Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CD24 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome through c-Src kinase activity in a model of the lining epithelium of inflamed periodontal tissues

Chronic periodontitis is characterized by perturbation of the epithelial attachment to the tooth with subsequent migration of the lining epithelium and formation of a cleft or pocket. This non‐keratinized lining epithelium provides initial responses to bacterial products by signalling through receptors of innate immunity to activate inflammasome pathways. These comprise an intracellular network of regulatory and effector molecules leading to synthesis and activation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, CD24 is characteristically strongly expressed by the pocket epithelium and is reported to function as an important negative regulator for danger signals, protecting tissues from excessive leukocyte activity. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of ligation of CD24 on expression of inflammasome components. An epithelial mimic of pocket epithelium was used to evaluate activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Surprisingly, antibody ligation of CD24 enhanced expression of NLRP3 together with co‐activators ASC and caspase‐1 resulting in burst release of activated interleukin (IL)‐18. Potent product inhibition was detected with IL‐18 suppressing expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase‐1. Scant distribution of these products within pocket epithelium compared with healthy gingival attachment provided indication of potential cycling of NLRP3 inflammasome expression. As subjects with mild chronic periodontitis have increased titres of serum antibodies auto‐reactive with CD24 compared with those of subjects with severe periodontitis, a molecular mechanism for regulated expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome mediated by c‐Src kinase activity, is proposed. This pathway could be regionally disrupted by products of pathogenic bacteria with profound downregulation in the dysbiosis associated with severe disease.
Current Emotion Research in Philosophy

There remains a division between the work of philosophers who draw on the sciences of the mind to understand emotion and those who see the philosophy of emotion as more self-sufficient. This article examines this methodological division before reviewing some of the debates that have figured in the philosophical literature of the last decade: whether emotion is a single kind of thing, whether there are discrete categories of emotion, and whether emotion is a form of perception. These questions have been addressed by both sides of the methodological divide and the integration of these two approaches would have clear benefits.
Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) Applied for Gait Classification and Physiotherapy Monitoring in Post Stroke Patients

1.1 Overview of the problem Humans have an innate predisposition for ambulation (walking). The motor neuron stimulation involved in ambulation is generated by a natural neural network located in the spinal cord, known as the central pattern generator for locomotion. This network is strongly influenced both by super-spinal structures situated mainly in the hypothalamus and brainstem, and by signals coming from various types of peripheral receptors (Carter & Page 2009). To facilitate research and analysis, free gait in humans is traditionally divided into phases and cycles. Each full gait cycle comprises two individual steps; a single step consists of a stance phase and a swing phase. The gait cycle includes a stage of single limb stance (when the body rests on a single lower extremity) and a double limb stance (on both lower extremities). Kinematic gait analysis assumes a simplified, 15-segment model of the human body (feet, shins, thighs, forearms, upper arms, hands, head, torso, and pelvis) (Blaszczyk 2004). There are two kinds of basic parameters adopted for gait modelling and routine testing of ambulation in healthy and disabled individuals: spatial values of motion (including step length, velocity of the body mass centre, progressions of changes in joint angles, body mass oscillations) and dynamic values of gait mechanics (most often including ground reaction forces in 3 planes and the distribution of foot forces on the ground). These physical values are measured in parallel with bioelectric muscle activity (EMC), registered by surface electrodes as a subject walks (Perry & Burnfield, 2010). Correct ambulation requires the precise integration of practically all the systems of the human body. When one of the elements, especially a motor organ, is damaged as a consequence of injury, degeneration, or deformation, this immediately finds reflection in divergences of the above parameters from normative values, which is in practice described as pathological gait (Perry & Burnfield, 2010). The field of clinical biomechanics therefore
Pediatric Hospital Adherence to the Standard of Care for Acute Gastroenteritis

BACKGROUND: Adherence to published care guidelines for the management of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of AGE guideline adherence with outcomes and resource use at pediatric hospitals. DESIGN/METHODS: We studied children aged 6 months to 6 years with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD-9) discharge code indicative of AGE and without comorbid conditions in the emergency department, observation setting, or hospital. Laboratory studies, antiemetic use, and antibiotic use were evaluated, and the length of stay, mean adjusted total charges, and readmission proportion were documented. Multiple analysis of variance determined if the variance of adjusted charges, length of stay, and diagnostic studies were hospital-related. A regression analysis determined the association between guideline adherence and outcomes. RESULTS: There were a total of 188873 patients; 174594 (92.4%) were not admitted, and 14279 (7.6%) were admitted. There was substantial variation in resource use among hospitals. The mean adjusted total charge for all patients was $863 (SD: 1336). The mean adjusted total charge for nonadmitted patients was $591 (SD: 636). Individual hospitals contributed to the variance of mean length of stay, total adjusted charges, and use of diagnostic studies after controlling for covariates (P < .001). Guideline adherence was associated with a mean decrease in the average adjusted cost ($591) for nonadmitted patients of $296 (95% confidence interval: −399 to −193). CONCLUSIONS: Guideline-adherent hospitals demonstrated 50% lower charges for emergency department or observation patients with uncomplicated AGE without adversely affecting outcomes. Use of resources not routinely recommended by published AGE guidelines remains common in pediatric hospitals.
Development and Evaluation of STEM Interest and Self-Efficacy Tests

The recruitment and retention of students interested in STEM pursuits (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a national priority obstructed by a lack of relevant measures. We developed a set of assessment devices applicable to program evaluation as well as the identification of STEM interested students and their self-efficacy levels. In this article, we report the psychometric properties of two interest and two self-efficacy measures of STEM-related activities and occupations. Exploratory factor analyses conducted on each measure with a randomly selected half of the sample (n = 213) resulted in one general STEM factor. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on shortened versions of the tests for the remaining half of the sample (n = 190). Goodness-of-fit indices all supported the one-factor model. Applications of the instruments to STEM assessment and education are discussed.
De Novo Mutation of Paternal IGF2 Gene Causing Silver–Russell Syndrome in a Sporadic Patient

Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) is a rare, but well-recognized disease characterized by growth disorder. To date, there are two reports arguing IGF2 mutation for the onset of SRS. Herein, we present another sporadic case harboring IGF2 mutation. The male proband was the first and only child of a non-consanguineous Chinese couple. He was small for gestational age, with relative macrocephaly at birth. Severe feeding difficulties, low feeding, and growth retardation were revealed during neonatal period. At 4.5 years old, obvious body asymmetry was noted. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel de novo c.101G > A (p.Gly34Asp, NM_000612) variant in IGF2 and Sanger sequencing validated the variant. Amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the IGF2 variant was on the paternal allele. Alignment shows the variant is evolutionarily conserved. Structural modeling argues that the variant site might be important for the binding of IGF2 to its receptor. Our study provides further evidence that IGF2 mutation may be another mechanism of SRS, and we consider that IGF2 should be included in a disease specific gene panel in case it is designed for SRS routine diagnostics.
Weakly Picard pairs of some multivalued operators

The purpose of this paper is to present a partial answer to the following problem: Let (X, d) be a metric space and T1, T2 : X → P (X) two multivalued operators. Determine the metric conditions which imply that (T1, T2) is a weakly Picard pair of multivalued operators and T1, T2 are weakly Picard multivalued operators.
Long-term consequences of childhood maltreatment: Altered amygdala functional connectivity

Abstract Childhood maltreatment is a serious individual, familial, and societal threat that compromises healthy development and is associated with lasting alterations to emotion perception, processing, and regulation (Cicchetti & Curtis, 2005; Pollak, Cicchetti, Hornung, & Reed, 2000; Pollak & Tolley-Schell, 2003). Individuals with a history of maltreatment show altered structural and functional brain development in both frontal and limbic structures (Hart & Rubia, 2012). In particular, previous research has identified hyperactive amygdala responsivity associated with childhood maltreatment (e.g., Dannlowski et al., 2012). However, less is known about the impact of maltreatment on the relationship between the amygdala and other brain regions. The present study employed an emotion processing functional magnetic resonance imaging task to examine task-based activation and functional connectivity in adults who experienced maltreatment as children. The sample included adults with a history of substantiated childhood maltreatment (n = 33) and comparison adults (n = 38) who were well matched on demographic variables, all of whom have been studied prospectively since childhood. The maltreated group exhibited greater activation than comparison participants in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. In addition, maltreated adults showed increased amygdala connectivity with the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The results suggest that the intense early stress of childhood maltreatment is associated with lasting alterations to frontolimbic circuitry.
Autotaxin Inhibition with PF-8380 Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Human and Murine Glioblastoma Cell Lines

Purpose: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor that is radio-resistant and recurs despite aggressive surgery, chemo, and radiotherapy. Autotaxin (ATX) is over expressed in various cancers including GBM and is implicated in tumor progression, invasion, and angiogenesis. Using the ATX specific inhibitor, PF-8380, we studied ATX as a potential target to enhance radiosensitivity in GBM. Methods and Materials: Mouse GL261 and Human U87-MG cells were used as GBM cell models. Clonogenic survival assays and tumor transwell invasion assays were performed using PF-8380 to evaluate role of ATX in survival and invasion. Radiation dependent activation of Akt was analyzed by immunoblotting. Tumor induced angiogenesis was studied using the dorsal skin fold model in GL261. Heterotopic mouse GL261 tumors were used to evaluate the efficacy of PF-8380 as a radiosensitizer. Results: Pre-treatment of GL261 and U87-MG cells with 1 μM PF-8380 followed by 4 Gy irradiation resulted in decreased clonogenic survival, decreased migration (33% in GL261; P = 0.002 and 17.9% in U87-MG; P = 0.012), decreased invasion (35.6% in GL261; P = 0.0037 and 31.8% in U87-MG; P = 0.002), and attenuated radiation-induced Akt phosphorylation. In the tumor window model, inhibition of ATX abrogated radiation induced tumor neovascularization (65%; P = 0.011). In a heterotopic mouse GL261 tumors untreated mice took 11.2 days to reach a tumor volume of 7000 mm3, however combination of PF-8380 (10 mg/kg) with irradiation (five fractions of 2 Gy) took more than 32 days to reach a tumor volume of 7000 mm3. Conclusion: Inhibition of ATX by PF-8380 led to decreased invasion and enhanced radiosensitization of GBM cells. Radiation-induced activation of Akt was abrogated by inhibition of ATX. Furthermore, inhibition of ATX led to diminished tumor vascularity and delayed tumor growth. These results suggest that inhibition of ATX may ameliorate GBM response to radiotherapy.
Factors influencing use of an e-health website in a community sample of older adults

OBJECTIVE The use of the internet as a source of health information and link to healthcare services has raised concerns about the ability of consumers, especially vulnerable populations such as older adults, to access these applications. This study examined the influence of training on the ability of adults (aged 45+ years) to use the Medicare.gov website to solve problems related to health management. The influence of computer experience and cognitive abilities on performance was also examined. DESIGN Seventy-one participants, aged 47-92, were randomized into a Multimedia training, Unimodal training, or Cold Start condition and completed three healthcare management problems. MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSES: Computer/internet experience was measured via questionnaire, and cognitive abilities were assessed using standard neuropsychological tests. Performance metrics included measures of navigation, accuracy and efficiency. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, χ(2) and regression techniques. RESULTS The data indicate that there was no difference among the three conditions on measures of accuracy, efficiency, or navigation. However, results of the regression analyses showed that, overall, people who received training performed better on the tasks, as evidenced by greater accuracy and efficiency. Performance was also significantly influenced by prior computer experience and cognitive abilities. Participants with more computer experience and higher cognitive abilities performed better. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that training, experience, and abilities are important when using complex health websites. However, training alone is not sufficient. The complexity of web content needs to be considered to ensure successful use of these websites by those with lower abilities.
A Dyad-Oriented Approach to Distress and Mother - Child Relationship Outcomes in the First 24 Months

Objective. This study examined the relation of distress and relationship processes within mother - infant dyads during the first 24 months postpartum using a dyad-oriented analytic approach. Design. A longitudinal design of 57 mother - child dyads from birth to 24 months of age was used. At birth, 3, 6, and 24 months postpartum, maternal reports about generalized anxiety, concerns about the infant, and infant difficulty were cluster-analyzed to categorize groups of dyads high and low in distress at each age. Home-based observations of relationships at 24 months consisted of Q-sort attachment security and maternal sensitivity, and these were cluster-analyzed to form groups with relatively harmonious (i.e., high security and sensitivity) and disharmonious (i.e., low security and sensitivity) relationships. Dyad-oriented data analyses therefore were used to categorize groupings of mother - child pairings, and distress at each age was related to relationships at age 24 months. Results. Dyads in distress at 3, 6, and 24 months postpartum had disharmonious relationship outcomes. Harmonious dyads at 24 months were more than 4 times more likely to have had mothers report low distress at 3 or 6 months of age than disharmonious dyads. Of dyads in distress, 33% at both 6 and 24 months postpartum had harmonious relationships, compared to 81% dyads not in distress at both ages. Conclusions. Distress reported by mothers during the first 24 months postpartum predicted disharmonious mother - child relationships at 2 years of age. One interpretation is that parents who have relatively more negative emotions and difficulty regulating these emotions are more likely to develop relationship difficulties with their young children.
EFFECT OF REARING TEMPERATURE ON LARVAL BUFO VIRIDIS VIRIDIS LAURENTI 1768 ( Anura , Amphibia )

It is well known that rearing ectotherm animals under low temperatures enhances their growth and decelerates development. In the present study, a group of early prometamorphic tadpoles of the green toad, Bufo viridis viridis was reared in the cold room (experimental) and another in the laboratory under room temperature (control) for two months. By the end of the experiment, the experimental group gained a bigger average body weight, and larger dimensions than the control. The latter, on the other hand, achieved more advanced developmental stages. Unlike many of the control animals, none of the experimental tadpoles reached climax by the time the experiment was ended, i.e. after two months. Histological and electron microscopically examination of the epidermis of experimental animals showed gradual erosion of the epidermis and heavy deposition of collagen in the dermis. At the time the experiment was ended, the epidermis was almost completely lost. The study also showed the breakdown of the skeletal muscle fibers into small segments of two or three sarcomeres. Eventually, the tadpoles became incapable of locomotors movements, a result that may recorded for the first time. The present results are in general accordance with previous studies on ectotherms regarding effects of low temperatures on growth and differentiation.
Effects of 24-Week Aerobic and Resistance Training on Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness and Flow Velocity in Elderly Women with Sarcopenic Obesity

Aim: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in elderly women. Increases in body fat and decreases in muscle mass are closely associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a 24-week aerobic and resistance training program on carotid parameters in SO. Methods: Fifty elderly women (74.1 ± 6.1 years) with SO were randomly divided into an exercise group and a control group. The exercise group performed combined exercise over 24 weeks, consisting of resistance and aerobic training for 50–80 min, 5 times a week. Carotid variables were measured using B-mode ultrasound. The differences in the carotid variables and the relative changes between baseline and after 24 weeks were evaluated. Results: In the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, CIMT (p = 0.013), systolic flow velocity (p = 0.007), diastolic flow velocity (p = 0.006), and wall shear rate (p = 0.010) showed significant interactions. In paired t-test results of the exercise group, CIMT significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and systolic flow velocity (p < 0.01), diastolic flow velocity (p < 0.001), and wall shear rate (p < 0.05) significantly increased after 24 weeks. Conclusion: The 24-week combined exercise effectively decreased CIMT and increased carotid flow velocity and wall shear ratio. Therefore, combined exercise is thought to contribute to the improvement of the risk of CVD in elderly women with SO.
Mapping Global Values

Modernization goes through two main phases, each of which brings distinctive changes in people's worldviews. The Industrial Revolution was linked with a shift from traditional to secular-rational values, bringing bureaucratization, centralization, standardization and the secularization of authority. In the post-industrial phase of modernization, a shift from survival values to self-expression values, brings increasing emancipation from both religious and secular-rational authority. Rising mass emphasis on self-expression values makes democracy increasingly likely to emerge.Although the desire for freedom is a universal human aspiration, it does not take top priority when people grow up with the feeling that survival is uncertain. But when survival seems secure, increasing emphasis on self-expression values makes the emergence of democracy increasingly likely where it does not yet exist, and makes democracy increasingly effective where it already exists.
Gifted Education: Window of Opportunity

Educators and parents of gifted students have many concerns as current movements of educational restructuring and reform sweep the country. However, unparalleled opportunities emerge from the swelling interest in education that focuses on the individual learning needs of all students. This interest should be perceived as a window of opportunity. In order to take advantage of the opportunities, gifted program personnel will want to keep an open mind toward concepts such as inclusion and collabora tion. Without giving up the cause as champions of differentiated learning opportunities for highly able students, they can be accepted at last as key conversants in the educational dialogue. Then they can work in more integrative and productive ways with general classroom teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders to develop exceptional student potential.
Low-Sidelobe-Level Series-Fed Microstrip Antenna Array of Unequal Interelement Spacing

Using the differential evolution algorithm (DEA), low-sidelobe-level (SLL) series-fed microstrip antenna arrays of unequal interelement spacing (IES) are investigated. The proposed design method can achieve conversion between the SLL and half-power beamwidth (HPBW). The constraint conditions for the IES and amplitude are set up, and the element size is also taken into account in the pattern function. Based on the solutions from the DEA, two types of series-fed antenna arrays of unequal IES, i.e., uniform amplitude and nonuniform amplitude arrays, are designed, fabricated, and measured. Measurement results show that 8- and 10-element series-fed antenna arrays of unequal IES and nonuniform amplitude can achieve the SLL of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-\text{23.7}$</tex-math></inline-formula> dB with HPBW of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{9.7}^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> and the SLL of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-\text{25.3}$</tex-math></inline-formula> dB with HPBW of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{8.3}^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula>, respectively. Compared to the traditional design methods, the proposed one can achieve the series-fed antenna array with a lower SLL and more narrow HPBW.
Online Activities, Digital Media Literacy, and Networked Individualism of Korean Youth

Networked individualism enables Internet users to connect and socialize via their loose and transient multiple networks, whereas digital media literacy is a precondition of effective Internet use. In this study, an attempt has been made to find the link between networked individualism, digital media literacy, and young people’s perception of their social capital. A nationally representative face-to-face survey was conducted with Korean adolescents in 2013. Networked individualism was higher in adolescents who frequently engaged in online activities and who demonstrated greater digital media literacy. Belonging to multiple, diverse networks and having many connections was positively correlated to adolescents’ online social capital. Findings indicate that online activities and skills influence the ways adolescents connect to others and perceive of their social connectedness.