Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamun, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter‐Reformation. By Aidan Dodson. (Cairo, Egypt: American University in Cairo Press, 2010. Pp. xxiii, 207. $24.95.)

ally ended their independence. Many of the kingdoms Clarkson explores—in particular Gododdin and Rheged, which disappeared in the seventh century— will be unfamiliar to his wider audience. Establishing their history requires a great deal of filling in gaps and arguably a measure of credulity; Clarkson’s approach, though cautious, is less so than is currently standard in the field. Nevertheless, this is the best introduction so far published to the “Men of the North,” as they became known in later Welsh tradition. As the North Britons have left scholars with few written texts of their own, it is a history written largely by outsiders. Clarkson offers plenty of close engagement with the sources, which include Latin annals from Ireland and the writings of the Northumbrian scholar Bede, as well as (more controversially) later Welsh poetry claiming northern provenance. The Welsh celebrated this period as a “heroic age,” when the North British kingdoms offered short-lived but valiant resistance to the expansion of the Anglo-Saxon incomers. Within that later tradition, separating history from legend is a task whose true complexity is largely disguised by Clarkson. That may be welcomed by undergraduates and general readers, who were previously forced to trawl through the abstruse debates of scholars arguing over what qualifies as evidence. There are a few other things that will niggle with experts. Some of the textual sources are arguably unsuitable for narrative history, given the uncertainty of their provenance and current climate of militant agnosticism among scholars. There is also a lack of reference to recent advances in the archaeological record, particularly at high-status sites where the transition from British to Anglian power looks increasingly complex. But these quibbles should not detract from the book’s impressive breadth of coverage and clarity of expression. Although there is little that is new here, The Men of the North may be the closest we have ever come to having a textbook for this most elusive of subjects. Its appearance should be welcomed.
The Effect of Task Characteristics on the Availability Heuristic for Judgments under Uncertainty.

Abstract : The present study sought to generalize the effect of the availability heuristic to more complex tasks and across various task categories. The experimental design involved the manipulation of event characteristics in order to induce a heuristic processing strategy for designated available events. The effect of these manipulations was investigated for three types of response measures and across a range of event frequencies. Results demonstrated the generalizability of the availability heuristic across complex tasks and three types of response measures--frequency estimation, probability estimation, and choice predictions. The availability of an event in memory produced an overestimation of the frequency and probability of event occurrences. Similarly, choice predictions judged available events as more likely to occur. However, this effect was not consistent across all levels of assigned event frequencies. The present study extended the generalizability of the availability heuristic to more complex tasks and provided an exploratory step toward defining the degree to which basic findings hold across a range of task characteristics.
Conformational Variability of the Glycine Receptor M2 Domain in Response to Activation by Different Agonists*

Models describing the structural changes mediating Cys loop receptor activation generally give little attention to the possibility that different agonists may promote activation via distinct M2 pore-lining domain structural rearrangements. We investigated this question by comparing the effects of different ligands on the conformation of the external portion of the homomeric α1 glycine receptor M2 domain. Conformational flexibility was assessed by tethering a rhodamine fluorophore to cysteines introduced at the 19′ or 22′ positions and monitoring fluorescence and current changes during channel activation. During glycine activation, fluorescence of the label attached to R19′C increased by ∼20%, and the emission peak shifted to lower wavelengths, consistent with a more hydrophobic fluorophore environment. In contrast, ivermectin activated the receptors without producing a fluorescence change. Although taurine and β-alanine were weak partial agonists at the α1R19′C glycine receptor, they induced large fluorescence changes. Propofol, which drastically enhanced these currents, did not induce a glycine-like blue shift in the spectral emission peak. The inhibitors strychnine and picrotoxin elicited fluorescence and current changes as expected for a competitive antagonist and an open channel blocker, respectively. Glycine and taurine (or β-alanine) also produced an increase and a decrease, respectively, in the fluorescence of a label attached to the nearby L22′C residue. Thus, results from two separate labeled residues support the conclusion that the glycine receptor M2 domain responds with distinct conformational changes to activation by different agonists.
Effect of parity and age at delivery on breast cancer risk in Slovenian women aged 25–54 years

In 1988, a case‐control study on breast cancer and oral contraceptives with 624 cases and 624 matched controls in the age range 25–54 years was undertaken in Slovenia. This analysis assesses the relationship between parity and breast cancer risk: the relative importance of age at first birth, age at subsequent births and total parity. We also evaluate whether a dual effect of an increased risk immediately after childbirth followed by a long‐term benefit exists. Three logistic regression models were used. Age at first delivery is an important breast cancer risk factor: among parous women it was associated with a 5.3% increase/year in the odds of breast cancer. Multiparity was not shown to be an independent risk factor. Age at subsequent deliveries was associated with a 1% increase in risk for every 1 year increase of age at any birth, but this contribution to the risk was not significant. In the analysis stratified by parity the most important influence is with the age at first birth. We find no evidence of an effect on the odds of breast cancer associated with the age at the second, or later, births. We do find that there is an increased risk associated with the birth of the first child followed by a longer term protective effect. A post‐menopausal woman has a reduced breast cancer risk compared with a pre‐menopausal woman of the same age, adjusting for the same number of deliveries and ages at these deliveries. Int. J. Cancer 73:1–9, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large vessel involvement in biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis: incidence, distribution, and predictors

Objectives: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic disease with extensive vascular involvement. The aim of this study was to investigate the cumulative incidence of large vessel involvement (LVI) in GCA, the distribution of vessels involved, and predictors for LVI. Method: Patients with biopsy-proven GCA in a defined area in southern Sweden, diagnosed between 1997 and 2010, were identified through the register of the regional Department of Clinical Pathology. A structured review of all medical records and imaging and histopathology reports was performed. Imaging studies for an age- and sex-matched reference cohort were also reviewed. Results: A total of 164 patients with GCA were investigated, of whom 24 (15%) had LVI. LVI manifestations were detected a median of 3.7 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.7–7.5] years after GCA diagnosis. Aortic involvement was found in 16 patients (10%), mainly aneurysms/ectasias of the thoracic aorta. Two patients had aortic dissections. Fourteen patients had tributary involvement. In the reference population, the cumulative incidence of LVI overall was 10.8% and aortic involvement was found in 5.4%. The presence of giant cells in the biopsy was significantly less frequent among GCA patients with LVI (23% vs. 52%; p = 0.01), and a presentation with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was more frequent (44% vs. 20%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The estimated incidence of LVI, detected by imaging in a clinical setting, was higher among patients with GCA than the reference population. The aorta was the most commonly affected vascular territory. The negative association with giant cells may suggest particular mechanisms in this subset of GCA.
Parameter optimization and field validation of the functional-structural model GREENLAB for maize at different population densities.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plant population density (PPD) influences plant growth greatly. Functional-structural plant models such as GREENLAB can be used to simulate plant development and growth and PPD effects on plant functioning and architectural behaviour can be investigated. This study aims to evaluate the ability of GREENLAB to predict maize growth and development at different PPDs. METHODS Two field experiments were conducted on irrigated fields in the North China Plain with a block design of four replications. Each experiment included three PPDs: 2.8, 5.6 and 11.1 plants m(-2). Detailed observations were made on the dimensions and fresh biomass of above-ground plant organs for each phytomer throughout the seasons. Growth stage-specific target files (a description of plant organ weight and dimension according to plant topological structure) were established from the measured data required for GREENLAB parameterization. Parameter optimization was conducted using a generalized least square method for the entire growth cycles for all PPDs and years. Data from in situ plant digitization were used to establish geometrical symbol files for organs that were then applied to translate model output directly into 3-D representation for each time step of the model execution. KEY RESULTS The analysis indicated that the parameter values of organ sink variation function, and the values of most of the relative sink strength parameters varied little among years and PPDs, but the biomass production parameter, computed plant projection surface and internode relative sink strength varied with PPD. Simulations of maize plant growth based on the fitted parameters were reasonably good as indicated by the linearity and slopes similar to unity for the comparison of simulated and observed values. Based on the parameter values fitted from different PPDs, shoot (including vegetative and reproductive parts of the plant) and cob fresh biomass for other PPDs were simulated. Three-dimensional representation of individual plant and plant stand from the model output with two contrasting PPDs were presented with which the PPD effect on plant growth can be easily recognized. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that GREENLAB model has the ability to capture plant plasticity induced by PPD. The relatively stable parameter values strengthened the hypothesis that one set of equations can govern dynamic organ growth. With further validation, this model can be used for agronomic applications such as yield optimization.
Five-year follow-up after radical surgery for colorectal cancer. Results of a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether an intensified follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer can lead to improved reresectability and a better long-term survival. DESIGN A prospective randomized trial of 106 patients. SETTING Oulu University Hospital, a referral center in northern Finland. PATIENTS A total of 106 consecutive patients who underwent radical resection for colorectal cancer, 54 of whom were randomized into a conventional follow-up group and 52 into an intensified follow-up group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES After a 5-year follow-up, the time of detection of recurrence, the recurrence rates, the first method showing recurrence, the mode of recurrence, reresectability, and survival were compared between the groups. RESULTS The recurrences were identified earlier in the intensified follow-up group than in the conventional follow-up group (mean +/- SD, 10 +/- 5 months vs 15 +/- 10 months). The overall recurrence rate was 41%, with 39% in the conventional group and 42% in the intensified group. Carcinoembryonic antigen determination was the most common method showing recurrence in both groups. Endoscopy and ultrasound were beneficial in the intensified follow-up group, but computed tomography failed to improve the diagnostics. The mode of recurrence did not differ between the groups. Radical resections were performed on 19% (8/43) of the patients, 14% (3/21) in the conventional group and 22% (5/22) in the intensified group. The cumulative 5-year survival was 54% in the conventional group and 59% in the intensified group. CONCLUSION Earlier detection of recurrent colorectal cancer by intensified follow-up does not lead to either significantly increased reresectability or improved 5-year survival.
The Relationship between Dietary Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Genes on the Obese Phenotype and Serum Lipids

Obesity, a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition is associated with the development of many comorbidities including dyslipidemia. This review examines interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the inflammatory genes tumor necrosis alpha (TNFA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and dietary fatty acids, and their relationship with obesity and serum lipid levels. In summary, dietary fatty acids, in particular saturated fatty acids and the omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, impact the expression of the cytokine genes TNFA and IL-6, and alter TNFα and IL-6 production. In addition, sequence variants in these genes have also been shown to alter their gene expression and plasma levels, and are associated with obesity, measures of adiposity and serum lipid concentrations. When interactions between dietary fatty acids and TNFA and IL-6 SNPs on obesity and serum lipid were analyzed, both the quantity and quality of dietary fatty acids modulated the relationship between TNFA and IL-6 SNPs on obesity and serum lipid profiles, thereby impacting the association between phenotype and genotype. Researching these diet–gene interactions more extensively, and understanding the role of ethnicity as a confounder in these relationships, may contribute to a better understanding of the inter-individual variability in the obese phenotype.
ECG PATTERN IN PAEDIATRIC POPULATION OF WESTERN RAJASTHAN

Background: The ECG pattern in paediatric population varies with age and sex. The majority of changes occur during the first year of life due to changes in cardiac anatomy and haemodynamics soon after birth, as a result of the cessation of placental circulation and establishing cardiopulmonary circulation. Therefore the majority of normal adult values cannot be used in the newborn. Methods: This study was carried out in 200 children, with equal males and females, divided into 5 age groups from 0–14 years. Single chest lead ECG machine with standard setting (10 mm/mV. with a standard paper speed of 25 mm/sec.) was used in the study for recording of ECG. The electrocardiogram was recorded in all 12 leads and carefully interpreted for heart rate, rhythm, intervals and duration for evaluation of developmental, age and sex related changes. Results: The heart rate was increased in first 1–2 month of age and then in the following 6 months it remained stable and then slowly declined after 1 year of age. Heart rate attained adult value at the 12–14 years of age. The PR interval correlated with heart rate and with age. PR interval progressively and significantly increased with age and decreased with heart rate up to 4 year of age. Duration of QRS increased with age; in new born infants ranging from (37–80 ms) and 75 ms at the age of 6–14 years. Mean QRS duration was greater for boys than for girls in most age groups, but the difference in upper limits of normal was small, ranging from 2 to 7 ms. Mean value of QTc interval was not significantly changed with age as compared to heart rate. We found an upper limit of the normal QTc interval as 523 ms which is higher than the commonly used criterion of 440 ms. Significant gender differences were demonstrated for amplitude and QRS duration. Conclusion: Normal limits of many ECG measurements in our study were different from those reported earlier. These findings are clinically significant and suggest that diagnostic criteria for the paediatric ECG should be adjusted. These gender specific ECG parameters are useful for the interpretation of paediatrics ECG.
Different Calcification Stage in Each Cusp of a Calcified Tricuspid Aortic Valve.

stages in each respective calcified cusp of an aortic valve. A 76-year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema. Transthoracic echocardiogram indicated calcareous deposits in the heart valves (Figure 1A). On color Doppler echocardiography, C alcific aortic stenosis (AS) is a slow and progressive disease characterized by thickening, calcification and stiffening of the heart valves.1 Although calcified deposits in the heart valves have been investigated,2 there has been little evidence for differing calcification growth
Molecular genetics of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP): a comprehensive study of 43 Italian families

Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common form of retinal degeneration and is heterogeneous both clinically and genetically. The autosomal dominant forms (ADRP) can be caused by mutations in 12 different genes. This report describes the first simultaneous mutation analysis of all the known ADRP genes in the same population, represented by 43 Italian families. This analysis allowed the identification of causative mutations in 12 of the families (28% of the total). Seven different mutations were identified, two of which are novel (458delC and 6901C→T (P2301S), in the CRX and PRPF8 genes, respectively). Several novel polymorphisms leading to amino acid changes in the FSCN2, NRL, IMPDH1, and RP1 genes were also identified. Analysis of gene prevalences indicates that the relative involvement of the RHO and the RDS genes in the pathogenesis of ADRP is less in Italy than in US and UK populations. As causative mutations were not found in over 70% of the families analysed, this study suggests the presence of further novel genes or sequence elements involved in the pathogenesis of ADRP.
In Vitro Lipophilic Antioxidant Capacity, Antidiabetic and Antibacterial Activity of Citrus Fruits Extracts from Aceh, Indonesia

This study reports in vitro lipophilic antioxidant, inhibition of α-amylase and antibacterial activities of extracts of peel and pulp of citrus samples from Aceh, Indonesia. HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), phytochemical, and FTIR (fourier transform infrared) analysis detected carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoids, contributing to the biological potencies. Most peel and pulp extracts contained lutein and lower concentrations of zeaxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin. The extracts also contained flavanone glycosides (hesperidin, naringin and neohesperidin), flavonol (quercetin) and polymethoxylated flavones (sinensetin, tangeretin). L-TEAC (lipophilic trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) test determined for peel extracts higher antioxidant capacity compared to pulp extracts. All extracts presented α-amylase inhibitory activity, pulp extracts showing stronger inhibitory activity compared to peel extracts. All extracts inhibited the growth of both gram (+) and gram (−) bacteria, with peel and pulp extracts of makin showing the strongest inhibitory activity. Therefore, local citrus species from Aceh are potential sources of beneficial compounds with possible health preventive effects.
TRPC Channels Mediate a Muscarinic Receptor-Induced Afterdepolarization in Cerebral Cortex

Activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors on pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex induces the appearance of a slow afterdepolarization that can sustain autonomous spiking after a brief excitatory stimulus. Accordingly, this phenomenon has been hypothesized to allow for the transient storage of memory traces in neuronal networks. Here we investigated the molecular basis underlying the muscarinic receptor-induced afterdepolarization using molecular biological and electrophysiological strategies. We find that the ability of muscarinic receptors to induce the inward aftercurrent underlying the slow afterdepolarization is inhibited by expression of a Gαq-11 dominant negative and is also markedly reduced in a phospholipase C β1 (PLCβ1) knock-out mouse. Furthermore, we show, using a genetically encoded biosensor, that activation of muscarinic receptor induces the breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in pyramidal cells. These results indicate that the Gαq-11/PLCβ1 cascade plays a key role in the ability of muscarinic receptors to signal the inward aftercurrent. We have shown previously that the muscarinic afterdepolarization is mediated by a calcium-activated nonselective cation current, suggesting the possible involvement of TRPC channels. We find that expression of a TRPC dominant negative inhibits, and overexpression of wild-type TRPC5 or TRPC6 enhances, the amplitude of the muscarinic receptor-induced inward aftercurrent. Furthermore, we find that coexpression of TRPC5 and T-type calcium channels is sufficient to reconstitute a muscarinic receptor-activated inward aftercurrent in human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cells. These results indicate that TRPC channels mediate the muscarinic receptor-induced slow afterdepolarization seen in pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex and suggest a possible role for TRPC channels in mnemonic processes.
Comparisons of Several Pixel-Level Image Fusion Schemes for Infrared and Visible Light Images

Image fusion provides a useful tool to integrate multiple images into a composite image that is more suitable for the purposes of human visual perception and can help us to extract more features. In this paper we compare the wavelets-based schemes which are based on ordinary wavelet transform, wavelet packet analysis and the nonlinear fusion scheme. It is concluded that the nonlinear fusion scheme has the best performance and more wavelet decomposition levels will give better results during the fusion process