Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elevated Peripheral Frequencies of Th22 Cells: A Novel Potent Participant in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Objective Chronic low-grade inflammation has long been recognized as the central link between obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The novel subset of T helper (Th) cells, Th22, plays an emerging role in chronic inflammation. We investigated the potential association between Th22 and the pathogenesis of obesity and T2D. Methods Ninety T2D inpatients (T2D group), 30 healthy participants with BMI ranged from 19 to 23.9 kg/m2 (CTL group) and 30 metabolically healthy obese controls with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (MHO group) were employed in our study. Peripheral frequencies of Th22 and Th1 and Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometry based on their specific cytokine patterns. Cytokine levels in fresh plasma were quantified by ELISA. Results Compared to that in CTL group (1.18±0.06%, n = 28), peripheral frequency of Th22 cells was significantly increased in MHO group (1.88±0.10%, n = 30) and in T2D group (2.247±0.10%, n = 89). There was a consistent notable increase in plasma interleukin (IL)-22 of T2D patients [47.56 (30.55–76.89) pg/mL] as compared with that of MHO group [36.65 (29.52–55.70) pg/ml; *P<0.0001] and CTLs [36.33 (31.93–40.62) pg/mL; *P<0.0001]. Furthermore, other than Th1/Th17, previously frequently described participants in obesity and T2D, there was a strong correlation between Th22 frequency and the homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index (r = 0.6771, *P<0.0001) and HOMA for β-cell function (r = −0.7264, *P<0.0001). Conclusions There were increased Th22 frequencies and IL-22 levels in obesity and T2D. Elevated Th22 and IL-22 also aided in the differentiation of MHO from T2D patients. The notable correlation implied that Th22 might play a more determinant role in both insulin resistance and β-cell impairment.
The effect of estrogen use on levels of glucose and insulin and the risk of type 2 diabetes in american Indian postmenopausal women : the strong heart study.

OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between estrogen use and levels of insulin and glucose as well as the effect of estrogen use on the risk of type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This report is based on 857 women who were both nondiabetic and postmenopausal at the baseline examination (1989-1992) and who completed a second examination (1993-1995) an average of 4 years later. The participants were divided into three groups: never, past, and current users based on their baseline estrogen use status. ANCOVA was used to compare the insulin and glucose levels among estrogen use groups. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between estrogen use and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS Postmenopausal estrogen use was associated with lower fasting glucose (0.2 mmol/l lower) but higher 2-h glucose levels (0.4 mmol/l higher) compared with never users. It was not significantly associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes compared with past and never users, based on American Diabetes Association or World Health Organization definitions of diabetes or on only a 2-h glucose level > or = 11.1 mmol/l. However, the risk of type 2 diabetes increased with increasing duration of estrogen use among current users, with an odds ratio of 1.10 per year of use (95% CI: 1.01-1.19). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that estrogen use in American Indian postmenopausal women may relate to deterioration of glucose tolerance. Longer duration of estrogen use among current users may relate to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Social Capital on Facebook

Online relationship formation through social networking sites helps to meet the developmental need for intimacy in emerging adults. Through the use of the rich get richer and the social compensation hypotheses, it is evident that personality characteristics such as extraversion and introversion impact online relationship formation. However, there is a lack of research on the amount of relational benefits, in terms of social capital, accrued from these relationships. This study addressed this issue by examining how the online communication styles of extraverts and introverts mediate the relationship between the personality variables and the accumulation of online social capital. Support for the rich get richer hypothesis was found, with extraversion leading to the accumulation of bonding social capital. This relationship was mediated by the active communication behaviors of extraverts.
Neurobiology of Consciousness: Current Research and Perspectives

Abstract Scientific, objective approach to consciousness has allowed to obtain some experimental data concerning brain activity, ignoring, however, the longstanding philosophical tradition. Spectacular development of neuroscience which has been observed recently made this dissonance particularly noticeable. The paper addresses the main problems of discrepancy between neurobiological research and philosophical perspective. Current opinions concerning neural correlates and models of consciousness are discussed, as well as the problems of working memory, attention, self, and disorders of consciousness. A new neurobiological approach to describe brain function in terms of brain connectivity (so-called connectome) is also presented. Finally, the need to introduce at least some aspects of philosophical approach directly into neurobiological research of consciousness is postulated.
KNN Classifier with Self Adjusting Memory for Heterogeneous Concept Drift

Data Mining in non-stationary data streams is gaining more attentionrecently, especially in the context of Internet of Things and Big Data. It is a highly challenging task, since the fundamentally different typesof possibly occurring drift undermine classical assumptions such asi.i. d. data or stationary distributions. Available algorithms are either struggling with certain forms of drift or require a priori knowledge in terms of a task specific setting. We propose the Self Adjusting Memory (SAM) model for the k Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm since kNN constitutes a proven classifier within the streaming setting. SAM-kNN can deal with heterogeneous concept drift, i.e different drift types and rates, using biologically inspiredmemory models and their coordination. It can be easilyapplied in practice since an optimization of the meta parameters is not necessary. The basic idea is to construct dedicated models for thecurrent and former concepts and apply them according tothe demands of the given situation. An extensive evaluation on various benchmarks, consisting of artificial streamswith known drift characteristics as well as real world datasets is conducted. Thereby, we explicitly add new benchmarks enabling a precise performance evaluation on multiple types of drift. The highly competitive results throughout all experiments underline the robustness of SAM-kNN as well as its capabilityto handle heterogeneous concept drift.
Regression Analysis with Many Specifications: A Bootstrap Method for Robust Inference

We consider a set of linear regression models that differ in their choice of regressors, and derive a method for inference that controls for the set of models under investigation. The method is based around an estimate of the distribution for a class of statistics, which can depend on two or more models. An example is the largest R2 over a set of regression models. The distribution will typically depend on all models in a complex way and does not have a known analytical form. This problem is solved by a bootstrap implementation that incorporates the relevant dependence across models. We illustrate the method with an application where monthly stock returns are regressed on different subsets of lagged variables. The method is applied to estimate the distribution of the maximal R2 under the null hypothesis of no explanatory power. In spite of the large number of models, the maximal R2 is significant. JEL Classification: C12, C2, C52, C53.
Gibberellin Acts through Jasmonate to Control the Expression of MYB21, MYB24, and MYB57 to Promote Stamen Filament Growth in Arabidopsis

Precise coordination between stamen and pistil development is essential to make a fertile flower. Mutations impairing stamen filament elongation, pollen maturation, or anther dehiscence will cause male sterility. Deficiency in plant hormone gibberellin (GA) causes male sterility due to accumulation of DELLA proteins, and GA triggers DELLA degradation to promote stamen development. Deficiency in plant hormone jasmonate (JA) also causes male sterility. However, little is known about the relationship between GA and JA in controlling stamen development. Here, we show that MYB21, MYB24, and MYB57 are GA-dependent stamen-enriched genes. Loss-of-function of two DELLAs RGA and RGL2 restores the expression of these three MYB genes together with restoration of stamen filament growth in GA-deficient plants. Genetic analysis showed that the myb21-t1 myb24-t1 myb57-t1 triple mutant confers a short stamen phenotype leading to male sterility. Further genetic and molecular studies demonstrate that GA suppresses DELLAs to mobilize the expression of the key JA biosynthesis gene DAD1, and this is consistent with the observation that the JA content in the young flower buds of the GA-deficient quadruple mutant ga1-3 gai-t6 rga-t2 rgl1-1 is much lower than that in the WT. We conclude that GA promotes JA biosynthesis to control the expression of MYB21, MYB24, and MYB57. Therefore, we have established a hierarchical relationship between GA and JA in that modulation of JA pathway by GA is one of the prerequisites for GA to regulate the normal stamen development in Arabidopsis.
Chapter 5: Strategies to prevent transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses

Abstract: Xenotransplantation using porcine cells, tissues, or organs may offer a potential solution for the shortage of allogeneic human organs. Prior to the clinical use of porcine xenotransplants, three main hurdles must be overcome: immunologic rejection, physiologic incompatibility, and risk of transmission of porcine pathogens. Designated pathogen‐free breeding of pigs can prevent transmission of most porcine microbes. However, this is not possible in the case of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV), which are integrated in the pig genome and can infect human cells in vitro. In order to assess the probability of transmission of PERV, a careful screening of the source pig herd is recommended. Two types of PERV are present in pigs, human‐tropic PERV‐A and PERV‐B, which are both present in the genome of all pigs, and PERV‐C, which is not ubiquitous and infects only pig cells. In addition to these viruses, recombinant PERV‐A/C viruses have recently been described that (i) are able to infect human cells; (ii) are characterized by high titre replication; and (iii) are associated with proviruses that are de novo integrated in the DNA of somatic pig cells, but not yet in the pig germ line. The risks presented by PERV‐A/C recombinant viruses could easily be eliminated by using pigs not containing PERV‐C in their germ line, thereby effectively preventing recombination with PERV‐A. Selection of PERV‐C‐free animals, if possible, therefore reduces the risk of PERV‐A/C transmission to humans. Although it is unclear whether PERV‐C may be transmitted in vivo from pig‐to‐pig, an infection of PERV‐C‐free animals with this virus may be prevented. To select pigs with low‐level expression of PERV‐A and PERV‐B, it is recommended to apply assays based on real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), which enables discrimination between pigs with high‐level expression and low‐level expression.
Emergence of spontaneous anticipatory hand movements in a probabilistic environment

In this article, we present a novel experimental approach to the study of anticipation in probabilistic cuing. We implemented a modified spatial cuing task in which participants made an anticipatory hand movement toward one of two probabilistic targets while the (x, y)-computer mouse coordinates of their hand movements were sampled. This approach allowed us to tap into anticipatory processes as they occurred, rather than just measuring their behavioral outcome through reaction time to the target. In different conditions, we varied the participants’ degree of certainty of the upcoming target position with probabilistic pre-cues. We found that participants initiated spontaneous anticipatory hand movements in all conditions, even when they had no information on the position of the upcoming target. However, participants’ hand position immediately before the target was affected by the degree of certainty concerning the target’s position. This modulation of anticipatory hand movements emerged rapidly in most participants as they encountered a constant probabilistic relation between a cue and an upcoming target position over the course of the experiment. Finally, we found individual differences in the way anticipatory behavior was modulated with an uncertain/neutral cue. Implications of these findings for probabilistic spatial cuing are discussed.
Network synchronization with polylogarithmic overhead

The synchronizer is a simulation methodology for simulating a synchronous network by an asynchronous one, thus enabling the execution of a synchronous algorithm on an asynchronous network. Previously known synchronizers require each processor in the network to participate in each pulse of the synchronization process. The resulting communication overhead depends linearly on the number n of network nodes. A synchronizer with overhead only polylogarithmically dependent on n is introduced. This synchronizer can also be realized with polylog(n) space. The polylog-overhead synchronizer is based on involving only the relevant portions of the network in the synchronization process. <<ETX>>
THE EFFECT OF PRACTICE WITH TEST ON THE RELATIVE ACCURACY OF JUDGMENTS OF LEARNING

Title of dissertation: THE EFFECT OF PRACTICE WITH TEST ON THE RELATIVE ACCURACY OF JUDGMENTS OF LEARNING Yoonhee Jang, Doctor of Philosophy, 2006 Dissertation directed by: Professor Thomas S. Wallsten Department of Psychology To investigate what aspects of practice increase the relative accuracy of judgments of learning (JOLs), this study manipulated both JOL timing and type of practice. Three experiments examined the hypotheses that practice with test but not without test improves the relative accuracy of JOLs, and that a similar process mediates the effects of both delay and practice. The results of the experiments revealed that practice without test does not increase the relative accuracy of JOLs, but practice with test does, and that this advantage is different from the advantage caused by delay. These results are discussed in the context of the retrieval hypothesis of memory as well as theories of JOLs. THE EFFECT OF PRACTICE WITH TEST ON THE RELATIVE ACCURACY OF JUDGMENTS OF LEARNING
SIRT1 Protects against α-Synuclein Aggregation by Activating Molecular Chaperones

α-Synuclein is a key molecule in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathy including dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease, and multiple system atrophy. Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases that are highly conserved and counter aging in lower organisms. We show that the life span of a mouse model with A53T α-synuclein mutation is increased by overexpressing SIRT1 and decreased by knocking out SIRT1 in brain. Furthermore, α-synuclein aggregates are reduced in the brains of mice with SIRT1 overexpression and increased by SIRT1 deletion. We show that SIRT1 deacetylates HSF1 (heat shock factor 1) and increases HSP70 RNA and protein levels, but only in the brains of mice with A53T and SIRT1 expression. Thus, SIRT1 responds to α-synuclein aggregation-induced stress by activating molecular chaperones to protect against disease.
The Case for Reactive Mass Oral Cholera Vaccinations

Introduction The outbreak of cholera in Zimbabwe intensified interest in the control and prevention of cholera. While there is agreement that safe water, sanitation, and personal hygiene are ideal for the long term control of cholera, there is controversy about the role of newer approaches such as oral cholera vaccines (OCVs). In October 2009 the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts advised the World Health Organization to consider reactive vaccination campaigns in response to large cholera outbreaks. To evaluate the potential benefit of this pivotal change in WHO policy, we used existing data from cholera outbreaks to simulate the number of cholera cases preventable by reactive mass vaccination. Methods Datasets of cholera outbreaks from three sites with varying cholera endemicity—Zimbabwe, Kolkata (India), and Zanzibar (Tanzania)—were analysed to estimate the number of cholera cases preventable under differing response times, vaccine coverage, and vaccine doses. Findings The large cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe started in mid August 2008 and by July 2009, 98,591 cholera cases had been reported with 4,288 deaths attributed to cholera. If a rapid response had taken place and half of the population had been vaccinated once the first 400 cases had occurred, as many as 34,900 (40%) cholera cases and 1,695 deaths (40%) could have been prevented. In the sites with endemic cholera, Kolkata and Zanzibar, a significant number of cases could have been prevented but the impact would have been less dramatic. A brisk response is required for outbreaks with the majority of cases occurring during the early weeks. Even a delayed response can save a substantial number of cases and deaths in long, drawn-out outbreaks. If circumstances prevent a rapid response there are good reasons to roll out cholera mass vaccination campaigns well into the outbreak. Once a substantial proportion of a population is vaccinated, outbreaks in subsequent years may be reduced if not prevented. A single dose vaccine would be of advantage in short, small outbreaks. Conclusions We show that reactive vaccine use can prevent cholera cases and is a rational response to cholera outbreaks in endemic and non-endemic settings. In large and long outbreaks a reactive vaccination with a two-dose vaccine can prevent a substantial proportion of cases. To make mass vaccination campaigns successful, it would be essential to agree when to implement reactive vaccination campaigns and to have a dynamic and determined response team that is familiar with the logistic challenges on standby. Most importantly, the decision makers in donor and recipient countries have to be convinced of the benefit of reactive cholera vaccinations.
The effects of micronutrient application on soybean seed yield and on seed oil and protein content.

In order to study the effects of applying the micronutrients zinc, manganese, and boron, and to compare the effects that incorporating them in the soil and spraying them on the crop on seed oil and protein contents and percentages, a study was conducted based on the factorial design with the two factors of incorporating these micronutrients in the soil and spraying them on the crop, in 16 treatments and four replications (a total of 64 trials), in 2009-2010 in Dasht-e-Naz in Sari of northern Iran. The treatments were as follows: T1=control, T2=Zns, T3=Mns, T4=Bs, T5=Zns, T6=Zns+Bf, T7=Zns+Mnf, T8=Zns+Znf, T9=Mns, T10=Mns+Bf, T11=Mns+Mnf, T12=Mns+znf, T13=Bs, T14=Bs+Bf, T15=Bs+Mns, T16=Bs+Znf. Results obtained showed that the highest seed oil percentage (25.03%) was achieved by spraying zinc on the crop, and that the biggest seed oil yield (359.31 Kg.h) was obtained by applying manganese to the soil. Results of the comparison of the means indicated that the highest seed protein content (36.12%) was achieved by spraying boron on the crop, and the greatest seed protein yield (545.54 Kg.h) was obtained when manganese was added to the soil. These results also showed that the largest number of total pods per plant (71.05), and the biggest seed yield (152.9 g.m) were achieved by applying manganese to the soil. In the comparison of the interaction effects of the data, it was also shown that, although the highest seed oil percentage belonged to the spraying of zinc on the crop, yet the greatest seed yield among all the treatments (170.7 g.m) was that of the treatment of adding manganese to the soil plus spraying zinc on the crop, in which the greatest number of pods per plant (77.87) and the highest seed protein yield (631.1 Kg.h) and the highest seed oil yield (284.5 Kg.h) were obtained. [Abed vahedi. The Effects of Micronutrient application on soybean seed yield and on seed oil and protein content. Journal of American Science 2011;7(6):672-677]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience. org.
Life History Theory and Exploitative Strategies

Exploitative strategies involve depriving others of resources while enhancing one’s own. Life history theory suggests that there are individual differences (life history strategy) and environmental characteristics (life history contingencies [LHCs]) that influence the use of exploitative strategies. However, past work manipulating LHCs has found mixed evidence for the influence of this information on exploitative behavior. We present three studies that help clarify the effects of this type of information. Results indicated that younger individuals are most sensitive to LHC information. We also found, contrary to predictions, that communicating slow LHC information (i.e., high population density, intraspecific competition, and resource scarcity) increased rather than decreased the temptation to engage in exploitative behavior. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
In Vivo Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Aqueous Humor Outflow Structures

The aim of this study has been to visualize the aqueous outflow system in patients affected by primary open angle glaucoma. A solution of indocyanine green (ICG) plus high viscosity viscoelastic solution was injected into the Schlemm canal during surgery in 10 glaucomatous patients undergoing canaloplasty. Soon after injection of the dye the borders of the scleral flap were completely stained due to partial reflux caused by the intrachannel resistance; progression of the dye along the Schlemm canal starting from the site of injection was then visualized. The filling of the collector channels was observed only in the patent portions of the Schlemm canal. The only noticeable aqueous veins were located in correspondence of the quadrant in which both the Schlemm canal and the collectors were patent. Lastly, a retrograde filling, of glomerular-shaped structures, deepest to the Schlemm canal was observed in the quadrants where the pathway was functioning. Our findings show that injection of a mixture composed of ICG and viscoelastic solution into the Schlemm canal allows a clear visualization of the functioning portions of the conventional outflow pathway. In addition, a retrograde filling of structures presumably located into the iris was also recorded. Clinical Trial Registration. Our study is registered in ISRCTN registry, number 54005880, DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN54005880.