Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation of 5-HTTLPR and deficits in emotion regulation: A pathway to risk?

Genetic variation in the serotonergic system within the brain has been a significant focus of psychiatric research over the last several decades. In particular, the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene (SLC6A4) has been tied to early emotion processing biases. However, a clear understanding of how genetic variation of SLC6A4 may influence clinically salient emotional phenomena is still elusive. In this investigation, we focused on examining variation in the 5-HTT-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR; including the single nucleotide polymorphism rs25531 which alters genotype interpretation) and real-time emotion responses evoked in the laboratory using a paradigm designed to spontaneously induce emotion regulation. Across 2 studies we show that for healthy individuals with 2 copies of the functional short (S=) allele there is weakened downregulation of negative emotion. In addition, we found greater electrodermal responses as well as both negative and positive emotion in association with the S= allele in 1 of the 2 samples. These findings provide evidence that the S= allele may promote system-wide heightened emotional reactivity in healthy subjects. Both phenomena, observed here in a healthy population, are strongly linked to the development of psychiatric disease. As such, these findings have implications for S= carriers’ vulnerability to affective disorders, as well as suggest potential targets for future clinical investigation.
Modeling the Theory of Planned Behavior from Survey Data for Action Choice in Social Simulations

Abstract : Current dialogues across a variety of disciplines from the social, behavioral and computer sciences have made clear the need for authentic, repeatable and actionable social simulations. Understanding how the individuals that comprise various populations (and segments of society) might respond to a given set of conditions provides the potential to better inform analysts and decision makers in a wide variety of settings. Here we examine the implications of applying a well-documented behavioral prediction theory, Icek Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), within a social simulation in the context of public policy decision making. We provide brief overviews of both TPB and the construction of artificial societies, a full description of the TPB implementation within an artificial society, and develop an argument for the benefits of informing action choice models such as TPB from representative survey data.
Evaluation Of An In-Call Interaction Technique For Projector Phones

With modern mobile devices information like emails or calendar entries are easily accessible. During a phone call when not using a headset these capabilities are lost. Emerging projector phones could overcome this bottleneck with their capability to project a separated interface onto nearly any kind of surface. But still the problem exists of how to control this projection. In this paper we present and evaluate a one-handed interaction paradigm for projector phones that allows accessing the full phone capabilities during a phone call, such as apps and personal information management tools. This interaction paradigm is robust and easy to implement. In a user study we evaluate one possible implementation of the proposed paradigm.
Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase blocks osteoclastic bone resorption in adaptive bone modeling.

In this study, the auditory bulla of the gerbil was pressurized, leading to active modeling of the bone of the bulla wall with a significant increase in osteoclast surface and mineral apposition rate. Systemic infusion of L-N(G)-nitro-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), inhibited this modeling process. The percentage osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS) on the inner surface bulla wall was significantly reduced in the L-NAME-treated animals when compared with pressurized saline-treated bullae. Fluorescent bone surface (BSf) mineral apposition rates (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFR) were not significantly different in the pressurized bullae when the L-NAME group was compared with the control (vehicle only) group. However, L-NAME significantly suppressed BSf in the unpressurized bullae. Therefore, it is likely that nitric oxide is a mediator of osteoclastic resorption due to adaptive bone modeling through one or more of the isoforms of NOS.
Analysis and Visualization of Cardiac Function from MR Images

Note to editors: The gures included with this manuscript are dithered gray scale renderings of color pictures. Color versions of the gures are available from contact the corresponding author if there is any problem reading these gures. Higher quality encapsulated postscript les and Latex les have been transferred to your computer, ftp.computer. org, in directory pubbincominggmagsscg&aaSept977guttman.
Activity of the response regulator CiaR in mutants of Streptococcus pneumoniae R6 altered in acetyl phosphate production

The two-component regulatory system (TCS) CiaRH of Streptococcus pneumoniae is implicated in competence, ß-lactam resistance, maintenance of cell integrity, bacteriocin production, host colonization, and virulence. Depending on the growth conditions, CiaR can be highly active in the absence of its cognate kinase CiaH, although phosphorylation of CiaR is required for DNA binding and gene regulation. To test the possibility that acetyl phosphate (AcP) could be the alternative phosphodonor, genes involved in pyruvate metabolism were disrupted to alter cellular levels of acetyl phosphate. Inactivating the genes of pyruvate oxidase SpxB, phosphotransacetylase Pta, and acetate kinase AckA, resulted in very low AcP levels and in strongly reduced CiaR-mediated gene expression in CiaH-deficient strains. Therefore, alternative phosphorylation of CiaR appears to proceed via AcP. The AcP effect on CiaR is not detected in strains with CiaH. Attempts to obtain elevated AcP by preventing its degradation by acetate kinase AckA, were not successful in CiaH-deficient strains with a functional SpxB, the most important enzyme for AcP production in S. pneumoniae. The ciaH-spxB-ackA mutant producing intermediate amounts of AcP could be constructed and showed a promoter activation, which was much higher than expected. Since activation was dependent on AcP, it can apparently be used more efficiently for CiaR phosphorylation in the absence of AckA. Therefore, high AcP levels in the absence of CiaH and AckA may cause extreme overexpression of the CiaR regulon leading to synthetic lethality. AckA is also involved in a regulatory response, which is mediated by CiaH. Addition of acetate to the growth medium switch CiaH from kinase to phosphatase. This switch is lost in the absence of AckA indicating metabolism of acetate is required, which starts with the production of AcP by AckA. Therefore, AckA plays a special regulatory role in the control of the CiaRH TCS.
174-nm mode spacing in dual-wavelength semiconductor laser using nonidentical InGaAsP quantum wells

A very wide tuning range of dual-wavelength semiconductor lasers with properly designed nonidentical InGaAsP quantum wells is reported. As the external cavity of reflected-type grating telescope configuration is well aligned, the dual-wavelength operation can be achieved with a record wavelength separation as large as 174 nm (25 THz). The wide separation of two wavelengths is possible due to a proper modification of the external-cavity configuration and reduced gain competition of laser modes.
Volumetric intensity-modulated arc therapy vs conventional intensity-modulated radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a dosimetric study

Dosimetric comparisons between RapidArc (RA) and conventional Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) techniques for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were performed to address differences in dose coverage of the target, sparing of organs-at-risk (OARs), delivery of monitor units (MUs) and time, to assess whether the RA technique was more beneficial for treatment of NPC. Eight NPC patients (Stages I–IV), who had completed RA treatment, were selected for this study. Computed tomography data sets were re-planned using 7-fields fixed beam IMRT. Quantitative measurements of dose-endpoint values on the dose-volume histograms were carried out for evaluation of: (i) dose homogeneity (D5% – D95%); (ii) degree of conformity (CI95%); (iii) tumor control probability (TCP); (iv) doses to OARs; (v) normal tissue complication probability (NTCP); (vi) treatment time; and (vii) MUs. RA plans achieved better dose conformity and TCP in planning target volumes (PTVs). Target dose homogeneity was not as high as for IMRT plans. Doses to tempero-mandibular joints, clavicles, parotid glands and posterior neck, and their NTCPs were significantly lower in RA plans (P < 0.05). Mean doses to the brainstem and spinal cord were slightly lower in IMRT plans. RA plans allowed for a mean reduction in MUs by 78% (P = 0.006), and a four-fold reduction in treatment delivery times, relative to IMRT plans. RA plans showed superior, or comparable, target coverage and dose conformity in PTVs, but at the expense of inferior dose homogeneity. RA plans also achieved significant improvements in dose reduction to OARs and healthy tissue sparing. A significant reduction in treatment delivery time for RA treatment technique was also noted.
A Combined Neural Network / Gaussian Process Regression Time Series Forecasting System for the NN 3 Competition

In a recent study [1] we have conducted a large scale empirical comparison of seven different machine learning models for time series forecasting using the M3 benchmark data. The outcome of this study is that the standard multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) have turned out to be respectively the first and the second best methods. Taking cue from this study, we propose here a combined model that applies MLP and GPR using a number of different input preprocessing methods. The model combination includes some aspects of forecast combination using simple averaging and model selection based on the training set and validation set performance. What makes this competition challenging is the large forecast horizon (the next eighteen points have to be forecasted). The study in [1] was simply for the one-step ahead case. We have devised input preprocessing steps that seem to be suitable for different forecast horizon ranges. In addition to the machine learning part, we have carried out a thorough preprocessing of the time series, including deseasonalization (if needed), log transformation, and scaling. Next section gives a description of the MLP model and the GPR model,
Dynamics of electric-field domains and oscillations of the photocurrent in a simple superlattice model.

A discrete model is introduced to account for the time-periodic oscillations of the photocurrent in a superlattice observed by Kwok et al. in an undoped 40-period AlAs/GaAs superlattice. The basic ingredients are an effective negative-differential resistance due to the sequential resonant tunneling of the photoexcited carriers through the potential barriers, and a rate equation for the holes that incorporates photogeneration and recombination. The photoexciting laser acts as a damping factor ending the oscillations when its power is large enough. The model explains (i) the known oscillatory static I-V characteristic curve through the formation of a domain wall connecting high- and low-electric-field domains, and (ii) the photocurrent and photoluminescence time-dependent oscillations after the domain wall is formed. In our model, they arise from the combined motion of the wall and the shift of the values of the electric field at the domains. Up to a certain value of the photoexcitation, the nonuniform field profile with two domains turns out to be metastable: after the photocurrent oscillations have ceased, the field profile slowly relaxes toward the uniform stationary solution (which is reached on a much longer time scale). Multiple stability of stationary states and hysteresis are also found. An interpretation of the oscillations in the photoluminescence spectrum is also given.
Functional neuroanatomy of visuo‐spatial working memory in turner syndrome

Turner syndrome (TS), a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of an X chromosome in females, has been associated with cognitive and visuo‐spatial processing impairments. We utilized functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate the neural substrates that underlie observed deficits in executive functioning and visuo‐spatial processing. Eleven females with TS and 14 typically developing females (ages 7–20) underwent fMRI scanning while performing 1‐back and 2‐back versions of a standard visuo‐spatial working memory (WM) task. On both tasks, TS subjects performed worse than control subjects. Compared with controls, TS subjects showed increased activation in the left and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) during the 1‐back task and decreased activation in these regions during the 2‐back task. In addition, decreased activation in the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and caudate nucleus was observed during the 2‐back task in TS subjects. Activation differences localized to the SMG, in the inferior parietal lobe, may reflect deficits in visuo‐spatial encoding and WM storage mechanisms in TS. In addition, deficits in the DLPFC and caudate may be related to deficits in executive function during WM performance. Together these findings point to deficits in frontal‐striatal and frontal‐parietal circuits subserving multiple WM functions in TS. Hum. Brain Mapping 14:96–107, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between Extremity Fractures and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptomatology in Adults

Objective: Recent studies showed that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong disorder which may be seen in adults as well as children. However, information about the relationship between ADHD and general medical conditions in adulthood is limited. This case-control study aims to determine whether ADHD symptoms are associated with extremity fractures and their clinical characteristics. Methods: Forty patients (25 male and 15 female; aged 18–50 years) who were seen due to extremity fractures and 40 control subjects were enrolled. Childhood and present ADHD symptoms of the participants were assessed using Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), respectively. Trauma type, reason of the trauma, fracture localization, hospitalization requirement, treatment type, and history of previous fracture(s) of the patients were recorded. Results: Total score and all subscale scores of WURS were higher in the fracture groups compared with controls. Patients also had higher ASRS total score and ASRS hyperactivity-impulsivity subscore than the controls did. WURS irritability, inattentiveness, and behavioral problems/impulsiveness subscore and total score were positively correlated with the history of previous fracture. The patients in whom the reason for the fracture was fighting were also showed higher WURS irritability subscore. Conclusions: Our results suggest that extremity fractures are associated with ADHD symptoms in adults. These findings may provide an insight into better understanding the lifelong negative impact of ADHD on the physical health of its sufferer.
Electronic Reminding Technology Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects on Timely Task Completion

Objective:To determine whether automated reminders from 2 contemporary personal digital assistant (PDA) devices produce higher rates of timely task completion in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Setting:Outpatient and community rehabilitation settings. Participants:Thirty-six adults aged 18 to 66 years with TBI and self-determined complaints of memory impairment. Measures:Timely completion rates for assigned memory tasks under 4 randomly assigned memory aid conditions. Results:Significantly, higher completion rates were found when using either PDA device when compared with a combined baseline and paper memory aid condition (for Palm OS device, Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 2.14, P < .0005, CI [confidence interval] = 1.77–2.59; for Microsoft Pocket PC OS device, IRR = 1.47, P < .001, CI = 1.18–1.82). A significant difference in completion rates was also found between the 2 PDA devices (IRR = 1.46, P < .0005, CI = 1.26–1.70), with the Palm version producing the better scores. Conclusions:Substantially higher rates of task completion (more than double in some cases) when using either PDA device suggest that rehabilitation clinicians can make productive use of PDA-based memory aids in their TBI patient populations. The strength of the effects of PDA device usage argues for further investigation of the impact of device usage on quality-of-life and costs of care, and of personal and caregiver factors predictive of successful and sustained device usage.
The Age-Period-Cohort Conundrum and Verbal Ability: Empirical Relationships and Their Interpretation

A lwin (1991) reported that the data from nine national probability samples collected by the General Social Survey (GSS) between 1974 and 1990 showed that, as indicated by a to-item vocabulary test (WORDSUM), there was an education-adjusted intercohort decline in verbal ability beginning with cohorts born before 1920. Alwin also found that cohort differences in family experiences did not explain these across-cohort decreases in ability. Glenn's (1994) replication of Alwin's study supported the intercohort decline in vocabulary; Glenn indicated that this trend was not due to changes in the quality of education, but suggested that decreases in time spent reading might account for the decline. Given that the literature on adult cognitive development indicates that vocabulary knowledge increases with age, we (Wilson and Gove 1999, henceforward W&G) explored the possibility that age-related increases in vocabulary knowledge might "explain" the patterns identified in the GSS data by Alwin (1991) and Glenn (1994). We concluded that what Alwin and Glenn viewed as a long-term intercohort decline in vocabulary knowledge was largely due to the fact that vocabulary knowledge tends to increase with age until persons are in their sixties. In their responses to our paper, Alwin and McCammon (1999, henceforward A&M) and Glenn (1999, henceforward G) raised issues that are methodologically and substantively
Endothelial Cell Barrier Impairment Induced by Glioblastomas and Transforming Growth Factor &bgr;2 Involves Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tight Junction Proteins

Abstract Gliomas, particularly glioblastoma multiforme, perturb the blood-brain barrier and cause brain edema that contributes to morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying this vasogenic edema are poorly understood. We examined the effects of cocultured primary cultured human glioblastoma cells and glioma-derived growth factors on the endothelial cell tight junction proteins claudin 1, claudin 5, occludin, and zonula occludens 1 of brain-derived microvascular endothelial cells and a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line. Cocultured glioblastoma cells and glioma-derived factors (e.g. transforming growth factor &bgr;2) enhanced the paracellular flux of endothelial cell monolayers in conjunction with downregulation of the tight junction proteins. Neutralizing anti-transforming growth factor &bgr;2 antibodies partially restored the barrier properties in this in vitro blood-brain barrier model. The involvement of endothelial cell-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was demonstrated by quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and by the determination of MMP activities via zymography and fluorometry in the presence or absence of the MMP inhibitor GM6001. Occludin, claudin 1, and claudin 5 were expressed in microvascular endothelial cells in nonneoplastic brain samples but were significantly reduced in anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma samples. Taken together, these in vitro and in vivo results indicate that glioma-derived factors may induce MMPs and downregulate endothelial tight junction protein and, thus, play a key role in glioma-induced impairment of the blood-brain barrier.
Prevalence and correlates of bullying victimisation and perpetration in a nationally representative sample of Australian youth

Objective: Bullying prevalence studies are limited by varied measurement methods and a lack of representative samples. This study estimated the national prevalence of bullying victimisation, perpetration and combined victim-perpetration experiences in a representative population-based sample of Australian youth. The relationships between the three types of bullying involvement with a range of mental health symptoms and diagnoses were also examined. Methods: A randomly selected nationally representative sample aged 11–17 years (N = 2967, Mage = 14.6 years; 51.6% male) completed the youth component of the Second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (Young Minds Matter). Parents or carers also completed a structured face-to-face interview that asked questions about a single randomly selected child in the household. The youth survey comprised self-reported bullying victimisation and perpetration (Olweus Bully–Victim Questionnaire–adapted), psychological distress (K10), emotional and behavioural problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), as well as self-harm, suicide attempts and substance use. Modules from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV were administered to all youth and parents to assess for mental disorder diagnoses (major depressive disorder, any anxiety disorder and any externalising disorder [attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder]). Results: The 12-month prevalence of bullying victimisation was 13.3%, perpetration 1.6% and victim-perpetration 1.9%. Logistic regression models showed all forms of involvement in bullying were associated with increased risk of psychological distress, emotional and behavioural problems, substance use, self-harm and attempted suicide. Victimisation and victim-perpetration were associated with youth-reported major depressive disorder. There were also significant associations between bullying involvement and parent-reported diagnoses of major depressive disorder, any anxiety disorder and any externalising disorder. Conclusion: Bullying continues to be frequently experienced by Australian adolescents. The current findings showed that involvement in any bullying behaviour was associated with increased risk of concurrent mental health problems. This evidence can be used to inform decisions concerning the allocation of resources to address this important health issue.
High performance multithreaded message passing on a myrinet cluster

The main purpose of this paper is to present the impact of pCoR thread level message passing facilities on applications running in a Myrinet cluster. To exploit Myrinet technology we use the GM library, which provides a limited number of ports as abstractions to name communication end-points. pCoR communication layer multiplexes GM ports by using a dispatcher thread to handle messages to/from a large number of communication entities (working threads). Our approach combines polling operations executed by multiple threads to avoid unnecessary context switching; a simple mechanism is used to engage working threads into the polling scheme. We aim to reduce the total number of polling operations required to hold message passing system performance.