Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Financial Strain, Negative Interactions, and Mastery: Pathways to Mental Health Among Older African Americans

This study examines the impact of financial strain, social support, and negative interactions on depressive symptoms among African Americans and the role of mastery as a mediator in these relationships. Structural equation modeling and baseline data from the Americans' Changing Lives Study were used to test these relationships among a sample of African Americans aged 50 to 96 years (N = 583). Findings illustrate the mechanistic pathways whereby financial strain is associated with depressive symptoms. Moreover, the study findings give further credence to the notion that positive and negative aspects of social relationships are distinctive with respect to social status factors, financial strain, and their relationship to depressive symptoms. This research suggests that mastery is an important mechanism linking negative interaction to mental health. The collection of findings provide a number of provocative departures from research conducted primarily using White samples and identifies important areas of intervention with older African Americans.
PARENT–INFANT SYNCHRONY: A BIOBEHAVIORAL MODEL OF MUTUAL INFLUENCES IN THE FORMATION OF AFFILIATIVE BONDS

Synchrony, a concept coined by the first researchers on parenting in social animals (Rosenblatt, 1965; Schneirla, 1946; Wheeler, 1928), describes the dynamic process by which hormonal, physiological, and behavioral cues are exchanged between parent and young during social contact. Over time and daily experience, parent and child adjust to the specific cues of the attachment partner and this biobehavioral synchrony provides the foundation for the parent–infant bond (Fleming, O’Day, & Kraemer, 1999). Affiliative bonds—defined as selective and enduring attachments—are formed on the basis of repeated exposure to the coordination between physiological states and interactive behavior within each partner, between partners, and between the physiology of one and the behavior of the other. Such social bonds, in turn, set the framework for the infant’s emotional development and shape the lifelong capacity to regulate stress, modulate arousal, and engage in coregulatory interactions, achievements that are central components of the child’s social– emotional growth (Feldman, 2007a). Moreover, the experience of biobehavioral synchrony in the first months of life sets the biological and behavioral systems that enable the child to provide optimal parenting to the next generation, thereby forming the cross-generation transmission of attachment patterns (Feldman, Gordon, & Zagoory-Sharon, 2010a). During the sensitive period of bond formation, infants’ brains are sensitized to the mutual influences between physiological systems, behavioral indicators, and their interactions. Studies in mammals propose that this process of synchrony—the system’s sensitivity to the coordination of physiology
CampusConnect: An open-source initiative to connect Learning Management Systems

CampusConnect is an initiative of twelve universities in the Southwest of Germany to connect their Learning Management Systems (LMS) to support their cooperative degree programmes and courses. The technical infrastructure of CampusConnect allows the possibility to publish course information across the LMSs of different universities (hence showing the students which courses are supported by electronic learning resources at other universities). It leads the students to these courses (simply by links), and gives them access to these courses by offering a token-based authentication. These issues, without CampusConnect time-consuming for students and IT staff alike, are handled with an MOM (Message Oriented Middleware) based architecture with the “E-LearningCommunity-Server” (ECS) as middleware between the LMSs of the involved universities. The ECS is responsible for the information and message routing between the systems. As a technological requirement, the LMSs (and other systems as well) get their own connectors that support the web service interface of the ECS. In use since 2008 with the LMS ILIAS, the architecture has recently been extended to support the LMSs Moodle and Stud.IP and to connect Campus Management Systems. The article describes the supported scenarios, the design, and the design principles of the architecture of CampusConnect.
Impact of near-death experiences on dialysis patients: a multicenter collaborative study.

BACKGROUND People who have come close to death may report an unusual experience known as a near-death experience (NDE). This study aims to investigate NDEs and their aftereffects in dialysis patients. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 710 dialysis patients at 7 centers in Taipei, Taiwan. PREDICTOR Demographic characteristics, life-threatening experience, depression, and religiosity. OUTCOMES NDE and self-perceived changes in attitudes or behaviors. MEASUREMENTS Greyson's NDE scale, Royal Free Questionnaire, 10-Question Survey, Ring's Weighted Core Experience Index, and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS 45 patients had 51 NDEs. Mean NDE score was 11.9 (95% confidence interval, 11.0 to 12.9). Out-of-body experience was found in 51.0% of NDEs. Purported precognitive visions, awareness of being dead, and "tunnel experience" were uncommon (<10%). Compared with the no-NDE group, subjects in the NDE group were more likely to be women and younger at life-threatening events. Both frequency of participation in religious ceremonies and pious religious activity correlated significantly with NDE score in patients with NDEs (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). The NDE group reported being kinder to others (P = 0.04) and more motivated (P = 0.02) after their life-threatening events than the no-NDE group. LIMITATIONS Determining the incidence of NDEs is dependent on self-reporting. Many NDEs occurred before the patient began long-term dialysis therapy. Causality between NDE and aftereffects cannot be inferred. CONCLUSIONS NDE is not uncommon in the dialysis population and is associated with positive aftereffects. Nephrology care providers should be aware of the occurrence and aftereffects of NDEs. The high occurrence of life-threatening events, availability of medical records, and accessibility and cooperativeness of patients make the dialysis population very suitable for NDE research.
Journal of Graph Algorithms and Applications Geometric Rac Simultaneous Drawings of Graphs

In this paper, we study the geometric RAC simultaneous drawing problem: Given two planar graphs that share a common vertex set, a geometric RAC simultaneous drawing is a straight-line drawing in which each graph is drawn planar, there are no edge overlaps, and, crossings between edges of the two graphs occur at right angles. We first prove that two planar graphs admitting a geometric simultaneous drawing may not admit a geometric RAC simultaneous drawing. We further show that a cycle and a matching always admit a geometric RAC simultaneous drawing.We also study a closely related problem according to which we are given a planar embedded graph G and the main goal is to determine a geometric drawing of G and its weak dual G * such that: (i) G and G * are drawn planar, (ii) each vertex of the dual is drawn inside its corresponding face of G and, (iii) the primal-dual edge crossings form right angles. We prove that it is always possible to construct such a drawing if the input graph is an outerplanar embedded graph.
Explaining Dog Wolf Differences in Utilizing Human Pointing Gestures: Selection for Synergistic Shifts in the Development of Some Social Skills

Background The comparison of human related communication skills of socialized canids may help to understand the evolution and the epigenesis of gesture comprehension in humans. To reconcile previously contradicting views on the origin of dogs' outstanding performance in utilizing human gestures, we suggest that dog-wolf differences should be studied in a more complex way. Methodology/Principal Findings We present data both on the performance and the behaviour of dogs and wolves of different ages in a two-way object choice test. Characteristic behavioural differences showed that for wolves it took longer to establish eye contact with the pointing experimenter, they struggled more with the handler, and pups also bit her more before focusing on the human's signal. The performance of similarly hand-reared 8-week-old dogs and wolves did not differ in utilizing the simpler proximal momentary pointing. However, when tested with the distal momentary pointing, 4-month-old pet dogs outperformed the same aged hand reared wolves. Thus early and intensive socialisation does not diminish differences between young dogs and wolves in behaviour and performance. Socialised adult wolves performed similarly well as dogs in this task without pretraining. The success of adult wolves was accompanied with increased willingness to cooperate. Conclusion/Significance Thus, we provide evidence for the first time that socialised adult wolves are as successful in relying on distal momentary pointing as adult pet dogs. However, the delayed emergence of utilising human distal momentary pointing in wolves shows that these wild canines react to a lesser degree to intensive socialisation in contrast to dogs, which are able to control agonistic behaviours and inhibition of actions in a food related task early in development. We suggest a “synergistic” hypothesis, claiming that positive feedback processes (both evolutionary and epigenetic) have increased the readiness of dogs to attend to humans, providing the basis for dog-human communication.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) immunoassaying versus microscopy: advantages and drawbacks for diagnosing giardiasis.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Giardiasis is common in Brazil. For laboratory diagnosis, the method most utilized is microscopic examination of fecal samples, but the immunoenzymatic method is also available. The aim of this work was to verify the advantages and drawbacks of immunoassaying versus microscopy for diagnosing Giardia lamblia, when a single fecal sample is analyzed. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective, double-blind study at the parasitology laboratory of Faculdade de Medicina da Fundação ABC. METHODS Samples were prepared according to the traditional sedimentation (Hoffman, Pons and Janer) and Faust methods. Results were deemed positive when Giardia lamblia was found by one or both methods. The Prospect ELISA kit was used for detecting Giardia lamblia-specific antigen, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Results were expressed on a visual scale as negative or positive (+, ++, +++ or ++++). RESULTS The ELISA test was positive even when a significant proportion of corresponding samples examined by microscopy were negative. This trend was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The overall concordance of results between the ELISA test and microscopic examination of single samples was only moderate (0.50 by kappa test). CONCLUSION The ELISA test is useful when just searching for Giardia lamblia, because of its high sensitivity. For daily practice, we recommend microscopy, which is much cheaper and can also detect other parasites. The low positivity of single samples in this method can be overcome by using three samples, as recommended by most authors.
Influence of source - phantom multiple interactions on the field transmitted in a flat phantom

For many applications involving antenna systems in the vicinity of lossy scatterers, such as phantoms used for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) assessment, it would be of great interest to know how local absorption can be related to the free-space radiated electromagnetic field. However, when the source closely approaches e. g. a phantom, complex interactions mechanisms begin to occur, leading to modifications of the nearfield effectively impinging on the phantom. Based on plane-wave expansion, this paper proposes an analysis of the contribution of the free-space field to the field transmitted in a phantom, as the antenna-phantom distance is varied. The particular cases of λ/2 dipoles at 900 and 1800 MHz close to a flat phantom are studied numerically. The results surprisingly show that the electric field topography inside the phantom is poorly distorted by multiple interactions, even for distances as short as 2.5 mm. It appears that this distortion is generally even weaker, for source-phantom distances where the modulus of the reflection coefficient at the antenna input port is high.
Analysis of Alamouti Code Transmission over TDMA-Based Cooperative Protocol

In this paper, we examine a general time-division multiple-access (TDMA) cooperative protocol. The wireless network consists of a source terminal, a destination terminal and n - number of intermediate relay terminals that operate in amplify-and-forward (AF) mode with a fixed-gain. Starting with the moment generating function (MGF) of the end-to-end output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the symbol error rate (SER) performance of M-ary phase shift keying (M-PSK) modulation schemes is theoretically investigated over independent and identical (i.i.d) Nakagami-m fading environments with maximal ratio combining (MRC) scheme at the destination. Subsequently, numerical and simulation results are provided to verify the accuracy of the formulation.
In Vitro Activities of Antibiotics Alone and in Combination against Brucella melitensis at Neutral and Acidic pHs

ABSTRACT Brucellae survive acidic pHs in phagolysosomes. Azithromycin, streptomycin, and quinolones were active against Brucella melitensis at pH 7.0 but not at pH 5.0; rifampin and doxycycline retained activity at pH 5.0. Regardless of pH, azithromycin-rifampin and ofloxacin-rifampin showed less synergy than established streptomycin-doxycycline and rifampin-doxycycline combinations.
Early Childhood Memories in Deaf and Hearing College Students.

The earliest childhood recollections of deaf college students with deaf parents (n = 20) were compared with those of deaf college students with hearing parents (η = 33) and with those of hearing college students with hearing parents (n = 29). Although the mean age at which deaf students of hearing parents reported that they acquired language was years after that of the other two groups, there was no significant difference in the age of the earliest recollections among the three groups. The average age of the first memory was between 3 and 4 years for all three groups. The two groups of deaf students tended to rate their earliest mem ories more positively than did the hearing students. In addition, the deaf stu dents with hearing parents reported more deafness-related incidents in their early recollections than did the deaf students with deaf parents. These findings are discussed in terms of group differences in family, educational, and language backgrounds.
Mechanism of Action and Preclinical Antitumor Activity of the Novel Hypoxia-Activated DNA Cross-Linking Agent PR-104

Purpose: Hypoxia is a characteristic of solid tumors and a potentially important therapeutic target. Here, we characterize the mechanism of action and preclinical antitumor activity of a novel hypoxia-activated prodrug, the 3,5-dinitrobenzamide nitrogen mustard PR-104, which has recently entered clinical trials. Experimental Design: Cytotoxicity in vitro was evaluated using 10 human tumor cell lines. SiHa cells were used to characterize metabolism under hypoxia, by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and DNA damage by comet assay and γH2AX formation. Antitumor activity was evaluated in multiple xenograft models (PR-104 ± radiation or chemotherapy) by clonogenic assay 18 h after treatment or by tumor growth delay. Results: The phosphate ester “pre-prodrug” PR-104 was well tolerated in mice and converted rapidly to the corresponding prodrug PR-104A. The cytotoxicity of PR-104A was increased 10- to 100-fold by hypoxia in vitro. Reduction to the major intracellular metabolite, hydroxylamine PR-104H, resulted in DNA cross-linking selectively under hypoxia. Reaction of PR-104H with chloride ion gave lipophilic cytotoxic metabolites potentially able to provide bystander effects. In tumor excision assays, PR-104 provided greater killing of hypoxic (radioresistant) and aerobic cells in xenografts (HT29, SiHa, and H460) than tirapazamine or conventional mustards at equivalent host toxicity. PR-104 showed single-agent activity in six of eight xenograft models and greater than additive antitumor activity in combination with drugs likely to spare hypoxic cells (gemcitabine with Panc-01 pancreatic tumors and docetaxel with 22RV1 prostate tumors). Conclusions: PR-104 is a novel hypoxia-activated DNA cross-linking agent with marked activity against human tumor xenografts, both as monotherapy and combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Impact Force Reduction of Manipulators Using a Dynamic Acceleration Polytope and Flexible Collision Detection Sensor

A collision between a physical service manipulator and a human being generally generates massive impact force, which can cause injury and limit the operation speed of the maipulator. This paper develops an effective impact force reduction method that combines an optimal braking method, i.e., dynamic acceleration polytope braking (DAPB), and a flexible collision detection sensor, i.e., air pressure collision detection sensor (APCS). DAPB calculates the maximum braking torque using a dynamic acceleration polytope that represents the acceleration ability of a manipulator, including a redundant one, and decelerates impact velocity quickly whitin the range of torque limits. The APCS consists of a flexible tube and a pressure sensor, and can detect collisions quickly by measuring an air pressure wave. It provides a shock absorber function and sufficient time for the braking. Combining DAPB and APCS can effectively reduce the impact force due to the collision of a manipulator. Several simulations and experiments are performed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, and a 28% impact force reduction was confirmed by a collision experiment, compared with that of conventional braking methods.
Distinct localization of the complement C5b‐9 complex on Gram‐positive bacteria

The plasma proteins of the complement system fulfil important immune defence functions, including opsonization of bacteria for phagocytosis, generation of chemo‐attractants and direct bacterial killing via the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC or C5b‐9). The MAC is comprised of C5b, C6, C7, C8, and multiple copies of C9 that generate lytic pores in cellular membranes. Gram‐positive bacteria are protected from MAC‐dependent lysis by their thick peptidoglycan layer. Paradoxically, several Gram‐positive pathogens secrete small proteins that inhibit C5b‐9 formation. In this study, we found that complement activation on Gram‐positive bacteria in serum results in specific surface deposition of C5b‐9 complexes. Immunoblotting revealed that C9 occurs in both monomeric and polymeric (SDS‐stable) forms, indicating the presence of ring‐structured C5b‐9. Surprisingly, confocal microscopy demonstrated that C5b‐9 deposition occurs at specialized regions on the bacterial cell. On Streptococcus pyogenes, C5b‐9 deposits near the division septum whereas on Bacillus subtilis the complex is located at the poles. This is in contrast to C3b deposition, which occurs randomly on the bacterial surface. Altogether, these results show a previously unrecognized interaction between the C5b‐9 complex and Gram‐positive bacteria, whichmight ultimately lead to a new model of MAC assembly and functioning.
Acute Effects of Static versus Dynamic Stretching on Isometric Peak Torque, Electromyography, and Mechanomyography of the Biceps Femoris Muscle

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of static versus dynamic stretching on peak torque (PT) and electromyographic (EMG), and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude of the biceps femoris muscle (BF) during isometric maximal voluntary contractions of the leg flexors at four different knee joint angles. Fourteen men ((mean ± SD) age, 25 ± 4 years) performed two isometric leg flexion maximal voluntary contractions at knee joint angles of 41°, 61°, 81°, and 101° below full leg extension. EMG (μV) and MMG (m·s−2) signals were recorded from the BF muscle while PT values (Nm) were sampled from an isokinetic dynamometer. The right hamstrings were stretched with either static (stretching time, 9.2 ± 0.4 minutes) or dynamic (9.1 ± 0.3 minutes) stretching exercises. Four repetitions of three static stretching exercises were held for 30 seconds each, whereas four sets of three dynamic stretching exercises were performed (12-15 repetitions) with each set lasting 30 seconds. PT decreased after the static stretching at 81° (p = 0.019) and 101° (p = 0.001) but not at other angles. PT did not change (p > 0.05) after the dynamic stretching. EMG amplitude remained unchanged after the static stretching (p > 0.05) but increased after the dynamic stretching at 101° (p < 0.001) and 81° (p < 0.001). MMG amplitude increased in response to the static stretching at 101° (p = 0.003), whereas the dynamic stretching increased MMG amplitude at all joint angles (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggested that the decreases in strength after the static stretching may have been the result of mechanical rather than neural mechanisms for the BF muscle. Overall, an acute bout of dynamic stretching may be less detrimental to muscle strength than static stretching for the hamstrings.
International Perspectives on Competence in the Workplace - Research, Policy and Practice

Foreword F. Marton. Notes on the Contributors. Acknowledgements. Introduction. Perspectives on Competence Development: Views and Tensions C. Velde. Theme One: Competence in the Workplace: A Focus on Industry and Vocational Education. 1. Understanding the Basis for Competence Development J. Sandberg. 2. Perceptions of Vocational Education and Competence: Implications for Research, Policy and Practice C. Yelde. 3. Vocational Educators: Understanding Practice at Work S. Billett. Theme Two: Competence in the Workplace: A Focus on Schools and Colleges. 4. The Changing Context of Business Education: Competency Requirements for the New Paradigm C. Velde. 5. An Alternative Model of Competency-Based Assessment G. Elliott. 6. 'Kicking and Screaming into the 21st Century'. A Collaborative Attempt To Develop Beginning Teacher Competencies through E-Communication D. Mayer, et al. Theme Three: Competence in the Workplace: A Focus on Small Business and Companies. 7. Workplace Trainers in Action: Their Role in Building a Training/Learning Culture R. Harris, M. Simons. 8. Learning in Small Business Enterprises R. Gerber. 9. Learning Environments: What are They? L. Svensson, Y. Kjellberg. Theme Four: Competence in the Workplace: A Focus on Health and Global Contexts. 10. Empowerment through Reflection: Competence for the New Millennium or a Case of the Emperor's New Clothes T. Ghaye. 11. Nursing Work and Nurses at Work J. Fitzpatrick. 12. Demands for Intercultural Communicative Competence in Working Life: A Case Study of Swedish Higher Education Co-operation with Baltic Neighbour, Estonia E. Ericsson. Conclusion. Competence in the Workplace: A Synthesis of Issues for Reflection and Action C. Velde, M. Wood. Subject Index.