Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stuck in Limbo: Motivational Antecedents and Consequences of Experiencing Action Crises in Personal Goal Pursuit.

OBJECTIVE Action crises describe the intrapsychic conflicts individuals experience when they feel torn between further goal pursuit and goal disengagement. The present investigation introduces autonomous and controlled motivation as independent predictors of action crisis severity, beyond known personality-level predictors (action orientation) and novel personality-level predictors (Neuroticism and Conscientiousness). METHOD Using a multi-wave prospective longitudinal design and multilevel modeling (MLM), we followed students pursuing three personal goals across an academic semester (N = 425 undergraduates; 76% female; 57% Caucasian; Mage = 20.2, SD = 2.3). In two follow-up surveys, participants reported on the severity of their action crises, goal progress, and symptoms of depression. RESULTS Results suggest that autonomous motivation shields individuals from experiencing action crises, whereas controlled motivation represents a risk factor for developing action crises beyond personality-level predictors. Furthermore, MLM revealed that autonomous motivation is a significant predictor of action crisis severity at both the within- and between-person levels of analysis. Action crises mediate both the relationship between autonomous motivation and goal progress, and the relationship between controlled motivation and symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS The implications of these findings for the prevention of action crises and motivation research are discussed.
Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging: Technical Aspects and Clinical Applications, Part 2

SUMMARY: Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) has continued to develop into a powerful clinical tool to visualize venous structures and iron in the brain and to study diverse pathologic conditions. SWI offers a unique contrast, different from spin attenuation, T1, T2, and T2* (see Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging: Technical Aspects and Clinical Applications, Part 1). In this clinical review (Part 2), we present a variety of neurovascular and neurodegenerative disease applications for SWI, covering trauma, stroke, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, venous anomalies, multiple sclerosis, and tumors. We conclude that SWI often offers complementary information valuable in the diagnosis and potential treatment of patients with neurologic disorders.
Superresolving dendritic spine morphology with STED microscopy under holographic photostimulation

Abstract. Emerging all-optical methods provide unique possibilities for noninvasive studies of physiological processes at the cellular and subcellular scale. On the one hand, superresolution microscopy enables observation of living samples with nanometer resolution. On the other hand, light can be used to stimulate cells due to the advent of optogenetics and photolyzable neurotransmitters. To exploit the full potential of optical stimulation, light must be delivered to specific cells or even parts of cells such as dendritic spines. This can be achieved with computer generated holography (CGH), which shapes light to arbitrary patterns by phase-only modulation. We demonstrate here in detail how CGH can be incorporated into a stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope for photostimulation of neurons and monitoring of nanoscale morphological changes. We implement an original optical system to allow simultaneous holographic photostimulation and superresolution STED imaging. We present how synapses can be clearly visualized in live cells using membrane stains either with lipophilic organic dyes or with fluorescent proteins. We demonstrate the capabilities of this microscope to precisely monitor morphological changes of dendritic spines after stimulation. These all-optical methods for cell stimulation and monitoring are expected to spread to various fields of biological research in neuroscience and beyond.
The Impact of Individual Teachers on Student Achievement: Evidence from Panel Data

Teacher quality is widely believed to be important for education, despite little evidence that teachers' credentials matter for student achievement. To accurately measure variation in achievement due to teachers' characteristics-both observable and unobservable-it is essential to identify teacher fixed effects. Unlike previous studies, I use panel data to estimate teacher fixed effects while controlling for fixed student characteristics and classroom specific variables. I find large and statistically significant differences among teachers: a one standard deviation increase in teacher quality raises reading and math test scores by approximately . 20 and . 24 standard deviations, respectively, on a nationally standardized scale. In addition, teaching experience has statistically significant positive effects on reading test scores, controlling for fixed teacher quality.
Fluoroquinolone action in mycobacteria: similarity with effects in Escherichia coli and detection by cell lysate viscosity

Fluoroquinolones are potent antibacterial agents that are being used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. To better understand fluoroquinolone action in mycobacteria, the effects of ciprofloxacin were examined. DNA synthesis was inhibited rapidly in Mycobacterium smegmatis, DNA cleavage was readily observed by an empirical assay of cell lysate viscosity, and cell growth was blocked. These data are explained by the formation of gyrase-DNA-ciprofloxacin complexes that block replication fork movement. The bactericidal action of ciprofloxacin against M. smegmatis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and Escherichia coli occurred more slowly in cells with longer doubling times. The bactericidal effect against M. bovis BCG was partially blocked by pretreatment with chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, and by very high concentrations of ciprofloxacin itself. Similar responses occur when E. coli is treated with ciprofloxacin. These similarities between E. coli and mycobacteria indicate that results from extensive fluoroquinolone studies with E. coli can be applied to mycobacteria. A simple viscometric assay of DNA cleavage is described. The assay is expected to be useful for screening new fluoroquinolone derivatives for increased effectiveness against clinically important bacteria.
Microsatellite variability analysis in farmed catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) from Tamaulipas, Mexico

Analysis of cultured catfish from six farms in Tamaulipas, Mexico was achieved using a combination of microsatellite PCR analysis and semiautomatic fluoresce-based detection, in order to provide a first assessment of the genetic variability on cultured catfish in Mexico. Five microsatellites showed extensive polymorphism with allele numbers ranging from 10 and 20. Overall observed heterozygosity at each locus ranged between 0.76 and 0.91 and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) for the five loci was 0.811, indicating that these loci can be used for studies of paternity identification, linkage and population genetics. On the basis of the FST values (FST = 0.03829; p = 0.00000) it appears that there was a small amount of genetic differentiation between the channel catfish stocks. The high intrapopulation allelic diversity was the most remarkable parameter.
Inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus DNA synthesis and late gene expression by phosphonoacetic acid

Growth of lymphoblastoid cells (B95-8, Raji) is not inhibited by the presence of 0.4 mM phosphonoacetic acid. The synthesis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the producer line B95-8 is completely inhibited, as shown by the total inhibition of viral capsid antigen synthesis. Early viral antigens are made normally in the presence of phosphonoacetic acid, but EBV DNA synthesis is blocked in cells entering the productive cycle. Nonproducer cells in the population replicate the resident EBV DNA by a mechanism that is resistant to phosphonoacetic acid. These results are consistant with the hypotheses that EBV DNA is replicated by two mechanisms, one in the noninduced cell and a different mechanism in the producer cell, and that prior replication of EBV DNA, probably by the second mode, is a prerequisite for late gene expression.
Extended access to nicotine leads to a CRF1 receptor dependent increase in anxiety‐like behavior and hyperalgesia in rats

Tobacco dependence is associated with the emergence of negative emotional states during withdrawal, including anxiety and nociceptive hypersensitivity. However, the current animal models of nicotine dependence have focused on the mechanisms that mediate the acute reinforcing effects of nicotine and failed to link increased anxiety and pain during abstinence with excessive nicotine self‐administration. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the activation of corticotropin‐releasing factor‐1 (CRF1) receptors and emergence of the affective and motivational effects of nicotine abstinence only occur in rats with long access (>21 hours/day, LgA) and not short (1 hour/day, ShA) access to nicotine self‐administration. ShA and LgA rats were tested for anxiety‐like behavior, nociceptive thresholds, somatic signs of withdrawal and nicotine intake after 3 days of abstinence. The role of CRF1 receptors during abstinence was tested using systemic or intracerebral infusion of MPZP (N,N‐bis(2‐methoxyethyl)‐3‐(4‐methoxy‐2‐methylphenyl)‐2,5‐dimethyl‐pyrazolo(1,5α)pyrimidin‐7‐amine), a CRF1 receptor antagonist, in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). LgA but not ShA rats exhibited abstinence‐induced increases in anxiety‐like behavior and nociceptive hypersensitivity, which both predicted subsequent excessive nicotine intake and were prevented by systemic administration of MPZP. Intra‐CeA MPZP infusion prevented abstinence‐induced increases in nicotine intake and nociceptive hypersensitivity. These findings demonstrate that the model of short access to nicotine self‐administration has limited validity for tobacco dependence, highlight the translational relevance of the model of extended‐intermittent access to nicotine self‐administration for tobacco dependence and demonstrate that activation of CRF1 receptors is required for the emergence of abstinence‐induced anxiety‐like behavior, hyperalgesia and excessive nicotine intake.
Streaming and bouncing: observations on motion defined objects

When two identical objects move in opposite directions on the same path and at the same speed, they can appear, after crossing over, to continue in their original directions (streaming), or to reverse direction (bouncing). In order to be able to manipulate visibility by adding noise, we used objects defined by contrast, flicker, or motion, and thereby extended previous findings on luminance‐defined objects. Two identical rectangles (1.1 × 1.4°) composed of random dot patterns moved toward each other at a speed of 3.5°/s. In experiment 1 we used backgrounds of a grey field, static random dots, or dynamic noise, and examined the effect of introducing a pause in motion and a visual distractor. In experiment 2 we introduced visual noise at four levels. For all three types of motion display, we found an increase in the proportion of the bouncing percept when either a pause in motion or an attentional distractor was introduced. Experiment 2 showed that neither of these effects depends on the visibility of the moving objects. An increase in the bouncing percept, due to a pause in motion or the distraction of attention, can be observed for all types of object definition, and is not affected by decreasing the visibility of the motion‐defined objects. This finding suggests that the role of attention in determining the perception of bouncing does not lie in the modulation of object visibility.
Impact of chicken nugget presence on the degradation of canola oil during frying

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chicken nuggets addition on the degradation of canola oil during frying compared to the changes occurring when the same frying medium was simply heated at frying temperature as control. Heating or frying test was carried out at 185±5 o C using electric fryer for 8 h/day for 3 consecutive days and the oil sample was collected every 4 h. The changes in fatty acids composition and physicochemical properties of the oil samples during frying and controlled heating experiments were monitored. In this study, refractive index, free fatty acid content, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, polar compounds and viscosity of the oils all increased, whereas iodine value and C 18:2 /C 16:0 ratio decreased as heating or frying progressed. The percentage of linoleic acid tended to decrease, whereas the percentages of palmitic acid increased. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that adding chicken nuggets to heated canola oil led to higher decrease in the ratio of C 18.2 / C 16:0 compared to what was measured when the fat alone was heated at frying temperature. The presence of chicken nuggets accelerates the formation of polymerization products and polar compounds in canola oil during frying.
Value of the Nottingham Histological Grading Parameters and Nottingham Prognostic Index in Canine Mammary Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM In the past decade, the human Nottingham histological grade (NHG) has been applied to canine mammary carcinomas (CMC). The Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) enables identification of more aggressive human breast cancer. The prognostic value of grading parameters and NPI has never been detailed in CMC. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of NHG, its parameters and NPI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the prognostic value of NHG, its parameters and NPI in a cohort of 59 dogs with CMC. RESULTS Short disease-free interval and overall survival were associated with higher NHG, particularly of grade III. Only high nuclear pleomorphism score was significantly associated with poor survival. NPI exhibited a strong predictive value for disease progression. CONCLUSION NHG, nuclear pleomorphism and NPI have prognostic value in CMC. Nuclear pleomorphism is an independent prognostic factor. Evaluation of nuclear pleomorphism should be included in routine pathology reports.
Will primary care clinics organize themselves to improve the delivery of preventive services? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that the most effective way to improve delivery of preventive services in primary care is to establish organized preventive service systems. This study tests the hypothesis that a managed care organization (MCO) can help its contracted private primary care clinics to develop such systems. METHODS Forty-four primary care clinics contracting with two large MCOs were randomized to a comparison (C) or an intervention (I) group. Group (I) clinic team leaders received training plus ongoing consultation and networking. Personnel at all 44 clinics completed surveys prior to and at the end of the intervention to measure adoption of the improvement process and the prevention system. RESULTS All 22 (I) clinics identified teams that appeared to follow the seven-step improvement process. The mean numbers of system processes were identical at baseline, 11.2 (I) vs 12.1 (C), while after the intervention this had changed to 25.8 in (I) clinics vs 11.3 in (C) (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS With training and assistance, interested primary care clinic teams will establish functioning CQI teams that will produce a substantial increase in the presence of functional prevention system processes. Whether this change is sufficient to increase the rates of preventive services remains to be documented.
Induction of lung tumors in RFM mice after localized exposures to X rays or neutrons.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the dose-response relationships for the induction of lung tumors in RFM mice after localized thoracic exposures to X rays or fission neutrons. Animals were killed 9 months after localized irradiation, their lungs were cleared, and the tumors were counted to determine both percentage incidence and tumors/mouse. From these data, the relationship between tumors/mouse and X-ray dose could be described adequately by a linear-quadratic model with a shallow initial slope, or by a threshold model with a dose-squared response above the threshold dose, and linearity could be rejected over the dose range of 0 to 900 rad. For neutrons the relationship between tumors/mouse and dose over the range of 0 to 25 rad could be described by a linear, or a threshold model with linear response above the threshold. In either case, the relative biological effectiveness increased with decreasing neutron dose from 25 at 25 rad to 40 at 10 rad.
WattsKit: Software-Defined Power Monitoring of Distributed Systems

The design and the deployment of energy-efficient distributed systems is a challenging task, which requires software engineers to consider all the layers of a system, from hardware to software. In particular, monitoring and analyzing the power consumption of a distributed system spanning several—potentially heterogeneous—nodes becomes particularly tedious when aiming at a finer granularity than observing the power consumption of hosting nodes. While the state-of-the-art in software-defined power meters fails to deliver adaptive solutions to offer such service-level perspective and to cope with the diversity of hardware CPU architectures, this paper proposes to automatically learn the power models of the nodes supporting a distributed system, and then to use these inferred power models to better understand how the power consumption of the system's processes is distributed across nodes at runtime. Our solution, named WattsKit, offers a modular toolkit to build software-defined power meters "à la carte", thus dealing with the diversity of user and hardware requirements. Beyond the demonstrated capability of covering a wide diversity of CPU architectures with high accuracy, we illustrate the benefits of adopting software-defined power meters to analyze the power consumption of complex layered and distributed systems. In particular, we illustrate the capability of our approach to monitor the power consumption of a system composed of Docker Swarm, Weave, Elasticsearch, and Apache Zookeeper. Thanks to WattsKit, developers and administrators are now able to identify potential power leaks in their software infrastructure.
Olanzapine optimal dose: Results of an open‐label multicenter study in schizophrenic patients

Abstract This open‐label clinical study was conducted for patients with schizophrenia in order to investigate the efficacy, safety and optimal dose of olanzapine. One hundred and fifty‐six of the 159 enrolled patients were included in the analysis set. For the primary efficacy measure, the Final Global Improvement Rating (FGIR) score, 15.4% of patients had remarkable improvement, 58.3% of patients had moderate improvement or more, 79.5% of patients had slight improvement or more, and 10.3% of patients had increase in disease symptomatology (worsening). Results from the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) in all individual items were improved from baseline. Olanzapine was effective not only against positive psychotic symptoms but also against negative symptoms. This was consistent with results from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). For the majority of patients, a dose range of 7.5–10.0 mg/day, as a lower bound on the minimally effective dose, was suggested by the results of the dose to first response based on improvement in Global Improvement Rating (GIR) analyses. The ratio of olanzapine dose to equivalent haloperidol dose was estimated at 1.2 : 1. The most commonly reported treatment‐emergent signs and symptoms (TESS) occurring at a frequency of 10% or more were insomnia, weight increase, excitement, sleepiness, anxiety, malaise and dull headaches. There was a low incidence of extrapyramidal treatment‐emergent signs and symptoms; the most commonly reported were akathisia (6.4%), tremor (5.8%) and muscle rigidity (2.6%).
Longitudinal study of non-cavitated carious lesion progression in the primary dentition.

OBJECTIVES This study reports changes in non-cavitated tooth surface diagnoses after a 4-year period. METHODS Dental examinations were conducted for Iowa Fluoride Study cohort children who had non-cavitated lesions in the primary dentition and were also examined an average of 4 years later in the mixed dentition. Comparison of fluoride exposures, socioeconomic factors, and beverage consumption patterns were made between children who had lesions progress and those who did not. RESULTS Of 129 non-cavitated pit and fissure lesions in the first exams, 40 (31%) progressed to either frank decay or filled status, while among 132 noncavitated smooth surface lesions, 7 (5%) were filled and none had frank decay in the second exam. No fluoride, socioeconomic status or beverage variables were significantly associated with lesion progression. CONCLUSIONS Non-cavitated smooth surface lesions rarely progressed in this age group, but nearly one-third of pit and fissure lesions progressed.
Fair Division: From Cake-Cutting to Dispute Resolution

Introduction 1. Proportionality for n=2 2. Proportionality for n>2: the divisible case 3. Proportionality for n>2: the indivisible case 4. Envy-freeness and equitability for n=2 5. Applications for the point-allocation procedures 6. Envy-free procedures for n=3 and n=4 7. Envy-free procedures for arbitrary n 8. Divide-the-dollar 9. Fair division by auctions 10. Fair divisions by elections 11. Conclusions Glossary Bibliography Index.
Self-reported time spent watching television is associated with arterial stiffness in young adults: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study

Objectives To investigate whether time spent watching television (a marker of sedentary behaviour) is associated with arterial stiffness, a major determinant of cardiovascular disease, and whether any such association could be explained by related deleterious levels of habitual physical activity (HPA) and/or other lifestyle and biological risk factors. Methods Prospective measures (ages 32 and 36 years) of television time and risk factors were retrieved from 373 participants (196 women) in whom stiffness of the carotid, brachial and femoral arteries was assessed by means of ultrasonography at age 36 years. Data were analysed with generalised estimating equations. Results Participants with stiffer carotid arteries spent more time (in min/day) watching television during the four preceding years than did those with less stiff arteries, as defined on the basis of the highest compared with the lowest gender-specific tertiles of the distensibility or compliance coefficients (reversed) or the Young's elastic modulus: +22.4 (95%CI 8.7 to 36.1), +18.4 (4.2 to 32.5) and +19.7 (6.0 to 33.4), respectively. These differences were independent of potential confounders, such as vigorous intensity HPA and other lifestyle risk factors, and could only in part (up to 31%) be explained by the adverse associations of television time with traditional biological risk factors. Qualitatively similar results were found for femoral, but not brachial, stiffness estimates. Conclusions Given the independent associations of time spent watching television and vigorous intensity HPA with arterial stiffness, our study suggests that not only promotion of physical activity, but also discouragement of sedentary behaviours should be targeted in younger adults to prevent arterial stiffening.