Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sleep discontinuity and impaired sleep continuity affect transition to and from obesity over time: Results from the Alameda County Study

Aims: To investigate the impact of development in sleep continuity on transition to and from obesity over time. Method: The study used self-reported sleep and body mass index (BMI) measures from the 1965, 1974, 1983, and 1994 waves of the longitudinal Alameda County Study. Sleep continuity was assessed by a question on whether the participants had any troubles falling or staying asleep. Change in sleep and BMI were estimated from the sleep and BMI questions in 1965 and 1994 respectively. Multinomial regression analyses were used to examine the risk/chance for a transition to and from obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) due to development in sleep continuity. Results: After adjustment for confounding variables, consistent sleep discontinuity both increases the risk for a transition to obesity and reduces the chance of losing weight, whereas impaired sleep continuity lowers the chance for weight loss. Effects for obesity were non-significant for those with improved sleep continuity. Conclusions: Consistent sleep discontinuity and impaired sleep continuity increases the risk of transition to obesity or of remaining obese.
Antennal olfactory responses of adult meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius, to volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

The meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius L. (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) is a commonly found vector of Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. (1987) strain subspecies pauca associated with the “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome” in Italy. To contribute to the knowledge of the adult P. spumarius chemoreceptivity, electroantennographic (EAG) responses of both sexes to 50 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including aliphatic aldehydes, alcohols, esters, and ketones, terpenoids, and aromatics were recorded. Measurable EAG responses were elicited by all compounds tested. In both sexes, octanal, 2-octanol, 2-decanone, (E)-2-hexenyl acetate, and vanillin elicited the strongest antennal amplitude within the chemical groups of aliphatic saturated aldehydes, aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic acetates and aromatics, respectively. Male and female EAG responses to sulcatol, (±)linalool, and sulcatone were higher than those to other terpenoinds. In both sexes, the weakest antennal stimulants were phenethyl alcohol and 2-pentanone. Sexual differences in the EAG amplitude were found only for four of test compounds suggesting a general similarity between males and females in antennal sensitivity. The olfactory system of both sexes proved to be sensitive to changes in stimulus concentration, carbon chain length, and compound structure. Compounds with short carbon chain length (C5—C6) elicited lower EAG amplitudes than compounds with higher carbon chain length (C9—C10) in all classes of aliphatic hydrocarbons with different functional groups. The elucidation of the sensitivity profile of P. spumarius to a variety of VOCs provides a basis for future identification of behaviorally-active compounds useful for developing semiochemical-based control strategies of this pest.
Kinetic analysis of icodextrin interference with serum amylase assays.

Patients treated with Extraneal peritoneal dialysis solution (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.) have a significant decrease in serum amylase activity. The decline is reported to be due to interference of icodextrin in a routinely used laboratory assay. The present study was designed to investigate the kinetics of icodextrin interference in the amylase activity assay and to determine whether assay interference can account for the total decline in amylase activity. Plasma obtained from healthy volunteers was spiked with 0, 0.21, 0.71, and 3.6 mg/mL icodextrin. Amylase activity was determined using Sigma kit 577-10 (Sigma Diagnostics, St. Louis, MO, U.S.A.). Amylase activity in plasma samples spiked with 3.6 mg/mL icodextrin was also monitored while varying the concentration of the substrate (ET-G7-PNP) from the assay kit. Amylase activity decreased with increasing amounts of icodextrin and decreasing amounts of assay substrate. A 72.6% decrease in amylase activity was observed in samples spiked with 3.6 mg/mL icodextrin as compared with samples without icodextrin at a substrate level similar to that in the assay kit (0.71 mmol/L). Double reciprocal and Dixon plots indicate competitive inhibition of amylase activity by icodextrin. Icodextrin functions as a competitive inhibitor in the assay for amylase activity, as predicted by the structural similarities between icodextrin and the amylase assay substrate. The degree of icodextrin interference suggests that the entire decline in amylase activity observed in patients using Extraneal can be accounted for qualitatively by icodextrin interference. The amylase activity decline in patients treated with Extraneal is an artifact attributable to assay interference.
Improving Digest-Based Collaborative Spam Detection

Spam is usually sent in bulk. A bulk mailing consists of many copies of the same original spam message, each sent to a different recipient. The copies are usually obfuscated, i.e. modified a bit in order to look different from each other. In collaborative spam filtering it is important to determine which emails belong to the same bulk. This allows, after observing an initial portion of a bulk, for the bulkiness scores to be assigned to the remaining emails from the same bulk. This also allows the individual evidence of spamminess to be joined, if such evidence is generated by collaborating filters or users for some of the emails from an initial portion of the bulk. Then, the observed bulkiness and the estimated spamminess of a bulk can be used to better filter the remaining emails from the same bulk. The work by Damiani et al. [2] ("open-digest paper") is well know and often cited for its positive findings about the properties of a digest-based collaborative spam detection technique. The technique produces similar digests out of similar emails, and uses them to find out which emails belong to the same bulk. Based on the experimental evaluation, the paper suggests that the technique provides bulk-spam detection that is robust to increased obfuscation efforts by spammers, and low miss-detection of good emails. We first repeat and extend some of the open-digest paper [2] experiments, using the simplest spammer model from that paper. We find that the conclusions of the open-digest paper are rather miss- leading. Then we propose and evaluate, under the same spammer model, a modified version of the original digest technique. The modified version greatly improves the resistance of spam detection against increased obfuscation effort by spammers, while keeping miss-detection of good emails at a similar level. Based on the observed results, we discuss possible additional modifications and algorithms that could be added on top of the modified digest technique to further improve its filtering performance.
Regularizing Unpredictable Variation: The Roles of Adult and Child Learners in Language Formation and Change

In this article we investigate what learners acquire when their input contains inconsistent grammatical morphemes such as those present in pidgins and incipient creoles. In particular, we ask if learners acquire variability veridically or if they change it, making the language more regular as they learn it. In Experiment 1 we taught adult participants an artificial language containing unpredictable variation in 1 grammatical feature. We manipulated the amount of inconsistency and the meaning of the inconsistent item. Postexposure testing showed that participants learned the language, including the variable item, despite the presence of inconsistency. However, their use of variable items reflected their input. Participants exposed to consistent patterns produced consistent patterns, and participants exposed to inconsistency reproduced that inconsistency; they did not make the language more consistent. The meaning of the inconsistent item had no effect. In Experiment 2 we taught adults and 5- to 7-year-old children a similar artificial language. As in Experiment 1, the adults did not regularize the language. However, many children did regularize the language, imposing patterns that were not the same as their input. These results suggest that children and adults do not learn from variable input in the same way. Moreover, they suggest that children may play a unique and important role in creole formation by regularizing grammatical patterns.
Nycterohemeral eating and ruminating patterns in heifers fed grass or corn silage: analysis by finite Fourier transform.

Average daily and within-day nycterohemeral patterns of eating and ruminating behavior were determined in six Holstein-Friesian heifers (average BW = 427 kg) given ad libitum access to either corn or grass silage in a two-period crossover design. Rhythm components (number of cycles/24 h) were characterized by finite Fourier transform of the 24-h mastication activities as measured during 4 d by continuous jaw movement recordings. Average daily voluntary intake of corn silage was 8.2% greater (P = .05) than that for grass silage and was associated (P < .05) with fewer meals and shorter daily, unitary eating and ruminating times, and smaller number of rumination boli. Analysis of variance of the daily mean of hourly activities and Rhythm Components 1 to 12 indicated effects of (P < .05) silage type (S), animal (A), period (P), and a significant interaction (S x A x P) for each mastication activity. The finite Fourier transform was reparameterized to express the amplitude (as periodograms) and phase of each rhythm component. Rhythm Components 1, 3, and 4 contributed primarily to explaining the total dispersion of the 24-h series of time spent eating and ruminating, for both silage types and individual heifers. Relative importance of Rhythm Component 1 of time spent eating, indicative of a main circadian pattern, was related positively to pedigree value for milk production (P = .01) and negatively to milk protein concentration (P = .09). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High Factor VIII Antigen Levels are not Associated with Factor VIII Gene Polymorphisms.

High factor VIII coagulant activity levels are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis[1-3]. The mechanism that lead to high plasma F VIII levels are unclear. Based on the previously reported data on familial clustering of F VIII, it would be logical to hypothesize that genetic changes in the F VIII gene may be the cause of high F VIII levels[4,5]. However, a previous study by Mansvelt et al did not reveal an alteration at the F VIII gene as the cause of high F VIII: C[6]. Further, Kamphuisen et al studied two CA repeats in the F VIII gene, and could not find an association[7].
Pack-Boronizing of AISI 4140 Steel: Boronizing Mechanism and the Role of Container Design

In this study, pack-boronizing of AISI 4140 steel was done. Three mild-steel containers with different size, namely, small-size container (SC), medium-size container (MC), and big-size container (BC) were used. Steel specimens were boronized at 950°C for 2 or 3 h. Preconditioning of the containers was observed to be essential before doing final pack-boronizing of steel. MC was found suitable for the formation of monophase Fe2B layer while BC produced unwanted FeB phase along with Fe2B layer. Fe2B phase showed the columnar morphology. Continuous decrease in the hardness from surface to nonboronized core was observed. Maximum surface hardness of about 1367 HV0.1 was obtained (hardness of nonboronized core was about 252 HV0.1) for the boronized steel. As compared to the normalized and hardened–tempered (HT) AISI 4140 steel pins, boronized steel pin showed the lowest “specific wear rate” (0.89 × 10−6 mm3/Nm) and coefficient of friction (COF) (0.55).
Host-Interactive Genes in Amerindian Helicobacter pylori Diverge from Their Old World Homologs and Mediate Inflammatory Responses

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori is the dominant member of the gastric microbiota and has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer and peptic ulcers in adults. H. pylori populations have migrated and diverged with human populations, and health effects vary. Here, we describe the whole genome of the cag-positive strain V225d, cultured from a Venezuelan Piaroa Amerindian subject. To gain insight into the evolution and host adaptation of this bacterium, we undertook comparative H. pylori genomic analyses. A robust multiprotein phylogenetic tree reflects the major human migration out of Africa, across Europe, through Asia, and into the New World, placing Amerindian H. pylori as a particularly close sister group to East Asian H. pylori. In contrast, phylogenetic analysis of the host-interactive genes vacA and cagA shows substantial divergence of Amerindian from Old World forms and indicates new genotypes (e.g., VacA m3) involving these loci. Despite deletions in CagA EPIYA and CRPIA domains, V225d stimulates interleukin-8 secretion and the hummingbird phenotype in AGS cells. However, following a 33-week passage in the mouse stomach, these phenotypes were lost in isolate V225-RE, which had a 15-kb deletion in the cag pathogenicity island that truncated CagA and eliminated some of the type IV secretion system genes. Thus, the unusual V225d cag architecture was fully functional via conserved elements, but the natural deletion of 13 cag pathogenicity island genes and the truncation of CagA impaired the ability to induce inflammation.
Attachment at work and performance

This paper examines the relations between self-reported attachment orientation at work and personality, self-esteem, trait emotional intelligence (aka emotional self-efficacy), and independently assessed career potential and job performance. Self-report data were collected from 211 managers in an international business in the hospitality industry; independent assessments of these managers' job performance and career potential were separately obtained from the organization. A self-report measure of romantic attachment was adapted for application in the work context; a two-factor solution was found for this measure. Secure/autonomous attachment orientation at work was positively related to self-esteem, trait emotional intelligence, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, and also to job performance. Not only was secure/autonomous attachment orientation at work statistically predictive of job performance, but the new measure also made a distinct contribution, beyond conscientiousness, to this prediction.
Pigment dynamics and autumn leaf senescence in a New England deciduous forest, eastern USA

The leaves of woody plants at Harvard Forest in Central Massachusetts, USA, changed color during senescence; 70% (62/89) of the woody species examined anatomically contained anthocyanins during senescence. Anthocyanins were not present in summer green leaves, and appeared primarily in the vacuoles of palisade parenchyma cells. Yellow coloration was a result of the unmasking of xanthophyll pigments in senescing chloroplasts. In nine red-senescing species, anthocyanins were not detectable in mature leaves, and were synthesized de novo in senescence, with less than 20 µg cm−2 of chlorophyll remaining. Xanthophyll concentrations declined in relation to chlorophyll to the same extent in both yellow- and red-leaved taxa. Declines in the maximum photosystem II quantum yield of leaves collected prior to dawn were only slightly less in the red-senescing species, indicating no long-term protective activity. Red-leaved species had significantly greater mass/area and lower chlorophyll a/b ratios during senescence. Nitrogen tissue concentrations in mature and senescent leaves negatively correlated to anthocyanin concentrations in senescent leaves, weak evidence for more efficient nitrogen resorption in anthocyanic species. Shading retarded both chlorophyll loss and anthocyanin production in Cornus alternifolia, Acer rubrum, Acer saccharum, Quercus rubra and Viburnum alnifolium. It promoted chlorophyll loss in yellow-senescing Fagus grandifolia. A reduced red : far-red ratio did not affect this process. Anthocyanins did not increase leaf temperatures in Q. rubra and Vaccinium corymbosum on cold and sunny days. The timing of leaf-fall was remarkably constant from year to year, and the order of senescence of individual species was consistent.
Impact of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, 2, and 3 expression on the outcome of patients with gastric cancer

Tumor angiogenesis is a multistep interactive process in which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors have a major role. However, the clinical significance of these molecules in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Our study group comprised 86 patients who underwent gastrectomy and subsequently received chemotherapy for recurrent or residual tumor. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we analyzed the expression of VEGF receptors (VEGF‐R) 1, 2, and 3. VEGF‐R1 expression (defined as >5% staining) was found in the tumor cells of 65 tumors (76%) and in the stromal vessels of 36 tumors (42%). VEGF‐R2 expression was found in tumor cells and stromal vessels of 0 and 46 tumors (0 and 53%), respectively, and VEGF‐R3 expression was found in tumor cells and stromal vessels of 0 and 75 tumors (0 and 87%), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that VEGF‐R expression correlated with shorter survival (VEGF‐R1 in stromal vessels, P = 0.001; VEGF‐R2 in stromal vessels, P = 0.009; VEGF‐R3 in stromal vessels, P = 0.005) and lower response to S‐1 (VEGF‐R1 in stromal vessels, P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis of potential prognostic factors showed that VEGF‐R1 and VEGF‐R2 in stromal vessels were independent predictors of poor outcome. Our data suggest that VEGF‐R expression can be a predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome in GC. VEGF‐R are promising candidates as therapeutic targets. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 310–315)
The “Cough Trick:” A Brief Strategy to Manage Pediatric Pain From Immunization Injections

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to investigate the effect of a “cough trick” technique on self-reported pain of children receiving routine immunizations. The strategy requires minimal equipment, time, or training for parents, children, and nursing staff members. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, unblinded, within-subject study of 68 children receiving prekindergarten (ages 4–5) or pre–junior high school (ages 11–13) immunizations was performed. Participants were recruited from an outpatient pediatric clinic at a large public hospital in the Midwest. The strategy required a single “warm-up” cough of moderate force, followed by a second cough that coincided with needle puncture. The principle outcome was self-reported pain, although parent and nurse report of pain was used to support the accuracy of self-report. Older participants and all nurses completed a measure of their satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: In the initial analysis, the procedure was found not to be effective. However, post hoc tests revealed that the procedure was effective at a statistically and clinically significant level for participants identified as Hispanic white or non-Hispanic white but not for those identified as non-Hispanic black. Participants and clinic nurses found the procedure acceptable and effective. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the cough trick can be an effective strategy for the reduction of pain for some children undergoing routine immunizations. However, additional research is needed to clarify the observed moderation by self-identified race.
A Report of 134 Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients with Renal Impairment

To analyze the effects of bortezomib on the prognosis of the newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment, we assessed the outcomes of 134 multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment (serum creatinine ≥178 μmol/l) who were treated at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: bortezomib (n = 83) and nonbortezomib (n = 51). The overall response rate of the bortezomib group was higher than that of the nonbortezomib group. There was no significant difference in the time to restore renal function, but the complete renal response ratio was significantly higher in the bortezomib group. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rate of the bortezomib group was significantly greater than the nonbortezomib group, as was the 3-year OS rate. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly better survival for the bortezomib group. The main side effects in the bortezomib group were thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, infection, and herpes zoster, and there was a low incidence of grades 3 and 4 adverse events. Our findings indicate that bortezomib-based combination chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of the newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment and should be considered as a first-line therapy.
High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Although most cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in western populations have been attributed to high levels of exposure to tobacco and alcohol, infectious agents have been postulated as possible causes, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV). Methods: To explore this issue, we analyzed HPV DNA prevalence and HPV types together with lifestyle factors, in relation to tumor stage and survival in a low-incidence population. Archived tumor samples from a nationwide cohort of 222 ESCC patients were tested for the presence of HPV DNA by PCR; positive samples were sequenced to determine HPV type, and p16INK4a status was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Of 222 ESCC patients, 8 tested HPV positive (prevalence, 3.6%; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.1%), of which 6 were HPV-16 positive and 2 were HPV-35 positive. Four of the eight HPV-positive tumors overexpressed p16INK4a. None of 55 normal esophageal tissue samples from healthy participants had any detectable HPV. Although the numbers were low, it seemed that patients with HPV-positive ESCC tumors were younger than those with HPV-negative tumors (mean age, 60.8 versus 65.3 years, P = 0.18) and had higher body mass index (BMI) throughout life (mean current BMI of 25.1 for HPV positive, 22.2 for HPV negative, P = 0.08; mean BMI at 20 years of 25.8 for HPV positive, 22.1 for HPV negative, P = 0.003). We found no difference between patients with HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors with respect to other lifestyle factors. Conclusions: These findings suggest a very low prevalence of HPV DNA in human ESCC. Impact: HPV is very unlikely to be a common cause of ESCC in Australia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 2080–7. ©2010 AACR.