Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Walking versus biofeedback: a comparison of acute interventions for stressed students

ABSTRACT Background: High rates of stress-related problems in college students and low utilization of treatment options demonstrate the need for effective stress-reducing interventions that can be self-regulated. This study compared the effect of brief paced-breathing with biofeedback and exercise interventions on heart rate variability, state anxiety and affect. Methods: Students (n = 32) with high levels of perceived stress completed three 10-min interventions on separate days: paced-breathing with biofeedback (Biofeedback), a self-paced walk (Exercise), and an attention control condition of quiet studying (Quiet Study). Anxiety and affect were measured before (Pre), immediately after (Post0) and 15 mins after (Post15) the intervention. Heart rate variability was measured pre- and post-intervention using electrocardiogram. Results: Biofeedback reduced anxiety more than the exercise condition (Pre to Post0: Biofeedback d = −0.48, Exercise d = −0.13). Secondly, Exercise temporarily increased energy (Pre to Post0: d = 0.67), whereas Biofeedback temporarily increased calmness (Pre to Post0: d = 0.51). All conditions significantly increased total heart rate variability (p < .05). Conclusions: Biofeedback and Exercise interventions improved emotional states in high-stress college students, but the type of change observed (i.e. energizing, calming or anxiety reducing) depended upon the condition.
Designs of Slope Magnetic Flux Guides for 3-Axis Magnetic Sensor

Generally, giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors are only sensitive to the magnetic field in the plane of the substrate due to fabrication restraints. This paper designs and models slope magnetic flux guides that are deposited on the slope surface of a silicon substrate. Finite element method (FEM) simulations are used to optimize the flux guide designs. The flux guides can be deposited with good symmetry and are able to convert the out-of-plane magnetic flux to the GMR sensor plane. Meanwhile, a Wheatstone bridge is configured to deduce a differential voltage only relative to the z-component of the magnetic field. Additionally, the magnetic field in the active region of the GMR sensor would be intensified. With these flux guides, the magnetic field perpendicular to the chip surface can be detected with the GMR sensors in-plane. Also, the sensitivity of the sensor can be improved due to the amplification ability of the flux guides. An integrated 3-axis magnetic sensor with better angular position can be realized with the slope flux guides.
Proposed non-linear relation between satisfaction with government performance and co-production: an initial empirical test

ABSTRACT This study attempted to estimate a new descriptive model that integrated the elements of the expectancy-disconfirmation model and the prospect theory framework and examined the linear and non-linear relations between citizen satisfaction with public services and co-production. Based on the 2014 data on U.S. citizens, the results proposed that citizens who are not dissatisfied were more likely to participate in its co-production. This study found that citizen satisfaction shows quadratic patterns of increases with decreasing rates of participation in co-production. The limitation of the data and models used in this study were further discussed for cautious interpretations of the results.
Transcriptomic responses to heat stress in invasive and native blue mussels (genus Mytilus): molecular correlates of invasive success

SUMMARY Invasive species are increasingly prevalent in marine ecosystems worldwide. Although many studies have examined the ecological effects of invasives, little is known about the physiological mechanisms that might contribute to invasive success. The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, a native of the Mediterranean Sea, is a successful invader on the central and southern coasts of California, where it has largely displaced the native congener, Mytilus trossulus. It has been previously shown that thermal responses of several physiological traits may underlie the capacity of M. galloprovincialis to out-compete M. trossulus in warm habitats. To elucidate possible differences in stress-induced gene expression between these congeners, we developed an oligonucleotide microarray with 8874 probes representing 4488 different genes that recognized mRNAs of both species. In acute heat-stress experiments, 1531 of these genes showed temperature-dependent changes in expression that were highly similar in the two congeners. By contrast, 96 genes showed species-specific responses to heat stress, functionally characterized by their involvement in oxidative stress, proteolysis, energy metabolism, ion transport, cell signaling and cytoskeletal reorganization. The gene that showed the biggest difference between the species was the gene for the molecular chaperone small heat shock protein 24, which was highly induced in M. galloprovincialis and showed only a small change in M. trossulus. These different responses to acute heat stress may help to explain – and predict – the invasive success of M. galloprovincialis in a warming world.
Whole-body potassium and bone mineral density up to 30 years after urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the long-term effects of different types of urinary diversion on skeletal bone density and whole-body potassium content in patients with an early correction of base excess (< -2.5). PATIENTS AND METHODS The early correction of base excess (< -2.5) is one of the principles of the treatment of patients undergoing urinary diversion at our institution. In 27 patients with urinary diversion, bone mineral density (assessed by dual-photon absorptiometry), whole-body potassium, electrolyte and creatinine levels were determined, and capillary blood gas analysed. The mean time since surgery was 16.8 years in 16 patients with a rectal reservoir, 20.5 years in six patients with a colonic conduit, 7.8 years in four patients with an ileocaecal pouch and 5 years in one adolescent with an ileal bladder augmentation. RESULTS Bone mineral density was normal in 25 of the 27 patients; no exact measurement was possible in the remaining two. The whole-body potassium content was reduced in eight of the 27 patients (three with a conduit, two with a rectal reservoir, two with an ileocaecal pouch and one with ileal augmentation). In four of these eight patients the base excess was < -2.5 (-2.7 to -5). Of the other four, two had no regular testing of their base balance and two were obese. The electrolytes were within the normal ranges. None of the patients had hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis. CONCLUSION With early correction of the base excess (< -2.5), there was no decrease in bone mineral density and no hyperchloraemic acidosis. There was no significant difference between the different types of urinary diversion. There seems to be a relationship between low base excess and decreased whole-body potassium.
Health, environment, and wealth

This paper proposes a dynamic economic growth model with endogenous environment, health, and wealth. The economy is composed of environment, capital good, health caring, and consumer good sectors. We model the production technologies and economic structure on the basis of neoclassical growth theory. We apply Zhang`s approach to the household behavior in modelling consumption and saving with the alternative concept of disposable income. The government collects taxes on the production sectors` outputs and consumers` consumption, wealth interest income, and wage income. After building the model with wealth accumulation, health change, and environmental dynamics, we show properties of the dynamic system by simulation. We depict the movement of the economic system over time. We also carry out comparative dynamic analysis to show how transitory processes and long-run equilibrium are affected when the system is subject to different exogenous changes. We get some insightful conclusions about complicated trade-offs between environmental taxation, wealth accumulation, health change, environment change, and economic structures.
A comparative evaluation of microleakage around class V cavities restored with different tooth colored restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate and compare microleakage around class V cavities restored with silorane and dimethacrylate-based composite resins. METHODS Standard Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 60 non-carious human molars. Teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=20) depending on the restorative materials used, Silorane-based composite resin (Filtek P90-SIL), dimethacrylate-based composite resin (Solare P-SOLP) and light-cure glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji II LC -LCGIC). The restored teeth with these tooth-coloured restorative materials were thermo-cycled and then immersed in 2% Rhodamine B dye under vacuum pressure for 48 hours. All teeth were bisected longitudinally in a bucco-lingual direction and observed under stereo-microscope at 30X magnification for the evidence of dye penetration. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's Post Hoc tests (α=0.05). RESULTS SIL composite resin showed the least microleakage in Class V cavity restorations with a statistically significant difference to SOLP and LCGIC. Sixty five percent of specimens in SIL group, 30% in SOLP group and 5% in LCGIC group showed dye penetration up to one-third of the cavity depth, while 5% in SIL group, 5% in SOLP group and 35% in LCGIC group showed dye penetration up to two-thirds of the cavity depth, and 30% in SIL group, 65% in SOLP group and 60% in LCGIC group showed dye penetration up to the axial wall. CONCLUSIONS Silorane-based composite exhibited least microleakage in restoring class V cavities compared to dimethacrylate-based composite resin and light-cured glass ionomer cement.
Metamaterial transmission line based reconfigurable X-band phase shifter design

In this paper, a broad band reconfigurable phase shifter designs utilizing composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH TL) metamaterials is demonstrated for X-band applications. Metamaterial unit cells are designed that allows seamless integration of active devices (varactor diodes) in order to achieve reconfigurability. Design equations and properties with arbitrary phase, band-pass characteristic, and dispersion/attenuation diagram are presented. To achieve broadband design, two metamaterial unit cells are cascaded together having resonant frequencies of 8.95 and 10.25 GHz. On average, 18-degrees of phase tuning are demonstrated over a wide bandwidth (~2 GHz) range with high linearity.
Magnetic resonance imaging of short T2 components in tissue.

The most widely used clinical magnetic resonance imaging techniques for the diagnosis of parenchymal disease employ heavily T(2)-weighted sequences to detect an increase or decrease in the signal from long T(2) components in tissue. Tissues also contain short T(2) components that are not detected or only poorly detected with conventional sequences. These components are the majority species in tendons, ligaments, menisci, periosteum, cortical bone and other related tissues, and the minority in many other tissues that have predominantly long T(2) components.The development and clinical application of techniques to detect short T(2) components are just beginning. Such techniques include magic angle imaging, as well as short echo time (TE), and ultrashort TE (Ute) pulse sequences. Magic angle imaging increases the T(2) of highly ordered, collagen-rich tissues such as tendons and ligaments so signal can be detected from them with conventional pulse sequences. Ute sequences detect short T(2) components before they have decayed, both in tissues with a majority of short T(2) components and those with a minority. In the latter case steps usually need to be taken to suppress the signal from the majority of long T(2) components. Fat suppression of different types may also be helpful. Once signal from short T(2) components has been detected, different pulse sequences can be used to determine increases or decreases in T(1) and T(2) and study contrast enhancement. Using these approaches, signals have been detected from normal tissues with a majority of short T(2) components such as tendons, ligaments, menisci, periosteum, cortical bone, dentine and enamel (the latter four tissues for the first time) as well as from the other tissues in which short T(2) components are a minority. Some diseases such as chronic fibrosis, gliosis, haemorrhage and calcification may increase the signal from short T(2) components while others such as loss of tissue, loss of order in tissue and an increase in water content may decrease them. Changes of these types have been demonstrated in tendonopathy, intervertebral disc disease, ligament injury, haemachromatosis, pituitary perivascular fibrosis, gliomas, multiple sclerosis and angiomas. Use of these techniques has reduced the limit of clinical detectability of short T(2) components by about two orders of magnitude from about 10 ms to about 100 micros. As a consequence it is now possible to study tissues that have a majority of short T(2) components with both "bright" and "dark" approaches, with the bright (high signal) approach offering options for developing tissue contrast of different types, as well as the potential for tissue characterization. In addition, tissues with a minority of short T(2) components may demonstrate changes in disease that are not apparent with conventional heavily T(2)-weighted sequences.
The prospective associations between depression and sexual satisfaction among female medical students.

INTRODUCTION The direction of the relationships between depression and sexual dissatisfaction is unclear. Possibly, these relationships are influenced by different elements/components of depression represented by different measures (i.e., Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D], which highlights mood, vs. Beck Depression Inventory version II [BDI-II], which focuses on cognition and physical symptoms). High-achieving women--such as female medical students, interns, and residents--might be particularly prone to both depression and sexual dissatisfaction. AIM The aim of this study is to examine the direction of the longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and sexual dissatisfaction in high-achieving, romantically involved female Israeli medical students and interns/residents using both CES-D and BDI-II. METHODS One hundred ninety-four female medical students from the first, fourth, and seventh (internship) years from all medical schools in Israel who were currently involved in romantic relationships were assessed twice over a 1-year interval using both CES-D and BDI-II. Cross-lagged structural equation modeling analyses were employed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Depressive symptoms were measured by the CES-D and the BDI-II. Sexual satisfaction was assessed by the "partner-satisfaction" factor of the Pinney Sexual Satisfaction Inventory. RESULTS Elevated levels of CES-D-measured depression were found (26% at T1 and 13% at T2 above the stricter cutoff point). The direction of the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and sexual dissatisfaction changed according to the depression measure used: baseline CES-D-measured depression predicted an increase in sexual dissatisfaction over time (β = 0.148, P = 0.016). Baseline sexual satisfaction predicted an increase in BDI-II-measured depression (β = 0.136, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION High-achieving, "fully-functioning" female medical students suffer from elevated levels of CES-D-measured depressed mood. Depressed mood might lead to sexual dissatisfaction, which in turn is likely to bring about "clinical," BDI-II-measured depression. We recommend a routine assessment of depressed mood and sexual dissatisfaction in this population, as well as increased access to tailored intervention for both clinical challenges.
A SVD-based optimal filtering for multi-channel system with correlated multiplicative noises

An optimal filtering recursive algorithm was proposed for multi-channel system with correlated multiplicative noises among observation channels. The system is under the condition that the multiplicative noises are general stochastic matrix and correlated in each observation channel at the same time. Considering the numerical stability of the algorithm, an equivalent algorithm based on singular value decomposition (SVD) was given for the same system. The SVD algorithm, as well as the previous algorithm, is optimal in the sense of linear minimum-variance. Simulation examples to demonstrate the performance of both algorithms show that the algorithm based on SVD has higher computational precision and numerical stability.
Identification of the Human YVH1 Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase Orthologue Reveals a Novel Zinc Binding Domain Essential for in Vivo Function*

A human orthologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae YVH1 protein-tyrosine phosphatase is able to rescue the slow growth defect caused by the disruption of the S. cerevisiae YVH1 gene. The human YVH1 gene is located on chromosome 1q21-q22, which falls in a region amplified in human liposarcomas. The evolutionary conserved COOH-terminal noncatalytic domain of human YVH1 is essential for in vivofunction. The cysteine-rich COOH-terminal domain is capable of coordinating 2 mol of zinc/mol of protein, defining it as a novel zinc finger domain. Human YVH1 is the first protein-tyrosine phosphatase that contains and is regulated by a zinc finger domain.
Multiple micro-contact printing of extra cellular matrix with fine alignment

This study performed multiple micro-contact printing of extra-cellular matrix with a fine alignment system for the position and the posture of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp. The position and the posture were adjusted with a 4-axis automated stage with a resolution of 1 μm or 0.0025 deg. The adjustment was achived by monitoring the surface shape of PDMS stamp measured by using a laser displacement sensor in the alignment system. After the adjustment, fluorescent-dye-conjugated fibronectin applied on the surface of PDMS stamp was printed onto a cell culture dish. As the result of multiple printing, two different patterns of fibronectin were located on the same dish within an error of 50 μm.
An examination of the implementation of Ireland’s new higher education system performance framework in a sample of higher education institutions

An Examination of the Implementation of Ireland’s New Higher Education System Performance Framework in a Sample of Higher Education Institutions. Seamus O Shea, B.Sc., M.Eng. This research study seeks to examine the implementation of Ireland’s new higher education system performance framework (HESPF), through its first 2014-2016 three-year strategic compact cycle, in a sample of higher education institutions (HEIs). In particular, the study explores the extent to which the framework aids or inhibits institutional planning; whether institutional goals are being aligned with the national agenda; if the national performance indicators for the higher education sector are incentivising behaviour; and institutional capacity to support the national policy objectives. An exploratory case study design frame is used to address the research question, with cases drawn from small, medium sized, and large institutions in the Southern regional cluster. A concurrent triangulation design strategy is deployed with qualitative data drawn from 24 key informants and strategic compacts, and quantitative data elicited from 92 questionnaires. Oliver’s strategic response framework (Oliver 1991) was adapted for qualitative data analysis and factor analysis combined with ANOVA was utilised to investigate patterns and associations in quantitative data. The HESPF is generally considered a good concept that has resulted in improved accountability through a process of constructive dialogue between the HEA and HEIs. Strategic planning capacity building, self- reflection and institutional learning are regarded as strengths of the process. However, the process is regarded as not being conducted at a sufficiently strategic level, not enabled by funding, a bureaucratic overload, potentially open to deceptive tactics and there are mixed views on the extent to which it improves visibility on performance. The level of realism in the national KPIs was found to be questionable in the current funding environment and the KPIs are regarded as not impacting behaviour in any significant way. The results of this study shed light on key implementation issues in a strategic compact process that is generally aligned with the common characteristics of such performance agreements internationally (De Boer et al. 2015).
Phosphorylation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) at Ser-2448 Is Mediated by p70S6 Kinase*

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates cell growth with the growth factor and nutrient/energy status of the cell. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKT pathway is centrally involved in the transmission of mitogenic signals to mTOR. Previous studies have shown that mTOR is a direct substrate for the AKT kinase and identified Ser-2448 as the AKT target site in mTOR. In this study, we demonstrate that rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR function, blocks serum-stimulated Ser-2448 phosphorylation and that this drug effect is not explained by the inhibition of AKT. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of Ser-2448 was dependent on mTOR kinase activity, suggesting that mTOR itself or a protein kinase downstream from mTOR was responsible for the modification of Ser-2448. Here we show that p70S6 kinase phosphorylates mTOR at Ser-2448 in vitro and that ectopic expression of rapamycin-resistant p70S6 kinase restores Ser-2448 phosphorylation in rapamycin-treated cells. In addition, we show that cellular amino acid status, which modulates p70S6 kinase (S6K1) activity via the TSC/Rheb pathway, regulates Ser-2448 phosphorylation. Finally, small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of p70S6 kinase reduces Ser-2448 phosphorylation in cells. Taken together, these results suggest that p70S6 kinase is a major effector of mTOR phosphorylation at Ser-2448 in response to both mitogen- and nutrient-derived stimuli.
Mss11, a Transcriptional Activator, Is Required for Hyphal Development in Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Candida albicans undergoes a morphological transition from yeast to hyphae in response to a variety of stimuli and growth conditions. We previously isolated a LisH domain containing transcription factor Flo8, which is essential for hyphal development in C. albicans. To search the putative binding partner of Flo8 in C. albicans, we identified C. albicans Mss11, a functional homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mss11, which also contains a LisH motif at its N terminus. C. albicans Mss11 can interact with Flo8 via the LisH motif by in vivo coimmunoprecipitation. The results of a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that more Mss11 and Flo8 proteins bound to the upstream activating sequence region of HWP1 promoter in hyphal cells than in yeast cells, and the increased binding of each of these two proteins responding to hyphal induction was dependent on the other. Overexpression of MSS11 enhanced filamentous growth. Deletion of MSS11 caused a profound defect in hyphal development and the induction of hypha-specific genes. Our data suggest that Mss11 functions as an activator in hyphal development of C. albicans. Furthermore, overexpression of FLO8 can bypass the requirement of Mss11 in filamentous formation, whereas overexpression of MSS11 failed to promote hyphae growth in flo8 mutants. In summary, we show that the expression level of MSS11 increases during hyphal induction, and the enhanced expression of MSS11 may contribute to cooperative binding of Mss11 and Flo8 to the HWP1 promoter.