Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of vasopressin in the forebrain of spotted hyenas

The extreme virilization of the female spotted hyena raises interesting questions with respect to sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior. Females are larger and more aggressive than adult, non‐natal males and dominate them in social encounters; their external genitalia also are highly masculinized. In many vertebrates, the arginine vasopressin (VP) innervation of the forebrain, particularly that of the lateral septum, is associated with social behaviors such as aggression and dominance. Here, we used immunohistochemistry to examine the distribution of VP cells and fibers in the forebrains of adult spotted hyenas. We find the expected densely staining VP immunoreactive (VP‐ir) neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, as well as an unusually extensive distribution of magnocelluar VP‐ir neurons in accessory regions. A small number of VP‐ir cell bodies are present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; however, there are extensive VP‐ir fiber networks in presumed projection areas of these nuclei, for example, the subparaventricular zone and lateral septum, respectively. No significant sex differences were detected in the density of VP‐ir fibers in any area examined. In the lateral septum, however, marked variability was observed. Intact females exhibited a dense fiber network, as did two of the four males examined; the two other males had almost no VP‐ir septal fibers. This contrasts with findings in many other vertebrate species, in which VP innervation of the lateral septum is consistently greater in males than in females. J. Comp. Neurol. 498:80–92, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two years after a job loss: long-term impact of the JOBS program on reemployment and mental health.

Analyses of data from a randomized field experiment with 1,801 participants (A.D. Vinokur, R.H. Price. & Y.Schul, 1995) examined the long-term effects of a job-search workshop (JOBS) and the independent effects of demographic and psychological factors on reemployment and mental health outcomes. Two years after the JOBS workshop, the experimental group had significantly higher levels of reemployment and monthly income, lower levels of depressive symptoms, lower likelihood of experiencing a major depressive episode in the last year, and better role and emotional functioning compared with the control group. Baseline job-search motivation and sense of mastery had both direct and interactive effects (with experimental condition) on reemployment and mental health outcomes, respectively. The interactive effects demonstrated larger benefits for those who had initial low levels of job-search motivation and mastery.
Reinforcing Deterrence on NATO's Eastern Flank: Wargaming the Defense of the Baltics

Abstract : Russias recent aggression against Ukraine has disrupted nearly a generation of relative peace and stability between Moscow and its Western neighbors and raised concerns about its larger intentions. From the perspective of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO), the threat to the three Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuaniaformer Soviet republics, now member states that border Russian territorymay be the most problematic. In a series of war games conducted between summer2014 and spring 2015, the RAND Corporation examined the shape and probable outcome of a near-term Russian invasion of the Baltic states. The games findings are unambiguous: As currently postured, NATO cannot successfully defend the territory of its most exposed members. Across multiple games using a wide range of expert participants in and out of uniform playing both sides, the longest it has taken Russian forces to reach the outskirts of the Estonian and/or Latvian capitals of Tallinn and Riga, respectively, is 60 hours. Such a rapid defeat would leave NATO with a limited number of options, all bad: a bloody counteroffensive, fraught with escalatory risk, to liberate the Baltics; to escalate itself, as it threatened to do to avert defeat during the Cold War; or to concede at least temporary defeat, with uncertain but predictably disastrous consequences for the Alliance and, not incidentally, the people of the Baltics.
Tumor Endothelium Marker-8 Based Decoys Exhibit Superiority over Capillary Morphogenesis Protein-2 Based Decoys as Anthrax Toxin Inhibitors

Anthrax toxin is the major virulence factor produced by Bacillus anthracis. The toxin consists of three protein subunits: protective antigen (PA), lethal factor, and edema factor. Inhibition of PA binding to its receptors, tumor endothelium marker-8 (TEM8) and capillary morphogenesis protein-2 (CMG2) can effectively block anthrax intoxication, which is particularly valuable when the toxin has already been overproduced at the late stage of anthrax infection, thus rendering antibiotics ineffectual. Receptor-like agonists, such as the mammalian cell-expressed von Willebrand factor type A (vWA) domain of CMG2 (sCMG2), have demonstrated potency against the anthrax toxin. However, the soluble vWA domain of TEM8 (sTEM8) was ruled out as an anthrax toxin inhibitor candidate due to its inferior affinity to PA. In the present study, we report that L56A, a PA-binding-affinity-elevated mutant of sTEM8, could inhibit anthrax intoxication as effectively as sCMG2 in Fisher 344 rats. Additionally, pharmacokinetics showed that L56A and sTEM8 exhibit advantages over sCMG2 with better lung-targeting and longer plasma retention time, which may contribute to their enhanced protective ability in vivo. Our results suggest that receptor decoys based on TEM8 are promising anthrax toxin inhibitors and, together with the pharmacokinetic studies in this report, may contribute to the development of novel anthrax drugs.
Patterns of 5′ Untranslated Region Length Distribution in Encephalitozoon cuniculi: Implications for Gene Regulation and Potential Links Between Transcription and Splicing

ABSTRACT. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a eukaryotic intracellular parasite belonging to the group Microsporidia, has a highly reduced and compacted genome. Its mRNA transcripts have been found to differ between the two life stages, the spore and meront, of the parasite. Spore transcripts generally have more transcription start sites, longer 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs), and overlap more frequently with upstream genes than those of meronts. A previous analysis of 31 meront gene transcripts showed that most have short 5′UTRs, and intron‐containing genes, mostly ribosomal protein genes, exclusively have very short 5′UTRs. Here we analyzed a larger set of transcripts from meronts, and we find a pattern of 5′UTR length distribution similar to other reduced genomes. There is an abundance of very short 5′UTRs that are <20 bp in length, and very few 5′UTRs that are much longer. We also find a relationship between gene categories and 5′UTR length: intron‐containing genes and ribosomal protein genes have exclusively short 5′UTRs. We suggest that the abundance of short 5′UTRs may be related to a class of highly expressed genes that benefit the parasite's growth cycle. Also, the longer 5′UTRs may be playing a role in down‐regulating expression of genes that require temporal or environment‐induced expression.
Direct influence of the sodium pump on the membrane potential of vomeronasal chemoreceptor neurones in frog.

1. Whole‐cell measurements were made from microvillous receptor neurones isolated from the frog vomeronasal organ. We examined the mechanisms that determined the value of the resting membrane potential. 2. Cells recorded in Ringer solution containing 4 mM K+ showed a resting membrane potential of ‐88 +/‐ 20 mV (mean +/‐ 1 S.D., n = 56). Sixty‐six per cent of the cells had stable resting potentials more negative than the calculated equilibrium potentials for K+ (EK, ‐82 mV) indicating the presence of a hyperpolarizing outward pump current. 3. Cells recorded with an intracellular solution containing Na+ instead of K+, to set EK at 0 mV, presented stable membrane potentials in the range ‐65 to ‐119 mV when bathed in a normal Ringer solution. 4. Ouabain, a specific inhibitor of the Na+,K(+)‐ATPase, blocked the outward sodium pump current (Ip) and depolarized the membrane. 5. The sodium pump current, measured as the current blocked by 0.5 mM dihydro‐ouabain, was linearly related to the membrane potential in the range ‐60 to ‐120 mV. The reversal potential measured with a calculated free energy of ATP hydrolysis of ‐36.2 kJ mol‐1 was estimated to be ‐143 mV. 6. Reduction of the external K+ concentration to 0 mM depolarized the membrane to less than ‐40 mV. Voltage‐clamp observations in this condition indicated a reduction of Ip. Ouabain added to the bath reduced the blocking effect of low external K+. The addition of external K+ activated Ip and induced a rapid hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. 7. At membrane potentials more negative than ‐80 mV, an inward rectifying depolarizing current characterized as Ih was activated. When Ih was blocked by 5 mM external Cs+ the resting membrane potential increased. 8. These data indicate that the membrane potential of the vomeronasal receptor neurones is not generated by a passive diffusion of K+ ions but by the hyperpolarizing current created by the Na+,K(+)‐ATPase. We propose that the resting potential is set by a balance between Ip and Ih. The physiological implications of these mechanisms for setting the resting potential are discussed.
The Theoretical Status of Latent Variables

This article examines the theoretical status of latent variables as used in modern test theory models. First, it is argued that a consistent interpretation of such models requires a realist ontology for latent variables. Second, the relation between latent variables and their indicators is discussed. It is maintained that this relation can be interpreted as a causal one but that in measurement models for interindividual differences the relation does not apply to the level of the individual person. To substantiate intraindividual causal conclusions, one must explicitly represent individual level processes in the measurement model. Several research strategies that may be useful in this respect are discussed, and a typology of constructs is proposed on the basis of this analysis. The need to link individual processes to latent variable models for interindividual differences is emphasized. Consider the following sentence: " Einstein would not have been able to come up with his e ϭ mc 2 had he not possessed such an extraordinary intelligence. " What does this sentence express? It relates observable behavior (Einstein's writing e ϭ mc 2) to an unobservable attribute (his extraordinary intelligence), and it does so by assigning to the unobservable attribute a causal role in bringing about Einstein's behavior. In psychology, there are many constructs that play this type of role in theories of human behavior; examples are constructs like extraversion, spatial ability, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Such variables are usually referred to as latent variables. It is common to investigate the structure and effect of unobservables like intelligence through the analysis of interindividual differences data by statistically relating covariation between observed variables to latent variables. This is done, for example, in the widely used factor model. The idea is that although the fit of a latent variable model to the data may not prove the existence of causally operating latent variables, the model does formulate this as a hypothesis; consequently, the fit of such models can be adduced as evidence supporting this hypothesis. Finally, it is often suggested that the type of causal relation tested in latent variable modeling is similar to the relation between Einstein's intelligence and behavior in the above example; that is, the latent variable exerts influence at the level of the individual. Given the intuitive appeal of explaining a wide range of behaviors by invoking a limited number of latent variables, it is not surprising that latent variables analysis has become a …
Changes in activities of wives caring for their husbands following stroke.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of caregivers of persons with stroke with respect to their own physical activity. METHODS A qualitative, descriptive approach was used to study 10 caregivers of persons with stroke, recruited from a stroke exercise class in a large urban rehabilitation facility. Caregivers participated in individual, semi-structured interviews that were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a constant comparative method. An inductive, iterative approach was applied to determine the codes and themes. RESULTS Four main themes were identified: change in role, change in activity, barriers to activity and health, and change in meaning of activity. Barriers to activity included guilt, time, and energy. Participants revealed that activity became more therapeutic after stroke and that participants preferred purposeful, functional, and partnered activities. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the importance of the husband-wife dyad and of movement toward a family-centred care approach. Education should be provided to caregivers regarding their role, barriers, and health-promoting activities. Future research should focus on determining appropriate physical-activity programmes for caregivers as well as on evaluating implementation of partnered exercise programmes for caregivers and persons with stroke.
Late‐Onset Drug Fever Associated with Minocycline: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 15‐year‐old Caucasian boy experienced severe fever, fatigue, and a 40‐lb weight loss after 2 years of minocycline therapy. A workup for infectious causes was negative. One week after minocycline discontinuation, the patient reported that his fever had resolved. Two months later, he reported full resolution of symptoms, weight gain, and a return to normal activity. An objective causality assessment indicated that his illness probably was caused by minocycline, which is considered a safe drug; however, it has been associated with rare serious adverse effects. This patient's presentation of fever was noteworthy not only because minocycline is a rare cause of drug fever, but also because of the delayed onset. Clinicians should be aware that minocycline may cause severe fever and illness even after an extended period of drug exposure.
Comparative study on auscultatory and oscillometric methods of ambulatory blood pressure measurements in adult patients

BackgroundAmbulatory blood pressure (BP) monitors measure BP by oscillometric (Osc) or auscultatory (Aus) methods. In this study, we aimed to compare the values obtained by BP measurement methods in the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device that can take measurements using both the methods, factors influencing these values, and their relevancy in obtaining valid measurement percentages. MethodsThe study was conducted on 212 patients. BP values of these patients were measured with the Nissei DS-250 (Nihon Seimitsu Sokki Co. Ltd, Gunma, Japan) monitor capable of recording BP simultaneously by the Aus and the Osc methods. The cases, for which no records were obtained by any one of the two methods, were considered to have missing records. The impacts of age, sex, body mass index, and arm circumference on the valid BP measurement values were examined. ResultsThe valid measurement percentage without any missing records obtained by the Osc method was 87.3 and 16% by the Aus method. The body mass index, age, and arm circumference did not affect this percentage. The 24-h BP measurement values were higher by the Osc method. The differences between both methods in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 3.8±4.6 and 2.3±2.7 mmHg, respectively. Although the Aus method yielded higher standard deviation values than the Osc method for systolic blood pressure, standard deviation values obtained by the Osc method were higher than those obtained by the Aus method for diastolic blood pressure. ConclusionThe percentage of obtaining valid measurements by the Osc method used in the Nissei DS-250 model ABPM device examined in this study is higher when compared with the Aus method. Therefore, while examining ABPM results, the Osc method may be preferable over the Aus method.
Adaptive SDN-based architecture using QoE metrics in live video streaming on Cloud Mobile Media

The increasing adoption of smart phones, the increased access to mobile broadband networks and the availability of public cloud infrastructures are aligning to the next generation of truly ubiquitous multimedia services, known as Cloud Mobile Media (CMM) services. Nevertheless, due to an inherit higher and variable end to end delay mainly as a result of the virtualization process, new challenges appear in particular for live video streaming applications in order to keep a good Quality of Experience of the delivered video. Thus, to keep client's satisfaction at good levels in terms of Mean Opinion Score (MOS), we propose an adaptive Software Defined Networking (SDN)-based architecture running on CMM. We estimate MOS using an statistical method based on Factor Analysis (FA) and then the SDN controller is able to schedule different actions. The MOS estimation is based on different measured variables throughout the CMM infrastructure. Finally, we compare the accuracy of the estimated MOS against well known publicly available video quality algorithms as well as we propose an algorithm to run at the SDN controller to meet these requirements.
Prevalence and Correlates of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Quebec

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, comorbidities, and service use of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) based on data from Quebec Integrated Chronic Diseases Surveillance System (QICDSS). Methods: We included all residents up to age 24 eligible for health plan coverage who were in Quebec for at least 1 day from January 1, 1996, to March 31, 2015. To be considered as having an ASD, an individual had to have had at least 1 physician claim or hospital discharge abstract from 2000 to 2015 indicating one of the following ASD diagnosis codes: ICD-9 codes 299.0 to 299.9 or their ICD-10 equivalents. Results: The QICDSS shows that the prevalence of ASD has risen steadily over the past decade to approximately 1.2% (n = 16,940) of children and youths aged 1 to 17 years in 2014 to 2015. The same prevalence was obtained using Ministry of Education data. Common medical comorbidities included congenital abnormalities of the nervous system, particularly in the first year of life. Psychiatric comorbidity was much more highly prevalent, especially common mental disorders like anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children and youths with ASDs made on average 2.3 medical visits per year compared with 0.2 in the general population. Between 18 and 24 years old, the mental health needs of individuals with ASDs were met less by medical specialists and more by general practitioners. Conclusion: Information derived from this database could support and monitor development of better medical services coordination and shared care to meet the continuous and changing needs of patients and families over time.
Detection and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from seagulls

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from a seagull in Japan were examined. A total of 50 faecal samples was collected on a harbour bank in Hokkaido, Japan, in July 1998. Two different STEC strains, whose serotypes were O136[ratio ]H16 and O153[ratio ]H− , were isolated from the same individual by PCR screening; both of them were confirmed by ELISA and Vero cell cytotoxicity assay to be producing active Stx2 and Stx1, respectively. They harboured large plasmids, but did not carry the haemolysin or eaeA genes of STEC O157[ratio ]H7. Based on their plasmid profiles, antibiotic resistance patterns, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis (PFGE), and the stx genes sequences, the isolates were different. Phylogenic analysis of the deduced Stx amino acid sequences demonstrated that the Stx toxins of seagull-origin STEC were closely associated with those of the human-origin, but not those of other animal-origin STEC. In addition, Stx2Φ-K7 phage purified from O136 STEC resembled Stx2Φ-II from human-origin O157[ratio ]H7, and was able to convert non-toxigenic E. coli to STEC. These results suggest that birds may be one of the important carriers in terms of the distribution of STEC.
Body Size and Risk of Luminal, HER2-Overexpressing, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

Although the clinical relevance of molecular subtypes of breast cancer has been documented, little is known about risk factors for different tumor subtypes, especially the HER2-overexpressing and the triple-negative subtypes that have poor prognoses. Obesity may be differentially related to the risk of different subtypes given the various potential mechanisms underlying its association with breast cancer. We pooled two population-based case-control studies of postmenopausal breast cancer for an analysis, including 1,447 controls and 1,008 luminal (hormone receptor positive), 39 HER2-overexpressing (hormone receptor negative, HER2 positive), and 77 triple-negative (hormone receptor and HER2 negative) cases. Associations between anthropometric factors and the risk of different breast cancer subtypes were evaluated using polytomous logistic regression. Among women not currently using menopausal hormone therapy, body mass index (BMI) and weight were associated with the risk of luminal tumors [odds ratio (OR) comparing highest versus lowest quartiles, 1.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.2-2.4 and OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4, respectively] and suggestively associated with risk of triple-negative tumors (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-7.5 and OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.1-23.0, respectively). Neither BMI nor weight was associated with the risk of any tumor subtype among hormone therapy users. The positive relationship between BMI and luminal tumors among postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy is well characterized in the literature. Although our sample size was limited, body size may also be related to the risk of postmenopausal triple-negative breast cancer among nonusers of hormone therapy. Given the expanding obesity epidemic, the widespread cessation of hormone therapy use, and the poor prognosis of triple-negative tumors, this novel finding merits confirmation. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(8):2078–86)
Technical Efficiency, Technological Change and Total Factor Productivity Growth in Chinese State‐Owned Enterprises in the Early 1990s

Based on a framework proposed by Battese and Coelli (1995), we estimated the stochastic frontier production function for four Chinese industries: building materials, chemicals, machinery and textiles during 1990–1994. The type of technological change is tested and total factor productivity (TFP) growth is calculated for each industry. We found no evidence of technological change in the building materials, chemicals and textiles industries and a neutral technological progress in the machinery industry. There was significant reduction of technical efficiency in the chemicals, machinery and textiles industries. As the result, chemicals and textiles experienced a negative TFP growth, whereas building materials and machinery display negligible TFP change. Our result cast doubt on the industrial reform measures in China.