Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
School Social Behavior Scales: an Adaptation Study of the Portuguese Version of the Social Competence Scale from SSBS-2

This study analyses the psychometric proprieties of a Portuguese version of the social competence scale from the School Social Behavior Scales (SSBS-2, Merrell, 2002). It is a rating instrument of children and adolescents behavior, to be used by teachers and other school personnel. This scale includes 3 subscales: self-management/compliance, peer relations and academic behavior. In our first sample, 175 teachers rated 344 students from grade 1 through 12. On the second sample 13 teachers rated 251 3rd and 4th grades students. The results from the Portuguese adaptation support the multidimensional structure of the social competence scale from the SSBS-2, although an alternative model demonstrated a better fit to the data than the model originally proposed by the author. The scale showed good internal consistency and good intercorrelations between subscales, as well as between subscales and the total scale. The final model was well replicated in the second sample. These results encourage us to pursue the SSBS-2 Portuguese adaptation, in order to provide a useful and validated instrument for the assessment of social competence and for educational interventions. El presente estudio analiza las características psicométricas de la versión portuguesa de la escala School Social Behavior Scales (SSBS-2, Merrell, 2002). Se trata de un instrumento de calificación del comportamiento de los niños y adolescentes, para ser utilizado por los maestros y por otro personal educativo. Esta escala incluye tres subescalas: autocontrol/conformidad, las relaciones entre pares y el comportamiento académico. En nuestra primera muestra, 175 maestros calificaron 344 estudiantes del 1⍛ al 12⍛ grado escolar. En la segunda muestra, 13 profesores calificaron 251 estudiantes de 3⍛ y 4⍛ grado escolar. Los resultados de la adaptación portuguesa apoyan la estructura multidimensional de la escala de competencia social del SSBS-2, a pesar de un modelo alternativo demostrar un mejor ajuste a los datos que el modelo propuesto originalmente por el autor. La escala reveló una buena consistencia interna y una buena correlación entre las subescalas, así como entre las subescalas y la escala total. El modelo final se replicó bien en la segunda muestra. Estos resultados nos incentivan a proseguir la adaptación portuguesa del SSBS-2, a fin de proporcionar un instrumento útil y validado para la evaluación de la competencia social y para las intervenciones educativas.
Planning What Not to Eat: Ironic Effects of Implementation Intentions Negating Unhealthy Habits

The present studies tested the effectiveness of implementation intentions with an “if [situation], then not [habitual response]” structure. Based on ironic process theory and the literature on the processing of negations, it was expected that these “negation implementation intentions” would, ironically, strengthen the habit (situation—response association) one aims to break. In line with the hypotheses, forming negation implementation intentions resulted in cognitive ironic rebound effects as well as behavioral ironic rebound effects compared to an intention only condition or a replacement implementation intention. Additionally, it was found that negation implementation intentions are most likely to result in ironic rebound effects when the habit to be negated is strong. Although implementation intentions are generally highly effective in facilitating behavior change even when this involves breaking unwanted habits, the present research suggests that they are ineffective when they have a negating structure.
The implementation of a transanal endoscopic microsurgery programme: initial experience with surgical performance

Despite transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) being used for over 30 years, there has been slow adoption of this modality in many centres. There remains a paucity of research regarding the learning curve and early performance of surgeons who begin to offer TEM. We sought to determine predictors of longer rates of tumour excision and improvements in operative time in a newly established TEM programme.
Stock price dynamics: nonlinear trend, volume, volatility, resistance and money supply

We present a methodology to study a data set of 119 260 daily closed-end fund prices using mixed-effects regressions with the objective of understanding price dynamics. There is strong statistical support that relative price change depends significantly on (i) the recent trend in a nonlinear manner, (ii) recent changes in valuation, (iii) recent changes in money supply (M2), (iv) longer-term trend, (v) recent volume changes and (vi) proximity to a recent high price. The dependence on the volatility is more subtle, as short-term volatility has a positive influence, while the longer term is negative. The cubic nonlinearity in the weighted price trend shows that a percentage daily gain of up to 2.78% tends to yield higher prices, but larger gains lead to lower prices. Thus, the nonlinearity of price trend establishes an empirical and quantitative basis for both underreaction and overreaction within one large data set, facilitating an understanding of these competing motivations in markets. Increasing money supply is found to have a significant positive effect on stock price, while proximity to recent high prices has a negative effect. The data set consists of daily prices during the period 26 October 1998 to 30 January 2008.
Integrated control of appetite and fat metabolism by the leptin-proopiomelanocortin pathway

Leptin deficiency results in a complex obesity phenotype comprising both hyperphagia and lowered metabolism. The hyperphagia results, at least in part, from the absence of induction by leptin of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) secretion in the hypothalamus; the MSH normally then binds to melanocortin-4 receptor expressing neurons and inhibits food intake. The basis for the reduced metabolic rate has been unknown. Here we show that leptin administered to leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice results in a large increase in peripheral MSH levels; further, peripheral administration of an MSH analogue results in a reversal of their abnormally low metabolic rate, in an acceleration of weight loss during a fast, in partial restoration of thermoregulation in a cold challenge, and in inducing serum free fatty acid levels. These results support an important peripheral role for MSH in the integration of metabolism with appetite in response to perceived fat stores indicated by leptin levels.
Depressive symptoms influence use of feedback for motor learning and recovery in chronic stroke.

PURPOSE Sensorimotor impairments and depressive symptoms (PSD) influence arm motor recovery post-stroke. Feedback provision improves upper limb motor learning in patients with chronic stroke but factors including PSD may affect ability to use feedback. We evaluated the influence of PSD on the ability to use auditory feedback for upper limb recovery and motor learning in patients with chronic stroke. METHODS Participants (n = 24) practiced 72 pointing movements/session (6 targets, 12 sessions, randomized) with auditory feedback on movement speed and trunk displacement. The presence of PSD (Beck's Depression Inventory; BDI-II) was assessed at pre-intervention (PRE). Arm motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, shoulder horizontal adduction, shoulder flexion, elbow extension ranges, trunk displacement) and arm use (Motor Activity Log) were assessed at PRE, immediately after (POST) and retention (3 mos; RET). Participants were divided into two groups based on BDI-II scores: ≥ 14/63 (DEP group; n = 8; score: 20.5 ± 7.5) and ≤ 13/63 (no PSD (ND) group; n = 16; score: 5.0 ± 3.8). Changes in impairment and arm use levels were assessed (mixed-model ANOVAs). RESULTS All participants improved arm use. DEP had lower Fugl-Meyer scores, used more compensatory trunk displacement and had lower shoulder horizontal adduction range compared to ND. CONCLUSION The presence of PSD diminished the ability to use auditory feedback for arm motor recovery and motor learning.
Accelerated time-domain modeling of microstrip based microwave circuit geometries on periodic substrates

Advances in the design of electromagnetic bandgap and meta-material structures have opened new possibilities for substrate engineering to optimize the performance of microstrip or coplanar waveguide based integrated microwave circuits. Periodic substrates alone can be fully characterized through their dispersion analysis. On the other hand, modeling the interaction between metallic guides and such substrates usually involves lengthy simulations, because the resulting geometry is non-periodic. We propose a Finite-Difference Time-Domain based solution to this problem, which leads to significant acceleration of the relevant modeling process over broad bandwidths, without compromising accuracy.
An intracellular study of muscle primary afferents during fictive locomotion in the cat.

1. Presynaptic activity of identified primary afferents from flexor, extensor, and bifunctional hindlimb muscles was studied with intra-axonal recordings during fictive locomotion. Fictive locomotion appeared spontaneously in decorticate cats (n = 9), with stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region (n = 4), and in spinal cats injected with clonidine or nialamide and L-DOPA (n = 4). Representative flexor and extensor muscle nerves, recorded to monitor the locomotor pattern and dorsal rootlets of the sixth and seventh lumbar segments, were recorded simultaneously to monitor dorsal root potentials (DRPs). 2. From responses to muscle stretches and, in some instances, twitch contractions of the parent muscle, 75% of the single units examined were putatively identified as spindle afferents (40/53). On the basis of conduction velocity and stimulation threshold, 73% of these were further classified as group I fibers (29/40), the rest as group II fibers. 3. All units (n = 53 with resting potential more negative than -45 mV) showed fluctuations of their membrane potential (up to 1.5 mV) at the rhythm of the fictive locomotion. Subsequent averaging of these fluctuations over several cycles revealed that 89% of all units displayed a predominant wave of depolarization during the flexor phase, followed by a trough of repolarization. In 79% of the units, there was also a second, usually smaller, depolarization during the extensor phase. The relative size of each wave of depolarization could vary with different episodes of fictive locomotion in the same unit and among various afferents from the same muscle in the same experiment. 4. The firing frequency of some afferents from the ankle flexor tibialis anterior (5/16) and the bifunctional muscle posterior biceps-semitendinosus (4/15) was phasically modulated along the fictive step cycle. The maximum frequency always occurred during the flexor phase, i.e., during the largest depolarization of the unit. Because of the absence of phasic sensory input in the curarized animal, we assume that the phasic discharges were generated within the spinal cord and antidromically propagated. Phasic firing was never encountered in afferents from extensor muscles such as triceps surae (0/15) and vastus lateralis (0/4). 5. The results demonstrate that the pattern of rhythmic depolarization accompanying fictive locomotion is similar for the majority of flexor, extensor, and bifunctional group I (and possibly group II) muscle spindle primary afferents. They further indicate that there is a specific phasic modulation of antidromic firing for some flexor and bifunctional muscle spindle afferents. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
HISTAMINE‐INDUCED CORONARY ARTERY SPASM: THE CONCEPT OF ALLERGIC ANGINA

Histamine, the main amine released during allergic reactions, can provoke coronary arterial spasm manifested as angina pectoris. This has been shown during clinical and laboratory studies. The effects of histamine on cardiac function are mediated via H1‐ and H2‐ receptors situated on the four cardiac chambers and coronary arteries. Coronary arteries of cardiac patients are hyperactive and contain stores of histamine which can initiate coronary artery spasm.
Spatial competition with Lactococcus lactis in mixed-species continuous-flow biofilms inhibits Listeria monocytogenes growth

Surfaces in industrial settings provide a home for resident biofilms that are likely to interact with the attachment, growth and survival of pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. Experimental results have indicated that L. monocytogenes cells were inhibited by the presence of a model resident flora (Lactococcus lactis) in dual-species continuous flow-biofilms, and are spatially restricted to the lower biofilm layers. Using a new, simplified individual-based model (IBM) that simulates bacterial cell growth in a three-dimensional space, the spatial arrangements of the two species were reconstructed and their cell counts successfully predicted. This model showed that the difference in generation times between L. monocytogenes and L. lactis cells during the initial stages of dual-species biofilm formation was probably responsible for the species spatialization observed and the subsequent inhibition of growth of the pathogen.
Agitation Among Elderly Persons at Adult Day-Care Centers: The Experiences of Relatives and Staff Members

Two hundred participants (mean age = 80 years) from five senior day-care centers were included in a study of agitation. Staff members at the centers and participants' relatives rated the frequency with which participants displayed agitated behaviors, via an expanded version of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. The most frequent behaviors noted were general restlessness, repetitious sentences, verbal interruptions, and pacing. A three-factor solution for staff members' ratings included (a) physically nonaggressive behaviors, including general restlessness and pacing; (b) verbally agitated behaviors, including complaining and constant requests for attention; and (c) aggressive verbal behaviors, including cursing and temper outbursts. A three-factor solution for relatives' ratings included (a) physically nonaggressive behaviors, including general restlessness and pacing; (b) verbally agitated behaviors, including constant requests for attention and related interruptions; and (c) aggressive behaviors, including cursing, grabbing, kicking, and pushing. The syndromes of both models showed similarity to the factors found in a nursing home population, although differences were also apparent.
Three-Dimensional Structure of the Bovine Sperm Connecting Piece Revealed by Electron Cryotomography1

ABSTRACT The sperm connecting piece is a complex structure that, from a mechanical perspective, appears to play a role in stabilizing the proximal part of the sperm tail. We report the three-dimensional structure of the intact bovine sperm connecting piece, revealing an intricate, asymmetrical architecture with the segmented columns held together by filamentous linkages. The columns fuse, at the proximal end, with each other into structures that form the centriolar vault, and at the distal end, with the outer dense fibers (ODFs). The grouping of the fibers into these structures is consistent with bending only in the plane of the head. Structures reminiscent of the proximal centriole were observed in the vault, while the association of a novel bar structure with ODFs 3 and 8 organizes the distal centriolar vault. It has been proposed that the elastic compliance of the connecting piece provides the underlying mechanism behind initiation of the sperm beat cycle and bend propagation. According to the basal sliding theory of sperm movement, distortion of the connecting piece may store energy that initiates a new beat. The intersegment linkers could serve as mechanosensitive elements that regulate alternation of the sperm tail's bending direction in the beat cycle in addition to providing structural stabilization for the connecting piece segmented structures. On the other hand, our video recordings of the bull sperm movement show little bending of the head with respect to the tail, so it appears that there may be normally little strain within the connecting piece. Electron cryotomography of the structure of the sperm connecting piece yields novel insights into the motility of spermatozoa.
Unusual Radar Echoes from the Greenland Ice Sheet

Airborne radar images of part of the Greenland ice sheet reveal icy terrain whose radar properties are unique among radar-studied terrestrial surfaces but resemble those of Jupiter's icy Galilean satellites. The 5.6- and 24-centimeter-wavelength echoes from the Greenland percolation zone, like the 3.5- and 13-centimeter-wavelength echoes from the icy satellites, are extremely intense and have anomalous circular and linear polarization ratios. However, the detailed subsurface configurations of the Galilean satellite regoliths, where heterogeneities are the product of prolonged meteoroid bombardment, are unlikely to resemble that within the Greenland percolation zone, where heterogeneities are the product of seasonal melting and refreezing.
Effect of hypoxia on cellular adhesion to vitronectin and fibronectin.

Cellular invasion of extracellular matrix (ECM) occurs during normal and pathological settings. For cells to invade, they must adhere to the underlying substratum, break down barrier molecules, and detach from the substratum prior to migrating through the ECM. We previously demonstrated that incubation under reduced oxygen levels increases the in vitro invasiveness of trophoblast and breast carcinoma cells, an effect linked to elevated expression of the cell surface receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR). This study examined the role of oxygen, integrins and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system on the adhesion of trophoblast and breast carcinoma cells to the ECM molecules vitronectin and fibronectin. Compared to exposure to 20 and 5% oxygen, exposure to 1% oxygen decreased adhesion of these cells to vitronectin and fibronectin, an effect that was reversible by re-exposure to 20% oxygen. Incubation in 1% oxygen also resulted in reduced expression of surface alpha(5) integrin. Furthermore, adhesion to vitronectin and fibronectin was reduced by compounds that interfere with integrin function, such as EDTA, anti-integrin antibodies, or by antibodies that interfere with the binding of pro-uPA to uPAR, soluble uPAR, soluble vitronectin, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, as well as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. These findings suggest an important role for oxygen in the regulation of cellular invasion, possibly in part through its effects on integrin and uPAR-mediated mechanisms of adhesion.
AMPA receptors mediate acetylcholine release from starburst amacrine cells in the rabbit retina

The light response of starburst amacrine cells is initiated by glutamate released from bipolar cells. To identify the receptors that mediate this response, we used a combination of anatomical and physiological techniques. An in vivo, rabbit eyecup was preloaded with [3H]‐choline, and the [3H]‐acetylcholine (ACh) released into the superfusate was monitored. A photopic, 3 Hz flashing light increased ACh release, and the selective AMPA receptor antagonist, GYKI 53655, blocked this light‐evoked response. Nonselective AMPA/kainate agonists increased the release of ACh, but the specific kainate receptor agonist, SYM 2081, did not increase ACh release. Selective AMPA receptor antagonists, GYKI 53655 or GYKI 52466, also blocked the responses to agonists. We conclude that the predominant excitatory input to starburst amacrine cells is mediated by AMPA receptors. We also labeled lightly fixed rabbit retinas with antisera to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), AMPA receptor subunits GluR1, GluR2/3, or GluR4, and kainate receptor subunits GluR6/7 and KA2. Labeled puncta were observed in the inner plexiform layer with each of these antisera to glutamate receptors, but only GluR2/3‐IR puncta and GluR4‐IR puncta were found on the ChAT‐IR processes. The same was true of starburst cells injected intracellularly with Neurobiotin, and these AMPA receptor subunits were localized to two populations of puncta. The AMPA receptors are expected to desensitize rapidly, enhancing the sensitivity of starburst amacrine cells to moving or other rapidly changing stimuli. J. Comp. Neurol. 466:80–90, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Medially Based Anterior Capsular Shift of the Glenohumeral Joint

The effect of a medially based anterior capsular shift on translational and rotational range of motion and posterior capsular strain was investigated in an in vitro model. Six cadaveric shoulders were tested in a robot-assisted shoulder simulator. Translational and rotational range of motion were reduced by the capsular shift, particularly with the shoulder at higher elevation angles. At 60° of elevation, anterior translation was decreased 1.9±2.9 mm, and posterior translation was decreased 2.3±6.2 mm. External rotation was decreased 11.5°±10.2°, and internal rotation was decreased 8.9°±5.7°. Posterior capsular strain change was dependent on elevation angle. At 30° of elevation, strain tended to increase 5.0%±7.3% in the inferior aspect and 2.9%±2.6% in the superior aspect, with no change detected in the medial aspect. At 60° of elevation, strain increased 6.6%±8.0%, 3.2%±2.6%, and 4.4%±3.5% in the inferior, middle, and superior aspects, respectively. Our results support the use of the medially based anterior shift for shoulders with anterior-inferior instability or multidirectional instability with posterior involvement.
Kinetics and subunit interactions of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase from the cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp.

Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the unicellular, marine cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. It was composed of large (57,000 dalton) and small (12,000 dalton) subunits in a 1:l stoichiometry. It was rapidly activated by M&‘ plus HC03-, even in the presence of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate which had no effect on the extent of activation. Michaelis constants for C02, 02, and ribulose 1,B-bisphosphate were 3to 10-fold higher than for the enzyme from higher plants. Maximum specific activities of the carboxylase and oxygenase reactions were 2.9 and 0.34 pmol-min”. mg“, respectively. After being three times precipitated at pH 5.4 and redissolved, 13% of the initial small subunit content remained, together with 41% of the original catalytic activity. Inactive small subunits remained in the supernatant after precipitation. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation and pore-gradient electrophoresis showed that the small subunit-depleted enzyme consisted of an oligomeric core of large subunits with varying numbers of small subunits attached. However, activity was not correlated with degree of saturation with small subunits. When isolated small subunits were added back to the small subunit-depleted enzyme, substantial re-formation of the native electrophoretic form occurred and catalytic activity increased 2-fold or more.
How Did the Recession of 2007–2009 Affect the Wealth and Retirement of the Near Retirement Age Population in the Health and Retirement Study?

This article uses household wealth and labor market data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to investigate how the recent "Great Recession" has affected the wealth and retirement of those approaching retirement age as the recession began, a potentially vulnerable population. The retirement wealth of people aged 53-58 in 2006 declined by a relatively modest 2.8 percent by 2010. Relative losses were greatest among those with the highest wealth when the recession began. Most of the loss in wealth is due to a declining net value of housing, but several factors may provide this cohort with time to recover its housing losses. Although unemployment rose during the Great Recession, that increase was not mirrored by flows out of full-time work or partial retirement. To date, the retirement behavior of the Early Boomer cohort does not differ much from that of older cohorts at comparable ages.