Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive function in substance dependence

Background: Changes in neuropsychological and emotional systems are associated with substance dependence and reduce the chance of successfully maintaining abstinence after treatment. Impulsivity is strongly associated with substance dependence and is a risk factor for development, a consequence of excessive use and a marker for poor treatment outcomes. The focus of this thesis is impulsivity, as well as emotional and motivational factors, in the context of harmful substance use and dependence. The thesis is formed of two parts; the first (Studies 1 and 2) focusses on the multi-faceted role of impulsivity in substance dependence. The second part (Studies 3 and 4) investigates negative reinforcement and automatic approach and avoidance behaviour in heavy alcohol use. Study 1: A multi-dimensional investigation of impulsivity in abstinent substance dependent individuals using three complementary techniques: self-report, behavioural and neural measures. Results suggest that self-report measures of impulsivity are more sensitive in abstinent individuals than behavioural or fMRI measures. Study 2: An alternative approach to the classification of substance dependent individuals; using Latent Profile Analysis, abstinent substance dependent participants from Study 1 were regrouped based on personality risk factors rather than primary dependence. Important differences were detected within a previously undifferentiated group of abstinent substance dependent individuals; notably the greater incidence of childhood adversity and stimulant dependence history in one group, while the other did not differ from controls.Study 3: A behavioural investigation of the effect of stress induction on automatic approach and avoidance in heavy drinking individuals compared to light drinkers. Results indicated no differential effect of stress. These findings may suggest that the behaviour of older, more established heavy drinkers is comparable to that of alcohol dependent participants and reflects an advanced stage along the spectrum of alcohol use and dependence.Study 4: An fMRI investigation conducted on a subset of participants from Study 3 using neuroimaging paradigms to assess automatic approach and avoidance behaviour in heavy drinking individuals compared to light drinkers. Results can be interpreted to suggest that heavy drinkers approach alcohol in a less controlled manner than light drinkers, and that trait anxiety may be involved in the extent of avoidance behaviour. Conclusions: Although there are more questions raised by this research than are answered, some general conclusions can be drawn. Specifically, impulsivity measures need to be made more appropriate to all stages of substance use and dependence. Furthermore I propose a longitudinal theory of substance use and dependence with different neurocognitive profiles at each stage, as well as individual differences throughout the trajectory. This has implications for future addiction research that should enable better understanding for the benefit of clinical practice and treatment of substance related disorders.
“It Was a Bum Rap”

Individual-level predictors of erroneous arrest for illegal behavior are investigated using a national level, probability sample. The analysis specifically examines whether being a “usual suspect” based on previous criminal behavior and being male; “guilt by association” based on the illegal behavior of one’s friends; academic achievement; and sociodemographic variables including ethnicity and socioeconomic status, impact the likelihood of being erroneously arrested for a crime. Results suggest that officers may be erroneously arresting minorities and individuals who have low academic achievement. Implications for policy and future research are considered.
The continuing HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES This study characterized the AIDS epidemic among urban men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS A probability sample of MSM was obtained in 1997 (n = 2881; 18 years and older) from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, and HIV status was determined through self-report and biological measures. RESULTS HIV prevalence was 17% (95% confidence interval = 15%, 19%) overall, with extremely high levels in African Americans (29%), MSM who used injection drugs (40%), "ultraheavy" noninjection drug users (32%), and less educated men (< high school, 37%). City-level HIV differences were non-significant once these other factors were controlled for. In comparing the present findings with historical data based on public records and modeling, HIV prevalence appears to have declined as a result of high mortality (69%) and stable, but high, incidence rates (1%-2%). CONCLUSIONS Although the findings suggest that HIV prevalence has declined significantly from the mid-1980s, current levels among urban MSM in the United States approximate those of sub-Saharan countries (e.g., 14%-25%) and are extremely high in many population subsegments. Despite years of progress, the AIDS epidemic continues unabated among subsegments of the MSM community.
The Concentration of Carbon Source in the Medium Affects the Quality of Virus-Like Particles of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

There is accumulating evidence that virus-like particles (VLPs) recombinantly produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) are characterized by low structural stability, and that this is associated with reduced antigenicity and immunogenicity. However, little attention has been devoted to methods of improving the quality of the VLPs. Here, we investigated the effect of carbon source concentration in the medium on the antigenicity and immunogenicity of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 L1 VLPs expressed in S. cerevisiae from the galactose promoter. Media containing 2, 4, 6, and 8% carbon source, composed of both glucose and galactose in equal proportion, were used. VLP antigenicity was enhanced in cultures grown on media with 6 or 8% carbon source, compared to those from cultures with less than 6% carbon source. Moreover, the VLPs obtained from these cultures induced higher anti-HPV16 L1 IgG titers and neutralizing antibody titers in immunized mice than those purified from cultures with less than 6% carbon source. Our results indicate that the concentration of the carbon source in the medium plays a crucial role in determining the antigenicity and immunogenicity of HPV type16 L1 VLPs.
Apgar Scores Are Associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Severity

Objective: Adverse events during pregnancy and delivery have been linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous studies have investigated Apgar scores, which assess the physical condition of newborns, in relation to the risk of developing ADHD. We propose to go one step further and examine if Apgar scores are associated with ADHD symptom severity in children already diagnosed with ADHD. Method: ADHD symptoms severity, while off medication, was compared in 2 groups of children with ADHD: those with low (≤6, n = 52) and those with higher (≥7, n = 400) Apgar scores sequentially recruited from the ADHD clinic. Results: Children with low Apgar at 1 minute after birth had more severe symptoms as assessed by the externalizing scale of the Child Behaviour Checklist, the Conners’ Global Index for Parents, and the DSM-IV hyperactivity symptoms count (P = 0.02, <0.01, <0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Low 1-minute Apgar scores are associated with a significant increase in ADHD symptom severity. These findings underline the importance of appropriate pregnancy and perinatal care.
Exploratory study on the discourse of an interdisciplinary team on workers: trajectories during a return-to-work programme

Purpose: Based on the viewpoint of an interdisciplinary team, this exploratory study aimed to identify different types of trajectories followed by workers with musculoskeletal disorders and the factors contributing to them.Methods: The research design used a single-case study in which the main unit of analysis was an interdisciplinary work team. This team discussed eighteen workers’ progression during a work rehabilitation programme. Analytical methods were based on phenomenology. All team discussions were audiotaped and transcribed, and two researchers completed the content analysis.Results: Four types of trajectories emerged: (1) return-to-work trajectories without obstacles; (2) return-to-work trajectories with obstacles; (3) non-return-to-work trajectories with episodes of progression; and (4) non-return-to-work trajectories without progression. Moreover, three outlines emerged from the data analysis: (1) the worker’s compliance with the programme; (2) the way the worker coped with exposure to work; and (3) stakeholder collaboration. The results of this study also suggested that the absence of a single consistent message among participating health professionals could create confusion for workers and pose a major impediment to the resumption of their activities.Conclusion: The results underscore, for clinicians, the complexity in managing this type of chronic work rehabilitation population, related to both the worker and the worker’s interactions with the stakeholders. Also, this study casts light on the non-linear work rehabilitation processes of individuals with prolonged disabilities of musculoskeletal origin, as described by an interdisciplinary team.
Los estilos educativos paternos y maternos en la adolescencia y su relación con la resiliencia, el apego y la implicación en acoso escolar

The present research has two aims. The first is to create a typology of parenting style, and the second is to explore the relationship between mother´s and father´s parenting styles and the coherence between both, and adolescent adjustment, assessment with a bullying, resilience and attachment scale. It has been used an incidental sample of 626 high school students (49.7% girls) from Cordoba, that completed the Scale to assessment maternal and paternal parenting style in adolescence, the European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire, the attachment scale CaMir-R and the short version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale . The results show four parenting styles, that is the same for mothers and fathers (“supervisor democratic”, “controlling democratic”, “democratic of little disclosure” and “moderately”) and one parenting style only for mothers (“permissive”) and other, only for fathers (“indifferent”). It was found statistically significant differences in all measures of adolescent adjustment depending on mother´s and father´s parental styles and the coherence of both. The better psychosocial adjustment was observed in adolescents whose father or mother were supervisor democratic and when both parents were democratic.
A review of group intervention with personality disorders

The literature available informing the use of group therapy within the subset of individuals with personality disorders is vast and at times contradictive. This study outlines and synthesizes the available information for both the individual diagnoses as well as the group of personality-disordered patients as a whole. While there is extensive research for several of the diagnoses such as antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder, this literature contains some major gaps in regards to several of the diagnoses. Themes found across different treatment modalities, examination of the gaps and directions for future research are discussed.
In Their Own Words

Abstract The present study developed a typology of self-reported coping strategies used by older adults in adapting to vision impairment using qualitative analyses. Narrative data were examined from three previous quantitative studies of adaptation to vision loss. Major themes in coping with vision loss included difficulty in balancing norms of independence with the functional losses resulting from eye disease, and the importance of the informal social network. Importantly, a number of coping mechanisms that have not been examined in prior quantitative work were identified through the present qualitative analyses. Implications of this typology of self-reported coping with age-related vision loss for research and practice are discussed.
How Organizational Hierarchy Affects Information Production

We exploit a variation in organizational hierarchy induced by a reorganization plan implemented in roughly 2,000 bank branches in India. We do so to investigate how organizational hierarchy affects the allocation of credit. We find that increased hierarchization of a branch induces credit rationing, reduces loan performance, and generates standardization in loan contracts. Additionally, we find that hierarchical structures perform better in environments characterized by a high degree of corruption, highlighting the benefits of hierarchies in restraining rent-seeking activities. Overall, our results are consistent with the view that valuable information may be lost in hierarchical structures.Received May 4, 2018; editorial decision April 30, 2018 by Editor Itay Goldstein. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
High-functioning autism patients share similar but more severe impairments in verbal theory of mind than schizophrenia patients

Abstract Background Evidence suggests that autism and schizophrenia share similarities in genetic, neuropsychological and behavioural aspects. Although both disorders are associated with theory of mind (ToM) impairments, a few studies have directly compared ToM between autism patients and schizophrenia patients. This study aimed to investigate to what extent high-functioning autism patients and schizophrenia patients share and differ in ToM performance. Methods Thirty high-functioning autism patients, 30 schizophrenia patients and 30 healthy individuals were recruited. Participants were matched in age, gender and estimated intelligence quotient. The verbal-based Faux Pas Task and the visual-based Yoni Task were utilised to examine first- and higher-order, affective and cognitive ToM. The task/item difficulty of two paradigms was examined using mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Multiple ANOVAs and mixed model ANOVAs were used to examine group differences in ToM. Results The Faux Pas Task was more difficult than the Yoni Task. High-functioning autism patients showed more severely impaired verbal-based ToM in the Faux Pas Task, but shared similar visual-based ToM impairments in the Yoni Task with schizophrenia patients. Conclusions The findings that individuals with high-functioning autism shared similar but more severe impairments in verbal ToM than individuals with schizophrenia support the autism–schizophrenia continuum. The finding that verbal-based but not visual-based ToM was more impaired in high-functioning autism patients than schizophrenia patients could be attributable to the varied task/item difficulty between the two paradigms.
Pengaruh Sistem Pengendalian Manajemen, Sitem Pengukuran Kinerja, dan Sistem Penghargaan (REWARD) terhadap Kinerja Manajer Unit (Studi Pada Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Sukoharjo)

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan membuktikan pengaruh sistem pengendalian manajemen, sistem pengukuran kinerja, dan sistem penghargaan (reward) terhadap kinerja manajer unit. Objek penelitian ini adalah Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Sukoharjo. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 40 manajer unit yang bekerja di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Sukoharjo. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah sampel jenuh. Data yang digunakan adalah data primer dengan metode Survey dengan menyebarkan kuesioner kepada responden. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linier berganda dengan menggunakan program SPSS 21. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Sistem Pengendalian Manajemen, Sistem pengukuran kinerja, dan Sistem penghargaan (reward), berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja manajer unit. Kata Kunci: sistem pengendalaian manajemen, sistem pengukuran kinerja, sistem penghargaan (reward).
Enhancing the Green Purchase Intention Based on Green Marketing: An Empirical Study from Pakistan

In recent days, the companies are extensively using technology for the promotion of green marketing. This study aims to explore the factors that affect purchase intention and its build up a conceptual model to inspect the influence of three preceding factors (green perceived value, green perceived risk, and trust) on purchase intention based green marketing. Data is collected from 150 respondents through self-administered questionnaires. The usable questionnaires were entered in the SPSS for regression analysis. Results of the study show significant relationship of perceived value and perceived risk with trust and trust to purchase intention. On other side green perceived value and green perceived risk significantly affect green purchase intention. The study did not find any relationship between value and risk. The results indicate the relative importance of three preceding factors of perceived value, perceived risk and trust towards green marketing. These factors influence the green purchase intention.
A developmental social neuroscience model for understanding loneliness in adolescence

ABSTRACT Loneliness is prevalent in adolescents. Although it can be a normative experience, children and adolescents who experience loneliness are often at risk for anxiety, depression, and suicide. Research efforts have been made to identify the neurobiological basis of such distressful feelings in our social brain. In adolescents, the social brain is still undergoing significant development, which may contribute to their increased and differential sensitivity to the social environment. Many behavioral studies have shown the significance of attachment security and social skills in adolescents’ interactions with the social world. In this review, we propose a developmental social neuroscience model that extends from the social neuroscience model of loneliness. In particular, we argue that the social brain and social skills are both important for the development of adolescents’ perceived loneliness and that adolescents’ familial attachment sets the baseline for neurobiological development. By reviewing the related behavioral and neuroimaging literature, we propose a developmental social neuroscience model to explain the heightened perception of loneliness in adolescents using social skills and attachment style as neurobiological moderators. We encourage future researchers to investigate adolescents’ perceived social connectedness from the developmental neuroscience perspective.
Cognitive and Age-Related Differences in the Ability to Use Nutritional Information in a Complex Environment

Results from three experiments indicate how age, cognitive style, and perceptual aid affect consumers’ use of nutritional information. In experiments 1 and 2, age and perceptual aid influence accuracy in a cereal choice task. In experiment 3, perceptual aid interacts with cognitive style, influencing accuracy and decision time. The authors discuss implications for aging theory, consumer education, and public policy.
Reducing the Global Burden of Depression

Depression is expected to be one of the leading causes of morbidity by 2020. Nonetheless, the current methods of treatment for depression may not be effective in reducing the global burden of this disease. Currently, pharmacotherapy represents the first line treatment for depressive disorders; however, many adverse effects of anti-depressants are often overlooked and their interference with body chemistry may not be ideal for long-term treatment.In order to reduce the burden of disease of depression, methods of treatment such as counseling and therapy should be considered as alternatives to pharmacotherapy. Most importantly, these treatments reduce the occurrence of depression relapse, making them more effective in the long-term. In addition to alternative methods of treatment, depression prevention strategies should be prioritized. Not only is depression prevention the best solution therapeutically, but it is also the most cost-effective in reducing global morbidity. In order to implement these strategies, however, more evidence-based research on the prevention of depressive disorders is required.
Role of Calcium Permeation in Dihydropyridine Receptor Function

The skeletal and cardiac muscle dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs) differ with respect to their rates of channel activation and in the means by which they control Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (Adams, B.A., and K.G. Beam. 1990. FASEB J. 4:2809–2816). We have examined the functional properties of skeletal (SkEIIIK) and cardiac (CEIIIK) DHPRs in which a highly conserved glutamate residue in the pore region of repeat III was mutated to a positively charged lysine residue. Using expression in dysgenic myotubes, we have characterized macroscopic ionic currents, intramembrane gating currents, and intracellular Ca2+ transients attributable to these two mutant DHPRs. CEIIIK supported very small inward Ca2+ currents at a few potentials (from −20 to +20 mV) and large outward cesium currents at potentials greater than +20 mV. SkEIIIK failed to support inward Ca2+ flux at any potential. However, large, slowly activating outward cesium currents were observed at all potentials greater than + 20 mV. The difference in skeletal and cardiac Ca2+ channel activation kinetics was conserved for outward currents through CEIIIK and SkEIIIK, even at very depolarized potentials (at +100 mV; SkEIIIK: τact = 30.7 ± 1.9 ms, n = 11; CEIIIK: τact = 2.9 ± 0.5 ms, n = 7). Expression of SkEIIIK in dysgenic myotubes restored both evoked contractions and depolarization-dependent intracellular Ca2+ transients with parameters of voltage dependence (V0.5 = 6.5 ± 3.2 mV and k = 9.3 ± 0.7 mV, n = 5) similar to those for the wild-type DHPR (Garcia, J., T. Tanabe, and K.G. Beam. 1994. J. Gen. Physiol. 103:125–147). However, CEIIIK-expressing myotubes never contracted and failed to exhibit depolarization-dependent intracellular Ca2+ transients at any potential. Thus, high Ca2+ permeation is required for cardiac-type excitation–contraction coupling reconstituted in dysgenic myotubes, but not skeletal-type. The strong rectification of the EIIIK channels made it possible to obtain measurements of gating currents upon repolarization to −50 mV (Qoff) following either brief (20 ms) or long (200 ms) depolarizing pulses to various test potentials. For SkEIIIK, and not CEIIK, Qoff was significantly (P < 0.001) larger after longer depolarizations to +60 mV (121.4 ± 2.0%, n = 6). The increase in Qoff for long depolarizations exhibited a voltage dependence similar to that of channel activation. Thus, the increase in Qoff may reflect a voltage sensor movement required for activation of L-type Ca2+ current and suggests that most DHPRs in skeletal muscle undergo this voltage-dependent transition.