Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic analysis of inducer binding to the lactose repressor protein: contributions of galactosyl hydroxyl groups and beta substituents.

Kinetic and equilibrium studies of the binding of modified beta-D-galactoside sugars to the lac repressor were carried out to generate thermodynamic data for protein-inducer interactions. The energetic contributions of the galactosyl hydroxyl groups to binding were assessed by using a series of methyl deoxyfluoro-beta-D-galactosides. The C-3 and C-6 hydroxyls contributed less than or equal to -2.3 and -1.7 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol to the binding free energy change, respectively, whereas the C-4 hydroxyl provided only a nominal contribution (-0.1 +/- 0.2 kcal/mol). Favorable contributions to the total binding free energy change were observed for replacement of O-methyl by S-methyl at the beta-anomeric position and for S-methyl by S-isopropyl. Negative delta H degrees values characteristic of protein-sugar complexes [Quiocho, F. A. (1986) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 55, 287-315] were observed for a series of beta-D-galactosides differing at the beta-glycosidic position. A decrease in delta H degrees of approximately 6 kcal/mol upon replacement of the O-methyl substituent by S-methyl indicates a substantial increase in van der Waals' interactions and/or hydrogen bonding in this region of the ligand binding site. The more favorable free energy change for the binding of the S-isopropyl vs S-methyl compound is due mainly to more positive entropic contributions, consistent with an increase in apolar interactions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Speech Perception in Noise Measures for Children: A Critical Review and Case Studies

�Children who have hearing loss or other auditory disorders are at risk for educational difficulties, especially when the detrimental effects of an impaired auditory system are combined with poor classroom acoustics. Classroom observations, teacher questionnaires, and speech perception measures in noise may be used to identify children who are at-risk and to evaluate the effects of classroom noise on behavior and performance. Valid and reliable quantification of listening difficulty will provide evidence of a child’s need for instructional and communication accommodations, special education support, and hearing assistance technology. Currently, however, no cumulative peer-reviewed publications that analyze speech perception tests in noise for children exist. For this reason, the primary goal of this paper is to provide a critical review of speech perception measures in noise which are designed for young and school-aged children. This review will provide information regarding the sensitivity, validity, and reliability of available measures, as well as discuss advantages and disadvantages of each test for examining pediatric speech perception in noise. In addition, three case studies will demonstrate the clinical utility of two tests for measuring speech perception in noise in a classroom setting.
SOLUBLE GLUCAN PROTECTS AGAINST ENDOTOXIN SHOCK IN THE RAT: THE ROLE OF THE SCAVENGER RECEPTOR

Soluble carboxymethyl-b-1,3-glucan (CMG), a possible ligand for scavenger receptors, has macrophage-activating action but lacks the granulomatose inflammatory side effect: it is a promising immunomodulator that may mitigate the severity of sepsis. This motivated us to study in rats the effect of CMG (25 mg/kg), injected into the tail vein at 48 and 24 h prior to the administration of 5 mg/kg Escherichia coli O127.B8 endotoxin on survival, hemodynamic condition, and, in vitro, on the chemiluminescence of PMNs and macrophages, and on macrophagal tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production. Acetylated low density lipoprotein (AcLDL) clearance in vivo and in vitro binding to macrophages was used to study scavenger receptor function. In the nonpretreated group 9 of 10 rats died during the first 24 h after endotoxin, but all CMG-pretreated rats survived. CMG-pretreatment prevented severe decreases in cardiac output and blood pressure after endotoxin. Chemiluminescence of macrophages and PMNs from CMG-pretreated rats was about two times less (p < .05) than that from nonpretreated ones; the endotoxin induced TNF production by macrophages also decreased. Pretreatment with CMG increased, but coinjection of CMG and AcLDL decreased the AcLDL clearance, while coinjection of endotoxin and AcLDL decreased the survival rate. In vitro AcLDL uptake by macrophages decreased after coinjection with CMG. Our results thus showed that CMG was protective in rat endotoxin shock, which seemed partly connected with enhancement of endotoxin clearance through scavenger receptors and to decreased TNF production.
Dieting awareness and low self-worth: related issues in 8-year-old girls.

OBJECTIVES Since weight concerns and dieting are apparent before adolescence, this study examined the factors predictive of early dieting awareness. It was hypothesized that early dieting awareness would be negatively associated with perceived self-worth, particularly in girls. METHODS One hundred seventy six 8-year-old children (86 girls, 90 boys) completed assessments of body shape preference, body and self-esteem, dieting awareness, and body weight and height. RESULTS Children were more likely to advise a fictitious character, "Mary-Jane," to diet than they were to report dieting themselves. However, self-endorsed dieting was more strongly correlated with negative self-perception, especially in girls. Significant predictors of dieting awareness in girls included global self-worth (negatively), body mass index (BMI), and frequency of mother dieting (positively). CONCLUSIONS This study supports the view that young girls are drawn to weight control to improve their self-worth, and that mothers are influential in this regard. This early pattern of association is of questionable acceptability.
Nature-based Excursions: School Students' Perceptions of Learning in Natural Environments

Increasingly, environmental educators are incorporating visits to natural areas into their environmental learning programmes for school students. This paper investigates school students' expectations regarding environmental education experiences in natural areas and the attitudinal and behaviour changes they report as a result of their involvement in such programmes. Questionnaire responses from 580 students aged 8-17 years confirmed that learning in natural environments is attractive to students and has an important impact on their attitudes towards the environment, their desire to look after the environment, their behaviour in natural areas and their household environmental practices. It is concluded that combining observation with instruction is a powerful teaching strategy, especially when this allows students to understand the impact of human action on wildlife and natural habitats.
AN INITIAL EVALUATION OF THE BTRACKS BALANCE PLATE AND SPORTS BALANCE SOFTWARE FOR CONCUSSION DIAGNOSIS.

BACKGROUND As recently dictated by the American Medical Society, balance testing is an important component in the clinical evaluation of concussion. Despite this, previous research on the efficacy of balance testing for concussion diagnosis suggests low sensitivity (∼30%), based primarily on the popular Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). The Balance Tracking System (BTrackS, Balance Tracking Systems Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) consists of a force plate (BTrackS Balance Plate) and software (BTrackS Sport Balance) which can quickly (<2 min) perform concussion balance testing with gold standard accuracy. PURPOSE The present study aimed to determine the sensitivity of the BTrackS Balance Plate and Sports Balance Software for concussion diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN Cross-Sectional Study. METHODS Preseason baseline balance testing of 519 healthy Division I college athletes playing sports with a relatively high risk for concussions was performed with the BTrackS Balance Test. Testing was administered by certified athletic training staff using the BTrackS Balance Plate and Sport Balance software. Of the baselined athletes, 25 later experienced a concussion during the ensuing sport season. Post-injury balance testing was performed on these concussed athletes within 48 of injury and the sensitivity of the BTrackS Balance Plate and Sport Balance software was estimated based on the number of athletes showing a balance decline according to the criteria specified in the Sport Balance software. This criteria is based on the minimal detectable change statistic with a 90% confidence level (i.e. 90% specificity). RESULTS Of 25 athletes who experienced concussions, 16 had balance declines relative to baseline testing results according to the BTrackS Sport Balance software criteria. This corresponds to an estimated concussion sensitivity of 64%, which is twice as great as that reported previously for the BESS. CONCLUSIONS The BTrackS Balance Plate and Sport Balance software has the greatest concussion sensitivity of any balance testing instrument reported to date. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 2 (Individual cross sectional diagnostic study).
The Back Squat: A Proposed Assessment of Functional Deficits and Technical Factors That Limit Performance

ABSTRACT FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT COMPETENCY IS ESSENTIAL FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION AND FOR REDUCING INJURY RISK, WHICH ARE BOTH KEY ELEMENTS OF HEALTH PROMOTION. THE SQUAT MOVEMENT PATTERN IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENTS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE SPORT PERFORMANCE, TO REDUCE INJURY RISK, AND TO SUPPORT LIFELONG PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. BASED ON CURRENT EVIDENCE, THIS FIRST (1 OF 2) REPORT DECONSTRUCTS THE TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE BACK SQUAT AND PRESENTS A NOVEL DYNAMIC SCREENING TOOL THAT INCORPORATES IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES FOR KNOWN FUNCTIONAL DEFICITS. THE FOLLOW-UP REPORT WILL OUTLINE TARGETED CORRECTIVE METHODOLOGY FOR EACH OF THESE FUNCTIONAL DEFICITS.
Prognostic factors in head and neck melanoma. Effect of lesion location

Cutaneous malignant melanomas of the head and neck are prognostically engimatic. In addition to known prognostic determinants of stage and lesion microstage, lesion location also appears to have prognostic importance. The authors have reviewed a series of 83 microstaged head and neck melanoma patients in order to analyze the relative importance of these factors. There were 36 males and 47 females with a median age of 56 years. Eighty‐one percent had pathologic Stage I disease, 7% were Stage II, and 12% were Stage III. The primary location was face in 32 patients, neck in 18, ear in 12, and scalp in 21 patients. The actuarial 5‐year survival according to lesion thickness was 86% for melanoma < 1.0 mm, 56% for 1 to 2 mm thick lesions, 47% for 2.1 to 4 mm thick lesions, and 25% for melanomas > 4.0 mm. The 5‐year survival according to lesion location was 78% for facial and 58% for neck melanomas; for ear and scalp, the respective survivals were 33% and 37%. Median thickness was 2.0 mm for facial and 1.85 mm for neck lesions. It was 2.7 mm for ear and 2.0 mm for scalp lesions (differences not significant). There were no microstage factors that correlated with the adverse prognosis seen with scalp and ear melanomas. Multivariate analysis in the entire series (all clinical stages) showed the following to be significant: stage, thickness, and location of the primary melanoma (all <0.0002). In clinical Stage I melanoma, the significant prognostic factors were location (P = 0.035), thickness (P = 0.008), level (P = 0.024), and ulceration (P = 0.035). The prognosis of head and neck melanoma is uniquely influenced by location of the primary lesions in addition to stage, thickness, level, and ulceration, as observed with other cutaneous melanomas at other sites. Ear and scalp melanomas are high‐risk lesions whose poor prognosis is not readily explained by any of the microstage factors reviewed.
Effect of waist circumference on the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and serum lipids: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2006

Abstract Objective To examine the interaction between waist circumference (WC) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level in their associations with serum lipids. Design Cross-sectional study. The associations of serum 25(OH)D with total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), LDL-C:HDL-C and TAG were examined using multiple linear regression. Effect modification by WC was assessed through cross-product interaction terms between 25(OH)D and WC categories (abdominal overweight, 80–<88 cm in females/94–<102 cm in males; abdominal obesity, ≥88 cm in females/≥102 cm in males). Setting The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey waves 2001–2006. Subjects Non-pregnant fasting participants (n 4342) aged ≥20 years. Results Lower 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with lower HDL-C levels as well as with higher LDL-C:HDL-C and TAG levels in abdominally obese participants, but not in abdominally overweight or normal-waist participants. In contrast, lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C in abdominally overweight and normal-waist participants only, but this association was only partly significant. However, a significant difference in the association between 25(OH)D and the lipids according to WC category was found only for LDL-C:HDL-C (P for interaction=0·02). Conclusions Our results from this large, cross-sectional sample suggest that the association between lower 25(OH)D levels and an unfavourable lipid profile is stronger in individuals with abdominal obesity than in those with abdominal overweight or a normal WC.
Downregulation of nuclear expression of the p33ING1b inhibitor of growth protein in invasive carcinoma of the breast

Background/Aims: The inhibitor of growth gene 1 (ING1) is a modulator of cell cycle checkpoints, apoptosis, and cellular senescence. The most widely expressed ING1 isoform is p33ING1b, which can modulate p53, a molecule that is frequently altered in breast cancer. Reduced ING1 mRNA expression has been observed in primary breast cancer expressing wild-type p53. Methods: p33ING1b, p53, oestrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PgR) expression was studied in 86 primary invasive breast cancers using immunohistochemistry. Results: Reduced nuclear expression of p33ING1b was found in cancer cells, both in intensity and the proportion of cells staining. This was associated with enhanced cytoplasmic p33ING1b expression in a proportion of cases. Analysis of several known biological factors indicated that high grade tumours were of larger size and more often negative for ER and PgR expression. However, larger tumours were more frequently p53 negative. These results provide evidence that p33ING1b alterations are associated with more poorly differentiated tumours. Positive correlations were found between nuclear p33ING1b expression and both ER and PgR expression. Conclusions: Optimum function of p53 is dependent on p33ING1b so that a reduction of nuclear p33ING1b expression, as seen in this series, would be predicted to compromise p53 function. This study showed that p33ING1b alterations were associated with more poorly differentiated tumours. Therefore, p33ING1b expression could be used as a marker of differentiation in invasive breast cancer. These results support the view that loss of p33ING1b may be an important molecular event in the differentiation and pathogenesis of invasive breast cancer.
Extent of Trauma Exposure and PTSD Symptom Severity as Predictors of Anxiety-Buffer Functioning

Two studies conducted in the aftermath of the Co te d Ivoire civil war tested the anxiety buffer disruptiontheory prediction that high war exposure and/or high posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated witha disruption in normal anxiety buffering functioning. In line with predictions, Study 1 indicated that mortalitysalience (as compared to a control condition) increased immediate death-related thought accessibility inpersons with high but not low levels of PTSD symptoms. Thus, whereas low PTSD symptom participantsshowed the previously documented apparent suppression of classic priming effects when exposed to deathreminders, high PTSD symptom participants did not exhibit this defense. Study 2 demonstrated that mortalitysalience interacted with trauma exposure to affect reports of trauma symptoms. Specifically, it led individualshighinexposuretothewar,butnotthoselowinexposure,toreportmoretraumasymptomsthaninthecontrolcondition. The discussion addresses the role of anxiety buffer functioning in responses to traumatic stress andhow the anxiety buffer disruption theory approach relates to other theories of trauma.Keywords: anxiety-buffer disruption, trauma, war exposure, PTSD, terror management
Improved Early-Phase Insulin Response after Candesartan Treatment in Hypertensive Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance

As the effect of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade on β-cells in clinical situations remains unclear, new evidence has been presented that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin ││ receptor blockers (ARBs) may delay or prevent the development of insulin resistance and diabetes through novel mechanisms. This study aimed to determine the effects of ARBs on insulin excretion by β-cells. Hypertensive patients with impaired glucose tolerance were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 6), which received 8 mg/day of oral candesartan for three months, and controls (n = 6). Before and after administration, a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was conducted to compare various parameters. No significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting glucose, or fasting immunoreactive insulin (IRI) were identified between the groups before administration. After three months, there were no significant changes in BMI, SBP, and DBP for the controls and in BMI and DBP for group A. However, SBP was significantly decreased from 144 ± 2.6 mmHg to 125 ± 4.6 mmHg in group A. Insulinogenic index tended to be slightly decreased for controls, but was significantly increased from 0.32 ± 0.0 to 0.47 ± 0.1 for group A. No significant changes in HOMA-R were identified in either group. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have documented a RAS inhibitor improving early-phase insulin response; thus, the present study may be the first of its kind.
Integrated modeling of process- and data-centric software systems with PHILharmonicFlows

Process- and data-centric software systems require a tight integration of processes, functions, data, and users. Thereby, the behavioral perspective is described by process models, while the information perspective is captured in a data model. Eliciting and capturing requirements of such software systems in a consistent way is a challenging task, demanding that both process and data model are well aligned and consistent with each other. While traditional software modeling languages do not allow for an explicit integration of data and process models, activity-centric process modeling languages tend to neglect the role of data as a driver of process execution; i.e., business objects are usually outside the control of the process, normally stored in external databases. To overcome this drawback, PHILharmonicFlows provides a comprehensive framework for enabling object-aware process support. In addition, a sound specification of process- and object-centric software systems becomes possible. In this paper, we present a requirements modeling approach that provides methodological guidance for modeling large process-and data-centric software systems based on PHILharmonicFlows. Such guidance will foster the introduction of respective software systems in the large scale.
Genetic analysis of a five generation Indian family with BPES: a novel missense mutation (p.Y215C).

PURPOSE Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a rare eye genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FOXL2 gene located at chromosome 3q23. The purpose of the present study was to carry out genetic analysis of BPES in a five-generation Indian family. METHODS Peripheral blood samples were obtained from individuals for genomic DNA isolation. To determine the linkage of this family to the FOXL2 locus, haplotype analysis was carried out using microsatellite markers from the BPES candidate region. Five overlapping sets of primers were used to amplify the entire coding region of the FOXL2 gene for mutation detection. Allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization (ASOH) analysis was carried out to determine segregation of the mutation in the family and to also determine if the mutation was present in 100 ethnically matched normal control chromosomes. RESULTS Pedigree analysis suggested that BPES segregated in this family as an autosomal dominant trait. Cytogenetic analysis in one patient did not reveal any rearrangement. Haplotype analysis suggested that this family was linked to the FOXL2 locus on chromosome 3q23. DNA sequence analysis showed that the BPES phenotype in this family was caused by a novel missense mutation, c.881A->G (p.Y215C). CONCLUSIONS This study reports for the first time a novel missense mutation in a five-generation Indian family with BPES. A review of the literature showed that the total number of mutations in the FOXL2 gene described to date is 42.
Conjugal Power and Resources: An Urban African Example.

Survey data on which this report is based were collected from a sample of 180 married men, employed as senior civil servants, in government institutions in Accra during 1967-68. Following the findings of Blood and Wolfe (1960) and subsequent writers, there were found to be statistically significant differences in lmodes of decision-making reported, according to the relative ages, educational levels and occupations of the spouses. A syncratic power relationship was found to be most common among couples similar in education and age and jointly providing for household needs. Not only did the wife's earning of an income tend to enhance her power role, as elsewhere, but also her use of her earnings to supplement financial provision for the thousehold. A more traditional autonomic pattern was most common among couples with the lowest levels of education.
Validity of a Helicobacter pylori stool antigen assay for the assessment of H. pylori status following eradication therapy

Background A Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test has been proposed as a valid alternative to the 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) for the non-invasive detection of H. pylori infection in primary diagnosis. Published reports show conflicting results with regard to the test's diagnostic accuracy after eradication therapy. The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic value of the HpSA test and to determine the optimal discriminating cut-off value in patients following H. pylori eradication therapy. Method Stool samples were collected and the 13C-UBT was performed in 113 patients 4–6 weeks after eradication therapy. A validated test protocol for the 13C-UBT was used. Stool specimens were analysed with the Premier Platinum HpSA enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to define the optimal cut-off value on the basis of the results of the 13C-UBT. Results The results of the 13C-UBT showed that H. pylori eradication was successful in 83/113 (73%) patients. According to the manufacturer, the cut-off value for the HpSA test is 0.14 optical density, but this does not appear to be valid after eradication therapy (sensitivity 76.7%, specificity 98.8%). On the basis of ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value after therapy was determined to be 0.11 optical density, giving a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 93.9%. Conclusion The HpSA test is a valid test for the assessment of H. pylori status after eradication therapy, provided an adjusted cut-off value is applied.