Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissociation in schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder

Background Dissociation likely plays a key role in schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder (BPD), although empirical studies that compare specific manifestations of these symptoms in schizophrenia and BPD are rare. In this context, the purpose of this study was to compare the occurrence of dissociative and other psychopathological symptoms in these disorders, and to assess the possible influence of antipsychotic medication on the dissociative symptoms. Methods We assessed 31 patients with schizophrenia and 36 patients with BPD. Dissociative symptoms were measured by the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), symptoms related to stress and traumatic experiences were assessed using the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40), and other psychopathological symptoms were measured with the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS). We also assessed actual daily doses of antipsychotic medication in chlorpromazine equivalents in all participants. Results The results show that symptoms of traumatic stress measured by the TSC-40 had significantly higher scores in the BPD group. The data also show that dissociative symptoms (DES) were significantly correlated with symptoms of traumatic stress (TSC-40) and with symptoms assessed by the HoNOS. Remarkably significant correlations were found between levels of antipsychotic medication and the DES and between antipsychotic medication and the depersonalization/derealization component of the DES in BPD patients. Conclusion The results support an important role of dissociative processes in schizophrenia and BPD and suggest a significant relationship between manifestations of dissociative symptoms in BPD and antipsychotic medication.
Audience Analysis for Competing Memes in Social Media

Existing tools for exploratory analysis of information diffusion in social media focus on the message senders who actively diffuse the meme. We develop a tool for audience analysis, focusing on the people who are passively exposed to the messages, with a special emphasis on competing memes such as propagations and corrections of a rumor. In such competing meme diffusions, important questions include which meme reached a bigger total audience, the overlap in audiences of the two, and whether exposure to one meme inhibited propagation of the other. We track audience members’ states of interaction, such as having been exposed to one meme or another or both. We analyze the marginal impact of each message in terms of the number of people who transition between states as a result of that message. These marginal impacts can be computed efficiently, even for diffusions involving thousands of senders and millions of receivers. The marginal impacts provide the raw material for an interactive tool, RumorLens, that includes a Sankey diagram and a network diagram. We validate the utility of the tool through a case study of nine rumor diffusions. We validate the usability of the tool through a user study, showing that nonexperts are able to use it to answer audience analysis questions.
An Efficient Density based Improved K- Medoids Clustering algorithm

Clustering is the process of classifying objects into different groups by partitioning sets of data into a series of subsets called clusters. Clustering has taken its roots from algorithms like k-medoids and k-medoids. However conventional k-medoids clustering algorithm suffers from many limitations. Firstly, it needs to have prior knowledge about the number of cluster parameter k. Secondly, it also initially needs to make random selection of k representative objects and if these initial k medoids are not selected properly then natural cluster may not be obtained. Thirdly, it is also sensitive to the order of input dataset. Mining knowledge from large amounts of spatial data is known as spatial data mining. It becomes a highly demanding field because huge amounts of spatial data have been collected in various applications ranging from geo-spatial data to bio-medical knowledge. The database can be clustered in many ways depending on the clustering algorithm employed, parameter settings used, and other factors. Multiple clustering can be combined so that the final partitioning of data provides better clustering. In this paper, an efficient density based k-medoids clustering algorithm has been proposed to overcome the drawbacks of DBSCAN and kmedoids clustering algorithms. The result will be an improved version of kmedoids clustering algorithm. This algorithm will perform better than DBSCAN while handling clusters of circularly distributed data points and slightly overlapped clusters.
Lift mechanics of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

PURPOSE This study is conducted to develop a simplified mathematical model to describe the lift mechanics of downhill skiing and snowboarding, where the lift contributions due to both the transiently trapped air and the compressed solid phase (snow crystals) are determined. To our knowledge, this is the first time that anyone has attempted to realistically estimate the relative contribution of the transiently trapped air to the total lift in skiing and snowboarding. METHODS The model uses Shimizu's empirical relation to predict the local variation in Darcy permeability due to the compression of the solid phase. The forces and moments on the skier or snowboarder are used to predict the angle of attack of the planing surface, the penetration depth at the leading edge, and the shift in the center of pressure for two typical snow types, fresh and wind-packed snow. We present numerical solutions for snowboarding and asymptotic analytic solutions for skiing for the case where there are no edging or turning maneuvers. The force and moment balance are then used to develop a theory for control and stability in response to changes in the center of mass as the individual shifts his/her weight. RESULTS Our model predicts that for fine-grained, windpacked snow that when the velocity (U) of the snowboarder or skier is 20 m.s, approximately 50% of the total lift force is generated by the trapped air for snowboarding and 40% for skiing. For highly permeable fresh powder snow, the lift contribution from the pore air pressure drops substantially. CONCLUSION This paper develops a new theoretical framework for analyzing the lift mechanics and stability of skis and snowboards that could have important applications in future ski and snowboard design.
Zirconia Nanostructures: Novel Facile Surfactant-Free Preparation and Characterization

Zirconia nanostructures have been prepared via a facile precipitation route using Zirconium (IV) oxynitrate hydrate and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). Here, TEPA was used as novel precipitator to fabricate zirconia nanostructures. The influence of reaction time, dosage of TEPA, and solvent was also examined to control the shape and particle size. Results of this work indicate that these reaction parameters have important impact on the control of shape and grain size of the zirconia. To characterize the as-synthesized nanostructures, techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were applied. In addition, the formation mechanism of zirconia nanostructures was discussed.
HEALS: A Faith-Based Hypertension Control and Prevention Program for African American Churches: Training of Church Leaders as Program Interventionists

Background. A 12-session church-based HEALS program (healthy eating and living spiritually) was developed for hypertension control and prevention program in African Americans (AAs). This study presents specifics of training lay health educators to effectively deliver HEALS to high-risk AAs. Methods. A one-day workshop was conducted by the research experts in an AA church. Five church members were recruited to be program interventionists called church health counselors (CHCs). Results. Using principles of adult education, a training protocol was developed with the intention of recognizing and supporting CHCs skills. CHCs received training on delivering HEALS program. The process of training emphasized action methods including role playing and hands-on experience with diet portion measurements. Conclusion. With adequate training, the community lay health educator can be an essential partner in a community-based hypertension control programs. This may motivate program participants more and encourages the individual to make the behavior modifications on a permanent basis.
Maternal consumption of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v affects gastrointestinal growth and function in the suckling rat

After birth, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract undergoes vast structural and functional adaptations to be able to digest mother's milk and later, during the weaning period, solid food. Studies on germ-free animals have shown the role of the gut microbiota for stimulating GI maturation, but which groups are involved is unclear. In the present study, we administered the probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v), in the drinking water to pregnant and lactating rat dams until their pups had reached an age of 14 d. It was found that Lp299v colonizing the mothers were also able to colonize the pups, which had an impact on their gut growth and function. The small intestine, pancreas and liver weighed more in the 14 d-old pups born from dams exposed to Lp299v than in the control pups from dams given only water. Furthermore, the Lp299v pups showed decreased gut permeability. Despite a heavier spleen in the Lp299v pups, as compared to the control pups, no significant increase in the acute-phase protein, haptoglobin, was found. In conclusion, the results reported here clearly show that manipulating the maternal microflora by exposing expecting mothers to a Gram-positive, probiotic bacterium prior to parturition and during lactation impacts the gut growth and function in the offspring.
Differential Gene Expression at Coral Settlement and Metamorphosis - A Subtractive Hybridization Study

Background A successful metamorphosis from a planktonic larva to a settled polyp, which under favorable conditions will establish a future colony, is critical for the survival of corals. However, in contrast to the situation in other animals, e.g., frogs and insects, little is known about the molecular basis of coral metamorphosis. We have begun to redress this situation with previous microarray studies, but there is still a great deal to learn. In the present paper we have utilized a different technology, subtractive hybridization, to characterize genes differentially expressed across this developmental transition and to compare the success of this method to microarray. Methodology/Principal Findings Suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify two pools of transcripts from the coral, Acropora millepora. One is enriched for transcripts expressed at higher levels at the pre-settlement stage, and the other for transcripts expressed at higher levels at the post-settlement stage. Virtual northern blots were used to demonstrate the efficacy of the subtractive hybridization technique. Both pools contain transcripts coding for proteins in various functional classes but transcriptional regulatory proteins were represented more frequently in the post-settlement pool. Approximately 18% of the transcripts showed no significant similarity to any other sequence on the public databases. Transcripts of particular interest were further characterized by in situ hybridization, which showed that many are regulated spatially as well as temporally. Notably, many transcripts exhibit axially restricted expression patterns that correlate with the pool from which they were isolated. Several transcripts are expressed in patterns consistent with a role in calcification. Conclusions We have characterized over 200 transcripts that are differentially expressed between the planula larva and post-settlement polyp of the coral, Acropora millepora. Sequence, putative function, and in some cases temporal and spatial expression are reported.
Hypoxic regulation of endothelial glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

The glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is induced by hypoxia in endothelial cells (EC). To define the mechanisms by which GAPDH is regulated by hypoxia, EC were exposed to cobalt, other transition metals, carbon monoxide (CO), deferoxamine, or cycloheximide in the presence or absence of hypoxia for 24 h, and GAPDH protein and mRNA levels were measured. GAPDH was induced in cells by the transition metals cobalt, nickel, and manganese and by deferoxamine, and GAPDH mRNA induction by hypoxia was blocked by cycloheximide. GAPDH induction by hypoxia, unlike that of other hypoxia-regulated genes, was not inhibited by CO or by 4,6-dioxoheptanoic acid, an inhibitor of heme synthesis. GAPDH induction was not altered by mediators of protein phosphorylation, a calcium channel blocker, a calcium ionophore, or alterations in redox state. GAPDH induction by hypoxia or transitional metals was partially blocked by sodium nitroprusside but was not altered by the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase N ω-nitro-l-arginine. These findings suggest that GAPDH induction by hypoxia in EC occurs via mechanisms other than those involved in other hypoxia-responsive systems.
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for large (greater than 7 cm, T2) renal tumors.

PURPOSE Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has emerged as a standard of care in appropriate candidates with clinical stage T1 renal tumors (7 cm or less). Herein we present our experience with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinical stage T2 tumors (greater than 7 cm). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy between September 1997 and July 2003 were retrospectively subdivided into group LAPT1-166 with tumor size 7 cm and group LAPT2-65 with tumor size greater than 7 cm. Also, group LAPT2 was compared with a group of 34 contemporary, comparable patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy for tumor greater than 7 cm (group OPENT2). RESULTS Compared with group LAPT1, group LAPT2 had younger patients, larger tumors and greater blood loss (100 vs 200 ml) (each p <0.001). Importantly operative time, analgesic requirements, hospital stay, and convalescence and complication rates were comparable. Group LAPT2 and group OPENT2 patients had similar sized tumors (9.2 and 9.9 cm, respectively) but shorter operative time (p = 0.03), lesser blood loss (p <0.001), shorter hospital stay (p <0.001) and more rapid convalescence (p = 0.02) occurred in LAPT2. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for stage T2 renal masses (greater than 7 cm) is feasible and efficacious. Laparoscopic nephrectomy offers the advantages of decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stay and more rapid recovery over open radical nephrectomy for comparable tumors greater than 7 cm. Although surgical outcomes are comparable with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for smaller tumors (7 cm or less), adequate laparoscopic experience is necessary before performing radical nephrectomy for large T2 tumors.
Understanding the Adoption of Electronic Banking in China

Electronic banking (e-banking), facilitated by various Electronic Commerce (EC) technologies, has helped commercial banks to stay competitive through productivity gains, transaction cost reduction and customer service improvement. Despite its benefits, however, developing countries still lag behind developed countries in the adoption of e-banking. To address the lack of studies on e-banking adoption in developing countries, this paper explores factors impacting e-banking adoption in China, as an example of a developing country. Facing an intense competition from foreign-owned banks, Chinese domestic banks have recently been actively engaged in e-banking initiatives. A research framework developed based on technology-organizational-environmental framework is used to guide the study. The findings from this study involving one of the four state-owned banks complement the existing knowledge in this area to better understand the adoption and development of e-banking in China.
Analysis of physical fitness and technical skills of youth soccer players according to playing position

The purpose of this study was to compare performance factors of youth soccer players according to position. A total of 101 high school soccer players were selected and were classified into goalkeeper (n=7), defense (n=37), midfield (n=39), and forward (n=18) positions. All subjects were subjected to the Wingate test for anaerobic capacity, shuttle run test for aerobic capacity, and pass, kick, dribble, and shooting tests for soccer skills. There was no significant difference in aerobic capacity according to position. However, anaerobic capacity was significantly higher in defenders than midfielders (P<0.05), and soccer skills were significant lower in goalies than in other positions (P<0.01). The results show significant differences in anaerobic capacity and soccer skills according to position in youth soccer players. Therefore, we suggest that middle and high school soccer players should improve aerobic, an-aerobic capacity, and soccer skills irrespective position to achieve high-level soccer performance.
The impact of classroom aggression on the development of aggressive behavior problems in children

Prior research suggests that exposure to elementary classrooms characterized by high levels of student aggression may contribute to the development of child aggressive behavior problems. To explore this process in more detail, this study followed a longitudinal sample of 4,907 children and examined demographic factors associated with exposure to high-aggression classrooms, including school context factors (school size, student poverty levels, and rural vs. urban location) and child ethnicity (African American, European American). The developmental impact of different temporal patterns of exposure (e.g., primacy, recency, chronicity) to high-aggression classrooms was evaluated on child aggression. Analyses revealed that African American children attending large, urban schools that served socioeconomically disadvantaged students were more likely than other students to be exposed to high-aggressive classroom contexts. Hierarchical regressions demonstrated cumulative effects for temporal exposure, whereby children with multiple years of exposure showed higher levels of aggressive behavior after 3 years than children with primacy, less recent, and less chronic exposure, controlling for initial levels of aggression. Implications are discussed for developmental research and preventive interventions.Members of the Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group include Karen L. Bierman, Pennsylvania State University; John D. Coie, Duke University; Kenneth A. Dodge, Duke University; E. Michael Foster, Pennsylvania State University; Mark T. Greenberg, Pennsylvania State University; John E. Lochman, University of Alabama; Robert J. McMahon, University of Washington; and Ellen E. Pinderhughes, Tufts University. This research was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health Grants R18MH48083, R18MH50951, R18MH50952, and R18MH50953. The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Department of Education, and the National Institute for Drug Abuse also provided support for FAST Track through a memorandum of support with the NIMH. Support has also come from the Department of Education grant S184430002, NIMH Grants K05MH00797 and K05MH01027, and a research grant from the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation. Appreciation is expressed to the parents, teachers, students, and school district personnel who supported this research in the Durham, NC, Nashville, TN, central Pennsylvania, and Seattle, WA areas. The first author thanks Drs. Nicholas Ialongo and Shani Harris-Peterson, Johns Hopkins University, for their input on earlier drafts of this manuscript, as well as Drs. Chi-Ming Kam and Brenda Heinrichs, Pennsylvania State University, and Dr. Sharon Smith, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, for their statistical consultation with this project.
Cellular and Molecular Barriers to Gene Transfer by a Cationic Lipid (*)

Cationic lipids are widely used for gene transfer in vitro and show promise as a vector for in vivo gene therapy applications. However, there is limited understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. We investigated the individual steps in cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer to cultured cell lines. We used DMRIE/DOPE (a 1:1 mixture of N-[1-(2,3-dimyristyloxy)propyl]-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium bromide (DMRIE) and dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE)) as a model lipid because of its efficacy and because it is being used for clinical trials in humans. The data show that cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer is an inefficient process. Part of the inefficiency may result from the fact that the population of lipid-DNA complexes was very heterogeneous, even under conditions that have been optimized to produce the best transfection. Inefficiency was not due to inability of the complex to enter the cells because most cells took up the DNA. However, in contrast to previous speculation, the results indicate that endocytosis was the major mechanism of entry. After endocytosis, the lipid-DNA aggregated into large perinuclear complexes, which often showed a highly ordered tubular structure. Although much of the DNA remained aggregated in a vesicular compartment, there was at least a small amount of DNA in the cytoplasm of most cells. That observation plus results from direct injection of DNA and lipid-DNA into the nucleus and cytoplasm indicate that movement of DNA from the cytoplasm to the nucleus may be one of the most important limitations to successful gene transfer. Finally, before transcription can occur, the data show that lipid and DNA must dissociate. These results provide new insights into the physical limitations to cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer and suggest that attention to specific steps in the cellular process may further improve the efficiency of transfection and increase its use in a number of applications.
A W-band InGaAs PIN-MMIC digital phase-shifter using a switched transmission-line structure

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a W-band InGaAs PIN-diode MMIC 4-bit phase shifter based on a switched delay line. In order to achieve low insertion loss and good phase shifting characteristics at W-band, the topology based on a switched delay-line is employed using a thin-film microstrip line structure. The fabricated phase shifter has demonstrated good performances such as an insertion loss less than 12.7 dB at a frequency range of 81 to 85 GHz with an intrinsic chip size of 1.93 × 0.80 mm2. To our knowledge, this is the first InGaAs PIN MMIC digital phase shifter demonstrated up to W-band.