Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Children’s mental representations with respect to caregivers and post-traumatic symptomatology in Somatic Symptom Disorders and Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Introduction: In line with literature, the quality of adult–infant interactions and mental representations of the caregivers play an essential role in influencing the children’s well-being. Many studies focused the attention on the role of attachment for a better evaluation of child psychopathological outcomes. The flexibility of the child’s attachment model gives the opportunity to parents to be helped in modifying their own caregiving quality, encouraging the reflection on the children’s state of mind with respect to attachment. The aims of this study were to evaluate: (1) the attachment models in young patients diagnosed with Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) and Somatic Symptoms Disorders (SSDs); (2) the levels of post-traumatic symptomatology; (3) the association between the attachment models and post-traumatic symptomatology. Methods: Forty Italian patients, aged from 8 to 15, recruited at Gaslini Paediatric Hospital of Genoa, previously diagnosed with SSD (N = 20) and DBD (N = 20) were assessed using the Child Attachment Interview (CAI), the Separation Anxiety Test (SAT), the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC-A). Socio-demographic data were collected. Results: In both the clinical samples, the findings on the distribution of attachment models showed a significant presence of insecure attachment with respect to both parents in more than a half of the patients and high levels of disorganized attachment. No significant differences between DBD and SSD samples were found on post-traumatic symptomatology (Post-Traumatic Stress and Dissociation). Significant differences were found on Depression, Anxiety, and Fantasy subscales. Discussion: This study can provide a detection of dysfunctional aspects in clinical populations. The findings suggest that the quality of the attachment to parents may be a fundamental element to better assess SSD and DBD in children and adolescents. Clinical implications of this study aimed at improving parental caregiving are highlighted.
SHRiNK: A method for scaleable performance prediction and efficient network simulation

In networks and in Web server farms, it is useful to collect performance measurements, to monitor the state of the system, and to perform simulations. However, the sheer volume of traffic in large high-speed network systems makes it hard to monitor their performance or to simulate them efficiently. And the heterogeneity of the Internet means it is time-consuming and difficult to devise the traffic models and analytic tools which would allow us to work with summary statistics. We explore a method to side-step these problems by combining sampling, modeling and simulation. Our hypothesis is this: if we take a sample of the input traffic, and feed it into a suitably scaled version of the system, we can extrapolate from the performance of the scaled system to that of the original. Our main findings are: When we scale an IP network which is shared by TCP-like, UDP and Web flows; and which is controlled by a variety of active queue management schemes, then performance measures such as queueing delay and drop probability are left virtually unchanged. We show this in theory and in simulations. This makes it possible to capture the performance of large networks quite faithfully using smaller scale replicas.
Decision Biases and Decision Support Systems Development

The view of decision-making that has informed most decision support systems research has been Simon’s process theory. Further, the majority DSS work has focussed on the choice phase of Simon’s model of decision-making. Decision bias theory does not focus on the choice process but considers the possibility of systematic and persistent errors in all phases of judgement and decision-making. Decision biases are cognitions or mental behaviours that prejudice decision quality in a significant number of decisions for a significant number of people. Using a general model of DSS development, the incorporation of decision biases into DSS development is addressed under two strategies: general debiasing, where a bias rather than a task is the development focus, and using biases as a focusing construct during a specific DSS engagement. The later approach is likely to be the most important in practice. An action research study of a bias focused DSS project is presented, which indicates that the use of biases as a central theme in DSS development can be effective in delivering a system, and ultimately a decision outcome, that is of value to the client.
Modulation features for noise robust speaker identification

Current state-of-the-art speaker identification (SID) systems perform exceptionally well under clean conditions, but their performance deteriorates when noise and channel degradations are introduced. Literature has mostly focused on robust modeling techniques to combat degradations due to background noise and/or channel effects, and have demonstrated significant improvement in SID performance in noise. In this paper, we present a robust acoustic feature on top of robust modeling techniques to further improve speakeridentification performance. We propose Modulation features of Medium Duration sub-band Speech Amplitudes (MMeDuSA); an acoustic feature motivated by human auditory processing, which is robust to noise corruption and captures speaker stylistic differences. We analyze the performance of MMeDuSA using SRI International’s robust SID system using a channel and noise degraded multilingual corpus distributed through the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robust Automatic Transcription of Speech (RATS) program. When benchmarked against standard cepstral features (MFCC) and other noise robust acoustic features, MMeDuSA provided lower SID error rates compared to the others.
Water Balances of Two Piedmont Headwater Catchments: Implications for Regional Hydrologic Landscape Classification

In the Piedmont of North Carolina, a traditionally water‐rich region, reservoirs that serve over 1 million people are under increasing pressure due to naturally occurring droughts and increasing land development. Innovative development approaches aim to maintain hydrologic conditions of the undisturbed landscape, but are based on insufficient target information. This study uses the hydrologic landscape concept to evaluate reference hydrology in small headwater catchments surrounding Falls Lake, a reservoir serving Raleigh and the greater Triangle area. Researchers collected one year of detailed data on water balance components, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, streamflow, and shallow subsurface storage from two headwater catchments representative of two hydrologic landscapes defined by differences in soils and topographic characteristics. The two catchments are similar in size and lie within the same physiographic region, and during the study period they showed similar water balances of 26‐30% Q, −4 to 5% ΔS, 59‐65% evapotranspiration, and 9‐10% G. However, the steeper, more elevated catchment exhibited perennial streamflow and nongrowing season runoff ratios (Q/P) of 33%, whereas the flat, low‐lying stream was drier during the growing season and exhibited Q/P ratios of 52% during the nongrowing season. A hydrologic landscape defined by topography and soil characteristics helps characterize local‐scale reference hydrology and may contribute to better land management decisions.
PRISM interaction for enhancing control in immersive virtual environments

When directly manipulating 3D objects in an immersive environment we cannot normally achieve the accuracy and control that we have in the real world. This reduced accuracy stems from hand instability. We present PRISM, which dynamically adjusts the C/D ratio between the hand and the controlled object to provide increased control when moving slowly and direct, unconstrained interaction when moving rapidly. We describe PRISM object translation and rotation and present user studies demonstrating their effectiveness. In addition, we describe a PRISM-enhanced version of ray casting which is shown to increase the speed and accuracy of object selection.
A Longitudinal Study on Dual-Tasking Effects on Gait: Cognitive Change Predicts Gait Variance in the Elderly

Neuropsychological abilities have found to explain a large proportion of variance in objective measures of walking gait that predict both dementia and falling within the elderly. However, to this date there has been little research on the interplay between changes in these neuropsychological processes and walking gait overtime. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to investigate intra-individual changes in neurocognitive test performance and gait step time at two-time points across a one-year span. Neuropsychological test scores from 440 elderly individuals deemed cognitively normal at Year One were analyzed via repeated measures t-tests to assess for decline in cognitive performance at Year Two. 34 of these 440 individuals neuropsychological test performance significantly declined at Year Two; whereas the “non-decliners” displayed improved memory, working memory, attention/processing speed test performance. Neuropsychological test scores were also submitted to factor analysis at both time points for data reduction purposes and to assess the factor stability overtime. Results at Year One yielded a three-factor solution: Language/Memory, Executive Attention/Processing Speed, and Working Memory. Year Two's test scores also generated a three-factor solution (Working Memory, Language/Executive Attention/Processing Speed, and Memory). Notably, language measures loaded on Executive Attention/Processing Speed rather than on the Memory factor at Year Two. Hierarchal multiple regression revealed that both Executive Attention/Processing Speed and sex significantly predicted variance in dual task step time at both time points. Remarkably, in the “decliners”, the magnitude of the contribution of the neuropsychological characteristics to gait variance significantly increased at Year Two. In summary, this study provides longitudinal evidence of the dynamic relationship between intra-individual cognitive change and its influence on dual task gait step time. These results also indicate that the failure to show improved test performance (particularly, on memory tests) with repeated administrations might prove to be useful of indicator of early cognitive decline.
Identification of Active Denitrifiers in Rice Paddy Soil by DNA- and RNA-Based Analyses

Denitrification occurs markedly in rice paddy fields; however, few microbes that are actively involved in denitrification in these environments have been identified. In this study, we used a laboratory soil microcosm system in which denitrification activity was enhanced. DNA and RNA were extracted from soil at six time points after enhancing denitrification activity, and quantitative PCR and clone library analyses were performed targeting the 16S rRNA gene and denitrification functional genes (nirS, nirK and nosZ) to clarify which microbes are actively involved in denitrification in rice paddy soil. Based on the quantitative PCR results, transcription levels of the functional genes agreed with the denitrification activity, although gene abundance did not change at the DNA level. Diverse denitrifiers were detected in clone library analysis, but comparative analysis suggested that only some of the putative denitrifiers, especially those belonging to the orders Neisseriales, Rhodocyclales and Burkholderiales, were actively involved in denitrification in rice paddy soil.
Aggregation of neurologic and neuropsychiatric disease in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis kindreds: A population‐based case–control cohort study of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 14% of cases. Five percent report a family history of ALS, and other ALS patients report a family history of other neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this study was to conduct a family aggregation study of ALS, and neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions in ALS kindreds and matched healthy controls. The aim was to determine the true rate of familial ALS and the recurrence risk of ALS in family members, and to identify kindreds with increased aggregation of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disease in the context of the recently described expanded hexanucleotide repeat in C9orf72.
PINK1 Loss-of-Function Mutations Affect Mitochondrial Complex I Activity via NdufA10 Ubiquinone Uncoupling

In the PINK1 Pathogenic mutations in the kinase PINK1 are causally related to Parkinson's disease (PD). One hypothesis proposes that PINK1 regulates mitophagy—the clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria. A second hypothesis suggests that PINK1 has a direct effect on mitochondrial complex I, affecting the maintenance of the electron transport chain (ETC) resulting in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and dysfunctional mitochondria. In support of the second hypothesis, Morais et al. (p. 203, published online 20 March) observed a complex I deficit in fibroblasts and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from PINK1 patients before any mitophagy was induced. The phosphoproteome of complex I in liver and brain from mice deficient for Pink1, compared to wild-type animals, revealed that Ser250 in complex I subunit NdufA10 was differentially phosphorylated. Ser250 is critically involved in the reduction of ubiquinone by complex I, explaining why Pink1 knockout mice, flies, and patient cell lines show decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Synaptic defects in pink1 null mutant Drosophila could be rescued using phosphomimetic NdufA10. Mitochondria lacking a Parkinson’s disease–associated kinase harbor a functionally important phosphorylation defect. Under resting conditions, Pink1 knockout cells and cells derived from patients with PINK1 mutations display a loss of mitochondrial complex I reductive activity, causing a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Analyzing the phosphoproteome of complex I in liver and brain from Pink1−/− mice, we found specific loss of phosphorylation of serine-250 in complex I subunit NdufA10. Phosphorylation of serine-250 was needed for ubiquinone reduction by complex I. Phosphomimetic NdufA10 reversed Pink1 deficits in mouse knockout cells and rescued mitochondrial depolarization and synaptic transmission defects in pinkB9-null mutant Drosophila. Complex I deficits and adenosine triphosphate synthesis were also rescued in cells derived from PINK1 patients. Thus, this evolutionary conserved pathway may contribute to the pathogenic cascade that eventually leads to Parkinson’s disease in patients with PINK1 mutations.
Parathyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the evaluation of parathyroid adenoma: Cytologic findings from 53 patients

This study was designed to assess the utility of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma (PA). Fifty‐seven samples from fifty‐three cases of PA (four patients had bilateral disease) were obtained by ultrasound (US)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) estimation was performed on the supernatant of the aspirated fluid on all cases. Subsequently, all of them underwent cytologic evaluation. The cytology slides were evaluated using the following criteria: Cellularity, architectural patterns, bare nuclei in the background, nuclear morphology, and background features (colloid‐like material or macrophages). Parathyroid cells were seen in 23 samples (40.4%). The cellularity of the smears was insufficient for interpretation in 16 samples (28.1%); and thyroid follicles and colloid were seen in 18 samples (31.5%). Majority of the samples with parathyroid cells showed moderate cellularity with monomorphous round to slightly oval cells predominantly arranged in loose two‐dimensional clusters with occasional papillary fragments. Majority of them exhibited a stippled nuclear chromatin. No significant pleomorphism, mitotic activity, or prominent nucleoli were observed. Most samples showed bare nuclei in the background. In conclusion, US‐guided FNAC has its limitations because of low sensitivity in primary localization of the parathyroid adenoma in cases of primary hyperparathyroidism and is not a useful mode of investigation in cases of PA. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SPORT: A SYSTEMIC REVIEW

Wilson, PB. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an analgesic and ergogenic aid in sport: a systemic review. J Strength Cond Res 29(10): 2980–2995, 2015—Ginger is a popular spice used to treat a variety of maladies, including pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used by athletes to manage and prevent pain; unfortunately, NSAIDs contribute to substantial adverse effects, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, hyponatremia, impairment of connective tissue remodeling, endurance competition withdrawal, and cardiovascular disease. Ginger, however, may act as a promoter of GI integrity and as a bronchodilator. Given these potentially positive effects of ginger, a systematic review of randomized trials was performed to assess the evidence for ginger as an analgesic and ergogenic aid for exercise training and sport. Among 7 studies examining ginger as an analgesic, the evidence indicates that roughly 2 g$d21 of ginger may modestly reduce muscle pain stemming from eccentric resistance exercise and prolonged running, particularly if taken for a minimum of 5 days. Among 9 studies examining ginger as an ergogenic aid, no discernable effects on body composition, metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, isometric force generation, or perceived exertion were observed. Limited data suggest that ginger may accelerate recovery of maximal strength after eccentric resistance exercise and reduce the inflammatory response to cardiorespiratory exercise. Major limitations to the research include the use of untrained individuals, insufficient reporting on adverse events, and no direct comparisons with NSAID ingestion. While ginger taken over 1–2 weeks may reduce pain from eccentric resistance exercise and prolonged running, more research is needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy as an analgesic for a wide range of athletic endeavors.
Polymorphic Analysis of the Human MHC‐Linked Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70‐2) and HSP70‐Hom Genes in Insulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

In the present study we characterized the frequencies of two polymorphisms within the MHC‐linked heat shock protein (HSP) 70 genes in patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (n= 114) and healthy control individuals (n = 110). Significant differences in genotype and allelic frequencies were observed for both polymorphisms between randomly selected patients and controls. However, for the HSP70‐2 polymorphisms this was solely due to linkage disequilibrium with DR3. The rare HSP70‐Hom 2‐allele was significantly more frequent in controls than in patients. It showed strong association with certain tumour necrosis factor (TNF) (class III) and HLA‐B and ‐A (class I) alleles independent of HLA‐DQ and ‐DR alleles. By typing 257 individuals from 55 IDDM multiple‐case families two extended MHC‐haplotypes, including class II‐, TNF‐ and class I‐markers, carrying the rare HSP70‐Hom allele were defined. One was only transmitted to diabetic offspring, whereas the other was only transmitted to unaffected offspring. The functional implication of the polymorphism in the heat shock‐inducible HSP70‐2 gene was analysed by studying HSP70‐2 mRNA expression after heat shock in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals with different HSP70‐2 genotypes. Preliminary data showed that individuals homozygous for the PstI 8.5‐kb allele consistently had slightly lower expression than heterozygous and 9·0‐kb homozygous individuals.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Counteracts Rhesus Macaque TRIM5α-Induced Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Production

Old world monkey TRIM5α is a host factor that restricts human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. Previously, we reported that rhesus macaque TRIM5α (RhTRIM5α) restricts HIV-1 production by inducing degradation of precursor Gag. Since suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is known to enhance HIV-1 production by rescuing Gag from lysosomal degradation, we examined if SOCS1 is involved in RhTRIM5α-mediated late restriction. Over-expression of SOCS1 restored HIV-1 production in the presence of RhTRIM5α to a level comparable to that in the absence of RhTRIM5α in terms of titer and viral protein expression. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that SOCS1 physically interacted with RhTRIM5α. Over-expression of SOCS1 affected RhTRIM5α expression in a dose-dependent manner, which was not reversed by proteasome inhibitors. In addition, SOCS1 and RhTRIM5α were detected in virus-like particles. These results suggest that SOCS1 alleviates RhTRIM5α-mediated regulation in the late phase of HIV-1 life cycle probably due to the destabilization of RhTRIM5α.
The outcome of renal transplantation among systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

BACKGROUND Clinical outcome of renal transplantation among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients remains a topic of controversy. Most of the previous reports were based upon small single-centre studies that were not always well-designed. METHODS We conducted the retrospective analysis using data from USRDS and UNOS databases. Patients were divided into five groups based on the cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD): diabetes mellitus (DM), SLE, glomerulonephritis, hypertension and other causes. Between 1990 and 1999, 2886 renal transplantation recipients with ESRD due to SLE were identified from a total of 92 844 patients. RESULTS The mean follow-up period of this study was 4.7 +/- 2.4 years. While unadjusted analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated an association between SLE and improved allograft survival compared with DM, in multivariate analysis the SLE group had worse allograft [hazard ratio (HR) 1.09, P < 0.05] and recipient (HR 1.19, P < 0.05) survival compared with the DM group. Subgroup analysis based on the type of donor showed that SLE patients who received deceased donor allograft had worse allograft and recipient survival (HR 1.14, P = 0.002 and HR 1.30, P = 0.001, respectively) compared with non-SLE deceased donor allograft recipients. Among living allograft recipients, there were no significant differences in either allograft or recipient survival compared with non-SLE recipients. CONCLUSIONS SLE as a cause of ESRD in renal transplant recipients is associated with worse allograft and recipient survival compared with DM; this association is true for the entire population and for the recipients of deceased donor (but not living donor) transplant. Deceased donor allograft recipients have worse outcomes compared with living allograft recipients.