Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Impact of lowering the cut-point for impaired fasting glucose on the distribution of impaired glucose regulation subcategories in Chinese adult population].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of lowering of cut-point value for impaired fasting glucose (IFG) from 6.1 mmol/L to 5.6 mmol/L. by the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus, US, on the prevalence rates of different impaired glucose regulation (IGR) subcategories in Chinese adults, and to explore the ability of the new cut-point to diagnose IGR. METHODS The data of 15 564 persons undergoing standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the National Diabetes Mellitus Survey (1994) in Chinese adults (>or= 25 years) were reanalyzed. The prevalence of isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT), and combined IFG and IGT (IFG/IGT) were calculated by the new criteria of 5.6 mmol/L <or= fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 7.0 mmol/L and old criteria of 6.1 mmol/L <or= FPG < 7.0 mmol/L. The sensitivity and specificity of different FPG to diagnosis of IGR were analyzed with the value of blood sugar 2 hour after OGTT as 7.8 mmol/L <or= PG2 h < 11.1 mmol/L as the gold standard. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the best FPG cut-point value for diagnosing IGR. RESULTS (1) The prevalence of I-IFG, I-IGT, and IFG/IGT were 8.71%, 12.08% and 5.95% when classified by the old criteria, and 21.25%, 6.89% and 11.13% by the new criteria respectively. (2) ROC analysis showed an optimum FPG cut-point to diagnose IGR of 5.6 mmol/L, which yielded a sensitivity of 61.9% and specificity of 63.9%. CONCLUSION The decrease of the lower cut-point value for IFG from 6.1 mmol/L to 5.6 mmol/L is associated with a 1.2 time increase of IFG prevalence among Chinese adults. From the viewpoint of minimizing the discrepancy between IFG and IGT, it may be suitable to lower the IFG cut-point value.
Statistical Nonlinearities in the Business Cycle: A Challenge for the Canonical RBC Model

Significant nonlinearities are found in several cyclical components macroeconomic time series across countries. Standard equilibrium models of business cycles successfully explain most first and second moments of these time series. Nevertheless, this paper shows that a model of this class cannot replicate nonlinear features of the data. Applying the Efficient Method of Moments (Gallant and Tauchen, 1996, 2000) methodology to build an algorithm that searches over the models parameter space establishes the parameterization that best allows replication of all statistical properties of the data. The results show that this parameterization captures nonlinearities in investment but fails to account for observed properties of consumption.
Modeling and Design of a Plasmonic Sensor for High Sensing Performance and Clear Registration

A plasmonic sensor based on the nano-cylinder photonic crystal slab is modeled and designed for the refractive index sensing application. Design considerations and sensor characteristics are explored in detail using the higher order accuracy spectral element method. The geometrical parameters of the designed plasmonic sensor are optimized. With the shallowly etched configuration and the small radius of the nano-cylinder, the sensor simultaneously achieves a high sensing performance of figure of merit FoM = 280 and a clear registration of full-height/full-width at half-maximum FH/FWHM = 0.34 nm-1 for the lattice period P = 750 nm, the cylinder radius r = 85 nm, and the cylinder thickness t = 125 nm. The proposed plasmonic sensor can find its great potential for applications relying on detecting refractive index.
Repeated Introduction of Genetically Modified Pseudomonas putida WCS358r without Intensified Effects on the Indigenous Microflora of Field-Grown Wheat

ABSTRACT To investigate the impact of genetically modified, antibiotic-producing rhizobacteria on the indigenous microbial community, Pseudomonas putida WCS358r and two transgenic derivatives were introduced as a seed coating into the rhizosphere of wheat in two consecutive years (1999 and 2000) in the same field plots. The two genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs), WCS358r::phz and WCS358r::phl, constitutively produced phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), respectively. The level of introduced bacteria in all treatments decreased from 107 CFU per g of roots soon after sowing to less than 102 CFU per g after harvest 132 days after sowing. The phz and phl genes remained stable in the chromosome of WCS358r. The amount of PCA produced in the wheat rhizosphere by WCS358r::phz was about 40 ng/g of roots after the first application in 1999. The DAPG-producing GMMs caused a transient shift in the indigenous bacterial and fungal microflora in 1999, as determined by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis. However, after the second application of the GMMs in 2000, no shifts in the bacterial or fungal microflora were detected. To evaluate the importance of the effects induced by the GMMs, these effects were compared with those induced by crop rotation by planting wheat in 1999 followed by potatoes in 2000. No effect of rotation on the microbial community structure was detected. In 2000 all bacteria had a positive effect on plant growth, supposedly due to suppression of deleterious microorganisms. Our research suggests that the natural variability of microbial communities can surpass the effects of GMMs.
The Structure of Counterfactual Thought

The structure of counterfactual thoughts (evaluations of past outcomes based on 'might have been" alternatives) was investigated. Subjects read stories describing a student preparing for an exam, with the outcome (success vs. failure) and past record of the student (good vs. poor) manipulated. Subjects then 'undid" the outcome by altering (mutating) events that preceded it. Outcome valence significantly predicted the structure of counterfactual alternatives, such that subtractive structures (which delete elements to reconstruct reality) were more likely after success whereas additive structures (which add new elements to reconstruct reality) were more likely after failure. Additive structures were even more predominant when the failure was framed by a history of past failures. No main effect of outcome valence was found on the total number of counterfactual thoughts recorded. These findings point to the utility of differentiating counterfactuals on the basis of structural types.
GRWD1 negatively regulates p53 via the RPL11–MDM2 pathway and promotes tumorigenesis

The ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11) binds and inhibits the MDM2 ubiquitin ligase, thereby promoting p53 stability. Thus, RPL11 acts as a tumor suppressor. Here, we show that GRWD1 (glutamate‐rich WD40 repeat containing 1) physically and functionally interacts with RPL11. GRWD1 is localized to nucleoli and is released into the nucleoplasm upon nucleolar stress. Silencing of GRWD1 increases p53 induction by nucleolar stress, whereas overexpression of GRWD1 reduces p53 induction. Furthermore, GRWD1 overexpression competitively inhibits the RPL11–MDM2 interaction and alleviates RPL11‐mediated suppression of MDM2 ubiquitin ligase activity toward p53. These effects are mediated by the N‐terminal region of GRWD1, including the acidic domain. Finally, we show that GRWD1 overexpression in combination with HPV16 E7 and activated KRAS confers anchorage‐independent growth and tumorigenic capacity on normal human fibroblasts. Consistent with this, GRWD1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Taken together, our results suggest that GRWD1 is a novel negative regulator of p53 and a potential oncogene.
Work and/or Fun: Measuring Hedonic and Utilitarian Shopping Value

Consumer researchers' growing interest in consumer experiences has revealed that many consumption activities produce both hedonic and utilitarian outcomes. Thus, there is an increasing need for scales to assess consumer perceptions of both hedonic and utilitarian values. This article describes the development of a scale measuring both values obtained from the pervasive consumption experience of shopping. The authors develop and validate the scale using a multistep process. The results demonstrate that distinct hedonic and utilitarian shopping value dimensions exist and are related to a number of important consumption variables. Implications for further applications of the scale are discussed. Copyright 1994 by the University of Chicago.
'Under-achieving boys' in English primary schools?

There is increasing acknowledgement that differences exist in the levels of achievement of boys and girls in English primary schools, as evidenced by performances in National Curriculum tests at Key Stages 1 and 2. This article briefly examines the nature of these differences, both nationally and specifically within the context of a pilot study of four schools in different socio-economic contexts. Some of the underlying factors behind these differential achievements are considered, particularly within the context of literacy issues and of boys' constructions of masculinity. An analysis of the approaches towards creating a context for achievement of both girls and boys in these four schools is then offered, with a focus on pedagogic, organizational and socio-cultural strategies. It is suggested that, while intervention strategies which have the potential to raise the achievement levels of boys (and girls) are being successfully developed in each pilot school, there is as yet only limited evidence to suggest how and why these interventions are most effective, and indeed, how these interventions might be successfully adapted and transferred to other school contexts.
Traits, Commitments, and College Satisfaction Among Black American Community College Students

Prior research has largely examined determinants of student satisfaction in four-year institutions and faculty job satisfaction in two-year institutions. The present study investigated the relationship between background traits, initial commitments, and satisfaction among African Americans attending two-year community colleges. Findings reveal that age is positively associated with satisfaction, while family responsibilities are inversely related to students' subjective evaluation of college. Regression results account for 13% of the variance in student satisfaction. Important implications for future research and practice are highlighted.
Effects of protein deprivation on pyramidal cells of the visual cortex in rats of three age groups

The effect of protein deprivation on rapid Golgi impregnated pyramidal neurons in layers II/III and V of the rat visual cortex was studied at 30, 90, and 220 days of age using morphometric methods. In order to mimic human undernutrition female rats were adapted to either an 8% or control 25% casein diet 5 weeks prior to conception and maintained on these diets during gestation and lactation. The pups were then weaned and maintained on their respective diets. The undernourished rats showed a significant decrease in brain weight only at 90 days, indicating that the protein deprivation had a mild effect on brain development. Crrespondingly, the number of significant histological differences between the two diet groups were least at 30 and 220 days of age. The effect of the diet was greater on layer V than on layer II/III pyramids. At 30 days of age the effect of the diet was different on the pyramids of these two cell layers, at 90 days there was a mixture of similar and dissimilar effects, and at 220 days the pyramids of these two cell layers showed only minor differences between the two diet groups. Analysis of age‐related changes indicated that the effect of the diet was different on layer II/III pyramids compared to layer V pyramidal cells. These different effects apparently accounted for the progression from a dossimilar effect of the diet at 30 days on the pyramids of the two cell layers to only minor differences between them at 220 days. Further analysis of these age‐related changes shows that two prominent effects of protein deprivation are for age‐related changes to occur in undernourished rats but not in controls and for age‐related changes to be out‐of‐phase with each other in the two diet groups. From these findings, and a review of similar studies in the literature, we propose that these mechanisms are a prominent effect of undernutrition in the post‐weaning period and help account for the unexpected increases in morphometric measurements noted in undernourished rats in this and other studies.
A Neural Network Model to Estimate Aircraft Fuel Consumption

The purpose of this paper is to present a simplified method to estimate aircraft fuel consumption using an artificial neural network. The models developed here are can be implemented in fast-time airspace and airfield simulation models. A representative neural network aided fuel consumption model was developed using data given in the aircraft performance manual. The data used in this study was applicable to the Fokker 100 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Tay 650 engines. A second data set was applied to the SAAB 2000 turboprop aircraft with good results. The methodology can be extended to any type of aircraft including piston and turboprop type vehicles with confidence. The neural network was trained to estimate fuel consumption of an example aircraft. Results were compared to the actual performance provided in the aircraft performance manual and found to be accurate for possible implementation in fast-time simulation models. The result from the neural network model was compared with analytical models. The results of this study illustrate that a threelayer artificial neural network with nonlinear transfer func-tions can accurately represent complex aircraft fuel consumption functions for climb, cruise and descent phases of flight. INTRODUCTION Aircraft fuel consumption is a relevant issue in the planning and analysis of aviation operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). While fuel prices today represent only a fraction (i.e., 16-22%) of the Direct Operating Cost (DOC) of typical aircraft, they still constitute an important expenditure for airlines and general aviation operators. Based on this premise this paper attempts to develop a suitable method to estimate aircraft fuel consumption using an artificial neural network approach. Fast-time simulation models have been used in the past decade as part of airport and airspace capacity studies. For example, in the late seventies the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed SIMMOD the airspace and airfield simulation model to address an internal need to estimate fuel consumption in airspace and airfield operations. This model has been widely used by internal groups within the FAA and over fifty users worldwide have some practical experience using this model. More recently developed models such as the Total Airspace and Airport Model (TAAM) and the
Bilingual education, metalinguistic awareness, and the understanding of an unknown language*

An increasing number of schools offer bilingual programs, where lessons are taught in more than one language. Several theories state that bilinguals have greater metalinguistic awareness than monolinguals. We investigated whether this greater metalinguistic awareness is also related to an increased ability to understand an unknown language. To measure metalinguistic awareness and the ability to understand text written in an unknown language, we designed the Indonesian Language Test (ILT). The ILT consists of items regarding a story in Indonesian. Dutch high school students from monolingual and bilingual classes were administered the ILT, a Dutch Language Test, an English Language Test, and a general intelligence test. The ILT showed promising psychometric properties. Bilingual students scored significantly higher on the ILT than monolingual students. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses showed (i) that ILT measures the ability to understand an unknown language, and (ii) that bilingual students score significantly higher than monolingual students on this ability. Both observations support the notion that bilingual education increases metalinguistic awareness and therefore the ability to understand an unknown language.
The endocannabinoid system: function in survival of the embryo, the newborn and the neuron

Since the identification and cloning of the first cannabinoid (CB1) receptor and the subsequent discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid ligands (endocannabinoids), anandamide, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and noladin ether, a intensive search for their function in health and disease has been launched. The endocannabinoids in the central nervous system bind Gi/o coupled CB1 receptors that modulate adenylyl cyclase, ion channels and extracellular signal-regulated kinases. The present review discusses the nature of endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-AG) neurotransmission, the in vivo activity of cannabinoids and the possibility that some of these activities are mediated via a receptor, yet to be discovered, which is distinct from the brain specific CB1 receptor. Three physiological functions in which the endocannabinoids play a critical role are also discussed: embryonal implantation, feeding and appetite, and neuroprotection.
Studies into the microbial spectrum of apical periodontitis.

This study examined the variety of obligate and facultative anaerobic bacterial species recovered from cases of acute apical periodontitis. A total of 19 root canal samples and 24 periapical granuloma samples were taken from patients suffering pain and discomfort. Bacteria were identified by applying the following techniques: culturing on various media, Gram-staining and using commercially available biochemical test strips. In addition, Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas endodontalis were differentiated on a molecular genetic level using species-specific oligodeoxynucleotide probes. The most frequently identified bacteria were Prevotella intermedia, Bifidobacterium spp. , Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus milleri-group and Bacteroides spp. Obligate anaerobes occurred at a rate of 82.3%, and the average number of isolates was 6.4 per sample.
Changes in Ethnic Self-Identification and Heritage Language Preference in Adolescence

This study analyses data of the U.S. Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study and focuses on the relations and changes in ethnic self-identification and preferred language use from early to late adolescence. The findings show that over time (pan-)ethnic self-identification increased and preference to use the heritage language decreased from early to late adolescence. These results were found to be influence by period effects. Furthermore, self-identification and language use predicted each other over time. However, there were differences between adolescents from Spanish speaking (Latin American) immigrant families and adolescents from non-Spanish speaking (Asian) immigrant families. Ethnic self-identification and heritage language preference was stronger in the Asian subsample. In addition, ethnic self-identification is found to influence preferred language use for the Spanish speaking group, while language preference predicted ethnic self-identification over time among Asian adolescents.
The action competence approach in environmental education

In this article, the concept of action competence is presented and an attempt is made to locate it within the concept of general educational theory. The concept of action competence, it is argued, should occupy a central position in the theory of environmental education as many of the crucial educational problems concerning a political liberal education are united in this concept. The preoccupation with action competence as an educational concept is based on scepticism about the educational paradigm in environmental education which manifests itself partly in a marked tendency to individualisation and partly in a tendency to regard the educational task as a question of behaviour modification. At the same time, action competence should be seen as a necessary alternative to the traditional, science‐oriented approach to environmental education. Examples from developmental work in Danish schools are used to clarify and demarcate the concept of ‘action’ from ‘activity’ and ‘behaviour change’. Different kinds of actions are discussed, environmental actions are identified and a distinction is drawn between ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ environmental actions. Finally, four problem areas are identified which require future research.
Mechanism of Positive Allosteric Modulators Acting on AMPA Receptors

Ligand-gated ion channels involved in the modulation of synaptic strength are the AMPA, kainate, and NMDA glutamate receptors. Small molecules that potentiate AMPA receptor currents relieve cognitive deficits caused by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and show promise in the treatment of depression. Previously, there has been limited understanding of the molecular mechanism of action for AMPA receptor potentiators. Here we present cocrystal structures of the glutamate receptor GluR2 S1S2 ligand-binding domain in complex with aniracetam [1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2-pyrrolidinone] or CX614 (pyrrolidino-1,3-oxazino benzo-1,4-dioxan-10-one), two AMPA receptor potentiators that preferentially slow AMPA receptor deactivation. Both potentiators bind within the dimer interface of the nondesensitized receptor at a common site located on the twofold axis of molecular symmetry. Importantly, the potentiator binding site is adjacent to the “hinge” in the ligand-binding core “clamshell” that undergoes conformational rearrangement after glutamate binding. Using rapid solution exchange, patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments, we show that point mutations of residues that interact with potentiators in the cocrystal disrupt potentiator function. We suggest that the potentiators slow deactivation by stabilizing the clamshell in its closed-cleft, glutamate-bound conformation.
Application of a latent class analysis to empirically define eating disorder phenotypes.

CONTEXT Diagnostic criteria for eating disorders influence how we recognize, research, and treat eating disorders, and empirically valid phenotypes are required for revealing their genetic bases. OBJECTIVE To empirically define eating disorder phenotypes. DESIGN Data regarding eating disorder symptoms and features from 1179 individuals with clinically significant eating disorders were submitted to a latent class analysis. The resulting latent classes were compared on non-eating disorder variables in a series of validation analyses. SETTING Multinational, collaborative study with cases ascertained through diverse clinical settings (inpatient, outpatient, and community). PARTICIPANTS Members of affected relative pairs recruited for participation in genetic studies of eating disorders in which probands met DSM-IV-TR criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa and had at least 1 biological relative with a clinically significant eating disorder. Main Outcome Measure Number and clinical characterization of latent classes. RESULTS A 4-class solution provided the best fit. Latent class 1 (LC1) resembled restricting AN; LC2, AN and bulimia nervosa with the use of multiple methods of purging; LC3, restricting AN without obsessive-compulsive features; and LC4, bulimia nervosa with self-induced vomiting as the sole form of purging. Biological relatives were significantly likely to belong to the same latent class. Across validation analyses, LC2 demonstrated the highest levels of psychological disturbance, and LC3 demonstrated the lowest. CONCLUSIONS The presence of obsessive-compulsive features differentiates among individuals with restricting AN. Similarly, the combination of low weight and multiple methods of purging distinguishes among individuals with binge eating and purging behaviors. These results support some of the distinctions drawn within the DSM-IV-TR among eating disorder subtypes, while introducing new features to define phenotypes.