Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypnotic illusions and clinical delusions: Hypnosis as a research method

Introduction. Hypnosis is not only intrinsically interesting, but it can be used instrumentally as a powerful tool to investigate phenomena outside its immediate domain. In focusing on instrumental hypnosis research, we first sketch the many contributions of hypnosis across a range of areas in experimental psychopathology. In particular, we summarise the historical and more recent uses of hypnosis to create and explore clinically relevant, temporary delusions. Methods. We then describe in detail the steps that hypnosis researchers take in constructing a hypnotic paradigm to map the features and processes shared by clinical and hypnotic delusions, as well as their impact on information processing (including autobiographical memory). We illustrate with hypnotic versions of mirrored-self misidentification, somatoparaphrenia, alien control, and identity delusions. Results. Finding indicate that hypnotic analogues can produce compelling delusions with features that are strikingly similar to their clinical counterparts. These similarities encompass phenomenological features of delusions, delusional resistance to challenge, and autobiographical memory during delusions. Conclusions. We recognise important methodological issues and limitations of such hypnotic analogues, including: indexing response (behaviour vs. experience), alternative explanations (e.g., social compliance), the need for converging data, the need for close and continuing dialogue between the clinic and the laboratory, and generalisability of the findings.
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label, Parallel-Group Comparison of Enoxaparin and Warfarin

Background: Patients treated with total knee arthroplasty are at high risk for the development of venous thromboembolism postoperatively. This study compared the efficacy and safety of two common thromboprophylactic agents, enoxaparin (a low‐molecular-weight heparin) and warfarin. Methods: Three hundred and forty‐nine patients were included in a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial. Treatment with enoxaparin (30 mg, administered subcutaneously twice daily) or warfarin (adjusted to an international normalized ratio of 2 to 3) was initiated during the immediate postoperative period, within eight hours after the surgery, and was continued for four to fourteen days. Venous thromboembolism was defined as deep‐vein thrombosis documented by contrast venography, symptomatic deep‐vein thrombosis documented by lower-extremity ultrasonography, or symptomatic pulmonary embolism confirmed by a positive lung scan or pulmonary angiography. Results: In the all‐treated-patients group, eighty (45%) of the 176 warfarin‐treated patients had venous thromboembolism: fifty‐nine (34%) had distal deep‐vein thrombosis; twenty (11%), proximal deep‐vein thrombosis; and one (0.6%), pulmonary embolism. Venous thromboembolism developed in significantly fewer (p = 0.0001) enoxaparin‐treated patients (forty-four of 173; 25%): forty‐one (24%) had distal deep‐vein thrombosis, three (2%) had proximal deep‐vein thrombosis, and none had pulmonary embolism. The enoxaparin‐treated patients also had a significantly lower prevalence of proximal deep‐vein thrombosis (p = 0.002). The estimated odds for the development of venous thromboembolism were 2.52 times greater (95% confidence interval, 2.00 to 3.19) with warfarin than they were with enoxaparin. Major hemorrhage occurred in four warfarin‐treated patients and nine enoxaparin‐treated patients; with the numbers available, this difference was not significant (p = 0.17). Clinically important operative‐site hemorrhage occurred in six (3%) of the warfarin-treated patients and twelve (7%) of the enoxaparin-treated patients (p = 0.15). Conclusions: A fixed 30-mg subcutaneous dose of enoxaparin, administered twice daily, with the first dose administered within eight hours after the completion of surgery, was significantly more effective than adjusted‐dose warfarin in reducing the occurrence of asymptomatic venous thromboembolism, including proximal deep‐vein thrombosis, in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. With the numbers available, there was no significant difference between groups with regard to the occurrence of major hemorrhagic complications; however, the rate of overall hemorrhagic complications was higher in the enoxaparin group.
Mouse models of retinal ischemic tolerance.

PURPOSE A brief period of noninjurious retinal ischemia, termed preconditioning, has been documented in rats to afford transient protection from retinal ischemic injury, a phenomenon known as ischemic tolerance. The present study was undertaken to develop and systematically characterize mouse models of ischemic tolerance. METHODS Retinal ischemic injury was caused by elevating intraocular pressure for 30, 45, or 60 minutes in chloral hydrate-anesthetized ND4 Swiss-Webster mice. Random animals were preconditioned 24 hours earlier with either 5 minutes of retinal ischemia or by exposing conscious animals to hypoxia (11% oxygen) for 2 hours. Flash electroretinograms were recorded 1 day and 1 week after ischemia. At 1 or 4 weeks after ischemia, eyes were perfusion fixed for microscopic examination and quantification of layer thickness and cell counts. RESULTS Retinal ischemia resulted in significant, duration-dependent reductions in inner retinal layer thickness and cell loss in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. A duration-dependent attenuation in a- and b-wave amplitudes was concomitantly noted. The ischemic and hypoxic preconditioning treatments significantly attenuated the ischemia-induced changes in retinal morphology and function, even after 4 weeks of recovery. Tolerance was observed at 24 hours after ischemic preconditioning, but not at 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS Two models of retinal ischemic tolerance are presented wherein ischemic or hypoxic preconditioning afforded morphologic and functional evidence of protection from retinal ischemic injury in mice. These two murine models should be useful for studies in mutant mice to elucidate endogenous genetic and molecular mechanisms of retinal protection that may then be used to design treatments for ischemic retinopathies.
Demand Response Management for Residential Smart Grid: From Theory to Practice

In recent years, many studies have investigated the potential of demand response management (DRM) schemes to manage energy for residential buildings in a smart grid. However, most of the existing studies mainly focus on the theoretical design of DRM schemes and do not verify the proposed schemes through implementation. Smart grid research is highly interdisciplinary. As such, the establishment of testbeds to conduct DRM requires various skill sets that might not always be possible to arrange. However, the implementation of a DRM scheme is critical not only to verify the correctness of the design in a practical environment but also to address many important assumptions that are necessary for the actual deployment of the scheme. Thus, the theoretical aspect of DRM solutions should be discussed and verified in a practical environment to ensure that the scheme is suitable for deployment. In this paper, we propose a DRM scheme and construct a residential smart grid testbed to implement the proposed scheme. In the proposed DRM scheme, we suggest two different types of customer engagement plans, namely, green savvy plan and green aware plan, and design algorithms based on two user inconvenience indices to evaluate DRM for peak load reduction. The testbed verifies the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed DRM scheme.
Influence of suture tension to the tearing characteristics of the soft tissues: an in vitro experiment.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the influence of flap tension on the tearing characteristics of mucosal tissue samples in relation to various suture and needle characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS Lining and masticatory mucosal tissue samples obtained from pig jaws were prepared for in vitro testing. Tension tearing diagrams of 60 experiments were traced for 3-0, 5-0 and 7-0 sutures with applied forces up to 20 N. In the second part, the same experiments were repeated with 100 diagrams to test the influence of needle characteristics with 5-0 and 6-0 sutures using only gingival tissue samples. RESULTS 3-0 sutures mainly lead to tissue breakage at an average of 13.4 N. In contrast, 7-0 sutures only resulted in breakage of the thread at a mean applied force of 3.7 N. With 5-0 sutures, both events occurred at random at a mean force of 14.6 N. Irrespective of the needle characteristics, the mean breaking force for gingival samples with 5-0 and 6-0 sutures was approximately 10 N. CONCLUSIONS Tissue trauma may be reduced by choosing finer suture diameters, because thinner (6-0, 7-0) sutures lead to thread breakage rather than tissue breakage.
Partisan Goals, Emotions, and Political Mobilization: The Role of Motivated Reasoning in Pressuring Others to Vote

Direct political action appears irrational because it is costly yet cannot meaningfully affect political outcomes. Research shows that social pressure can solve this problem: the social costs of not voting often outweigh the personal costs of voting. But this creates another puzzle, one that is our focus: why do citizens pressure each other? Drawing on theories of partisanship and partisan-motivated reasoning, we test whether social pressure is motivated by partisan goals. First, in a population-based US sample, we compare party members versus independents. Second, in a Danish student sample, we experimentally manipulate partisan motivation. We use and validate emotions—anger and gratitude—as an index of motivation to engage in social pressure. In both studies we find identical effects: partisan-motivated reasoners are more likely to be motivated to pressure others and to direct such motivations toward in-group (and not out-group) members. Partisan goals help explain social pressure.
General Top/Bottom-Plate Charge Recycling Technique for Integrated Switched Capacitor DC-DC Converters

Energy loss due to top/bottom plate parasitic capacitances is one of the factors determining the efficiency of integrated switched capacitor DC/DC converters. This loss is particularly significant when MOS gate or deep trench capacitors are used. We propose a technique for top/bottom-plate charge recycling that can be applied with low overhead independently of the converter architecture. Two examples of application of the technique are presented. First, it is shown how the technique can be applied to any converter by transforming it to an interleaved implementation. This approach is demonstrated in a series-parallel 1/3 down converter achieving a maximum load power of 240 μW. Simulation results show an improvement of 7% in the efficiency by decreasing the top/bottom-plate parasitic capacitance losses by 52%. The second example considers an architecture where the proposed technique can be directly applied without additional transformations of the converter implementation. It is a ring modular architecture converter, which was fabricated in a 130 nm CMOS process. An efficiency improvement of up to 4% was achieved in measurements by reducing the top/bottom plate losses by 70%, thus reaching an outstanding efficiency of 80.6% at a conversion ratio of 2/3 and a maximum load power of 2.2 mW.
An approach to model-aware measurements

In this paper, we spotlight the issue of considering precision and accuracy as concepts to inflate in the interpretation of measurements, and not only in the measurements themselves. Except from microscale dimensions where the Heisenberg principle can be a matter of concern, when we normally measure a physical quantity we are supposing to be truthfully compliant with the hypothesis that our instrumental equipment plus the measurement context are not affecting significantly the observed measurands. Then, by means of repeated experiments, we make use of precision and accuracy assessments to provide an estimate of the quality of the measure, i.e., its closeness to the true value. In this context, one issue that deserves attention is the influence the context has on the interpretation of the values of the measurands. This problem is strictly related to the information processing at the application level. Consciously far from claiming to provide a complete picture, we propose some reflections coming from the experience gained in the field of computational models to enhance selectivity in highly cross-sensitive sensors. The main point is that, hidden behind every form of interpretation, there is the need of a knowledge model sufficiently robust to encapsulate the multi-level granular context variables affecting the measures. Our prevision is that next generation smart sensor technologies will have to deal with such knowledge-related issues on a wider scale. Since the market is moving towards ever more “intelligent” measures, a preliminary assessment of these problems ought to be pursued.
Anti‐HCV Activity from Semi‐purified Methanolic Root Extracts of Valeriana wallichii

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global health problem affecting approximately 130–150 million individuals. Presently available direct‐acting anti‐HCV drugs have higher barriers to resistance and also improved success rate; however, cost concerns limit their utilization, especially in developing countries like India. Therefore, development of additional agents to combat HCV infection is needed. In the present study, we have evaluated anti‐HCV potential of water, chloroform, and methanol extracts from roots of Valeriana wallichii, a traditional Indian medicinal plant. Huh‐7.5 cells infected with J6/JFH chimeric HCV strain were treated with water, chloroform, and methanol extracts at different concentrations. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction result demonstrated that methanolic extract showed reduction in HCV replication. The methanolic extract was fractionated by thin layer chromatography, and the purified fractions (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were checked for anti‐HCV activity. Significant viral inhibition was noted only in F4 fraction. Further, intrinsic fluorescence assay of purified HCV RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase NS5B in the presence of F4 resulted in sharp quenching of intrinsic fluorescence with increasing amount of plant extract. Our results indicated that methanolic extract of V. wallichii and its fraction (F4) inhibited HCV by binding with HCV NS5B protein. The findings would be further investigated to identify the active principle/lead molecule towards development of complementary and alternative therapeutics against HCV. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross-country evidence on determinants of fiscal policy effectiveness: the role of trade and capital flows

ABSTRACT This article studies the determinants of size differentials between fiscal multipliers in countries around the world, both advanced and developing economies. We introduce variables not considered before for explaining multiplier size differentials, such as capital flows and the openness of capital markets, while controlling for domestic conditions and exchange rate regimes. We also disaggregate GDP into its main components in order to identify the channels through which external and internal factors can influence GDP after a change in fiscal policy. Our results point to the existence of a new channel through which fiscal policy effectiveness is affected. Capital flows, especially FDI flows, play an important role in determining the sizes of fiscal multipliers, and a country’s external conditions largely explain GDP changes after fiscal expenditure shocks. Our results also point towards a strong link between a country’s international position and its real economy.
A wearable system for measuring limb movements and balance control abilities based on a modular and low-cost inertial unit

Monitoring balance and movement has proven useful in many applications ranging from fall risk assessment, to quantifying exercise, studying people habits and monitoring the elderly. Here we present a versatile, wearable instrument capable of providing objective measurements of limb movements for the assessment of motor and balance control abilities. The proposed device allows measuring linear accelerations, angular velocities and heading either online, through wireless connection to a computer, or for long-term monitoring, thanks to its local storage abilities. One or more body parts may be simultaneously monitored in a single or multiple sensors configuration.
Carboxylesterase gene amplifications associated with insecticide resistance in Aedes albopictus: Geographical distribution and evolutionary origin

Background Aedes albopictus is one of the most invasive human disease vectors. Its control has been largely based on insecticides, such as the larvicide temephos. Temephos resistance has been associated with the up-regulation, through gene amplification, of two carboxylesterase (CCE) genes closely linked on the genome, capable of sequestering and metabolizing temephos oxon, the activated form of temephos. Principal findings Here, we investigated the occurrence, geographical distribution and origin of the CCE amplicon in Ae. albopictus populations from several geographical regions worldwide. The haplotypic diversity at the CCEae3a locus revealed high polymorphism, while phylogenetic analysis showed an absence of correlation between haplotype similarity and geographic origin. Two types of esterase amplifications were found, in two locations only (Athens and Florida): one, previously described, results in the amplification of both CCEae3a and CCEae6a; the second is being described for the first time and results in the amplification of CCEae3a only. The two amplification events are independent, as confirmed by sequence analysis. All individuals from Athens and Florida carrying the CCEae3a-CCEae6a co-amplicon share a common haplotype, indicating a single amplification event, which spread between the two countries. Significance The importance of passive transportation of disease vectors, including individuals carrying resistance mechanisms, is discussed in the light of efficient and sustainable vector control strategies.
Understanding and Confronting Uncertainty: Revisions to UK Government Expenditure Plans

We develop a simple model that motivates fiscal stabilisation policy, in the presence of economic and control uncertainty. An examination of a real-time database of economic variables and forecasts shows that our knowledge of the current and future state of the economy is subject to significant revisions over time. Multi-year government spending plans are also significantly revised over successive fiscal events. We show the risk for any given government expenditure plan by constructing measures of historical expenditure revisions. We also show that the most significant factor in explaining public expenditure revisions are changes to the expected path of GDP growth. We illustrate how to model the components of public expenditure and are thus able to remark on the extent to which expenditure is warranted. Finally we report on findings from interviews with key policymakers in the past 25 years on how fiscal expenditure was managed and uncertainty confronted.
America's Dilemma: Reconciling Cultural Norms with 21st CenturyEducation - Part I

I am deeply disturbed by the culture of violence, flagrant disrespect, and incivility (FDI) that has become the norm in America. I am especially concerned that violence, aggressive behaviors and trauma (VABT) is increasingly paired with FDI and is being distributed globally by the news, information, and media entertainment industries, or the NIME. Children spend a great deal of time with the NIME via social and digital media (SDM).
Kinetics of In Vivo Muscle Insulin-Mediated Glucose Uptake in Human Obesity

The kinetics of in vivo insulin-mediated glucose uptake in human obesity have not been previously studied. To examine this, we used the glucose-clamp technique to measure whole-body and leg muscle glucose uptake in seven lean and six obese men during hyperinsulinemia (∼2000 pM) at four glucose levels (∼4.5, ∼8.3, ∼13.5, and ∼23.5 mM). To measure leg glucose uptake, the femoral artery and vein were catheterized, and blood flow was measured by thermodilution (leg glucose uptake = arteriovenous glucose difference × blood flow). With this approach, we found that rates of whole-body and leg glucose uptake were significantly lower in obese than in lean subjects at each glucose plateau. Leg blood flow rates increased from 4.3 ± 0.4 to 6.5 ± 0.8 dl/min over the range of glucose in lean subjects (P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in obese subjects. The apparent maximal capacity (Vmax), based on whole-body and leg glucose uptake, was reduced in obese compared with lean subjects, but the apparent Km was similar in the lean and obese subjects (6-9 mM, NS). To assess the affinity of muscle for glucose extraction independent of changes in muscle plasma flow, we determined the mean half-maximal effective glucose concentration (EG50) and found it was similar in the lean and obese subjects (6.0 ± 0.3 vs. 6.0 ± 0.8 mM, NS). We conclude that 1) the kinetics of in vivo insulin-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in human obesity are characterized by reduced Vmax but normal Km; 2) the EG50 for insulin-mediated glucose extraction in skeletal muscle was 6 mM in both lean and obese subjects, consistent with a Km characteristic of the glucose-transport system; 3) obese subjects were unable to generate increases in blood flow in response to hyperglycemia under hyperinsulinemic conditions, and this contributed significantly to lower rates of leg and whole-body glucose uptake.
Promoting professional development in medical education: perspectives from the Norwegian medical school in Tromsoe

ABSTRACT In international research on medical education the concepts of professionalism and professional development have been increasingly focused. The article problematizes and discusses these concepts in relation to the Aristotelian concepts of episteme, techne and phronesis. Phronesis as a form of knowledge is of fundamental importance regarding professionalism and professional development, and can be regarded as a response to an instrumentalist understanding of medical education. The article reports from an ongoing qualitative study following the revision of the study programme in medicine at the Medical School University of Tromsoe, The Arctic University of Norway. In the renewed programme the concept of phronesis is paid attention to, and the article discusses how phronesis is focused on different learning arenas. The data presented builds on the students’ perspectives on phronesis as a form of knowledge in medical education.
ClubCorp Goes to School

When Club Corporation of America wanted to develop a computer-based training program for its managers, it turned to a team led by faculty members at Virginia Tech. In addition to representatives from ClubCorp, the team comprised members of the university's art, English, hospitality, theatre, and visual communication departments. The team decided to distribute the training applications on CD-ROMs, based on their ability to store large amounts of material that can be retrieved quickly.