Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mentalizing ability in patients with prefrontal cortex damage

Introduction: Mentalizing ability is the issue in the social cognition of patients with brain injury that has received the most attention. The present study investigated mentalization ability in patients with prefrontal cortex damage. The aims of this study were to investigate: (a) whether patients with prefrontal cortex damage are impaired in mentalizing ability, including theory of mind (ToM) and empathy; (b) whether patients with ventromedial prefrontal cortex damage are impaired in different aspects of ToM; (c) whether patients with ventromedial prefrontal cortex damage are impaired in different aspects of empathy; and (d) whether impairment of mentalizing ability in patients with prefrontal cortex damage can be explained by executive dysfunction. Method: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Matrix Reasoning subtest, working memory, executive function, theory of mind, and empathy assessments were conducted on eight patients with ventromedial prefrontal cortex damage, 15 patients with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex damage, and 19 normal comparisons matched for level of education and intelligence. Results: The results showed that performance on affective and nonverbal theory of mind was significantly lower in patients with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex damage than in the comparison group. Performance on personal distress items of empathy was significantly lower in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex damage group than in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex damage group. In addition, further multiple regression analysis showed that affective theory of mind could be explained by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test–Modified (WCST–M), with an explained variance of up to 44%. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the impairment of mentalizing ability in patients with prefrontal cortex damage is partially the result of executive dysfunction.
Symbiotic stars in X-rays

Until recently, symbiotic binary systems in which a white dwarf accretes from a red giant were thought to be mainly a soft X-ray population. Here we describe the detection with the X-ray Telescope (XRT) on the Swift satellite of nine white dwarf symbiotics that were not previously known to be X-ray sources and one that had previously been detected as a supersoft X-ray source. The nine new X-ray detections were the result of a survey of 41 symbiotic stars, and they increase the number of symbiotic stars known to be X-ray sources by approximately 30%. The Swift/XRT telescope detected all of the new X-ray sources at energies greater than 2 keV. Their X-ray spectra are consistent with thermal emission and fall naturally into three distinct groups. The first group contains those sources with a single, highly absorbed hard component that we identify as probably coming from an accretion-disk boundary layer. The second group is composed of those sources with a single, soft X-ray spectral component that probably originates in a region where low-velocity shocks produce X-ray emission, i.e., a colliding-wind region. The third group consists of those sources with both hard and soft X-ray spectral components. We also find that unlike in the optical, where rapid, stochastic brightness variations from the accretion disk typically are not seen, detectable UV flickering is a common property of symbiotic stars. Supporting our physical interpretation of the two X-ray spectral components, simultaneous Swift UV photometry shows that symbiotic stars with harder X-ray emission tend to have stronger UV flickering, which is usually associated with accretion through a disk. To place these new observations in the context of previous work on X-ray emission from symbiotic stars, we modified and extended the α/β/γ classification scheme for symbiotic-star X-ray spectra that was introduced by Muerset et al. based upon observations with the ROSAT satellite, to include a new δ classification for sources with hard X-ray emission from the innermost accretion region. Because we have identified the elusive accretion component in the emission from a sample of symbiotic stars, our results have implications for the understanding of wind-fed mass transfer in wide binaries, and the accretion rate in one class of candidate progenitors of type Ia supernovae.
Improving gate-oxide reliability by TiN capping layer on NiSi FUSI metal gate

The impact of TiN capping layer on gate oxide reliability of NiSi fully silicided metal gate was investigated. It was found that the TiN capping layer significantly improved V/sub th/ stability and oxide reliability during negative bias temperature stress. Better life-time performance was also extrapolated for the samples with TiN capping layer.
Association Between Expiratory Central Airway Collapse and Respiratory Outcomes Among Smokers.

IMPORTANCE Central airway collapse greater than 50% of luminal area during exhalation (expiratory central airway collapse [ECAC]) is associated with cigarette smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its prevalence and clinical significance are unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine whether ECAC is associated with respiratory morbidity in smokers independent of underlying lung disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Analysis of paired inspiratory-expiratory computed tomography images from a large multicenter study (COPDGene) of current and former smokers from 21 clinical centers across the United States. Participants were enrolled from January 2008 to June 2011 and followed up longitudinally until October 2014. Images were initially screened using a quantitative method to detect at least a 30% reduction in minor axis tracheal diameter from inspiration to end-expiration. From this sample of screen-positive scans, cross-sectional area of the trachea was measured manually at 3 predetermined levels (aortic arch, carina, and bronchus intermedius) to confirm ECAC (>50% reduction in cross-sectional area). EXPOSURES Expiratory central airway collapse. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was baseline respiratory quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] scale 0 to 100; 100 represents worst health status; minimum clinically important difference [MCID], 4 units). Secondary outcomes were baseline measures of dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] scale 0 to 4; 4 represents worse dyspnea; MCID, 0.7 units), baseline 6-minute walk distance (MCID, 30 m), and exacerbation frequency (events per 100 person-years) on longitudinal follow-up. RESULTS The study included 8820 participants with and without COPD (mean age, 59.7 [SD, 6.9] years; 4667 [56.7%] men; 4559 [51.7%] active smokers). The prevalence of ECAC was 5% (443 cases). Patients with ECAC compared with those without ECAC had worse SGRQ scores (30.9 vs 26.5 units; P < .001; absolute difference, 4.4 [95% CI, 2.2-6.6]) and mMRC scale scores (median, 2 [interquartile range [IQR], 0-3]) vs 1 [IQR, 0-3]; P < . 001]), but no significant difference in 6-minute walk distance (399 vs 417 m; absolute difference, 18 m [95% CI, 6-30]; P = .30), after adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, forced expiratory volume in the first second, pack-years of smoking, and emphysema. On follow-up (median, 4.3 [IQR, 3.2-4.9] years), participants with ECAC had increased frequency of total exacerbations (58 vs 35 events per 100 person-years; incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.49 [95% CI, 1.29-1.72]; P < .001) and severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization (17 vs 10 events per 100 person-years; IRR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.51-2.21]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In a cross-sectional analysis of current and former smokers, the presence of ECAC was associated with worse respiratory quality of life. Further studies are needed to assess long-term associations with clinical outcomes.
Early life undernutrition in rats

1. The contractile properties of soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles from animals at 12 months of age whose mothers had been undernourished during pregnancy and lactation (PU rats) have been compared with those of muscles from age-matched controls. 2. Body-weight and muscle wet weight of PU rats was significantly reduced. Muscle: body-weight values were, however, no different from controls. 3. No significant alterations in whole muscle speeds of contraction or relaxation could be delected when compared with those of age-matched controls. 4. Twitch and tetanic forces of both SOL and EDL were greater per unit weight of muscle in PU rats. Apart from SOL twitch these differences were significant. The tetanus:twitch values were, however, not different.
Feasibility of 24-Hr Urine Collection for Measurement of Biomarkers in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Biologic markers are becoming a key part of gerontological research, including their measurement at multiple intervals to detect changes over time. This report examined the feasibility and quality of 24-hr urine collection to measure neuroendocrine biomarkers in a community-based sample of older caregivers and non-caregivers. At each interview, participants were instructed on the correct method to collect and store the sample. As incentives, participants selected a day for urine collection within 5 days of the interview, received a reimbursement, and study staff travelled to their home to retrieve the specimen. Between 2008 and 2013, 256 participants were enrolled; all but two participants (99%) provided a baseline urine specimen, of which 93% were considered adequate. Urine collection and quality remained high over three annual follow-up interviews and did not vary by caregiver status or perceived stress level. Our results indicate that 24-hr urine collection is feasible in active, community-dwelling older adults.
Identification of mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA sequences encoding exported proteins by using phoA gene fusions

The activity of bacterial alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) is dependent on it being exported across the plasma membrane. A plasmid vector (pJEM11) allowing fusions between phoA and genes encoding exported proteins was constructed to study protein export in mycobacteria. Introduction of the Mycobacterium fortuitum beta-lactamase gene (blaF*) into this vector led to the production in M. smegmatis of protein fusions with PhoA activity. A genomic library from M. tuberculosis was constructed in pJEM11 and screened in M. smegmatis for clones with PhoA activity. Sequences of the M. tuberculosis inserts directing the production of protein fusions in these PhoA-positive clones were determined. They include part of the already-known exported 19-kDa lipoprotein, a sequence with similarities to the exported 28-kDa antigen from M. leprae, a sequence encoding a protein sharing conserved amino acid motifs with stearoyl-acyl-carrier-protein desaturases, and unknown sequences. This approach thus appears to identify sequences directing protein export, and we expect that more extensive screening of such libraries will lead to a better understanding of protein export in M. tuberculosis.
HYPOTHERMIC ORGAN PRESERVATION: COMPARISON OF COOLING AND WARMING METHODS.

If viable mammalian tissues are to be stored at subzero temperatures, careful attention must be given to the methods of both cooling and warming. 1-4 One of the most important considerations is the maintenance of uniform heat distribution to equalize physical stress on the organ and to minimize variations in biochemical reaction rates. Lovelock and Smith 5 have outlined the limits of time that tissues can tolerate any given low temperature. The most critical is in the zone from about —3 to —40 C when the processes of freezing and recrystallization or thawing and melting are most active. Theoretically at least, this range should be traversed extremely rapidly, possibly in seconds, certainly no longer than minutes. It is difficult to cool or warm large organs such as the heart or kidney rapidly enough to stay within these markedly conscripted limits of tolerance because of the great mass through which heat
Persistent cardiovascular and behavioral nociceptive responses to subcutaneous formalin require peripheral nerve input

Hindpaw injection of formalin produces acute (Phase 1) and persistent (Phase 2) nociceptive behaviors. This model has provided critical evidence supporting a contribution of central sensitization (hyperexcitability of spinal neurons) to the expression of persistent pain. Here, we evaluated the contribution of ongoing peripheral nerve inputs to Phase 2 pain responses. In addition to pain behavior (flinching), we measured formalin-evoked increases in arterial pressure and heart rate; these cardiovascular responses were also biphasic in nature. The arterial pressure response correlated highly with behavior, and was dependent on formalin concentration (0.625–5.0%), indicating that it was largely driven by noxious input. Lightly anesthetized (0.7% halothane) rats exhibited robust increases in blood pressure in the absence of pain behavior, indicating cardiovascular responses did not reflect somatomotor-cardiovascular coupling. Animals obtained from Charles River exhibited slightly larger Phase 2 flinching and heart rate responses compared to those obtained from Bantin and Kingman, suggesting cardiovascular-related pain responses can vary with the source of animal. We next evaluated the contribution of ongoing peripheral nerve activity to the expression of the Phase 2 pressor, tachycardia, and flinch responses. After Phase 1 subsided, but before Phase 2 began, we locally anesthetized the ipsilateral or contralateral (control) hindpaw with a hydrophilic lidocaine derivative, QX-314 (2%). Intraplantar QX-314 blocked Phase 2 pressor, tachycardia and behavioral responses only when injected into the paw that received formalin (2.5% or 10.0%). We conclude that persistent ongoing activity in peripheral afferent fibers during Phase 2 is required for the persistent pain evoked by formalin.
Tabletop tangible interfaces for music performance : design and evaluation

This thesis investigates a new generation of collaborative systems: tabletop tangible interfaces (TTIs) for music performance or musical tabletops. Musical tabletops are designed for professional musical performance, as well as for casual interaction in public settings. These systems support co-located collaboration, offered by a shared interface. However, we still know little about their challenges and opportunities for collaborative musical practice: in particular, how to best support beginners or experts or both. This thesis explores the nature of collaboration on TTIs for music performance between beginners, experts, or both. Empirical work was done in two stages: 1) an exploratory stage; and 2) an experimental stage. In the exploratory stage we studied the Reactable, a commercial musical tabletop designed for beginners and experts. In particular, we explored its use in two environments: a multi-session study with expert musicians in a casual lab setting; and a field study with casual visitors in a science centre. In the experimental stage we conducted a controlled experiment for mixed groups using a bespoke musical tabletop interface, SoundXY4. The design of this study was informed by the previous stage about a need to support better real-time awareness of the group activity (workspace awareness) in early interactions. For the three studies, groups musical improvisation was video-captured unobtrusively with the aim of understanding natural uses during group musical practice. Rich video data was carefully analysed focusing on the nature of social interaction and how workspace awareness was manifested. The findings suggest that musical tabletops can support peer learning during multiple sessions; fluid between-group social interaction in public settings; and a democratic and ecological approach to music performance. The findings also point to how workspace awareness can be enhanced in early interactions with TTIs using auditory feedback with ambisonics spatialisation. The thesis concludes with theoretical, methodological, and practical implications for future research in New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME), tabletop studies, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Cameroon’s web-centric: Assessing websites’ information flow between government ministries and citizens

: - Research and experience have shown that information on the websites of government ministries’ in Cameroon is rarely updated. Some websites do not have user’s option page to post comments. There is inefficiency and inconsistency in the dissemination of information on the websites. For this reason, long stretches of lines are still common in front of government ministries where citizens come to obtain information, and submit administrative files for processing. To understand this phenomenon, the researchers used an in-house survey for two reasons: firstly to know if some electronic information tools other than websites are used by government ministries in governance and secondly, to ascertain the extent to which new media tools are a catalyst for the effective implementation of e-Gov. in Cameroon. A non-random sampling technique was used to get the opinions of officials of 10 Regional Delegations of government ministries located in Buea, capital of the South West Region. The study used four theories: Agenda Setting theory (1972), Uses and Gratification theory (1974), the technology acceptance model (1989), and the Web Trust theory (2005). Data collection was done through questionnaire administration and analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 21). Descriptive, inferential and modelling analyses were used. All ten ministries agreed to using radio, television, newspapers and magazines in communicating and receiving feedback from the public. Most (70%) government ministries in Cameroon agree that e-government practice in Cameroon is not effective. The Public as well as the government both depend and use more of mainstream media than new media in information access and dissemination. As recommendation, the government needs to provide a more stable and favourable platform for new media since it is certain that new media will be the future for any aspiring e-Gov. economy. Looking ahead to Cameroon’s emergence by 2035, the training of citizens on how to access, manage, receive, and communicate with the government via ICT facilities is primordial, with the caution that it remains only a means to an end and not an end in itself.
Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Progressive Experimental Renal Disease: A Hemodynamic Approach

In order to evaluate the progression of renal disease, Munich-Wistar rats were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy and given whole-body x- or γ-irradiation with or without remnant kidney protection or were submitted only to remnant kidney irradiation. All groups received a single 6-Gy dose immediately after surgery. Whole-kidney function, glomerular hemodynamics, 24-hour proteinuria and histopathology were assessed 60 days after surgery and irradiation. The irradiated nephrectomized animals presented whole-kidney function parameters comparable to those of normal rats. In addition, they were less hypertensive and had higher hematocrit. They showed glomerular hyperfiltration and hypertension even greater than their respective nephrectomized controls. However, the interrelations among the glomerular filtration determinants were somewhat different in irradiated animals. Their 24-hour proteinuria was significantly lower and the sclerosis index and tubulointerstitial injury score were markedly smaller. Among irradiated animals, the worst sclerosis index was observed in those with a shielded remnant kidney and the best in those without protection of the remnant kidney. This led us to speculate about a possible influence of resident mesangial cells on the early events following renal mass ablation and on the maintenance of subsequent physiopathologic changes. Therefore, radiation undoubtedly provoked a beneficial change in the course of renal disease when the renal mass ablation model was employed. Many factors could have contributed to this favorable feature including lower levels of systemic arterial pressure, less increment in ΔP, diminished proteinuria, and maintenance of tubulointerstitial space integrity. Our data also suggest that development of glomerulosclerosis seems to be determined by events occurring immediately after injury.
Variation in transformation frequencies among six common wheat cultivars through particle bombardment of scutellar tissues.

The transformation technique in common wheat has already been established by using microprojectile bombardment and scutellar tissues of immature embryos. In this study, in vitro culture response of immature embryos and the production of transgenic wheat plants were examined in six common wheat cultivars, i.e., Chinese Spring, Akadaruma, Haruhikari, Shiroganekomugi, Norin 12, and Norin 61. In all genotypes, more than seven hundred immature embryos were bombarded with a plasmid containing a bialaphos-resistant gene under control of the rice actin 1 gene. (Act1) promoter. Although the transient expression of the reporter gene encoding beta-glucuronidase following the rice Act1 promoter was similar in five of the six cultivars tested, the frequency of stable transformation varied with the genotype. The frequency of transformation was the highest in Akadaruma and Norin 12 of the six wheat cultivars; independently transformed plants were produced from 1.4% and 1.7% of bombarded embryos, respectively. On the other hand, the immature embryos of Norin 61 and Shiroganekomugi showing low efficiency of in vitro culture generated no transgenic plants. This variation of the transformation frequency was generally caused by the difference in the in vitro culture response with the genotype, rather than the efficiency of the introduction of the transgene into wheat cells by particle bombardment.
Shock fluctuations in one-dimensional lattice fluids.

We present results of computer simulations of the motion of shock fronts in a variety of one-dimensional stochastic lattice models with parallel and serial dynamics, infinite and finite temperatures, and ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic particle interactions. We find that fluctuations in the shock location, about an average determined by evolving an ensemble of systems with the same initial conditions, generically grow in time like [ital t][sup 1/3]. We discuss the robustness of the [ital t][sup 1/3] growth and determine the density dependence of the coefficient in a simple case. We compare this with models where the dynamics are specially tuned so that the growth is reduced to [ital t][sup 1/4], and with the situation where the ensemble members have different initial conditions, in which case the growth is like [ital t][sup 1/2].