Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emotions in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia during evaluation with positron emission tomography.

OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia is currently conceptualized as a disease of functional neural connectivity, leading to symptoms that affect aspects of mental activity, including perception, attention, memory, and emotion. The neural substrates of its emotional components have not been extensively studied with functional neuroimaging. Previous neuroimaging studies have examined medicated patients with schizophrenia. The authors measured regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during performance of a task that required unmedicated patients to recognize the emotional valence of visual images and to determine whether they were pleasant or unpleasant. METHOD The authors examined rCBF in 17 healthy volunteers and 18 schizophrenia patients who had not received antipsychotic medications for at least 3 weeks during responses to pleasant and unpleasant visual stimuli. Areas of relative increases or decreases in rCBF were measured by using the [(15)O]H(2)O method. RESULTS When patients consciously evaluated the unpleasant images, they did not activate the phylogenetically older fear-danger recognition circuit (e.g., the amygdala) used by the healthy volunteers, although they correctly rated them as unpleasant. Likewise, the patients showed no activation in areas of the prefrontal cortex normally used to recognize the images as pleasant and were unable to recognize them as such. Areas of decreased CBF were widely distributed and comprised subcortical regions such as the thalamus and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS This failure of the neural systems used to support emotional attribution is consistent with pervasive problems in experiencing emotions by schizophrenia patients. The widely distributed nature of the abnormalities suggests the importance of subcortical nodes in overall dysfunctional connectivity.
(Measured) Profit is Not Welfare: Evidence from an Experiment on Bundling Microcredit and Insurance

We investigate the puzzle of microfinance: that loans generate large measured returns for businesses, yet loan take-up is low and the businesses often close. We analyze a randomized trial that bundled microfinance loans with a cheap health insurance policy. Requiring clients to purchase insurance substantially lowered loan renewal. The insurance was useless, due to administrative failures, but reduced loan renewal negatively impacted clients’ businesses. Clients' decision to incur substantial business losses, rather than pay modest insurance premiums, implies the substantial financial gains from microfinance loans are dissipated by unmeasured costs and provide little net value to microfinance clients.
Isoperimetric Inequalities and Imbedding Theorems in Irregular Domains

The paper proves several weighted imbedding theorems for domains with fractal boundaries. The weights considered are distances to the boundary to certain powers, and the domains are so‐called s‐John domains. The paper also proves, in the general setting, that the existence of an imbedding implies compactness of the imbedding for lower exponents. Moreover, following Maz'ya, the paper reformulates the imbedding theorems in the language of local isoperimetric and capacity estimates.
Berberine and Its More Biologically Available Derivative, Dihydroberberine, Inhibit Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex I

OBJECTIVE—Berberine (BBR) activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and improves insulin sensitivity in rodent models of insulin resistance. We investigated the mechanism of activation of AMPK by BBR and explored whether derivatization of BBR could improve its in vivo efficacy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—AMPK phosphorylation was examined in L6 myotubes and LKB1−/− cells, with or without the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CAMKK) inhibitor STO-609. Oxygen consumption was measured in L6 myotubes and isolated muscle mitochondria. The effect of a BBR derivative, dihydroberberine (dhBBR), on adiposity and glucose metabolism was examined in rodents fed a high-fat diet. RESULTS—We have made the following novel observations: 1) BBR dose-dependently inhibited respiration in L6 myotubes and muscle mitochondria, through a specific effect on respiratory complex I, similar to that observed with metformin and rosiglitazone; 2) activation of AMPK by BBR did not rely on the activity of either LKB1 or CAMKKβ, consistent with major regulation at the level of the AMPK phosphatase; and 3) a novel BBR derivative, dhBBR, was identified that displayed improved in vivo efficacy in terms of counteracting increased adiposity, tissue triglyceride accumulation, and insulin resistance in high-fat–fed rodents. This effect is likely due to enhanced oral bioavailability. CONCLUSIONS—Complex I of the respiratory chain represents a major target for compounds that improve whole-body insulin sensitivity through increased AMPK activity. The identification of a novel derivative of BBR with improved in vivo efficacy highlights the potential importance of BBR as a novel therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The Dynamics of Internal Working Surfaces in Magnetohydrodynamic Jets

The dynamical effects of magnetic fields in models of radiative Herbig-Haro jets have been studied in a number of papers. For example, magnetized radiative jets from variable sources have been studied with axisymmetric and three-dimensional numerical simulations. In this paper, we present an analytical model describing the effect of a toroidal magnetic field on the internal working surfaces that result from the presence of variability in the ejection velocity. We find that for parameters appropriate to Herbig-Haro jets, the forces associated with the magnetic field dominate over the gas pressure force within the working surfaces. Depending on the ram pressure radial cross section of the jet, the magnetic field can produce a strong axial pinch or, alternatively, a broadening of the internal working surfaces. We check the validity of our analytical model with axisymmetric numerical simulations of variable magnetized jets.
Metabolic Syndrome Components Are Associated with Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: The Wakayama Spine Study

Objective The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between metabolic syndrome (MS) components, such as overweight (OW), hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia (DL), and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and intervertebral disc degeneration (DD). Design The present study included 928 participants (308 men, 620 women) of the 1,011 participants in the Wakayama Spine Study. DD on magnetic resonance imaging was classified according to the Pfirrmann system. OW, HT, DL, and IGT were assessed using the criteria of the Examination Committee of Criteria for MS in Japan. Results Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that OW was significantly associated with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar DD (cervical: odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92–1.78; thoracic: OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.24–2.51; lumbar: OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.06–3.48). HT and IGT were significantly associated with thoracic DD (HT: OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09–2.18; IGT: OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.12–2.48). Furthermore, subjects with 1 or more MS components had a higher OR for thoracic DD compared with those without MS components (vs. no component; 1 component: OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.03–2.42; 2 components: OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.62–4.20; ≥3 components: OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.42–5.00). Conclusion MS components were significantly associated with thoracic DD. Furthermore, accumulation of MS components significantly increased the OR for thoracic DD. These findings support the need for further studies of the effects of metabolic abnormality on DD.
Impact of User Pairing on 5G Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) represents a paradigm shift from conventional orthogonal multiple access (MA) concepts, and has been recognized as one of the key enabling technologies for 5G systems. In this paper, the impact of user pairing on the performance of two NOMA systems, NOMA with fixed power allocation (F-NOMA) and cognitive radio inspired NOMA (CR-NOMA), is characterized. For FNOMA, both analytical and numerical results are provided to demonstrate that F-NOMA can offer a larger sum rate than orthogonal MA, and the performance gain of F-NOMA over conventional MA can be further enlarged by selecting users whose channel conditions are more distinctive. For CR-NOMA, the quality of service (QoS) for users with the poorer channel condition can be guaranteed since the transmit power allocated to other users is constrained following the concept of cognitive radio networks. Because of this constraint, CR-NOMA has different behavior compared to F-NOMA. For example, for the user with the best channel condition, CR-NOMA prefers to pair it with the user with the second best channel condition, whereas the user with the worst channel condition is preferred by F-NOMA.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in Toll-like receptor signaling

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in the innate immune response against pathogens. Each TLR recognizes specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns, after which they activate the adaptor protein MyD88 or TRIF-assembled signaling complex to produce immune mediators, including inflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs. Although the activation of TLR is important for host defense, its uncontrolled activation can damage the host. During the past decade, numerous studies have demonstrated that GSK3β is a key regulator of inflammatory cytokine production in MyD88-mediated TLR signaling via TLR2 and TLR4. Recently, GSK3β has also been implicated in the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway via TLR3. In this review, we describe current advances on the regulatory role of GSK3β in immune responses associated with various TLRs. A better understanding of the role of GSK3β in TLR signaling might lead to more effective anti-inflammatory interventions. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(6): 305-310]
Human Serum Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Human dental pulp is a promising alternative source of stem cells for cell-based tissue engineering in regenerative medicine, for the easily recruitment with low invasivity for the patient and for the self-renewal and differentiation potential of cells. So far, in vitro culture of mesenchymal stem cells is usually based on supplementing culture and differentiation media with foetal calf serum (FCS). FCS is known to contain a great quantity of growth factors, and thus to promote cell attachment on plastic surface as well as expansion and differentiation. Nevertheless, FCS as an animal origin supplement may represent a potential means for disease transmission besides leading to a xenogenic immune response. Therefore, a significant interest is focused on investigating alternative supplements, in order to obtain a sufficient cell number for clinical application, avoiding the inconvenients of FCS use. In our study we have demonstrated that human serum (HS) is a suitable alternative to FCS, indeed its addition to culture medium induces a high hDPSCs proliferation rate and improves the in vitro osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, hDPSCs-collagen constructs, pre-differentiated with HS-medium in vitro for 10 days, when implanted in immunocompromised rats, are able to restore critical size parietal bone defects. Therefore these data indicate that HS is a valid substitute for FCS to culture and differentiate in vitro hDPSCs in order to obtain a successful bone regeneration in vivo.
‘It is ok to be drunk, but not too drunk’: party socialising, drinking ideals, and learning trajectories in Swedish adolescent discourse on alcohol use

ABSTRACT This study explores adolescent reasoning behind the use of alcohol at different types of parties, often house parties, and about the strategies to achieve maturity and prevent losing control. The data consist of semi-structured interviews with 23 adolescents aged 16–18 years (16 males and seven females). The interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive, thematic approach. All informants had personal experience with drinking at parties in different social settings. Our results suggest that the process of learning how to drink, often through failure in terms of being intoxicated, is important for adolescents’ who strive to control their alcohol intake resulted in a good time and a break from everyday life. Furthermore, the results indicate that different social settings and party types engender different drinking patterns. Maturity and controlled conduct come across as desired ideals that provide a person with symbolic capital and thus, social status.
Advancement in Productivity of Arabic into English Machine Translation Systems from 2008 to 2013.

This paper attempts to compare between the advancements in the productivity of Arabic into English Machine Translation Systems between two years, 2008 and 2013. It also aims to evaluate the progress achieved by various systems of Arabic into English electronic translation between the two years. For tracing such advancement, a comparative analysis of translated texts taken from previous studies were re-evaluated according to certain criteria by focusing on the functional characteristics and sub-characteristics of the output: reliability, fidelity, terminology, and syntax. This re-evaluation proposes to develop metrics related to these four functional criteria. The data used in this study are the same five text-genres that have been evaluated by one of the researchers in 2008 that covered technical, legal, literary, journalistic, and economic topics translated from Arabic into English using seven Machine Translation systems: Google, Ajeeb, Professional Translator, 1-800-translate, World lingo, Tran Sphere, and An-Nakel. The translated texts were analyzed to identify errors, deficiencies, limitations, and loss of meaning. Results of this analysis were compared with those findings achieved in 2008 so as to bring together complementary innovative progress in the production of Machine Translation. The findings revealed certain advancement in the translated production of Google system compared with the deficiencies of the other six systems in all the functional characteristics of the output. Key words: Machine translation evaluation, Arabic into English translation, functional characteristics of output.
Prescription Pattern of Antihypertensive Agents in T2DM Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Centre in North India

Background. Hypertension management is of a paramount importance in diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk reduction. Aim. To evaluate prescribing pattern of antihypertensive in T2DM (type 2 diabetes) patients and compare with existing recent guidelines. Methods. A cross-sectional study involving evaluation of all T2DM patients referred to endocrinology unit at tertiary care centre for hypertension, comorbid complications, and recording prescription. Utilization of 5 different antihypertensive drug classes was compared for all patients receiving 1, 2, 3, 4, or more drugs. Logistical regression was used to assess likelihood of prescription of drugs and/or therapy for specific conditions mentioned in the guidelines. Results. Out of 1358, T2DM enrolled patients 1186 (87%) had hypertension (males 52%, females 48%). The median duration (IQ) of hypertension diabetics was 4 (1–10) years. A total of 25% patients had controlled BP and 75% with uncontrolled blood pressure (13% isolated systolic hypertension, 6% isolated diastolic hypertension, and 55% both elevated). Overall, ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) were prescribed the highest (59%) followed by angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (52%), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (29%), diuretics (27%), and beta-blockers (14%). Overall, 55% of T2DM patients were on polytherapy, 41% on monotherapy, and 4% had no antihypertensive treatment. Polytherapy was more predominant with age, duration of diabetes, duration of hypertension, and comorbid complications. Conclusion. Although prescribing pattern of antihypertensive showed adherence to existing evidence-based guidelines, higher proportion of uncontrolled hypertensive patients was found.
Topological T-duality and Kaluza–Klein monopoles

We study topological T-duality for spaces with a semi-free $S^1-$action with isolated fixed points. Physically, these correspond to spacetimes containing Kaluza-Klein monopoles. We demonstrate that the physical dyonic coordinate of such spaces has an analogue in our formalism. By analogy with the Dirac monopole, we study these spaces as gerbes. We study the effect of Topological T-duality on these gerbes.
A Test of the Linear Feature Model of Polymorphous Concept Discrimination with Pigeons

One of the most important and usually implicitly assumed models of animal concept discrimination–-the feature learning theory–-was explicitly tested with pigeons. In an experiment that employed a novel method of housing and testing, pigeons were trained to discriminate between two sets of Brunswik faces that differed along four dimensions, each represented by three values. The category rule was defined as an additive combination (sum) of the four feature values and thus resembles the polymorphous m-out-of-n rule. In the course of training, the birds tended to classify members of the categories according to their feature sum. This result was confirmed by the fact that the weightings assigned to each feature were similar in the final stage of training. A multiple regression analysis of the response rates enabled the classification decisions of the pigeons to be predicted from the linear feature model in accordance with feature learning theory.
Age-Dependent Degeneration of Mature Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells Following NMDA Receptor Ablation

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in all hippocampal areas play an essential role in distinct processes of memory formation as well as in sustaining cell survival of postnatally generated neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG). In contrast to the beneficial effects, over-activation of NMDARs has been implicated in many acute and chronic neurological diseases, reason why therapeutic approaches and clinical trials involving receptor blockade have been envisaged for decades. Here we employed genetically engineered mice to study the long-term effect of NMDAR ablation on selective hippocampal neuronal populations. Ablation of either GluN1 or GluN2B causes degeneration of the DG. The neuronal demise affects mature neurons specifically in the dorsal DG and is NMDAR subunit-dependent. Most importantly, the degenerative process exacerbates with increasing age of the animals. These results lead us to conclude that mature granule cells in the dorsal DG undergo neurodegeneration following NMDAR ablation in aged mouse. Thus, caution needs to be exerted when considering long-term administration of NMDAR antagonists for therapeutic purposes.
1 “ Only the Interested Learn ” – A Model of Proactive Learning of Product Reviews

We develop a sequential learning model to analyze how consumers proactively acquire product quality information through reading online product reviews. Product reviews are often treated as exogenous quality signals in the Internet word-of-mouth literature. Review reading, however, is a costly activity undertaken in a deliberate manner. Our model casts consumers' review reading process in a rational framework. In our model, whether a consumer reads reviews, and of which products, depend on the consumer's information set and expectations. We estimate the model using a rich dataset from a restaurant review website which contains information on both browsing and purchase. We find strong evidence of consumers consciously seeking product reviews, and parameter estimates reveal distinct types of information acquisition behaviors. Comparison with alternative models shows that taking reviews as exogenous signals leads to biased estimates on quality levels and signal precisions. Counterfactual analysis further shows that the reviews a consumer sees earlier is more consequential, due partly to their impact on subsequent search actions, and that sorting reviews from lowest to highest ratings leads to highest differentiation across products. Our study is the first to analyze consumer's review reading process and to analyze the effect of reviews in this dynamic context.
The Role of Proteoglycans in Contributing to Placental Thrombosis and Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal growth restriction is an important pregnancy complication that has major consequences for the fetus and neonate as well as an increased risk of long-term morbidity extending into adulthood. The precise aetiology of most cases of fetal growth restriction is unknown although placental thrombosis is a common feature in many of these cases. This paper will outline the potential role of proteoglycans in contributing to placental thrombosis and fetal growth restriction.
Demand for Long-term Care: Projections of Long-term Care Finance for Elderly People.

How best to finance long-term care has become in recent years a highly topical issue. A range of factors have encouraged debate. These include the projected continued growth in the numbers of very elderly people, uncertainty about future levels of family care, and more generally uncertainty about future levels of need for long-term services. To inform debate it would be most valuable to have reliable projections of two key variables. The first is the likely level of demand for long-term care services under different scenarios about changes in life and health expectancy and in socio-economic variables. The second is the costs associated with meeting the expected demand for care and the distribution of these costs under different policies and funding mechanisms. Projections have been made for this country by at least three agencies. The Institute of Actuaries (Nuttall et al., 1994) has made projections of the likely numbers of disabled people and of the costs of caring for them on varying assumptions. London Economics and the Institute for Public Policy Research (Richards et al., 1996) have made projections of future patterns of demand and supply of long-term care and associated costs. The Department of Health has also made broad projections of expenditure on long-term care on a range of assumptions (House of Commons Health Committee, 1996). The Department of Health agreed a new study of long-term care demand and finance as part of the PSSRU's long-run programme of research at the London School of Economics. This report describes the model developed by the PSSRU, discusses some of the key issues that were addressed in producing the model, and outlines some illustrative projections made using the model.
Daily motivation of volunteers in healthcare organizations: relating team inclusion and intrinsic motivation using self-determination theory

ABSTRACT The work of volunteers is indispensable for the well functioning of healthcare organizations, and for maintaining the quality of care in times of austerity. As feelings of intrinsic motivation stimulate volunteer well-being and their long-term engagement, we study how team inclusion relates to volunteers’ intrinsic motivation during their activities. We hypothesize that volunteers’ perceptions of inclusion are positively related to intrinsic motivation, via the satisfaction of their basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. To test our hypothesis, we conducted a daily-diary study, obtaining a final sample of 43 volunteers and 204 completed diaries. Multilevel path analyses showed that team inclusion was positively related to volunteers’ intrinsic motivation during their activities. Subsequent mediation analyses revealed that competence and relatedness need satisfaction mediated this relationship. Thus, when volunteers feel part of the team with which they complete their activities, they experience intrinsic motivation because feeling included stimulates their feelings of being competent and being related to others.