Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Wais—R Intelligence and the Five-Factor Model of Personality in a Normal Elderly Sample

The present study examined associations between Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised (WAIS–R) scores and the five-factor model of personality, as measured by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory. Both tests were administered to a nonclinical sample of 100 Italian subjects 75 years and older. Analysis showed that the NEO-PI–R Openness to Experience domain was a weak but the best predictor of the three WAIS–R intelligence scores (Total, Verbal, and Performance). Were such a relationship confirmed by further investigations, Openness could be interpreted as a factor which might mitigate intellectual impoverishment which accompanies the normal aging process.
Antimicrobial mechanisms in neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Microorganisms ingested by PMNs are exposed to a variety of antimicrobial systems. Together they comprise a formidable armamentarium, and few organisms survive. The predominant antimicrobial system would be expected to vary with the species, the availability of oxygen and the type of microorganism ingested. There is considerable evidence that the MPO-mediated antimicrobial system plays an important role in the destruction of certain microorganisms in most species; chicken heterophils, however, do not contain MPO,40 and some microorganisms are resistant to this system due to the nature of their cell wall material.146 Further, microbial catalase may offer some protection. The granulocytes of some species (e.g., rabbit, chicken) are rich in cationic proteins and these agents may play a particularly important role in these cells. Granular cationic proteins are less plentiful in human cells.111 Organisms vary in their susceptibility to lysozyme and this enzyme is absent from bovine leukocytes.113 It is probable that the total microbicidal potential of the leukocyte is in excess of its needs under most circumstances. This "overkill" capacity is a reflection of both the level of activity of individual systems and their variety. Particular organisms are susceptible to more than one antimicrobial system and thus may be effectively handled by back-up systems when one is absent. Thus, an organism normally killed by the peroxidase system may be handled less efficiently but adequately when MPO is absent by other oxygen-dependent antimicrobial systems. When a defect in oxidative metabolixm is present as in CGD, both MPO-catalyzed and nonenzymatic oxygen-dependent systems are absent. The ingested organism can, in some instances, supply the needed product of oxidative metabolism (i.e., H2O2); in other instances, oxygen-independent antimicrobial systems are adequate to prevent microbial growth. However, in yet other instances, the organisms survive and multiply and severe infection results.
A multi-sink swarm-based routing protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks are a new emerging area where swarm intelligence can be applied with interesting implications. In fact, a strong analogy between unicellular organism colonies and wireless sensor networks can be emphasized: a sensor network can be viewed as a “colony” of simple, scarce resource nodes that, autonomously, are able only to perform simple tasks, but all together can accomplish very complex problems. In this paper we propose a routing protocol for multisink Wireless Sensor Networks with interesting properties: self organization, fault tolerance and environmental adaptation. The proposed protocol was inspired by the well known behavior (in artificial life studies) of “Slime Mold”. Such colony of unicellular organisms organizes itself in clusters by pheromone generation and evaporation mechanisms. In a similar manner our protocol manages the data traffic towards multiple sink nodes using the gradient concept and reaching high levels of autonomy and fault tolerance. We analyze the proposed protocol to examine the performances, the signalling overhead and the adaptation properties to environmental changes or nodes faults using simulation techniques.
Learning increases stimulus salience in anterior inferior temporal cortex of the macaque.

With experience, an object can become behaviorally relevant and thereby quickly attract our interest when presented in a visual scene. A likely site of these learning effects is anterior inferior temporal (aIT) cortex, where neurons are thought to participate in the filtering of irrelevant information out of complex visual displays. We trained monkeys to saccade consistently to one of two pictures in an array, in return for a reward. The array was constructed by pairing two stimuli, one of which elicited a good response from the cell when presented alone ("good" stimulus) and the other of which elicited a poor response ("poor" stimulus). The activity of aIT cells was recorded while monkeys learned to saccade to either the good or poor stimulus in the array. We found that neuronal responses to the array were greater (before the saccade occurred) when training reinforced a saccade to the good stimulus than when training reinforced a saccade to the poor stimulus. This difference was not present on incorrect trials, i.e., when saccades to the incorrect stimulus were made. Thus the difference in activity was correlated with performance. The response difference grew over the course of the recording session, in parallel with the improvement in performance. The response difference was not preceded by a difference in the baseline activity of the cells, unlike what was found in studies of cued visual search and working memory in aIT cortex. Furthermore, we found similar effects in a version of the task in which any of 10 possible pairs of stimuli, prelearned before the recording session, could appear on a given trial, thereby precluding a working memory strategy. The results suggest that increasing the behavioral significance of a stimulus through training alters the neural representation of that stimulus in aIT cortex. As a result, neurons responding to features of the relevant stimulus may suppress neurons responding to features of irrelevant stimuli.
Expiratory grunting in the late clamped normal neonate.

Clinical observation on 57 normal term neonates was carried out in regard to respiratory frequency, pattern, and occurrence of expiratory grunting from birth through the first hours of life. In addition to the above observation, 29 infants had simultaneous graphic recordings of their respiratory cycles as sensed by a nasal thermistor and sounds over the tracheal region by a contact microphone. Fourteen infants had their breath and grunting sounds, when present, tape recorded from the moment of birth. Expiratory grunting was observed in 13 of 33 infants whose umbilical cords were clamped late (3 to 5 minutes after birth); while no one demonstrated this sign among the 24 early clamped infants (cords clamped within 5 to 10 seconds of birth). Grunting, when present, started within the first half hour of life with peak frequency at 30 to 60 minutes and, in most, disappeared gradually by the end of the second to the fourth hour. It is suggested that in the presence of an overdistended circulatory system in the late clamped infants, expiratory grunting serves as a compensatory mechanism in some to better achieve respiratory adaptation at birth when conditions are less than optimal.
Trends in the prevalence of extreme obesity among Korean children and adolescents from 2001 to 2014

Abstract Background: We assessed nationwide trends in extreme obesity prevalence and its impact on metabolic syndrome in Korean youth. Methods: Data from 19,593 youth (10,271 boys) aged 2–19 were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2001–2014). The prevalence of extreme obesity and the odds ratio of metabolic syndrome were calculated. Questionnaires on body weight perceptions and weight control behaviors were administered. Results: The prevalence of extreme obesity increased significantly among boys (p<0.05). The odds ratios of extreme obesity on metabolic syndrome compared with obesity were 3.781 and 1.979 in boys and girls, respectively. Obese teenage girls with appropriate weight perception attempted to lose weight more frequently than obese teenage boys did. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of childhood obesity in Korea was similar since early 2000s, extreme obesity prevalence has increased, especially among teenage boys. Considering greater morbidity risks, preventing progression to extreme obesity is crucial.
Contributions of Costal 2-Fused interactions to Hedgehog signaling in Drosophila

The Drosophila kinesin-family protein Costal 2 (Cos2) and its mammalian ortholog Kif7 play dual roles in Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In the absence of Hh, Cos2 and Kif7 contribute to proteolytic processing and silencing of the Hh-regulated transcription factors, Drosophila Cubitus interruptus (Ci) and mammalian Gli proteins. Cos2 and Kif7 are also necessary for full activation of full-length Ci-155 and Gli transcription factors in response to Hh proteins. Here, we use classical fused alleles and transgenic Cos2 products deficient for Fused (Fu) association to show that Cos2 must bind to Fu to support efficient Ci-155 processing. Residual Ci-155 processing in the absence of Cos2-Fu interaction did not require Suppressor of Fused, which has been implicated in processing mammalian Gli proteins. We also provide evidence that Cos2 binding to the CORD domain of Ci-155 contributes to both Ci-155 processing and Ci-155 silencing in the absence of Hh. In the presence of Hh, Ci-155 processing is blocked and Cos2 now promotes activation of Ci-155, which requires Fu kinase activity. Here, we show that normal Ci-155 activation by Hh requires Cos2 binding to Fu, supporting the hypothesis that Cos2 mediates the apposition of Fu molecules suitable for cross-phosphorylation and consequent full activation of Fu kinase. We also find that phosphorylation of Cos2 by Fu at two previously mapped sites, S572 and S931, which is thought to mediate Ci-155 activation, is not required for normal activation of Ci-155 by Hh or by activated Fu. Summary: Costal 2 must bind Fused for efficient Ci-155 processing and for Fused activation in response to Hedgehog but mapped Fused phosphorylation sites on Costal 2 are dispensable.
On the complexity of nonrecursive XQuery and functional query languages on complex values

This paper studies the complexity of evaluating functional query languages for complex values such as monad algebra and the recursion-free fragment of XQuery.We show that monad algebra with equality restricted to atomic values is complete for the class TA[2o(n), O(n)] of problems solvable in linear exponential time with a linear number of alternations. The monotone fragment of monad algebra with atomic value equality but without negation is complete for nondeterministic exponential time. For monad algebra with deep equality, we establish TA[2o(n), O(n)] lower and exponential-space upper bounds.Then we study a fragment of XQuery, Core XQuery, that seems to incorporate all the features of a query language on complex values that are traditionally deemed essential. A close connection between monad algebra on lists and Core XQuery (with "child" as the only axis) is exhibited, and it is shown that these languages are expressively equivalent up to representation issues. We show that Core XQuery is just as hard as monad algebra w.r. t. combined complexity, and that it is in TC0 if the query is assumed fixed.
Pathogenicity and Transmissibility of North American Triple Reassortant Swine Influenza A Viruses in Ferrets

North American triple reassortant swine (TRS) influenza A viruses have caused sporadic human infections since 2005, but human-to-human transmission has not been documented. These viruses have six gene segments (PB2, PB1, PA, HA, NP, and NS) closely related to those of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic viruses. Therefore, understanding of these viruses' pathogenicity and transmissibility may help to identify determinants of virulence of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic viruses and to elucidate potential human health threats posed by the TRS viruses. Here we evaluated in a ferret model the pathogenicity and transmissibility of three groups of North American TRS viruses containing swine-like and/or human-like HA and NA gene segments. The study was designed only to detect informative and significant patterns in the transmissibility and pathogenicity of these three groups of viruses. We observed that irrespective of their HA and NA lineages, the TRS viruses were moderately pathogenic in ferrets and grew efficiently in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. All North American TRS viruses studied were transmitted between ferrets via direct contact. However, their transmissibility by respiratory droplets was related to their HA and NA lineages: TRS viruses with human-like HA and NA were transmitted most efficiently, those with swine-like HA and NA were transmitted minimally or not transmitted, and those with swine-like HA and human-like NA (N2) showed intermediate transmissibility. We conclude that the lineages of HA and NA may play a crucial role in the respiratory droplet transmissibility of these viruses. These findings have important implications for pandemic planning and warrant confirmation.
Efficacy of Autologous Microfat Graft on Facial Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Background: Autologous adipose tissue injection is used in plastic surgery for correction of localized tissue atrophy and has also been successfully offered for treatment of localized scleroderma. We aimed to evaluate whether patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and facial handicap could also benefit from this therapy. Methods: We included 14 patients (mean age of 53.8 ± 9.6 years) suffering from SSc with facial handicap defined by Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis Scale (MHISS) score more than or equal to 20, a Rodnan skin score on the face more than or equal to 1, and maximal mouth opening of less than 55 mm. Autologous adipose tissue injection was performed under local anesthesia using the technique of subcutaneous microinjection. The main objective of this study was an improvement of the MHISS score 6 months after the surgical treatment. Results: The procedure was well tolerated. We observed a mean decrease in the MHISS score of 10.7 points (±5.1; P < 0.0001) at 6 months (35% improvement). Secondary efficacy parameters assessing perioral skin sclerosis, maximum mouth opening, sicca syndrome, and facial pain significantly improved at 3 and 6 months postsurgery. At a 6-month follow-up, 75% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied of the adipose tissue microinjection therapy. Conclusions: Our study suggests that subcutaneous perioral microfat injection in patients with SSc is beneficial in the treatment of facial handicap, skin sclerosis, mouth opening limitation, sicca syndrome, and facial pain. Thus, this minimally invasive approach offers a new hope for face therapy for patients with SSc.
Exposure and Nontarget Effects of Transgenic Bt Corn Debris in Streams

ABSTRACT Corn (Zea mays L.) transformed with a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) comprises 49% of all corn in the United States. The input of senesced corn tissue expressing the Bt gene may impact stream-inhabiting invertebrates that process plant debris, especially trichopteran species related to the target group of lepidopteran pests. Our goal was to assess risk associated with transgenic corn debris entering streams. First, we show the input of corn tissue after harvest was extended over months in a stream. Second, using laboratory bioassays based on European corn borer [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)], we found no bioactivity of Cry1Ab protein in senesced corn tissue after 2 wk of exposure to terrestrial or aquatic environments. Third, we show that Bt near-isolines modify growth and survivorship of some species of invertebrates. Of the four nontarget invertebrate species fed Bt near-isolines, growth of two closely related trichopterans was not negatively affected, whereas a tipulid crane fly exhibited reduced growth rates, and an isopod exhibited reduced growth and survivorship on the Cry1Ab near-isoline but not on the stacked Cry1Ab + Cry3Bb1 near-isoline. Because of lack of evidence of bioactivity of Bt after 2 wk and because of lack of nontarget effects on the stacked near-isoline, we suggest that tissue-mediated differences, and not the presence of the Cry1Ab protein, caused the different responses among the species. Overall, our results provide evidence that adverse effects to aquatic nontarget shredders involve complex interactions arising from plant genetics and environment that cannot be ascribed to the presence of Cry1Ab proteins.
Comparison of resource utilization and clinical outcomes between teaching and nonteaching medical services.

PURPOSE To compare the resource utilization and clinical outcomes of medical care delivered on general internal medicine inpatient services at teaching and nonteaching services at an academic hospital. METHODS From February to October 2002, 2189 patients admitted to a 450-bed university-affiliated community hospital were assigned either to a resident-staffed teaching service (n = 1637) or to a hospitalist- or clinic-based internist nonteaching service (n = 552). We compared total hospital costs per patient, length of hospital stay (LOS), hospital readmission within 30 days, in-hospital mortality, and costs for pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, and others between teaching and nonteaching services. RESULTS Care on a teaching service was not associated with increased overall patient care costs ($5572 vs. $5576; P = .99), LOS (4.92 days vs. 5.10 days; P = .43), readmission rate (12.3% vs. 10.3%; P = .21), or in-hospital mortality (3.7% vs. 4.5%; P = .40). Mean laboratory and radiology costs were higher on the teaching service, but costs for the pharmacy and for speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, pulmonary function testing, and GI endoscopy procedures were not statistically different between the 2 services, and residents did not order more tests or procedures. Case mix and illness severity, as reflected by the distribution of the most frequent DRGs and mean number of secondary diagnoses per patient and DRG-specific LOS, were similar on the 2 services. CONCLUSIONS At our academic hospital, admission to a general internal medicine teaching service resulted in patient care costs and clinical outcomes comparable to those admitted to a nonteaching service.
COX-2–Derived Prostacyclin Modulates Vascular Remodeling

Suppression of prostacyclin (PGI2) biosynthesis may explain the increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke which has been observed in placebo controlled trials of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors. Herein, we examine if COX-2–derived PGI2 might condition the response of the vasculature to sustained physiologic stress in experimental models that retain endothelial integrity. Deletion of the PGI2 receptor (IP) or suppression of PGI2 with the selective COX-2 inhibitor, nimesulide, both augment intimal hyperplasia while preserving luminal geometry in mouse models of transplant arteriosclerosis or flow-induced vascular remodeling. Moreover, nimesulide or IP deletion augments the reduction in blood flow caused by common carotid artery ligation in wild-type mice. Generation of both thromboxane (Tx)A2 and the isoprostane, 8, 12 –iso iPF2α-VI, are increased in the setting of flow reduction and the latter increases further on administration of nimesulide. Deletion of the TxA2 receptor (TP) reduces the hyperplastic response to nimesulide and carotid ligation, despite further augmentation of TP ligand production. Suppression of COX-2–derived PGI2 or deletion of IP profoundly influences the architectural response of the vasculature to hemodynamic stress. Mechanism based vascular remodeling may interact with a predisposition to hypertension and atherosclerosis in contributing to the gradual transformation of cardiovascular risk during extended periods of treatment with selective inhibitors of COX-2.
Misoprostol in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage in addition to routine management: a placebo randomised controlled trial

Postpartum haemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal mortality, despite treatment with conventional methods. In this randomised controlled trial, we compared misoprostol 600 μg (200 μg orally and 400 μg sublingually) with placebo in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage in addition to routine treatment. One hundred and sixty consenting women who delivered vaginally with measured blood loss ≥500 mL and for whom inadequate uterine contraction was thought to be a possible factor were given either misoprostol or placebo in addition to normal treatment and after routine active management with uterotonics. Blood loss was measured by collection in a special plastic bedpan and side effects of treatment were recorded. Measured average additional blood loss was 325 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 265 to 384 mL) with misoprostol and 410 mL (95% CI 323 to 498 mL) with placebo. No severe side effects were noted in the use of misoprostol.
The UPR Branch IRE1-bZIP60 in Plants Plays an Essential Role in Viral Infection and Is Complementary to the Only UPR Pathway in Yeast

The unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling network encompasses two pathways in plants, one mediated by inositol-requiring protein-1 (IRE1)-bZIP60 mRNA and the other by site-1/site-2 proteases (S1P/S2P)-bZIP17/bZIP28. As the major sensor of UPR in eukaryotes, IRE1, in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, catalyzes the unconventional splicing of HAC1 in yeast, bZIP60 in plants and XBP1 in metazoans. Recent studies suggest that IRE1p and HAC1 mRNA, the only UPR pathway found in yeast, evolves as a cognate system responsible for the robust UPR induction. However, the functional connectivity of IRE1 and its splicing target in multicellular eukaryotes as well as the degree of conservation of IRE1 downstream signaling effectors across eukaryotes remains to be established. Here, we report that IRE1 and its substrate bZIP60 function as a strictly cognate enzyme-substrate pair to control viral pathogenesis in plants. Moreover, we show that the S1P/S2P-bZIP17/bZIP28 pathway, the other known branch of UPR in plants, does not play a detectable role in virus infection, demonstrating the distinct function of the IRE1-bZIP60 pathway in plants. Furthermore, we provide evidence that bZIP60 and HAC1, products of the enzyme-substrate duet, rather than IRE1, are functionally replaceable to cope with ER stress in yeast. Taken together, we conclude that the downstream signaling of the IRE1-mediated splicing is evolutionarily conserved in yeast and plants, and that the IRE1-bZIP60 UPR pathway not only confers overlapping functions with the other UPR branch in fundamental biology but also may exert a unique role in certain biological processes such as virus-plant interactions.