Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological deficits in preschool as predictors of ADHD symptoms and academic achievement in late adolescence

High levels of ADHD symptoms are related to severe negative outcomes, which underscore the importance of identifying early markers of these behavior problems. The main aim of the present study was therefore to investigate whether neuropsychological deficits in preschool are related to later ADHD symptoms and academic achievement, over and above the influence of early ADHD symptom levels. The present study is unique because it includes a broader range of predictors compared to previous studies and the participants are followed over time for as long as 13 years (i.e., ages 5–18 years). Preschool data included measures of executive functioning and reaction time variability as well as emotional reactivity and emotion regulation of both positive and negative emotions. When controlling for early ADHD symptom levels, working memory, reaction time variability, and regulation of happiness/exuberance were significantly related to inattention whereas regulation of happiness/exuberance and anger reactivity were significantly related to hyperactivity/impulsivity. Furthermore, working memory and reaction time variability in preschool were significantly related to academic achievement in late adolescence beyond the influence of early ADHD symptoms. These findings could suggest that it is possible to screen for early neuropsychological deficits and thereby identify children who are at risk of negative outcomes. Furthermore, our results suggest that interventions need to look beyond executive functioning deficits in ADHD and also target the role of emotional functioning and reaction time variability. The importance of including both the positive and negative aspects of emotional functioning and distinguishing between emotion regulation and emotional reactivity was also demonstrated.
Expression Profiles of Reproduction- and Thyroid Hormone-Related Transcripts in the Brains of Chemically-Induced Intersex Frogs

Endocrine disrupting chemicals can induce intersex animals in amphibians and fish. Our previous study in frogs demonstrated that chemically-induced intersex animals can display different hepatic profiles of transcript levels than normal animals. In this study, we extend the observations to the developing frog brain. We investigated the effects of finasteride and fadrozole known to induce female- and male-biased sexual development on Silurana tropicalis brain mRNA levels. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of transcript levels of sex steroid- and thyroid hormone-related genes in the brain demonstrated that in finasteride-induced intersex animals, the mRNA levels of aromatase, estrogen receptor α, thyroid hormone receptor β and deiodinase type 3 were higher compared to both control males and females. Furthermore, finasteride-induced intersex animals expressed higher mRNA levels of both androgen receptor and estrogen receptor β compared to control females and to control males, respectively. Furthermore, fadrozole did not affect any of the genes analyzed in the brain but was effective at reducing aromatase activity. Intersex animals display different profiles of transcript levels in the brain whether the intersex condition was induced by an anti-androgen or anti-estrogen treatment. Finally, we conclude that a complex relationship exists between thyroid hormone-responsive genes and androgen status in frogs.
Sex and Violence in the Slasher Horror Film: A Content Analysis of Gender Differences in the Depiction of Violence

The slasher horror film has been the subject of frequent criticism based on the assumption that female characters in these films are more likely to be the victims of serious, graphic violence that is juxtaposed with explicit sexual imagery. The purpose of this study was to address limitations inherent in previous analyses of slasher films and examine whether gender differences exist in the nature of violent presentations. A content analysis of several indicators of violent and sexual content was conducted using a random sample of 50 slasher films that were released in North America between 1960 and 2007. Findings suggested that there are several significant gender differences in the nature of violent presentations found in slasher films. In general, female characters were more likely to be victims of less serious and graphic forms of violence, but were also significantly more likely to be victimized in scenes involving a concomitant presentation of sex and violence.
Mixing virtue and vice: combining the immediacy effect and the diversification heuristic

Many of the most significant choices that people make are between vices, which exchange small immediate rewards for large delayed costs, and virtues, which exchange small immediate costs for large delayed rewards. We investigate the consequences of making a series of such choices either simultaneously or sequentially. We made two predictions. First, because many alternatives chosen under simultaneous choice will only be experienced following a delay, and because hyperbolic time discounting predicts that people will prefer delayed virtues but immediate vices, we predicted that people would choose more virtues in simultaneous than sequential choice. Second, due to the tendency to diversify portfolios of choices, we predicted a greater mix of virtues and vices in simultaneous than sequential choice. These predictions were confirmed in two experiments involving real choices; one between ‘highbrow’ and ‘lowbrow’ movies, and the other between ‘instant-win’ and ‘prize-draw’ lottery tickets. We conclude by posing the question of whether simultaneous or sequential choice results in decisions that more closely approximate what people ‘really’ want. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can Evolving Techniques Better Measure Cognitive Change?

The Learning Potential Assessment Device (LPAD) is presented as an approach to the production and measurement of cognitive change. The assessment of cognitive change requires a means of conceptualizing the initial and end states as well as the nature of the change. The LPAD model and cognitive map provide this means. Four changes from traditional psychometric approaches are necessary: shift from product to process orientation and modification of test structure, test situation, and interpretation of results. The components of the cognitive map (content, modality, operation, phase, level of complexity, and level of efficiency) provide the conceptual model for production and measurement of cognitive change. The paper presents 3 empirical studies illustrating how the LPAD may be applied in solving practical problems with important educational and social implications.
Strategic issues in global technological innovation projects

This article aimed to identify those issues that were present in global technological innovation projects carried out by Brazilian multinational companies and which performance criterions these undertakings have met. Besides that, we also sought to understand how strategic issues influenced project performance in multinational companies. We have investigated 36 global technological innovation projects from Brazilian multinational enterprises through a web-survey. Findings show that these companies have gone beyond the traditional iron triangle to evaluate their technological efforts and considered additional performance dimensions such as customer satisfaction, business results, and preparation for the future. Results also show high degree of presence for issues emerging from R&D activities, industry, and external environment, moderate degree of presence for issues emerging from both the project and R&D activities, and low degree of presence for issues emerging from the headquarters and subsidiaries. Regression outputs show that project performance has been impacted under the following dimensions: business results, organization's capabilities, marketing focus, and synergy among organization units.
Acceptability of Attention-Deficit! Hyperactivity Disorder interventions: A comparison of parents

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) produces significant negative consequences for children, thus often requiring treatment. Although efficacious treatments exist for ADHD, effectiveness results often vary. One important variable associated with treatment effectiveness is treatment acceptability, because it is commonly related to treatment adherence. Although previous studies have been conducted regarding acceptability of ADHD interventions, much of the research has not utilized actual consumers of the interventions. Therefore, this study examined the acceptability of medication and behavioral treatments among parents of children with ADHD (actual consumers) and without ADHD (potential consumers). Sixty parents were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions (behavioral treatment, medication, and combination of both) and asked to evaluate the acceptability of all three treatments via the Treatment Evaluation Inventory (TEI). Results revealed significant differences between parents of children with ADHD and parents of children without ADHD for all three treatment options. These results demonstrate that important differences exist between potential and actual consumers' views of ADHD interventions.
Exploring order and disorder: Women’s experiences balancing work and care

This article explores how working mothers negotiate the often competing spheres of paid work and unpaid domestic and care work. Drawing upon qualitative data from a varied sample of women, it discusses the impact of workplace demands on home life, women’s attempts to contain the domestic sphere so as not to disrupt paid work, and the emotional conflicts inherent to combining dual roles. In addition, the article applies Bauman’s concepts of order and disorder to women’s experiences of work–care negotiation. Whilst it is recognized that Bauman’s work largely ignores gender, his discussion of solid modernity with its emphasis on order and the transition to liquid modernity with its emphasis on disorder provide a useful theoretical lens through which to illuminate women’s accounts of managing dual roles.
Gender differences in locus of control and student performance in the South African context of accounting studies

Purpose - – This paper aims to test the theory that predicts differences in locus of control (LOC) by gender and the relationships between LOC and the performance of accounting students in a large South African university. Design/methodology/approach - – Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to test the applicability of Spector’s (1988) LOC scales as a first-order construct in this context. An exploratory factor analysis was then performed to provide a more fine-grained analysis of subordinate constructs. Three component categories were found to emerge from a test of this widely used LOC questionnaire. These component categories were classified as beliefs about the effectiveness of agency, beliefs about chance and beliefs about networks in the contribution to the attainment of outcomes in working contexts. Findings - – Further tests revealed that female accounting students demonstrate higher LOC in all the three categories. Females were therefore found to have significantly higher levels of both LOC and student performance; yet, the majority of tested items were not significant in their associations, and total LOC was not found to be associated with higher performance for female or male students. Certain individual items were, however, found to be associated with performance for male students. It is concluded that despite the predictions of seminal theory that predicts convergence around gender, or more egalitarian outcomes in high-skilled contexts over time, accounting student performance in this context might currently be dominated by females. This reflects a current general dominance of females in higher educational attainment and in employment numbers in educational contexts. Research limitations/implications - – Limitations of the study include: first, the use of a single university; second, a sample of only first-year accounting students. It is not known whether these findings generalise beyond accounting students with similar university environments. This research is also not causal in nature. The statistical testing used in this study cannot indicate causality. Originality/value - – It is recommended that further research investigate the more fine-grained dimensions of LOC that can contribute to accounting student performance and that further qualitative or causal research is performed to “surface” the causal mechanisms that underlie these findings. The value of this research is in the fact that it tests theory that predicts differences in LOC and the relationships between LOC and performance in an important formative context of accounting.
MicroRNA Expression Profile of Neural Progenitor-Like Cells Derived from Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells under the Influence of IGF-1, bFGF and EGF

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) enhances cellular proliferation and reduces apoptosis during the early differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into neural progenitor-like cells (NPCs) in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). BMSCs were differentiated in three groups of growth factors: (A) EGF + bFGF, (B) EGF + bFGF + IGF-1, and (C) without growth factor. To unravel the molecular mechanisms of the NPCs derivation, microarray analysis using GeneChip® miRNA arrays was performed. The profiles were compared among the groups. Annotated microRNA fingerprints (GSE60060) delineated 46 microRNAs temporally up-regulated or down-regulated compared to group C. The expressions of selected microRNAs were validated by real-time PCR. Among the 46 microRNAs, 30 were consistently expressed for minimum of two consecutive time intervals. In Group B, only miR-496 was up-regulated and 12 microRNAs, including the let-7 family, miR-1224, miR-125a-3p, miR-214, miR-22, miR-320, miR-708, and miR-93, were down-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that some of these microRNAs (miR-22, miR-214, miR-125a-3p, miR-320 and let-7 family) are associated with reduction of apoptosis. Here, we summarize the roles of key microRNAs associated with IGF-1 in the differentiation of BMSCs into NPCs. These findings may provide clues to further our understanding of the mechanisms and roles of microRNAs as key regulators of BMSC-derived NPC maintenance.
A trio of dualities: walls, trees and cascades

We study the RG flow of 𝒩 = 1 world‐volume gauge theories of D3‐brane probes on certain singular Calabi‐Yau threefolds. Taking the gauge theories out of conformality by introducing fractional branes, we compute the NSVZ beta‐function and follow the subsequent RG flow in the cascading manner of Klebanov‐Strassler. We study the duality trees that blossom from various Seiberg dualities and encode possible cascades. We observe the appearance of duality walls, a finite limit energy scale in the UV beyond which the dualization cascade cannot proceed. Diophantine equations of the Markov type characterize the dual phases of these theories. We discuss how the classification of Markov equations for different geometries into families relates the RG flows of the corresponding gauge theories.
Mediterranean diet in the southern Croatia – does it still exist?

Aim To assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the population of Dalmatia in southern Croatia. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed within the 10 001 Dalmatians cohort, encompassing 2768 participants from Korčula and Vis islands and the City of Split, who were recruited during 2011-2014. Using the data obtained from food frequency questionnaire we calculated the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the characteristics associated with the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with age, sex, place of residence, education attainment, smoking, and physical activity as covariates. Results The median MDSS score was 11 out of 24 points (interquartile range 8-13), with the highest score recorded on the island of Vis. Participants reported a dietary pattern that had high compliance with the Mediterranean diet guidelines for consumption of cereals (87% met the criteria), potatoes (73%), olive oil (69%), and fish (61%), moderate for consumption of fruit (54%) and vegetables (31%), and low for consumption of nuts (6%). Overall, only 23% of the participants were classified as being adherent to the Mediterranean diet, with a particularly low percentage among younger participants (12%) compared to the older ones (34%). Men were less likely to show good adherence (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.65). Conclusion This study revealed rather poor compliance with the current recommendations on the Mediterranean diet composition in the population of Dalmatia. Public health intervention is especially needed in younger age groups and in men, who show the greatest departure from traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.
Chaos To Coherence: Psychotherapeutic Integration Of Traumatic Loss

Traumatic life events have the power to disrupt those self-narratives with which people order their life experience, by challenging their organization, promoting the development of problem-dominated identities, and fostering dissociation of aspects of the experience in a way that precludes its integration. We briefly consider these processes at levels ranging from the biogenetic, through the personal-agentic, to the dyadic-relational, and ultimately to cultural-linguistic levels of narrative structure, and then present the results of a grounded theory analysis of psychotherapy to reveal the pragmatic and rhetorical strategies by which it counters such disruption. Results suggest the means by which a client and therapist collaborate to help the former reconstruct the meaning of her mother's suicide, ultimately moving toward greater coherence and hopefulness in the narration of her life.
Evaluating cluster analysis solutions: an application to the Italian NEO personality inventory

This paper is concerned with the evaluation of cluster analysis solutions. Internal criteria and replication issues are compared and applied to empirical data collected from an Italian sample of 421 young adults, using the NEO Personality Inventory. The following internal criteria were considered: C, gamma, and G( + ) indices, and point‐biserial correlation. Replication was examined (i) ‘internally’ using double cross‐validation and bootstrap approaches and (ii) ‘externally’ by comparing the solution obtained on the Italian sample with the results obtained in German and Spanish samples. While replication analyses supported three‐ and four‐cluster solutions, internal criteria (with the exception of point‐biserial correlation) tended to privilege solutions with a much larger number of groups. Advantages and limitations of the different strategies are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrapersonal variability in leisure activity-travel patterns: the case of one-worker and two-worker households

Abstract Using multi-week travel diary data from Germany, this study examines intrapersonal variability in leisure activity-travel behavior. In particular, it investigates whether individuals from one-worker households have greater intrapersonal variability in leisure activity-travel patterns than those from two-worker households. The paper examines differences in intrapersonal variability behaviors concerning trip frequency, activity duration, travel time and travel distance by comparing females from one-worker households and females from two-worker households in the context of leisure travel and activity. Similar analyses were also conducted for males. The results of analysis suggest that intrapersonal variability in leisure activity-travel patterns varies across individuals and households. The results further confirm the hypothesis that individuals from one-worker households had greater intrapersonal variability for several behavioral patterns than those from two-worker households. Social characteristics, auto ownership and location were found to statistically affect intrapersonal variability in leisure activities and travels.
Why Your Highness Needs the People Comparing the Absolute and Relative Representation of Power in Vertical Space

Earlier research (Schubert, 2005) showed that power is represented in vertical space: powerful = up and powerless = down. We propose that power is not simply structured in space in absolute terms, but that relational differences in power moderate the vertical representation of the powerful above the powerless. Two studies reveal that, when power differences are present (vs. absent), the vertical representation of power increases reliably. Power-related words were positioned higher in vertical space (Experiments 1A and 1B), and translated above guessing average by the upper higher one of two Chinese ideographs (Experiments 2A and 2B) when power was manipulated within rather than between participants in an experimental task. These studies support the view that power relations constitute an important aspect of the vertical representation of power.
Structural transitions of centromeric chromatin regulate the cell cycle-dependent recruitment of CENP-N

Specific recognition of centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A-containing chromatin by CENP-N is an essential process in the assembly of the kinetochore complex at centromeres prior to mammalian cell division. Fang et al. show that a CENP-A-specific RG loop (Arg80/Gly81) plays an essential and dual regulatory role in this process, providing insights into the mechanisms by which the recruitment of CENP-N is regulated by the structural transitions between compaction and relaxation of centromeric chromatin during the cell cycle.
The Snail-like CES-1 protein of C. elegans can block the expression of theBH3-only cell-death activator gene egl-1 by antagonizing the function of bHLH proteins

The NSM cells of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans differentiate into serotonergic neurons, while their sisters, the NSM sister cells, undergo programmed cell death during embryogenesis. The programmed death of the NSM sister cells is dependent on the cell-death activator EGL-1, a BH3-only protein required for programmed cell death in C. elegans, and can be prevented by a gain-of-function (gf) mutation in the cell-death specification gene ces-1, which encodes a Snail-like DNA-binding protein. Here, we show that the genes hlh-2 and hlh-3, which encode a Daughterless-like and an Achaete-scute-like bHLH protein, respectively, are required to kill the NSM sister cells. A heterodimer composed of HLH-2 and HLH-3, HLH-2/HLH-3, binds to Snail-binding sites/E-boxes in a cis-regulatory region of the egl-1 locus in vitro that is required for the death of the NSM sister cells in vivo. Hence, we propose that HLH-2/HLH-3 is a direct, cell-type specific activator of egl-1 transcription. Furthermore, the Snail-like CES-1 protein can block the death of the NSM sister cells by acting through the same Snail-binding sites/E-boxes in the egl-1 locus. In ces-1(gf) animals, CES-1 might therefore prevent the death of the NSM sister cells by successfully competing with HLH-2/HLH-3 for binding to the egl-1 locus.