Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positive mental health in schizophrenia and healthy comparison groups: relationships with overall health and biomarkers

ABSTRACT Objective: Positive psychological factors (PPFs) have been reported to have a significant impact on health in the general population. However, little is known about the relationship of these factors with mental and physical health in schizophrenia. Method: One hundred and thirty-five outpatients with schizophrenia and 127 healthy comparison subjects (HCs), aged 26–65 years, were evaluated with scales of resilience, optimism, happiness, and perceived stress. Measures of mental and physical health were also obtained. Regression analyses examined associations of a PPF composite with health variables. Results: Relative to the HCs, the schizophrenia group had lower levels of PPFs. However, there was considerable heterogeneity, with over one-third of schizophrenia participants having values within the ‘normative’ range. The PPF composite was positively related to mental and physical health variables and with biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance. The relationship between PPFs and mental health was particularly strong for individuals with schizophrenia. Conclusion: A sizable minority of adults with chronic schizophrenia have levels of resilience, optimism, happiness, and perceived stress similar to HCs. Psychosocial interventions to enhance PPFs should be tested in patients with serious mental illnesses, with the goal of improving their mental health (beyond controlling symptoms of psychosis) and their physical health.
Isolation by oceanographic distance explains genetic structure for Macrocystis pyrifera in the Santa Barbara Channel

Ocean currents are expected to be the predominant environmental factor influencing the dispersal of planktonic larvae or spores; yet, their characterization as predictors of marine connectivity has been hindered by a lack of understanding of how best to use oceanographic data. We used a high‐resolution oceanographic model output and Lagrangian particle simulations to derive oceanographic distances (hereafter called transport times) between sites studied for Macrocystis pyrifera genetic differentiation. We build upon the classical isolation‐by‐distance regression model by asking how much additional variability in genetic differentiation is explained when adding transport time as predictor. We explored the extent to which gene flow is dependent upon seasonal changes in ocean circulation. Because oceanographic transport between two sites is inherently asymmetric, we also compare the explanatory power of models using the minimum or the mean transport times. Finally, we compare the direction of connectivity as estimated by the oceanographic model and genetic assignment tests. We show that the minimum transport time had higher explanatory power than the mean transport time, revealing the importance of considering asymmetry in ocean currents when modelling gene flow. Genetic assignment tests were much less effective in determining asymmetry in gene flow. Summer‐derived transport times, in particular for the month of June, which had the strongest current speed, greatest asymmetry and highest spore production, resulted in the best‐fit model explaining twice the variability in genetic differentiation relative to models that use geographic distance or habitat continuity. The best overall model also included habitat continuity and explained 65% of the variation in genetic differentiation among sites.
RCT on gentian violet versus a hydrogel dressing for radiotherapy-induced moist skin desquamation.

OBJECTIVE Radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation is a significant problem but there is a paucity of randomised data on which to base treatment decisions. The current prospective randomised trial compared gentian violet (GV) to a hydrogel dressing in this context. METHOD Thirty patients undergoing radiotherapy to the head and neck region or breast who had developed moist desquamation in the radiotherapy field were randomised to treatment with 0.5% aqueous gentian violet (GV) (n=16) or a hydrogel dressing (n=14). The area of desquamation was regularly measured until healing or withdrawal from the study. RESULTS The likelihood of healing with the hydrogel was greater than GV with a hazard ratio for healing of 7.95 (95% CI 2.20-28.68; p=0.002). The median time to healing for hydrogel was 12 days but had not been reached for GV by 30 days. Over the first 14 days the median'area under curve' of moist desquamation for GV was 82.6 cm2 (range 31.8-320.7 cm2) and that for hydrogel 20.0 cm2 (range 3.8-301.0 cm2) (difference significant at p=0.003). Ten of 16 patients treated with GV withdrew from the study (due to stinging in five and failure to heal in five) compared with two of the 14 treated with hydrogel (difference significant at p=0.021). CONCLUSION Hydrogel dressings are more likely to heal radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation and are better tolerated than GV.
Mean radiative energy balance and vertical mass fluxes in the equatorial upper troposphere and lower stratosphere

We use radiative transfer calculations to quantify vertical mass transport in the equatorial upper troposphere (UT) and lower stratosphere (LS), employing high resolution sonde measurements of temperature, ozone and water vapor at seven equatorial locations (10°S–10°N). The influence of clouds is examined using data from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and the Lidar‐In‐Space Technology Experiment (LITE). The resulting mean heating rate profiles show that the transition from radiative cooling to heating occurs significantly lower in the full sky case than in the clear sky case, demonstrating the importance of clouds for processes in the UT, such as troposphere‐to‐stratosphere transport (TST). The heating rate profiles are used to calculate mean vertical mass fluxes, which show a divergent mass flux from 15–19 km. This suggests that only a small part of the air ascending through the cold point tropopause can reach the middle stratosphere. Above 19 km the vertical motion is a non‐divergent upwelling mass flux consistent with the idea of a Brewer‐Dobson circulation driven by waves dissipating in the extratropical stratosphere. Lower down, other processes are also responsible for the upwelling.
Ethnic variance between Asian and European American women in a six month prospective model of eating disorder and social anxiety symptom comorbidity

ABSTRACT Eating disorders and social anxiety are highly comorbid. Understanding this comorbidity may improve treatment outcomes, as social anxiety can impair the ability to benefit from eating disorder treatment. The primary model of social anxiety and eating disorder comorbidity includes social appearance anxiety, high standards, and maladaptive perfectionism. In the current study, we tested for ethnic invariance between Asians (n = 82) and European Americans (n = 182) in a cross-sectional and prospective comorbidity model of social anxiety and eating disorder symptoms. Differences were found across ethnicity in eating disorder and social anxiety symptom comorbidity. Maladaptive perfectionism predicted social anxiety and eating disorder symptoms in European Americans, whereas social appearance anxiety predicted social anxiety and eating disorder symptoms in Asians. Our findings suggest that interventions for social anxiety and eating disorders in Asian populations may be improved by assessing and targeting social appearance anxiety, while maladaptive perfectionism should be targeted among European Americans.
Neonatal immune activation depletes the ovarian follicle reserve and alters ovarian acute inflammatory mediators in neonatal rats†

Abstract Normal ovarian development is crucial for female reproductive success and longevity. Interruptions to the delicate process of initial folliculogenesis may lead to ovarian dysfunction. We have previously demonstrated that an early life immune challenge in the rat, induced by administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on postnatal day (PND) 3 and 5, depletes ovarian follicle reserve long term. Here, we hypothesized that this neonatal immune challenge leads to an increase in peripheral and ovarian inflammatory signaling, contributing to an acute depletion of ovarian follicles. Morphological analysis of neonatal ovaries indicated that LPS administration significantly depleted PND 5 primordial follicle populations and accelerated follicle maturation. LPS exposure upregulated circulating interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa), and C-reactive protein on PND 5, and upregulated ovarian mRNA expression of Tnfa, mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (Mapk8/Jnk1), and growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9) (P < 0.05). Mass spectrometry and cell signaling pathway analysis indicated upregulation of cellular pathways associated with acute phase signaling, and cellular survival and assembly. Apoptosis assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling indicated significantly increased positive staining in the ovaries of LPS-treated neonates. These findings suggest that increased proinflammatory signaling within the neonatal ovary may be responsible for the LPS-induced depletion of the primordial follicle pool. These findings also have implications for female reproductive health, as the ovarian reserve is a major determinate of female reproductive longevity. Summary Sentence Neonatal immune activation acutely impacts immune-mediated early ovarian development, depleting the primordial follicle pool and upregulating inflammatory mediators.
SARLR: Self-adaptive Recommendation of Learning Resources

Personalized recommendation is important for online students to select rich learning resources and make their own learning schedules. We propose SARLR, a new self-adaptive recommendation algorithm of online learning resources. The SARLR algorithm integrates an IRT-based learning cognitive model named T-BMIRT into the recommendation framework and is able to adaptively adjust learning path recommendations based on dynamic of individual learning process. The experimental results show that the SARLR algorithm out-performs the existing recommendation algorithms.
Planning and exploring under uncertainty

Scalable autonomy requires a robot to be able to recognize and contend with the uncertainty in its knowledge of the world stemming from its noisy sensors and actuators. The regions it chooses to explore, and the paths it takes to get there, must take this uncertainty into account. In this thesis we outline probabilistic approaches to represent that world; to construct plans over it; and to determine which part of it to explore next. We present a new technique to create probabilistic cost maps from overhead imagery, taking into account the uncertainty in terrain classification and allowing for spatial variation in terrain cost. A probabilistic cost function combines the output of a multi-class classifier and a spatial probabilistic regressor to produce a probability density function over terrain for each grid cell in the map. The resultant cost map facilitates the discovery of not only the shortest path between points on the map, but also a distribution of likely paths between the points. These cost maps are used in a path planning technique which allows the user to trade-off the risk of returning a suboptimal path for substantial increases in search speed. We precompute a probability distribution which precisely approximates the true distance between any grid cell in the map and goal cell. This distribution underpins a number of A* search heuristics we present, which can characterize and bound the risk we are prepared to take in gaining search efficiency while sacrificing optimal path length. Empirically, we report efficiency increases in excess of 70% over standard heuristic search methods. Finally, we present a global approach to the problem of robotic exploration, utilizing a hybrid of a topological data structure and an underlying metric mapping process. A ‘Gap Navigation Tree’ is used to motivate global target selection and occluded regions of the environment (‘gaps’) are tracked probabilistically using the metric map. In pursuing these gaps we are provided with goals to feed to the path planning process en route to a complete exploration of the environment. The combination of these three techniques represents a framework to facilitate robust exploration in a-priori unknown environments.
Redesigning a Student Success Course for Sustained Impact: Early Outcomes Findings

Many community colleges offer a “student success” course—also known as College 101 or Introduction to College—as a means to help incoming students transition to college and become successful. The typical course is meant to provide key information and address important non-cognitive skills and behavioral expectations with the goal of familiarizing students with the college environment and giving them the tools they need to build important competencies, persist in college, and earn a credential. This paper examines the efforts of Bronx Community College in implementing a redesigned student success course called First Year Seminar (FYS), which is intended to better support students than a typical student success course by incorporating academic content, skillbuilding exercises, and applied teaching pedagogies, among other features, into the course. Based on both qualitative and quantitative analysis, our study finds that FYS participation is associated with positive student outcomes that appear to be sustained for a longer period of time than what is typically found for students taking a traditional student success course. The focus of FYS on student-centered pedagogy and on integrated course content appears to be beneficial. Our findings also suggest that when students have the opportunity to practice student success and basic academic skills within the context of an improved student success course, they are likely to apply those skills in future courses, potentially increasing their long-term educational attainment.
Multimodality Imaging for Precise Localization of Craniofacial Osteomyelitis

Functional imaging identifies areas of abnormal bone turnover, providing a useful adjunct in the treatment of osteomyelitis and bone tumors. The low resolution and lack of anatomical detail limit the application of bone scans in craniofacial surgery, however. Multimodality image registration addresses this problem by fusing functional images (single photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]) to high-resolution structural images (computed tomography [CT]) for precise anatomical delineation of bone activity. This article describes a technique for spatial registration of CT and SPECT images to provide precise anatomical delineation of abnormal bone turnover, thereby guiding the extent of resection in the management of craniofacial osteomyelitis. Standard CT and SPECT imaging protocols were used in imaging the skull from the vertex to the mentum. Image data were imported into Analyze (Biomedical Imaging Resource; Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN) on a dedicated Windows NT (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) workstation. Using the CT data, the craniofacial skeleton, osteotomy segments, and bone grafts were interactively mapped out. Consecutive axial slices were then reconstructed to form a three-dimensional volume of interest. The CT-derived volume of interest was registered to the technetium Tc 99m–methylene diphosphonate SPECT scan using the Analyze program to provide a fused multimodality image. The imaging technique was used to localize osteomyelitis in a complex craniofacial reconstruction. The fused images guided the extent of resection during surgery, and postoperative microbiological and histological testing confirmed the diagnosis. Multimodality image registration provides a readily available method to relate facial skeletal anatomy and physiology. This technique is valuable in planning and monitoring therapeutic interventions in clinical conditions in which bone turnover is abnormal.
Heparan sulphate and hylauronic acid components of the glycocalyx do not play a role in flow mediated dilation of the iliac in the anaesthetized pig.

The sheer-stress sensor function of vascular glycocalyx heparan sulphate and hylauronic acid was investigated in vivo by assessing flow mediated dilation (FMD) before and after their removal. Heparinase III (100 mU ml-1 for 20 min) exposure (n = 6) did not significantly affect flow mediated dilation of the iliac, from 0.42 ± 0.08 mm (mean ± s.e.m.) to 0.34 ± 0.07 mm after (P = 0.12; paired Student's t test) for a statistically similar increase in shear stress; 18.24 ± 4.2 N m-2 for the control and 15.8 ± 3.6 N m-2 for the heparinase III experiment (P = 0.18). Hyaluronidase (0.14 - 1.4 mg ml-1 for 20 min) exposure (n = 8) also did not significantly reduce flow mediated dilation of the iliac, which averaged 0.39 ± 0.08 mm before and 0.38 ± 0.09 mm after (P = 0.11) for a statistically similar increase in shear stress; 11.90 ± 3.20 N m-2 for the control and 9.8 ± 3.33 N m-2 for the hyaluronidase experiment (P = 0.88). Removal of both heparan sulphate and hylauronic acid was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. Neither the heparan sulphate or the hylauronic acid components of the glycocalyx mediate shear stress-induced vasodilation in conduit arteries in vivo.
Relevance of the Cultural Dimensions in Affective-Cognitive Behavior During Interaction with an Intelligent Tutoring System

Cultural Dimensions, as stipulated by different theoretical perspectives such as Hofstede’s, are normally not considered to define student models. These cultural dimensions consist of traits that can be attributed to students and include both cognitive and affective characteristics. Some dimensions indicate students’ ability to represent an effect in the affect which may be useful to predetermine affective models. This research project hypothesizes that students’ cultural dimension may indicate affect tendency during the use of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). The methodology consisted of determining students’ cultural dimensions, cognitive achievement, and analyzing affective responses (selfreported) when the student used the ITS on an individual way. The results suggested that there are affective behaviors associated to a Hofstede cultural dimension (Power distance index). The implications of these results are that some cultural characteristics may predict students’ affective behaviors employing an ITS for mathematics. Additionally, affect models could be used to predefine affective-cognitive scaffolding.
Exploring the mucoadhesive behavior of sucrose acetate isobutyrate: a novel excipient for oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals

Abstract Oral drug delivery is an attractive noninvasive alternative to injectables. However, oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals is highly challenging due to low stability during transit in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), resulting in low systemic bioavailability. Thus, novel formulation strategies are essential to overcome this challenge. An interesting approach is increasing retention in the GIT by utilizing mucoadhesive biomaterials as excipients. Here, we explored the potential of the GRAS excipient sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) to obtain mucoadhesion in vivo. Mucoadhesive properties of a 90% SAIB/10% EtOH (w/w) drug delivery system (DDS) were assessed using a biosimilar mucus model and evaluation of rheological behavior after immersion in biosimilar intestinal fluid. To ease readability of this manuscript, we will refer to this as SAIB DDS. The effect of SAIB DDS on cell viability and epithelial membrane integrity was tested in vitro prior to in vivo studies that were conducted using SPECT/CT imaging in rats. When combining SAIB DDS with biosimilar mucus, increased viscosity was observed due to secondary interactions between biosimilar mucus and sucrose ester predicting considerable mucoadhesion. Mucoadhesion was confirmed in vivo, as radiolabeled insulin entrapped in SAIB DDS, remained in the small intestine for up to 22 h after administration. Moreover, the integrity of the system was investigated using the dynamic gastric model under conditions simulating the chemical composition of stomach fluid and physical shear stress in the antrum under fasted conditions. In conclusion, SAIB is an interesting and safe biomaterial to promote high mucoadhesion in the GIT after oral administration.
Linking Business Strategy and Human Resource Management: Issues and Implications

Considers the idea of linking decisions on business strategy, product market characteristics and personnel/human resource management policies. Initially explores some theoretical aspects of business strategy‐personnel policy linkages and then considers some empirical evidence from a survey of Irish organizations. While some of personnel literature suggests that organizations should adapt particular “best practice” modes in each personnel area, it is increasingly accepted that optimal personnel policy choice is linked to the unique characteristics of the individual organization. Consequently, argues that organizations need to achieve a fit between personnel policy choice and broader strategic considerations, particularly product market conditions and business strategy. However, the Irish survey evidence considered presents quite a mixed picture. While some organizations appear to be successfully aligning HR policies and business strategy this development does not seem widespread.
In which exchange rate models do forecasters trust?

Using survey data of market expectations, we describe which popular exchange rate models appear to be consistent with expectation formation of market forecasters. Exchange rate expectations are found to be correlated with inflation differentials and productivity differentials, indicating that the relative PPP and the Balassa–Samuelson effect are common inputs into the expectation formation of market forecasters.
Modeling the Cattle Replacement Decisions

In this paper we evaluate the performance of a dynamic model of cattle replacement and culling decisions. We derive the price of cattle when it is treated as a unit of capital and evaluate various rates of adjustment of the cattle herd to determine the length of the cattle cycle. Replacement decision is modeled as the solution to a dynamic optimization problem where the breeding herd is viewed as a capital asset that is capable of producing two outputs: calves and culled cows. The own-price, replacement and interest rate elasticities calculated for both the short-run and long-run time-frames suggest fairly rapid adjustment rates. Tests of cycle length revealed a 14-year cattle cycle.
Neurotrophin secretion from cultured microglia

Because microglia have been suggested to produce neurotrophins, we tested this ability in vitro. Rat primary microglia were found to constitutively secrete a limited amount of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) were undetectable in the conditioned medium. Stimulation of the cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased BDNF secretion, and induced NGF secretion. As a first step to examine this regulation system, the association of protein kinase C (PKC) was pharmacologically analyzed. A PKC activator, phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate, enhanced the secretion of BDNF. Pre‐treatment of microglia with a PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide, suppressed LPS‐stimulated BDNF secretion as well as the constitutive one. These results suggest that the PKC signaling cascade is closely associated with BDNF secretion. Among PKC isoforms, PKCα probably plays a role in BDNF secretion, based on the results of experiments using a specific PKC activator, 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol, and a specific PKC inhibitor, Gö 6976, and by immunoblotting. Taken together, these findings suggest that the secretion of BDNF from microglia is regulated through PKCα‐associated signal transduction mechanism. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:322–331, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.