Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modafinil Shifts Human Locus Coeruleus to Low-Tonic, High-Phasic Activity During Functional MRI

Models of cognitive control posit a key modulatory role for the pontine locus coeruleus–norepinephrine (LC-NE) system. In nonhuman primates, phasic LC-NE activity confers adaptive adjustments in cortical gain in task-relevant brain networks, and in performance, on a trial-by-trial basis. This model has remained untested in humans. We used the pharmacological agent modafinil to promote low-tonic/high-phasic LC-NE activity in healthy humans performing a cognitive control task during event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Modafanil administration was associated with decreased task-independent, tonic LC activity, increased task-related LC and prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity, and enhanced LC-PFC functional connectivity. These results confirm in humans the role of the LC-NE system in PFC function and cognitive control and suggest a mechanism for therapeutic action of procognitive noradrenergic agents.
Fine structure of Henneguya pilosa sp. n. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), parasite of Serrasalmus altuvei (Characidae), in Brazil.

Henneguya pilosa sp. n. , a new species of myxosporean from the gill filaments of the white piranha, Serrasalmus altuvei Ramirez, 1965 (Characidae), a freshwater teleost fish collected in the Zoological Garden of the city of Teresina (Piauí), Brazil, is described from light and transmission electron microscope observations. This myxosporean produced small plasmodia (up to 0.2 mm in diameter), each one containing all life-cycle stages of the parasite, including numerous spores. The spores, laterally compressed, averaged 54.2 (52.3-56.0) microm in total length and consisted of two unequal valves adhering together along the suture line and two caudal processes. The spore body measured 21.1 (20.0-23.1) microm in length, 5.9 (5.5-6.3) microm in width, and 2.2 (1.9-2.6) microm in thickness. The two equal ellipsoidal polar capsules of 7.4 (7.1-7.6) microm long and 1.2 (1.0-1.3) microm wide possessed a polar filament with 11-12 (rarely 13) turns. All surfaces of the spores were covered with a tightly adherent complex network of numerous densely ramified granulo-fibrillar masses, the longest measuring 1.5 microm long, observed around the caudal processes. The prevalence of infection was 30%. The taxonomic affinities of this parasite with other of the same genus in freshwater South American fish species are discussed.
Feeling cybervictims' pain-The effect of empathy training on cyberbullying.

As the world's population increasingly relies on the use of modern technology, cyberbullying becomes an omnipresent risk for children and adolescents and demands counteraction to prevent negative (online) experiences. The classroom-based German preventive intervention "Medienhelden" (engl.: "Media Heroes") builds on previous knowledge about links between cognitive empathy, affective empathy, and cyberbullying, among others. For an evaluation study, longitudinal data were available from 722 high school students aged 11-17 years (M = 13.36, SD = 1.00, 51.8% female) before and six months after the implementation of the program. A 10-week version and a 1-day version were conducted and compared with a control group (controlled pre-long-term-follow-up study). Schools were asked to randomly assign their participating classes to the intervention conditions. Multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) showed a significant effect of the short intervention on cognitive empathy and significant effects of the long intervention on affective empathy and cyberbullying reduction. The results suggest the long-term intervention to be more effective in reducing cyberbullying and promoting affective empathy. Without any intervention, cyberbullying increased and affective empathy decreased across the study period. Empathy change was not generally directly linked to change in cyberbullying behavior. "Media Heroes" provides effective teaching materials and empowers schools to address the important topic of cyberbullying in classroom settings without costly support from the outside.
Maxine: An approachable virtual machine for, and in, java

A highly productive platform accelerates the production of research results. The design of a Virtual Machine (VM) written in the Java#8482; programming language can be simplified through exploitation of interfaces, type and memory safety, automated memory management (garbage collection), exception handling, and reflection. Moreover, modern Java IDEs offer time-saving features such as refactoring, auto-completion, and code navigation. Finally, Java annotations enable compiler extensions for low-level “systems programming” while retaining IDE compatibility. These techniques collectively make complex system software more “approachable” than has been typical in the past. The Maxine VM, a metacircular Java VM implementation, has aggressively used these features since its inception. A co-designed companion tool, the Maxine Inspector, offers integrated debugging and visualization of all aspects of the VM's runtime state. The Inspector's implementation exploits advanced Java language features, embodies intimate knowledge of the VM's design, and even reuses a significant amount of VM code directly. These characteristics make Maxine a highly approachable VM research platform and a productive basis for research and teaching.
Improving the Understanding of the Impact of Creative Problem Solving Training through an Examination of Individual Differences

OF THESIS Improving the Understanding of the Impact of Creative Problem Solving Training through an Examination of Individual Differences This thesis addressed the relationships between students who reported enjoyment of learning and the perceived future value of using the various components, stages and tools of the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process, and their CPS styles as measured by the Buffalo Creative Process Inventory (BCPI). Data was collected using the BCPI and an end-of-course survey in both graduate and undergraduate introductory CPS courses from January through December 2000. A key quantitative outcome revealed that the principles and tools in relation to the divergent thinking aspect of the CPS process were the most enjoyable to learn and rated the highest future value. Key qualitative outcomes described the CPS principle ‘Deferring Judgement’ as a significant learning from the course, as well as the incorporation of course principles into one’s personal and professional lives. In contrast to the overall positive response to divergent thinking, individuals with High Ideator and High Developer preferences indicated that they did not enjoy or see much future value in these tools and principles. An implication suggested the relevance of using the BCPI in order to maximize transference of learning in the introductory CPS course. Recommendations for future research and study replication were discussed. ________________________________ Russell Arthur Wheeler ________________________________ Date State University College at Buffalo Center for Studies in Creativity Improving the Understanding of the Impact of Creative Problem Solving Training through an Examination of Individual Differences A Thesis in Creative Studies by Russell Arthur Wheeler Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science May, 2001
Improved measurement of the reactor antineutrino flux and spectrum at Daya Bay

A new measurement of the reactor antineutrino flux and energy spectrum by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment is reported. The antineutrinos were generated by six 2.9 GWth nuclear reactors and detected by eight antineutrino detectors deployed in two near (560 m and 600 m flux-weighted baselines) and one far (1640 m flux-weighted baseline) underground experimental halls. With 621 days of data, more than 1.2 million inverse beta decay (IBD) candidates were detected. The IBD yield in the eight detectors was measured, and the ratio of measured to predicted flux was found to be 0.946±0.020 (0.992±0.021) for the Huber+Mueller (ILL+Vogel) model. A 2.9σ deviation was found in the measured IBD positron energy spectrum compared to the predictions. In particular, an excess of events in the region of 4–6 MeV was found in the measured spectrum, with a local significance of 4. 4σ. A reactor antineutrino spectrum weighted by the IBD cross section is extracted for model-independent predictions.
Incidental foreign language vocabulary acquisition from social network games

It is widely known that young people use social networks not only for sharing and communication purposes but also as means of entertainment and pleasure by playing various online games. Furthermore, there is a common belief among pedagogues that spending valuable amount of time on social networks to play online games can lead to negative academic, personal and social outcomes. However, the findings of this study based on survey conducted with 248 high school students reveal that social network games can also have pedagogical benefits. The results of this research have shown that students can incidentally learn an important number of foreign language words from popular online games on social networks.
Divergent patterns of matrix metalloproteinase activity during wound healing in ileum and colon of rats.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled and increased extracellular matrix degradation during early anastomotic repair in the intestine may reduce wound strength increasing the risk of anastomotic dehiscence. AIMS: To characterise the metalloproteinases present in intact and anastomosed ileum and colon to study their role in matrix degradation after surgery. SUBJECTS: Tissue extracts of uninjured, and of anastomosed rat ileum and colon at postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 90, were used. METHODS: Metalloproteinases were identified by gelatin and casein zymography. Aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) treatment was used to activate latent metalloproteinases. RESULTS: Both uninjured ileum and colon contained a 60 and 67 kDa activity, but a 54 and 72 kDa gelatinase was present in ileum only, and a 51 kDa activity in colon only. APMA treatment converted the 60 kDa protease to 54 and 51 kDa forms and the 72 kDa protease to the 67 kDa form. These gelatinases may correspond to latent and active forms of MMP 1 and MMP 2, respectively. Additional metalloproteinases were observed after anastomotic construction. Both ileum and colon contained 95 and 230 kDa gelatinases, which were converted to 83 and 76 kDa forms by APMA. They may be the latent and active forms of MMP 9, respectively. Gelatinolytic activities of 25 and 28 kDa were only found in anastomosed ileum. Caseinolytic activities were only found in ileum extracts and those were most prominent at day 1, 2, and 3 after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The metalloproteinase pattern in ileum and colon differ considerably suggesting that matrix degradation after anastomotic construction may also vary.
Acute Renal Failure and Its Risk Factors in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Background: Skin lesion is the most frequent manifestation of adverse drug reactions. Drug-induced cutaneous hypersensitivity and drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis might share a similar mechanism involving drug-specific T cells. We thus investigated the renal outcome of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), the most severe drug-induced cutaneous hypersensitivity, and hypothesize that skin detachment in SJS/TEN might be associated with acute renal failure (ARF). Methods: 234 hospitalized patients were retrospectively classified into an SJS/TEN group (skin detachment) or an erythematous multiforme majus group (target-like exanthema alone). Results: Both drugs and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with SJS/TEN. The SJS/TEN group was more likely to develop ARF than the erythematous multiforme majus group (18.8 vs. 4.3%, p < 0.05) despite similar initial creatinine clearance. In the ARF patients, RIFLE-F class, dialysis and long-term dialysis were 25, 15 and 5%, respectively. The offending drugs in ARF were also associated with CKD. Hyponatremia and late hypokalemia were more frequently in the SJS/TEN group (15.6 vs. 2.9%, 7.3 vs. 0.7%, respectively, p < 0.05). Sepsis, allopurinol, antibiotics, NSAIDs, CKD and hypoalbuminemia (OR: 18.8, 9.8, 10.1, 9.0, 5.3 and 3.3, respectively, p < 0.05) were the risk factors of developing ARF. Conclusion: ARF, the need for dialysis, and late hypokalemia could be the consequences of SJS/TEN. Skin detachment after certain medication might implicate the associated ARF, especially in CKD patients.
Fault tolerant control for Takagi-Sugeno systems with unmeasurable premise variables by trajectory tracking

This paper presents a new method for fault tolerant control of nonlinear systems described by Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems with unmeasurable premise variables. The idea is to use a reference model and design a new control law to minimize the state deviation between a healthy reference model and the eventually faulty actual model. This scheme requires the knowledge of the system states and of the occurring faults. These signals are estimated from a Proportional-Integral Observer (PIO) or Proportional-Multi-Integral Observer (PMIO). The fault tolerant control law is designed by using the Lyapunov method to obtain conditions which are given in Linear Matrix Inequality formulation (LMI). Finally, an example is included.
Neighborhood Effects on Economic Self‐Sufficiency: A Reconsideration of the Moving to Opportunity Experiment1

This article revisits the Moving to Opportunity housing mobility experiment, which heretofore has not provided strong evidence to support the hypothesis of neighborhood effects on economic self‐sufficiency among adults. The authors undertake a conceptual and empirical analysis of the study’s design and implementation to gain a better understanding of the selection processes that occur within the study. The article shows that the study is potentially affected by selectivity at several junctures: in determining who complied with the program’s requirements, who entered integrated versus segregated neighborhoods, and who left neighborhoods after initial relocation. Furthermore, previous researchers have not found an experimental treatment effect on adult economic self‐sufficiency, relative to controls. The authors propose an alternative approach that involves measuring the cumulative amount of time spent in different neighborhood environments. With this method, they find evidence that neighborhood is associated with outcomes such as employment, earnings, TANF receipt, and use of food stamps.
Increased MicroRNA-146a Levels in Plasma of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are thought to serve as crucial regulators of gene expression. Dysregulated expression of miRNAs has been described in various diseases and may contribute to related pathologic processes. Our aim was to examine circulating miRNA-146a levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (new-T2DM) patients from a Chinese Han population. Methodology/Principal Findings Circulating miRNA-146a was extracted from plasma samples of 90 new-T2DM patients and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. Quantitative PCR assessment revealed that circulating miRNA-146a levels were significantly elevated in new-T2DM patients compared with controls. Participants in the highest tertile of circulating miRNA-146a levels showed a notably higher risk for new-T2DM (crude OR 4.333, 95% CI, 1.935 to 9.705, P = 0.001) than persons in the lowest tertile. Controlling for known risk factors and some biochemical indicators did not attenuate the aforementioned association. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves generated for miRNA-146a revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.725 (95% CI, 0.651 to 0.799, P < 0.001). Moreover, higher circulating miRNA-146a levels were significantly associated with higher plasma heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) concentrations (β coefficient = 0.131, P < 0.001) and lower HOMA-beta (β coefficient = -0.153, P = 0.015). Conclusions/Significance We found that circulating miRNA-146a levels were significantly elevated in new-T2DM patients compared with healthy controls. Whether expression of circulating miRNA-146a holds predictive value for T2DM warrants further investigations.
Detection of Acutely Impaired Microvascular Reperfusion After Infarct Angioplasty With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background—Despite the reopening of the infarct-related artery (IRA) with infarct angioplasty, complete microvascular reperfusion does not always ensue. Methods and Results—We performed cardiovascular MRI (CMR) in 20 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients within 24 hours of successful infarct angioplasty and 10 control patients without obstructive coronary artery disease on a clinical 1.5-T CMR scanner. Three-month follow-up CMR in AMI patients evaluated the impact of abnormal reperfusion on recovery of function. Infarction was localized by delayed contrast hyperenhancement and impaired systolic thickening. Microvascular perfusion was assessed at rest by first-pass perfusion CMR after a bolus of gadolinium-DTPA by use of the time to 50% maximum myocardial enhancement. Whereas contrast wash-in was homogeneous in control patients, AMI patients exhibited delays in the hypokinetic region subtended by the IRA compared with remote segments in 19 of 20 patients, with a mean contrast delay of 0.9±0.1 seconds (95% CI, 0.6 to 1.2 seconds). At follow-up, the mean recovery of systolic thickening was lower in segments with a contrast delay of 2 seconds or more (10±7% versus 39±4%, P =0.001). A contrast delay ≥2 seconds and infarction >75% transmurally were independent predictors of impaired left ventricular systolic thickening at 3 months (P =0.002 for severe contrast delay, P =0.048 for >75% for transmural infarction). Conclusions—CMR detects impaired microvascular reperfusion in AMI patients despite successful infarct angioplasty, which when severe is associated with a lack of recovery of wall motion.
Evaluation of Resource Utilization and Cost Burden Before and After an Employer-Based Migraine Education Program

Objectives: Study objectives were to determine the impact of migraine and severe headache on employer burden, resource utilization, and workplace productivity before and after a migraine education program; estimate the associated costs in an employed sample; and evaluate whether a migraine management program can help manage costs. Methods: Employees of three US companies were informed of a company-specific web site with information regarding the study as well as a validated migraine screening questionnaire. Employees who screened positive for migraine completed a baseline survey examining migraine frequency and severity, Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) grade, medical resource utilization, and impact on workplace productivity. After the baseline survey, employees received three print packets and six e-mailed newsletters of migraine management educational materials. Six months after the last mailing, participants completed a follow-up survey. Participants were stratified by MIDAS grade and prevention needs status. Direct and indirect migraine-related costs were estimated and differences between baseline and follow-up survey results were analyzed. Results: Indirect costs and measures of migraine impact improved after the educational program. Three-month indirect costs of migraine decreased 34.5% and total costs decreased 14.7% after the educational program. Conclusion: Migraine management programs, including screening questionnaires and educational initiatives, may potentially help reduce the employer cost burden due to improvements in their employees’ disability associated with migraine headache.
The –553 T/A polymorphism in the promoter region of the FGF2 gene is associated with increased breast cancer risk in Polish women

Introduction Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is an important signalling molecule contributing to angiogenesis, tumour growth and progression and its expression is implicated in breast cancer (BC) development. We investigated whether –553 T/A FGF2 gene polymorphism is associated with the risk and progression of BC in Polish women. Material and methods The –553 T/A polymorphism was genotyped in 230 breast cancer patients and 245 control subjects, using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach. Moreover, FastQuant human angiogenesis array was used to measure FGF2 levels in tumour (n = 127) and serum (n = 76) samples. Results The T/A genotypes (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.20–3.74) (p = 0.08) and the combined heterozygotes T/A and homozygote A/A (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.24–3.83) (p = 0.006) had an increased risk of BC. The median FGF2 levels in the tumours of A allele carriers were significantly increased compared to T/T patients, whereas in serum FGF2 levels were hardly altered among different genotype carriers. Significantly higher frequency of A allele was found in patients with lymph node metastases (OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.23–5.17) (p = 0.009) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive tumour (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.49–6.99) (p = 0.002). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the A allele predicted worse disease-free survival (DFS) in BC patients. Conclusions Our study shows for the first time that the –553 T/A FGF2 gene polymorphism may be associated with a risk of BC developing and progression in Polish women and may have prognostic value for the assessment of BC high-risk groups.
Essays on bank capital regulation

Notre these est constituee de trois articles autoreferents presentes dans trois chapitres. Dans le premier chapitre nous analysons empiriquement l'impact de l'imposition formelle de minima de capital sur la structure du capital des banques. Pour cela , nous effectuons une comparaison systematique de la persistance et de la convergence du ratio de levier non reglemente et des ratios ponderes de capital qui sont eux reglementes. Nous montrons que la discipline de marche influence plus fortement les ratios ponderes de capital que le ratio de levier et que, la rapidite de convergence des ratios ponderes vers les ratios cibles est au moins deux fois plus importante que celle du ratio de levier. Nous en deduisons que l'imposition de minima reglementaires a respecter renforce la discipline de marche et influence ainsi le comportement des ratios ponderes du capital. Dans le chapitre deux nous etudions empiriquement le role que joue la discipline de marche dans la constitution d'un coussin de capital et son role complementaire a la contrainte minimale du capital. Nous montrons que la discipline de marche a une influence significative et positive sur le coussin de capital des banques. En distinguant les detenteurs de dette junior de ceux de la dette senior, nous montrons que tous requiererent aux banques de detenir un coussin de capital mais que la pression emanant des detenteurs de la dette junior est plus importante. Nous montrons egalement que les seules banques fortement impliquees dans des activites non traditionnelles subissent la pression de marche. Dans le chapitre trois nous etudions theoriquement le choix de portefeuille sous le dispositif de Bâle II dans le quel la banque determine le montant de capital requis en fonction de sa propre mesure du risque. Nous montrons en particulier qu'en presence d'asymetrie d'information entre la banque et le superviseur, celle-ci est incitee a sous-estimer sa prise de risque. Ces incitations sont temperees par l'adjonction d'une simple contrainte de ration de levier comme recemment adopte dans le dispositif de Bâle III.