Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REWIRING NEURAL STATES IN COUPLES THERAPY: ADVANCES FROM AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE

Abstract Many clinical approaches assume that the development of new stories or narratives is at the heart of therapeutic change. But why is it often so difficult for clients to modify the stories that organize their lives? Why do new insights gained in therapy fade so quickly when clients return to their daily living? Provocative new neurological research suggests that self-defeating narratives may persist because they are woven into the fabric of internal states which are automatically activated in daily living, often without conscious awareness. New brain studies suggest that, for changes acquired in therapy to last, they must be integrated into brain states that become active when upsetting situations occur. This paper introduces methods for helping clients identify internal states which perpetuate outmoded thoughts, attitudes, and interactions, “re-wire” these states for more flexibility, and activate alternate states which support new avenues for thought and action.
Robotic drumming : synchronization in social tasks

Development of a rhythmic sense comes early in childhood development, and appears crucial for learning speech as well as music. Synchronized, rhythmic movements governed by oscillators play significant roles in industrial robots, but only in tightly controlled, precisely defined environments. Prior research focuses on the synchronization of the robot’s control system to either proprioceptive signals or external physical oscillators. Social tasks, however, require participants to detect, interpret and attune to the activity of humans, and by extension, to their intentions and perceptions. The synthesis of multiple sensory perceptions may be a fruitful approach to this problem. In order to evaluate this approach, we programmed a humanoid robot, Nico, to play a drum in concert with human drummers and at the direction of a human conductor. Our results show that sensory integration can enable precise synchronization in social tasks even when perceptual data is imperfect, misleading and subject to extensive processing delay. Through sensory integration, Nico can attune to a tempo that is set by a human conductor, in concert with human performers.
An optimization procedure for enhancing network robustness against cascading failures

Complex network theory has recently been used as a framework to describe the behavior of several networks in nature including physical, chemical, biological, technological and social networks. Some of those, such as electric power grids, transportation systems, communication networks, and others, must maintain their stability even after several failures, or targeted attacks. In this paper, we study network vulnerability in terms of cascading breakdown and outline an optimization procedure to enhance network robustness. We propose a rewiring method using simulated annealing algorithm to increase the robustness of a given network while keeping its property unchanged. Analyzing optimized networks in several aspects, simulation results showed that community structure and core-periphery structure may have a negative effect to the robustness of a network while homogeneous load distribution may improve network performance.
Almanac 2012: cardiovascular risk scores. The National Society Journals present selected research that has driven recent advances in clinical cardiology.

lobal risk scores use individual level information on non-modifiable risk factors (such as age, sex, ethnicity and family history) and modifiable risk factors (such as smoking status and blood pressure) to predict an individual’s absolute risk of an adverse event over a specified period of time in the future. Cardiovascular risk scores have two major uses in practice. First, they can be used to dichotomise people into a group whose baseline risk, and therefore potential absolute benefit, is sufficiently high to justify the costs and risks associated with an intervention (whether treatment or prevention) and a group with a lower absolute risk to whom the intervention is usually denied. Second, they can be used to assess the effectiveness of an interven tion (such as smoking cessation or antihypertensive treatment) at reducing an individual’s risk of future adverse events. In this context, they can be helpful in infor-ming patients, motivating them to change their life-style, and reinforcing the importance of continued compliance.
Gender and the Psychological Structure of Partisanship

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated myriad ways in which men and women differ in political attitudes and political behavior. Particularly prominent in recent years is the gap in party identification between men and women. In this paper, rather than examiningsimple party preferences, we explore the underlying psychology of partisanship and how it varies between men and women. We conceptualize party identification as not just an affective attachment to party, but rather as a complex attitude consisting of affective, cognitive, and social identity components. Using a random survey of voters in a metropolitan, midwestern county, we compare men and women on the psychological bases of their partisanship as well as the separate positive and negative aspects of their partisan attitudes. As compared to men, women are found to have uniformly lower evaluations of the parties, resulting mainly from relatively less positive feelings and cognitions. We also find that the group component of partisanship, social identification, plays a significant role in the partisanship of women, but not men. We conclude that men and women may have a gender gap not only in which parties they relate to, but also in how they psychologically relate to those parties.
Bilateral Fronto-Parietal Integrity in Young Chronic Cigarette Smokers: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

Background Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in China and other countries. Previous studies have demonstrated gray matter loss in chronic smokers. However, only a few studies assessed the changes of white matter integrity in this group. Based on those previous reports of alterations in white matter integrity in smokers, the aim of this study was to examine the alteration of white matter integrity in a large, well-matched sample of chronic smokers and non-smokers. Methodology/Principal Findings Using in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to measure the differences of whole-brain white matter integrity between 44 chronic smoking subjects (mean age, 28.0±5.6 years) and 44 healthy age- and sex-matched comparison non-smoking volunteers (mean age, 26.3±5.8 years). DTI was performed on a 3-Tesla Siemens scanner (Allegra; Siemens Medical System). The data revealed that smokers had higher fractional anisotropy (FA) than healthy non-smokers in almost symmetrically bilateral fronto-parietal tracts consisting of a major white matter pathway, the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Conclusion/Significance We found the almost symmetrically bilateral fronto-parietal whiter matter changes in a relatively large sample of chronic smokers. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic cigarette smoking involves alterations of bilateral fronto-parietal connectivity.
Arousal time from sedation during spinal anaesthesia for elective infraumbilical surgeries: Comparison between propofol and midazolam

Background and Aims: Studies have already compared propofol and midazolam as sedatives during regional anaesthesia. A few studies have focused on recovery characteristics and very few have utilised both instrumental and clinical sedation monitoring for assessing recovery time. This study was designed primarily to compare arousal time from sedation using propofol with that of midazolam during spinal anaesthesia for infraumbilical surgeries, while depth of sedation was monitored continuously with bispectral index (BIS) monitor. The correlation between the BIS score and observer′s assessment of awareness/sedation (OAA/S) score during recovery from sedation was also studied. Methods: A total of 110 patients were randomly assigned to receive either propofol (Group P, n = 55) or midazolam (Group M, n = 55). Patients in the Group P received bolus of propofol (1 mg/kg), followed by infusion at 3 mg/kg/h; Group M received bolus of midazolam (0.05 mg/kg), followed by infusion at 0.06 mg/kg/h and titration until BIS score 70 was achieved and maintained between 65 and 70. OAA/S score was noted at BIS 70 and again at BIS 90 during recovery. The time to achieve OAA/S score 5 was noted. Spearman′s correlation was calculated between the arousal time from sedation and the time taken to reach an OAA/S score of 5 in both the study groups. Results: Arousal time from sedation was found lower for Group P compared to Group M (7.54 ± 3.70 vs. 15.54 ± 6.93 min, respectively, P = 0.000). The time taken to reach OAA/S score 5 was also found to be lower for Group P than Group M (6.81 ± 2.54 min vs. 13.51 ± 6.24 min, respectively, P = 0.000). Conclusion: A shorter arousal time from sedation during spinal anaesthesia can be achieved using propofol compared with midazolam, while depth of sedation was monitored with BIS monitor and OAA/S score. Both objective and clinical scoring correlate strongly during recovery from sedation.
Power Unseen: How Microbes Rule the World

gitudinal study. By ages 11-24, study subjects from the intervention villages scored significantly higher on tests of reading, numeracy, vocabulary, and knowledge than did children from the control villages, and they had faster reaction times in processing information. The impact of nutritional supplementation, however, was greater on intelligence and achievement than on reaction time. The nutritional supplements appeared to provide the greatest benefit to those children in the lowest SES groups, and those who went farthest in school. Although some beneficial effects were still found when supplementation was begun after two years of age, they were less impressive than when supplementation was started prenatally or during the first two years of life. One of the more interesting aspects of the report was the fact that the supplementation improved the growth of children, which in turn influenced the way parents and others treated the children. Children who were larger for a given chronological age were allowed more autonomy and independence, which probably increased their learning, whereas smaller children were treated as though they were younger than their chronological age. Second, the children receiving supplementation were more physically active and did more exploring of their environment, which also may have had a positive effect on their learning. One of the most helpful aspects of the monograph was two commentaries at the end by two leading investigators in the field, Theodore Wachs and Nevin Scrimshaw, and a response by the authors. These commentaries served to deepen the reader's understanding of the issues involved in the complex and understudied field of the role of nutrition in cognitive development. This is an important study for world health, and it is interesting and reads well. The monograph is strongly recommended to persons interested in nutrition and/or cognitive development.
Neuroprotection with Erythropoietin Administration Following Controlled Cortical Impact Injury in Rats

This study was designed to determine the effect of erythropoietin (Epo) on cerebral blood flow (CBF), nitric oxide (NO) concentration, and neurological outcome after traumatic brain injury. In one experiment, the hemodynamic effects of Epo were determined after controlled cortical impact injury (CCII) by measuring mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, CBF using laser Doppler flowmetry, and brain tissue NO concentrations using an NO electrode. In total, 41 rats were given either Epo (5000 U/kg) or saline s.c. 3 days before injury. In animals pretreated with saline, l-arginine but not d-arginine administration resulted in a significant increase in tissue NO concentrations and an improvement in CBF at the impact site. Likewise, in animals pretreated with Epo, l-arginine but not d-arginine given postinjury increased brain tissue NO concentrations and increased CBF. In another experiment, 74 rats underwent CCII (3-mm deformation, velocity 5 m/s), and they were given saline or Epo 5000 U/kg s.c. at 5 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, or 12 h postinjury. The contusion volume and cell counts of viable neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus were assessed at 2 weeks postinjury. The contusion volume was significantly reduced at 5 min, 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h postinjury Epo administration. The neuron density in the CA1 and CA3 region of the hippocampus was increased at 1, 3, and 6 h after injury. These data demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of Epo in traumatic injury, and the effects are optimal when Epo is given with in 6 h of injury.
An Efficient Genotyping Method in Chicken Based on Genome Reducing and Sequencing

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are essential for identifying the genetic mechanisms of complex traits. In the present study, we applied genotyping by genome reducing and sequencing (GGRS) method to construct a 252-plex sequencing library for SNP discovery and genotyping in chicken. The library was successfully sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencer with a paired-end pattern; approximately 400 million raw reads were generated, and an average of approximately 1.4 million good reads per sample were generated. A total of 91,767 SNPs were identified after strict filtering, and all of the 252 samples and all of the chromosomes were well represented. Compared with the Illumina 60K chicken SNP chip data, approximately 34,131 more SNPs were identified using GGRS, and a higher SNP density was found using GGRS, which could be beneficial for downstream analysis. Using the GGRS method, more than 3528 samples can be sequenced simultaneously, and the cost is reduced to $18 per sample. To the best of our knowledge, this study describes the first report of such highly multiplexed sequencing in chicken, indicating potential applications for genome-wide association and genomic selection in chicken.
Performance Evaluation of Distributed Wireless Networks Using Smart Antennas in Low-Rank Channel

This paper investigates the performance of a distributed wireless network in which the nodes are equipped with fully adaptive smart antennas. The main goal is the evaluation of the influence that the geometrical configuration of the antenna array has on network throughput and packet delay. Analysis and simulations are performed to study the relationship between the geometry of the antenna array and the network topology. In this paper, the performance degradation due to both the small-channel angular spreads and the speed of mobile nodes is investigated. The results, which hold for the low-rank channel model only, extend to this specific case previous results obtained in ideal channel conditions. The study adopts an access scheme, previously proposed for ad-hoc networks, which is able to exploit the interferer suppression capabilities of smart antennas, together with realistic models for the antenna and the channel behaviors.
Using spaced Retrieval as an intervention during speech-language therapy

Abstract Spaced Retrieval (SR) is a technique during which retrieval of information is practiced at increasingly longer intervals of time. The focus of this study was to determine whether SR could be an effective intervention during speech-language therapy. Participants included two clients with a diagnosis of cerebral vascular accident and seven clients with dementia. During therapy sessions SR was used as a memory intervention for three learning tasks; learning a therapist's name, learning one piece of information which was important to the individual client, and learning a compensatory technique. Spaced retrieval enabled clients to learn and use information in a functional manner which facilitated achievement of the Speech-language therapy goals.
Internet Recruiting: Effects of Website Content Features on Viewers' Perceptions of Organizational Culture

This study examined the effects of four ‘careers’ website content features (pictures, testimonials, organizational policies, and awards won) on viewers' perceptions of nine organizational culture attributes. Eight of these culture attributes were more strongly conveyed by culture-specific website content features than by culture-neutral website content features. This study also found support for a partial mediated-moderation model. This model illustrated that participants with weak culture preferences formed less favorable person–organization (P–O) fit perceptions as they perceived an organization to more strongly convey the culture attribute under investigation. Conversely, participants with strong culture preferences formed more favorable P–O fit perceptions as they perceived an organization to more strongly portray the culture attribute in question. Respondents with stronger P–O fit perceptions in turn reported stronger organizational attraction.
Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Induces Aortic Valve Disease in BALB/c Mice

Objective—Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), one of the most important antiinflammatory cytokines, is crucial for homeostasis of the immune system. However, the role of IL-1Ra in aortic valve stenosis (AS) remains poorly understood. Methods and Results—IL-1Ra–deficient (IL-1Ra−/−) mice on the BALB/c background showed increased aortic valve leaflet thickness compared to wild-type mice at the age of 12 weeks (P<0.001). We used peripheral T-cell transplantation to examine the role of T cells in the development of AS. T cells from IL-1Ra−/− but not from wild-type mice induced increased aortic valve thickness in nu/nu mice. Moreover, IL-1Ra−/− T cells produced much higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&agr; in culture supernatants after anti-CD3 antibody stimulation compared to wild-type mice (P<0.001). Finally, we studied the role of TNF-&agr; in the development of AS in IL-1Ra−/− mice by generating double-gene-deficient (TNF-&agr;−/−/IL-1Ra−/−) mice. Interestingly, TNF-&agr;−/−/IL-1Ra−/− mice did not have AS. Conclusion—IL-1Ra deficiency in inflammatory cells induced aortic valve inflammation and TNF-&agr; participates importantly in the development of AS in IL-1Ra−/− mice.
Recognition of human driving behaviors based on stochastic symbolization of time series signal

This paper describes an imitative learning of driving time series data for intellectual cognition toward future automobiles. The driving pattern primitives consisting of states of the environment, vehicle and driver are symbolized by hidden Markov models (HMMs), which can be used for both recognition and generation of the driving patterns. The relationship among the HMMs can be represented by locating the HMMs in a multidimensional space. The contribution of each variable to the HMM space can be analyzed such that important variables can be selected out of the driving data in order to reduce the size of the HMMs. Moreover, this paper presents a hierarchical model with the HMMs abstracting the primitive driving patterns in the lower layer, and another HMMs abstracting the longterm contextual driving patterns which are representation in the HMM space. Tests with a driving simulator and a actual vehicle demonstrate not only the validity of symbolization of driving pattern primitives, recognition and generation, but also availability of key feature selection. The extended hierarchical model is also proved to have a potential to predict the driving data appropriately.
The Management of Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Hypoglycaemic Agents

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbance in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism due to insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. Epidemiological studies have confirmed a global pandemic of T2DM, which has created an enormous burden on society, with regard to morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. Life style modifications are fundamental not only in early stages of disease management but need to be intensified as disease progresses. United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) has demonstrated the progressive nature of T2DM, and as disease progresses, a combination agents—oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) and insulin—are needed in order to maintain good sugar control. The general consensus of HbA1c target for most patients is less than 7%, and various guidelines and algorithms have provided guidance in patient management to keep patient at goal. As our understanding of pathophysiological defects advances, targeting treatment at underlying defects not only enables us to achieve HbA1c goal but also reduces morbidities, mortalities, and progression of the disease. Traditional oral agents like metformin and sulfonylureas have failed to arrest the progression of T2DM. New agents such as TZD, DPP-4 inhibitor, and SGLT-2 may increase our armamentariums against T2DM.
Discovery of Bioactive Metabolites in Biofuel Microalgae That Offer Protection against Predatory Bacteria

Microalgae could become an important resource for addressing increasing global demand for food, energy, and commodities while helping to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gasses. Even though Chlorophytes are generally regarded safe for human consumption, there is still much we do not understand about the metabolic and biochemical potential of microscopic algae. The aim of this study was to evaluate biofuel candidate strains of Chlorella and Scenedesmus for the potential to produce bioactive metabolites when grown under nutrient depletion regimes intended to stimulate production of triacylglycerides. Strain specific combinations of macro- and micro-nutrient restricted growth media did stimulate neutral lipid accumulation by microalgal cultures. However, cultures that were restricted for iron consistently and reliably tested positive for cytotoxicity by in vivo bioassays. The addition of iron back to these cultures resulted in the disappearance of the bioactive components by LC/MS fingerprinting and loss of cytotoxicity by in vivo bioassay. Incomplete NMR characterization of the most abundant cytotoxic fractions suggested that small molecular weight peptides and glycosides could be responsible for Chlorella cytotoxicity. Experiments were conducted to determine if the bioactive metabolites induced by Fe-limitation in Chlorella sp. cultures would elicit protection against Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus, an obligate predator of Chlorella. Introduction of V. chlorellavorus resulted in a 72% decrease in algal biomass in the experimental controls after 7 days. Conversely, only slight losses of algal biomass were measured for the iron limited Chlorella cultures (0–9%). This study demonstrates a causal linkage between iron bioavailability and bioactive metabolite production in strains of Chlorella and Scenedesmus. Further study of this phenomenon could contribute to the development of new strategies to extend algal production cycles in open, outdoor systems while ensuring the protection of biomass from predatory losses.