Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How does Task Sharing Influence Individual's Performance? An Investigation with Interference Paradigms

In this thesis I investigated whether and to what extent performing a task with another person may change individual cognitive performance. Interference paradigms are particularly suitable for addressing this issue. The rationale behind the use of these paradigms is that most of them can be split in two complementary or independent tasks assigned to two different individuals. By comparing task performance when participants act in the joint context and when they perform the task individually, important information may be derived about whether the co-actorâs task is represented and how this representation influences oneâs own performance. Following this approach, I adopted the joint version of two different and well-known paradigms: the picture-word interference paradigm (Study 1: Experiments 1, 2, 3) and the Simon task (Study 2: Experiments 4, 5, 6). Both paradigms allow understanding how people can deal with the task irrelevant information when the accomplishment of the task is achieved in a joint (and cooperative) context. The results of both studies provided converging evidence showing that, regardless of the paradigm used, task sharing determines the disappearance of the interference effect produced by the task irrelevant information (Study 1) or by the (incidental) spatial representation of an alternative response (Study 2). The disappearance of the interference effects, however, occurred only when the co-actor was thought to work on different or complementary stimuli but not when s/he was in charge of the same stimuli as the participant. These findings will be accounted for by taking into consideration both the specific peculiarities of each paradigm exploited and the strategic processes of division of labor that can be established between two co-acting individuals.
Isotopic Evidence for Neogene Hominid Paleoenvironments in the Kenya Rift Valley

Bipedality, the definitive characteristic of the earliest hominids, has been regarded as an adaptive response to a transition from forested to more-open habitats in East Africa sometime between 12 million and 5 million years ago. Analyses of the stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of paleosol carbonate and organic matter from the Tugen Hills succession in Kenya indicate that a heterogeneous environment with a mix of C3 and C4 plants has persisted for the last 15.5 million years. Open grasslands at no time dominated this portion of the rift valley. The observed δ13C values offer no evidence for a shift from more-closed C3 environments to C4 grassland habitats. If hominids evolved in East Africa during the Late Miocene, they did so in an ecologically diverse setting.
Dynamic phosphoproteomics reveals TORC1-dependent regulation of yeast nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis

The effect of phosphorylation on metabolic enzyme activity could be inferred by correlating phosphoproteomics and metabolomics data. How phosphorylation regulates metabolism The phosphorylation events triggered directly by or downstream of the protein complex TORC1 enable yeast to adjust their metabolism to respond to changes in nutrient availability or nutritional quality. Oliveira et al. subjected yeast to changes in nutrient quality or to treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of TORC1. By temporally correlating changes in metabolite concentrations with phosphorylation events, they identified metabolic enzymes downstream of TORC1 and inferred the effect of phosphorylation on the activity of these enzymes, which included enzymes involved in nucleotide and amino acid metabolism and in carbohydrate storage. Phosphoproteomics studies have unraveled the extent of protein phosphorylation as a key cellular regulation mechanism, but assigning functionality to specific phosphorylation events remains a major challenge. TORC1 (target of rapamycin complex 1) is a kinase-containing protein complex that transduces changes in nutrient availability into phosphorylation signaling events that alter cell growth and proliferation. To resolve the temporal sequence of phosphorylation responses to nutritionally and chemically induced changes in TORC1 signaling and to identify previously unknown kinase-substrate relationships in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we performed quantitative mass spectrometry–based phosphoproteomic analyses after shifts in nitrogen sources and rapamycin treatment. From early phosphorylation events that were consistent over at least two experimental perturbations, we identified 51 candidate and 10 known proximal targets of TORC1 that were direct substrates of TORC1 or of one of its kinase or phosphatase substrates. By correlating these phosphoproteomics data with dynamic metabolomics data, we inferred the functional role of phosphorylation on the metabolic activity of 12 enzymes, including three candidate TORC1-proximal targets: Amd1, which is involved in nucleotide metabolism; Hom3, which is involved in amino acid metabolism; and Tsl1, which mediates carbohydrate storage. Finally, we identified the TORC1 substrates Sch9 and Atg1 as candidate kinases that phosphorylate Amd1 and Hom3, respectively.
Violence in the Transition to Adulthood: Adolescent Victimization, Education, and Socioeconomic Attainment in Later Life

There is increasing speculation about links between violent victimization in childhood and adolescence and socioeconomic disadvantage in later adulthood, yet little work, either theoretical or empirical, has examined this issue. This paper integrates research on social and psychological consequences of victimization with theory and research on socioeconomic attainment to propose a theoretical model that situates adolescent victimization in the socioeconomic life course. Examination of data from a national sample of American adolescents (ages 11–17 in 1976) indicates a chain-like sequence in which victimization diminishes educational selfefficacy, which subsequently undermines educational performance and attainment. Through diminished educational attainment, adolescent victimization has substantial and wide-ranging effects on socioeconomic attainment in early adulthood. Theoretical and policy implications of these findings are discussed. A key issue for research on adolescence is the degree to which it sets the stage for later life. Adolescent experiences are studied to identify contexts, orientations, experiences, and behaviors that determine later life-course
A Study on Serum Antithyroglobulin Antibodies Interference in Thyroglobulin Measurement in Fine-Needle Aspiration for Diagnosing Lymph Node Metastasis in Postoperative Patients

Purpose Thyroglobulin measurement in fine-needle aspiration washout fluid (FNA-Tg) is widely used for detection of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Recent studies suggested that serum anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs) could interfere with FNA-Tg. We evaluated whether TgAbs can affect FNA-Tg when diagnosing LNM in postoperative patients with PTC. Methods From November 2006 to June 2011, a total of 239 LNs from 201 patients who underwent bilateral thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation therapy were included. The interactions between FNA-Tgs and serum TgAbs, and diagnostic performances between FNA with additional FNA-Tg and FNA alone according to the presence of serum TgAbs were evaluated using the generalized linear mixed model and the bootstrap method. Results From 106 (44.4%) malignant and 133 (55.6%) benign LNs, there were 32 (13.4%) LNs with detectable serum TgAb levels and 207 (86.6%) LNs with undetectable serum TgAb levels. In logistic regression analysis, a significant negative interaction was observed between FNA-Tgs and serum TgAbs (p = 0.031). In the absence of serum TgAbs, the diagnostic performances were superior in the FNA with FNA-Tg than in the FNA only. However, in the presence of serum TgAbs, the diagnostic performances of the FNA with FNA-Tg were not significantly different from the FNA only, even with a different cutoff value of FNA-Tg. Conclusions Serum TgAbs may interfere with FNA-Tg studies and caution is advised while analyzing FNA-Tg for detection of LNM in patients with PTC.
Patterns of Childhood Trauma and Psychological Distress among Injecting Heroin Users in China

Background Childhood trauma has been reported as a possible cause of future substance abuse in some countries. This study reports the prevalence of childhood trauma and examines its association with psychological distress among injecting drug users from mainland China. Methodology The study was conducted in three government-operated drug rehabilitation facilities in Shanghai, China in 2007. The Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETISR-SF) was used to evaluate 4 types (general, emotional, physical and sexual) and severity of childhood trauma, and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) to evaluate psychological distress. Principal Findings Among 341 injecting drug users who completed the study, about 80% reported one or more types of childhood trauma, specifically 53% general trauma, 56% physical abuse, 36% emotional abuse and 26% sexual abuse. Compared to female injecting drug users, males reported significantly higher scores of general trauma and physical abuse, but lower sexual abuse scores. Hierarchical linear regression analyses showed that greater physical and emotional abuse in childhood predict greater current psychopathological distress among these injecting drug users in China. Conclusions The results reveal a high prevalence of childhood trauma among injecting drug users in China, and it is comparable to other similar studies in Western countries. It is important to consider the role of childhood trauma in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
Multiple-temperature kinetic model for continuum and near continuum flows

A gas-kinetic model with multiple translational temperature for the continuum and near continuum flow simulations is proposed. The main purpose for this work is to derive the generalized Navier-Stokes equations with multiple temperature. It is well recognized that for increasingly rarefied flowfields, the predictions from continuum formulation, such as the Navier-Stokes equations lose accuracy. These inaccuracies may be partially due to the single temperature assumption in the standard Navier-Stokes equations. Here, based on an extended Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) model with multiple translational temperature, the numerical scheme for its corresponding Navier-Stokes equations is also constructed. In the current approach, the energy exchange between x, y, and z directions is modeled through the particle collision, and individual energy equation in different direction is obtained. The kinetic model, newly constructed is an enlarged system in comparison with Holway’s ellipsoid statistical BGK model (ES-BGK).
A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of EGF, FGF-2, and 0.3% (w/v) ofloxacin drops on eardrum regeneration

Background: Traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) tend to spontaneous healing, however, large TMPs usually fail to healing. Clinical and experimental studies had demonstrated that growth factors accelerated the healing of large TMPs. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of growth factors and 0.3% (w/v) ofloxacin drops n the healing of human large TMPs. Methods: A total of 184 human large traumatic TMPs were randomly assigned to receive epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) treatment, 0.3% (w/v) ofloxacin drops treatment, and conservative observation (only). Results: A total of 180 patients were analyzed in this study at the 6-month follow-up. The closure rates of the perforations in the EGF, FGF-2, 0.3% (w/v) ofloxacin drops, and conservative observation groups were 91.11%, 93.18%, 95.65%, and 82.22%, respectively, the closure rates did not significantly differ among the groups (P = .165). Similarly, pairwise comparisons did not reveal any significant between-group differences (P > .0083). However, the difference of the mean closure time was significant among the 4 groups (P < .001), pairwise comparisons showed that closure time was significantly longer in the observational group than in the other 3 groups (P < .001). Nevertheless, no significant difference in mean closure time was evident between any 2 treated groups (P > .0083). The mean hearing gain after 6 months was 11.49 ± 5.88 dB for the EGF group, 10.89 ± 5.16 dB for the FGF-2 group, 10.54 ± 5.56 dB for the ofloxacin group, and 9.29 ± 5.36 dB for the observation group. Differences in hearing improvement rates among the 4 groups were not statistically significant (P = .283). Conclusion: Epidermal growth factor, FGF-2, and 0.3% (w/v) ofloxacin drops accelerated the closure of large TMPs compared with conservative treatment. Surprisingly, neither the closure rate nor closure time differed significantly among the 3 treated groups. Further experimental studies to demonstrate whether 0.3% (w/v) ofloxacin per se accelerates the healing of TMPs will be interesting in the future.
PREDICTING THE ARREST STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN TRANSITION

The purposes of this study were to (a) explore predictors of arrest status with a sample of adolescents with disabilities while in school and (b) examine whether predictors of in-school arrest status would also predict arrest status 1 year out of school. Student and parent interviews were conducted while students were still in school and then 1 year after leaving school. Logistic regression analyses revealed an association between demonstrating lower personal/social-achievement skills and being arrested. In addition, gender and disability status each was associated with being arrested: Males with disabilities were more likely than females with disabilities to be arrested sometime in their school career and 1 year out of school; individuals identified with serious emotional disturbance (SED) or specific learning disabilities (SLD) were more likely to be arrested sometime in their school career and 1 year out of school than individuals with disabilities who were not identified as SED or SLD. Furthermore, being arrested at least once while in school was a powerful predictor of being arrested 1 year out of school. Finally, persons who were identified as SLD and who had dropped out of school were substantially more likely to be arrested 1 year out of school than persons with disabilities with only one of these characteristics.
Patterns of succession in forested depressional wetlands in north Florida, USA

Swamps dominated by the conifer Taxodium distichum var. nutans (pondcypress) are believed to develop into swamps dominated by a variety of hardwood trees (primarily bays), where organic matter accumulates and fires do not occur. To determine the validity of this long-accepted pattern of succession, relationships among basin characteristics, tree composition, hydrology, soils, and logging history were examined in nine pondcypress swamps and nine bay swamps in north central Florida. Basin depth was defined as the total of maximum standing water and organic matter depth. Shallow basins (< 65 cm) contained pondcypress-pine (Pinus elliottii) communities; prolonged drought and fire may control the importance of pondcypress within these basins. Medium basins (65–150 cm) ranged in tree species composition from pure pondcypress communities to pondcypress-swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora) communities to bay-cypress communities as organic matter depth increased and standing water depth decreased. Bay-cypress communities that had deeper organic matter than medium-basin pondcypress swamps also had low densities of large pondcypress trees and contained no pondcypress regeneration. Logging in medium-depth basins increased incidence of swamp tupelo and loblolly bay in pondcypress and bay swamps. Deep basins (> 150cm) were dominated by bay communities that did not contain pondcypress. Abundant advance regeneration of loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) suggests that this species eventually dominates undisturbed bay communities. Total basal area in pondcypress swamps was directly related to organic matter depth (r2 = 0.53, p = 0.016, n = 9), suggesting that growth rate may also be related to this gradient. Productivity of pondcypress may be greatest in medium-basin pondcypress swamps, where deep organic matter leads to faster growth and deep standing water precludes the invasion of hardwoods. Pondcypress does not occur in deep basins. Basin geomorphology appears to play an important role in determining successional seres involving pondcypress and bay trees.
Study of Plasma Long Pentraxin 3 as a Marker of Endothelial Dysfunction in Egyptian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Pentraxin 3, an inflammatory mediator produced by endothelial cells, may have a role in atherogenesis. Objective: Measure plasma levels of long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in patients with type 2 DM with and without microalbuminuria, with normal renal function and without overt cardiovascular disease and to evaluate its utility in the early detection of endothelial dysfunction compared to other known markers of endothelial dysfunction as flow mediated dilation (FMD). Study Design: Our study was conducted on 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus classified into two groups: Group I included 25 type 2 diabetes patients without microalbuminuria, group II included 25 patients with type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria and group III 20 healthy volunteers as a control group. Results: We found that type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria and normal GFR (stage 1 CKD) have significantly higher PTX-3 concentrations and significantly lower flow mediated dilatation (FMD) than normal individuals and diabetics without microalbuminuria and normal kidney functions with a significant negative correlation between PTX3 and FMD. Also there was significant positive correlation between PTX-3, duration of diabetes, fasting glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and triglyceride. Conclusion: Our study suggests a link among albuminuria, markers of ED, inflammation, and development of atherosclerotic complications through pathways that may involve PTX3.
The Investment Model and Organizational Commitment: Predicting Workplace Behaviors

A study of employees across a variety of professions was conduced to test several hypotheses concerning the Investment Model (Farrell & Rusbult, 1981), organizational commitment, and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). It was hypothesized that organizational commitment would predict OCBs and that the components of the Investment Model – satisfaction, alternatives, and investments – would predict both organizational commitment and OCBs. More specifically, a mediated model was hypothesized, in which the relationship between the Investment Model components and OCBs is mediated by organizational commitment. Many of the findings of the current study support previous research in the field of organizational commitment. Our main hypothesis concerning a mediated model was largely supported, with commitment exhibiting a mediating effect on both satisfaction and investments in predicting OCBs. Additionally, group differences were analyzed to explore the ways in which employees of varying professions experience work differently. The current research provides additional support for the Investment Model and offers insight into the antecedents and outcomes of organizational commitment. Implications for both researchers and employers are addressed in the discussion.
Treating Family Members: The Effectiveness Of A Family-Oriented Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

TREATING FAMILY MEMBERS: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A FAMILYORIENTED DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY PROGRAM Melissa L. Miller, M.S. Marquette University, 2013 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe emotion regulation disorder that, according to the biosocial theory, is developed and maintained through transactions that occur between biologically vulnerable persons and their environment. The family members of persons with BPD may experience many deleterious consequences as a result of their relative’s illness, including both objective and subjective forms of burden. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally developed as a comprehensive treatment for persons with BPD, and new programs designed specifically to treat family members are emerging. These programs aim to help family members cope with their own stressors, as well as help them to learn more effective ways to communicate and interact with their relatives with mental illness. The effectiveness of a family-oriented DBT program called Family Skills was evaluated. It was hypothesized that family members’ scores on the Beck Depression Inventory – II (BDI – II), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and Burden Assessment Scale (BAS) would decrease from pre-treatment to post-treatment. Descriptive analyses indicated great variability in the functioning of family members at pre-treatment, with females generally reporting more symptomology than males. Statistical analyses showed that depression, hopelessness, and interpersonal sensitivity significantly decreased from pre-treatment to post-treatment. The clinical significance of individual participant changes was also examined, and clinically significant changes were noted in depression, hopelessness, and interpersonal sensitivity. These findings are consistent with previous research in this area and provide further information regarding the utility of family-oriented DBT programs. The theoretical underpinnings of these changes are discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered.
A Destination and Mobility Path Prediction Scheme for Mobile Networks

Mobile multimedia services are gaining great momentum among subscribers of mobile networks (MNs). An understanding of the network traffic behavior is essential in the evolution of today's MNs and, thus, leads to more efficient planning and management of the network's scarce bandwidth resources. The communication efficiency can be largely improved (i.e, optimizing the allocation of the network's limited resources and sustaining a desirable quality of service) if the network anticipates the needs of its users on the move and, thus, performs reservation of radio resources at cells along the path to the destination. In this vein, we propose a mobility prediction scheme for MNs; more specifically, we first apply probability and Dempster-Shafer processes for predicting the likelihood of the next destination, for an arbitrary user in an MN, based on the user's habits (e.g, frequently visited locations). Then, at each road junction, we apply the second-order Markov chain process for predicting the likelihood of the next road segment transition, given the path from the trip origin to that specific road junction and the direction to the destination. We evaluate our proposed scheme using real-life mobility traces; the simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms traditional schemes.
Single Miller Compensation with Split Output and Current Amplifier ( SMSOC ) Use in Three Stage Amplifiers to Driving Ultra Large Capacitive Loads

In this paper, there is a combined approach which is used to compensate three stage amplifiers with ultra large capacitive loads and low power, using current mirror amplifier with split output is to decrease the occupied level of compensation capacitor that causes to lessen the occupied level of chip –area for using compensation capacitor and getting resulted in the light of better slew rate (SR), settling time (Ts) and gain bandwidth (GBW). this method causes increasing the capability driving of capacitive loads which is around 20nF.The result of simulation in 90nmCMOS process and load capacitor 500pF and compensation capacitor 0.8pF , will prove the advantages of this approach.