Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factor Structure of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire

The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) was originally designed as a unifactorial measure of pathological trait worry. However, recent studies supported a two-factor solution with positively worded items loading on the first factor and reverse-scored items loading on a second factor. The current study compared this two-factor model to a negative wording method factor solution among college students. A method factor model with all PSWQ items loading on a single worry factor and reverse-scored items loading on a negative wording method factor provided as good a fit as the two-factor model. This method factor alone did not predict a generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis. Finally, the psychometric properties of an abbreviated scale containing only positively worded items were examined. The PSWQ appears to measure a single unitary construct, but response patterns differ between positively worded and reverse-scored items. Theoretical implications for pathological worry and assessment-related issues are discussed.
Phenotyping bananas for drought resistance

Drought has emerged as one of the major constraints in banana production. Its effects are pronounced substantially in the tropics and sub-tropics of the world due to climate change. Bananas are quite sensitive to drought; however, genotypes with “B” genome are more tolerant to abiotic stresses than those solely based on “A” genome. In particular, bananas with “ABB” genomes are more tolerant to drought and other abiotic stresses than other genotypes. A good phenotyping plan is a prerequisite for any improvement program for targeted traits. In the present article, known drought tolerant traits of other crop plants are validated in bananas with different genomic backgrounds and presented. Since, banana is recalcitrant to breeding, strategies for making hybrids between different genomic backgrounds are also discussed. Stomatal conductance, cell membrane stability (CMS), leaf emergence rate, rate of leaf senescence, RWC, and bunch yield under soil moisture deficit stress are some of the traits associated with drought tolerance. Among these stress bunch yield under drought should be given top priority for phenotyping. In the light of recently released Musa genome draft sequence, the molecular breeders may have interest in developing molecular markers for drought resistance.
c-kit ligand: a unique potentiator of mediator release by human lung mast cells

Mast cells (MC) play a central role in extrinsic allergic reactions such as asthma and may participate in other inflammatory and fibrotic processes. However, with the exception of immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor-dependent stimulation, no secretagogues of human lung MC have yet been described. It is also unclear whether mediator release can be regulated by certain cytokines as demonstrated previously in basophils and other human inflammatory effector cells. Here, we show that the c- kit ligand (KL), a recently identified stem cell growth factor, at concentrations 10-100 times lower than that required to promote cell proliferation, enhances the release of histamine and leukotriene C4 in response to IgE receptor crosslinking of human lung MC. KL does not induce mediator release per se, but increases the sensitivity of MC to anti-IgE receptor stimulation and also enhances mediator release to maximally effective concentrations of anti-IgE receptor antibody. By contrast, a large number of cytokines examined, including the mast cell growth factors/agonists in rodents, interleukin 3 (IL-3), IL-4, IL-9, and nerve growth factor, were ineffective in this respect. These findings suggest a unique role of KL in regulating effector functions of human mucosal MC.
Neuronal cytoskeletal gene dysregulation and mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat model of Rett syndrome

Significance Cutaneous sensitivity appears to be abnormal in Rett syndrome and other autistic disorders. Using rats with disrupted methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) expression characteristic of Rett syndrome, we found that MeCP2 deficiency in sensory neurons led to augmented pressure and cold sensitivity but hyposensitivity to heat, accompanied by respective changes in cutaneous innervation. Transcriptome analysis of MeCP2-deficient ganglia showed up-regulation of genes associated with actin cytoskeletal dynamics and adhesion formation; down-regulating key genes in vivo normalized both mechanical sensitivity and innervation density. These findings provide evidence that ganglion cytoskeletal genes play key roles in determining mechanosensory properties, which may contribute to altered pain sensitivity in Rett syndrome and other painful conditions. Children with Rett syndrome show abnormal cutaneous sensitivity. The precise nature of sensory abnormalities and underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Rats with methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) mutation, characteristic of Rett syndrome, show hypersensitivity to pressure and cold, but hyposensitivity to heat. They also show cutaneous hyperinnervation by nonpeptidergic sensory axons, which include subpopulations encoding noxious mechanical and cold stimuli, whereas peptidergic thermosensory innervation is reduced. MeCP2 knockdown confined to dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons replicated this phenotype in vivo, and cultured MeCP2-deficient ganglion neurons showed augmented axonogenesis. Transcriptome analysis revealed dysregulation of genes associated with cytoskeletal dynamics, particularly those controlling actin polymerization and focal-adhesion formation necessary for axon growth and mechanosensory transduction. Down-regulation of these genes by topoisomerase inhibition prevented abnormal axon sprouting. We identified eight key affected genes controlling actin signaling and adhesion formation, including members of the Arhgap, Tiam, and cadherin families. Simultaneous virally mediated knockdown of these genes in Rett rats prevented sensory hyperinnervation and reversed mechanical hypersensitivity, indicating a causal role in abnormal outgrowth and sensitivity. Thus, MeCP2 regulates ganglion neuronal genes controlling cytoskeletal dynamics, which in turn determines axon outgrowth and mechanosensory function and may contribute to altered pain sensitivity in Rett syndrome.
The role of insight into and beliefs about medicines of hypertensive patients

Summary Objectives One aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and understanding of selected individuals about hypertension, as well as their beliefs and perceptions about medicines. The other purpose was to determine the medicines information provision system that these participants were exposed to. Methods Participants filled in the Beliefs about Medicines questionnaire and one-on-one interviews were conducted. Participants gave informed consent and their health passports were examined. A focus-group discussion was held with some of the nurses at one of the local clinics. Results Participants believed their antihypertensive therapy was necessary for them to maintain their health. However, there was also a high level of concern about the undesirable effects of the medication. Most participants did not understand what hypertension is, however, they were aware of the consequences of uncontrolled blood pressure. There was no structured patient education system at the public clinic investigated. Conclusion A knowledge gap existed which needed to be filled. Participants’ concerns about the undesirable effects of antihypertensive therapy needed to be addressed. A structured medicines information provision system is required at the public clinic studied, to ensure that patients receive all the pertinent information about their condition, namely hypertension, and the prescribed therapy.
LARS: A Logic-Based Framework for Analyzing Reasoning over Streams

The recent rise of smart applications has drawn interest to logical reasoning over data streams. Different query languages and stream processing/reasoning engines were proposed. However, due to a lack of theoretical foundations, the expressivity and semantics of these diverse approaches were only informally discussed. Towards clear specifications and means for analytic study, a formal framework is needed to characterize their semantics in precise terms. We present LARS, a Logic-based framework for Analyzing Reasoning over Streams, i.e., a rule-based formalism with a novel window operator providing a flexible mechanism to represent views on streaming data. We establish complexity results for central reasoning tasks and show how the prominent Continuous Query Language (CQL) can be captured. Moreover, the relation between LARS and ETALIS, a system for complex event processing is discussed. We thus demonstrate the capability of LARS to serve as the desired formal foundation for expressing and analyzing different semantic approaches to stream processing/reasoning and engines.
HIV-1 integrase crosslinked oligomers are active in vitro

The oligomeric state of active human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) has not been clearly elucidated. We analyzed the activity of the different purified oligomeric forms of recombinant IN obtained after stabilization by platinum crosslinking. The crosslinked tetramer isolated by gel chromatography was able to catalyze the full-site integration of the two viral LTR ends into a target DNA in vitro, whereas the isolated dimeric form of the enzyme was involved in the processing and integration of only one viral end. Accurate concerted integration by IN tetramers was confirmed by cloning and sequencing. Kinetic studies of DNA-integrase complexes led us to propose a model explaining the formation of an active complex. Our data suggest that the tetrameric IN bound to the viral DNA ends is the minimal complex involved in the concerted integration of both LTRs and should be the oligomeric form targeted by future inhibitors.
Effects of turbulence modeling on aerodynamic characteristics of a conventional tailed missile configuration

The performances of K-ω SST(Shear-Stress Transport) turbulence model and high order low dissipative Flux difference scheme of Roe are evaluated against experimental flow fields at different geometries and angle of attacks at supersonic mach no. The numerical predictions include lift, drag and pitching moment coefficients at different angle of attacks. Most significantly, this research provides a sensitivity study on the accuracy of the solutions with respect to the effects of free stream turbulence, grid resolution, grid spacing near the wall, initial conditions, numerical methods and free stream Mach number effects on compressible flows. Comparison of two geometries, cone cylinder and cone cylinder with fins is provided in order to study the effects on the aerodynamics characteristics by the addition of the lifting surfaces and the same is compared with the available experimental data. For the present study supersonic flow is simulated at Mach number 4 and the angle of attack is varied.
Measuring task engagement as an input to physiological computing

Task engagement is a psychological dimension that describes effortful commitment to task goals. This is a multidimensional concept that combines cognition, motivation and emotion. This dimension may be important for the development of physiological computing systems that use real-time psychophysiology to monitor user state, particularly those systems seeking to optimise performance (e.g. adaptive automation, games, automatic tutoring). Two laboratory-based experiments were conducted to investigate measures of task engagement, based on EEG, pupilometry and blood pressure. The first study exposed participants to increased levels of memory load whereas the second used performance feedback to either engage (success feedback) or disengage (failure feedback) participants. EEG variables, such as frontal theta and asymmetry, were sensitive to disengagement due to cognitive load (experiment 1) whilst changes in systolic blood pressure were sensitive to feedback of task success. Implications for the development of physiological computing systems are discussed.
Four years' cytogenetic experience with the culture of chorionic villi

In 1958 chorionic villus samples, investigated by culture method, we found 137 (7%) abnormalities. The abnormal results were classified in certain abnormal (generalised abnormal at high probability) and uncertain abnormal (potentially confined to the placenta) results. Certain abnormal were 73 cases (3.7%). Uncertain abnormal were 64 cases (3.3%), in which confirmation studies were done in 47 cases. In 12 cases of these 47, the abnormality was confirmed and in 35 cases (1.8%) the abnormality was confined to the placenta. Among the latter cases, poor pregnancy outcome [16% intrauterine death (IUD), 6% intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)] was increased. Total maternal cell contamination was not seen. The positive predictive value of all confirmed abnormal cases was 66%. The positive predictive value was 100% for indications ‘ultrasound abnormalities’ and ‘carrier’ and between 50 and 60% for all other indications. Predictive value among uncertain abnormal cases was low (26%). However, the positive predictive value depends of the type of abnormality. Therefore we conclude that the culture method for chorionic villi is a good test for indications ‘ultrasound abnormalities’ and ‘carrier’ and reliable for all other indications. Whether or not follow‐up investigations should be offered to the parents depends of the type of abnormality. We conclude that the culture method is reliable for prenatal diagnosis and can be used as the sole investigative method. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal conduction and reduced cooling flows in galaxy clusters

Conduction may play an important role in reducing cooling flows in galaxy clusters. We analyse a sample of 16 objects using Chandra data and find that a balance between electron conduction and cooling can exist in the hotter clusters (T 5 keV), provided that the plasma conductivity is close to the unhindered Spitzer value. In the absence of any additional heat sources, a reduced mass inflow must then develop in the cooler objects in the sample. We fit cooling flow models to deprojected spectra and compare the spectral mass deposition rates found to the values required to account for the excess luminosity, assuming Spitzer-rate heat transfer over the observed temperature gradients. The measured mass inflow rates are insufficient to maintain energy balance in at least five clusters. However, emission from cooling gas may be partially absorbed. We also compute the flux supplied by turbulent heat transport and find conductivity profiles that follow a strikingly similar temperature dependence to the conductivity values required to prevent cooling. The larger-scale turbulent motions implied by this process are required to have velocities of between 10 and 50 per cent of the speed of sound in the local intracluster gas.
Odor-Induced Neuronal Rhythms in the Olfactory Bulb Are Profoundly Modified in ob/ob Obese Mice

Leptin, the product of the Ob(Lep) gene, is a peptide hormone that plays a major role in maintaining the balance between food intake and energy expenditure. In the brain, leptin receptors are expressed by hypothalamic cells but also in the olfactory bulb, the first central structure coding for odors, suggesting a precise function of this hormone in odor-evoked activities. Although olfaction plays a key role in feeding behavior, the ability of the olfactory bulb to integrate the energy-related signal leptin is still missing. Therefore, we studied the fate of odor-induced activity in the olfactory bulb in the genetic context of leptin deficiency using the obese ob/ob mice. By means of an odor discrimination task with concomitant local field potential recordings, we showed that ob/ob mice perform better than wild-type (WT) mice in the early stage of the task. This behavioral gain of function was associated in parallel with profound changes in neuronal oscillations in the olfactory bulb. The distribution of the peaks in the gamma frequency range was shifted toward higher frequencies in ob/ob mice compared to WT mice before learning. More notably, beta oscillatory activity, which has been shown previously to be correlated with olfactory discrimination learning, was longer and stronger in expert ob/ob mice after learning. Since oscillations in the olfactory bulb emerge from mitral to granule cell interactions, our results suggest that cellular dynamics in the olfactory bulb are deeply modified in ob/ob mice in the context of olfactory learning.
Outbreak of Febrile Respiratory Illness Associated with Adenovirus 11a Infection in a Singapore Military Training Camp

ABSTRACT Outbreak cases of acute respiratory disease (ARD) associated with subspecies B2 human adenovirus 11a (HAdV-11a) infection were detected during 2005 in a military basic training camp in Singapore. The Singapore HAdV-11a strain is highly similar to other Asian strains of HAdV-11, including strain QS-DLL, which is responsible for the recently described 2006 outbreak of ARD in China.
Convergent Use of RhoGAP Toxins by Eukaryotic Parasites and Bacterial Pathogens

Inactivation of host Rho GTPases is a widespread strategy employed by bacterial pathogens to manipulate mammalian cellular functions and avoid immune defenses. Some bacterial toxins mimic eukaryotic Rho GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) to inactivate mammalian GTPases, probably as a result of evolutionary convergence. An intriguing question remains whether eukaryotic pathogens or parasites may use endogenous GAPs as immune-suppressive toxins to target the same key genes as bacterial pathogens. Interestingly, a RhoGAP domain–containing protein, LbGAP, was recently characterized from the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina boulardi, and shown to protect parasitoid eggs from the immune response of Drosophila host larvae. We demonstrate here that LbGAP has structural characteristics of eukaryotic RhoGAPs but that it acts similarly to bacterial RhoGAP toxins in mammals. First, we show by immunocytochemistry that LbGAP enters Drosophila immune cells, plasmatocytes and lamellocytes, and that morphological changes in lamellocytes are correlated with the quantity of LbGAP they contain. Demonstration that LbGAP displays a GAP activity and specifically interacts with the active, GTP-bound form of the two Drosophila Rho GTPases Rac1 and Rac2, both required for successful encapsulation of Leptopilina eggs, was then achieved using biochemical tests, yeast two-hybrid analysis, and GST pull-down assays. In addition, we show that the overall structure of LbGAP is similar to that of eukaryotic RhoGAP domains, and we identify distinct residues involved in its interaction with Rac GTPases. Altogether, these results show that eukaryotic parasites can use endogenous RhoGAPs as virulence factors and that despite their differences in sequence and structure, eukaryotic and bacterial RhoGAP toxins are similarly used to target the same immune pathways in insects and mammals.
Biomimetic PMMA-based bone substitutes: a comparative in vitro evaluation of the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field exposure.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are known to be effective in the stimulation of cultured osteoblasts and in vivo healing of delayed and nonunion fractures. In the present in vitro study the effects of PEMFs on osteoblastic cell cultures (MG63 human osteoblast-like cells) grown in the presence of poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA) and of a biomimetic bone substitute made of a PMMA matrix added with alfa-tricalcium phosphate (PMMA+alpha-TCP) were evaluated, to assess the biological response at the cell-biomaterial interaction. Cultures were stimulated with PEMFs (75 Hz, 2.3 mT, 1.3-ms pulse duration) 12 h/day for 3 days and evaluations (MTT, ALP, OC, PICP, TGFbeta-1, IL-6) were performed at 3 and 6 days. PMMA had a negative effect on osteoblasts, whereas PMMA+alpha-TCP enhanced production of ALP, PICP, OC and TGFbeta-1, and reduced IL-6 levels. Cells responded positively to PEMF stimulation even when cultured with a poorly biocompatible material, such as PMMA. This effect was more evident in the presence of PMMA+alpha-TCP (further improvement in proliferation and synthetic activity) both at 3 and at 6 days. The properties of PMMA+alpha-TCP look promising, and the present results support the use of PEMFs to improve tissue response to biomaterials implanted as bone substitutes.
Embodiment and embodied design

Author(s): Abrahamson, D; Lindgren, R | Abstract: © Cambridge University Press 2006, 2014. Picture this. A preverbal infant straddles the center of a seesaw. She gently tilts her weight back and forth from one side to the other, sensing as each side tips downward and then back up again. This child cannot articulate her observations in simple words, let alone in scientific jargon. Can she learn anything from this experience? If so, what is she learning, and what role might such learning play in her future interactions in the world? Of course, this is a nonverbal bodily experience, and any learning that occurs must be bodily, physical learning. But does this nonverbal bodily experience have anything to do with the sort of learning that takes place in schools - learning verbal and abstract concepts? In this chapter, we argue that the body has everything to do with learning, even learning of abstract concepts. Take mathematics, for example. Mathematical practice is thought to be about producing and manipulating arbitrary symbolic inscriptions that bear abstract, universal truisms untainted by human corporeality. Mathematics is thought to epitomize our species’ collective historical achievement of transcending and, perhaps, escaping the mundane, material condition of having a body governed by haphazard terrestrial circumstance. Surely mathematics is disembodied!
Electron CrossField Transport in a Miniaturized Cylindrical Hall

Conventional annular Hall thrusters become inefficient when scaled to low power. Cylindrical Hall thrusters, which have lower surface-to-volume ratio, are more promising for scaling down. They presently exhibit performance comparable with conventional annular Hall thrusters. The present paper gives a review of the experimental and numerical investigations of electron crossfield transport in the 2.6 cm miniaturized cylindrical Hall thruster (100 W power level). We show that, in order to explain the discharge current observed for the typical operating conditions, the electron anomalous collision frequency νB has to be on the order of the Bohm value, νB≈ωc/16. The contribution of electron-wall collisions to cross-field transport is found to be insignificant. The optimal regimes of thruster operation at low background pressure (below 10 Torr) in the vacuum tank appear to be different from those at higher pressure (~10 Torr).