Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The psychobiology of trait shame in young women: extending the social self preservation theory.

OBJECTIVE The social self preservation theory (SSPT) proposes that social evaluative threat evokes the emotion of shame, which then shapes a coordinated psychobiological response. While this is supported in acute stress studies, there is no data on chronic experiences of shame. DESIGN We investigated the association of trait shame with activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and regulation of inflammation in n = 56 young women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Daily profiles of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were assessed as indices of HPA axis and SNS activity, respectively. Inflammatory regulation was assessed by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production and glucocorticoid inhibition of interleukin-6 in vitro. RESULTS Trait shame was associated with SNS (r = .49; p = .001), but not HPA activity (r = .14; ns). Shame was associated with inflammatory activity (r = .35; p = .006) and glucocorticoid sensitivity (r = -0.43; p = .001). Relationships were not mediated by HPA and SNS activity. CONCLUSIONS Results support SSPT predictions with respect to chronic shame experience and inflammation. Results further suggest the importance of SNS activation related to shame, and the possibility that HPA activation may be limited acute experiences of shame.
Effects of Representational Realism in 3D Violent Games

PCT No. PCT/SE97/01976 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 18, 1999 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 18, 1999 PCT Filed Nov. 28, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO98/28561 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 2, 1998A valve for regulating a flow of gas, has a valve body with an inlet for the gas to be regulated, an outlet for a regulated flow of a gas, a valve seat with a valve opening, a moving closure part having a tensioned membrane mounted inside the valve body and a plunger, which is movable by a plunger actuator, whose end acts on the membrane, causing the closure part to close and open the valve opening and regulate the flow of gas through same. The flow of gas can be simply and inexpensively regulated, with great accuracy and repeatability and which forms a hermetic seal when the valve is in the closed position, a rigid, flat plate is be arranged opposite the valve seat the plate having a surface area which is at least equal to the surface area of the valve seat. The plate is arranged so that it follows the axial movements of the membrane and can be tilted in relation to the plunger's longitudinal axis, and the part of the plunger end acting on the membrane has a surface area smaller than the surface area of the valve seat.
Hepatitis C Virus Protects Human B Lymphocytes from Fas-Mediated Apoptosis via E2-CD81 Engagement

HCV infection is often associated with B-cell regulatory control disturbance and delayed appearance of neutralizing antibodies. CD81 is a cellular receptor for HCV and can bind to HCV envelope protein 2 (E2). CD81 also participates to form a B cell costimulatory complex. To investigate whether HCV influences B cell activation and immune function through E2 -CD81 engagement, here, human Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Raji cells and primary human B lymphocytes (PHB) were treated with HCV E2 protein and cell culture produced HCV particles (HCVcc), and then the related cell phenotypes were assayed. The results showed that both E2 and HCVcc triggered phosphorylation of IκBα, enhanced the expression of anti-apoptosis Bcl-2 family proteins, and protected Raji cells and PHB cells from Fas-mediated death. In addition, both E2 protein and HCVcc increased the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and CD81 itself, and decreased the expression of complement receptor CD21. The effects were dependent on E2-CD81 interaction on the cell surface, since CD81-silenced Raji cells did not respond to both treatments; and an E2 mutant that lose the CD81 binding activity, could not trigger the responses of both Raji cells and PHB cells. The effects were not associated with HCV replication in cells, for HCV pseudoparticle (HCVpp) and HCVcc failed to infect Raji cells. Hence, E2-CD81 engagement may contribute to HCV-associated B cell lymphoproliferative disorders and insufficient neutralizing antibody production.
Overtime Work as a Predictor of Major Depressive Episode: A 5-Year Follow-Up of the Whitehall II Study

Background The association between overtime work and depression is still unclear. This study examined the association between overtime work and the onset of a major depressive episode (MDE). Methodology/Principal Findings Prospective cohort study with a baseline examination of working hours, psychological morbidity (an indicator of baseline depression) and depression risk factors in 1991–1993 and a follow-up of major depressive episode in 1997–1999 (mean follow-up 5.8 years) among British civil servants (the Whitehall II study; 1626 men, 497 women, mean age 47 years at baseline). Onset of 12-month MDE was assessed by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) at follow-up. In prospective analysis of participants with no psychological morbidity at baseline, the odds ratio for a subsequent major depressive episode was 2.43 (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 5.30) times higher for those working 11+ hours a day compared to employees working 7–8 hours a day, when adjusted for socio-demographic factors at baseline. Further adjustment for chronic physical disease, smoking, alcohol use, job strain and work-related social support had little effect on this association (odds ratio 2.52; 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 5.65). Conclusions/Significance Data from middle-aged civil servants suggest that working long hours of overtime may predispose to major depressive episodes.
Attitudes towards Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People in Northern Ireland

Survey has explored issues of levels of prejudice and tolerance and people’s attitudes to other sections of the community over a number of years. Although there have been regular reviews of the changes in patterns of racism and sectarianism within Northern Ireland, this is the first Research Update to explore attitudes towards the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) population. Over the past decade the LGB population in Northern Ireland has become more visible and more active with a larger number of groups and organisations, and a higher profile for annual events such as the Belfast Pride festival. There has been greater recognition of, and legislation for LGB rights, although at the same time there has also been greater awareness of the levels of discrimination and hostility that lesbian, gay and bisexual people experience in all areas of daily life (see for example Jarman and Tennant 2003; Hansson, Dupret and Fitzpatrick 2007; McNamee, Lloyd and Schubotz 2008; O’Doherty 2009). The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) figures for recorded homophobic hate incidents and crime, for example, reveal a steep rise from the 57 incidents recorded in 2000/1 (when police records began) to 220 incidents in 2005/6 (Figure 1). And although the figures declined the following year to 155 incidents, the numbers have increased in each of the following two years.
Pharmacologic factors associated with transient neonatal symptoms following prenatal psychotropic medication exposure.

BACKGROUND Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat maternal depression and anxiety disorders during pregnancy. Recent reports suggest that prenatal SSRI exposure is associated with a neonatal discontinuation syndrome. It remains unclear whether these symptoms are directly related to SSRI exposure alone or are due to concurrent pharmacologic factors. Also, this study explores relationships between neonatal outcomes and medication levels during pregnancy, at delivery, and in the newborn period. METHOD This study sought to compare newborn behavior following second and third trimester exposure to either single-agent SSRIs (group 1) or SSRIs combined with clonazepam (group 2). A prospective cohort of mothers and their infants (N = 46) who had received SSRI medication alone or in combination with clonazepam were studied from June 1996 through June 2000 and compared with a nonexposed control group (N = 23). Infants were assessed in the newborn period for signs suggestive of a "discontinuation syndrome. " Maternal drug levels were measured during the pregnancy and at delivery. Infant drug levels from cord blood and at day 2 of life were also obtained. RESULTS Overall, 30% of the exposed infants (groups 1 and 2, N = 14) showed symptoms of transient poor neonatal adaptation compared with 9% (N = 2) of control infants. In group 1, 25% had symptoms (fluoxetine N = 3; paroxetine N = 3; sertraline N = 1) and in group 2, 39% of infants had symptoms (paroxetine with clonazepam, N = 7). Symptoms were typically mild respiratory distress and, less commonly, hypotonia. Symptoms were self limited and not associated with other neonatal conditions. When paroxetine was combined with clonazepam, infants with symptoms had significantly elevated paroxetine levels when compared with similarly exposed infants without symptoms (p <.05). Among single-agent paroxetine-exposed infants, drug levels did not differ significantly between those with and without symptoms. Maternal dose of clonazepam was significantly higher (p <.05) during pregnancy and at delivery among symptomatic infants compared with nonsymptomatic infants. Developmental outcomes at 2 and 8 months of age did not differ between symptomatic and nonsymptomatic infants. CONCLUSION While transient neonatal symptoms were found in infants after single-agent prenatal exposure to SSRIs and when paroxetine was combined with clonazepam, the addition of clonazepam appeared to alter paroxetine metabolism, leading to increased drug levels and risk for transient neonatal symptoms. These data highlight the importance of accounting for a variety of pharmacologic factors beyond single-agent SSRI exposure that may lead to poor neonatal adaptation. Further studies are needed with a larger sample of infants to determine the role of clonazepam and whether similar outcomes occur when exposure includes other SSRIs in combination with clonazepam.
Let's walk at work: persuasion through the brainwolk walking meeting app

Contemporary knowledge work is typically characterized by sedentary work habits, which in turn have an impact on workers' well-being and creativity. Persuasive technologies can be designed as a means for reducing the amount of sitting at work. Here, we discuss the results from our research to gain design knowledge and insights on persuasive technologies that encourage physically active ways of work. We introduce "Brainwolk", a walking meeting concept that is mediated with a mobile app. As a part of a broader design research process, we present the user experience (UX) findings based on a one-month field study (N=11) of Brainwolk. We utilize our findings in the design of an improved application concept (Brainwolk 2.0) to support and persuade walking meetings. We also confer insights for persuasive design to encourage physically active ways of work at knowledge work context, e.g., focusing on the discreet persuasion. Finally, we discuss the potential of combining digital and non-digital elements to form powerful persuasion techniques.
Organizational Culture Impact on Business-IT Alignment: A Case Study of a Multinational Organization

Importance of BITA has increased over the past few years. However, achieving and maturing BITA still has apparent difficulties. Therefore, research efforts resulted in a number of theoretical models that can be applied as supportive tools for assessing different components of BITA. Most of these efforts have been produced either in Anglo-Saxon Countries or based on their experiences. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of organizational culture on maturity of BITA. The paper relies on the nine dimensions of Project GLOBE to understand societal as well as organizational culture. It also relies on the bottom-up comprehensive approach of Luftman's Strategic Alignment Maturity Model to understand organization's alignment components. To fulfill the purpose of this study, a comparative analysis has been carried out between two subsidiaries of a multinational organization with a federal organizational structure that operate in Egypt and Sweden. The results shows: a) a potential difference in how different components of BITA are interpreted and implemented in different organizational culture, and b) that the impact of organizational culture on BITA maturity is more complex than what is expected especially on variables that require social interactions.
Aerobic exercise training reduces hepatic and visceral lipids in obese individuals without weight loss

Weight loss remains the most common therapy advocated for reducing hepatic lipid in obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Yet, reduction of body weight by lifestyle intervention is often modest, and thus, therapies which effectively modulate the burden of fatty liver but are not contingent upon weight loss are of the highest practical significance. However, the effect of aerobic exercise on liver fat independent of weight loss has not been clarified. We assessed the effect of aerobic exercise training on hepatic, blood, abdominal and muscle lipids in 19 sedentary obese men and women using magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). Four weeks of aerobic cycling exercise, in accordance with current physical activity guidelines, significantly reduced visceral adipose tissue volume by 12% (P < 0.01) and hepatic triglyceride concentration by 21% (P < 0.05). This was associated with a significant (14%) reduction in plasma free fatty acids (P < 0.05). Exercise training did not alter body weight, vastus lateralis intramyocellular triglyceride concentration, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue volume, 1H‐MRS–measured hepatic lipid saturation, or HOMA‐IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; P > 0.05). Conclusion: These data provide the first direct experimental evidence demonstrating that regular aerobic exercise reduces hepatic lipids in obesity even in the absence of body weight reduction. Physical activity should be strongly promoted for the management of fatty liver, the benefits of which are not exclusively contingent upon weight loss. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
A National Perspective of Do-Not-Resuscitate Order Utilization Predictors in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are linked to poorer outcomes in patients with ICH, possibly due to less active management. Demographic, regional, and social factors, not related to ICH severity, have not been adequately looked at as significant predictors of DNR utilization. We reviewed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database in 2011 for adult ICH admissions and DNR status. We generated hierarchical 2-level multivariate regression models to estimate adjusted odds ratios. We analyzed 25 768 ICH hospitalizations, 18% of which (4620 hospitalizations) had DNR orders, corresponding to national estimates of 126 254 and 22 668, respectively. In multivariable regression, female gender, white or Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, no insurance coverage, and teaching hospitals were significantly associated with increased DNR utilization after adjusting for confounders. There was also significantly more interhospital variability in the lowest quartile of hospital volume. In conclusion, demographic factors and insurance status are significantly associated with increased DNR utilization, with more individual hospital variability in low-volume hospitals. The reasons for this are likely qualitative and linked to patient, provider, and hospital practices.
Comments On String Theory

String theory avoids the ultraviolet infinities that arise in trying to quantize gravity. It is also more predictive than conventional quantum field theory, one aspect of this being the way that it contributed to the emergence of the concept of ``supersymmetry'' of particle interactions. There are hints from the successes of supersymmetric unified theories of particle interactions that supersymmetry is relevant to elementary particles at energies close to current accelerator energies; if this is so, it will be confirmed experimentally and supersymmetry is then also likely to be important in cosmology, in connection with dark matter, baryogenesis, and/or inflation. Magnetic monopoles play an important role in the structure of string theory, and thus should certainly exist, if string theory is correct, though they may have been diluted by inflation to an unobservable level. The monopole mass in many attractive models is near the Planck mass, but, if unification of elementary particle forces with gravity occurs near TeV energies through large or warped extra dimensions, as in some recent models, then monopoles should be below 100 TeV and in an astrophysical context would be ultrarelativistic. In such models, supersymmetry would definitely be expected at TeV energies.
Banking Market Structure, Financial Dependence and Growth: International Evidence from Industry Data

This paper explores the empirical relevance of banking market structure on growth. There is substantial evidence of a positive relationship between the level of development of the banking sector of an economy and its long-run output growth. Little is known, however, about the role played by the market structure of the banking sector on the dynamics of capital accumulation. This paper provides evidence that bank concentration promotes the growth of those industrial sectors that are more in need of external finance by facilitating credit access to younger firms. However, we also find evidence of a general depressing effect on growth associated with a concentrated banking industry, which impacts all sectors and all firms indiscriminately.
Does the need for agreement among reviewers inhibit the publication controversial findings?

Controversial empirical papers are expected to receive harsh treatment in peer review, but our survey indicates that such works occasionally get published, sometimes without much peer agreement. More can be done to encourage publication, however. We suggest ways to accomplish this, in particular, the use of an advocacy procedure that explicitly recognizes the need to promote this type of research.
The Development of Children's Brand Knowledge: A Preliminary Investigation.

‘Children are the future’. With this in mind many marketers are seizing the opportunity to gain a head start on branding themselves in the hopes of growing future loyal customers. This paper examines the role that various agents play in the development of children's brand knowledge. The results suggest that brand name plays a more dominant role in children’s (aged six – 14 years) brand knowledge than a brand’s logo. Results also indicate that age and peer influence significantly impact upon children’s brand knowledge, whereby older children and those children who observe peer brand usage on a more regular basis have a greater level of brand knowledge. Other influencing agents (parental influence, product usage, advertising exposure and market exposure) are found not to have a significant influence on children’s brand knowledge.
Computational Principles of Cortical Representation and Development

In making sense of the world, brains actively reformat noisy and complex incoming sensory data to better serve the organism’s behavioral needs. In vision, retinal input is transformed into rich object-centric scenes; in audition, sound waves are transformed into words and sentences. As a computational neuroscientist with a background in applied mathematics, my basic goal is to reverse-engineer the algorithmic principles underlying these sensory transformations. I think of the processes that shape any given sensory system as having three basic components: (i) an architecture class from which the system is built, embodying our knowledge about the area’s anatomical and connectivity structure; (ii) a behavioral task that the system must accomplish, representing what we think the sensory area does; and (iii) a learning rule that selects a specific architecture from the class and refines it to best accomplish the behavioral goal. In my work, I fit these three components together to make detailed computational models that yield testable predictions about neural data. My program begins by applying this approach to model neural responses in ventral visual cortex, and is grounded in recent algorithmic advances in invariant object recognition (§ 1). These advances help lay a foundation for exploring richer visual tasks beyond object categorization (§ 2), modeling other sensory domains such as audition (§ 3), and studying the learning rules active during visual development (§ 4).
A class of index coding problems with rate 1/3

An index coding problem with n messages has symmetric rate R if all n messages can be conveyed at rate R. In a recent work, a class of index coding problems for which symmetric rate 1/3 is achievable was characterised using special properties of the side-information available at the receivers. In this paper, we show a larger class of index coding problems (which includes the previous class of problems) for which symmetric rate 1/3 is achievable. In the process, we also obtain a stricter necessary condition for rate 1/3 feasibility than what is known in literature.
Individual colour patches as multicomponent signals

Colour patches are complex traits, the components of which may evolve independently through a variety of mechanisms. Although usually treated as simple, two‐dimensional characters and classified as either structural or pigmentary, in reality colour patches are complicated, three‐dimensional structures that often contain multiple pigment types and structural features. The basic dermal chromatophore unit of fishes, reptiles and amphibians consists of three contiguous cell layers. Xanthophores and erythrophores in the outermost layer contain carotenoid and pteridine pigments that absorb short‐wave light; iridophores in the middle layer contain crystalline platelets that reflect light back through the xanthophores; and melanophores in the basal layer contain melanins that absorb light across the spectrum. Changes in any one component of a chromatophore unit can drastically alter the reflectance spectrum produced, and for any given adaptive outcome (e.g. an increase in visibility), there may be multiple biochemical or cellular routes that evolution could take, allowing for divergent responses by different populations or species to similar selection regimes. All of the mechanisms of signal evolution that previously have been applied to single ornaments (including whole colour patches) could potentially be applied to the individual components of colour patches. To reach a complete understanding of colour patch evolution, however, it may be necessary to take an explicitly multi‐trait approach. Here, we review multiple trait evolution theory and the basic mechanisms of colour production in fishes, reptiles and amphibians, and use a combination of computer simulations and empirical examples to show how multiple trait evolution theory can be applied to the components of single colour patches. This integrative perspective on animal colouration opens up a host of new questions and hypotheses. We offer specific, testable functional hypotheses for the most common pigmentary (carotenoid, pteridine and melanin) and structural components of vertebrate colour patches.