Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OBESITY INDICES AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN VETERANS

Obesity is linked to many chronic health conditions and middle-aged obesity is associated with later-life dementia. Obesity rates in veterans are higher than in the civilian population. Research examining body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function has demonstrated that young to middle-aged obese adults consistently demonstrate deficits in memory and executive function. Waist circumference (WC) is another measure of obesity that has been investigated as it relates to cognitive function; however, a clear pattern of deficit has not yet emerged. This study’s purpose was to investigate the relationship among BMI, WC, and cognitive function in male veterans aged 18-55. One hundred and seventeen veterans participated in this one-session study. Participants had their height and weight measured, completed questionnaires that assessed demographic information and other health-related variables, and completed a battery of cognitive tests. A chart review of each participant’s medical record was conducted, and relevant diagnoses and medications were extracted. A factor analysis (FA) of the cognitive outcome variables was conducted for data reduction purposes and FA results were used to create the following factors: Speeded Measures, Verbal Fluency, Memory, and Executive Function. Then, four-step hierarchical regression analyses were conducted with BMI and WC entered as the main predictor variables. Results revealed no significant relationship between obesity indices and cognitive function after controlling for relevant variables. Post hoc analyses were then conducted. Composite scores were created based on the conceptual basis of the neuropsychological outcome measures: Memory, Executive Function, Verbal Fluency, Attention, and Psychomotor Speed. Regression analyses were rerun using these scores. Results revealed no significant relationship between any index of obesity and cognitive function. Implications of these findings are discussed. OBESITY INDICES AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN VETERANS
Clinical and Bacteriological Efficacy of Rifampin-Streptomycin Combination for Two Weeks followed by Rifampin and Clarithromycin for Six Weeks for Treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease

Richard O. Phillips, Fred S. Sarfo, Mohammed K. Abass, Justice Abotsi, Tuah Wilson, Mark Forson, Yaw A. Amoako, William Thompson, Kingsley Asiedu, Mark Wansbrough-Jones Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom; Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo, Ghana; Tepa Government Hospital, Tepa, Ghana; Nkawie-Toase Government Hospital, Nkawie, Ghana; Global Buruli Ulcer Initiative, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
Quasi-Z-Source-Based Isolated DC/DC Converters for Distributed Power Generation

This paper presents new step-up dc/dc converter topologies intended for distributed power generation systems. The topologies contain a voltage-fed quasi-Z-source inverter with continuous input current on the primary side, a single-phase isolation transformer, and a voltage doubler rectifier (VDR). To increase the power density of the converter, a three-phase auxiliary ac link (a three-phase inverter and a three-phase isolation transformer) and a three-phase VDR are proposed to be implemented. This paper describes the operation principles of the proposed topologies and analyzes the theoretical and experimental results.
Extended major histocompatibility complex haplotypes, ancestry and acute kidney transplant rejection in Mexicans.

INTRODUCTION Extended major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes are associated with several autoimmune diseases, and these appear to depend on ancestry. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of extended MHC gene frequencies, ancestry, and acute rejection. MATERIAL AND METHODS 127 living kidney transplant recipients who underwent kidney transplantation in Mexico City between January 2004 and October 2007 with follow up until October 2008. The primary outcome was biopsy proven acute rejection. Ancestry was considered as either Amerindian or admixtures with Caucasian, African or Oriental genes. Allele and haplotype frequencies were estimated for HLA A, B and DR loci. Hardy Weinberg (HW) and delta values were analyzed to test for linkage disequilibrium (LD). RESULTS There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between groups. 50% were men, and 28, 61 and 10% of the patients shared zero, one or two haplotypes, respectively. The whole population was Hispanic and born in Mexico. Median PRA was 0%. Allelic variance in all MCH loci was in HW equilibrium, 14% developed acute rejection. There was a high frequency of Amerindian haplotypes; admixture genes and LD were higher in the group with acute rejection. When compared to the group without acute rejection, the haplotype A1*B8*DR3 was more frequent in donors in whom their recipients had acute rejection (p = 0.008), while A28*B39*DR4 was more common in the recipients with acute rejection (p = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression models did not attenuate these associations. CONCLUSIONS Ancestry and LD may be associated with risk of acute rejection and may therefore be useful in directing immunosuppression.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of HPV‐related squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Current ancillary testing methods for determining HPV status

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a unique form of carcinoma that largely arises from the tonsillar tissue in the oropharynx. These tumors often present with cervical lymphadenopathy resulting in a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. Use of the cytology specimen to determine the HPV‐status has significant prognostic and treatment implications as HPV‐related tumors have a more favorable prognosis and response to nonsurgical therapies. While several different ancillary testing methods are available that have proven effective for determining HPV status in FNA specimens from HNSCCs, there is currently no consensus regarding HPV testing in this setting. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:221–229. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Awareness during Anesthesia

MEMORY is not a single entity. Current classification distinguishes between two types: explicit, or conscious memory, and implicit, or unconscious memory. Explicit memory refers to the conscious recollection of previous experiences. Implicit memory, by contrast, refers to changes in performance or behavior that are produced by previous experiences but without any conscious recollection of those experiences. 1 Explicit memory is equivalent to remembering (e.g., can you remember what you did last Tuesday evening? ). In the case of an anesthetized patient, one might ask the patient in the postoperative period can you remember hearing any words or sounds during your operation? (i.e., a recall test) or which of the following words were played to you during surgery? (a recognition test). As an example of implicit memory, consider the following scenario. Patients were exposed during anesthesia to a list of words containing the word pension. ' Postoperatively, when they were presented with the three-letter word stem PEN and were asked to supply the first word that came to their minds beginning with those letters, they gave the word pension more often than pencil or peninsula or others. The term awareness' will be used to describe explicit memory during anesthesia.
Interleukin‐10 induces apoptosis in developing mast cells and macrophages

Interleukin (IL)‐10 is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine capable of inhibiting the inflammatory response. As mast cells and macrophages are central effectors of inflammation, we investigated the effects of IL‐10 on mast cell and macrophge development from mouse bone marrow progenitors. Bone marrow cells were cultured in IL‐3 + stem cell factor (SCF), giving rise to mixed populations of mast cells and macrophages. The addition of IL‐10 greatly decreased the expansion of bone marrow progenitor cells through a mechanism requiring signal tranducer and activator of transcription‐3 expression. The inhibitory effects were a result of the induction of apoptosis, which occurred with caspase‐3 activation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Supporting a role for the mitochondrion, bone marrow cells from p53‐deficient or Bcl‐2 transgenic mice were partly resistant to the effects of IL‐10. Further, IL‐10 decreased Kit receptor expression and inhibited survival signaling by SCF or IL‐3. These data indicate that IL‐10 induces an intrinsic, mitochondrial apoptosis cascade in developing mast cells and macrophages through mechanisms involving blockade of growth factor receptor function. The ability of IL‐10 to inhibit survival could support immune homeostasis by dampening inflammatory responses and preventing chronic inflammation.
The Impact of North Atlantic Wind and Cyclone Trends on European Precipitation and Significant Wave Height in the Atlantic

An analysis of the frequency of cyclones and surface wind velocity for the Euro–Atlantic sector is performed by means of an objective methodology. Monthly and seasonal trends of cyclones and wind speed magnitude are computed and trends between 1960 and 2000 evaluated. Results reveal a significant frequency decrease (increase) in the western Mediterranean (Greenland and Scandinavia), particularly in December, February, and March. Seasonal and monthly analysis of wind magnitude trends shows similar spatial patterns. We show that these changes in the frequency of low‐pressure centers and the associated wind patterns are partially responsible for trends in the significant height of waves. Throughout the extended winter months (October–March), regions with positive (negative) wind magnitude trends, of up to 5 cm/s/year, often correspond to regions of positive (negative) significant wave height trends. The cyclone and wind speed trends computed for January–March are well matched by the corresponding trends in significant wave height, with February being the month with the highest trends (negative south of lat 50°N up to −3 cm/year, and positive up to 5 cm/year just north of Scotland). Trends in European precipitation are assessed using the Climatic Research Unit data set. The results of the assessment emphasize the link with the corresponding tendencies of cyclone frequencies. Finally, it is shown that these changes are associated, to a large extent, with the preferred phases of major large‐scale atmospheric circulation modes, particularly with the North Atlantic Oscillation, the eastern Atlantic pattern, and the Scandinavian pattern.
National Software Industry Development: Considerations for Government Planners

Software presents an unusual set of problems for policy makers. As a major global industry, it has been successfully targeted by a growing number of countries for its potential to generate export revenue. At the same time, it is an essential, high‐risk, and increasingly expensive component of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)‐related programs to increase government effectiveness and to bring local firms in other industries up to globally competitive performance levels. This paper outlines the range of considerations specific to software within ICT planning and discusses government's role in accelerating and shaping that growth in support of social and economic priorities. We draw on the experience of both developed and emerging economies to argue that government should take an active role in software industry development, and to lay out the full range of possible government actions (both policies and programs). Every country's path seems to be different – the best course of action will depend on the resources available (including infrastructure and human resources), on the state of the global software industry at that specific time, and on the country's unique situation, such as languages spoken, regional or cultural ties with major markets, a tradition of entrepreneurship, or an expatriate business community.
Silent brain infarction and coronary artery disease in Japanese patients.

OBJECTIVE Silent brain infarction is fairly common in the elderly, but predictive factors have not been definitively established. This study focuses attention on ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular risk factors about the frequency of silent brain infarction. DESIGN The existence of silent brain infarction, the extent of coronary artery stenosis, and cerebrovascular risk factors of consecutive 92 case series with suspected ischemic heart disease were surveyed. SETTING A hospital for patients with ischemic heart disease. PATIENTS Ninety-two consecutive Japanese patients with suspected ischemic heart disease were recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All subjects were evaluated for coronary atherosclerosis (number of coronary arteries with significant stenosis and Gensini score), the number of silent brain infarctions detected by computed tomography, the extent of carotid atherosclerosis as determined by B-mode ultrasonography, and cerebrovascular risk factors. RESULTS Patients with silent cerebral infarctions were older (66.2 +/- 10.4 years) than those without such events (60.1 +/- 8.8 years) (P < .01). The extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with silent cerebral infarctions was significantly greater than in those without such events after adjustment for the effect of age (P < .001). The extent of carotid atherosclerosis and the percentages of individuals with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a smoking habit, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and a low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level did not differ between the groups with and without silent brain infarction. The frequency of silent brain infarction increased with the severity of coronary stenosis. CONCLUSION Coronary atherosclerosis and age were important risk factors for silent brain infarction.
N-Domain Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme With 80 kDa as a Possible Genetic Marker of Hypertension

Abstract—We have previously described angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) forms in urine of normotensive (190 and 65 kDa) and hypertensive patients (90 and 65 kDa, N-domain ACEs). Based on the results described above, experimental and genetic models of hypertension were investigated to distinguish hemodynamic and genetic influence on the generation of ACE profile in urine: Wistar-Kyoto and Brown Norway rats (WKY and BN), spontaneously and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR and SHR-SP), one kidney/one clip rats (1K1C), deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-treated and untreated rats, and enalapril-treated SHR (SHRen). Two peaks with ACE activity were separated from the urine of WKY and BN rats submitted to an AcA-44 column, WK-1/BN-1 (190 kDa), and WK-2/BN-2 (65 kDa), as described for urine of normotensive subjects. The same results were obtained for urine of 1K1C and DOCA salt-treated and untreated rats, analyzed to evaluate the influence of hemodynamic factors in the ACE profile in urine. The urine from SHR, SHR-SP, and SHRen presented 80 (S-1, SP-1, Sen-1) and 65 (S-2, SP-2, Sen-2) kDa ACE forms, differing from the urine profile of normotensive rats, but similar to that described for hypertensive patients. The presence of 80 kDa ACE in urine of SHR, SHR-SP, and SHRen and its absence in urine of experimental hypertensive rats (1K1C and DOCA salt) support the hypothesis that this enzyme could be a possible genetic marker of hypertension. Taken together, our results provide evidence that ACE forms with 90/80 kDa isolated from the urine of hypertensive subjects and genetic hypertensive animals behaves as a possible genetic marker of hypertension and not as a marker of high blood pressure.
Lack of any impact of histopathology type on prognosis in patients with early-stage adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of patients with stage IA-IIB cervical carcinoma and to investigate a possible correlation of histology with prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred fifty one patients with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology for FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IA-IIB uterine cervical carcinomas at the Radiation Oncology Clinic of GH Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital between January 1996 and December 2006 were selected, analyzed retrospectively and evaluated in terms of general characteristics and survival. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences were compared with the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis using a Cox-proportional hazards model was used to adjust for prognostic factors and to estimate hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS There was no differences between the two tumour types in age, stage, pelvic nodal metastasis, parametrial invasion, surgical margin status, DSI, LVSI, maximal tumor diameter, grade, and treatment modalities. 5-year OS and DFS were 73% and 77%, versus 64% and 69%, for SCC and adenocarcinoma, respectively (p> 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed independent prognostic factors including pelvic nodal metastasis and resection margin status for OS (p=0.008, p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Prognosis of FIGO stage IA-IIB cervical cancer patients was found to be the same for those with adenocarcinoma and SCC.
ALK Mutations Conferring Differential Resistance to Structurally Diverse ALK Inhibitors

Purpose: EML4–ALK fusions define a subset of lung cancers that can be effectively treated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors. Unfortunately, the duration of response is heterogeneous and acquired resistance limits their ultimate efficacy. Thus, a better understanding of resistance mechanisms will help to enhance tumor control in EML4–ALK-positive tumors. Experimental Design: By applying orthogonal functional mutagenesis screening approaches, we screened for mutations inducing resistance to the aminopyridine PF02341066 (crizotinib) and/or the diaminopyrimidine TAE684. Results: Here, we show that the resistance mutation, L1196M, as well as other crizotinib resistance mutations (F1174L and G1269S), are highly sensitive to the structurally unrelated ALK inhibitor TAE684. In addition, we identified two novel EML4–ALK resistance mutations (L1198P and D1203N), which unlike previously reported mutations, induced resistance to both ALK inhibitors. An independent resistance screen in ALK-mutant neuroblastoma cells yielded the same L1198P resistance mutation but defined two additional mutations conferring resistance to TAE684 but not to PF02341066. Conclusions: Our results show that different ALK resistance mutations as well as different ALK inhibitors impact the therapeutic efficacy in the setting of EML4–ALK fusions and ALK mutations. Clin Cancer Res; 17(23); 7394–401. ©2011 AACR.
RNAi-mediated knockdown of ERK1/2 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion and increases chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human osteosarcoma U2-OS cells in vitro

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bone. There have been some advances in surgical and chemotherapeutic strategies, but it is still a tumor with a high mortality rate in children and young adults. Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway plays an essential role in the development and progression of various tumors. ERK1/2 is a key component of this pathway and hyperactivated in different tumors including osteosarcoma. This study aimed to investigate whether downregulation of ERK1/2 by siRNA (small interfering RNA) could inhibit cell proliferation and invasion and increase chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human osteosarcoma U2-OS cells in vitro. Results showed that the downregulation of ERK1/2 expression by siRNA in human osteosarcoma cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, ERK1/2 knockdown led to cell arrest in the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle, and eventual apoptosis and chemosensitivity enhancement in tumor cells. Our data reveal that RNAi-mediated downregulation of ERK1/2 expression can lead to potent antitumor activity and chemosensitizing effects in human osteosarcoma.
Understanding the relationship between health locus of control and God locus of health control and health behaviors in college students through mediation analysis

v LIST OF TABLES ix LIST OF FIGURES x CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1 PURPOSE OF STUDY 3 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY 4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 10 LIMITATIONS 11 DELIMITATIONS 12 DEFINITION OF TERMS 12 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW 15 INTRODUCTION 15 HEALTH CONCERNS OF THE COLLEGE POPULATION 15 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIORS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS 18 DIETARY HABITS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS 21 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIETARY INTERVENTIONS IN THE COLLEGE POPULATION 24 LOCUS OF CONTROL 26
Trust building with explanation interfaces

Based on our recent work on the development of a trust model for recommender agents and a qualitative survey, we explore the potential of building users' trust with explanation interfaces. We present the major results from the survey, which provided a roadmap identifying the most promising areas for investigating design issues for trust-inducing interfaces. We then describe a set of general principles derived from an in-depth examination of various design dimensions for constructing explanation interfaces, which most contribute to trust formation. We present results of a significant-scale user study, which indicate that the organization-based explanation is highly effective in building users' trust in the recommendation interface, with the benefit of increasing users' intention to return to the agent and save cognitive effort.
Epidemiology and control of stripe rust [Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici] on wheat

Stripe rust of wheat, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. xtritici, is one of the most important diseases of wheat worldwide. This review presents basic and recent information on the epidemiology of stripe rust, changes in pathogen virulence and population structure, and movement of the pathogen in the United States and around the world. The impact and causes of recent epidemics in the United States and other countries are discussed. Research on plant resistance to disease, including types of resistance, genes, and molecular markers, and on the use of fungicides are summarized, and strategies for more effective control of the disease are discussed.