Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Factorial Invariance Across Gender of Three Well-Supported Models: Further Evidence for a Five-Factor Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract Three well-supported latent models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; i.e., Emotional Numbing, Dysphoria, and Dysphoric Arousal [DA] models) were examined using factorial invariance across gender. There is a notable lack of studies that have investigated the factorial invariance of the PTSD models across gender, and, to date, no study has assessed the factorial invariance of the DA model across gender. The current sample consisted of 571 children and adolescent earthquake survivors (297 male and 274 female participants) from China. The results indicated that the 17 symptoms of PTSD have equivalent factor loadings between the male and female participants. Furthermore, the female participants evidenced more severe manifestations of PTSD. Moreover, the newly proposed five-factor DA model provided superior fit to the data compared with the Emotional Numbing and Dysphoria models. The implication of these results is discussed.
An fptas for Response Time Analysis of Fixed Priority Real-Time Tasks with Resource Augmentation

Response time analysis is required both for on-line admission of applications in dynamic systems and as an integral part of design tools for complex distributed real-time systems. We consider sporadic tasks with fixed-priorities and arbitrary deadlines to be executed upon a uniprocessor platform. Pseudo-polynomial time algorithms are known for computing exact worst-case response times for this task model. Nevertheless, the problem is known NP-hard and there cannot exist a constant approximation algorithm for response time computation, unless P=NP. We propose a fully polynomial time approximation scheme (FPTAS) for computing response time upper bounds under resource augmentation. The resource augmentation is defined as the processor speedup factor bounded by (1 + 1/k), where kdef [1 = ε]-1 for any constant ε ∈ (0;1), the FPTAS accuracy parameter. This algorithm is best possible in the sense that resource augmentation is indeed necessary for an efficient response time calculation.
The 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Pravastatin Reduces Disease Activity and Inflammation in Dextran-Sulfate Induced Colitis

The dextran sulfate (DSS) model of colitis causes intestinal injury sharing many characteristics with inflammatory bowel disease, e.g., leukocyte infiltration, loss of gut epithelial barrier, and cachexia. These symptoms are partly mediated by entrapped leukocytes binding to multiple endothelial adhesion molecules (MAdCAM-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin). Pravastatin, an 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitor, has anti-inflammatory potency in certain inflammation models; therefore, in this study, we measured the effects of pravastatin in DSS-induced colitis. The administration of pravastatin (1 mg/kg) relieved DSS-induced cachexia, hematochezia, and intestinal epithelial permeability, with no effect on serum cholesterol. Histopathologically, pravastatin prevented leukocyte infiltration and gut injury. Pravastatin also blocked the mucosal expression of MAdCAM-1. DSS treatment promoted mucosal endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA degradation, an effect that was blocked by pravastatin. Importantly, the protective effects of pravastatin in DSS-induced colitis were not found in eNOS-deficient mice. Our results demonstrate that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors preserve intestinal integrity in colitis, most likely via increased eNOS expression and activity, independent of cholesterol metabolism.
Relationship Between Invasive and Noninvasive Measurements of Gas Exchange in Anesthetized Infants and Children

Minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), carbon dioxide elimination (VCO2), and end-tidal (PETCO2) and arterial CO2 tensions (PaCO2) were measured in 39 anesthetized infants and children with body weights ranging from 3.1 to 31 kg. Eighteen children had normal cardiopulmonary function, seven had acyanotic congenital heart disease, and 11 had cyanotic congenital heart disease. One child had left heart failure and pulmonary congestion, and two had severe parenchymal lung disease. To evaluate differences between pulmonary gas exchange calculated from PaCO2 versus PETCO2, dead space volume (VD) and alveolar ventilation (VA) based on a PaCO2 (VDa, VAa) as well as on PETCO2 (VDET, VAET) were performed, and correlations between PaCO2 – PETCO2, VDa/VT – VDET/VT, and VAa – VAET were carried out. It was demonstrated that in normal children, as well as in those with acyanotic congenital heart disease, PETCO2 correlated closely with PaCO2 (r = 0.94, 0.98, respectively). In children with cyanotic congenital heart disease, however, correlation between PETCO2 and PaCO2 was relatively poor (r = 0.61). Mean values for PaCO2 were significantly higher than PETCO2 in the cyanotic children (P < 0.01), resulting in significant underestimation of physiologic dead space (P < 0.05) and significant overestimation of alveolar ventilation (P < 0.01). In three patients with pulmonary disease, large differences between PaCO2 and PETCO2 were comparable with those observed in the children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. It is concluded that in normal children and in children with acyanotic heart disease during anesthesia, noninvasive measurement of PETCO2 can be used as a reliable estimate of PaCO2 and for calculations of physiologic dead space and alveolar ventilation. In children with cyanotic congenital heart disease and severe pulmonary disease, PETCO2 does not provide a precise estimate of PaCO2, and calculations of physiologic dead space and alveolar ventilation should be based on direct measurements of PaCO2.
Cerebral Networks and Functional Brain Asymmetry: Evidence from Regional Metabolic Changes during Word Repetition

Word repetition causes a significant bilateral metabolic increase in both superior temporal cortices. Frontal speech areas are less activated despite their presumable speech competence. We investigated in this study the relationship between frontal and temporal cortical areas during word repetition. We measured regional cerebral metabolic rates of glucose (CMRGI) in 15 normal subjects with positron emission tomography (PET) at rest and during word repetition. Significant correlations connected frontal and temporal areas of both hemispheres, notwithstanding their different levels of mean metabolic activation. The left planum temporale was a hub of significant interregional correlations, in contrast to its contralateral mate. This study indicates that an asymmetric network of significant connections orchestrates the speech-relevant cortical areas according to the actual needs of speech processing.
Criteria for Psychological Adaptation to High-Altitude Hypoxia

The purpose of this study was to test an ascent program for ideal psychological adaptation to high altitudes. A psychological approach was used to test a model describing a gradual step-by-step ascent. Seven subjects spent nine days between 3,500 m and 4,400 m altitude, followed by eight days climbing 500 m each day from 3,500 m to 5,400 m. They performed a cognitive-motor task three times, once under normoxia, once under acute hypoxia, and once under chronic hypoxic conditions. Durations for these subjects were compared with those obtained by a control group tested under normoxia. Subjects' emotional state was assessed by analyzing their remarks during an interview conducted at 5,400 m and by calculating from the answers given to the three questions, a mood index for each subject. Analysis showed that the performances of both groups improved on the second and third administrations of the test. There was, however, no interaction between the group and the time of administration. Mood indexes indicated that the majority of the subjects had no trouble in adapting to the situation and few cognitive or emotional disturbances were observed. These findings may be attributed to the ascent being well designed and planned thereby preventing various possible forms of mountain sickness and other pathologies from developing in the subjects.
Motivational Factors and Stages of Change for Physical Activity among College Students in Amman, Jordan

The purpose of this study was to investigate physical activity levels across the five stages of change for physical activity and to identify motivational factors for physical activity according to these stages of change among college students in Amman, Jordan. Analyses were based on a cross-sectional survey of 431 students, with a mean age of 21.1 (SD=0.16) and 67.5% female. Based on the recommendation that physical activity requires at least 30 minutes of physical activity 3 or more days per week, men were more likely than women to classify themselves in later stages: 7.3% vs. 9.5% in the precontemplation stage, 17.4% vs. 14.7% in the contemplation stage, 50.0% vs. 63.5% in the preparation stage, 9.4% vs. 5.6% in the action stage, and 15.9% vs. 6.7% in the maintenance stage [X2(4) = 14.04, p = 0.0072]. Seven potential motivational items for physical activity were assessed using factor analysis: experience better self-worth, prevent chronic disease, relieve stress, stay in shape, longevity, recreation/fun, and social benefits. Two factor groupings were identified from these items. The first factor included the first five items, labeled as “Physical and Mental”. The second factor included the last two items, labeled as “Social and Recreational. ” “Physical and Mental” items compared with “Social and Recreational” items were most likely to motivate physical activity across the stages of change for physical activity. The strongest motivator of physical activity was to stay in shape. The weakest motivator of physical activity was for social reasons. The influence of the intermediate motivational factors was slightly affected by the students’ stage of change for physical activity. Motivators for physical activity did not differ according to sex. These results provide important information about the motivational factors for physical activity for college-aged students in Jordan that can be useful in developing effective physical activity intervention programs.
Effect of fetal haemoglobin on the accuracy of pulse oximetry in preterm infants

Abstract Pulse oximeters are programmed with a calibration curve derived from studies done in adults. Whether fetal haemoglobin levels affect their reliability is unclear. This study reports the accuracy of pulse oximetry in 22 preterm infants (mean 31 weeks, range 25–36 weeks gestation) between 1 h and 73 days of age. Oxygen saturation obtained from a Nellcor N‐200 pulse oximeter (SpO2) was compared with simultaneous arterial values (functional SaO2) measured by a Radiometer OSM3 Hemoximeter over a SpO2 range of 83–99%. Fetal haemoglobin (HbF), carboxyhaemoglobin (HbCO) and methaemoglobin (HbMet) measured by the hemoximeter ranged between 0–100%, 0–3.5% and 0–0.8% respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed a close correlation between SpO2 and functional SaO2 (SpO2= 0.75 SaO2+ 24.43, r = 0.88, (P<0.001) over a wide range of values for PCV, heart rate, blood pressure, PaO2. PaCO2 and pH. The mean SpO2‐SaO2 difference of 1.3, (s.d. 2.5%, P(0.001) was unaffected by HgF, HbCO or HbMet but was increased in infants receiving inotropic support. We conclude that the Nellcor N‐200 pulse oximeter gives reliable oxygen saturation measurements unaffected by the HbF level in preterm infants.
A population study on the prevalence of gallstone disease: The sirmione study

The prevalence of gallstone disease (cholelithiasis and previous cholecystectomy for gallstones) in the population of the town of Sirmione, Italy, examined by ultrasonography, was 6.7% in men and 14.6% in women, ranging from 18 to 65 yr of age (overall prevalence = 11%). The prevalence of cholelithiasis in the same age span was 6.9% (4.5% in men and 8.9% in women). Prevalence of cholelithiasis increased with age in both sexes.
A framed field experiment on collective enforcement mechanisms with Ethiopian farmers

ABSTRACT We present the results of a framed field experiment with Ethiopian farmers that use the mountain rain forest as a common pool resource. Harvesting honey causes damage to the forest, and open access leads to over-harvesting. We test different mechanisms for mitigating excessive harvesting: a collective tax with low and high tax rates, and a tax/subsidy system. We find that the high-tax scheme works best in inducing the desired level of harvesting, while the tax-subsidy scheme may trigger tacit collusion. Via a panel data analysis we further investigate which variables influence the subjects' decisions during the treatments.
Early menopause is an independent predictor of rheumatoid arthritis

Background As rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs more often in women than in men, it has been suggested that reproductive hormones may play an important role in the pathogenesis. Methods Between 1991 and 1996, 30 447 subjects (18 326 women) were included in a community-based health survey. Information on female hormonal changes and stress-related factors was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. This population was linked to four different local and national RA registers. The medical records for patients with a diagnosis of RA were subjected to a structured review and all women with incident RA according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria after inclusion in the health survey were included in a nested case–control study. Matched controls (1:4) were selected from the health survey population. Results Early age at menopause (≤45 years) was associated with the subsequent development of RA (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.32 to 4.45). The effect of early menopause remained significant after adjusting for smoking, level of education and length of breastfeeding (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.64) Conclusion RA was predicted by an early age at menopause. This implicates an influence of hormonal changes during the fertile period on the development of RA in postmenopausal women.
Drug attitude and subjective well-being in antipsychotic treatment monotherapy in real-world settings

Summary Aims – To assess using two well-know scales (DAI-30 and SWN) the drug attitude and subjective well-being of patients treated with haloperidol or second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) in four different Italian communities. Methods – The sample included 145 patients taking five different antipsychotics (APs) in mono-therapy: haloperidol, clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine. A stepwise multiple regression analysis (SMRA) was used to analyse the contribution of different AP treatments and of other predictors to SWN and DAI-30 scores. Results – Univariate analyses showed no differences in DAI-30 and SWN scores across treatments. The SMRA showed that SWN scores were negatively correlated with the severity of the psychoses (BPRS scores), while the DAI-30 scores were negatively correlated with the severity of the psychoses and positively correlated both with the length of drug treatment and with the use of olanzapine. Conclusions – Our study does not confirm a better drug attitude in patients treated with SGA with respect to haloperidol. The only partial exception is the better performance of olanzapine over haloperidol on DAI-30, which could be due to the lower use of anticholinergic drugs during olanzapine treatment. The differences between the SWN and DAI-30 may give good reason for the use of both instruments during AP treatments. Declaration of Interest: No grants have been received for this study. In the last two years: Matteo Balestrieri has received grants from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Innova-Pharma, Pfizer, Bristol, Abbott, Lundbeck; Guido Di Sciascio has received grants from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Sanofi-Aventis, Wyeth, Boehringer- Ingelheim; Elisa Maso has received grants from Pfizer; Cesario Bellantuono has received grants from Eli Lilly, BMS, Boehringer- Ingelheim, Innova-Pharma, Italfarmaco; The other authors have not received any grants in the last two years.
Malondialdehyde modification of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein leads to increased immunogenicity and encephalitogenicity

Self proteins may become autoantigenic through structural modification. We studied malondialdehydation of recombinant rat (rr) myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), an autoantigen in multiple sclerosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) modification changed protein weight and charge, the location of these adducts being mapped by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance. Molecular modelling revealed significant differences in the MDA‐rrMOG three‐dimensional structure. DBA/1 mice immunised with MDA‐rrMOG developed greater proliferative responses and more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis than mice immunised with unmodified rrMOG. MDA‐rrMOG was taken up more effectively by antigen‐presenting cells (APC), at least partially through scavenger receptors. Exposure to MDA‐rrMOG led to increased expression of IL‐23, IL‐12 and IL‐12R, indicating a role not only for increased antigen uptake but also for activation of APC. We thus provide biochemical, structural, immunological and clinical data that suggest that the post‐translationally modified form of this myelin autoantigen is a more relevant form of the molecule.
Noninvasive Prediction of Large Esophageal Varices in Chronic Liver Disease Patients

Background/Aim: Esophageal varices (EVs) are a serious consequence of portal hypertension in patients with liver diseases. Several studies have evaluated possible noninvasive markers of EVs to reduce the number of unnecessary endoscopies in patients with cirrhosis but without varices. This prospective study was conducted to evaluate noninvasive predictors of large varices (LV). Patients and Methods: The study analyzed 106 patients with liver diseases from January 2007 to March 2008. Relevant clinical parameters assessed included Child-Pugh class, ascites and splenomegaly. Laboratory parameters like hemoglobin level, platelet count, prothrombin time, serum bilirubin, albumin and ultrasonographic characteristics like splenic size, splenic vein size, portal vein diameter were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done on the data for predictors of large EVs. Results: Incidence of large varices was seen in 41%. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors for the presence of LV were palpable spleen, low platelet count, spleen size >13.8 mm, portal vein >13 mm, splenic vein >11.5 mm. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed 0.883 area under curve. Platelet spleen diameter ratio 909 had a sensitivity and specificity of 88.5%, 83% respectively. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia, large spleen size, portal vein size and platelet spleen diameter ratio strongly predicts large number of EVs.
Transcending Temptation Through Abstraction

Many goals that people pursue are distal in that they cannot be attained in the here and now but rather must be achieved through action across varied social contexts over time. Self-control requires people to make decisions consistent with distal goals when tempted by more immediate rewards. Inspired by construal-level theory, we propose and review evidence that the way in which people subjectively represent, or construe, events systematically influences these decisions. We suggest that high-level construal (the use of cognitive abstraction to extract the essential and goal-relevant features common across a class of events), relative to low-level construal (the process of highlighting the incidental and idiosyncratic features that render a particular event unique), promotes self-control. We discuss implications for future research.
Climate Change, Food Security and Agricultural Productivity in Africa: Issues and policy directions.

This paper examines the economic impact of climate change (CC) on food security and agricultural productivity in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). It examine the impact on the basic components of food security; availability, accessibility, affordability, preference, utilization and nutritional value and food system stability. The so-called “greenhouse fertilization effect” produces local beneficial effects where higher levels of atmospheric CO2 stimulate plant growth. This occur primarily in temperate zones, with yields expected to increase by 10 to 25 percent for crops with a lower rate of photosynthetic efficiency (C3 crops), and by 0 to 10 percent for those with a higher rate of photosynthetic efficiency (C4 crops), assuming that CO2 levels in the atmosphere reach 550 parts per million. the European heat wave of 2003, when temperatures was 6 oC above long-term means, crop yields dropped significantly, by 36 percent for maize in Italy, and by 25 percent for fruit and 30 percent for forage in France. Increased intensity and frequency of storms, altered hydrological cycles, and precipitation variance also have long-term implications on the viability of current world agro ecosystems and future food availability. Climate change has been described as the most significant environmental threat of the 21st century. Wetter climates and more floods are predicted for parts of East Africa and Latin America. Agricultural productivity in Africa, Asia and Latin America is expected to decrease by as much as 20%. In 2004, agriculture directly contributed about 14% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Projections to 2050 suggest both an increase in global mean temperatures and increased weather variability, with implications for the type and distribution of agricultural production worldwide. One successful path to tread is to boost agricultural production. Projections based on population growth and food consumption patterns indicate that agricultural production will need to increase by at least 70 percent to meet demands by 2050
CONGENITAL CYSTS OF THE RENAL MEDULLA. A CASE WITH SEVERE REFRACTORY ANEMIA.

Polycystic disease of the kidneys is often considered to be two different diseases, one appearing in the first year of life and the second having its onset in the fourth through sixth decades. It seems more likely, however, that these represent the two ends of the age spectrum of a single disease, renal tubular dysgenesis. The age at which the patient first becomes ill would seem to reflect the degree to which the kidneys are affected. In this paper we present a child with an unusual form of the disease, consisting of cysts confined to the medulla, appearing clinically as intractable anemia, and terminating in death in the second decade. The first symptoms were those of anemia, and the first evidence of renal disease was the report of abnormal findings from the laboratory. Report of Case A 14-year-old boy was considered to be well until six months prior to his