Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frightened by the stage or by the public? Exploring the multidimensionality of music performance anxiety

The multidimensionality of Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) was examined in this study. Three related dimensions were identified: Somatic and Cognitive Features, Performance Context and Performance Evaluation. Although MPA has been widely studied in the last 20 years, it has been regarded mainly as unidimensional. A sample of 134 high school music students was tested using the Music Performance Anxiety Inventory for Adolescents (Osborne & Kenny, 2005), and The International Personality Item Pool (Goldberg, 1992). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the existence of three correlated MPA factors. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that both the pattern of predictors and the variance explained was different in the three MPA dimensions. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that girls scored higher only on Somatic and Cognitive Features. Overall, our results support the multidimensionality of MPA, pointing out that our understanding of this disorder could be enhanced by treating it as multi-, rather than unidimensional.
Identification of a Novel Vasoconstrictor Peptide Specific for the Systemic Circulation

Some small molecular weight peptides possess potent vasoactive properties. Herein we have identified the laminin nonapeptide (LNP) CDPGYIGSR as a novel vasoconstrictive agent. Isometric force measurements revealed that LNP induced vasoconstriction in small and large murine arteries in a dose-dependent fashion; LNP also increased vascular tone in human mammary arteries. The vasoactive response was specific for the nonapeptide, because neither scrambled nor very similar peptide sequences modulated vascular tone. As an underlying mechanism we found in [Ca2+]i imaging experiments that the nonapeptide induced transmembrane [Ca2+]i influx in vascular smooth muscle cells. Patch clamp experiments showed that LNP activated nonselective cation channels, causing depolarization of the membrane potential and opening of L-type Ca2+ channels. The functional effect of LNP was also assessed with catheter measurements in mice in vivo and confirmed vasoconstriction. This effect was restricted to the systemic circulation, because measurements with the perfused lung system demonstrated that LNP did not alter vascular tone in pulmonary arteries. Thus, LNP is a vasoconstrictor in mouse and human arteries, and its vasoactivity is restricted to the systemic vasculature.
Chlamydicidal activity of human alveolar macrophages

Pneumonia due to Chlamydia trachomatis is a disease limited mainly to infants under 6 months of age. Rare cases have been reported in immunocompromised adults. One possible reason for the propensity of the pneumonia to occur in the very young may be related to differences in the phagocytic and bactericidal capacity of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in young infants and adults. At birth a function of AMs is clearance of surfactant-related material from the alveolar surface. Studies in animals have suggested that engorgement of AMs with surfactant-related lipids may reduce the microbicidal capacity of these cells. In the present study we determined that AMs obtained from healthy, nonsmoking adults were capable of killing both human biovars of C. trachomatis, with complete killing observed by 48 h after inoculation. Preincubation of AMs from adults with surfactant did not reduce the capacity of the cells to kill C. trachomatis.
Living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease (ALS/MND): decision-making about 'ongoing change and adaptation'.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To present a model that explicates the dimensions of change and adaptation as revealed by people who are diagnosed and live with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease. BACKGROUND Most research about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease is medically focused on cause and cure for the illness. Although psychological studies have sought to understand the illness experience through questionnaires, little is known about the experience of living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease as described by people with the disease. DESIGN A grounded theory method of simultaneous data collection and constant comparative analysis was chosen for the conduct of this study. METHODS Data collection involved in-depth interviews, electronic correspondence, field notes, as well as stories, prose, songs and photographs important to participants. QSR NVivo 2 software was used to manage the data and modelling used to illustrate concepts. FINDINGS Participants used a cyclic, decision-making pattern about 'ongoing change and adaptation' as they lived with the disease. This pattern formed the basis of the model that is presented in this paper. CONCLUSION The lives of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease revolve around the need to make decisions about how to live with the disease progression and their deteriorating abilities. Life decisions were negotiated by participants to maintain a sense of self and well-being in the face of change. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The 'ongoing change and adaptation' model is a framework that can guide practitioners to understand the decision-making processes of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease. Such understanding will enhance caring and promote models of care that are person-centred. The model may also have relevance for people with other life limiting diseases and their care.
Corticosterone and decision-making in male Wistar rats: the effect of corticosterone application in the infralimbic and orbitofrontal cortex

Corticosteroid hormones, released after stress, are known to influence neuronal activity and produce a wide range of effects upon the brain. They affect cognitive tasks including decision-making. Recently it was shown that systemic injections of corticosterone (CORT) disrupt reward-based decision-making in rats when tested in a rat model of the Iowa Gambling Task (rIGT), i.e., rats do not learn across trial blocks to avoid the long-term disadvantageous option. This effect was associated with a change in neuronal activity in prefrontal brain areas, i.e., the infralimbic (IL), lateral orbitofrontal (lOFC) and insular cortex, as assessed by changes in c-Fos expression. Here, we studied whether injections of CORT directly into the IL and lOFC lead to similar changes in decision-making. As in our earlier study, CORT was injected during the final 3 days of the behavioral paradigm, 25 min prior to behavioral testing. Infusions of vehicle into the IL led to a decreased number of visits to the disadvantageous arm across trial blocks, while infusion with CORT did not. Infusions into the lOFC did not lead to differences in the number of visits to the disadvantageous arm between vehicle treated and CORT treated rats. However, compared to vehicle treated rats of the IL group, performance of vehicle treated rats of the lOFC group was impaired, possibly due to cannulation/infusion-related damage of the lOFC affecting decision-making. Overall, these results show that infusions with CORT into the IL are sufficient to disrupt decision-making performance, pointing to a critical role of the IL in corticosteroid effects on reward-based decision-making. The data do not directly support that the same holds true for infusions into the lOFC.
Metabolic detoxification pathways for 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin in primary tracheal epithelial cells

Abstract 1. The health effects of inhaled mycotoxins remain poorly documented despite their presence in bioaerosols. 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin is produced in association with sterigmatocystin by some Aspergillus spp. , sometimes in larger amounts than sterigmatocystin. Whereas sterigmatocystin can be metabolized through cytochromes P450 (CYP), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and sulfotransferases in airway epithelial cells, little is known about 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin. 2. The 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin metabolites were analyzed using human recombinant CYP and porcine tracheal epithelial cell (PTEC) primary cultures at an air–liquid interface. The induction of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes was examined by real-time quantitative PCR for mRNA expression and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation activity. 3. CYP1A1 metabolized 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin into hydroxy-nor-methoxy-sterigmatocystin, nor-methoxy-sterigmatocystin and dihydroxy-methoxy-sterigmatocystin. CYP1A2 led to monohydroxy-methoxy-sterigmatocystin. In PTEC, 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin metabolism resulted into a glucuroconjugate of 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin, a sulfoconjugate and a glucuroconjugate of monohydroxy-methoxy-sterigmatocystin. The exposure of PTEC for 24 h to 1 µM 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin induced a significant increase in the mRNA levels of CYP1A1, without significant induction of the 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation activity. 4. These data suggest that 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin is mainly detoxified in airway cells through conjugation, as sterigmatocystin. However, while CYP produced a reactive metabolite of sterigmatocystin, no such metabolite was detected with 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin. Nevertheless, 5-methoxy-sterigmatocystin increases the CYP1A1 mRNA levels. The long-term consequences remain unknown.
Structuring relationships: On science, feminism and non-human animals

Non-human animals and their behaviour are part of the remit of what psychology studies; yet they are largely absent from feminist theory. This is in part due to earlier decades of feminist disavowal of biology and biological determinism (manifest in the sex/gender distinction). To exclude animals makes little sense, however, as animal societies continue to be used as models for humans, including gender differences. In this article, I argue that how we see gender in animal societies is not only an extrapolation from our own cultural mores, but is also produced in part by the material practices of laboratories. If laboratory animals are kept in impoverished, restricted conditions, then it is perhaps not surprising that experiments designed to investigate their sexuality or gender differences produce limited understandings. To counteract these tales of biological restriction, we need to look more at the complexities of non-human animal behaviour and society — and in particular to emphasize how we build relationships with non-humans, as mutual co-creations.
Neuropsychological functioning and determinants of morning alertness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract Neuropsychological functioning is reported to be impaired in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This syndrome is characterized by nocturnal respiratory disturbances, blood oxygen desaturations, sleep fragmentation, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Opinions arc divided concerning the exact relationship between the observed cognitive deficits, nocturnal hypoxia, sleep disruption, and impaired daytime alertness. In the present study, morning neuropsychological function of 26 moderate to severe middle-aged sleep apneics is compared to that of 22 primary insomniacs. There were no performance differences on a range of neuropsychological tests among the two patient groups. In addition, the data suggest that morning alertness impairment, which is closely associated with a lack of slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, is of major importance in inducing poorer cognitive performance in patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. (JINS, 1996, 2,306–314.)
The constitution of the primary alcohols, fatty acids and paraffins present in plant and insect waxes.

BY making use of the data for the primary alcohols, acetates, n-fatty acids and ethyl esters described in the previous paper [Piper et al., 1934], and for the paraffins described in an earlier paper [Piper et al., 1931] we are now in a position to unravel the composition of the mixtures of alcohols, acids and paraflins which occur in insect and plant waxes. Francis et al. [1930] examined with the aid of X-ray analysis a series of acids isolated from natural sources, and were able to show that the so-called arachidic, lignoceric, cerotic and montanic acids wete mixtures of n-fatty acids, which accounted for the divergence of their melting-points from those of the pure synthetic acids to which they were supposed to correspond. In addition they were able to show by oxidation to the corresponding acids that the ceryl alcohol of Chinese wax and the melissyl alcohol of camauba wax were not chemical entities but mixtures of primary alcohols. In the present paper we are able to amplify a little the conclusions of these authors with regard to the naturally occurring wax acids and completely to unravel the constitution of a large number of wax alcohols. Examination of some thirty samples of these alcohols has shown that they are all mixtures, but in certain cases one particular alcohol predominates to such an overwhelming extent that we have been able to isolate it in a state of undoubted purity. Thus n-triacontanol has been isolated from lucerne leaves [Chibnall et al., 1933] and n-hexacosanol from blades of cocksfoot [Pollard et al., 1931]. n-Octacosanol has been prepared from the blades of wheat [Pollard et al., 1933]; in addition it was possible to show that at least three other alcohols were present in very small amount. The primary alcohol present in apple cuticle wax was shown, by fractionation of the derived paraffins, to be a mixture of the three above-mentioned alcohols [Chibnall et al., 1931]. In this particular case the important point was definitely established that the neighbouring odd-number alcohols, n-heptacosanol and n-nonacosanol, were absent. Finally cocceryl alcohol, which is the sole alcoholic component of cochineal wax, has been shown to be 15-keto-n-tetratriacontanol [Chibnall et al., 1934]. Since therefore all the
Allocution for Victims of Economic Crimes

Currently, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32(c)(3)(E) provides for victim impact testimony in cases involving violence or sexual abuse. This article proposes that the rule be expanded to cover other federal felony cases -- particularly those involving fraud. After reviewing the relevance of victim impact testimony under the Sentencing Guidelines, the article compares the advantages of in-person victim impact testimony (more effective communication, the opportunity for expression, and increased victim satisfaction) with the advantages of written victim impact statements (efficiency, restraint on emotion, and minimal demands on the court's resources). It then considers some of the disadvantages of victim impact testimony (exacerbation of the victimhood experience, problems for those who may be anxious, inarticulate, or enraged). The article concludes by proposing an amendment to Rule 32(c)(3)(E) that recognizes that not all federal felonies have identifiable victims, and that not all victims (of multiple-victim frauds, for example) will always be able to testify. Nonetheless, the rule as amended would require courts to invite victim-impact testimony in most federal felony cases.
Leadership for School Restructuring

School restructuring creates new expectations of those who offer leadership to schools, expectations not well captured in images of instructional leadership. This article describes a 4-year program of research about transformational forms of leadership in schools responding to a variety of restructuring initiatives. Evidence is summarized about transformational leadership practices and behaviors in schools, their effects on a variety of school and teacher variables, and thought processes that give rise to such leadership practices. On the basis of this evidence, the author argues for the promise of transformational leadership in school-restructuring contexts.
Annotation: what do we know about sensory dysfunction in autism? A critical review of the empirical evidence.

BACKGROUND Unusual responses to sensory stimuli are seen in many children with autism. Their presence was highlighted both in early accounts of autism and in more recent first-person descriptions. There is a widespread belief that sensory symptoms characterize autism and differentiate it from other disorders. This paper examines the empirical evidence for this assumption. METHOD All controlled experimental laboratory investigations published since 1960 were identified through systematic searches using Medline/PubMed and PsycInfo search engines. A total of 48 empirical papers and 27 theoretical or conceptual papers were reviewed. RESULTS Sensory symptoms are more frequent and prominent in children with autism than in typically developing children, but there is not good evidence that these symptoms differentiate autism from other developmental disorders. Certain groups, including children with fragile X syndrome and those who are deaf-blind, appear to demonstrate higher rates of sensory symptoms than children with autism. In reviewing the evidence relevant to two theories of sensory dysfunction in autism, over- and under-arousal theory, we find that there is very little support for hyper-arousal and failure of habituation in autism. There is more evidence that children with autism, as a group, are hypo-responsive to sensory stimuli, but there are also multiple failures to replicate findings and studies that demonstrate lack of group differences. CONCLUSIONS The use of different methods, the study of different sensory modalities, and the changing scientific standards across decades complicate interpretation of this body of work. We close with suggestions for future research in this area.
Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC398 from Livestock Veterinarians to Their Household Members

There are indications that livestock-associated MRSA CC398 has a reduced human-to-human transmissibility, limiting its impact on public health and justifying modified control measures. This study determined the transmissibility of MRSA CC398 from livestock veterinarians to their household members in the community as compared to MRSA non-CC398 strains. A one-year prospective cohort study was performed to determine the presence of MRSA CC398 in four-monthly nasal and oropharyngeal samples of livestock veterinarians (n = 137) and their household members (n = 389). In addition, a cross-sectional survey was performed to detect the presence of MRSA non-CC398 in hospital derived control patients (n = 20) and their household members (n = 41). Staphylococcus aureus isolates were genotyped by staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Mean MRSA CC398 prevalence over the study period was 44% (range 41.6–46.0%) in veterinarians and 4.0% (range 2.8–4.7%) in their household members. The MRSA CC398 prevalence in household members of veterinarians was significantly lower than the MRSA non-CC398 prevalence in household members of control patients (PRR 6.0; 95% CI 2.4–15.5), indicating the reduced transmissibility of MRSA CC398. The impact of MRSA CC398 appears to be low at the moment. However, careful monitoring of the human-to-human transmissibility of MRSA CC398 remains important.
Genetic Ablation of Afadin Causes Mislocalization and Deformation of Paneth Cells in the Mouse Small Intestinal Epithelium

Afadin is an actin filament-binding protein that acts cooperatively in cell adhesion with the cell adhesion molecule nectin, and in directional cell movement with the small G protein Rap1 in a nectin-independent manner. We studied the role of afadin in the organization of the small intestinal epithelium using afadin conditional gene knockout (cKO) mice. Afadin was localized at adherens junctions of all types of epithelial cells throughout the crypt-villus axis. Paneth cells were localized at the base of the crypt in control mice, but not confined there, and migrated into the villi in afadin-cKO mice. The distribution of other types of epithelial cells did not change significantly in the mutant mice. The Paneth cells remaining in the crypt exhibited abnormal shapes, were buried between adjacent cells, and did not face the lumen. In these cells, the formation of adherens junctions and tight junctions was impaired. Rap1 and EphB3 were highly expressed in control Paneth cells but markedly down-regulated in the afadin-deficient Paneth cells. Taken together, the results indicate that afadin plays a role in the restricted localization of Paneth cells at the base of the crypt by maintaining their adhesion to adjacent crypt cells and inhibiting their movement toward the top of villi.
What Does the Narcissistic Personality Inventory Really Measure?

The Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) is a widely used measure of narcissism. However, debates persist about its exact factor structure with researchers proposing solutions ranging from two to seven factors. The present research aimed to clarify the factor structure of the NPI and further illuminate its nomological network. Four studies provided support for a three-factor model consisting of the dimensions of Leadership/Authority, Grandiose Exhibitionism, and Entitlement/Exploitativeness. The Leadership/Authority dimension was generally linked to adaptive outcomes whereas the other two dimensions, particularly Entitlement/Exploitativeness, were generally linked to maladaptive outcomes. These results suggest that researchers interested in the psychological and behavioral outcomes associated with the NPI should examine correlates at the facet level. In light of the findings, we propose a hierarchical model for the structure of the NPI and provide researchers with a scoring scheme for this commonly used instrument.
Sexual Violence Against Men in Armed Conflict

Reports of sexual violence by men against men emerge from numerous conflicts, ranging in time from Ancient Persia and the Crusades to the conflicts in Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite these accounts, relatively little material exists on the subject and the issue tends to be relegated to a footnote. This article ascertains the extent to which male sexual violence is committed in armed conflict. It considers factors that explain under-reporting by victims and lack of detection on the part of others. The particular forms of male sexual violence are also examined: namely rape, enforced sterilization and other forms of sexual violence, including enforced nudity, enforced masturbation and genital violence. The dynamics present in these offences are explored, with issues of power and dominance, expressed through emasculation, considered. Thus, attention is paid to ideas of feminization, homosexualization and the prevention of procreation. The symbolic construction of male and female bodies in armed conflict is also explored.
Gicerin, an Ig‐superfamily cell adhesion molecule, promotes the invasive and metastatic activities of a mouse fibroblast cell line

Gicerin is a cell adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and plays an important role during development through its adhesive properties. Gicerin has two isoforms that differ in their cytoplasmic domains; s‐gicerin is the shorter and l‐gicerin the longer form of the protein. Gicerin is over‐expressed in some sporadic tumors as well as in developing tissues. To provide direct evidence that gicerin has the potential to participate in malignant aspects of tumor cell behavior, a gicerin cDNA was introduced into L‐929 cells, an endogenous gicerin‐negative mouse fibroblast and subsequently analyzed for changes in their invasive and metastatic potential by implantation into nude mice and chick embryos. Compared with parental cells, both gicerin isoform transfectants showed an enhanced cell growth and invaded deeply into surrounding tissues from implanted sites in both animal models. Furthermore, l‐gicerin transfectants markedly enhanced metastasis to the lung. These findings suggest that gicerin promotes the tumor growth and invasion, and the isoform bearing the longer cytoplasmic domain may play a role in metastasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 103–109, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.