Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Validated Tool for Psychiatric Comorbidity in the Patients With Functional Dyspepsia

TO THE EDITOR: We read the article by Tse et al.1 with interest, which showed the usefulness of 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) as a reliable screening tool for psychiatric disorders in the patients with functional dyspepsia. Interesting studies were recently published showed anxiety to be linked to functional dyspepsia and especially postprandial distress syndrome, but not epigastric pain syndrome.2,3 Also the systematic review about the efficacy of antianxiety or antidepressive agents on functional dyspepsia showed significant treatment benefit (pooled relative risk for sustained symptoms, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.85), although funnel plots were asymmetric.4 Whether psychological factors are causally linked to functional dyspepsia is controversial. In a prospective cohort study, there was no difference in mental distress or fear of serious illness in functional versus organic gastointestinal diseases, and gastrointestinal symptom reduction related to alleviation of mental distress only reached statistical significance in patients with organic disease.5 Psychologic comorbidity might be related to underlying pathophysiology and influence the disease course, treatment modality and the health care utilization. Therefore, the evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity in patients with functional dyspepsia is important. The sensitivity and specificity of GHQ-12 were 63.0% and 92.9%, respectively when the cut-off of GHQ-12 was at ≥ 3 in this study. It suggests GHQ-12 as an acceptable screening tool to detect psychiatric disorders in the patients with functional dyspepsia. In many previous studies, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) has been selected for assessment of psychological status in the patients with functional dyspepsia.6,7 The SCL-90-R is another self-report questionnaire, a clinical symptom rating scale consisting of 90 questions. GHQ-12 is a simpler screening tool for general practitioner to define the psychological comorbidity in dyspepsia than the SCL-90-R. The proportion of the patients with previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders is slightly high (49.1%, 27 subjects) in this study. It would be related with measurement bias, such as recall bias, and exposure suspicion bias. In conclusion, the testing of psychiatric comorbidity in functional dyspepsia might be worthy and GHQ-12 is a simple screening tool for evaluating the psychiatric profile in functional dyspepsia.
Personality, Religion, and Politics: An Investigation in 33 Countries

The relations of HEXACO personality factors and religiosity with political orientation were examined in responses collected online from participants in 33 countries (N = 141 492). Endorsement of a right–wing political orientation was negatively associated with Honesty–Humility and Openness to Experience and positively associated with religiosity. The strength of these associations varied widely across countries, such that the religiosity–politics correlations were stronger in more religious countries, whereas the personality–politics correlations were stronger in more developed countries. We also investigated the utility of the narrower traits (i.e. facets) that define the HEXACO factors. The Altruism facet (interstitially located between the Honesty–Humility, Agreeableness, and Emotionality axes) was negatively associated with right–wing political orientation, but religiosity was found to suppress this relationship, especially in religious countries. In addition to Altruism, the Greed Avoidance and Modesty facets of the Honesty–Humility factor and the Unconventionality and Aesthetic Appreciation facets of the Openness to Experience factor were also negatively associated with right–wing political orientation. We discuss the utility of examining facet–level personality traits, along with religiosity, in research on the individual difference correlates of political orientation. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Prevalence of Hypertension among High School Students in a Middle Anatolian Province of Turkey

Hypertension may lead to irreversible damages in vital organs, such as heart, brain, and kidney, and may cause death in children if treatments are not given despite early diagnosis. This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted during 1 January–31 March 2004 to investigate the prevalence of hypertension among high school students. The study cohort included 1,041 students of six high schools, who were selected from among 14,789 students of 26 high schools in Sivas province of Turkey, using the cluster-sampling method. A questionnaire was used for collecting information from students on age, gender, smoking, and whether they or their families have any diseases. Blood pressure, height, and weight of the participitants were determined by the research group. Students whose repeated systolic or diastolic blood pressures were higher than the 95th percentile were considered to be hypertensive patients. Hypertension was prevalent among 4.4% (n=45) of the students. There was a significant correlation between prevalence of hypertension and body mass index. No significant correlation was found between prevalence of hypertension and other variables, such as smoking, age, gender, and family history of diabetes. The results suggest that hypertension is an important public-health problem among high school students. The results also showed that the body mass index was an important parameter in hypertension in such a study group. Researchers should consider overweight a causative risk factor for development of hypertension in early-onset groups.
Cosmic microwave background constraints on the epoch of reionization

ABSTRA C T We use a compilation of cosmic microwave anisotropy data to constrain the epoch of reionization in the Universe, as a function of cosmological parameters. We consider spatially flat cosmologies, varying the matter density V0 (the flatness being restored by a cosmological constant), the Hubble parameter h and the spectral index n of the primordial power spectrum. Our results are quoted both in terms of the maximum permitted optical depth to the last-scattering surface, and in terms of the highest allowed reionization redshift assuming instantaneous reionization. For critical-density models, significantly tilted power spectra are excluded as they cannot fit the current data for any amount of reionization, and even scale-invariant models must have an optical depth to last scattering of below 0.3. For the currently favoured low-density model with V0a 0:3 and a cosmological constant, the earliest reionization permitted to occur is at around redshift 35, which roughly coincides with the highest estimate in the literature. We provide general fitting functions for the maximum permitted optical depth, as a function of cosmological parameters. We do not consider the inclusion of tensor perturbations, but if present they would strengthen the upper limits that we quote.
Statistical model for radiation-induced wear-out of ultra-thin gate oxides after exposure to heavy ion irradiation

In this work, we present an original model to explain the accelerated wear-out behavior of irradiated ultra-thin oxides. The model uses a statistical approach to the breakdown occurrences based on a nonhomogeneous Poisson process. By means of our model, we can estimate the number and the time evolution of those damaged regions produced by ion hits that generate breakdown spots during high field stresses after irradiation, including the dependence on the oxide field. Also, by using the proposed model, we have studied the wear-out dependence on the stress voltage, gate area, and ion fluence. In particular, by studying the stress voltage dependence of wear-out acceleration, it is feasible to extrapolate the device lifetime even at low operating voltage.
Promise Constraint Satisfaction: Algebraic Structure and a Symmetric Boolean Dichotomy

A classic result due to Schaefer (1978) classifies all constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs) over the Boolean domain as being either in $\mathsf{P}$ or $\mathsf{NP}$-hard. This paper considers a promise-problem variant of CSPs called PCSPs. A PCSP over a finite set of pairs of constraints $\Gamma$ consists of a pair $(\Psi_P, \Psi_Q)$ of CSPs with the same set of variables such that for every $(P, Q) \in \Gamma$, $P(x_{i_1}, ., x_{i_k})$ is a clause of $\Psi_P$ if and only if $Q(x_{i_1}, ., x_{i_k})$ is a clause of $\Psi_Q$. The promise problem $\operatorname{PCSP}(\Gamma)$ is to distinguish, given $(\Psi_P, \Psi_Q)$, between the cases $\Psi_P$ is satisfiable and $\Psi_Q$ is unsatisfiable. Many natural problems including approximate graph and hypergraph coloring can be placed in this framework. This paper is motivated by the pursuit of understanding the computational complexity of Boolean promise CSPs. As our main result, we show that $\operatorname{PCSP}(\Gamma)$ exhibits a dichotomy (it is either polynomial time solvable or $\mathsf{NP}$-hard) when the relations in $\Gamma$ are symmetric and allow for negations of variables. We achieve our dichotomy theorem by extending the weak polymorphism framework of Austrin, Guruswami, and H\aa stad [FOCS '14] which itself is a generalization of the algebraic approach to study CSPs. In both the algorithm and hardness portions of our proof, we incorporate new ideas and techniques not utilized in the CSP case. Furthermore, we show that the computational complexity of any promise CSP (over arbitrary finite domains) is captured entirely by its weak polymorphisms, a feature known as Galois correspondence, as well as give necessary and sufficient conditions for the structure of this set of weak polymorphisms. Such insights call us to question the existence of a general dichotomy for Boolean PCSPs.
No oxidative stress or DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after exposure to particles from urban street air in overweight elderly

Exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) has been associated with increased risk of lung disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease especially in elderly and overweight subjects. The proposed mechanisms involve intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation and oxidation-induced DNA damage studied mainly in young normal-weight subjects. We performed a controlled cross-over, randomised, single-blinded, repeated-measure study where 60 healthy subjects (25 males and 35 females) with age 55–83 years and body mass index above 25kg/m2 were exposed for 5h to either particle-filtered or sham-filtered air from a busy street with number of concentrations and PM2.5 levels of 1800/cm3 versus 23 000/cm3 and 3 µg/m3 versus 24 µg/m3, respectively. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected and assayed for production of ROS with and without ex vivo exposure to nanosized carbon black as well as expression of genes related to inflammation (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, interleukin-8 and tumour necrosis factor), oxidative stress response (heme oxygenase (decycling)-1) and DNA repair (oxoguanine DNA glycosylase). DNA strand breaks and oxidised purines were assayed by the alkaline comet assay. No statistically significant differences were found for any biomarker immediately after exposure to PM from urban street air although strand breaks and oxidised purines combined were significantly associated with the particle number concentration during exposure. In conclusion, 5h of controlled exposure to PM from urban traffic did not change the gene expression related to inflammation, oxidative stress or DNA repair, ROS production or oxidatively damaged DNA in PBMCs from elderly overweight human subjects.
Effects of two different taper models after strength training on corticospinal excitability and muscle strength

Virtanen, Minttu 2018. Effects of two different taper models after strength training on corticospinal excitability and muscle strength. Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä. Master’s Thesis in Biomechanics. 73 pp. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate if there are (1) differences between the effects of two taper models on strength performance, (2) changes in corticospinal excitability and inhibition as the effect of 8 week of strength training, and (3) changes in corticospinal excitability and inhibition following two different taper models. Methods: Two groups (n = 6 + 5) of recreationally active men first performed 8-week hypertrophic and maximum strength training period, and after that Group 1 performed two weeks of step taper and Group 2 two weeks of linear taper. Squat 1 RM, leg press MVIC, knee extension MVIC and the measurements of corticospinal excitability with transcranial magnetic stimulation were performed six time during the study: week before strength training (conrtol), before strength training, after 5 and 8 weeks of strength training and after one and two weeks of taper. Results: Squat 1 RM improved for both groups through the study whereas MVIC in leg press and knee extension did not change as clearly. There were not statistical differences between groups in any strength results. MEParea with different stimulation intensities, MEPsum and the slope of the I/O-curve remained constant or slightly decreased during the 8-week of strength training period, whereas during the first week of taper they slightly increased for group 1 and slightly decreased for group 2, and during the second week of taper vice versa. AMT and the duration of silent periods did not change significantly during the study. Discussion & conclusion: The results of this study suggest that there are not differences between the effects of step taper and linear taper on strength performance. During the 8-week hypertrophic and maximum strength training period corticospinal excitability remained constant or slightly decreased. During taper step taper corticospinal excitability first slightly increased and then slightly decreased whereas during linear taper appeared to happen vice versa.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Stock Prices, and Tax Policy

We model a market in which some investors get utility from owning shares of firms that engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR). In equilibrium, investors' CSR considerations influence portfolio choices, stock prices, and CSR spending. We study tax policy designed to maximize total giving (individual and corporate) net of government tax breaks and find that its effectiveness is nonmonotonic in the proportion of altruistic investors: with few or many altruistic investors, it has little impact on giving, but, at intermediate levels, effective tax policy intuitively relates the corporate tax rebate rate on giving and the cap on allowable tax savings.
Systematics, biogeography, and character evolution of Sparganium (Typhaceae): diversification of a widespread, aquatic lineage.

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Sparganium (Typhaceae) is a genus of aquatic monocots containing ±14 species, with flowers aggregated in unisexual, spherical heads, and habit ranging from floating to emergent. Sparganium presents an opportunity to investigate diversification, character evolution, and biogeographical relationships in a widespread temperate genus of aquatic monocots. We present a fossil-calibrated, molecular phylogeny of Sparganium based on analysis of two chloroplast and two nuclear markers. Within this framework, we examine character evolution in both habit and stigma number and infer the ancestral area and biogeographic history of the genus. • METHODS Sequence data from two cpDNA and two nDNA markers were analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. We used the program BEAST to simultaneously estimate phylogeny and divergence times, S-DIVA and Lagrange for biogeographical reconstruction, and BayesTraits to examine locule number and habit evolution. • KEY RESULTS Two major clades were recovered with strong support: one composed of S. erectum and S. eurycarpum; and the other containing all remaining Sparganium. We realigned the subgenera to conform to these clades. Divergence time analysis suggests a Miocene crown origin but Pliocene diversification. Importantly, the floating-leaved habit has arisen multiple times in the genus, from emergent ancestors-contrary to past hypotheses. • CONCLUSIONS Cooling trends during the Tertiary are correlated with the isolation of temperate Eurasian and North American taxa. Vicariance, long-distance dispersal, and habitat specialization are proposed as mechanisms for Sparganium diversification.
Inductive and Bayesian learning in medical diagnosis

Abstract Although successful in medical diagnostic problems, inductive learning systems were not widely accepted in medical practice. In this paper two different approaches to machine learning in medical applications are compared: the system for inductive learning of decision trees Assistant, and the naive Bayesian classifier. Both methodologies were tested in four medical diagnostic problems: localization of primary tumor, prognostics of recurrence of breast cancer, diagnosis of thyroid diseases, and rheumatology. The accuracy of automatically acquired diagnostic knowledge from stored data records is compared, and the interpretation of the knowledge and the explanation ability of the classification process of each system is discussed. Surprisingly, the naive Bayesian classifier is superior to Assistant in classification accuracy and explanation ability, while the interpretation of the acquired knowledge seems to be equally valuable. In addition, two extensions to naive Bayesian classifier are briefly des.
PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 Gene Expression on T-Cells and Natural Killer Cells Declines in Conjunction with a Reduction in PD-1 Protein during the Intensive Phase of Tuberculosis Treatment

Background The PD-1 axis is a cell intrinsic immunoregulatory pathway that mediates T cell exhaustion in chronic infection particularly in some viral infections. We hypothesized that PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 would be highly expressed in untreated tuberculosis patients compared to controls due to their chronic infection and would decrease with successful TB treatment. Materials and Methods Untreated tuberculosis patients (n = 26) were recruited at diagnosis and followed up during treatment. Household contacts (n = 24) were recruited to establish baseline differences. Blood gene expression ex vivo was investigated using qRT-PCR. Flow cytometry was performed to establish protein expression patterns. Results PD-L1 gene expression was found to be elevated in active TB disease; however, this was not observed for PD-1 or PD-L2. The intensive phase of TB treatment was associated with a significant decline in PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 gene expression. PD-1 protein expression on the surface of NK cells, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells was similar in patients with active TB disease compared to controls but declined with successful TB treatment, with the greatest decline occurring on the NK cells followed by CD8+ T cells and then CD4+ T cells. Granzyme B/PD-1 co-expression declined with successful intensive phase treatment. Conclusion Modulation of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway through TB treatment indicates changes in the peripheral T cell response caused by live Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) followed by the response to dead bacilli, antigen-release and immuno-pathology resolution. The PD-1 axis could be a host drug target for immunomodulatory treatments in the future.
Shock interactions, turbulence and the origin of the stellar mass spectrum

Supersonic turbulence is an essential element in understanding how structure within interstellar gas is created and shaped. In the context of star formation, many computational studies show that the mass spectrum of density and velocity fluctuations within dense clouds, as well as the distribution of their angular momenta, trace their origin to the statistical and physical properties of gas that is lashed with shock waves. In this paper, we review the observations, simulations and theories of how turbulent-like processes can account for the structures we see in molecular clouds. We then compare traditional ideas of supersonic turbulence with a simpler physical model involving the effects of multiple shock waves and their interactions in the interstellar medium. Planar intersecting shock waves produce dense filaments and generate vortex sheets that are essential to create the broad range of density and velocity structure in clouds. As an example, the lower-mass behaviour of the stellar initial mass function can be traced to the tendency of a collection of shock waves to build up a lognormal density distribution (or column density). Vorticity—which is essential to produce velocity structure over a very broad range of length scales in shocked clouds—can also be generated by the passage of curved shocks or intersecting planar shocks through such media. Two major additional physical forces affect the structure of star-forming gas—gravity and feedback processes from young stars. Both of these can produce power-law tails at the high-mass end of the initial mass function.
Risk Factors for Plantar Foot Ulcer Recurrence in Neuropathic Diabetic Patients

OBJECTIVE Recurrence of plantar foot ulcers is a common and major problem in diabetes but not well understood. Foot biomechanics and patient behavior may be important. The aim was to identify risk factors for ulcer recurrence and to establish targets for ulcer prevention. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS As part of a footwear trial, 171 neuropathic diabetic patients with a recently healed plantar foot ulcer and custom-made footwear were followed for 18 months or until ulceration. Demographic data, disease-related parameters, presence of minor lesions, barefoot and in-shoe plantar peak pressures, footwear adherence, and daily stride count were entered in a multivariate multilevel logistic regression model of plantar foot ulcer recurrence. RESULTS A total of 71 patients had a recurrent ulcer. Significant independent predictors were presence of minor lesions (odds ratio 9.06 [95% CI 2.98–27.57]), day-to-day variation in stride count (0.93 [0.89–0.99]), and cumulative duration of past foot ulcers (1.03 [1.00–1.06]). Significant independent predictors for those 41 recurrences suggested to be the result of unrecognized repetitive trauma were presence of minor lesions (10.95 [5.01–23.96]), in-shoe peak pressure <200 kPa with footwear adherence >80% (0.43 [0.20–0.94]), barefoot peak pressure (1.11 [1.00–1.22]), and day-to-day variation in stride count (0.91 [0.86–0.96]). CONCLUSIONS The presence of a minor lesion was clearly the strongest predictor, while recommended use of adequately offloading footwear was a strong protector against ulcer recurrence from unrecognized repetitive trauma. These outcomes define clear targets for diabetic foot screening and ulcer prevention.
Size matters: predation risk and juvenile growth in North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)

This study investigated how predation risk in North Island brown kiwi changes as the birds grow and develop. Over a 10-year period, 53 adult and 126 young kiwi were radio-tagged at Lake Waikaremoana and studied to determine survival rates, causes of death, and rates of growth. Predation loss amongst adults was low (2.49% year -1 ) and caused mainly by ferrets. Young kiwi suffered intense predation from stoats during their first four months of life, but thereafter became too large (> 800 g) for stoats to kill. Juveniles took at least 880 days to attain adult size, about four times longer than expected for a 2-3 kg bird. Growth rates peaked at about the point of hatch, rather than later on in development as in other birds. We suggest that a long evolutionary history dominated by resource limitation rather than predation may account for slow rates of development in kiwi, and that differences among kiwi species in their ability to persist in the presence of stoats are explained by differences in the time that they take to reach safe-size.