Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Habit learning and anorexia nervosa: a cognitive neuroscience hypothesis.

OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by abnormal behaviors involving eating and weight that are impressively resistant to change. The persistence of these behaviors likely plays an important role in the high relapse rate after initial treatment. Persistent, stereotyped behaviors are also characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This article presents a neurocognitive model of AN, based on comparisons with OCD. METHOD This article reviews clinical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging findings in both OCD and AN relevant to a neurobiological understanding of a potential mechanism of the perpetuation of AN. RESULTS The identification of specific neurocognitive disturbances in individuals with OCD has led to a compelling hypothesis of the neural mechanisms mediating this disorder. Evidence suggests that similar disturbances, involving neural circuits between the cortex and the basal ganglia, may be present in individuals with AN. CONCLUSION Research on such neurocognitive disturbances has the potential both to inform understanding of neural mechanisms underlying AN and to lead to advances in treatment.
3D walking and skating motion generation using divergent component of motion and gauss pseudospectral method

This paper presents a COM trajectory generation method for 3D walking and skating motion by nonlinear optimization. In our method, we solve the following problems: (1) dealing with both walking and skating motion in the same framework, (2) generating center of mass (COM) trajectory faster than execution time, (3) executing motion with large acceleration. For solving (1) and (2), we calculate the COM trajectory at every step and introduce frictional constraints to the Divergent Component of Motion as terminal conditions. By changing the terminal condition, we can generate both skating and walking motion. Besides, the nonlinear constrained optimization using Gauss Pseudospectral Method is introduced for solving (2) and (3). Thanks to this method, we generate the 3D COM trajectory considering contact constraints and kinematic constraints faster than execution time. Finally, the walking and skating experiment were carried out to confirm the effectiveness of our method using life-sized humanoid HRP-2. Applying the proposed method, HRP-2 could successfully walk at 0.4 [m/s] and skate at 1.0 [m/s].
Monitoring safety and use of old and new treatment options for type 2 diabetic patients: a two-year (2013–2016) analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare patients’ and physicians’ perceptions regarding effectiveness and tolerability of non-insulin hypoglycemic drugs in a cohort of type 2 diabetic patients; to verify whether a possible tridimensional link between effectiveness, tolerability, and adherence affects long-term therapeutic outcomes. Methods: A two-year observational study was performed in 1389 Type 2 diabetic patients by involving general practitioner clinics and Diabetes Centers. A decimal scale and the Morisky questionnaire were used, respectively, to assess effectiveness and tolerability perceptions, and medication adherence. Results: Physicians perceived therapy as more efficacious compared to their patients: perceived effectiveness was steady for physicians during the study whereas patients’ perception not significantly decreased (mean score from >8 to 7.84 ± 1.69). Physicians assigned higher tolerability scores compared to patients but only at the beginning of the study; interestingly, physicians’ tolerability perception was poorer than patients’ perception at last follow-up (mean score = 7.57 ± 1.40 vs. 7.88 ± 1.84). Favorable (score >7) patients’ perceptions about treatment effectiveness and tolerability were associated with higher adherence. Patients showed medium adherence across the study. Conclusions: A mutual relationship between clinical effectiveness, adverse drug reactions, and adherence has been established, significantly impacting the clinical management of diabetic patients. A careful monitoring of this link by clinicians appears therefore necessary.
Childhood and adolescent antecedents of substance use in adulthood.

AIMS To examine childhood antecedents of marijuana and cocaine use in adulthood. DESIGN Epidemiological, longitudinal cohort study of African American first graders (age 6) followed to age 32. PARTICIPANTS Children (N=1242) and families in the 57 first grade classrooms from Woodlawn, an inner-city community in Chicago. First grade teachers, mothers and children provided assessments over the life course. During adulthood, 952 participants were re-interviewed. MEASUREMENTS First grade teacher behavior ratings, readiness for school tests, self-reports of adolescent drug use, social bonds and adult self-reports of drug use were the primary variables. FINDINGS Males who were both shy and aggressive in first grade were more likely to be adult drug users compared to those who were neither. Shy females in first grade were less likely to be adult marijuana users than non-shy females. Adolescent social bonds did not moderate the relationships of earlier childhood behavior to adult drug use. Males who had a 'high/superior' readiness to learn scores in first grade were less likely to be cocaine users as adults, even though in earlier work we showed that they were more likely to initiate adolescent drug use. Females scoring as poor performers in first grade were less likely to ever use cocaine compared to females with higher scores. CONCLUSIONS The combination of shy and aggressive behavior is an important antecedent for later male drug use and may help distinguish those who will be persistent users in adulthood from those who experiment in adolescence.
Multi-segmental movements as a function of experience in karate

ABSTRACT Karate is a martial art that partly depends on subjective scoring of complex movements. Principal component analysis (PCA)-based methods can identify the fundamental synergies (principal movements) of motor system, providing a quantitative global analysis of technique. In this study, we aimed at describing the fundamental multi-joint synergies of a karate performance, under the hypothesis that the latter are skilldependent; estimate karateka’s experience level, expressed as years of practice. A motion capture system recorded traditional karate techniques of 10 professional and amateur karateka. At any time point, the 3D-coordinates of body markers produced posture vectors that were normalised, concatenated from all karateka and submitted to a first PCA. Five principal movements described both gross movement synergies and individual differences. A second PCA followed by linear regression estimated the years of practice using principal movements (eigenpostures and weighting curves) and centre of mass kinematics (error: 3.71 years; R2 = 0.91, P ≪ 0.001). Principal movements and eigenpostures varied among different karateka and as functions of experience. This approach provides a framework to develop visual tools for the analysis of motor synergies in karate, allowing to detect the multi-joint motor patterns that should be restored after an injury, or to be specifically trained to increase performance.
Ferromagnetic NiII-GdIII interactions in complexes with NiGd, NiGdNi, and NiGdGdNi cores supported by tripodal ligands.

Dinuclear [(NiL)Gd(hfac)(2)(EtOH)](H(3)L = 1,1,1-tris(N-salicylideneaminomethyl)ethane, Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone), trinuclear [(NiL)(2)Gd(NO(3))], and tetranuclear [(NiL)Gd(CH(3)CO(2))(2)(MeOH)](2) complexes, were prepared by treating [Ni(HL)] with [Gd(hfac)(3)(H(2)O)(2)], Gd(NO(3))(3). 6H(2)O, and Gd(CH(3)CO(2))(3). 4H(2)O, respectively, in the presence of Et(3)N. All the complexes show that ferromagnetic interactions occur between the Ni(II) and Gd(III) ions.
γ-Glutamyltransferase and risk of stroke: the EUROSTROKE project

Background: Alcohol consumption has been implicated in the aetiology of stroke. As data on alcohol consumption obtained by questionnaire are susceptible to missclassification, this study evaluated the assocation between γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), as a marker for alcohol consumption, and fatal, non-fatal, haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke in three European cohort studies, participating in EUROSTROKE. Methods: EUROSTROKE is a collaborative project among ongoing European cohort studies on incidence and risk factors of stroke. EUROSTROKE is designed as a nested case-control study. For each stroke case, two controls were sampled. Strokes were classified according to MONICA criteria or reviewed by a panel of four neurologists. At present, data on stroke and γ-GT were available from cohorts in Cardiff (57 cases), Kuopio (66 cases), and Rotterdam (108 cases). Results: An increase in γ-GT of one standard deviation (28.7 IU/ml) was associated with an age and sex adjusted 26% (95% CI 5 to 53) increase in risk of stroke. Adjustment for confounding variables such as drug use, history of myocardial infarction, total cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus did not materially attenuate the association. The risk of haemorrhagic stroke increased linearly with increase in γ-GT. The association for cerebral infarction was not graded: the risk increased beyond the first quartile, and remained increased. The association of γ-GT with stroke was significantly stronger among subjects without diabetes mellitus compared with subjects with diabetes mellitus (no association observed). Conclusion: This EUROSTROKE analysis showed that an increased γ-GT, as a marker of alcohol consumption, is associated with increased risk of stroke, in particular haemorrhagic stroke.
Mature CD4+ T Cells Perceive a Positively Selecting Class II MHC/Peptide Complex in the Periphery1

A repertoire of TCRs is selected in the thymus by interactions with MHC bound to self-derived peptides. Whether self peptides bound to MHC influence the survival of mature T cells in the periphery remains enigmatic. In this study, we show that the number of naive CD4+ T cells that developed in mice with class II MHC bound with endogenous peptides (Abwt) diminished when transferred into mice with Ab covalently bound with a single peptide (AbEp). Moreover, transfer of a mixture of naive CD4+ T cells derived from Abwt and from AbEp mice into AbEp mice resulted in the expansion of the latter and decline of the former. In contrast, when wild-type activated CD4+ T cells were transferred into AbEp or Abwt mice, these cells survived in both recipients for more than 4 wk, but further expanded in the Abwt host. We conclude that to survive, naive CD4+ T cells favor peripheral expression of the class II MHC/peptide complex(es) involved in their thymic selection, whereas some of activated CD4+ T cells may require them only for expansion.
Do firm-level variables affect corporate governance quality and performance? Evidence from India

The importance of corporate governance (CG) gained widespread prominence as a means to boost corporate performance especially in the aftermath of global financial crisis of 2008 and some big corporate scams of Satyam and Reebok. Limited literature focussing on factors influencing CG quality guided this study towards the construction of CG Index (CGI), investigation of impact of firm-level variables on CGI and factors affecting performance of firms. The result relays that market capitalisation, R&D intensity and age of the firm have a significant positive impact on CGI compared with negative effect of performance. As expected, CGI, corporate social responsibility (CSR), advertising intensity, size and leverage demonstrate a significant impact on performance of the firms in both during and post-crisis periods. Our findings imply that companies having better governance and CSR framework provide an impetus for companies and regulators to further improve CG practices and firm's value gradually.
Burden of the 1999-2008 seasonal influenza epidemics in Italy: Comparison with the H1N1v (A/California/07/09) pandemic

Despite preventive efforts, seasonal influenza epidemics are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality every year worldwide, including developed countries. The A/H1N1v pandemic imposed a considerable healthcare and economic burden. In order to obtain an accurate estimate of the economic burden of influenza, and hence to guide policy-makers effectively, systematic studies are necessary. To this end, data from epidemiological surveillance are essential. To estimate the impact of the 1999-2008 seasonal influenza epidemics and the H1N1v pandemic, we analyzed data from the Italian Influenza Surveillance System (CIRINET). In the period 1999-2008, the Italian surveillance network consisted of sentinel general practitioners and pediatricians, who reported cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) observed during their clinical practice from mid-October to late April each year; reports were sent to the Center for Research on Influenza and other Viral Infections (CIRI-IV). CIRI-IV receives data from 9 of the 20 Italian Regions: Liguria, Abruzzo, Calabria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria. Previous estimates of influenza case costs were used in economic evaluations. Clinical-epidemiological and Virological surveillance of the seasonal epidemics from 1999-2008 showed that the highest epidemic period was 2004-2005, when a new variant of the H3N2 influenza virus subtype emerged (A/California/07/04). Indeed, the highest peak of morbidity in the decade occurred in February 2005 (12.6 per 1,000 inhabitants). In 1999-2008, H1N1 subtype strains circulated, and co-circulated with strains belonging to the H3N2 subtype and B type. Regarding B viruses in 2001-02, viruses belonged to the B/Victoria/02/07 lineage re-emerged, and in subsequent years co-circulated with viruses belonging to the B/Yamagata/lineage. The estimated costs of seasonal epidemics from 1999-2008 in Italy ranged from €15 to €20 billion, and the costs of the H1N1v pandemic ranged from €1.3 to €2.3 billion. This Italian study yields interesting conclusions: the results of Influenza surveillance in several developed countries vary markedly; influenza imposes a considerable social, healthcare and economic burden; most cases that occurred during the pandemic involved subjects under 14 years of age, and, although the clinical course of H1N1v influenza was usually mild, the related economic burden was heavy.
Field testing, modeling and comparison of multi frequency band propagation characteristics for cellular networks

Frequency band propagation characteristics measurement and modeling is a prerequisite for cellular network plan and infrastructure deployment. However, the generally assumed Okumura-Hata, and COST 231 large-scale channel model are based on transmission data collected in some specifical areas, which has application limitations for the other different cities. With the rapid development of 4G and study on 5G cellular systems, there are multiple radio access networks covering the same areas, and thus the transmission characteristics are more complicated and still unknown to all. Different from prior work focusing on channel characteristics for only one specifical frequency band in one specifical scenario, in this work, we investigate and compare Radio Frequency (RF) transmission characteristics for eleven different frequency bands varying from 700 MHz to 3500 MHz under various terrains and landscapes, including high-density area, urban city area and rural area. Moreover, three different fitting and modeling methods on testing data are compared, and under high-density scenario, the effects of different antenna height on the transmission characteristics is studied. It is found that the standard deviation of path loss indicates in the range of 9dB which is available for network requirement. With the increase of frequency, the standard deviation decreases. Moreover, the transmit antenna height is defined as above 30m to obtain best coverage. Our work will facilitate networks planners and researchers on future 5G networks.
Pulmonary arterial pressure-flow plots in dogs: effects of isoflurane and nitroprusside.

We investigated the effects of nitroprusside and isoflurane on multipoint pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP)/cardiac index (Q) plots in pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized dogs ventilated alternatively in hyperoxia (fraction of inspired O2, FIO2, 0.4) and hypoxia (FIO2 0.1). Over the entire range of Q studied, 2-5 l.min-1.m-2, hypoxia increased PAP in 16 dogs ("responders") and did not affect PAP in 16 other dogs ("nonresponders"). A hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) was restored in the nonresponders by intravenous administration of 1 g of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Nitroprusside (5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) inhibited HPV in responders (n = 8) and nonresponders treated with ASA (n = 8). End-tidal 1.41% isoflurane (a minimal alveolar concentration equal to one for dogs) did not affect HPV in responders (n = 8) and nonresponders treated with ASA (n = 8). In the latter group isoflurane increased PAP at the highest Q studied (3-5 l.min-1.m-2) in hyperoxia and hypoxia. In a final group of eight dogs with Q kept constant, PAP remained unchanged during two consecutive sequences of alternated 30-min periods (maximum time to generate a PAP/Q plot) successively at FIO2 0.4 and 0.1, and the hypoxia-induced increase in PAP was reproducible. Thus the present experimental model appeared suitable for the study of the effects of hypoxia and drugs on pulmonary vascular tone of intact dogs. At the given doses HPV was inhibited by nitroprusside and not affected by isoflurane. Products of arachidonic acid metabolism possibly could be implicated in the pulmonary vascular effects of isoflurane.
Coordination Program Reduced Acute Care Use And Increased Primary Care Visits Among Frequent Emergency Care Users.

Many high utilizers of the emergency department (ED) have public insurance, especially through Medicaid. We evaluated how participation in Bridges to Care (B2C)-an ED-initiated, multidisciplinary, community-based program-affected subsequent ED use, hospital admissions, and primary care use among publicly insured or Medicaid-eligible high ED utilizers. During the six months after the B2C intervention was completed, participants had significantly fewer ED visits (a reduction of 27.9 percent) and significantly more primary care visits (an increase of 114.0 percent), compared to patients in the control group. In a subanalysis of patients with mental health comorbidities, we found that recipients of B2C services had significantly fewer ED visits (a reduction of 29.7 percent) and hospitalizations (30.0 percent), and significantly more primary care visits (an increase of 123.2 percent), again compared to patients in the control group. The B2C program reduced acute care use and increased the number of primary care visits among high ED utilizers, including those with mental health comorbidities.
Best Management Practices for Minimizing Nitrate Leaching from Container-Grown Nurseries

Containerized plant production represents an extremely intensive agricultural practice; 40,000 to 300,000 containers may occupy one acre of surface area to which a large amount of chemical fertilizer is applied. Currently, recommended fertilizer application rates for the production of containerized nursery ornamental plants are in excess of plant requirements, and up to 50% of the applied fertilizers may run off or be leached from containers. Among the nutrients leached or allowed to runoff, nitrogen (N) is the most abundant and is of major concern as the source of ground and surface water pollution. In this report, current N fertilizer application rates for different container-grown nursery ornamental plants, the amount of nitrate leaching or runoff from containers, and the potential for nitrate contamination of ground and surface water are discussed. In contrast, our best N management practices include: (1) applying fertilizers based on plant species need; (2) improving potting medium's nutrient holding capacity using obscure mineral additives; (3) using controlled-release fertilizers; and (4) implementing zero runoff irrigation or fertigation delivery systems that significantly reduce nitrate leaching or runoff in containerized plant production and encourage dramatic changes in N management.
Sperm competition and maternal effects differentially influence testis and sperm size in Callosobruchus maculatus

The evolutionary factors affecting testis size are well documented, with sperm competition being of major importance. However, the factors affecting sperm length are not well understood; there are no clear theoretical predictions and the empirical evidence is inconsistent. Recently, maternal effects have been implicated in sperm length variation, a finding that may offer insights into its evolution. We investigated potential proximate and microevolutionary factors influencing testis and sperm size in the bruchid beetle Callosobruchus maculatus using a combined approach of an artificial evolution experiment over 90 generations and an environmental effects study. We found that while polyandry seems to select for larger testes, it had no detectable effect on sperm length. Furthermore, population density, a proximate indicator of sperm competition risk, was not significantly associated with sperm length or testis size variation. However, there were strong maternal effects influencing sperm length.
Brazilian’s structural change and economic performance: structuralist comments on macroeconomics policies

Este estudo avalia o impacto das politicas macroeconomicas sobre o lado real da economia brasileira. Apresentamos um modelo estruturalista de crescimento com base em Rada (2007) para investigar o recente desempenho economico do Brasil. A matriz de contabilidade social para o Brasil em 2006 serve de base para o modelo. Nos investigamos os efeitos de curto / medio prazo de quatro exercicios de simulacao: um aumento no investimento autonomo (espiritos animais), um aumento nos salarios formais, uma depreciacao da taxa de câmbio, e um aumento do crescimento da produtividade do trabalho. Os resultados sugerem que a economia brasileira segue um regime de crescimento fracamente puxado pelos lucros. Nesse sentido, apenas politicas macroeconomicas que aumentam o investimento autonomo e a produtividade do trabalho podem estimular a economia