Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trajectory of the main GABAergic interneuron populations from early development to old age in the rat primary auditory cortex

In both humans and rodents, decline in cognitive function is a hallmark of the aging process; the basis for this decrease has yet to be fully characterized. However, using aged rodent models, deficits in auditory processing have been associated with significant decreases in inhibitory signaling attributed to a loss of GABAergic interneurons. Not only are these interneurons crucial for pattern detection and other large-scale population dynamics, but they have also been linked to mechanisms mediating plasticity and learning, making them a prime candidate for study and modeling of modifications to cortical communication pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. Using the rat primary auditory cortex (A1) as a model, we probed the known markers of GABAergic interneurons with immunohistological methods, using antibodies against gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SOM), calretinin (CR), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and cholecystokinin (CCK) to document the changes observed in interneuron populations across the rat's lifespan. This analysis provided strong evidence that several but not all GABAergic neurons were affected by the aging process, showing most dramatic changes in expression of parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SOM) expression. With this evidence, we show how understanding these trajectories of cell counts may be factored into a simple model to quantify changes in inhibitory signaling across the course of life, which may be applied as a framework for creating more advanced simulations of interneuronal implication in normal cerebral processing, normal aging, or pathological processes.
Meta-analysis on efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in overweight and obese postarthroplasty patients

Obesity is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), and the risk rises further in the postarthroplasty period. Although medication doses often require adjustment for the altered pharmacokinetic profile in obese patients, the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose regimen of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in overweight and obese patients remain unclear. Relevant studies were identified through searches of major databases. Phase III randomized controlled trials that compared NOACs against low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in the prevention of VTE in postarthroplasty patients were included. Efficacy and safety outcomes with NOACs in overweight (BMI 25–29 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) patients were assessed. In five trials involving 16 674 patients, NOACs were found similar to LMWH in preventing VTE and VTE-related deaths after arthroplasty in both overweight and obese patients [odds ratio (OR) 0.64, P = 0.19 and OR 0.76, P = 0.43, respectively]. Similarly, the risk of major or clinically relevant bleeding was similar to LMWH in overweight patient with a trend toward lower bleeding in obese patients (OR 0.83, P = 0.54 and OR 0.44, P = 0.07 respectively). Apixaban was found to be more effective than LMWH in obese patients (OR 0.54, P = 0.01) with the lower dose of dabigatran (150 mg) being less effective (OR 1.81, P = 0.02). Our study suggests that a fixed-dose regimen of dabigatran might be ineffective in severe obesity. However, apixaban at the currently recommended dose seems to be superior to LMWH in obese patients with noninferior bleeding risk.
Low doses of haloperidol interfere with rat tongue extensions during licking: a quantitative analysis.

Orolingual dyskinetic effects of haloperidol were studied in rats trained to lick drops of water from a force-sensing disk. Haloperidol dose-dependently decreased force of tongue protrusion, decreased lick duration, increased interlick interval, and decreased number of licks. Fourier methods showed that haloperidol, in doses as low as 0.06 mg/kg, slowed the lick oscillations from an average of 5.250 Hz to 5.096 Hz (p = .014). Lick force was modulated by water drop delivery, but this effect was not influenced by haloperidol, which suggests no interference of the drug with sensory regulation of licking. The drug-induced deficits in tongue force may be manifestations of either postural alterations (pseudoparkinsonism) or orobuccolingual dyskinesias or both. Orolingual motor impairments may account for some of the neuroleptic-engendered behavioral decrements that have previously been explained in terms of reward, motivational deficits, or both.
The Effects of Drain-Bias on the Threshold Voltage Instability in Organic TFTs

In this letter, the influence of drain bias on the threshold voltage instability in pentacene-based organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) was studied. By applying different drain biases to adjust the channel carrier concentration in linear mode, the threshold voltage shift was found to be proportional to the carrier concentration. The experimental data can be well quantitatively explained by the drain bias-stress theory developed for a-Si TFTs. The outcome gives the insight of the degradation mechanism of OTFTs and is important for the design of OTFT pixel circuit, OTFT analog amplifiers, or OTFT active loads.
A New Wideband Circularly Polarized Stair-Shaped Dielectric Resonator Antenna

A circularly polarized stair-shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with a wideband circular polarization (CP) radiation is introduced for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. This antenna is implemented by using two rectangular dielectric resonators (DRs), which are joined together to form a stair-shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). In this structure, the excitation of multiple orthogonal modes leads to a wideband CP bandwidth. Measured results show that the proposed antenna has an axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 22% (5.2–6.5 GHz), an impedance bandwidth of 37% (4.6–6.7 GHz), and a peak gain of 5.7 dB. In addition, the antenna radiation efficiency of more than 90% is achieved.
Working the When, Where, and Who of Social Context: The Case of a Traumatic Injury Narrative

Within qualitative research it is widely recognised that context matters. Despite this, in recent years a number of authors have observed a lack of contextual awareness in qualitative analysis. The purpose of this article is to analyse categorically and holistically the process of meaning making in relation to context using data generated during a series of interviews with an individual who encountered a chronic back injury. Drawing upon the work of Holstein and Gubrium (2004), we focus on questions of when and where to illustrate the locally unarticulated contextual alternatives that can come into play at specific times and places. In addition, we raise questions pertaining to who as a means of further understanding the significance of others in relation to the participant's experiences. In doing so, we illuminate the ways in which different contexts can shape the meaning of injury. After discussing the inherent problems associated with studying the notion of context, we close by suggesting that examining the ways that context might operate throughout the process of meaning making can be a useful analytical tool for qualitative researchers working within the domain of psychology.
INCREMENTAL VALIDITY OF RESPONSE LATENCIES FOR DETECTING FAKERS ON A PERSONALITY TEST

Abstract The ability of test item response latencies to differentiate between honest respondents and fakers on a general structured personality inventory was investigated. Using university undergraduate subjects in a personnel testing context, test item response latencies could discriminate significantly (81.94% correct classification) between subjects instructed to respond honestly and respondents requested to answer so as to maximize the likelihood of their being hired for a job. The use of response latencies also significantly improved the detection of faking above that associated with a standard validity index. Results are interpreted as supporting a general model of faking on personality tests and practical implications are discussed.
Identification of Cysteine 354 of β-Tubulin as Part of the Binding Site for the A Ring of Colchicine (*)

The colchicine analog 3-chloroacetyl-3-demethylthiocolchicine (3CTC) is a competitive inhibitor of colchicine binding to tubulin, binds to tubulin at 37°C, but not at 0°C, and covalently reacts with β-tubulin at 37°C, but not at 0°C, in a reaction inhibited by colchicine site drugs. The approximate intramolecular distance between the oxygen at position C-3 in 3CTC and the chlorine atom of the 3-chloroacetyl group is 3 Å. Using decylagarose chromatography, we purified β-tubulin that had reacted with 3-(chloromethyl-[14C]carbonyl)-3-demethylthiocolchicine ([14C]3CTC). This β-tubulin was digested with formic acid, cyanogen bromide, endoproteinase Glu-C, or endoproteinase Lys-C, and the radiolabeled peptide(s) were isolated. The sequences of these peptides indicated that as much as 90% of the covalent reaction between the [14C]3CTC and β-tubulin occurred at cysteine 354. This finding indicates that the C-3 oxygen atom of colchicinoids is within 3 Å of the sulfur atom of the Cys-354 residue, suggests that the colchicine A ring lies between Cys-354 and Cys-239, based on the known 9 Å distance between these residues, and may indicate that the tropolone C ring lies between the peptide region containing Cys-239 and the amino-terminal β-tubulin sequence, based on the labeling pattern observed following direct photoactivation of tubulin-bound colchicine.
The use of national data sets to baseline science education reform: exploring value-added approaches

This paper uses data from the National Pupil Database to investigate the differences in ‘performance’ across the range of science courses available following the 2006 Key Stage 4 (KS4) science reforms in England. This is a value-added exploration (from Key Stage 3 [KS3] to KS4) aimed not at the student or the school level, but rather at that of the course. Different methodological approaches to carrying out such an analysis, ranging from simple non-contextualized techniques, to more complex fully contextualized multilevel models, are investigated and their limitations and benefits are evaluated. Important differences between courses are found in terms of the typical ‘value’ they add to the students studying them with particular applied science courses producing higher mean KS4 outcomes for the same KS3 level compared with other courses. The implications of the emergence of such differences, in a context where schools are judged to a great extent on their value-added performance, are discussed. The relative importance of a variety of student characteristics in determining KS4 outcomes are also investigated. Substantive findings are that across all types of course, science prior attainment at KS3, rather than that of mathematics or English, is the most important predictor of KS4 performance in science, and that students of lower socio-economic status consistently make less progress over KS4 than might be expected, despite prior attainment being accounted for in the modelling.
Aging in precarious times: Exploring the role of gender in shaping views on aging

ABSTRACT The present study explores views on aging and how these differ according to gender and precariousness status. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 men and 10 women with secure and insecure pensions. Themes like fear of illness and health decline were more present in men, while fear of losing their attractiveness in old age more present among women. For all participants, loss of autonomy and social roles represented a negative view of old age, while activity in the form of work, volunteering, or leisure represented positive views. Differences in views on aging were related to pension security and less to gender. Women with insecure pension plans displayed the most negative views of aging. Implications for practice and policy to prevent health and gender inequalities are discussed.
The Utility of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Scores for Prediction of Mortality among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Non-ICU Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Objective. Bloodstream infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been associated with significant risk of in-hospital mortality. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score was developed and validated for use among intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but its utility among non-ICU patients is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of APACHE II to predict death at multiple time points among ICU and non-ICU patients with MRSA bacteremia. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Participants. Secondary analysis of data from 200 patients with MRSA bacteremia at 2 hospitals. Methods. Logistic regression models were constructed to predict overall in-hospital mortality and mortality at 48 hours, 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days using APACHE II scores separately in ICU and non-ICU patients. The performance of APACHE II scores was compared with age adjustment alone among all patients. Discriminatory ability was assessed using the c-statistic and was compared at each time point using X2 tests. Model calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results. APACHE II was a significant predictor of death at all time points in both ICU and non-ICU patients. Discrimination was high in all models, with c-statistics ranging from 0.72 to 0.84, and was similar between ICU and non-ICU patients at all time points. APACHE II scores significantly improved the prediction of overall and 48-hour mortality compared with age adjustment alone. Conclusions. The APACHE II score may be a valid tool to control for confounding or for the prediction of death among ICU and non-ICU patients with MRSA bacteremia.
Helicobacter pylori: Clonal Population Structure and Restricted Transmission within Families Revealed by Molecular Typing

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori infects up to 50% of the human population worldwide. The infection occurs predominantly in childhood and persists for decades or a lifetime. H. pylori is believed to be transmitted from person to person. However, tremendous genetic diversity has been reported for these bacteria. In order to gain insight into the epidemiological basis of this phenomenon, we performed molecular typing of H. pylori isolates from different families. Fifty-nine H. pylori isolates from 27 members of nine families were characterized by using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of five PCR-amplified genes, by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of chromosomal DNA, and byvacA and cagA genotyping. The 16S rRNA gene exhibited little allelic variation, as expected for a unique bacterial species. In contrast, the vacA, flaA,ureAB, and lspA-glmM genes were highly polymorphic, with a mean genetic diversity of 0.83, which exceeds the levels recorded for all other bacterial species. In conjunction with PFGE, 59 H. pylori isolates could be differentiated into 21 clonal types. Each individual harbored only one clone, occasionally with a clonal variant. Identical strains were always found either between siblings or between a mother and her children. Statistical analysis revealed clonality of population structure in all isolates. The results of this study suggest the possible coexistence of a large array of clonal lineages that are evolving in each individual in isolation from one another. Transmission appears to occur primarily from mother to child and perhaps between siblings.
Development-related contextual effects and individual attributes in third world migration processes: A Venezuelan example

Out-migration in Venezuela was examined as a function of personal attributes and place or contextual characteristics related to development thus combining the individual and mass perspectives. This is part of a broader effort to elaborate upon "development paradigm of migration" based on the observation that economic growth involves structural changes in society which in turn affect the role of specific migration factors. Development indices were derived by principal components analysis of 21 variables pertaining to distritos a small political unit. STRUCTURE 1 component represents a traditional-contemporary continuum in economic and social structure; PRESSURE a 2nd component represents the degree to which distrito population is dependent rather than economically active and its level of population pressure. Personal characteristics in addition to migrant status include the age educational level and gender of 65994 individuals in 1971. These variables were used in logistic regressions for the entire sample for persons from distritos with large and intermediate-sized urban places and for those from distritos with small urban places and rural areas. Educational attainment was the most important variable for distritos with no urban center in excess of 20000 and second in importance for distritos with urban centers of greater than 20000. Its role was consistent across subsamples as was that of age. Gender was among the most important determinants of out-migration in rural and less urban distritos but a minor factor elsewhere. This is because females gravitate to and tend not to leave major urban centers where employment opportunities are more numerous and gender-biased attitudes less prevalent. In general traditional-contemporary aspects of socioeconomic structure and educational attainment emerged as most important. Age was consistent in its role but gender varied according to whether a distrito is more rural or urban. Dependency-population pressure was significant in all settings but less important overall.
Children Value Informativity Over Logic in Word Learning

The question of how children learn the meanings of words has long puzzled philosophers and psychologists. As Quine famously pointed out, simply hearing a word in context reveals next to nothing about its meaning. How then do children learn to understand and use words correctly? Here, we show how learning theory can offer an elegant solution to this seemingly intractable puzzle in language acquisition. From it, we derived formal predictions about word learning in situations of Quinean ambiguity, and subsequently tested our predictions on toddlers, undergraduates, and developmental psychologists. The toddlers’ performance was consistent both with our predictions and with the workings of implicit mechanisms that can facilitate the learning of meaningful lexical systems. Adults adopted a markedly different and likely suboptimal strategy. These results suggest one explanation for why early word learning can appear baffling: Adult intuitions may be a poor source of insight into how children learn.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictors of Arrhythmias Detected With 24-Hour Holter Electrocardiography Among Hypertensive Heart Failure Patients in Nigeria

Background: Hypertensive heart failure (HHF) is the commonest form of heart failure in Nigeria. There is paucity of data in Nigeria on 24-hour Holter electrocardiography (24-HHECG) and important predictors of arrhythmias among HHF patients. Objectives: To determine the 24-HHECG characteristics among HHF patients. To determine the clinical and echocardiographic predictors of arrhythmias detected using 24-HHECG among HHF patients. Methods: A total of 100 HHF patients as well as 50 age-matched and sex-matched apparently healthy controls were prospectively recruited over a period of 1 year. They all had baseline laboratory tests, echocardiography, and 24-HHECG. Results: Hypertensive heart failure patients had significantly higher counts of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) than the controls (P ≤ .001). Ventricular tachycardia (VT) was recorded in 29% of HHF patients as compared with controls who had no VT on 24-HHECG. The standard deviation of all normal to normal sinus RR intervals over 24 hours (SDNN) was abnormally reduced among HHF patients when compared with controls (P = .046). There was positive correlation between atrial fibrillation (AF) and the following parameters: PVCs (r = .229, P = .015), New York Heart Association (NYHA) (r = .196, P = .033), and VT (r = .223, P = .018). Following multiple linear regression, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P ≤ .001) and serum urea (P = .037) were predictors of PVCs among HHF patients. Serum creatinine (P ≤ .001), elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = .005), and PVCs (P ≤ .001) were important predictors of VT among HHF patients. Conclusions: Renal dysfunction and reduced LVEF were important predictors of ventricular arrhythmias. High counts of PVCs and elevated SBP were predictive of the occurrence of VT among HHF patients. The NYHA class and ventricular arrhythmias have a significant positive correlation with AF. The SDNN is reduced in HHF patients.
Essentiality of intron control in the induction of c‐fos by glucose and glucoincretin peptides in INS‐1 β‐cells

Glucose controls long‐term processes in the pancreatic β‐cell such as metabolic enzymes gene expression, cell growth, and apoptosis. Such control is likely mediated via the expression of immediate‐early response genes since several of these genes including c‐fos are strongly induced by glucose in the β‐cell line INS‐1, provided costimulation with cAMP‐raising glucoincre‐tin hormones. This study addresses the mechanism of c‐fos gene activation by glucose. Glucose in the presence of chlorophenylthio‐cAMP generated a low threefold induction of the c‐fos/basic lucif‐erase reporter gene, which includes only the c‐fos promoter. In contrast, the c‐fos/intron construct containing the first intron in addition to promoter elements showed a pronounced 16‐fold induction, comparable to the increased c‐fos mRNA accumulation. Similar observations were made with glucose in combination with the glucoincretins glucagon‐like peptide 1, glucose‐dependent insuli‐notropic polypeptide, and pituitary adenylyl cycla‐se‐activating peptide 38. Deletion of a 119 bp region in intron 1 that includes a transcriptional arrest site did not affect the inductive process. In contrast, a 534 bp deletion comprising a major part of the intron reduced the induction by 75%. At the promoter level, mutating the cAMP response element reduced by more than 60% the transcriptional activation whereas mutating the serum response element had no effect. Inhibitors of protein kinase A and Ca2+/calmodulin‐depen‐dent protein kinases each reduced by 50% the reporter gene activation and together fully prevented the glucose‐glucoincretin effect. In conclusion, the strong induction of c‐fos by glucose and glucoincretins results from Ca2+ and cAMP signaling pathways addressing both the CRE in the promoter and essential response element(s) in the first intron that are unrelated to the transcription arrest site. —Susini, S. , van Haasteren, G. , Li, S. , Prentki, M. , Schlegel, W. Essentiality of intron control in the induction of c‐fos by glucose and glucoincretin peptides in INS‐1 b‐cells. FASEB J. 14, 128–136(2000)