Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metacognition and social cognition in schizophrenia: stability and relationship to concurrent and prospective symptom assessments.

OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia has been linked with deficits in the ability to form complex representations about oneself and others. Less clear is whether these deficits are stable over time, and whether they are related to symptoms. METHOD We assessed metacognition capacity, affect recognition, executive function, and symptoms at baseline and 6 months later for 49 adults with schizophrenia. RESULTS Paired t tests revealed assessments of metacognition and affect recognition were stable across measurements points. Metacognition was related to concurrent assessments of positive, negative and disorganized symptoms. Multiple regressions revealed metacognition was related to prospective assessments of negative symptoms after controlling for baseline negative symptoms and executive function. CONCLUSIONS Metacognitive deficits are a stable feature of schizophrenia related with negative symptoms.
Perioperative Education in Geriatrics

Secondary to declining fertility and increasing life expectancy, the median age of the world’s population is increasing. In the United States, the population of people aged 65 years or older is expected to double in the next 20 years. With the aging of America, the number of individuals aged 65 years and older will increase from 35 million in 2000 to 71 million in 2030. The number of oldest old, aged 80 years and older, will catapult from 9.3 to 19.5 million during the same timeframe. The percentage of the population living into late life is also projected to increase from 13% in 2000 to over 20% by 2030. This aging trend is also occurring on a worldwide basis. The number of individuals aged 60 years and older is growing by 2%/y, and those aged 80 years and older are growing by 3.8%/y. By 2050, the percentage of people aged 60 years and older worldwide is expected to be 21% and will exceed the number of younger individuals for the first time in history. The number of older patients undergoing surgical procedures is also increasing. Currently, 30% to 40% of all surgeries are performed on elderly patients. Although advancements in preoperative screening, perioperative care, and new surgical techniques have contributed to making surgery safer for elders, there is risk involved. Population-based evidence from Washington state found that 90-day mortality increased sharply with age from 2.5% in individuals aged 65 to 69 years to 16.7% among those aged 90 years and older. In addition to advancing age, increasing numbers of medical comorbidities are also associated with worse surgical outcomes. Nursing home residents, often considered the frailest elders, experience significantly higher rates of postoperative complications and mortality compared with noninstitutionalized Medicare enrollees.
Time-Varying Dynamic Topic Model: A Better Tool for Mining Microblogs at a Global Level

In this paper the authors build on prior literature to develop an adaptive and time-varying metadata-enabled dynamic topic model (mDTM) and apply it to a large Weibo dataset using an online Gibbs sampler for parameter estimation. Their approach simultaneously captures the maximum number of inherent dynamic features of microblogs thereby setting it apart from other online document mining methods in the extant literature. In summary, the authors' results show a better performance of mDTM in terms of the quality of the mined information compared to prior research and showcases mDTM as a promising tool for the effective mining of microblogs in a rapidly changing global information space.
Optical disector counting in cryosections and vibratome sections underestimates particle numbers: Effects of tissue quality

Optical disector counting is currently applied most often to cryosections, followed in frequency by resin‐embedded tissues, paraffin, and vibratome sections. The preservation quality of these embedding options differs considerably; yet, the effect of tissue morphology on numerical estimates is unknown. We tested whether different embedding media significantly influence numerical estimates in optical disector counting, using the previously calibrated trochlear motor nucleus of hatchling chickens. Animals were perfusion‐fixed with paraformaldehyde (PFA) only or in addition with glutaraldehyde (GA), or by Methacarn immersion fixation. Brains were prepared for paraffin, cryo‐, vibratome‐ or celloidin sectioning. Complete penetration of the thionin stain was verified by z‐axis analysis. Neuronal nuclei were counted using an unbiased counting rule, numbers were averaged for each group and compared by ANOVA. In paraffin sections, 906 ± 12 (SEM) neurons were counted, similar to previous calibrated data series, and results obtained from fixation with Methacarn or PFA were statistically indistinguishable. In celloidin sections, 912 ± 28 neurons were counted—not statistically different from paraffin. In cryosections, 812 ± 12 neurons were counted (underestimate of 10.4%) when fixed with PFA only, but 867 ± 17 neurons were counted when fixed with PFA and GA. Vibratome sections had the most serious aberration with 729 ± 31 neurons—a deficit of 20%. Thus, our analysis shows that PFA‐fixed cryosections and vibratome sections result in a substantial numerical deficit. The addition of GA to the PFA fixative significantly improved counts in cryosections. These results may explain, in part, the significant numerical differences reported from different labs and should help investigators select optimal conditions for quantitative morphological studies. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancement of Microwave Optical Link Gain by Self-Phase Modulation in a Fiber Interferometer

Self-phase modulation in optical fiber is used to enhance the radio-frequency gain of a microwave photonic link. Using the two outputs of a balanced Mach-Zehnder electrooptic modulator to feed two arms of a fiber interferometer, the modulation depth power is increased by over 8 dB across the frequency range 0.05-20.0 GHz. The measurements are predicted well by the theoretical model.
Structural credit risk models with microstructure noise: An empirical analysis for China

In this paper a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method discussed in Huang and Yu (2010) is applied to estimate the credit risk models with microstructure noise, using the daily equity data from China. In literature, the observed equity prices are known to be influenced by market microstructure effects so that they deviate from the corresponding efficient prices. Credit risk models with microstructure noise is a way to depict this relationship. In the Bayesian framework, we employ Gibbs sampling, which is a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique, to analyze such models. We estimate the model with Gaussian iid microstructure term, using equity data of the firms in the Shanghai Stock Exchange 50 index constitutes. Estimates in the model converge well when we use the data of 6 firms out of 16 in our sample.
Ratings Versus Market-Based Measures of Default Risk of East Asian Banks

This paper assesses whether agency ratings and market-based default risk measures are consistent for East Asian banks during the period 1996 to 2006. While the market-based measures are broadly consistent with the credit rating assessments for banks in developed economies, the discrepancy between ratings and the market-based measures for East Asian banks is significant. Credit ratings for East Asian banks were adjusted slowly during the onset of the Asian financial crisis. The relatively higher default risk implied by ratings during the post-crisis period is partly due to the conservatism of rating agencies and the unsolicited ratings. Discrepancies still exist after taking these two factors into account. From perspective of banking policies, the use of agency-based and market-based measures for calculating capital requirements for exposures to banks and deposit insurance premiums in East Asian economies could result in systematic differences.
Effect of a rapid response team on hospital-wide mortality and code rates outside the ICU in a Children's Hospital.

CONTEXT Introduction of a rapid response team (RRT) has been shown to decrease mortality and cardiopulmonary arrests outside of the intensive care unit (ICU) in adult inpatients. No published studies to date show significant reductions in mortality or cardiopulmonary arrests in pediatric inpatients. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect on hospital-wide mortality rates and code rates outside of the ICU setting after RRT implementation at an academic children's hospital. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cohort study design with historical controls at a 264-bed, free-standing, quaternary care academic children's hospital. Pediatric inpatients who spent at least 1 day on a medical or surgical ward between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2007, were included. A total of 22,037 patient admissions and 102,537 patient-days were evaluated preintervention (before September 1, 2005), and 7257 patient admissions and 34,420 patient-days were evaluated postintervention (on or after September 1, 2005). INTERVENTION The RRT included a pediatric ICU-trained fellow or attending physician, ICU nurse, ICU respiratory therapist, and nursing supervisor. This team was activated using standard criteria and was available at all times to assess, treat, and triage decompensating pediatric inpatients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hospital-wide mortality rates and code (respiratory and cardiopulmonary arrests) rates outside of the ICU setting. All outcomes were adjusted for case mix index values. RESULTS After RRT implementation, the mean monthly mortality rate decreased by 18% (1.01 to 0.83 deaths per 100 discharges; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-30%; P = .007), the mean monthly code rate per 1000 admissions decreased by 71.7% (2.45 to 0.69 codes per 1000 admissions), and the mean monthly code rate per 1000 patient-days decreased by 71.2% (0.52 to 0.15 codes per 1000 patient-days). The estimated code rate per 1000 admissions for the postintervention group was 0.29 times that for the preintervention group (95% likelihood ratio CI, 0.10-0.65; P = .008), and the estimated code rate per 1000 patient-days for the postintervention group was 0.28 times that for the preintervention group (95% likelihood ratio CI, 0.10-0.64; P = .007). CONCLUSION Implementation of an RRT was associated with a statistically significant reduction in hospital-wide mortality rate and code rate outside of the pediatric ICU setting.
Cdc42 activation couples fluid shear stress to apical endocytosis in proximal tubule cells

Cells lining the kidney proximal tubule (PT) respond to acute changes in glomerular filtration rate and the accompanying fluid shear stress (FSS) to regulate reabsorption of ions, glucose, and other filtered molecules and maintain glomerulotubular balance. Recently, we discovered that exposure of PT cells to FSS also stimulates an increase in apical endocytic capacity (Raghavan et al. PNAS, 111:8506–8511, ). We found that FSS triggered an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) that required release of extracellular ATP and the presence of primary cilia. In this study, we elucidate steps downstream of the increase in [Ca2+]i that link FSS‐induced calcium increase to increased apical endocytic capacity. Using an intramolecular FRET probe, we show that activation of Cdc42 is a necessary step in the FSS‐stimulated apical endocytosis cascade. Cdc42 activation requires the primary cilia and the FSS‐mediated increase in [Ca2+]i. Moreover, Cdc42 activity and FSS‐stimulated endocytosis are coordinately modulated by activators and inhibitors of calmodulin. Together, these data suggest a mechanism by which PT cell exposure to FSS is translated into enhanced endocytic uptake of filtered molecules.
Zero Banks: Coverage Error in List Assisted RDD Samples

List-assisted random digit dialing (RDD) is the sampling procedure that is normally used in constructing samples of telephone households. This is a truncated design because it only includes telephone hundreds banks with one or more listed numbers. However, this design has become widely accepted after a 1995 study found that only 3.7% of working household telephone numbers fell in the unlisted banks with no significant demographic biases.
Alterations in the Expression of Transcription Factors and the Reduced Folate Carrier as a Novel Mechanism of Antifolate Resistance in Human Leukemia Cells*

The human reduced folate carrier (hRFC) is the dominant transporter mediating the uptake of reduced folate cofactors and antifolate anticancer drugs. Defective antifolate uptake due to inactivating mutations in the hRFC gene is an established mechanism of drug resistance in various tumor cells. However, while antifolate transport is frequently impaired, either no or only a single hRFC allele is inactivated, suggesting that additional mechanism(s) of resistance are operative. Here we studied the relationship between the expression and function of transcription factors and antifolate resistance in transport-defective leukemia cells that poorly express or completely lack RFC mRNA. Stable transfection with a hRFC expression construct resulted in restoration of normal RFC mRNA expression and nearly wild type drug sensitivity in these antifolate-resistant cells. The loss of RFC gene expression prompted us to explore transcription factor binding to the hRFC promoter. The hRFC promoter contains an upstream GC-box and a downstream cAMP-response element (CRE)/AP-1-like element. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and oligonucleotide competition revealed a substantial loss of nuclear factor binding to CRE and GC-box in these drug-resistant cell lines. Consistently, antibody-mediated supershift analysis showed a marked decrease in the binding of CRE-binding protein 1 (CREB-1) and specificity protein 1 (Sp1) to CRE and GC-box, respectively. Western blot analysis revealed undetectable expression of CREB-1, decreased ATF-1 levels, parental Sp1 levels, and increased levels of the short Sp3 isoforms, recently shown to repress hRFC gene expression. Transient transfections into these antifolate-resistant cells demonstrated a marked loss of GC-box-dependent, and CRE-driven reporter gene activities and introduction of CREB-1 or Sp1 expression constructs resulted in restoration of hRFC mRNA expression. These results establish a novel mechanism of antifolate resistance that is based on altered expression and function of transcription factors resulting in transcriptional silencing of the hRFC promoter.
Difference in Clinical Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction between Men and Women

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease are the main causes of mortality among men and women so that the difference of acute myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms between men and women can affect on diagnosis and time of decision making for treatment and consequently on disease outcomes. Therefore, knowing different symptoms affects the prognostic of the disease according to the gender. This study conducted aimed to review the difference in clinical symptoms of myocardial infarction between men and women. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 169 patients admitted to Cardiac Care Unit at Imam Reza Hospital in Amol diagnosed as acute MI in 2009. Collecting the data was conducted using a demographic data form and symptoms check list and acute myocardial infarction symptoms were evaluated through interview. The data also were analyzed using Software SPSS 16, descriptive statistical methods and odds ratio. Results: Female gender increased the ratio of weakness to 2.76, vomiting to 1.96, fatigue to 2.47, and anxiety to 2.20 and hiccups to 2.27. Furthermore, female gender increased the ratio of pain associated with acute myocardial infarction in jaw to 3.49, neck to 2.78, throat to 3.24, and shoulder to 2.43 and the left scapula to 2.83. Conclusion: Atypical symptoms, particularly in females, may cause delay in referring of the patients and also delay in decision making for diagnosis and treatment by the medical team. Hence, staff and patients of ICUs need more special information about recognizing acute myocardial infarction symptoms, especially with regard to the gender.
Technology Leapfrogging in Thailand: Issues for the Support of eCommerce Infrastructure

We look at the difficulties and benefits of the implementation of newest technology in Thailand by the method of leapfrogging. In the investigation we find that a variety of issues influence the uptake of a new technology; namely the extent of the cultural shift, Government support and initiatives and the take up of these initiatives by the education and private sector in terms of R&D and training. We also examine and define areas fundamental to the preparedness of a nation for the introduction of electronic commerce; that is, telecommunications, Internet penetration & development, and technology Parks. We conclude with a recommendation to initiate a study of Information Technology education take‐up in universities to support technology leapfrogging initiatives implemented by the Thai Government, identifying a number of questions that need to be addressed. Further, a strategy to encourage small communities and businesses through community education programs is suggested, including a pilot project recommendation to test the successful implementation of this strategy in a community in Chiang Mai Thailand, that would also document the issues identified, including Government and cultural impacts, in order to establish a model that could be replicated and implemented in communities at large throughout developing countries.
A robot's slip of the tongue: Effect of speech error on the familiarity of a humanoid robot

This study investigated the effect of speech errors made by a robot on people's perception of the familiarity of the robot. Four types of speech errors were implemented for a communicating robot. Subjects' perception of the familiarity of the robot, along with other subjective evaluations of impressions of the robot, were measured in an experiment and compared between conditions with and without speech error. Results showed that speech error improved the familiarity score when the robot did not make any speech errors in the first contact with subjects and then made speech errors in the second contact on a separate day. On the other hand, speech errors lowered people's perception of the sincerity of the robot. These results imply that the robot should not make speech errors in the early stage of engagement with human users, while some speech errors after the users become accustomed with the robot might be effective in improving users' perception of the familiarity of the robot. Results also showed that speech error improved familiarity for people having low-scoring attitudes about the diversity and operation of robots.
Are tourists willing to pay more for sustainable tourism? - a choice experiment in Switzerland.

The preferences of tourists and also the willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products are identified by employing a choice experiment with almost 5,000 respondents in Switzerland. It shows that tourists principally favour sustainable tourism products. A gap between thinking and acting can be observed in the outcome of the choice experiment. Generally, the experiment shows that tourists would principally favour sustainable tourism products. Although there are clear preferences in favour of sustainable products, it can be shown that the respondents are only willing to pay a small premium for the inclusion of specific attributes in most cases.
Designing Guidelines to Discover Causes of Delays in Construction Projects: The Case of Lebanon

Construction projects in developing countries have the priority among other projects as they are considered safe investments in an unpredictable market. Due to this prioritization, it has become increasingly important that such projects are managed in accordance with internationally accepted management best practice. Project managers of construction projects in developing countries face difficulties in effectively monitoring the progress of projects they are responsible for due to many variables. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of delays in the construction projects that were covered in the considered literature and conduct qualitative research to investigate their relevance by interviewing project managers of actual projects in Lebanon. Based on the literature review and from the recommendations recorded during interviews, the researcher aims to create a set of guidelines that will improve the manner in which project managers can adapt to, discover and deal with project delays. These guidelines can be utilized as an early warning system concerning delays in construction projects.
Effect of linguistic information in neural machine translation

Deep Neural Networks(DNNs) outperform previous works in many fields such as in natural language processing. Neural Machine Translation(NMT) also outperforms Statistical Machine Translation(SMT) which has complex features and rules. However, NMT requires a large corpus and a long calculation time. In order to suppress calculation cost, recent researches replaced low frequency words with symbols. However, the symbols make sentences ambiguous and deteriorates translation accuracy. To solve this problem, sub-word units such as Byte Pair Encoding(BPE) and Wordpiece Model(WPM) creating vocabularies in a prespecified vocabulary size has been proposed. Nevertheless, these tokenize methods break words and treat them as symbols. Words as symbols are compatible with neural networks and NMT performance has increased. This result shows that linguistic correctness is not necessarily important in NMT. If that is the case, we wonder to what extent linguistic correctness contributes to NMT accuracy. In this research, we experiment to incorporate linguistic information into sub-word units. Experimentally, we demonstrate that morpheme as linguistic information is a helpful factor for sub-word units.
A Computational Study of N–H…O Hydrogen Bonding to Investigate Cooperative Effects

In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy parameters of N (Nitrogen in imidazole ring) in N–H.O hydrogen bonding for Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate were calculated via density functional theory. We considered a five-molecule model system of Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate. Also we examined the trends of environmental effect on hydrogen bonds as well as cooperativity. The functional used in this research is M06-2X which is a good functional and the obtained results has shown good agreement with experimental data. This functional was applied to calculate the NMR and NQR parameters. Some correlations among NBO parameters, NMR and NQR parameters have been studied which have shown the existence of strong correlations among them. Furthermore, the geometry optimization has been performed using M062X/6-31++G(d,p) method. In addition, in order to study cooperativity and changes in structural parameters, along with increase in cluster size, natural bond orbitals have been employed. Keywords—Hydrogen bonding, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Natural bond Orbitals (NBO), cooperativity effects.