating factors important for brain plasticity and acquisition of cognitive skills. In this study, we investigated how single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ratings of intrinsic motivation were associated to interindividual differences in improvement during working memory training. The study included 256 children aged 7–19 years who were genotyped for 13 SNPs within or near eight candidate genes previously implicated in learning: COMT, SLC6A3 (DAT1), DRD4, DRD2, PPP1R1B (DARPP32), MAOA, LMX1A, and BDNF. Ratings on the intrinsic motivation inventory were also available for 156 of these children. All participants performed at least 20 sessions of working memory training, and performance during the training was logged and used as the outcome variable. We found that two SNPs, rs1800497 and rs2283265, located near and within the dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) gene, respectively, were significantly associated with improvements during training (p < .003 and p < .0004, respectively). Scores from a questionnaire regarding intrinsic motivation did not correlate with training outcome. However, we observed both the main effect of genotype at those two loci as well as the interaction between genotypes and ratings of intrinsic motivation (perceived competence). Both SNPs have previously been shown to affect DRD2 receptor density primarily in the BG. Our results suggest that genetic variation is accounting for some interindividual differences in how children acquire cognitive skills and that part of this effect is also seen on intrinsic motivation. Moreover, they suggest that dopamine D2 transmission in the BG is a key factor for cognitive plasticity.
The influence of managerial myopia on firm strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of temporal myopia (focussing on the short-term) and spatial myopia (focussing on the current market) on firm strategy. Specifically the paper investigates the effects of temporal and spatial myopia on the persistence and conformity of firm strategy. Additionally, the paper tests how environmental munificence moderates these effects. A secondary purpose of this paper is to develop a replicable method of measurement of temporal and spatial myopia. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a manual content analysis of letters to shareholders for 100 firms over three years to measure spatial and temporal myopia. After collecting strategy variables and control variables from Compustat, the authors utilize a random-effects panel methodology. Findings – The results indicate that strategy is influenced by both temporal and spatial myopia. Specifically, temporal myopia creates a focus on the firm's current strategy, leading to a persistent strategy over time and spatial myopia focusses firm decision makers on better known technologies and competitors, leading to conformity to industry strategic profiles. Additionally, the paper tests how environmental munificence influences these relationships. In total, the paper finds that the differing types of managerial myopia have distinct influences on firm outcomes. Originality/value – This paper makes two important contributions to the literature on managerial myopia. First, the paper investigates the differential effects of both spatial and temporal myopia on firm strategy, topics that have been relatively overlooked in empirical investigations of decision making. Second, the paper develops replicable measures for both temporal and spatial myopia, which have been previously suggested to limit the ability to empirically test the implications of managerial myopia (Laverty, 1996).
The key to successful achievement as an undergraduate student: confidence and realistic expectations?

This study examined how expectations of independent study and academic behavioural confidence predicted end-of-semester marks in a sample of undergraduate students. Students’ expectations and academic behavioural confidence were measured near the beginning of the semester, and academic performance was taken from aggregated end-of-semester marks. Results suggested that a realistic expectation of undergraduate study, where the student took responsibility for their own learning, predicted higher end-of-semester marks. Students who were confident in their ability to attain high grades and attend taught sessions also performed better in their end-of-semester marks. Confidence in attending taught sessions also buffered against the negative impact of holding an unrealistic expectation of undergraduate study. These findings suggest that measures taken to encourage a realistic expectation of the nature of undergraduate study and boost academic behavioural confidence may benefit students’ performance at university.
Piecewise uniform vector quantizers

The companding model for quantizer design and analysis has been frequently used in various instances. However, if the signal to be quantized is a vector, then the optimum companding system can be designed for only a limited number of distributions. On the other hand, piecewise linear companders can be designed for any signal density, generating quantizers that are uniform on each region of the compander. These systems, while not optimal, can have performances which are close to the optimum, and their analysis and implementation can be simpler than those of optimal systems. In this paper we analyze piecewise linear companders for asymptotic multidimensional quantization, and we suggest methods for their design.
TREATING SOCIAL ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS: TEN GROUP THERAPY LESSON PLANS

thinking. Another stage theorist, Eric Erikson (as cited in Berk) focused on psycho-social stages within adolescent development proposing that this is a period where each adolescent formulates their own identity. The risk of identity confusion is included in Erikson’s psychosocial stages identified as occurring in the transition between childhood and adulthood (as cited in Berk). Erikson (as cited in Berk) described this risk as feelings of isolation, doubt, anxiety and indecision. Furthermore, these traits may interfere with the individual’s ability to enter the next stage of development (Berk). Research has demonstrated that adolescence is a critical period for understanding the etiology and course of emotional disorders (Price & Lento, 2001). Chorpita and Barlow (1998) developed a model to test the effects of early life experiences and perceived lack of control on the development of specific cognitions that certain events may be out of one’s control. Findings demonstrated that the specific cognitions tested represented a psychological vulnerability for the development of both anxiety and depression. Chorpita and Barlow inferred that if a lack of perceived control over a given situation makes one vulnerable to maladjustment, then perceived control might contribute to normative development. Unfortunately, anxiety is often dismissed as a developmentally normal component of a teenager’s life (Price & Ingram, 2001). This perception may explain the lack of existing research about emotional difficulties in adolescence. Theorists have also examined abnormal development in adolescence by focusing on individuals who are generally at risk. No single theory has been able to capture the whole picture of normative or abnormal development (Price & Ingram, 2001). The inability of a single theory to explain all aspects should not be seen as a shortcoming.
Do CEOS get Paid too much?

Abstract: In 2003, CEOs of the 365 largest U.S. corporations were paid on average $8 million, 301 times as much as factory workers. This paper asks whether CEOs get paid too much. Appealing to widely recognized moral values, I distinguish three views of justice in wages: the agreement view, the desert view, and the utility view. I argue that, no matter which view is correct, CEOs get paid too much. I conclude by offering two ways CEO pay might be reduced.
Cohabitation and Christian faith

The habit of cohabitation is an increasing phenomenon in our society. It is usually seen as a trial marriageto test the compatibility of the partners involved. Although it has become socially acceptable, it contradicts the most fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. The question is therefore whether cohabitation could indeed be accepted as a trial marriageor even a marriage that differs in name only. Unfortunately most Christians find it difficult to give an answer to this question because they are not properly informed of the biblical view in this regard. Biblical direction is therefore important. This is done from a dogmatic-ethical perspective. The emphasis is not on counselling or the exegesis of certain scriptures as such, but on relevant biblical principles concerning this topic. This does not mean that scriptural passages could be ignored. It stands to reason that biblical principles should be derived from specific Scriptures, and the aim is to deal with these Scriptures in a responsible way. This means, inter alia, that context and historical background are important. In doing so, these principles will not only be identified as guidelines in dealing with the habit of cohabitation, but also as principles that make sense in applying them. This was done by identifying some of the problems involved in cohabitation, followed by a biblical perspective of that which constitutes marriage over against cohabitation. Saambly en die Christelike geloof. Die gebruik van ongetroudes om saam te bly, is ’n verskynsel wat in die samelewing toeneem. Dit word gewoonlik as ’ntoetshuwelik beskou om te bepaal of die paartjie regtig by mekaar pas met die oog op ’nhuwelik. Alhoewel dit ’nsosiaal-aanvaarde praktyk geword het, staan dit lynreg teenoor die mees fundamentele leerstellings van die Christelike geloof. Die vraag is daarom of saambly inderdaad as ’ntoetshuwelik aanvaar kan word of enigsins as ’nhuwelik beskou kan word – een wat net anders genoem word. Ongelukkig is dit vir die meeste Christene moeilik om hierdie vraag te beantwoord omdat hulle nie behoorlik ingelig is oor wat die bybelse siening in hierdie verband nie. Bybelse riglyne oor hierdie onderwerp is dus baie noodsaaklik. In hierdie artikel word sodanige riglyne verskaf vanuit ’ndogmaties-etiese perspektief. Die klem val nie op berading of die eksegese van bepaalde Skrifgedeeltes nie, maar op relevante bybelse beginsels rakende hierdie onderwerp. Dit beteken egter nie dat Skrifverwysings geignoreer kan word nie. Dit spreek vanself dat bybelse beginsels afgelei moet word van bepaalde skrifgedeeltes, waarmee dan op ’nverantwoordelike wyse omgegaan moet word. Dit beteken onder andere dat konteks en historiese agtergrond belangrik is. Bybelse beginsels sal egter nie net as riglyne geidentifiseer word in die evaluering van saambly nie, maar ook as logiese beginsels in die toepassing daarvan. Om dit te bereik is probleme ten opsigte van saambly geidentifiseer en opgevolg met ‘n bybelse perspektief oor wat ’nware huwelik eintlik werklik behels en inhou.
Beyond the breach: transforming White identities in the classroom

Efforts aimed at promoting multiculturalism in the classroom are often pedestrian and ineffectual. When instructors do succeed at facilitating honest discourse, they frequently fail to anticipate the great deal of pain, frustration and anger that is invoked. Rather than sustain a false sense of community, we argue that a dialogic, multicultural community can only be achieved by fostering breach of mainstream norms. Using cultural anthropologist Victor Turner's notion of social drama as a theoretical framework, we document the intense conflict that erupted in our classroom when students were pressed to engage one another regarding issues of race. In order to both acknowledge and make public our students' emotional responses to the dialogue, we implemented a ‘recursive loop’, a pedagogical strategy designed to provide immediate feedback and enable students to come to a richer understanding of how their experiences of race are inextricably linked. By analyzing the students' discourse, we demonstrate how these voices do not occur in a vacuum; to the contrary, they are articulated in response to one another and to grand narratives used to make years of oppression appear invisible. Ultimately, we contend that White Identity Transformation is necessary for a multicultural community and that such transformation is facilitated, ironically enough, by conflict.
BLOCK KRYLOV SPACE METHODS FOR LINEAR SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RIGHT-HAND SIDES : AN

In a number of applications in scientific computing and engineering one has to solve huge sparse linear systems of equations with several right-hand sides that are given at once. Block Krylov space solvers are iterative methods that are especially designed for such problems and have fundamental advantages over the corresponding methods for systems with a single right-hand side: much larger search spaces and simultaneously computable matrix-vector products. But there are inherent difficulties that make their implementation and their application challenging: the possible linear dependence of the various residuals, the much larger memory requirements, and the drastic increase of the size of certain small (“scalar”) auxiliary problems that have to be solved in each step. We start this paper with a quick introduction into sparse linear systems, their solution by sparse direct and iterative methods, Krylov subspaces, and preconditioning. Then we turn to systems with multiple right-hand sides, block Krylov space solvers, and the deflation of right-hand sides in the case where the residuals are linearly dependent. As a model we discuss in particular a block version of the General Minimum Residual (GMRes) algorithm.