Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
After the Bell

Prior research has not examined how much of the socioeconomic status (SES) advantage on schooling outcomes is related to participation in extracurricular activities. The authors explore the SES advantage and extracurricular participation in elementary school–aged children, with a focus on noncognitive skills. The authors argue that noncognitive skills mediate the influence of SES and extracurricular activities on academic skills. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Class of 1998–99, theauthors find that extracurricular participation explains a modest portion of the SES advantage in noncognitive and cognitive skills. In addition, the influence of extracurricular participation on both noncognitive and cognitive skills varies by children’s SES.
Pea Aphid as both Host and Vector for the Phytopathogenic Bacterium Pseudomonas syringae

ABSTRACT Aphids are widespread agricultural pests that are capable of disseminating plant viral diseases; however, despite coming into frequent contact with epiphytic bacteria, aphids are considered to have no role in bacterial transmission. Here, we demonstrate the ability of pea aphids to vector the phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B728a (PsyB728a). While feeding on plants colonized by epiphytic bacteria, aphids acquire the bacteria, which colonize the digestive tract, multiply, and are excreted in the aphid honeydew, resulting in inoculation of the phyllosphere with up to 107 phytopathogenic bacteria per cm2. Within days of ingesting bacteria, aphids succumb to bacterial sepsis, indicating that aphids serve as an alternative, nonplant host for PsyB728a. The related strain Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 is >1,000-fold less virulent than PsyB728a in the pea aphid, suggesting that PsyB728a possesses strain-specific pathogenicity factors that allow it to exploit aphids as hosts. To identify these factors, we performed a mutagenesis screen and recovered PsyB728a mutants that were hypovirulent, including one defective in a gene required for flagellum formation and motility. These interactions illustrate that aphids can also vector bacterial pathogens and that even seemingly host-restricted pathogens can have alternative host specificities and lifestyles.
Altered Tetrahydrobiopterin Metabolism in Atherosclerosis: Implications for Use of Oxidized Tetrahydrobiopterin Analogues and Thiol Antioxidants

Objective—Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is of fundamental importance for the normal function of endothelial NO synthase. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hyperlipidemia on vascular BH4 levels and the effect of supplementation with sepiapterin in the presence and absence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Methods and Results—New Zealand White rabbits were fed normal chow (normocholesterolemic [NC] group) or hyperlipidemic chow (hyperlipidemic [HL] group) for 8 to 10 weeks. Mean cholesterol levels were 1465±333 and 53±17 mg/dL in the HL and NC group, respectively. Markedly diminished BH4 levels were found in the HL group compared with the NC group, but these levels could be restored after 6 hours of incubation with sepiapterin. Peak relaxations to acetylcholine and A23187 were impaired in the HL group. Supplementation with sepiapterin resulted in a further diminution of relaxation in the HL but not NC group. Incubation with NAC for 6 hours failed to raise BH4 levels, whereas NAC in conjunction with sepiapterin raised BH4 levels ≈221-fold. However, this increase did not improve relaxations to A23187 and acetylcholine. Conclusions—Prolonged exposure to sepiapterin impairs vasorelaxation in hyperlipidemia despite repletion of endogenous BH4. Antioxidant thiols do not correct this impairment. These studies have implications for the use of sepiapterin in the correction of vasomotor tone in atherosclerosis.
Fears about Seeking Therapeutic Help: The Effect of Sex of Subject, Sex of Professional, and Title of Professional

Abstract 96 subjects were asked to imagine that they had gone to their GP for help with an emotional problem. The subjects were further asked to imagine that the GP had referred them to either a male or female counsellor, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Whilst in role, subjects were asked to rate their concern about 15 possible fears of therapy, and to indicate their preference for a male or female therapist. There was little support for the hypothesis that female subjects would have lower fear ratings than male subjects. Equivocal support was found for the hypothesis that there would be an overall preference for female therapists. Results partially supported the hypothesis that fear ratings would be highest with respect to psychiatrists; the interaction of the sex of subject and the title of professional variables indicated that this was particularly so when the psychiatrist was female. The implications for counselling are briefly discussed, with regard to preparing clients for therapy.
Women, Madness and Medicine

Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. History of the relationship between Women and Psychiatry. includes: Women encounter psychiatry Psychiatrists and asylums Nineteenth--century psychiatric theories of female madness. 2. Modern Psychiatric Perspectives on Women. includes: Psychiatric diagnosis and the interests of women Problems with the conceptual foundations of the DSM--III--R Problems wit subjectivity Narrowness of focus Personality disorders Personality disorders and biological psychiatry Personality disorders and child abuse The medical profession responds to child abuse statistics. 3. Shifting Trends in Diagnosis. includes: Depression Biological studies of depression and diagnosis problems Research into the biological basis of depression Is depression an illness? The sociological challenge to biology Pre--menstrual syndrome (PMS) -- defined? PMS: the causal research generates puzzles Questions about the PMS diagnosis and its role in the discipline of women. 4. Epistemological Problems with the Dominant Medical Psychiatric Perspective. includes: Schizophrenia Genetic studies of schizophrenia Schizophrenia and body chemistry Brain imaging studies of schizophrenia Eating disorders The biological research into eating disorders Non--biological accounts of eating disorders. 5. Women, Psychiatry and Criminality. includes: Female crimes and appropriate female behaviour Biological psychiatry and female crime Pre--menstrual syndrome and female crime Psychiatric legal defences and the interests of women Battered woman syndrome and the law of self--defence. 6. Contrasting Feminist Philosophies of Women and Madness: Oppression and Repression. Examining the work of Phyllis Chesler and Luce Irigaray. 7. Women, Creativity, Reason and Madness. Examining the work of Virginia Woolf and Janet Frame. 8. Beyond Psychiatry. Notes. Index.
Possible Mechanisms Behind the Differential Effects of Soy Protein and Casein Feedings on Colon Cancer Biomarkers in the Rat

Abstract: In the present studies, several hypotheses were tested to explain previously reported differential effects of soy and casein on colon cancer biomarkers like cell proliferation, fecal fat, fecal bile acid, alkaline phosphatase, and magnesium excretion in rats. In Study 1, the effect of methionine, a limiting amino acid in soy protein and an amino acid that is thought to have a marked effect on colonic cell proliferation, was tested. It was concluded that methionine up to 1% in the diet had no effect on cell proliferation, using the 3H-thymidine assay. The same study revealed that fecal alkaline phosphatase excretion is a good marker for colonic epithelial damage and fecal magnesium excretion is not. In Study 2, the hypothesis was tested that soy fractions enriched with isoflavones and saponins may increase fat excretion and so influence colonic cell proliferation in rats. It was indeed shown that soy protein isolate and an ethanolic extract from soy protein isolate slightly increased fecal fat excretion (up to 1.7-fold). However, fecal water bile acid and free fatty acid concentrations were decreased after feeding soy protein-based diets compared with casein, and no difference in fecal alkaline phosphatase excretion was observed. In Study 3, the lytic potential of soy saponins and the interaction between saponins and some lytic bile acids were tested in vitro. Data suggest a protective effect from soy saponins by reducing lytic activity of cholic acid. The overall conclusion is that soy protein compared with casein influences several colon cancer risk parameters, indicating a more protective rather than a stimulating effect on colon cancer risk.
Generational preferences for work environment fit: effects on employee outcomes

Purpose – The examination of generational differences is an important area of inquiry for management research. Firms must recognize the influence of the values and work preferences of the next generation on organizational outcomes in order both to retain staff and to groom future leaders. It is proposed to examine the theory that firms' lack of success at employee retention may be impacted by the extent to which they understand and address generational differences in values, goals, and preferences.Design/methodology/approach – This study used survey methodology to examine generational and gender differences amongst the work environment preferences of 234 accountants in accounting firms.Findings – The results indicated the importance of goal orientation and system work environment fit for younger generation workers on satisfaction and intention to remain; and relationship fit on the satisfaction of Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers also experienced higher levels of overall satisfaction than younger generation emp.
Face Detection with High Precision Based on Radial-Symmetry Transform and Eye-Pair Checking

In this paper, a novel face detection algorithm is proposed which can detect both face and eye pupils efficiently at the same time. Interestingly, the results of face detection can be used to identify the regions of interest for pupil detection, and the results of pupil detection can be further contributed to detect more precise faces. A cascaded face filter is first constructed by using an adaboosting algorithm, which can rapidly filter out the non-face regions and keeps the possible face regions. Based on a radial-symmetry transform, the signal of eye pupil in a face candidate is considerably enhanced and becomes easy to detect. With an eye-pair checking process, the two pupil candidates are chosen as the outputted pupils if their corresponding face image obtains the highest verification score which is also larger than a predefined threshold. Experiments on the famous BioID face database have shown that 90.0% of faces can be successfully detected, and among the detected faces about 98% of eye pupils are detected with highly acceptable precision.
The Impact of Dispositional Optimism and Pessimism on Stress as a Function of Psychophysical Task Characteristics

In this study we tested the effect of individual differences in dispositional optimism and pessimism on target detection. Following proximal task dimensions set out by the Model of Maximal Adaptability, three tasks were employed in the current study, varying in their spatial and temporal emphasis. Performance as measured by self report of stress was examined in light of individual differences in attentional narrowing across the three task levels. Prior research indicates that optimism predicts increased Task-Engagement, but in this study there was a novel finding that higher levels of optimism predicted decreased Task-Engagement in spatial-dominant tasks. Optimism was also found to predict increased levels of post-task Worry in temporal-dominant tasks. However, expected relations between pessimism as post-task stress state were not observed. Although the results of the current study did not confirm the hypotheses regarding joint resource capacities for spatial and temporal task components, results did indicate that dispositional optimism does impact Task-Engagement, signifying a need for further research on the relation between this trait and participant stress. The results extend prior findings that the relationship between these traits and stress states may depend on the psychophysical characteristics of the target detection task employed.
The Scandinavian total ankle replacement: long-term, eleven to fifteen-year, survivorship analysis of the prosthesis in seventy-two consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the long-term survivorship and clinical and radiographic results of the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR). METHODS From February 1996 to March 2000, seventy-seven ankles in seventy-two patients (thirty-seven female and thirty-five male patients, with an average age of fifty-six years) underwent total ankle replacement using the STAR prosthesis with a single coating of hydroxyapatite. Two patients were lost to follow-up, and twelve patients with thirteen ankle replacements died. The average duration of follow-up for the patients without revision was 12.4 years (range, 10.8 to 14.9 years). Sixty-two of the seventy-seven ankles were available for final follow-up. RESULTS Twenty-nine (38%) of the seventy-seven ankles had a revision of at least one of the metallic components. The probability of implant survival was 70.7% at ten years and 45.6% at fourteen years. The main reasons for revision were aseptic loosening, subsidence of the talar component, and progressive cyst formation. Polyethylene insert fractures were observed in eleven ankles. CONCLUSIONS While the midterm to short-term results for patients managed with the STAR prosthesis have been encouraging at 3.7 years, the long-term survivorship of the same cohort was considerably inferior. The subjective and clinical results of the patients with retained prostheses are generally good and comparable with results reported in the current literature.
Red cell folate and predicted neural tube defect rate in three Asian cities.

BACKGROUND Periconceptional folic acid reduces neural tube defect (NTD) risk. Red blood cell folate concentration is inversely associated with NTD risk. In many countries there is a lack of information on NTD rates. Red cell folate status in women of childbearing age may be a surrogate for NTD rates and may be helpful in identifying countries or regions most likely to benefit from improved folate status. OBJECTIVE To predict NTD rates using red cell folate concentrations in women of childbearing age living in three Asian cities Design: Cross-sectional convenience samples of non-pregnant women living in Beijing (n=220), Kuala Lumpur (n=389), and Jakarta (n=129). RESULTS Red cell folate concentrations were highest (p<0.001) in women from Jakarta at 872 nmol/L (95% CI; 833, 910) followed by Kuala Lumpur at 674 nmol/L (95% CI: 644, 704) and lowest in Beijing at 563 nmol/L (95% CI: 524, 601). Accordingly, predicted NTD rates were highest in Beijing at 30/10000 (95% CI: 27, 33), followed by Kuala Lumpur at 24/10000 (95% CI: 22, 25), and lowest in Jakarta at 15/10000 (95% CI: 14,15). CONCLUSION Our red blood cell folate data suggests that of the three cities improving the folate status of women in Beijing would have the greatest impact on NTD rates.
Analysis of Specific IgG Titers Against Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Patients with Primary Antibody Deficiency Under Immunoglobulin Substitution Therapy: Impact of Plasma Donor Origin

Immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy is effective in reducing infections in patients with primary antibody deficiency (PAD). Diversity of specific antibodies is achieved by pooling plasma from over 1000 donors usually of a given geographic region. However, there is no agreement with regard to an optimal vaccination schedule for plasma donors. Especially for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), regional vaccination rates differ widely among populations due to the epidemiology of the disease. We analyzed specific antibody titers against TBE in comparison to total IgG levels in 162 serum samples collected from 110 PAD patients substituted with polyvalent intravenous IgG or subcutaneous IgG. Some patients received different IgG products over time leading to a total number of 122 different patient-IgG product combinations. Positive TBE-specific IgG levels were detected in 35 cases when measured by standard ELISA and could be confirmed by demonstration of neutralizing antibodies in 31 cases. The detection of specific antibody levels correlated with the geographic origin of the IgG preparations. No titers were detectable in patients substituted with IgG products from North-American donors, whereas variable degrees of anti-TBE titers were observed in patients receiving products from different European countries. We suggest considering the patients’ personal risk for TBE when selecting an appropriate Ig preparation. These data support regional plasma donation in order to address the diverse local infection profile.
Autosomal dominant pattern dystrophy of the retina associated with a 4-base pair insertion at codon 140 in the peripherin/RDS gene.

OBJECTIVE To define the phenotype of a retinal dystrophy associated with a 4-base pair insertion at codon 140 of the peripherin/RDS gene. PATIENTS Six affected members spanning two generations of a single family were examined. Five were studied in detail electrophysiologically and psychophysically. METHODS Psychophysical testing included color vision testing, photopic and scotopic static threshold perimetry, and dark adaptometry. Electrophysiological testing included flash and pattern electroretinography, as well as electrooculography. RESULTS Clinical findings ranged from subtle pigmentary changes at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium to more widespread pigmentary changes associated with choroidal neovascularization. Those with severe fundus changes exhibited greater abnormalities in psychophysical and electrophysiological testing than those with minimal fundus changes. CONCLUSIONS This particular peripherin/RDS gene mutation is associated with dominantly inherited pattern dystrophy of the retina. The phenotypic expression is variable in a manner not explained by age.
Non‐structural protein NSP2 induces heterotypic antibody responses during primary rotavirus infection and reinfection in children

Rotaviruses are the single most important causes of severe acute diarrhoea in children worldwide. Despite success in developing vaccines, there is still a lack of knowledge about many components of the immune response, particularly those to non‐structural proteins. This study established radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) assays using labeled G1P[8], G2P[4], and G4P[6] human rotaviruses to examine the spectrum and duration of rotavirus antibodies in sera collected sequentially for 18–36 months from 27 children after hospitalization for primary rotavirus gastroenteritis. Five children experienced rotavirus re‐infections. Primary responses detected to non‐structural protein NSP2 declined to baseline after 100–150 days. Responses were heterotypic between NSP2 of G1P[8] and G4P[8] rotaviruses. Re‐infections after 465–786 days boosted antibody levels to NSP2of both serotypes, together with the appearance of anti‐NSP2 to G2P[4], even though there was no evidence of infection with this serotype. We developed an enzyme‐immunoassay to measure sequential levels of anti‐NSP2 IgG and IgA, using recombinant (heterotypic) NSP2 derived from SA11 (G3P[2]). Anti‐NSP2 IgG and IgA were detected in sera from 23/23 (100%) and 18/24 (75%) of children after primary infection, declined to baseline after 100–150 days, were boosted after rotavirus re‐infections, and again declined to baseline 150 days later. Anti‐NSP2 IgA was also detected after primary infection, in duodenal juice from 14/16 (87%), and faecal extract from 11/19 (57%) of children. Sequential estimation of anti‐NSP2 EIA levels in sera could be a sensitive index of rotavirus infection and re‐infection. The potential of anti‐NSP2 to limit viral replication after re‐infection deserves further study. J. Med. Virol. 80:1090–1098, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia thrombosis (HIT/T) syndrome: diagnosis and treatment

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia thrombosis (HIT/T) is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is essentially clinical and negative results of laboratory assays do not exclude the diagnosis. Treatment involves stopping all heparin immediately and giving an alternative thrombin inhibitor. The adoption of low molecular weight heparins is one reason for the reduced incidence of this disease in recent years.
Modification of Lipid A Biosynthesis inNeisseria meningitidis lpxL Mutants: Influence on Lipopolysaccharide Structure, Toxicity, and Adjuvant Activity

ABSTRACT Two genes homologous to lpxL andlpxM from Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria, which are involved in lipid A acyloxyacylation, were identified in Neisseria meningitidis strain H44/76 and insertionally inactivated. Analysis by tandem mass spectrometry showed that one of the resulting mutants, termed lpxL1, makes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with penta- instead of hexa-acylated lipid A, in which the secondary lauroyl chain is specifically missing from the nonreducing end of the GlcN disaccharide. Insertional inactivation of the other (lpxL2) gene was not possible in wild-type strain H44/76 expressing full-length immunotype L3 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but could be readily achieved in agalE mutant expressing a truncated oligosaccharide chain. Structural analysis of lpxL2 mutant lipid A showed a major tetra-acylated species lacking both secondary lauroyl chains and a minor penta-acylated species. The lpxL1mutant LPS has retained adjuvant activity similar to wild-type meningococcal LPS when used for immunization of mice in combination with LPS-deficient outer membrane complexes from N. meningitidis but has reduced toxicity as measured in a tumor necrosis factor alpha induction assay with whole bacteria. In contrast, both adjuvant activity and toxicity of the lpxL2 mutant LPS are strongly reduced. As the combination of reduced toxicity and retained adjuvant activity has not been reported before for eitherlpxL or lpxM mutants from other bacterial species, our results demonstrate that modification of meningococcal lipid A biosynthesis can lead to novel LPS species more suitable for inclusion in human vaccines.