Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-Verbal Behaviour of Patients with Schizophrenia in Medical Consultations – A Comparison with Depressed Patients and Association with Symptom Levels

Background: The Dutch psychiatrist Rümke introduced the notion that patients with schizophrenia could be recognised intuitively by an experienced psychiatrist, naming the process as the ‘praecox feeling’. This feeling may reflect aspects of the non-verbal behaviour of patients as shown in a medical consultation. The aim of this study was to test whether aspects of the initial non-verbal behaviour of patients with schizophrenia and depression in medical consultations differ and are associated with symptom levels in each group. Sampling and Method: The first 2 min of videotaped outpatient consultations with 78 patients (39 each with schizophrenia and depression) were analysed by researchers who were masked to the diagnosis and symptom levels of the patients. Non-verbal behaviour was assessed using a modified Ethological Coding System for Interviews. Symptom levels were rated by independent researchers on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The 2 diagnostic groups showed significant differences on 1 out of 6 aspects of non-verbal communication, with patients with schizophrenia exhibiting more ‘flight’ behaviour, i.e. more looking down or away, crouching and freezing. Within the group of patients with schizophrenia, more ‘flight’ and less ‘assertion’ were associated with higher symptom levels. Conclusion: Initial ‘flight’ behaviour of patients in medical consultations may be specific for schizophrenia and associated with the symptoms of that illness. Such behaviour might indicate an avoidance of potentially adverse communication, and future research should investigate whether it can also be identified in everyday social interactions other than medical consultations.
A Notch Filter for Ship Detection With Polarimetric SAR Data

Ship detection with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a major topic for the security and monitoring of maritime areas. One of the advantages of using SAR lays in its capability to acquire useful images with any-weather conditions and at night time. Specifically, this paper proposes a new methodology exploiting polarimetric acquisitions (dual- and quad-polarimetric). The methodology adopted for the detector algorithm was introduced by the author and performs a perturbation analysis in space of polarimetric targets checking for coherence between the target to detect and its perturbed version on the data. In the present work, this methodology is optimized for detection of marine features. In the end, the algorithm can be considered to be a negative (notch) filter focused on sea. Consequently, all the features which have a polarimetric behavior different from the sea are detected (i.e., ships, icebergs, buoys, etc). Moreover, a dual polarimetric version of the detector is designed, to be exploited in the circumstances where quad polarimetric data cannot be acquired. The detector was tested with TerraSAR-X quad polarimetric data showing significant agreement with the available ground truth. Moreover, the theoretical performances of the detector are tested with Monte Carlo simulations in order to extract the probabilities of detection and false alarm. An important result is that the detector is, up to some extend, independent of the sea conditions.
Effects of household processing on reduction of pesticide residues in vegetables

In a monitoring study residue levels of organochlorines (OC), synthetic pyrethroids (SP), organophosphates (OP) and carbamates were determined in unprocessed and processed three vegetables viz. brinjal, cauliflower and okra to know the residue levels and evaluate the effect of different household processes (washing and boiling/cooking) on reduction of residues. Samples were procured from local market at different interval of time. Residues were estimated by using multi residue analytical technique employing gas liquid chromatograph (GC), with electron capture detector (ECD) and nitrogen phosphorous detector (NPD) equipped with capillary columns. In all the three vegetables, washing reduced the residues by 20-77 percent and boiling by 32-100 percent. Maximum (77%) reduction of OP insecticides was observed in brinjal, followed by 74% in cauliflower and 50% in okra by washing. The same trend was observed by boiling process where maximum (100%) reduction of OP insecticides was observed in brinjal followed by 92% in cauliflower and 75% in okra. Boiling was found comparatively more effective than washing in dislodging the residues.
PK 11195 differentially affects cell survival in human wild‐type and 18 kDa translocator protein‐silenced ADF astrocytoma cells

Gliomas are the most common brain tumours with a poor prognosis due to their aggressiveness and propensity for recurrence. The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) has been demonstrated to be greatly expressed in glioma cells and its over‐expression has been correlated with glioma malignance grades. Due to both its high density in tumours and the pro‐apoptotic activity of its ligands, TSPO has been suggested as a promising target in gliomas. With the aim to evidence if the TSPO expression level alters glioma cell susceptibility to undergo to cell death, we analysed the effects of the specific TSPO ligand, PK 11195, in human astrocytoma wild‐type and TSPO‐silenced cell lines. As first step, TSPO was characterised in human astrocytoma cell line (ADF). Our data demonstrated the presence of a single class of TSPO binding sites highly expressed in mitochondria. PK 11195 cell treatment activated an autophagic pathway followed by apoptosis mediated by the modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition. In TSPO‐silenced cells, produced by siRNA technique, a reduced cell proliferation rate and a decreased cell susceptibility to the PK 11195‐induced anti‐proliferative effect and mitochondrial potential dissipation were demonstrated respect to control cells. In conclusion, for the first time, PK 11195 was demonstrated to differentially affect glioma cell survival in relation to TSPO expression levels. These results encourage the development of specific‐cell strategies for the treatment of gliomas, in which TSPO is highly expressed respect to normal cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 712–723, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marriage in the New Millennium: Is there a Place for Social Cognition in Marital Research?

Although the interchange between clinical and social psychological research has been fruitful in the study of cognition in marriage, it has recently waned. This article therefore illustrates the value of continued interplay between developments in the social cognition and marital literatures, focusing on the role of context in understanding marriage. Several studies show how construct accessibility, including the construct of marital quality, provides a context that influences judgments of partner behavior, the stability of marital quality, and observed marital behavior. The effects of context on reported marital quality are also examined. Finally, an expanded interplay between social cognition and marital research is illustrated using as examples self-evaluation maintenance processes and goals analysis. It is concluded that the social cognitive perspective has the potential to provide a different understanding of marital cognition in the new millenium.
Vasculitic lesion involving the uterine cervix in a patient with anti-nuclear antibodies

following surgery is dependent on the severity of the adhesions, ranging from 32% with severe adhesions (Valle and Sciarra, 1988) to 75% with less severe intrauterine adhesions (Ismajovich et al., 1985). Surgery serves only to divide the adhesions that are present within the cavity, but can do little about their recurrence. Previous methods to prevent recurrence of the adhesions have included the use of intrauterine catheters, IUDs, drains and the use of adjuvant medications including antibiotics, steroids and antispasmodics, all with poor effect. The SprayGel Adhesion Barrier System consists of two liquids (one is clear, and the other is tinted with methylene blue for vision only) that when mixed together cross-link rapidly to form a biocompatible, absorbable hydrogel in situ. The in-situ polymerisation occurs within seconds with no heat evolved and no external energy source required. Delivery of SprayGel for intrauterine use is completed using an applicator that consists of a ‘Y’ blending connector that is connected at the distal end to an 8 Fr flexible cannula, and at the proximal end to the two syringes containing the precursor solutions. Upon applying the two liquids through the applicator, the liquids mix and cross-link to cast a bolus of hydrogel of the size and shape of the uterine cavity. This hydrogel cast is soft and compressible, yet serves as a stent to keep the uterine walls separate for about 10 – 14 days, the period of maximum risk for synechiae reformation. After this duration, the adhesion barrier undergoes hydrolysis, is absorbed into the circulatory system, and excreted through the kidneys. The patient did not experience any discomfort associated with the placement of this adhesion barrier as an absorbable stent. The use of SprayGel in this case with severe intrauterine adhesions led to a patent uterine tract and early post-treatment pregnancy. It is possible that the use of this product following treatment of intrauterine adhesions may reduce the number of procedures that are required to keep open the uterus and increase the pregnancy rate in women with severe adhesions. Further investigation of the use of this product for this procedure is warranted.
Are people with rheumatoid arthritis who undertake activity pacing at risk of being too physically inactive?

Objective: To gain insight into the relationship between activity pacing and physical inactivity. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient clinic of a rheumatology department. Subjects: Men and women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis Main measures: Physical activity was assessed using self-reported measures and an accelerometer-based activity monitor. An occupational therapist and specialized nurse analysed the self-reported physical activity data and classified on the basis of consensus the pacing of activities of all patients as ‘adequate’ or ‘not adequate’. Results: Thirty rheumatoid arthritis patients participated in this study of whom nine were categorized as adequate activity pacers. None of these nine undertook sufficient exercise whereas 6 of the 20 people who did not pace activity appropriately did. Physical activity levels assessed by self-reported measures were significantly higher than when assessed by an accelerometer-based activity monitor. Conclusions: Activity pacing was associated with lower levels of physical activity. Since patients with rheumatoid arthritis are already at risk for inactivity, further inactivation by activity pacing might potentially be harmful.
Valved holding chambers (VHCs) for use with pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs): a review of causes of inconsistent medication delivery.

BACKGROUND Valved holding chambers (VHCs) are prescribed with pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) to improve medication delivery for the treatment of respiratory diseases because they reduce the need for the patient to co-ordinate inhaler actuation with the onset of inhalation. Although mechanically robust and clinically effective if properly designed and pre-conditioned, there are several causes of inconsistent medication delivery if this is not the case. These include: electrostatic charge; incorrect operation of inhalation and exhalation valves; and the fit of the facemask - where present - to the face. In addition, behavioral factors, such as not following patient instructions for use and maintenance, and imperfect breathing technique, amplify overall variability. Aids such as valve movement indicators that provide patient feedback are helpful in order to minimise these factors. METHODS This article reviews recent literature concerning the causes of inconsistent drug delivery and the improvements that have been made by manufacturers to VHC devices, and assesses the clinical implications. The attributes of a well-designed VHC are summarised.
Atherogenic Index and Protein Fractions in Psoriasis

Context: Psoriasis is a common non-contagious chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by patchy inflammatory lesion covered with silvery white scales. Its etiology is still unknown while genetic, metabolic and immunological mechanisms have been recommended as its cause. An increased ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) is considered a risk for the development of coronary heart disease is reported by several studies. Excessive shedding of scales from the skin in the course of disease causes loss of proteins. Objective: To estimate and compare atherogenic index in psoriatic patients and controls and to analyze the electrophoretic pattern of serum protein fractions in psoriatic patients and controls. Materials and methods: 50 patients with psoriasis of various degrees of severity and 50 age and gender matched non psoriatic subjects were included in the study. Serum lipid profile and serum total proteins and protein fractions was determined. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Atherogenic index showed statistically significant increase in psoriatic patients compared to normal individuals (p < 0.05). The mean serum total proteins showed statistically significant decrease due to decrease in albumin.However, the protein fractions showed statistically significant increase due to increase in α2 , β and γ globulins in psoriatic patients compared to normal individuals (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Meticulous follow up of dyslipidemia and protein levels with adequate protein supplementation throughout the course of the disease can go a long way in improving patient's nutritional status and also can prevent the complications associated with hyperlipidemia and hypoproteinemia.
99mTc-human serum albumin: an effective radiotracer for identifying sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma.

UNLABELLED Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has emerged as a novel approach for identifying patients with melanoma and regional nodal micrometastasis who may benefit from full nodal basin resection. To identify the pattern of tumor lymphatic drainage and the SLN, lymphoscintigraphy has been performed using primarily 99mTc-sulfur colloid (SC). In this study, we compare the efficacy of SLN biopsy using 99mTc-human serum albumin (HSA) with SLN biopsy after SC-based lymphoscintigraphy. METHODS One hundred and six patients with localized cutaneous melanoma were studied. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed after intradermal injection of HSA in 85 patients and SC in 21 patients. Four patients underwent lymphoscintigraphy twice, once with SC and once with HSA. Dynamic images were acquired for up to 1 h, followed by high-count images of the SLN in various projections so that the most likely site was marked on the skin for biopsy. Intraoperatively, blue dye was injected around the primary site. Twenty-four patients underwent SLN dissection directed by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and vital blue dye mapping; in the remaining 80 patients, a gamma probe was added intraoperatively to the localization procedure. Two patients underwent mapping with gamma probe alone. RESULTS Draining lymphatic basins and nodes were identified by lymphoscintigraphy in all patients. The SLN was identified in 95% of patients when both blue dye and intraoperative gamma probe were used. When 99mTc-HSA was used for imaging, 98% of the SLNs ultimately identified were radiolabeled, and 82% were both hot and blue. Of the SLN recovered with SC, all the nodes were radiolabeled; however, there was only 58% hot and blue concordance. Greater numbers of SLNs were removed in the SC group (median 2.0 versus 1.0, P = 0.02); however, the incidence of micrometastasis was statistically similar in both HSA and SC cohorts. In the 4 patients examined with both tracers, SLN mapping was similar. CONCLUSION Although SC has been the radiotracer of choice for SLN mapping in melanoma, HSA appears to be a suitable alternative, with identical success rates. In fact, the higher concordance between hot and blue nodes using HSA suggests superiority of this tracer for this purpose.
Simple fiber Bragg grating sensing systems for structural health monitoring

This paper reviews a couple of simple and low-cost techniques suitable to interrogate the fiber Bragg grating sensors used in structural health monitoring and provides few examples on their applications. Both these techniques evaluate mechanical strains through the measurement of optical power variations, thus avoiding expensive spectral analyses. With the first technique, which uses a broadband source and a pair of matched gratings, it is possible to fabricate a low-cost optical sensor with intrinsic compensation for temperature effects. The other technique, which is based on a laser source wavelength-matched with the Bragg grating, allows evaluating dynamic strains down to few nanostrain. These two complementary approaches are analyzed and compared, highlighting their strengths and weakness from the point of view of structural health monitoring applications. Then, since interrogation methods that exploit the variation of the received signal amplitude are very sensitive to noise, a description of how performances can be improved using standard signal-processing algorithms is also given. The combination of one of the proposed approaches with the suitable signal-processing techniques allows achieving results comparable with other common grating interrogation methods, but at a fraction of their costs.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Can provision of free school uniforms harm attendance ? Evidence from Ecuador

To raise school enrollment and attendance, many programs in developing countries eliminate or reduce private contributions to education. This paper documents an unintended negative effect of such programs. Using data from a randomized experiment that provides free uniforms to primary school children in Ecuador, we find that the intervention has a significantly negative impact on attendance. An explanation is that parents who pay for their children’s uniforms (the control group) feel more committed to the school than parents who got the uniforms for free (the treated) and therefore encourage their children to attend school. Consistent with this, we find that the impact is largest shortly after the purchase of the uniform, and during the exam period when more is at stake. JEL-codes: I22, I38, O15, H52
Psychometric characteristics of the Child Occupational Self Assessment (COSA), Part One: An initial examination of psychometric properties

Pediatric occupational therapists have a unique opportunity to foster self-determination by involving young clients in assessment and intervention planning. Self-assessment is an appropriate way to support client-centered practice and self-determination. This study is the first in a series of two studies that examined the psychometric properties of the Child Occupational Self Assessment (COSA), a self-report tool based on the Model of Human Occupation. The COSA comprises 24 statements, which the child rates in terms of personal competence and importance. The Rasch Rating Scale Model was used to evaluate the measurement properties of the Competence and Values scales that result from these self-ratings. Analysis indicated that the items worked well together to constitute measures of occupational competence and values. However, the instrument was not sufficiently sensitive to discriminate among respondents. Future recommendations are made to expand the rating scales in order to increase client discrimination so that the COSA can also be used as an outcome assessment. The results provide initial evidence that the COSA can be used as meaningful and reliable client directed assessment tool.
Quality measures to adapt the participation in MOS

Multiple Offspring Sampling (MOS) is a hybrid algorithm where different evolutionary approaches can coexist simultaneously. The algorithm dynamically evaluates the quality of the solutions produced by each of these algorithms (or techniques, as they are called within MOS) and adjusts their participation in the overall evolutionary process according to this quality value. In this paper we use two alternative measures to evaluate the quality of a reproductive technique and therefore perform the dynamic adjustment of the participation ratios. One of these measures considers the fitness values of the solutions, while the other one determines how difficult the problem is for an evolutionary approach. These two measures are tested and compared over four problems of different complexity and domain (three of them are continuous while the fourth one is discrete). Results show analogies and differences among the used measures and confirm that a good dynamic selection based on a quality measure can boost the performance of the hybrid algorithm.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Endothelial Markers CD31, CD34, von Willebrand Factor, and Fli-1 in Normal Human Tissues

Few systematic studies have been published comparing the expression and distribution of endothelial cell (EC) markers in different vascular beds in normal human tissues. We investigated by immunohistochemistry the expression of CD31, CD34, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and Fli-1 in EC of the major organs and large vessels. Tissue samples obtained from autopsies and biopsy specimens were routinely processed and stained immunohistochemically for CD31, CD34, and vWF. Biopsy material was also stained immunohistochemically for Fli-1, D2-40, and Lyve-1. The expression pattern of the markers was heterogeneous in some of the organs studied. In the kidney, fenestrated endothelium of the glomeruli strongly expressed CD31 and CD34 but was only focally positive or completely negative for vWF. Alveolar wall capillaries of the lung strongly stained for CD31 and CD34 but were usually negative for vWF. The staining intensity for vWF increased gradually with the vessel caliber in the lung. Sinusoids of the spleen and liver were diffusely positive for CD31. They were negative for CD34 in the spleen and only expressed CD34 in the periportal area in the liver. Fli-1 was expressed in all types of EC but also in lymphocytes. D2-40 stained lymphatic endothelium only. Lyve-1 immunostaining was too variable to be applied to routinely processed tissues. The expression of EC markers CD31, CD34, and vWF in the vascular tree is heterogeneous with a specific pattern for individual vessel types and different anatomic compartments of the same organ. D2-40 labels lymphatic EC only.
Morphology of the Symbiosis Between Corculum cardissa (Mollusca: Bivalvia) and Symbiodinium corculorum (Dinophyceae)

Light and transmission electron microscopy of tissues of the symbiotic clam Corculum cardissa (L) showed that a symbiotic dinoflagellate, Symbiodinium corculorum (Trench), is found predominantly in the mantle and the gills. The data suggest that in C. cardissa the algae are located in a zooxanthellal tubular system that is associated with the hemocoel and is similar to that seen in tridacnine (“giant”) clams. The algae occur within the lumen of the tertiary tubules and are thus separated from the hemolymph by a tissue that is one cell layer thick. Under a light microscope the tertiary tubules appear as rows of symbionts originating from the digestive diverticulum, presumably branching from the primary tubules that are also seen in symbiotic tridacnine clams. This morphological arrangement is discussed with regard to the ontogeny and the evolution of the tubular system within symbiotic bivalves.