Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relative performance of the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate among patients with varied clinical presentations.

BACKGROUND The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation was developed using both CKD and non-CKD patients to potentially replace the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation that was derived with only CKD patients. The objective of our study was to compare the accuracy of the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations for estimating GFR in a large group of patients having GFR measurements for diverse clinical indications. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS A cross-sectional study was conducted of patients who underwent renal function assessment for clinical purposes by simultaneous measurements of serum creatinine and estimation of GFR using the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations and renal clearance of iothalamate (n = 5238). RESULTS Bias compared with measured GFR (mGFR) varied for each equation depending on clinical presentation. The CKD-EPI equation demonstrated less bias than the MDRD equation in potential kidney donors (-8% versus -18%) and postnephrectomy donors (-7% versus -15%). However, the CKD-EPI equation was slightly more biased than the MDRD equation in native CKD patients (6% versus 3%), kidney recipients (8% versus 1%), and other organ recipients (9% versus 3%). Among potential kidney donors, the CKD-EPI equation had higher specificity than the MDRD equation for detecting an mGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (98% versus 94%) but lower sensitivity (50% versus 70%). CONCLUSIONS Clinical presentation influences the estimation of GFR from serum creatinine, and neither the CKD-EPI nor MDRD equation account for this. Use of the CKD-EPI equation misclassifies fewer low-risk patients as having reduced mGFR, although it is also less sensitive for detecting mGFR below specific threshold values used to define CKD stages.
Replication fork stalling by bulky DNA damage: localization at active origins and checkpoint modulation

The integrity of the genome is threatened by DNA damage that blocks the progression of replication forks. Little is known about the genomic locations of replication fork stalling, and its determinants and consequences in vivo. Here we show that bulky DNA damaging agents induce localized fork stalling at yeast replication origins, and that localized stalling is dependent on proximal origin activity and is modulated by the intra–S–phase checkpoint. Fork stalling preceded the formation of sister chromatid junctions required for bypassing DNA damage. Despite DNA adduct formation, localized fork stalling was abrogated at an origin inactivated by a point mutation and prominent stalling was not detected at naturally-inactive origins in the replicon. The intra–S–phase checkpoint contributed to the high-level of fork stalling at early origins, while checkpoint inactivation led to initiation, localized stalling and chromatid joining at a late origin. Our results indicate that replication forks initially encountering a bulky DNA adduct exhibit a dual nature of stalling: a checkpoint-independent arrest that triggers sister chromatid junction formation, as well as a checkpoint-enhanced arrest at early origins that accompanies the repression of late origin firing. We propose that the initial checkpoint-enhanced arrest reflects events that facilitate fork resolution at subsequent lesions.
Socioeconomic Differentials in Global Exposure: A Research Note on Taiwan

Compiling several national survey data collected in Taiwan during 2000–2008, this study examines the differences in individuals' exposure to globalization. The authors conceptualize global exposure in terms of cross-border, transnational network relationships and consumption of global cultural products. The authors explore the effects of socioeconomic differences (education, occupational status, and income) on four dimensions of individual global exposure. The results obtained from the regression analysis suggest that social class is a critical determinant in explaining individual global exposure.
THE THEORY OF INDEPENDENCE

For Olmedo Beluche no theory is able to cover all aspects of reality, but at same time without theories we would not be able to interact with the real world. In this essay the Panamanian sociologist outlines what he calls “The theory of independence” from the criticism of the official history of Our America which has been at the service of the Creole oligarchy. And related to the commemoratives acts of the Bicentennial celebrated this year in the region, he told us that in no country was proclaimed Independence from Spain except Mexico in 1810 by the priest Miguel Hidalgo.
Stigma 'gets under the skin,' but does it 'get to the heart?' Sexual orientation as a determinant of social relationship outcomes

Some past work indicates that sexual minorities may experience impaired social relationship outcomes relative to heterosexuals. However, a number of limitations of the extant literature imply the need for further work on potential social relationship disparities. Furthermore, if potential disparities are indeed confirmed, researchers should begin to investigate etiologic mechanisms, including both risk and protective factors. The primary aim of Study 1 was to gauge potential disparities in social relationship outcomes (i.e., social network size, loneliness, relationship strain and social capital) based upon sexual orientation among adults in the United States. Consistent with hypotheses, across each of these measures sexual minorities reported impaired social relationship outcomes relative to heterosexuals. Study 1 also explored whether perceived discrimination and structural discrimination may be involved in producing these disparities. Confirming hypotheses, controlling for perceived discrimination attenuated disparities across three of the four social relationship outcomes. Furthermore, among sexual minorities structural discrimination moderated the association between perceived discrimination and both social relationship strain and loneliness. The primary aim of Study 2 was to test both risk and protective factors stemming from the experience of social devaluation that may be tied to social relationship outcomes among sexual minorities. Specifically, indirect paths from perceived discrimination to social relationship strain through emotional suppression, chronic inflammation and group identification were examined. Study 2 built upon Study 1 by explicating stigma-related variables that potentially exacerbate (suppression, inflammation) and attenuate (group identification) social relationship disparities for sexual minorities. Partial support for the proposed model was found in Study 2. While the pathway through emotional suppression was supported, there was mixed support for the pathway through chronic inflammation and poorer support for the pathway through group identification. Finally, results from these two complementary studies are synthesized and implications for public policy, programmatic interventions and efforts to build resilience among sexual minorities are discussed. STIGMA 'GETS UNDER THE SKIN,' BUT DOES IT 'GET TO THE HEART? ' SEXUAL ORIENTATION AS A DETERMINANT OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP
Arginine-Ornithine Antiporter ArcD Controls Arginine Metabolism and Interspecies Biofilm Development of Streptococcus gordonii*♦

Background: Arginine and its derivatives are key factors for inter-bacterial communication in periodontal microflora. Results: ArcD-mediated export of ornithine by oral commensal Streptococcus gordonii facilitates biofilm development of Fusobacterium nucleatum. Conclusion: Ornithine cross-feeding from S. gordonii to F. nucleatum mediates dental biofilm maturation. Significance: This is the first report of metabolic cross-feeding between S. gordonii and F. nucleatum. Arginine is utilized by the oral inhabitant Streptococcus gordonii as a substrate of the arginine deiminase system (ADS), eventually producing ATP and NH3, the latter of which is responsible for microbial resistance to pH stress. S. gordonii expresses a putative arginine-ornithine antiporter (ArcD) whose function has not been investigated despite relevance to the ADS and potential influence on inter-bacterial communication with periodontal pathogens that utilize amino acids as a main energy source. Here, we generated an S. gordonii ΔarcD mutant to explore the role of ArcD in physiological homeostasis and bacterial cross-feeding. First, we confirmed that S. gordonii ArcD plays crucial roles for mediating arginine uptake and promoting bacterial growth, particularly under arginine-limited conditions. Next, metabolomic profiling and transcriptional analysis of the ΔarcD mutant revealed that deletion of this gene caused intracellular accumulation of ornithine leading to malfunction of the ADS and suppression of de novo arginine biosynthesis. The mutant strain also showed increased susceptibility to low pH stress due to reduced production of ammonia. Finally, accumulation of Fusobacterium nucleatum was found to be significantly decreased in biofilm formed by the ΔarcD mutant as compared with the wild-type strain, although ornithine supplementation restored fusobacterium biovolume in dual-species biofilms with the ΔarcD mutant and also enhanced single species biofilm development by F. nucleatum. Our results are the first direct evidence showing that S. gordonii ArcD modulates not only alkali and energy production but also interspecies interaction with F. nucleatum, thus initiating a middle stage of periodontopathic biofilm formation, by metabolic cross-feeding.
THE VIEWS AND BEHAVIOURS OF WOMEN ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY IN HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES

The pilot study was planned and carried out to determine views and behaviors of women living in Ankara-Turkey, on distribution of responsibility in household activities. This study was conducted in the region of Eryaman-Ankara, which is thought to represent families in different socio-economic levels in 2005. A total of 600 women were selected by a Systematic Sampling Method which was statistically determined. This research is a descriptive study. Depending on the prepared questionnaire form, the data was collected through face-to-face interviews with women in the families. According to the results, women in the family are responsible for carrying out physical and some social activities. The women think that women and men should take the responsibility together in some social and economic activities. This results show that women think the traditional structure in household activities should change.
Prosodic Strengthening in Transboundary V-to-V Lingual Movement in American English

Abstract This study investigates how prosodic strengthening is kinematically manifested in V-to-V lingual movement in English CV#CV context (where # is a prosodic boundary). Results showed that both boundary and accent gave rise to a kind of prosodic strengthening (showing spatial and temporal expansion), but exact kinematic patterns of prosodic strengthening were different as a function of the type of gesture (tongue lowering versus raising) associated with different vowels (/i/to-/É‘/ vs. /É‘/-to-/i/) and the source of prosodic strengthening (boundary versus accentuation). This implies that speakers must know about prosodic structure and differentiate the two sources of prosodic strengthening in a systematic finegrained fashion. From a theoretical point of view regarding a mass-spring gestural model, results suggested that kinematic patterns of prosodic strengthening could not be fully accounted for by any particular dynamical parameter, presenting a complex nature of prosodic strengthening. The results also implied that the theory of the π-gesture (the prosodic boundary gesture) under the rubric of the massspring gestural model needs to be refined in terms of how the theory defines the exact scope of the π-gesture’s influence in the temporal dimension and how it differentiates boundary-induced articulation from an accent-induced one.
Nitric oxide induces tyrosine nitration and release of cytochrome c preceding an increase of mitochondrial transmembrane potential in macrophages

Treatment of elicited peritoneal macrophages or the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 with high concentrations of nitric oxide donors is followed by apoptotic cell death. Analysis of the changes in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) with specific fluorescent probes showed a rapid and persistent increase of ΔΨm, a potential that usually decreases in cells undergoing apoptosis through mitochondrial‐dependent mechanisms. Using confocal microscopy, the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol was characterized as an early event preceding the rise of ΔΨm. The cytochrome c from cells treated with nitric oxide donors was modified chemically, probably through the formation of nitrotyrosine residues, suggesting the synthesis of peroxynitrite in the mitochondria. These results indicate that nitric oxide‐dependent apoptosis in macrophages occurs in the presence of a sustained increase of ΔΨm, and that the chemical modification and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria precede the changes of ΔΨm. —Hortelano, S. , Alvarez, A. M. , Bosca, L. Nitric oxide induces tyrosine nitration and release of cytochrome c preceding an increase of mitochondrial transmembrane potential in macrophages. FASEB J. 13, 2311–2317 (1999)
A 2D-3D Hybrid Approach to Video Stabilization

In this paper, we introduce a novel 2D-3D hybrid video stabilization method which combines virtues of 2D and 3D video stabilization methods in one routine. It attempts to achieve high-quality camera motions and to retain full frame coherence in each frame, at while, ensure that local regions undergo a similarity transformation. We solve the stabilization problem by integrating 3D and 2D video stabilization methods into one routine. It smooths camera motions and explicitly employs local motion information which constraints video frames to be temporal coherent, and achieves high-quality video stabilization. Experiments s how t hat our method not only can achieve high-quality camera motion on good 3D reconstructed scene, but also can deal with complicated videos containing near, large moving objects.
Frequency and chronological distribution of linear enamel hypoplasia in a North American colonial skeletal sample.

A skeletal sample of 44 individuals born and raised in early 18th century frontier settlements of Northeastern United States is examined for the frequency and chronological distribution of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) on the maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines. The prevalence of LEH ranged from 31% on the I2 to 66% on the mandibular C and the mean number of defects ranged from . 59 on the I2 to 1.08 on the mandibular C. These frequencies were generally lower than those reported for two later samples; the Monroe County Poorhouse sample and the Hammon-Todd sample. Individuals in these latter two samples were derived from the lowest socioeconomic stratum of their respective populations. Frequency differences are explained within the context of the changing availability of resources that resulted from the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and wage labor which took place during the 18th and 19th centuries. The frequency of LEH was low prior to 1.5 years of age and may result from attrition and/or decreased susceptibility in the relevant area of the crown or from low morbidity or high mortality. Peak frequencies are observed in all age categories ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 years up to 4.0 to 4.5 years and are too late to result from weaning. Instead, they may reflect the susceptibility of nonimmune children to diseases that were common in colonial North America. As the majority of these diseases were not fatal, most victims who survived may have had one or more LEHs as visible proof of their earlier encounter(s).
Use of a wiki as an interactive teaching tool in pathology residency education: Experience with a genomics, research, and informatics in pathology course

Background: The need for informatics and genomics training in pathology is critical, yet limited resources for such training are available. In this study we sought to critically test the hypothesis that the incorporation of a wiki (a collaborative writing and publication tool with roots in "Web 2.0") in a combined informatics and genomics course could both (1) serve as an interactive, collaborative educational resource and reference and (2) actively engage trainees by requiring the creation and sharing of educational materials. Materials and Methods: A 2-week full-time course at our institution covering genomics, research, and pathology informatics (GRIP) was taught by 36 faculty to 18 second- and third-year pathology residents. The course content included didactic lectures and hands-on demonstrations of technology (e.g., whole-slide scanning, telepathology, and statistics software). Attendees were given pre- and posttests. Residents were trained to use wiki technology (MediaWiki) and requested to construct a wiki about the GRIP course by writing comprehensive online review articles on assigned lectures. To gauge effectiveness, pretest and posttest scores for our course were compared with scores from the previous 7 years from the predecessor course (limited to informatics) given at our institution that did not utilize wikis. Results: Residents constructed 59 peer-reviewed collaborative wiki articles. This group showed a 25% improvement (standard deviation 12%) in test scores, which was greater than the 16% delta recorded in the prior 7 years of our predecessor course (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Our use of wiki technology provided a wiki containing high-quality content that will form the basis of future pathology informatics and genomics courses and proved to be an effective teaching tool, as evidenced by the significant rise in our resident posttest scores. Data from this project provide support for the notion that active participation in content creation is an effective mechanism for mastery of content. Future residents taking this course will continue to build on this wiki, keeping content current, and thereby benefit from this collaborative teaching tool.
Acetylcholinesterase of schistosoma mansoni—Functional correlates: Contributed in honor of Professor Hans Neurath's 90th birthday

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme broadly distributed in many species, including parasites. It occurs in multiple molecular forms that differ in their quaternary structure and mode of anchoring to the cell surface. This review summarizes biochemical and immunological investigations carried out in our laboratories on AChE of the helmint, Schistosoma mansoni. AChE appears in S. mansoni in two principal molecular forms, both globular, with sedimentation coefficients of ∼6.5 and 8 S. On the basis of their substrate specificity and sensitivity to inhibitors, both are “true” acetylcholinesterases. Approximately half of the AChE activity of S. mansoni is located on the outer surface of the parasite, attached to the tegumental membrane via a covalently attached glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The remainder is located within the parasite, mainly associated with muscle tissue. Whereas the internal enzyme is most likely involved in termination of neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses, the role of the surface enzyme remains to be established; there are, however, indications that it is involved in signal transduction. The two forms of AChE differ in their heparin‐binding properties, only the internal 8 S form of the AChE being retained on a heparin column. The two forms differ also in their immunological specificity, since they are selectively recognized by different monoclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies raised against S. mansoni AChE purified by affinity chromatography are specific for the parasite AChE, reacting with both molecular forms, but do not recognize AChE from other species. They interact with the surface‐localized enzyme on the intact organism, and produce almost total complement‐dependent killing of the parasite. S. mansoni AChE is thus demonstrated to be a functional protein, involved in multifaceted activities, which can serve as a suitable candidate for diagnostic purposes, vaccine development, and drug design.
Inflammatory cytokine and microRNA responses of primary human dendritic cells cultured with Helicobacter pylori strains

Primary human dendritic cells (DC) were used to explore the inflammatory effectors, including cytokines and microRNAs, regulated by Helicobacter pylori. In a 48 h ex-vivo co-culture system, both H. pylori B38 and B45 strains activated human DCs and promoted a strong inflammatory response characterized by the early production of pro-inflammatory TNFα and IL-6 cytokines, followed by IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-23 secretion. IL-23 was the only cytokine dependent on the cag pathogenicity island status of the bacterial strains. DC activation and cytokine production were accompanied by an early miR-146a upregulation followed by a strong miR-155 induction, which mainly controlled TNFα production. These results pave the way for further investigations into the nature of H. pylori antigens and the subsequently activated signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response to H. pylori infection, the deregulation of which may likely contribute to gastric lymphomagenesis.
PDE-4 Inhibition Rescues Aberrant Synaptic Plasticity in Drosophila and Mouse Models of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of both intellectual disability and autism resulting from a single gene mutation. Previously, we characterized cognitive impairments and brain structural defects in a Drosophila model of FXS and demonstrated that these impairments were rescued by treatment with metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists or lithium. A well-documented biochemical defect observed in fly and mouse FXS models and FXS patients is low cAMP levels. cAMP levels can be regulated by mGluR signaling. Herein, we demonstrate PDE-4 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to ameliorate memory impairments and brain structural defects in the Drosophila model of fragile X. Furthermore, we examine the effects of PDE-4 inhibition by pharmacologic treatment in the fragile X mouse model. We demonstrate that acute inhibition of PDE-4 by pharmacologic treatment in hippocampal slices rescues the enhanced mGluR-dependent LTD phenotype observed in FXS mice. Additionally, we find that chronic treatment of FXS model mice, in adulthood, also restores the level of mGluR-dependent LTD to that observed in wild-type animals. Translating the findings of successful pharmacologic intervention from the Drosophila model into the mouse model of FXS is an important advance, in that this identifies and validates PDE-4 inhibition as potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of individuals afflicted with FXS.
Temperature-insensitive pressure sensor using a polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber based sagnac interferometer

A novel, highly sensitivity, fiber-optic pressure sensor with polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF) based Sagnac interferometer (SI) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A wavelength-pressure sensitivity -3.75 nm/MPa is achieved with a 79.6-cm PM-PCF as the sensing element. Owing to the birefringence insensitivity for the PM-PCF, the sensor is inherently temperature insensitive.