Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Triazolam on the Perception of Sleep and Wakefulness in Insomniacs

AbstractAlthough the short-acting benzodiazepines are the most widely used hypnotics in the world, the mechanism by which they induce a sense of improved sleep remains obscure. In order to determine whether triazolam alters the perception of being asleep, we have performed auditory arousal threshold measures on chronic insomniacs during waking and sleeping at five points through the night, and then questioned them regarding their subjective experience prior to each forced arousal. As expected, triazolam 0.25 mg resulted in increased EEG or behavioral arousal thresholds 5 minutes after “lights out,” during stage 2 sleep 10 minutes after the first sleep spindle, and during spontaneous waking time. As with other benzodiazepine hypnotics, the arousal thresholds in stage 2 on active drug nights exceeded the amplitude of common commercial smoke alarms. Patients reported having been awake during the stage 4 trial in 50% of the cases after placebo, but only 8% after 0.25 mg triazolam (p < 0.02). After triazolam, .
Relations of social goal pursuit to social acceptance, classroom behavior, and perceived social support

Relations of social goal pursuit to (a) social acceptance by teachers and peers, (b) prosocial and irresponsible classroom behavior, and (c) perceived support from teachers and peers were examined. Ss were 475 6th and 7th graders. Students' pursuit of academic prosocial goals (to help classmates with academic problems) was related positively to peer acceptance. Pursuit of academic responsibility goals (adhering to classroom rules) was related negatively to peer acceptance but positively to teacher acceptance. These findings reflected in part, significant relations between social goal pursuit and displays of social behavior. Perceived support from teachers and peers was also related positively to social goal pursuit, although findings differed as a function of type and source of support
Risk Perception and Self-Protective Behavior

Most models of health-related behaviors are based on the assumption that people estimate the seriousness of a risk, evaluate the costs and benefits of action, and then select a course of action that will maximize their expected outcome. Risk refers to the possibility of loss and is generally conceived as consisting of two components: the probability and the severity of negative outcomes. This article focuses on the probability component. First the role of perceived risk in models of health-behavior will be discussed. Possible biases in risk-perception and the role of perceived risk as a determinant of protective behavior are the next issue. This is followed by some methodological considerations about how to measure perceived risk and investigate its role as a behavioral determinant. Next we turn to optimistic biases in comparative risk appraisal and briefly discuss both antecedents and consequences of optimism. Finally we discuss some implications of these findings for programs aiming to change health-rel.
Amputation or Reconstruction? Notes on the Concept of “Knifing Off” and Desistance From Crime

Several scholars have suggested that life changes—such as desistance from crime—may be shaped by social structures through a process of “knifing off. ” Individuals are thought to change their lives by severing themselves from harmful environments, undesirable companions, or even the past itself. Despite the frequent use of this terminology in criminology and other fields, the concept of knifing off remains underdeveloped. Few studies have considered diverse contexts and conditions in which knifing off may or may not occur. The authors raise the following questions: What is knifing off? What gets knifed off, and who does the knifing? Is knifing off necessary and/or sufficient for behavioral change? They conclude that the concept is useful for understanding desistance and self-change but also encourage further refinement and clarification. Recommendations are proposed for developing the concept of knifing off for theories of desistance, particularly recognizing the significance of life scripts for constructing a noncriminal future.
When Mother-tongue Education is not Preferred

In some language situations primary education in the mother tongue may not be desirable. A number of factors may militate against education in the mother tongue: (1) difficulty in determining the mother tongue. This is especially a problem in multilingual settings where children grow up with multiple mother tongues; (2) definition of 'a language'. Mother tongues may be deemed to be the standard variety; and (3) social and ethnic divisiveness of mother tongue education. In multilingual settings the maintenance of social cohesiveness may be of more importance than the benefitof mother-tongue education.Where patterns of language use are linked to social class, mother-tongue education could further diminish access to power structures by underprivileged groups. Ideological issues can be resolved only in the context of the particular social and political situation. There is no general rule that primary education should be in the mother tongue.
Packed Red Blood Cells Are an Abundant and Proximate Potential Source of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition

Objective We determined, for packed red blood cells (PRBC) and fresh frozen plasma, the maximum content, and ability to release the endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and monomethylarginine (LNMMA). Background ADMA and LNMMA are near equipotent NOS inhibitors forming blood’s total NOS inhibitory content. The balance between removal from, and addition to plasma determines their free concentrations. Removal from plasma is by well-characterized specific hydrolases while formation is restricted to posttranslational protein methylation. When released into plasma they can readily enter endothelial cells and inhibit NOS. Fresh rat and human whole blood contain substantial protein incorporated ADMA however; the maximum content of ADMA and LNMMA in PRBC and fresh frozen plasma has not been determined. Methods We measured total (free and protein incorporated) ADMA and LNMMA content in PRBCs and fresh frozen plasma, as well as their incubation induced release, using HPLC with fluorescence detection. We tested the hypothesis that PRBC and fresh frozen plasma contain substantial inhibitory methylarginines that can be released chemically by complete in vitro acid hydrolysis or physiologically at 37°C by enzymatic blood proteolysis. Results In vitro strong-acid-hydrolysis revealed a large PRBC reservoir of ADMA (54.5 ± 9.7 µM) and LNMMA (58.9 ± 28.9 μM) that persisted over 42-d at 6° or -80°C. In vitro 5h incubation at 37°C nearly doubled free ADMA and LNMMNA concentration from PRBCs while no change was detected in fresh frozen plasma. Conclusion The compelling physiological ramifications are that regardless of storage age, 1) PRBCs can rapidly release pathologically relevant quantities of ADMA and LNMMA when incubated and 2) PRBCs have a protein-incorporated inhibitory methylarginines reservoir 100 times that of normal free inhibitory methylarginines in blood and thus could represent a clinically relevant and proximate risk for iatrogenic NOS inhibition upon transfusion.
A Design Flow to Map Parallel Applications onto FPGAs

This paper introduces a new flow able to lit a parallel application onto an FPGA according to the FPGA characteristics such as computing power and IOs. The flow is based on iterative refactoring and transformations of the application. From the resulting application, a VHDL code is generated. This code is finally used to simulate or synthesize the application. Significant experiments have validated the approach.
On the Throughput Capacity Study for Aloha Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Despite extensive efforts on exploring the asymptotic capacity bounds for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), the general exact capacity study of such networks remains a challenge. As one step to go further in this direction, this paper considers two classes of Aloha MANETs (A-MANETs) NA and NC that adopt an aggressive traffic-independent Aloha and the conventional traffic-dependent Aloha, respectively. We first define a notation of successful transmission probability (STP) in NA, and apply queuing theory analysis to derive a general formula for the capacity evaluation of NA. We also prove that NC actually leads to the same throughput capacity as NA, indicating that the throughput capacity of NC can be evaluated based on the STP of NA as well. With the help of the capacity formula and stochastic geometry analysis on STP, we then derive closed-form expressions for the throughput capacity of an infinite A-MANET under the nearest neighbor/receiver transmission policies. Our further analysis reveals that although it is highly cumbersome to determine the exact throughput capacity expression for a finite A-MANET, it is possible to have an efficient and closed-form approximation to its throughput capacity. Finally, we explore the capacity maximization and provide extensive simulation/numerical results.
Regulatory focus and preference reversal between hedonic and utilitarian consumption

This article explores the impact of consumers' regulatory goals on their relative focus on hedonic (versus utilitarian) benefits of products. Drawing from extant literature, we argue that promotion-focused consumers will exhibit more favorable attitude towards a product when its hedonic benefits are highlighted in comparison to its utilitarian benefits. Prevention-focused consumers on the other hand will exhibit more favorable attitude towards a product when its utilitarian benefits are highlighted in comparison to its hedonic benefits. We further argue that this effect is moderated by contextual factors, such as evaluation mode. In addition, we argue that the posited difference only holds when the hedonic and utilitarian products are evaluated individually. When the two products are evaluated jointly, both promotion and prevention-focused individuals will exhibit more favorable attitude towards the hedonic product. Two studies were conducted to test the hypotheses and findings supported our predictions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XMM-Newton survey of the Local Group galaxy M 33 – catalogue results and global properties

Using 24 overlapping XMM-Newton observations of the Local Group spiral galaxy M 33, we have detected 447 sources in each individual pointing and in deep combined images. A total of 61 sources exhibit significant flux variations by a factor of up to 144, on time scales of hours to months or years. The detected variability, together with the hardness ratio (HR) method and optical identification (when available), is used to classify the sources as X-ray binaries (XRBs), supernova remnants (SNRs) and super-soft sources (SSS) in M 33, as well as background AGN and foreground stars in the field of view. The majority of sources can only be classified as ‘hard’, according to their HRs. We find that the luminosity distribution of the detected SNRs and SNR candidates in M 33 is similar to M 31, and slightly steeper than that of the LMC.
Gender differences in accounting education: an undergraduate exploration

There is increasing evidence that females are outperforming males in secondary education across a range of subjects. The data in higher education, however, is not so clear-cut. Several studies have been undertaken examining the impact of gender on undergraduate accounting performance, ranging from early year performance to that of later years, with conflicting results. Some of the literature suggests that gender differences are dependent on the type of assessment utilized, reporting that females tend to perform better than males in coursework assessments with the position being reversed for examinations. This paper examines gender differences across several performance measures both prior to and post entry into an Accounting and Finance degree. Data was collected from the population of honours graduates of 1998, 1999 and 2000 (n = 132) on a thick sandwich Accounting and Finance degree at the Robert Gordon University in Scotland. All the data was extracted from student files to develop a multitude of independent performance related variables, categorized into: point of university entry data, early university performance data and final honours year performance data (examined on an individual module basis and also a global coursework and examination performance basis). Statistical differences were examined using a two independent sample technique, whereby the population was categorized by gender into male and female, with either a t-test or Mann–Whitney test being utilized dependent on the distribution of the independent variable. Only two gender differences were found: females outperformed their male counterparts in the first year accounting module and also in the auditing module, which was undertaken via distance learning during the third year of the programme. No gender differences were found in any of the final year modules, and this was also evident in the coursework and examination performance analysis. Single sex focus groups were set up to explore why gender differences were apparent in the auditing module.
Race and Gender Relations among Prison Workers

This article describes changes in the traditional guard cultures, which have resulted through Affirmative Action requirements of the State. These changes have given new meanings to traditional competition and divisions among the workers. Racial conflicts often parallel those within the prisoner culture. Gender conflicts reflect a conservative bias found in other blue collar occupations. These conflicts shape a new culture of the correctional worker and further contribute to the uneasy social order of the prison community.
Getting real: the duration of framing effects

A growing number of studies test the effects of news framing on citizens’ understanding of politics. By employing experimental designs, these studies report significant effects for a multitude of issues and frames. However, what happens to the framing effect after initial exposure? Based on a ‘‘classic’’ framing experiment (n = 625), this article traces framing effects across a number of delayed time points: after 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Our results show that framing effects are surprisingly persistent. The duration of framing effects depended on a person’s level of political knowledge, with moderately knowledgeable individuals displaying most persistent framing effects. Effects on individuals with high or low levels of political knowledge dissipated much quicker.
Determining Firms Preparedness for Adoption of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a new approach to securing information and communication services, on-demand, eliminating the costly requirement to install and own the necessary infrastructure and/or facilities. In order to successfully attain the accruable benefits from the technology paradigm shift, scholars suggest that firms need to be adequately prepared. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of preparedness required by firms before they can embark upon the exercise. To satisfy the exploratory nature of the study, the researchers applied a quantitative approach, using a multiple-case strategy on fifteen organizations that have or intend to migrate to the cloud. It was established that amongst the other variables that determine the firms preparedness for adopting cloud computing, cost issues are the most influential. The established recommendation was that firms would be better prepared for the adoption of the cloud in Zimbabwe if they consider all the constructs studied in this research; particularly cost related matters as they are the most influential.
Worldwide evidence of a unimodal relationship between productivity and plant species richness

Grassland diversity and ecosystem productivity The relationship between plant species diversity and ecosystem productivity is controversial. The debate concerns whether diversity peaks at intermediate levels of productivity—the so-called humped-back model—or whether there is no clear predictable relationship. Fraser et al. used a large, standardized, and geographically diverse sample of grasslands from six continents to confirm the validity and generality of the humped-back model. Their findings pave the way for a more mechanistic understanding of the factors controlling species diversity. Science, this issue p. 302 The humped-back model of plant species diversity is confirmed by a global grassland survey. The search for predictions of species diversity across environmental gradients has challenged ecologists for decades. The humped-back model (HBM) suggests that plant diversity peaks at intermediate productivity; at low productivity few species can tolerate the environmental stresses, and at high productivity a few highly competitive species dominate. Over time the HBM has become increasingly controversial, and recent studies claim to have refuted it. Here, by using data from coordinated surveys conducted throughout grasslands worldwide and comprising a wide range of site productivities, we provide evidence in support of the HBM pattern at both global and regional extents. The relationships described here provide a foundation for further research into the local, landscape, and historical factors that maintain biodiversity.
Group Social Skills Instruction for Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

Given the increased recognition of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the chronic and pervasive nature of associated deficits, there is a pressing need for effective treatments. The feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a structured, group social skills training program for high-functioning youth with ASD was examined in this study. Fifteen participants (14 boys and 1 girl; age M = 12.55 years ± 1 year) completed a 16-week outpatient group-based intervention. The structured treatment was acceptable to families based on session attendance (89%) and postgroup satisfaction ratings. Treatment integrity was acceptable. Nine participants demonstrated significant improvement based on reliable change indices. Gains were not, however, uniform across school and home, nor were they consistently maintained following treatment.
Prognostic factors in curatively resected pathological stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

Background Patients with pathological stage I (p I) lung adenocarcinoma show variabilities in prognosis even after complete resection. The factors resulting in heterogeneities of prognosis remain controversy. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors affecting recurrence/metastasis and survival in patients with curatively resected p I lung adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of 252 patients with p I lung adenocarcinoma underwent curative resection between January 1st, 2009 to September 30th, 2011 were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the associations of recurrence and survival with the following clinicopathological variables: gender, age, cigarette smoking, family cancer history, tumor size, TNM stage, tumor differentiation, visceral pleural invasion, bronchial involvement, lymphovascular invasion, postoperative adjuvant treatment, pathological subtypes and micropapillary pattern. Results Among those 252 patients, 48 had local recurrence or distant metastasis, the rest 204 patients had no relapse until the last follow-up. Cox univariate survival analysis revealed that tumor size (P<0.001), TNM stage [disease-free survival (DFS), P<0.001; overall survival (OS), P=0.004], tumor differentiation (P<0.001), bronchial involvement (P<0.001), lymphovascular invasion (DFS, P=0.021; OS, P=0.001) and micropapillary pattern (DFS, P<0.001; OS, P=0.003) were significantly associated with DFS and OS, while cigarette smoking (P=0.029) and pathological subtypes (P=0.041) were found to be risk factors for DFS either. In multivariate analysis, tumor differentiation (P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for both DFS and OS, TNM stage (P=0.007), bronchial involvement (P=0.004) and micropapillary pattern (P=0.001) only for DFS, while tumor size (P=0.009) and lymphovascular invasion (P=0.010) were found to be independent risk factors only for OS. Conclusions Tumor size, TNM stage, tumor differentiation, bronchial involvement, lymphovascular invasion and micropapillary pattern could be considered as risk factors for predicting local recurrence or distant metastasis and survival in curatively resected p I lung adenocarcinoma patients.
Pharmacometrics-Based Dose Selection of Levofloxacin as a Treatment for Postexposure Inhalational Anthrax in Children

ABSTRACT Levofloxacin was recently (May 2008) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for children following inhalational exposure to anthrax. Given that no clinical trials to assess the efficacy of a chosen dose was conducted, the basis for the dose recommendation was based upon pharmacometric analyses. The objective of this paper is to describe the basis of the chosen pediatric dose recommended for the label. Pharmacokinetic (PK) data from 90 pediatric patients receiving 7 mg/kg of body weight levofloxacin and two studies of 47 healthy adults receiving 500 and 750 mg/kg levofloxacin were used for the pharmacometric analyses. Body weight was found to be a significant covariate for levofloxacin clearance and the volume of distribution. Consistently with developmental physiology, clearance also was found to be reduced in pediatric patients under 2 years of age due to immature renal function. Different dosing regimens were simulated to match adult exposure (area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h at steady state, maximum concentration of drug in serum at steady state, and minimum concentration of drug in serum at steady state) following the approved adult dose of 500 mg once a day. The recommended dose of 8 mg/kg twice a day was found to match the exposure of the dose approved for adults in a manner that permitted confidence that this dose in children would achieve efficacy comparable to that of adults.
Factor V G1691A is associated with an increased risk of retinal vein occlusion: a meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the Factor V G1691A polymorphism and the risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This analysis included 37 studies involving 2,510 cases and 3,466 controls. Factor V G1691A was associated with an increased risk of RVO in the allele, heterozygote, dominant, and carrier models (PA < 0.001, odds ratios >1), but not the homozygote or recessive models (PA > 0.05). Similar results were observed in a meta-analysis of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and when comparing Caucasian subgroups to population-based controls. These data demonstrate that the G/A genotype of Factor V G1691A is associated with an increased risk of RVO/CRVO in a Caucasian population.
Promoting cooperation: the distribution of reward and punishment power

Recent work in experimental economics on the effectiveness of rewards and punishments for promoting cooperation mainly examines decentralized incentive systems where all group members can reward and/or punish one another. Many self-organizing groups and societies, however, concentrate the power to reward or punish in the hands of a subset of group members (‘central monitors’). We review the literature on the relative merits of punishment and rewards when the distribution of incentive power is diffused across group members, as in most of the extant literature, and compare this with more recent work and new evidence showing how concentrating reward/punishment power in one group member affects cooperation.