Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exhaled nitric oxide as a marker for organic nitrate tolerance.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to demonstrate the development of biochemical tolerance to organic nitrates by measuring levels of exhaled gaseous nitric oxide (NO) in lambs given intravenous (IV) nitroglycerin or sodium nitroprusside. METHODS AND RESULTS IV injections of nitroglycerin or sodium nitroprusside produced dose-dependent and sustained increases in the exhaled levels of nitric oxide measured by chemiluminescence in awake lambs with tracheostomies. After a 6-hour IV infusion of 25 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 nitroglycerin, peak exhaled NO levels were significantly reduced (-53.6 +/- 4.9%, mean +/- SEM, P < .001) and systemic hypotensive responses were attenuated (-52.6 +/- 5.9%, P < .001) after an IV challenge of nitroglycerin but not sodium nitroprusside. After a subsequent 12-hour nitroglycerin-free period, there was complete recovery of NO excretion in exhaled breath and a return to baseline of systemic hypotensive changes on administration of IV nitroglycerin boluses. For IV sodium nitroprusside challenges, pulmonary NO excretion and systemic hypotensive responses remained constant throughout the study. Challenges with IV nitroglycerin but not sodium nitroprusside during a 12-hour nitroglycerin-free period resulted in delayed biochemical recovery with various exhaled NO levels and systemic hypotensive responses to challenges with IV nitroglycerin. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of exhaled NO provide in vivo, noninvasive evidence for the development of biochemical tolerance to nitroglycerin. There was reduced NO release into exhaled gas from the pulmonary vasculature concomitant with evidence of tolerance to nitroglycerin vasodilation in the systemic circulation.
Performance of patients with ventromedial prefrontal, dorsolateral prefrontal, and non-frontal lesions on the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System

Executive functioning is a multidimensional concept encompassing higher-order adaptive abilities, such as judgment, decision-making, self-monitoring, planning, and emotional regulation. Disruption in executive functioning often results in devastating impairments in vitally-important areas of life, such as one’s ability to hold employment and maintain social relationships. Executive functions have been associated primarily with the prefrontal cortex. However, the nature and degree of the association between frontal lobe damage and performance on executive functioning tests remains controversial. Research suggests that the association may vary based on the specific location of damage within the prefrontal cortex, as well as the used measure of executive functioning. Few investigations have systematically addressed these variables. The current study employed the lesion method to investigate the relationship between performance on a battery of executive functioning tests and damage to specific regions of the prefrontal cortex. Three groups of participants with lesions in one of the locations of interest [ventromedial prefrontal (VMPC, n = 14), dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPC, n = 14), and non-frontal (n = 18)] were administered the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS, 2001), a comprehensive battery of executive functioning tests. Results revealed no statistically-significant differences between group performances on the D-KEFS primary measures. However, a qualitative analysis of the results revealed several meaningful group differences. It appears that some relationship exists between frontal lobe damage, particularly in the DLPC, and decreased performance on several executive functioning tests but further research
QuEst – Design, Implementation and Extensions of a Framework for Machine Translation Quality Estimation

Abstract In this paper we present QUEST, an open source framework for machine translation quality estimation. The framework includes a feature extraction component and a machine learning component. We describe the architecture of the system and its use, focusing on the feature extraction component and on how to add new feature extractors. We also include experiments with features and learning algorithms available in the framework using the dataset of the WMT13 Quality Estimation shared task.
Media and Group Cohesion: Relative Influences on Social Presence, Task Participation, and Group Consensus

Organizations deploy advanced communication media such as audio and videoconferencing to enhance and extend group communication interactions. However, established groups (i.e., groups with a history of working together) can view and use the same technology differently from groups without any past experiences of working together. This study examines the relative influences of media condition and group cohesion on social presence, task participation, and group consensus. Results from a controlled laboratory experiment with 45 triads of college students working on a decision-making task showed that media condition (audio conferencing vs. desktop videoconferencing) has significantly smaller influences on social presence and task participation than group cohesion in established groups. The study found that influence of group cohesion over social presence is additive, rather than substitutive, to that of media condition. The study also established that task participation played a more important role than social presence in determining the degree of consensus among group members in computer-mediated communication environments.
Occupational Engagement and Meaning: The Experience of Ikebana Practice

Engagement and meaning are essential properties of occupation that have been associated with well-being in the occupational science literature. A deeper examination of subjective experiences while engaging in particular occupations may illuminate how specific occupational characteristics contribute to the relationship between occupation and well-being. Consequently, this study investigates the concepts of personal meaning and occupational engagement by exploring the experience of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) among practitioners. As a symbolic and disciplined art form anchored in cultural history, ikebana is a highly suitable occupation for examining subjective experiences of occupation and characteristics like personal meaning and engagement. Descriptive phenomenology informed the study design and data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with nine ikebana practitioners, including novices and teachers. Three themes identified through inductive analysis were: 1) ikebana as an avenue to a richer life; 2) transformation of the self through ikebana, and 3) ikebana supports harmony in life. The themes represent qualities of ikebana practice that facilitate ongoing engagement in this and other occupations, and support practitioners' sense of well-being. These findings reinforce the powerful influence of occupation on individual experience and elucidate the reciprocal relationships among meaning, engagement and well-being.
Disaccharide Modulation of the Mitochondrial Membrane Fluidity Changes Induced by the Membrane Potential

The influence of the medium composition on the dynamic properties of mitochondrial membranes on depolarization was studied by following the fluorescence anisotropy changes of mitochondriabound 1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene (DPH) and hematoporphyrin (HP) as reporters, respectively, of lipid and protein regions. On collapse of the potential, the membrane fluidity increased in NaCl‐, KCl‐, and monosaccharide‐based media and decreased in disaccharides. Infrared spectroscopy experiments suggested that disaccharides likely change water's structure and association on the membrane surface. These results indicate that disaccharides induce membrane perturbation, which may interfere in the study of structure‐function correlation in biological membranes.
Emotional Reactions to Point-Light Display Animations

Emotional reactions to basic, artificial, yet carefully controllable point-light displays (PLDs) were investigated with ratings of valence, arousal, approachability and dominance. PLDs were varied by movement location (upper and lower) and intensity ( $10^{\circ }$ , $20^{\circ }$ and $30^{\circ }$ angular change) for angular upward and downward movements. Half of participants ( $N =28$ ) were told that PLDs were related to face while to other half nothing was hinted. Results showed that $20^{\circ }$ and $30^{\circ }$ angle lower location upward movements were rated as significantly more pleasant, relaxing and approachable than corresponding upper location downward movements. Informed participants rated $20^{\circ }$ and $30^{\circ }$ angle lower movements as significantly more controllable than corresponding upper movements. Results are important from many perspectives, like for understanding human perceptual mechanisms. When using PLDs only a small amount of information needs to be transmitted. This enables low bandwidth requirements. As PLD visualizations are simple, there is no need for high-definition displays.
Query Expansion for Image Content Search

This paper reports on a study to explore how semantic relations can be used to expand a query for objects in an image. The study is part of a project with the overall objective to provide semantic annotation and search facilities for a virtual collection of art resources. In this study we used semantic relations from WordNet for 15 image-content queries. The results show that, next to the hyponym/hypernym relation, the meronym (part-of) relation is particularly useful in query expansion. We identified a number of relation patterns that improve recall without jeopardizing precision.
An Extension of the Theory of Job Embeddedness: An Investigation of Effect on Intent to Turnover of United States Air Force Members

Abstract : This study investigated the ability of Mitchell, Holtom, Lee, Sablynski, and Erze's (2001) job embeddedness construct to predict intent to turnover after considering the historical predictors of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job search, and job alternatives. This study extended the research on job embeddedness by investigating the extent to which age, race, gender, and marital status would affect the relationship between job embeddedness and intent to turnover. Results indicated that job embeddedness was a significant predictor of intent to turnover. However, age, race, gender, and marital status were not found to be significant moderators of job embeddedness and intent to turnover.
Impairment in pure and comorbid generalized anxiety disorder and major depression at 12 months in two national surveys.

OBJECTIVE Generalized anxiety disorder might be better conceptualized as a prodrome, residual, or severity marker of major depression or other comorbid disorders than as an independent diagnosis. The authors questioned whether generalized anxiety disorder itself is associated with role impairment or whether the impairment of patients with generalized anxiety disorder is due to depression or other comorbid disorders. METHOD The authors assessed data from the National Comorbidity Survey and the Midlife Development in the United States Survey for generalized anxiety disorder and major depression at 12 months by using the DSM-III-R criteria with modified versions of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS The prevalences of generalized anxiety disorder at 12 months were 3.1% and 3.3%, respectively, in the National Comorbidity Survey and the Midlife Development in the United States Survey; the prevalences of major depression at 12 months were 10.3% and 14.1%. The majority of respondents with generalized anxiety disorder at 12 months in the National Comorbidity Survey (58.1%) and the Midlife Development in the United States Survey (69.7%) also met the criteria for major depression at 12 months. Comparisons of respondents with one versus neither disorder showed that both disorders had statistically significant independent associations with impairment that were roughly equal in magnitude. These associations could not be explained by the other comorbid DSM-III-R disorders or by sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSIONS These results show that a substantial amount of generalized anxiety disorder occurs independently of major depression and that the role impairment of generalized anxiety disorder is comparable to that of major depression.
East African rainfall seasonality based on modulated annual cycle (MAC)

The spatial and temporal variability of East African rainfall seasonal cycle is investigated based on modulated annual cycle (MAC). Ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) is used to extract MAC from monthly data for the period 1900 to 2008. The MAC is given by year-to-year changes in annual and semi-annual components. Results show that MAC account for between 45 to 80% proportion of rainfall variability. Spatial structure of MAC shows that it captures the north-south (equatorial) pattern for annual (semi-annual) mode with explained variance of 54% (22%). The spatial structure of MAC further reveals that the seasonality of rainfall over the whole region does not follow the north/south classical scheme where the semi-annual component dominates the equatorial while the annual component dominates areas relatively far from the equator. MAC amplitude tends to be high during anomalous rainfall indicating that the impact of major climate processes that produce seasonal cycle are amplified or suppressed by interannual to longer timescale climate variability modes. This study has shown variability in the seasonal cycle of East African rainfall on interannual-to-longer time scales, which should be considered in studies on variability of rainfall and in seasonal- to-longer time scale prediction of rainfall over the region. Key words: East Africa, rainfall variability, modulated annual cycle, empirical mode decomposition.
Cause, Responsibility, and Blame: oA Structural-Model Approach

A definition of causality introduced by Halpern and Pearl, which uses structural equations, is reviewed. A more refined definition is then considered, which takes into account issues of normality and typicality, which are well known to affect causal ascriptions. Causality is typically an all-or-nothing notion: either A is a cause of B or it is not. An extension of the definition of causality to capture notions of degree of responsibility and degree of blame, due to Chockler and Halpern, is reviewed. For example, if someone wins an election 11-0, then each person who votes for him is less responsible for the victory than if he had won 6-5. Degree of blame takes into account an agent's epistemic state. Roughly speaking, the degree of blame of A for B is the expected degree of responsibility of A for B, taken over the epistemic state of an agent. Finally, the structural-equations definition of causality is compared to Wright's NESS test.
A New Allopatric Lineage of the Rodent Deltamys (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) and the Chromosomal Evolution in Deltamys kempi and Deltamys sp.

Deltamys Thomas 1917 is a poorly studied and rarely collected taxon of Akodontini (Sigmodontinae). The single described species, Deltamys kempi (DKE), has a basic karyotype with a diploid number of 2n = 37 in males and 2n = 38 in females, a fundamental number FN = 38 for both sexes, and an X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y sex determination system. Herein, a new allopatric form, Deltamys sp. (DSP), is reported, based on specimens from southern Brazil, with 2n = 40, FN = 40 and XX/XY sex chromosomes. We describe the karyotype and mechanism of chromosomal differentiation between both Deltamys complements. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the complete sequence (1,140 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, grouped Deltamys sp. as sister species to D. kempi, with up to 12% genetic divergence between them. The GTG-banding patterns show complete autosomal correspondence between D. kempi and Deltamys sp. and identify a tandem rearrangement involving DSP7, DSP19 and DKE4 that is responsible for the differences in 2n and FN. Chromosome painting with Akodon paranaensis chromosome 21 (a small metacentric akodont marker) paint revealed total homology with the smallest acrocentric Deltamys sp. chromosome, DSP19. This suggests the occurrence of a pericentric inversion or centromeric shift when compared to other akodontines, with a posterior tandem rearrangement giving rise to DKE4. In DKE, large blocks of pericentromeric constitutive heterochromatin are present on the autosomes and the X, and the Y/autosome has an entirely heterochromatic short arm. In DSP, small heterochromatic blocks are observed on autosomes and X, and the Y is a very small, mostly heterochromatic acrocentric. The cytogenetic analyses suggest that the Deltamys sp. karyotype is ancestral, with the derived condition resulting from a tandem fusion (DSP7 + DSP19) and the Y/autosome translocation giving rise to the multiple sex chromosome system. The autosomal rearrangements, the differences in CBG-banding patterns and Ag-NOR localization, as well as the presence of X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y and XX/XY sex determination mechanisms, possibly acting as a reproductive barrier, and the phylogenetic position within the Deltamys genus, with high genetic divergence, call for a taxonomic review of the genus.
Same-sex intimate partner violence : exploring the parameters

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is not only a problem for heterosexual couples. Although research in the area is beset by methodological and definitional problems, studies generally demonstrate that IPV also affects those who identify as non-heterosexual; that is, those sexualities that are typically categorized as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI). IPV appears to be at least as prevalent in LGBTI relationships as it is in heterosexual couples, and follows similar patterns (e.g. Australian Research Centre on Sex, Health and Society 2006; Donovan et al. 2006; Chan 2005; Craft and Serovich 2005; Burke et al. 2002; Jeffries and Ball 2008; Kelly and Warshafsky 1987; Letellier 1994; Turrell 2000; Ristock 2003; Vickers 1996). There is, however, little in the way of specific community or social services support available to either victims or perpetrators of violence in same-sex relationships (see Vickers 1996). In addition, there are important differences in the experience of IPV between LGBTI and non-LGBTI victims, and even among LGBTI individuals; for example, among transgender populations (Chan 2005), and those who are HIV sero-positive (Craft and Serovich 2005). These different experiences of IPV include the use of HIV and the threat of “outing” a partner as tools of control, as just two examples (Jeffries and Ball 2008; Salyer 1999; WA Government 2008b). Such differences impact on how LGBTI victims respond to the violence, including whether or not and how they seek help, what services they are able to avail themselves of, and how likely they are to remain with, or return to, their violent partners (Burke et al. 2002). This chapter explores the prevalent heteronormative discourses that surround IPV, both within the academic literature, and in general social and government discourses. It seeks to understand how same-sex IPV remains largely invisible, and suggests that these dominant discourses play a major role in maintaining this invisibility. In many respects, it builds on work by a number of scholars who have begun to interrogate the criminal justice and social discourses surrounding violent crime, primarily sexual violence, and who problematize these discourses (see for example Carmody 2003; Carmody and Carrington 2000; Marcus 1992). It will begin by outlining these dominant discourses, and then problematize these by identifying some of the important differences between LGBTI IPV and IPV in heterosexual relationships. In doing so, this chapter will suggest some possible reasons for the silence regarding IPV in LGBTI relationships, and the effects that this can have on victims. Although an equally important area of research, and another point at which the limitations of dominant social discourses surrounding IPV can be brought to light, this chapter will not examine violence experienced by heterosexual men at the hands of their intimate female partners. Instead, it will restrict itself to IPV perpetrated within same-sex relationships.
Cholesterol and Cognitive Performance in Normal Controls and the Influence of Elective Statin Use after Conversion to Mild Cognitive Impairment: Results in a Clinical Trial Cohort

Background: We reported a significant 67% reduction in the hazard risk of incident Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with elective statin use in the AD Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT), without a reduction in risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Objective: To assess if cholesterol levels are associated with cognitive performance and determine if statin use alters cognitive performance after onset of MCI. Design: Fractionated cholesterol levels, neurological and cognitive status were evaluated annually. Comparisons of non-LLA (lipid-lowering agent) users or statin-LLA users were performed blind to the ADAPT medication randomization. Pearson’s correlations were validated using a time-dependent linear mixed model. Results: The MMSE performance significantly declined over time in non-LLA users, and, after adjusting for this, a significant positive correlation between MMSE and HDL was identified (p = 0.0002). A negative correlation between total and LDL cholesterol, and immediate and delayed recall of the Rivermead paragraph was significant (total cholesterol, p < 0.003; LDL, p < 0.02). Pilot data suggest a positive signal on delayed recall of both the Hopkins word list and Rivermead paragraph with deterioration in the non-LLA users and improvement in the statin users after conversion to MCI. Conclusion: Cholesterol levels may be associated with differential performance on the MMSE and measures of learning or memory. The trend for improved delayed recall in statin users with MCI compared to non-LLA users with MCI may have contributed to the reduced hazards risk of incident AD without reducing the risk of MCI.
Seasonal salinity balance in the Gulf of California

[1] Historical data in various domains within the Gulf of California are used to describe the seasonal balance of the average salinity, 〈S〉. The difference of evaporation minus precipitation, E − P, is positive along the course of a year. This produces a positive salinity anomaly, S′, which is exported to the Pacific Ocean through the mouth of the gulf. Even though E − P has strong annual and semiannual cycles, it is not enough to explain the seasonal variation of the transport of S′. A linear one-dimensional nondiffusive inhomogeneous two-layer model suggests that the seasonal balance of 〈S〉 is largely controlled by the Pacific Ocean, which excites a baroclinic wave at the mouth of the gulf. Advection due to this wave is the main carrier of S′ within the gulf, and the associated water rearrangement produces a considerable change in 〈S〉. The Pacific Ocean has been previously shown to maintain the seasonal heat balance through a similar mechanism. This paper thus adds importance to the Pacific Ocean influence on the determination of the gulf's seasonal dynamics and thermodynamics.