Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social media and problematic everyday life information‐seeking outcomes: Differences across use frequency, gender, and problem‐solving styles

Social media offers both opportunities and challenges in everyday life information seeking (ELIS). Despite their popularity, it is unclear whether the use of social media for ELIS heightens problematic outcomes, such as encountering too much information and finding irrelevant, conflicting, outdated, and noncredible information. In light of this gap, this study tested (a) whether the level of problematic informational outcomes varies with the use of social networking sites, microblogs, and social question and answer sites; (b) whether the problem level varies by gender and problem‐solving styles; and (c) whether the aforementioned factors have significant interaction effects. An online questionnaire was used to survey 791 U.S. undergraduates. Irrelevant information was the top issue. Gender difference was statistically significant for conflicting information, which was more problematic for women. The multiway analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated notable problem‐solving style differences, especially on the Personal Control subscale. This highlights the importance of affective factors. It is noteworthy that although social media use has no significant main effect, there were significant interaction effects between microblog use and the Approach‐Avoidance and Problem Solving Confidence subscales. The impact of microblog use on ELIS outcomes therefore warrants further investigation. Five propositions are posited for further testing.
A critical ethnography of the compatibility of a culturally modified dialectical behavior therapy with Native American culture and context

Purpose: Describe the Suquamish cultural influences on defining living a life worthwhile and to describe the compatibility of a culturally modified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with a Native American community’s culture and context. Background: Native Americans experience serious psychological distress, suicide, and substance abuse at higher rates than other racial groups. Studies using DBT found a significant decrease in parasuicidal risk behavior and substance abuse. However, research has not demonstrated that DBT is efficacious or compatible within the Native American culture. Specific Aims: 1) Describe the Native American cultural influences on defining living a life worthwhile. 2) Describe the compatibility between Healthy and Whole, a culturally modified DBT intervention with Native American culture. Methodology: Critical ethnographic study with in-depth interviews (13) and participant observations (10 months) was conducted. Sample was tribal members and clinicians exposed to the Healthy and Whole and tribal members who are identified as knowledgeable regarding tribal tradition. Analyses included semantic domain, taxonomic, and theme analysis for aim1 and compared DBT curriculum to results of aim 1 to accomplish aim 2. Findings: An intergenerational cycle of relational trauma was initiated by structural cultural genocide with systematic abuse and neglect of Native Americans especially children. Relational trauma of abuse and neglect is the source of a variety of maladaptive behaviors. These maladaptive behaviors lead to relational trauma in the next generation. A dual process of maintaining and revitalizing Suquamish cultural values coupled with skills taught in a culturally modified DBT intervention, Healthy and Whole, help Suquamish members live more worthwhile lives and recover from intrapersonal trauma.
Mechanisms Governing Expression of the v-FLIP Gene of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

ABSTRACT Open reading frame 71 (ORF 71) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes a death effector domain-containing protein that is homologous to cellular FLIPs (FLICE-inhibitory proteins) and is proposed to inhibit Fas-mediated apoptosis. Transcripts bearing ORF 71 (v-FLIP) sequences are present in all latently infected cells. However, mapping studies reveal these to be bi- or tricistronic mRNAs with ORF 71 located 3′ to ORFs 72 (v-cyclin) and 73 (latency-associated nuclear antigen), raising the question of how efficient expression of v-FLIP is achieved. We explored this question by examining the expression of model bicistronic (v-cyclin/LUC) transcripts in which a luciferase (LUC) reporter replaced v-FLIP coding sequences. SLK spindle cells transfected with such constructs efficiently expressed luciferase from the 3′ position, and this expression was independent of the expression of the 5′ v-cyclin gene. Surprisingly, transcript mapping showed that in these cultures, efficient splicing occurred to remove v-cyclin sequences and generate monocistronic LUC transcripts. Similar splicing events produced monocistronic v-FLIP transcripts in KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma cells. However, these RNAs were of low abundance and were inducible by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Examination of the more abundant bicistronic latent RNAs revealed the presence of an efficient internal ribosome entry site (IRES) overlapping ORF 72 coding sequences. Thus, two potential mechanisms exist for v-FLIP expression, but the evidence suggests that IRES-mediated internal translational initiation on latent polycistronic mRNAs is the principal source of v-FLIP in latency.
Liberalizing Dependency

The dependency core calculus (DCC), a simple extension of th e computational lambda calculus, captures a common notion of dep endency that arises in many programming language settings. This notion of depen dency is closely related to the notion of information flow in security; it is se n itive not only to data dependencies that cause explicit flows, but also to cont rol dependencies that cause implicit flows. In this paper, we study variants of DCC i n which the data and control dependencies are decoupled. This allows us to consi der ettings where a weaker notion of dependency—one that restricts only explic it flows—may usefully coexist with DCC’s stronger notion of dependency. In p articular, we show how strong, noninterference-based security may be reconci led with weak, tracebased security within the same system, enhancing soundness of the latter and completeness of the former.
Chromosome ideograms of the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) based on high-resolution banding, and anchoring of the cytogenetic map to the DNA sequence by FISH in sample chromosomes

A detailed banded ideogram representation of the rat chromosomes was constructed based on actual G-banded prometaphase chromosomes. The approach yielded 535 individual bands, a significant increase compared to previously presented ideograms. The new ideogram was adapted to the existing band nomenclature. The gene locus positions in the rat draft DNA sequence were compared to the chromosomal positions as determined by dual-color FISH, using rat (RNO) chromosomes 6 and 15 and a segment of RNO4 as sample regions. It was found that there was generally an excellent correlation in the chromosome regions tested between the relative gene position in the DNA molecules and the sub-chromosomal localization by FISH and subsequent information transfer on ideograms from measurements of chromosomal images. However, in the metacentric chromosome (RNO15), the correlation was much better in the short arm than in the long arm, suggesting that the centromeric region may distort the linear relationship between the chromosomal image and the corresponding DNA molecule.
ACCURACY OF MEASUREMENTS MADE WITH A CYRAX 2500 LASER SCANNER AGAINST SURFACES OF KNOWN COLOUR

Abstract Several commercial manufacturers produce laser scanning systems capable of measuring the surfaces of objects to precisions of the order of a few millimetres at ranges of between 2 and 200 metres. Experience on a number of projects has demonstrated significant variations in the quality of point cloud data as a function of object surface reflectivity. This paper investigates the performance of a Cyrax 2500 laser scanner in making measurements to a variety of surfaces of specified colour characteristics under laboratory conditions. From the data obtained it is evident that significant systematic range discrepancies exist which can be broadly correlated against the colour of each surface with respect to the wavelength of the laser used. Over the distances investigated a high correlation between the point data quality measure returned by the scanner and the range discrepancy was observed, offering the possibility of applying a correction to the data produced by a Cyrax 2500 scanner. Such a correction, which is demonstrated to be applicable for diffusely reflecting surfaces, can be carried out with data available to the end user in order to significantly improve scanner accuracy.
An intraframe error concealment: nonlinear pattern alignment and directional interpolation

This paper presents a new intraframe error concealment algorithm designed for both image and video with nonlinear pattern alignment and directional interpolation. By this intraframe error concealment algorithm, first the nonlinear pattern alignment based on a variant version of the dynamic programming algorithm is applied to image pixels around a corrupted region. The nonlinear pattern alignment effectively provides the best aligned pixel pairs from boundary pixels around the corrupted region to dynamically capture local image textures in terms of optimized metric. Then, with the aligned pixel pairs, the directional interpolation algorithm is used to recover image pixels in the corrupted region. From computer simulation in both image and video, the proposed intraframe error concealment provides much better quality improvement of recovered image pixels comparing to that of the bilinear interpolation approach.
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) – a biomarker of renal dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis: Do we have enough proof?

Rationale. Renal dysfunction has a serious impact on the natural evolution of liver cirrhosis. Treatment and prognosis may be improved if an early diagnosis could be established, and specific therapeutic interventions would be applied. Although RIFLE and AKIN classifications have been successfully implemented in the clinical practice of Nephrology and Intensive Care Units, these did not provide major improvements in patients with liver cirrhosis. In the last decade, various biomarkers of kidney injury have been assessed, and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) is one of the most promising and most studied novel biomarker. Objective. To offer a brief evaluation on current data on the utility of this biomarker in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods and results. We have searched through current literature and analyzed all significant full text articles on this topic. Discussions. NGAL and other new kidney injury molecules may be useful in patients with liver cirrhosis, particularly in identifying structural kidney dysfunction, but larger validation studies to confirm this observation are needed. Abbreviations: ADQI = Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative, AKI = acute kidney injury, AKIN = Acute Kidney Injury Network, ATN = acute tubular necrosis, CKD = chronic kidney disease, Cys C = cystatin C, GFR = glomerular filtration rate, HRS = hepatorenal syndrome, IAC = International Ascites Club, IL-18 = interleukin-18, KIM-1 = kidney injury molecule-1, L-FABP = liver-type fatty acid-binding protein, LT = liver transplantation, MDRD6 = Modification of Diet in Renal Disease 6, NAG = N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, NGAL = Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, pi-GST = pi-glutathione S-transferase, PRA = prerenal azotemia, RBP = retinol binding protein, RRT = renal replacement therapies, SCr = serum creatinine, SLKT = simultaneous liver and kidney transplant, UO = urine output, γ-GT = γ-glutamyl transpeptidase
A Dynamic Model for Hard-to-Borrow Stocks

We study the price-evolution of stocks that are subject to restrictions on short-selling, generically referred to as hard-to-borrow. Such stocks are either subject to regulatory short-selling restrictions or have insufficient float available for lending. Traders with short positions risk being bought-in, in the sense that their positions may be closed out by the clearing firm at market prices. The model we present consists of a coupled system of stochastic differential equations describing the stock price and the buy-in rate, an additional factor absent in standard models. The conclusion of the model is that short-sale restrictions result in increased prices and volatilities. Our model prices options as if the stock paid a continuous dividend, reflecting a modified form of Put-Call parity. Another consequence is that stocks that do not pay a dividend may have calls subject to early exercise. Both features are in agreement with empirical observations on hard-to-borrow stocks.
Black-Box Randomized Reductions in Algorithmic Mechanism Design

We give the first black-box reduction from arbitrary approximation algorithms to truthful approximation mechanisms for a non-trivial class of multi-parameter problems. Specifically, we prove that every packing problem that admits an FPTAS also admits a truthful-in-expectation randomized mechanism that is an FPTAS. Our reduction makes novel use of smoothed analysis, by employing small perturbations as a tool in algorithmic mechanism design. We develop a “duality'' between linear perturbations of the objective function of an optimization problem and of its feasible set, and use the “primal'' and “dual'' viewpoints to prove the running time bound and the truthfulness guarantee, respectively, for our mechanism.
Accelerometer-Triggered Electrical Stimulation for Reach and Grasp in Chronic Stroke Patients

Background. Electrical stimulation of the upper extremity may reduce impairment in patients following stroke. Stimulation triggered on demand combined with task practice may be an effective means of promoting recovery of function. Objective. The authors investigated the feasibility of using accelerometer-controlled electrical stimulation for the elbow, wrist, and finger extensors to enable functional task practice in patients with chronic hemiparesis. Methods.Following a 4-week baseline, participants received 2 weeks of cyclic stimulation exercise to elbow and forearm extensor muscles, followed by 10 weeks of triggered stimulation to practice functional reaching. Participants were reassessed 12 weeks later as well. Outcome measures were the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), and Use of Device Questionnaire (UDQ). Results. Fifteen volunteers who had at least 45° of forward shoulder flexion and could initiate elbow extension and grasp completed the study. The ARAT score improved from 19 to 32 (P = .002); the MAS score for elbow, wrist, and finger flexor spasticity was reduced from 2 each to 1, 0, and 1 (P < .05); the COPM performance and satisfaction scores improved (P = .001); and the PIADS became positive for competence (P = .005), adaptability (P = .008), and self-esteem (P = .008). Gains were maintained 12 weeks later. Conclusions. Accelerometer-triggered electrical stimulation to augment task training for the hemiplegic arm is feasible and may improve functional ability and quality of life which may be maintained 12 weeks after treatment. A randomized trial design is required to evaluate efficacy and cost benefit.
Physicochemical and crystalline properties of heat-moisture-treated rice starch: combined effects of moisture and duration of heating.

BACKGROUND Currently there is much interest in the application of physical modification techniques such as heat-moisture treatment (HMT). The effects of HMT on normal and waxy rice starches, subject to different levels of moisture content and duration of heating, were investigated. RESULTS Water solubility index (determined at 90 °C) decreased after HMT for normal and waxy rice starches, while swelling power (determined at 90 °C) showed inconsistent results (decrease for normal type, increase for waxy type) after HMT. Values in pasting parameters of normal and waxy rice starch increased initially, but the extent of increase slowed down with moisture content and length of treatment increasing. HMT decreased gelatinization temperatures with 4 h and 8 h treatment, but when length of treatment was prolonged to 16 h gelatinization temperature increased. Degree of crystallinity decreased for all treatments, and decreased much more at higher levels of moisture content. CONCLUSION Variations in levels of moisture content and duration of heating had significant effects on physicochemical and crystalline properties to different extents.
Word-length effects in backward serial recall and the remember/know task

This study tested an item-order explanation of word-length effects in backward serial recall and recognition. It examined (a) whether the superior recall for short words expected for order-based tasks, and consistently found in forward serial recall, would apply also to backward serial recall; (b) whether the superior recall for long words expected for item-based tasks would apply to recognition; and (c) whether there was evidence for qualitative differences in processing between long and short words. Twenty adults performed backward serial recall and recognition tasks based on five-word lists of short and long words. They then completed a remember/know task requiring them to classify each recognized word as being consciously recollected (remember) or as just being familiar (know). The results showed that backward serial recall was better for short words than for long words, whereas recognition was better for long words than for short words. These opposing word-length effects were consistent with the item-order explanation. The remember/know analysis showed that long words were more likely to be classified as consciously remembered than as just familiar, whereas for short words there was no difference. This suggested that long words were encoded with more episodic information than short words during initial processing.
Plantar Fasciitis: Are Pain and Fascial Thickness Associated With Arch Shape and Loading?

Background and Purpose: Although plantar fascial thickening is a sonographic criterion for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, the effect of local loading and structural factors on fascial morphology are unknown. The purposes of this study were to compare sonographic measures of fascial thickness and radiographic measures of arch shape and regional loading of the foot during gait in individuals with and without unilateral plantar fasciitis and to investigate potential relationships between these loading and structural factors and the morphology of the plantar fascia in individuals with and without heel pain. Subjects: The participants were 10 subjects with unilateral plantar fasciitis and 10 matched asymptomatic controls. Methods: Heel pain on weight bearing was measured by a visual analog scale. Fascial thickness and static arch angle were determined from bilateral sagittal sonograms and weight-bearing lateral foot roentgenograms. Regional plantar loading was estimated from a pressure plate. Results: On average, the plantar fascia of the symptomatic limb was thicker than the plantar fascia of the asymptomatic limb (6.1±1.4 mm versus 4.2±0.5 mm), which, in turn, was thicker than the fascia of the matched control limbs (3.4±0.5 mm and 3.5±0.6 mm). Pain was correlated with fascial thickness, arch angle, and midfoot loading in the symptomatic foot. Fascial thickness, in turn, was positively correlated with arch angle in symptomatic and asymptomatic feet and with peak regional loading of the midfoot in the symptomatic limb. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings indicate that fascial thickness and pain in plantar fasciitis are associated with the regional loading and static shape of the arch.
The Results of Adductor Magnus Tenodesis in Adolescents with Recurrent Patellar Dislocation

Recurrent dislocation of the patella is a common orthopaedic problem which occurs in about 44% of cases after first-time dislocation. In most cases of first-time patellar dislocation, the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) becomes damaged. Between 2010 and 2012, 33 children and adolescents (39 knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation were treated with MPFL reconstruction using the adductor magnus tendon. The aim of our study is to assess the effectiveness of this surgical procedure. The outcomes were evaluated functionally (Lysholm knee scale, the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, and isokinetic examination) and radiographically (Caton index, sulcus angle, congruence angle, and patellofemoral angle). Four patients demonstrated redislocation with MPFL graft failure, despite the fact that patellar tracking was found to be normal before the injury, and the patients had not reported any symptoms. Statistically significant improvements in Lysholm and Kujala scales, in patellofemoral and congruence angle, were seen (P < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement in the peak torque of the quadriceps muscle and flexor was observed for 60°/sec and 180°/sec angular velocities (P = 0.01). Our results confirm the efficacy of MPFL reconstruction using the adductor magnus tendon in children and adolescents with recurrent patellar dislocation.
Validation of Methylation Biomarkers that Distinguish Normal Colon Mucosa of Cancer Patients from Normal Colon Mucosa of Patients without Cancer

We have validated differences in DNA methylation levels of candidate genes previously reported to discriminate between normal colon mucosa of patients with colon cancer and normal colon mucosa of individuals without cancer. Here, we report that CpG sites in 16 of the 30 candidate genes selected show significant differences in mean methylation level in normal colon mucosa of 24 patients with cancer and 24 controls. A support vector machine trained on these data and data for an additional 66 CpGs yielded an 18-gene signature, composed of ten of the validated candidate genes plus eight additional candidates. This model exhibited 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity in a 40-sample training set and classified all eight samples in the test set correctly. Moreover, we found a moderate–strong correlation (Pearson coefficients r = 0.253–0.722) between methylation levels in colon mucosa and methylation levels in peripheral blood for seven of the 18 genes in the support vector model. These seven genes, alone, classified 44 of the 48 patients in the validation set correctly and five CpGs selected from only two of the seven genes classified 41 of the 48 patients in the discovery set correctly. These results suggest that methylation biomarkers may be developed that will, at minimum, serve as useful objective and quantitative diagnostic complements to colonoscopy as a cancer-screening tool. These data also suggest that it may be possible to monitor biomarker methylation levels in tissues collected much less invasively than by colonoscopy. Cancer Prev Res; 7(7); 717–26. ©2014 AACR.
The Pursuit of Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education for Children with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders

Colleagues in the field of mental health have made considerable progress developing inventories of evidence-based practice; however, the field of special education for children with emotional or behavioral disorders has only recently begun to do so. This paper provides some personal reflections on four major issues for consideration as we pursue evidence-based practice in this field, including: (1) the nature of acceptable evidence; (2) the sustainability of evidence-based practice; (3) the overlap of learning disabilities and emotional or behavioral disorders; and (4) the context of special education in the field of mental health. Such problems are formidable and remain largely unresolved as we enter a new phase of deliberation regarding evidence-based practice.