Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coping with coping assessment: A critical review

The recent literature on self‐report measures of coping reactions and strategies is reviewed and critically evaluated. Most of the coping research has focused on assessing several basic coping behaviours or reactions. These include dimensions such as task‐oriented coping, emotion‐oriented coping, and avoidance‐oriented coping. In general, most of the coping scales that have been developed have a variety of psychometric inadequacies. This state of affairs has created at least two major problems in the coping literature: (1) The proliferation of problematic coping scales, sometimes measuring different constructs, makes it difficult to generalize from one population and/or one health problem to another. (2) Since psychometrically sound instruments are a precondition for studying the relationships among coping, personality, and health, scales with psychometric problems preclude obtaining valid and generalizable information about coping behaviour. Methodological problems in the area have seriously restricted the development of a systematic body of theory and empirical knowledge about coping.
An Adaptive Finite Element Method for the Laplace-Beltrami Operator on Implicitly Defined Surfaces

We present an adaptive finite element method for approximating solutions to the Laplace-Beltrami equation on surfaces in $\mathbb{R}^3$ which may be implicitly represented as level sets of smooth functions. Residual-type a posteriori error bounds which show that the error may be split into a “residual part” and a “geometric part” are established. In addition, implementation issues are discussed and several computational examples are given.
In-vivo imaging of Alzheimer disease beta-amyloid with [11C]SB-13 PET.

OBJECTIVE In-vivo imaging of beta-amyloid plaques (Abeta) may improve both early detection of Alzheimer disease (AD) and efficacy assessment of new treatments for AD. The authors' aim was to develop a novel Abeta-specific positron-emission tomography (PET) tracer. METHODS Five female AD patients (54-77 years old) and six healthy female comparison subjects (53-74 years old), completed 2-hour PET scans after intravenous injection of 10 mCi of both the stilbene [11C]SB-13 and the benzothiazole [11C]6-OH-BTA-1 (also known as [11C]PIB). Kinetic analyses were performed on the resulting time-activity curves to derive Abeta binding-potential estimates, using as input function either the unmetabolized tracer concentration in venous plasma from a two-tissue compartment model or the density of radioactivity in the cerebellum. Authors compared the binding characteristics of the two radiotracers. RESULTS The two radiotracers demonstrated similar binding properties with respect to regional distribution of retention (increased retention in the frontal and posterior temporal-inferior parietal association cortices in the AD patients, but not in the comparison subjects). Our preliminary PET data indicate that [11C]SB-13 may be similar to [11C]PIB in discriminating AD patients from comparison subjects. CONCLUSIONS [11C]SB-13 is an effective PET tracer for fibrillar Abeta imaging in vivo, with similar performance as [11C]PIB. Future research directions include evaluation of tracer in larger AD patient samples and in subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, evaluation of arterial input function, and comparison with other tracers, such as [18F]FDG as they relate to cognitive functioning.
Generation of an immortalized mesenchymal stem cell line producing a secreted biosensor protein for glucose monitoring

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose. Diabetic patients should normalize these levels in order to avoid short and long term clinical complications. Presently, blood glucose monitoring is dependent on frequent finger pricking and enzyme based systems that analyze the drawn blood. Continuous blood glucose monitors are already on market but suffer from technical problems, inaccuracy and short operation time. A novel approach for continuous glucose monitoring is the development of implantable cell-based biosensors that emit light signals corresponding to glucose concentrations. Such devices use genetically modified cells expressing chimeric genes with glucose binding properties. MSCs are good candidates as carrier cells, as they can be genetically engineered and expanded into large numbers. They also possess immunomodulatory properties that, by reducing local inflammation, may assist long operation time. Here, we generated a novel immortalized human MSC line co-expressing hTERT and a secreted glucose biosensor transgene using the Sleeping Beauty transposon technology. Genetically modified hMSCs retained their mesenchymal characteristics. Stable transgene expression was validated biochemically. Increased activity of hTERT was accompanied by elevated and constant level of stem cell pluripotency markers and subsequently, by MSC immortalization. Furthermore, these cells efficiently suppressed PBMC proliferation in MLR transwell assays, indicating that they possess immunomodulatory properties. Finally, biosensor protein produced by MSCs was used to quantify glucose in cell-free assays. Our results indicate that our immortalized MSCs are suitable for measuring glucose concentrations in a physiological range. Thus, they are appropriate for incorporation into a cell-based, immune-privileged, glucose-monitoring medical device.
Policies and public opinion towards immigrants: the Spanish case

Abstract By tackling negative opinions towards immigration we can create a basis to orientate policies that seek to reduce them. My purpose is to highlight that the analysis of immigration in Spain exemplifies a clear link between policies and public opinion. It is this link that is at the basis of what I will call the ambivalence of Spanish public opinion, when border and integration issues are compared.
Skill and Physiological Demands of Open and Closed Training Drills in Australian Football

This study compared the skill and physiological demands of open- and closed-skill drills commonly used in Australian football. Junior male players (n=30, age 16.7 ± 0.5 y, height 1.88 ± 0.07 m, mass 79.7 ± 6.5 kg; mean ± SD) completed two different training sessions involving a series of three open and closed training drills. Movement demands were quantified with global positioning system (GPS) technology, while physiological responses were assessed with heart rate, blood lactate concentration and self-reported ratings of physical exertion. Skill demands were quantified by video analysis and self-reported ratings of perceived cognitive complexity. Two of the three open drills were substantially more demanding in terms of distance (metres) covered (p < .05), rating of perceived physical exertion (p < .05), and relative intensity (p < .05). All open drills had significantly more moderate velocity efforts (p < .05) than their closed counterparts. There were no differences in post-session lactate concentration between the drills or formats, but heart rate was higher in the open format for the third drill. Analysis of skill demands revealed that while the number of ball disposals were equivalent in two of the three open and closed drill formats, there was a significantly larger volume of game-like decisions required of the participants in all open drills. Higher cognitive complexity scores were reported in the open drills (p < .05). In conclusion, the open drills were generally more physically and cognitively demanding than the closed drills commonly used in Australian Football. Coaches and conditioning staff should prescribe open drills to elicit higher physical and cognitive training loads in a game-specific context.
Differential requirements for the O-linked branching enzyme core 2 beta1-6-N-glucosaminyltransferase in biosynthesis of ligands for E-selectin and P-selectin.

Selectins are carbohydrate-binding adhesion molecules that play important roles in control of leukocyte traffic. Glycosyltransferases involved in selectin ligand biosynthesis include the alpha1,3-fucosyltransferases FucT-VII and FucT-IV, one or more sialyltransferases, and at least one O-linked branching enzyme. Previous studies have shown that core 2 beta1-6-N-glucosaminyltransferase (C2GlcNAcT-I; EC 2.4.1.102) is required for functional modification of PSGL-1, the leukocyte P-selectin ligand, but have been ambiguous on whether this enzyme is involved in E-selectin ligand formation. Using an attachment and rolling assay under defined shear flow in vitro, this study shows that C2GlcNAcT-I(-) lymphoid cells stably transfected with FucT-VII complementary DNA attach and roll well on E-selectin at 1.5 dynes/cm. (2) Further, attachment and rolling on P-selectin of neutrophils is sharply reduced and that of short- term polarized Th1 cells is virtually abolished, with leukocytes from C2GlcNAcT-I(-/-) mice. In contrast, both neutrophils and Th1 cells from C2GlcNAcT-I(-/-) mice attach and roll as well as wild-type cells on E-selectin. These results show that C2GlcNAcT-I is selectively required for biosynthesis of ligands for P-selectin, but is not essential for at least some E-selectin ligands. Distinct requirements for C2GlcNAcT-I in the formation of ligands for E-selectin versus P-selectin represents a novel level of regulation of expression of selectin ligands and lymphocyte traffic. (Blood. 2001;97:3806-3811)
Immunization with dendritic cells breaks immunodominance in CTL responses against minor histocompatibility and synthetic peptide antigens

We have examined the mechanisms involved in immunodominance in two different experimental models: the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response in B6 mice against minor histocompatibility antigens of BALB.B mice, and the response of B6 mice against a mixture of five synthetic peptides corresponding to well‐defined immunogenic epitopes. The CTL responses in these models focus on a few dominant epitopes, whereas no or only weak responses can be detected against other subdominant epitopes. Neither of these immunodominance phenomena can be explained by insufficient presentation of subdominant epitopes in the presence of the dominant ones. Immunodominance could also be demonstrated in an in vitro system, in which B6 splenocytes primed with BALB.B could interfere with the CTL response against subdominant antigens. This interference was dependent on CD8+ T cells and on the simultaneous presentation of dominant and subdominant antigens on the same antigen‐presenting cell, suggesting T cell competition around the antigen‐presenting cell as a potential explanation. The immunodominance in both systems could be broken by immunization with dendritic cells (from BALB.B or from B6 loaded with peptides). This procedure allowed detection of CTL responses against both dominant and previously subdominant antigens. J. Leukoc. Biol. 66: 268–271; 1999.
DiVinE-CUDA - A Tool for GPU Accelerated LTL Model Checking

In this paper we present a tool that performs CUDA accelerated LTL Model Checking. The tool exploits parallel algorithm MAP adjusted to the NVIDIA CUDA architecture in order to efficiently detect the presence of accepting cycles in a directed graph. Accepting cycle detection is the core algorithmic procedure in automata-based LTL Model Checking. We demonstrate that the tool outperforms non-accelerated version of the algorithm and we discuss where the limits of the tool are and what we intend to do in the future to avoid them.
O desenvolvimento do marketing: uma perspectiva histórica

For a better understanding of marketing and its growing importance in organizations, this work provided a detailed view of the historical evolution of marketing, from a time when it was not yet considered a specific area, up to the present day. The early history of marketing included activities that were developed only as trade practices. After 1900, marketing activities differed from the practices of trade, with the emergence of Marketing as a distinct domain. So from 1900, the history was divided into decades until now to show the emergence of the different schools of thought, the development of new activities, marketing inside organizations as well as the differentiation into the specific activities of Societal Marketing and Experience Marketing. Further, the history of marketing in Brazil was revisited emphasizing important milestones. Finally, some contributions from other areas of knowledge and sciences as well as problems experienced by Marketing are mentioned.
Quadratic stabilizability of switched linear systems with polytopic uncertainties

In this paper, we consider quadratic stabilizability via state feedback for both continuous-time and discrete-time switched linear systems that are composed of polytopic uncertain subsystems. By state feedback, we mean that the switchings among subsystems are dependent on system states. For continuous-time switched linear systems, we show that if there exists a common positive definite matrix for stability of all convex combinations of the extreme points which belong to different subsystem matrices, then the switched system is quadratically stabilizable via state feedback. For discrete-time switched linear systems, we derive a quadratic stabilizability condition expressed as matrix inequalities with respect to a family of non-negative scalars and a common positive definite matrix. For both continuous-time and discrete-time switched systems, we propose the switching rules by using the obtained common positive definite matrix.
Computerised Screening for Dyslexia in Adults

Identifying dyslexia in adulthood presents particular challenges because of complicating factors such as acquisition of compensatory strategies, differing degrees of intervention and the problem of distinguishing dyslexic adults from those whose literacy difficulties have non-cognitive causes. One of the implications is that conventional literacy measures, per se, do not provide a satisfactory basis for screening for dyslexia in adulthood as some dyslexic adults have above-average literacy skills and some non-dyslexic adults have very poor literacy skills. This study examined an alternative approach to dyslexia screening, using three tests that depend heavily on phonological processing, lexical access and working memory, but which are not conventional measures of literacy. Using these tests, which are computer delivered, 70 dyslexic adults from three different types of educational institution were compared with 69 non-dyslexic adults from the same institutions. The results showed that the dyslexic and non-dyslexic groups were significantly different on all three computer-based tests, with an average effect size of 1.55. Adaptive versions of these tests were then created to reduce overall administration time for the suite to about 15 minutes. Analysis showed that the combined scaled scores from the adaptive versions of the three tests significantly discriminated the dyslexic from the non-dyslexic group with an increased effect size of 2.07 and with a sensitivity rate of 90.6% and a specificity rate of 90.0%. It was concluded that this approach is a valid and useful method of identifying dyslexia in adulthood, which, given the ease of administration to large numbers of adults, has noted advantages for education and employment.
Evaluating the Performance of Building Thermal Mass Control Strategies

A tool was developed that allows evaluation of thermal mass control strategies using HVAC utility costs as the baseline for comparison. Inverse models are used to represent the behavior of the building, cooling plant, and air distribution system. Inverse models use measured data to “learn” system behavior and provide relatively accurate site-specific performance predictions. Based on weather and solar inputs, as well as occupancy and internal gains schedules and utility rates, the evaluation tool predicts the total HVAC utility cost for a specified control strategy. Intelligent thermal mass control strategies can then be identified in a simulation environment using this analysis tool. The evaluation tool was validated using data collected from a field site located near Chicago, Illinois. The tool predicted HVAC utility costs for a summer month billing period that were within approximately 5% of actual costs. Additional studies were performed to examine the utility savings potential for summertime operations at the field site using various thermal mass control strategies. The best strategy resulted in approximately a 40% reduction in total cooling costs as compared with night setup control. Simulation studies were also used to analyze the overall impact of location on the savings potential for use of building thermal mass. Representative utility rates for five locations (Boston, Chicago, Miami, Phoenix, and Seattle) were used along with the models obtained for the field site. Significant savings were achieved in all locations except Seattle.
APC Activation Restores Functional CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in NOD Mice that Can Prevent Diabetes Development

Background Defects in APC and regulatory cells are associated with diabetes development in NOD mice. We have shown previously that NOD APC are not effective at stimulating CD4+CD25+ regulatory cell function in vitro. We hypothesize that failure of NOD APC to properly activate CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells in vivo could compromise their ability to control pathogenic cells, and activation of NOD APC could restore this defect, thereby preventing disease. Methodology/Principal Findings To test these hypotheses, we used the well-documented ability of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), an APC activator, to prevent disease in NOD mice. Phenotype and function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells from untreated and CFA-treated NOD mice were determined by FACS, and in vitro and in vivo assays. APC from these mice were also evaluated for their ability to activate regulatory cells in vitro. We have found that sick NOD CD4+CD25+ cells expressed Foxp3 at the same percentages, but decreased levels per cell, compared to young NOD or non-NOD controls. Treatment with CFA increased Foxp3 expression in NOD cells, and also increased the percentages of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells infiltrating the pancreas compared to untreated NOD mice. Moreover, CD4+CD25+ cells from pancreatic LN of CFA-treated, but not untreated, NOD mice transferred protection from diabetes. Finally, APC isolated from CFA-treated mice increased Foxp3 and granzyme B expression as well as regulatory function by NOD CD4+CD25+ cells in vitro compared to APC from untreated NOD mice. Conclusions/Significance These data suggest that regulatory T cell function and ability to control pathogenic cells can be enhanced in NOD mice by activating NOD APC.
Effect of an In-Clinic IPV Advocate Intervention to Increase Help Seeking, Reduce Violence, and Improve Well-Being

This quasi-experimental study investigated the efficacy of clinic-based advocacy for intimate partner violence (IPV) to increase help seeking, reduce violence, and improve women’s well-being. Eligible and consenting women attending one of six selected clinics in the rural Southern United States were assessed for IPV. Consenting women disclosing IPV were offered either an in-clinic advocate intervention or usual care, depending on the clinic they attended and were followed for up to 24 months. Over follow-up time both IPV scores and depressive symptoms trended toward greater decline among women in the advocate intervention clinics relative to the usual care (business card referral only).
Bystander intervention in emergencies: diffusion of responsibility.

Ss overheard an epileptic seizure. They believed either that they alone heard the emergency, or that 1 or 4 unseen others were also present. As predicted the presence of other bystanders reduced the individual's feelings of personal responsibility and lowered his speed of reporting (p < .01). In groups of size 3, males reported no faster than females, and females reported no slower when the 1 other bystander was a male rather than a female. In general, personality and background measures were not predictive of helping. Bystander inaction in real-life emergencies is often explained by "apathy," "alienation," and "anomie. " This experiment suggests that the explanation may lie more in the bystander's response to other observers than in his indifference to the victim.
Load control of electrically controlled hydraulic pump's flow/pressure characteristics testing with direct drive servo-proportional valve

To obtain a fast, precise and data-comparable flow/pressure characteristics test method for electrically controlled hydraulic pump (ECHP), we summarized the disadvantages of the manually-operated throttle valve loading method, which is recommended by ISO 17559–2003, and introduced a new loading method, which loaded the tested ECHPs with direct drive servo-proportional valve (DDV). After analyzing the mathematic model of the DDV loading system, we loaded the tested pump in constant-delivery-flow operating mode (CDFOM) with pressure-feedback control algorithm to control the load, i.e. the pump's output pressure, and in constant-pressure operating mode (CPOM) with DDV-spool-position open-loop control algorithm to adjust the pumps output flow. Especially we adopted feed-back linearization and PI control algorithm to make the tested pump's output pressure accurately tracking a certain slope command, whose slope had serious effect on the measurement of pump's output flow in CDFOM. The experiment results show that, with pressure feedback control, the new loading method can stably control the load of the tested pump, so that the repeatability of the load can be dramatically improved. With the aid of computer, the new loading method can also be easily automated, and can quicken the flow/pressure characteristics test process remarkably.
Survey on SQL Injection attacks and their Countermeasures

SQL injection is most common methodology employed by a hacker to exploit vulnerabilities in software applications. Vulnerabilities are basically weak links in the software that exposes unauthorized data or information to a user. SQL injection occurs when the user input is incorrectly filtered for embedded SQL statements. The technique is powerful enough not only to expose the information to the user but also modify and delete the content which could prove disastrous to the company. There are many ways to prevent SQL attacks such as using dynamic SQL, using automated SQL test tools, by escaping user input.