Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between problems related to child late effects and parent burnout after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

A few studies have indicated that parents' reactions to a child's serious disease may entail long‐term stress for the parents. However, further knowledge of its consequences is valuable. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of burnout in a Swedish national sample of parents of children who had undergone HSCT and survived. Burnout (Shirom–Melamed Burnout Questionnaire) and estimations of the child's health status (Lansky/Karnofsky estimations and study‐specific questions) were self‐reported by 159 mothers and 123 fathers. In addition, physicians made estimations of the child's health status (Lansky/Karnofsky estimations). Nonparametric tests revealed that burnout symptoms occurred more often among fathers of children who had undergone transplantation within the last five yr compared to fathers of children with no history of serious disease (34.4% vs. 19.9%). Burnout among mothers and fathers was associated with the child's number and severity of health impairments up to five yr after the child underwent HSCT (Spearman's rho for mothers 0.26–0.36 and for fathers 0.36–0.61). In conclusion, chronic stress in parents after a child's HSCT seems to abate eventually. However, parents should be monitored and offered adequate support when needed. Moreover, the situation of fathers in the often mother‐dominated pediatric setting should receive more attention in research as well as in the clinic.
Molecular Regulation of GLUT4 Targeting in 3 T 3L 1 Adipocytes

Insulin stimulates glucose transport in muscle and adipose tissue by triggering the movement of the glucose transporter GLUT-4 from an intracellular compartment to the cell surface. Fundamental to this process is the intracellular sequestration of GLUT-4 in nonstimulated ceils. Two distinct targeting motifs in the amino and carboxy termini of GLUT-4 have been previously identified by expressing chimeras comprised of portions of GLUT-4 and G L U T l , a transporter isoform that is constitutively targeted to the cell surface, in heterologous cells. These mot i fs -FQQI in the NH 2 terminus and LL in the C O O H terminus-resemble endocytic signals that have been described in other proteins. In the present study we have investigated the roles of these motifs in GLUT-4 targeting in insulinsensitive cells. Epitope-tagged GLUT-4 constructs engineered to differentiate between endogenous and transfected GLUT-4 were stably expressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Targeting was assessed in cells incubated in the presence or absence of insulin by subcellular fractionation. The targeting of epitope-tagged GLUT-4 was indistinguishable from endogenous GLUT-4. Mutation of the FQQI motif (F 5 to A 5) caused GLUT-4 to constitutively accumulate at the cell surface regardless of expression level. Mutation of the dileucine motif (t489L 490 to A489A 49°) caused an increase in cell surface distribution only at higher levels of expression, but the overall cell surface distribution of this mutant was less than that of the amino-terminal mutants. Both NH2and COOH-terminal mutants retained insulin-dependent movement from an intracellular to a cell surface locale, suggesting that neither of these motifs is involved in the insulin-dependent redistribution of GLUT-4. We conclude that the phenylalanine-based NH2-terminal and the dileucine-based COOH-terminal motifs play important and distinct roles in GLUT-4 targeting in 3T3-
Cassava Intake and Vitamin A Status among Women and Preschool Children in Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria

Background As part of the HarvestPlus provitamin A-biofortified cassava program in Nigeria we conducted a survey to determine the cassava intake and prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among children 6-59 months and women of childbearing age in the state of Akwa Ibom. Methods A cluster-randomized cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011 in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The usual food and nutrient intakes were estimated using a multi-pass 24-hour recall with repeated recall on a subsample. Blood samples of children and women were collected to analyze for serum retinol, serum ferritin, and acute phase proteins as indicators of infection. Vitamin A deficiency was defined as serum retinol <0.70 μmol/L adjusted for infection. Results A total of 587 households of a mother-child dyad participated in the dietary intake assessment. Cassava was very widely consumed in Akwa Ibom, mainly as gari or foofoo. Daily cassava consumption frequency was 92% and 95% among children and women, respectively. Mean (±SD) cassava intake (expressed as raw fresh weight) was 348 ± 317 grams/day among children and 940 ± 777 grams/day among women. Intakes of most micronutrients appeared to be adequate with the exception of calcium. Median vitamin A intake was very high both for children (1038 μg RAE/day) and women (2441 μg RAE/day). Red palm oil and dark green leafy vegetables were the main sources of vitamin A in the diet, with red palm oil alone contributing almost 60% of vitamin A intake in women and children. Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency ranged from moderate (16.9 %) among children to virtually non-existent (3.4 %) among women. Conclusion Consumption of cassava and vitamin A intake was high among women and children in Akwa Ibom with a prevalence of vitamin A deficiency ranging from moderate in children to non-existent among women. The provitamin A biofortified cassava and other vitamin A interventions should focus dissemination in states where red palm oil is not widely consumed.
Genomic Diversity among Beijing and non-Beijing Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from Myanmar

Background The Beijing family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is dominant in countries in East Asia. Genomic polymorphisms are a source of diversity within the M. tuberculosis genome and may account for the variation of virulence among M. tuberculosis isolates. Till date there are no studies that have examined the genomic composition of M. tuberculosis isolates from the high TB-burden country, Myanmar. Methodology/Principle Findings Twenty-two M. tuberculosis isolates from Myanmar were screened on whole-genome arrays containing genes from M. tuberculosis H37Rv, M. tuberculosis CDC1551 and M. bovis AF22197. Screening identified 198 deletions or extra regions in the clinical isolates compared to H37Rv. Twenty-two regions differentiated between Beijing and non-Beijing isolates and were verified by PCR on an additional 40 isolates. Six regions (Rv0071-0074 [RD105], Rv1572-1576c [RD149], Rv1585c-1587c [RD149], MT1798-Rv1755c [RD152], Rv1761c [RD152] and Rv0279c) were deleted in Beijing isolates, of which 4 (Rv1572-1576c, Rv1585c-1587c, MT1798-Rv1755c and Rv1761c) were variably deleted among ST42 isolates, indicating a closer relationship between the Beijing and ST42 lineages. The TbD1 region, Mb1582-Mb1583 was deleted in Beijing and ST42 isolates. One M. bovis gene of unknown function, Mb3184c was present in all isolates, except 11 of 13 ST42 isolates. The CDC1551 gene, MT1360 coding for a putative adenylate cyclase, was present in all Beijing and ST42 isolates (except 1). The pks15/1 gene, coding for a putative virulence factor, was intact in all Beijing and non-Beijing isolates, except in ST42 and ST53 isolates. Conclusion This study describes previously unreported deletions/extra regions in Beijing and non-Beijing M. tuberculosis isolates. The modern and highly frequent ST42 lineage showed a closer relationship to the hypervirulent Beijing lineage than to the ancient non-Beijing lineages. The pks15/1 gene was disrupted only in modern non-Beijing isolates. This is the first report of an in-depth analysis on the genomic diversity of M. tuberculosis isolates from Myanmar.
The Immediate Effects of Upper Thoracic Translatoric Spinal Manipulation on Cervical Pain and Range of Motion: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract This study examined the effect of translatoric spinal manipulation (TSM) on cervical pain and cervical active motion restriction when applied to upper thoracic (T1-T4) segments. Active cervical rotation range of motion was measured re- and post-intervention with a cervical inclinometer (CROM), and cervical pain status was monitored before and after manipulation with a Faces Pain Scale. Study participants included a sample of convenience that included 32 patients referred to physical therapy with complaints of pain in the mid-cervical region and restricted active cervical rotation. Twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and ten were assigned to the control group. Pre- and post-intervention cervical range of motion and pain scale measurements were taken by a physical therapist assistant who was blinded to group assignment. The experimental group received TSM to hypomobile upper thoracic segments. The control group received no intervention. Paired t-tests were used to analyze within-group changes in cervical rotation and pain, and a 2-way repeated-measure ANOVA was used to analyze between-group differences in cervical rotation and pain. Significance was accepted at p=0.05. Significant changes that exceeded the MDC95 were detected for cervical rotation both within group and between groups with the TSM group demonstrating increased mean (SD) in right rotation of 8.23° (7.41°) and le rotation of 7.09° (5.83°). Pain levels perceived during post-intervention cervical rotation showed significant improvement during right rotation for patients experiencing pain during bilateral rotation only (p=.05). This study supports the hypothesis that spinal manipulation applied to the upper thoracic spine (T1-T4 motion segments) significantly increases cervical rotation ROM and may reduce cervical pain at end range rotation for patients experiencing pain during bilateral cervical rotation.
TruSpy: Cache Side-Channel Information Leakage from the Secure World on ARM Devices

As smart, embedded devices are increasingly integrated into our daily life, the security of these devices has become a major concern. The ARM processor family, which powers more than 60% of embedded devices, introduced TrustZone technology to offer security protection via an isolated execution environment called secure world. Caches in TrustZone-enabled processors are extended with a nonsecure (NS) bit to indicate whether a cache line is used by the secure world or the normal world. This cache design improves system performance by eliminating the need to perform cache flush during world switches; however, it also enables cache contention between the two worlds. In this work, we present TruSpy, the first study of timingbased cache side-channel information leakage of TrustZone. Our proposed attack exploits the cache contention between normal world and secure world to recover secret information from secure world. Two attacks are proposed in TruSpy, namely, the normal world OS attack and the normal world Android app attack. In the OS-based attack, the attacker is able to access virtual-to-physical address translation and high precision timers. In the Android app-based attack, these tools are unavailable to the attacker, so we devise a novel method that uses the expected channel statistics to allocate memory for cache probing. We also show how an attacker might use the less accurate performance event interface as a timer. Using the T-table based AES implementation in OpenSSL 1.0. 1f as an example, we demonstrate that it is possible for a normal world attacker to steal a fine-grained secret from the secure world using a timing-based cache side-channel. We can recover the full AES encryption key via either the OS-based attack or the Android app-based attack. Since our zero permission TruSpy attack is based on the cache design in TrustZone enabled ARM processors, it poses a significant threat to a wide array of devices. To mitigate the newly discovered threat, we also propose both application-based and system-oriented countermeasures.
Image digital watermarking algorithm using multiresolution wavelet transform

Watermarking is a technique for labeling digital picture by hiding secret information in the images. This paper presents a method of watermark embedding and extracting based on discrete wavelet transform of blocks and Arnold transform. Different with most previous work, which uses a random number of a sequence of bits as a watermark, the proposed method embeds a watermark with visual recognizable patterns, such as gray image in images. In the proposed method, each pixel of watermark is embedded in the wavelet coefficient of the middle and low frequency of a block in the images. Unlike other watermarking techniques that use a single casting energy, this method casts watermarks in multi-energy level. The performance of the proposed watermarking is robust to variety of signal distortions, such a JPEG, image cropping, sharpening, and blurring attacks.
The different representational frameworks underpinning abstract and concrete knowledge: Evidence from odd-one-out judgements

Recent evidence from neuropsychological investigations of individuals with global aphasia and deep or deep-phonological dyslexia suggests that abstract and concrete concepts are underpinned by qualitatively different representational frameworks. Abstract words are represented primarily by their association to other words, whilst concrete words are represented primarily by their taxonomic similarity to one another. In the current study, we present the first evidence for this association/similarity distinction to be gathered from healthy research participants. Using a semantic odd-one-out task, it is shown that normal participants identify associative connections more quickly than similarity-based connections when processing abstract words, but that the pattern is reversed for concrete words. It is also demonstrated that the typical concrete-word advantage observed in many cognitive tasks is abolished and even reversed when participants have to comprehend the semantic associations between words. The data provide converging evidence for the different representational frameworks hypothesis and suggest that claims based on information from previous neuropsychological investigations can be generalized to normal cognition.
A pilot study to determine the dose and effectiveness of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (H.P. Acthar® Gel) in nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Background H.P. Acthar® Gel is currently the only Food and Drug Administration therapy approved for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Active drug ingredients include structurally related melanocortin peptides that bind to cell surface G-protein-coupled receptors known as melanocortin receptors, which are expressed in glomerular podocytes. In animal models of membranous nephropathy, stimulation has been demonstrated to reduce podocyte injury and loss. We hypothesized that H.P. Acthar® Gel would improve symptoms of the nephrotic syndrome in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Methods Twenty patients received a subcutaneous dose of 40 or 80 IU twice weekly. Changes in proteinuria, albumin, cholesterol profile, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum anti-PLA2R antibodies were assessed at baseline and in response to treatment along with tolerance and safety. Results Baseline characteristics included mean proteinuria (9.1 ± 3.4 g/day), albumin (2.7 ± 0.8 g/dL), estimated glomerular filtration rate (77 ± 30 mL/min) along with elevated total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. By 12 months of follow-up, there was a significant improvement in proteinuria in the entire cohort, decreasing to 3.87 ± 4.24 g/day (P < 0.001) with significant improvements in serum albumin, total and LDL cholesterol. A >50% decrease in proteinuria was noted in 65% of the patients with a trend toward better outcomes among patients who received greater cumulative doses. No significant adverse effects were documented. Clearing of serum anti-PLA2R antibodies prior to or in parallel with proteinuria improvement was noted in some, but not all patients. Conclusions H.P. Acthar® Gel is a potential therapy for nephrotic syndrome secondary to idiopathic membranous nephropathy that deserves further study.
Constructing Synthetic Faces using Active Appearance Models and Evaluating the Similarity to the Original Image Data

Active Appearance Models (AAMs) can be used for interpreting face images and image sequences. AAMs combine a statistical shape model and a model of grey-level appearance. They also contain an iterative matching scheme for image interpretation, which only needs an initial estimate of the position and size of the face and results in a set of parameters describing the matched face. In this paper we describe, how to build up the shape model, the grey-level model and how to combine them to an AAM. Then we show, how to construct a search algorithm to derive the model parameters for a given face and investigate how well these parameters can be used to descibe known and unknown face images, measuring the similarity between the model-built faces and the original image data.
Direct replication of Gervais & Norenzayan (2012): No evidence that analytic thinking decreases religious belief

Gervais & Norenzayan (2012) reported in Science a series of 4 experiments in which manipulations intended to foster analytic thinking decreased religious belief. We conducted a precise, large, multi-site pre-registered replication of one of these experiments. We observed little to no effect of the experimental manipulation on religious belief (d = 0.07 in the wrong direction, 95% CI[-0.12, 0.25], N = 941). The original finding does not seem to provide reliable or valid evidence that analytic thinking causes a decrease in religious belief.
Soluble Non-ammonia Nitrogen in Ruminal and Omasal Digesta of Korean Native Steers Supplemented with Soluble Proteins

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of soluble protein supplements on concentration of soluble non-ammonia nitrogen (SNAN) in the liquid phase of ruminal (RD) and omasal digesta (OD) of Korean native steers, and to investigate diurnal pattern in SNAN concentration in RD and OD. Three ruminally cannulated Korean native steers in a 3×3 Latin square design consumed a basal diet of rice straw and corn-based concentrate (control), and that supplemented (kg/d DM basis) with intact casein (0.24; IC) or acid hydrolyzed casein (0.46; AHC). Ruminal digesta was sampled using a vacuum pump, whereas OD was collected using an omasal sampling system at 2.0 h intervals after a morning feeding. The SNAN fractions (free amino acid (AA), peptide and soluble protein) in RD and OD were assessed using the ninhydrin assay. Concentrations of free AA and total SNAN in RD were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those in OD. Although free AA concentration was relatively high, mean peptide was quantitatively the most important fraction of total SNAN in both RD and OD, indicating that degradation of peptide to AA rather than hydrolysis of soluble protein to peptide or deamination may be the most limiting step in rumen proteolysis of Korean native steers. Diurnal variation in peptide concentration in OD for the soluble protein supplemented diets during the feeding cycle peaked 2 h post-feeding and decreased thereafter whereas that for the control was relatively constant during the entire feeding cycle. Diurnal variation in peptide concentration was rather similar between RD and OD.
Relationships between wood and handsheet properties of Pinus elliottii and Pinus elliottii x caribaea hybrids

A statistical analysis of SilviScan-1 data, Kraft pulping and handsheet data of 16 Pinus elliottii trees and 16 Pinus elliottii x caribaea var hondurensus hybrids, representing eight families grown in Queensland was undertaken. Significant differences were found between the families in the pulp/handsheet properties and wood structure. The pure bred P. elliottii had better pulping and handsheet properties compared to the hybrids, as well as thinner cell walls which would lead to easier collapsibility of the fibres and enhanced strength properties. The hybrids had better growth rates, producing greater wood volume.
Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein Snippet NAP Reduces Tau Hyperphosphorylation and Enhances Learning in a Novel Transgenic Mouse Model

Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) differentially interacts with chromatin to regulate essential genes. Because complete ADNP deficiency is embryonic lethal, the outcome of partial ADNP deficiency was examined. ADNP+/– mice exhibited cognitive deficits, significant increases in phosphorylated tau, tangle-like structures, and neurodegeneration compared with ADNP+/+ mice. Increased tau hyperphosphorylation is known to cause memory impairments in neurodegenerative diseases associated with tauopathies, including the most prevalent Alzheimer's disease. The current results suggest that ADNP is an essential protein for brain function and plays a role in normal cognitive performance. ADNP-deficient mice offer an ideal paradigm for evaluation of cognitive enhancers. NAP (NAPVSIPQ) is a peptide derived from ADNP that interacts with microtubules and provides potent neuroprotection. NAP treatment partially ameliorated cognitive deficits and reduced tau hyperphosphorylation in the ADNP+/– mice. NAP is currently in phase II clinical trials assessing effects on mild cognitive impairment.
Protective role of dietary N‐acetylcysteine on the oxidative stress induced by cylindrospermopsin in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a toxin produced by various cyanobacteria species. Fish can be exposed to this cyanotoxin in their natural environments and in aquaculture ponds, and toxic effects can be derived. The present study investigated the effects of dietary N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on the oxidative stress induced by pure CYN and CYN from lyophilized cells of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were pretreated with 0, 22, and 45 mg NAC/fish/d for a week, and on day seven, they received a single dose of 200 µg/kg CYN and were killed after 24 h. Oxidative biomarkers evaluated included lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, activity of the enzyme γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase, and activity and gene expression of glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase. Results showed that CYN induced oxidative stress as evidenced by the increase of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, the decrease in GSH/GSSG, and the alteration of the enzymatic activities assayed. Moreover, exposure to cyanobacterial cells containing CYN induced higher toxic effects in comparison to pure CYN. N‐acetylcysteine supplementation was effective at reducing the toxicity induced by CYN, particularly at the highest dose employed, with a recovery of some of the biomarkers assayed to basal levels. Therefore, NAC can be considered a useful chemoprotectant that reduces hepatic and renal oxidative stress in the prophylaxis and treatment of CYN‐related intoxication in fish. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1548–1555. © 2012 SETAC