Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deficits in reciprocal social behavior in male twins: evidence for a genetically independent domain of psychopathology.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated substantial genetic influences on many child psychiatric disorders, including autism. In this study the authors attempted to quantify the degree to which genetic influences on deficits in reciprocal social behavior (a defining feature of pervasive developmental disorders) are shared with genetic influences on other domains of behavior in children. METHOD Child Behavior Checklists (CBCL) and Social Responsiveness Scales (SRS) were completed for an epidemiological sample of 219 pairs of male twins. The SRS (formerly known as the Social Reciprocity Scale) is a measure of social impairment that distinguishes children with autism spectrum disorders from those with other child psychiatric disorders. RESULTS Regression analysis indicated that CBCL syndromes account for 43% of the variance in SRS scores. Bivariate analyses revealed that SRS scores are affected, in part, by phenotypic influences from the CBCL Social Problem syndrome. Forty-four percent of the causal influences on SRS scores, however, are independent from those on CBCL syndromes and are genetic in nature (90% confidence interval: 0.38-0.49). CONCLUSION These results support the existence of a continuous distribution of deficits in reciprocal social behavior in the population, which are substantially genetically independent from other domains of child psychopathology.
Extracorporeal Elimination of Large Concentrations of Tirofiban by Zero-Balanced Ultrafiltration During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: An In Vitro Investigation

The short-acting platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist tirofiban is beneficial when used in the context of cardiac surgery. Tirofiban has an elimination half-life of 2 h. Renal failure prolongs the half-life and continues inhibition of platelet aggregation refractory to transfusions of platelets. Extracorporeal elimination is necessary to prevent excessive hemorrhage in this condition. We assessed the elimination of tirofiban by hemofiltration in an in vitro model of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Two hemofilters and one plasmapheresis filter were assessed. Three separate filters of each type were tested serially. The CPB circuit was primed with a total volume of 1000 mL. Tirofiban was added to a calculated concentration of 200 ng/mL. Portions of 50 mL of filtrate were retrieved from the dialyzer, and equal amounts of fluid were substituted in the circuit. After each filtration, the tirofiban blood level was analyzed. The procedure was repeated 16 times. Peak tirofiban concentrations ranged from 160 to 260 ng/mL. The elimination of tirofiban followed an exponential decay curve with fast clearance of the large therapeutic concentrations of 250 to 50 ng/mL. The subsidence coefficient b revealed no significant differences in elimination between the filter systems. These data suggest that ultrafiltration is an effective means for extracorporeal elimination of therapeutic levels of tirofiban.
Eigenvalue Beamforming using a Multi-rank MVDR Beamformer

—We derive multi-rank generalizations of the MVDR beamformer to separate an unknown signal of interest in the presence of interference and noise. The spatial signature of the signal is assumed to lie in a known linear subspace, but the orientation of the signal in that subspace is otherwise unknown. The unknown orientation may be ﬁxed for a sequence of experimental realizations, in which case the signal has a rank-1 covariance matrix, or it may be random over realizations, in which case the signal covariance is multi-rank. We derive two generalizations of the MVDR beamformer: a matched direction beamformer , for the rank-1 case where the signal is drawn from an unknown but ﬁxed direction within a known multi-dimensional subspace, and a matched subspace beamformer , for the multi-rank case where the signal is drawn from a known multi-dimensional subspace.
Co-occurrence of social anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescence: differential links with implicit and explicit self-esteem?

Background Social anxiety and depression often co-occur. As low self-esteem has been identified as a risk factor for both types of symptoms, it may help to explain their co-morbidity. Current dual process models of psychopathology differentiate between explicit and implicit self-esteem. Explicit self-esteem would reflect deliberate self-evaluative processes whereas implicit self-esteem would reflect simple associations in memory. Previous research suggests that low explicit self-esteem is involved in both social anxiety and depression whereas low implicit self-esteem is only involved in social anxiety. We tested whether the association between symptoms of social phobia and depression can indeed be explained by low explicit self-esteem, whereas low implicit self-esteem is only involved in social anxiety. Method Adolescents during the first stage of secondary education (n=1806) completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) to measure symptoms of social anxiety and depression, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) to index explicit self-esteem and the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to measure implicit self-esteem. Results There was a strong association between symptoms of depression and social anxiety that could be largely explained by participants' explicit self-esteem. Only for girls did implicit self-esteem and the interaction between implicit and explicit self-esteem show small cumulative predictive validity for social anxiety, indicating that the association between low implicit self-esteem and social anxiety was most evident for girls with relatively low explicit self-esteem. Implicit self-esteem showed no significant predictive validity for depressive symptoms. Conclusions The findings support the view that both shared and differential self-evaluative processes are involved in depression and social anxiety.
Towards New Transport Services to Support Distributed Multimedia Applications

This paper describes the contribution of Lancaster University to the definition of new transport services for supporting distributed multimedia applications. The paper first reports on a set of requirements that we have identified from a comprehensive applications survey. It goes on to describe the design and implementation of an experimental multimedia support infrastructure which attempts to meet these requirements. This infrastructure consists of a distributed systems platform built on top of a continuous media transport service and protocol. It includes a new set of services, called orchestration services, which are designed to assist with the synchronisation requirements of multimedia applications. 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL SUPPORT Lancaster University is involved in two related projects which together are working towards the design and implementation of a communications and distributed systems support architecture for multimedia applications. The Multimedia Network Interface (MNI) project has built a distributed multimedia workstation system which enables the development of experimental communications protocols and a distributed systems platform [Ball 90], [Blair 90], [Scott 91]. The ESPRIT OSI 95 project aims to specify a new transport service and protocol to meet the needs of new applications in the high speed multiservice network environment. Part of this project has concentrated on surveying possible distributed multimedia application domains to determine requirements for OSI protocols. This complements the work of some other partners who are considering the impact of new communications techniques, particularly ATM/B-ISDN. The overall strategy is illustrated in Figure 1.
Monoclonal antibodies to CALLA do not alter polymorphonuclear functions

The common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA) is present on the malignant cells of most patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to CALLA have been useful for differentiating lymphoblastic from nonlymphoblastic leukemias as well as for serotherapy in ALL. Since this MoAb also reacts with polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, it was of interest to determine whether or not MoAbs to CALLA affected PMN function. We therefore evaluated four MoAbs to CALLA for their effect on PMN function. Two of the MoAbs were IgG and two were IgM. Chemotaxis was studied using Micro‐Boyden chambers. Intraleukocyte bacterial killing was studied using Staph: PMN of 2: 1 and 10: 1, and metabolic activation was evaluated by hexose monophosphate shunt activity. The results showed that these MoAbs to CALLA did not impair the parameters of PMN function studied. These findings have relevance to the usefulness of MoAbs to CALLA for serotherapy and also as a probe for understanding the surface molecule properties that have a bearing on PMN host defense functions.
Effects of the (cid:1) 3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Disodium 5-[(2 R )-2-[[(2 R )-2-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]propyl]-1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate (CL-316243) on Bladder Micturition Reflex in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The present study investigated whether (cid:1) 3-adrenoceptor activation acts on the bladder afferent pathway by examination of the visceromotor reflex (VMR) and pressor responses to urinary bladder distension (UBD) and whether (cid:1) 3-adrenoceptor activation produces urinary bladder relaxation in hyperactive spon- taneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) in comparison with their normotensive control rats [Wistar-Kyoto (WKY)]. Using the VMR responses to noxious UBD as a measure of bladder afferent signal transmission, SHRs did not present a sensitized bladder phenotype. However, reduced bladder compliance accompanied by a reduced void threshold was detected in the SHR detrusor. Furthermore, the selective (cid:1) 3-adrenoceptor agonist disodium 5-[(2 R )-2-[[(2 R )-2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]- amino]propyl]-1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate (CL-316243) (i.v.) failed to attenuate VMR or pressor responses to UBD in either SHRs or WKY rats, but it dose-dependently inhibited rhythmic contraction (RC) in SHRs. The minimal effective dose was 0.001 mg/kg. Using the same model in WKY rats, CL-316243 did not elicit significant inhibition of contractions in the bladder RC assay. These results suggest that SHRs represent abnormal efferent/ detrusor function (detrusor overactivity) without mechanosensory afferent hypersensitivity. The (cid:1) 3-adrenoceptor agonist CL-316243 acts on the detrusor muscle to increase urine storage in SHRs.
Determining the Position of Storks on the Phylogenetic Tree of Waterbirds by Retroposon Insertion Analysis

Despite many studies on avian phylogenetics in recent decades that used morphology, mitochondrial genomes, and/or nuclear genes, the phylogenetic positions of several birds (e.g., storks) remain unsettled. In addition to the aforementioned approaches, analysis of retroposon insertions, which are nearly homoplasy-free phylogenetic markers, has also been used in avian phylogenetics. However, the first step in the analysis of retroposon insertions, that is, isolation of retroposons from genomic libraries, is a costly and time-consuming procedure. Therefore, we developed a high-throughput and cost-effective protocol to collect retroposon insertion information based on next-generation sequencing technology, which we call here the STRONG (Screening of Transposons Obtained by Next Generation Sequencing) method, and applied it to 3 waterbird species, for which we identified 35,470 loci containing chicken repeat 1 retroposons (CR1). Our analysis of the presence/absence of 30 CR1 insertions demonstrated the intra- and interordinal phylogenetic relationships in the waterbird assemblage, namely 1) Loons diverged first among the waterbirds, 2) penguins (Sphenisciformes) and petrels (Procellariiformes) diverged next, and 3) among the remaining families of waterbirds traditionally classified in Ciconiiformes/Pelecaniformes, storks (Ciconiidae) diverged first. Furthermore, our genome-scale, in silico retroposon analysis based on published genome data uncovered a complex divergence history among pelican, heron, and ibis lineages, presumably involving ancient interspecies hybridization between the heron and ibis lineages. Thus, our retroposon-based waterbird phylogeny and the established phylogenetic position of storks will help to understand the evolutionary processes of aquatic adaptation and related morphological convergent evolution.
Generalized Additive Models and Lucilia sericata Growth: Assessing Confidence Intervals and Error Rates in Forensic Entomology *

Abstract: Forensic entomologists use blow fly development to estimate a postmortem interval. Although accurate, fly age estimates can be imprecise for older developmental stages and no standard means of assigning confidence intervals exists. Presented here is a method for modeling growth of the forensically important blow fly Lucilia sericata, using generalized additive models (GAMs). Eighteen GAMs were created to predict the extent of juvenile fly development, encompassing developmental stage, length, weight, strain, and temperature data, collected from 2559 individuals. All measures were informative, explaining up to 92.6% of the deviance in the data, though strain and temperature exerted negligible influences. Predictions made with an independent data set allowed for a subsequent examination of error. Estimates using length and developmental stage were within 5% of true development percent during the feeding portion of the larval life cycle, while predictions for postfeeding third instars were less precise, but within expected error.
Changes in blood metabolic parameters during the development of Walker‐256 tumour‐induced cachexia in rats are not caused by decreased food intake

Blood metabolic parameters of Walker‐256 tumour‐bearing rats, on days 5, 8, 11 and 14 after implantation of tumour, were compared with those of rats without tumour fed ad libitum (free‐fed control) or with reduced feeding (pair‐fed control), similar to the anorexic tumour‐bearing rats. Cachexia parameters and tumour mass also were investigated. In general, especially on day 14 after implantation of tumour, there was reduction of body mass, gastrocnemius muscle mass, food intake and glycemia and increase of blood triacylglycerol, free fatty acids, lactate and urea, compared with free‐fed controls rats. These changes did not occur in pair‐fed control, except a slight reduction of glycemia. Pair‐fed control showed no significant changes in blood cholesterol and glycerol in comparison with free‐fed control, although there was reduction of cholesterol and increase of blood glycerol on day 14 after tumour implantation compared with pair‐fed control. The results demonstrate that, besides the characteristic signs of the cachexia syndrome such as anorexia, weight loss and muscle catabolism, Walker‐256 tumour‐bearing rats show several blood metabolic alterations, some of which begin as early as day 5 after implantation of tumour, and are accentuated during the development of cachexia. Evidence that the alterations of blood metabolic parameters of tumour‐bearing rats were not found in pair‐fed control indicate that they were not caused by decreased food intake. These changes were probably mediated by factors produced by tumour or host tissue in response to the presence of tumour. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning challenges of nursing students in clinical environments: A qualitative study in Iran

Background: Clinical learning environment is a complex social entity. This environment is effective on the learning process of nursing students in the clinical area. However, learning in clinical environment has several benefits, but it can be challenging, unpredictable, stressful, and constantly changing. In attention to clinical experiences and factors contributing to the learning of these experiences can waste a great deal of time and energy, impose heavy financial burden on educational systems, cause mental, familial and educational problems for students, and compromise the quality of patient care. Therefore, this study was carried out with the goal of determining the learning challenges of nursing students in clinical environments in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study carried out in 2012–2013, 18 undergraduate nursing students were selected by using purposive sampling method from the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery of Tehran and Shahid Beheshti Universities. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The content analysis method was used to determine relevant themes. Results: Two themes were derived from the data analysis, which represented the students’ clinical learning challenges. These two themes included insufficient qualification of nursing instructors and unsupportive learning environment. Conclusions: Identification of the students’ clinical learning challenges and actions to remove or modify them will create more learning opportunities for the students, improve the achievement of educational goals, provide training to nursing students with the needed competencies to meet the complex demands of caring and for application of theories in practice, and improve the quality of healthcare services.
The Anatomy of Dependence

Written by one of Japan's leading psychiatrists, this is a penetrating exploration of the Japanese character. It offers an analysis of the Japanese group ethic and of the origins of Japanese anti-individualism. A leading psychiatrist offers not only the most satisfying explanation of Japanese behaviour yet written, but a key to new understanding of all basic human needs.
An Anthropological Analysis of Student Participation in College.

In this article I take issue with Tinto's widely accepted theoretical model that views college participation as if it were a "rite of passage" where academic and social integration is essential for student persistence. First, I argue that Tinto has misinterpreted the anthropological notions of ritual, and in doing so he has created a theoretical construct with practical implications that hold potentially harmful consequences for racial and ethnic minorities. I critique the epistemological argument Tinto has articulated that of social integration from a cultural perspective informed by critical theory [11, 12, 13, 14, 36]. That is, I take a social constructionist view of reality and I operate from the perspective that the purpose of our theoretical models is not merely to describe the world, but to change it. I then highlight the practical or "real world" implications of a social integrationist stance by deconstructing the discourse of two college administrators who were part of a two year investigation pertaining to the college-going patterns of American Indian college students [36]. The administrators describe how they perceived Native American students'
Simulation research of harmonics in electric system of arc furnace

An improved three-phase, non-linear, time-variant arc furnace model has been presented, based on arc length stochastic characteristic and actual arc furnace condition. It is shown that it is possible to accurately simulate the arc furnace behavior with a very simple current-voltage characteristic. Emphasis has been put on the time dependent variation of the electric arc voltage rather than on the detailed modeling of the current-voltage characteristic. In order to estimate the stochastic characteristic of the proposed model, system identification technique has been used. The model has been implemented using the MATLAB/SIMULINK. The dynamic electric arc current and main bus bar current waveforms have been obtained, analyzed through on-line FFT analyzer. Finally, simulation data are compared with actual ones. The results demonstrate that the model is suitable for research the harmonics in electric system of arc furnace.
Investigation Into the Application of Artificial Magnetic Conductors to Bandwidth Broadening, Gain Enhancement and Beam Shaping of Low Profile and Conventional Monopole Antennas

The reflection coefficient phase is investigated for several different artificial magnetic conductors (AMCs) having canonical FSS-type shapes. Three of them are selected, each representing a different class, and fine tuned to exhibit identical resonant frequency. Polarization and angular dependence as well as the effects of losses on these structures are studied. Next, a low-profile inverted L-shape monopole antenna (ILSMA) is placed horizontally above the ground plane. Vertical monopole antenna (VMA) is also placed above them. It is shown that using some of the aforementioned AMCs, the input impedance of both ILSMA and VMA can not only be matched, but also the input impedance bandwidth enhancement as wide as 27% and 35% are obtained, respectively. The VMA study on AMC ground planes which reveals a counter-intuitive phenomenon has not been explored in the literature, previously. It is revealed that the broadband characteristics can also be achieved for smaller size of the AMC ground planes, which enables the antenna to be designed in compact size. It is also illustrated that reflection characteristics of the AMC is not sufficient to evaluate AMC performance when it is used as an antenna ground plane. This is illustrated through extensive simulation and measurement results.
TP53 Status and Response to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer

Despite its central role in the control of apoptosis, senescence and cell cycle arrest, the tumor suppressor protein p53 remains an enigma for its possible role in predicting response to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Many studies remained inconclusive, others showed a better response for tumors with normal p53, and some recent studies showed adverse effects of normal p53 for response to treatment. p53 is not only a powerful pro-apoptotic factor in response to drug-induced DNA damages but also a potential inducer of cell cycle arrest, protecting tumor cells from further cytotoxic damages. Our review describes the classical as well as the more recent concepts. In order to draw definite conclusions, future works should use more reliable methods to assess the TP53 status and should address more homogeneous tumor subpopulations treated with homogeneous chemotherapy regimens.
Not Your Typical “Pretty Woman”: Factors Associated with Prostitution

Stephen Cernkovich, Advisor Criminologists have long been interested in sex work, particularly prostitution. However, the research in this area has been very uneven and has produced conflicting results. The goal of the current research is to move forward in filling the gaps in our knowledge of the lives of women involved in prostitution and to better understand the factors associated with their initial involvement. Three sociological theories guide the analysis: general strain theory, control theory, and social learning theory. The major hypotheses predict that experiencing sexual abuse and exposure to delinquent peers increase the odds of prostitution whereas high levels of parental attachment and supervision decrease the odds of prostitution. These relationships are examined further using mediating and moderating variables, including running away from home, psychological distress, and drug use. The data upon which this research is based come from The Ohio Lifecourse Study (OLS), a multi-wave dataset of household and institutionalized respondents. Variables central to the analysis come from items that ask how often the respondent has been paid to have sex and a variety of other items that measure contentious family environment, sexual abuse experienced as a child, parental supervision and attachment levels, the influence of peers, their self-esteem and depression levels, and the use and abuse of drugs. Importantly, although the OLS is a highly delinquent sample, it is not a prostitute-biased sample. In addition, the OLS contains a variety of respondents, including those not involved in prostitution, prostitutes who were abused as adolescents, those who were also abused as adolescents but did are not prostitutes, and those of different races. Thus, although the sample is highly delinquent, there is much variation among