Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autism-Relevant Social Abnormalities and Cognitive Deficits in Engrailed-2 Knockout Mice

ENGRAILED 2 (En2), a homeobox transcription factor, functions as a patterning gene in the early development and connectivity of rodent hindbrain and cerebellum, and regulates neurogenesis and development of monoaminergic pathways. To further understand the neurobiological functions of En2, we conducted neuroanatomical expression profiling of En2 wildtype mice. RTQPCR assays demonstrated that En2 is expressed in adult brain structures including the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus and brainstem. Human genetic studies indicate that EN2 is associated with autism. To determine the consequences of En2 mutations on mouse behaviors, including outcomes potentially relevant to autism, we conducted comprehensive phenotyping of social, communication, repetitive, and cognitive behaviors. En2 null mutants exhibited robust deficits in reciprocal social interactions as juveniles and adults, and absence of sociability in adults, replicated in two independent cohorts. Fear conditioning and water maze learning were impaired in En2 null mutants. High immobility in the forced swim test, reduced prepulse inhibition, mild motor coordination impairments and reduced grip strength were detected in En2 null mutants. No genotype differences were found on measures of ultrasonic vocalizations in social contexts, and no stereotyped or repetitive behaviors were observed. Developmental milestones, general health, olfactory abilities, exploratory locomotor activity, anxiety-like behaviors and pain responses did not differ across genotypes, indicating that the behavioral abnormalities detected in En2 null mutants were not attributable to physical or procedural confounds. Our findings provide new insight into the role of En2 in complex behaviors and suggest that disturbances in En2 signaling may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders marked by social and cognitive deficits, including autism spectrum disorders.
The Staff Nurse Clinical Leader at the Bedside: Swedish Registered Nurses' Perceptions

Registered nurses at the bedside are accountable for and oversee completion of patient care as well as directly leading and managing the provision of safe patient care. These nurses have an informal leadership role that is not associated with any given position. Leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept and its meaning is unclear, especially in the staff nurse context. The aim was to describe registered nurses' perceptions of what it entails to be the leader at the bedside in inpatient physical care. A phenomenographic approach was employed. Interviews were performed with Swedish registered nurses (n = 15). Five descriptive categories were identified: demonstrating clinical knowledge, establishing a good atmosphere of collaboration, consciously structuring the work in order to ensure patients' best possible nursing care, customized presence in the practical work with patients according to predetermined prerequisites, and monitoring coworkers' professional practice. Registered nurses informal role as leader necessitates a social process of deliberate effort to attain and maintain leader status and authority. Participants used deliberate communicative approaches and interactive procedures. Leader principles grounded in the core values of the nursing profession that ensure nursing values and person-centered attributes were a key aspect.
Regulation of protein phosphorylation during sperm capacitation.

After leaving the testis, mammalian spermatozoa from many species are morphologically differentiated but have acquired neither progressive motility nor the ability to fertilize a metaphase II-arrested egg. During epididymal transit, sperm acquire the ability to move progressively; however, they are still fertilization incompetent. Fertilization capacity is gained after residence in the female tract for a finite period of time. The physiological changes that confer on the sperm the ability to fertilize are collectively called ‘‘capacitation. ’’ Capacitation was first described and defined independently by Chang [1, 2] and Austin [3, 4]. The definition of this poorly understood phenomenon has been modified and narrowed over the years. Although fertilization still represents the benchmark endpoint of a capacitated sperm, the ability of the sperm to undergo a regulated acrosome reaction (e.g., in response to the zona pellucida) can be taken as an earlier, upstream endpoint of this extratesticular maturational event. It must be stressed at this point that capacitation is also correlated with changes in sperm motility patterns, designated as sperm hyperactivation, in a number of species [5, 6]. There are examples of cases in which capacitation and hyperactivation can be dissociated experimentally [7], but one cannot yet argue that hyperactivation of motility represents an event completely independent of the capacitation process [6]. Therefore, when one attempts to understand the process of capacitation at the molecular level, it is necessary to consider events occurring both in the head (i.e., acrosome reaction) and in the tail (i.e., motility changes). The physiological site of capacitation in vivo is the oviduct or the uterus, depending on the species [5]. However, capacitation in vitro has been accomplished using cauda and/or ejaculated sperm incubated under a variety of conditions in defined media that mimic the electrolyte composition of the oviduct fluid. In most cases, these media contain energy substrates such as pyruvate, lactate, and glucose (depending on the species); a protein source that usually is serum albumin; NaHCO3; and Ca21. The action of these media components to promote capacitation at the molecular level is poorly understood and will be discussed in this review. This review is not intended to provide an ex-
Evaluation of an Undergraduate Psychology Program: Occupational and Personal Benefits

A 30-item questionnaire completed by 272 psychology graduates from Marquette University, between May 1973 and May 1983, provided an updated evaluation of the undergraduate program. This study investigated: (a) differences between male and female graduates, (b) graduates' evaluation of the psychology curriculum and faculty, and (c) occupational benefits of the psychology major for those who pursued graduate work in psychology or professional fields and for those who sought employment with the terminal bachelor's degree. Results of this study are compared with those of other alumni surveys published between 1961 and 1987.
Minitraining positiviteit en geluk : een pilot studie over de effecten en gebruikerservaringen van een kortdurende positief psychologische interventie die gebaseerd is op het verhogen van welbevinden

Background: Positive psychology focuses on mental health, which can be reached by strengthening wellbeing. An important part of wellbeing are positive emotions. Therefore, wellbeing can be reached by strengthening positive emotions. This was already tested and confirmed by short positive psychological interventions (PPI’s) and online positive psychological interventions (OPPI’s). Those interventions consist of simple, everyday exercises which prove an increase of wellbeing. Good examples are the ‘three good things’ and ‘counting kindness’ intervention which increase wellbeing by strengthening positive emotions. In order to develop usable and user friendly OPPI’s it is important to not only measure the effects of the intervention but also to explore the user experiences with the intervention. The aim of this research is to get an overview of the effects and user experiences of a short positive psychological intervention which consists of different positive psychological exercises. Method: Seven mentally healthy participants took part in this study. The intervention lasted over two weeks and consisted of three required exercises, ‘three good things’, ‘positive activity-monitoring’ and ‘kindness for yourself’. In addition there was an optional exercise called ‘wish yourself something good’. The effects were measured for the variables wellbeing, satisfaction, positive and negative affect and mindfulness. At the end of the intervention interviews were conducted to identify and analyze the user experiences. Results: For the variables ‘wellbeing’ and ‘satisfaction’, a significant progress was found. ‘Positive affect’ and ‘mindfulness’ however didn’t increase significantly. The qualitative analysis showed that the ‘three good things’ exercise was rated as best exercise. The evaluation of the ‘positive-activity monitoring’ exercise was on some aspects rated as good and on others less good and the ‘kindness for yourself’ exercise was rated rather negative by the participants. Discussion: The progress of wellbeing and satisfaction confirmed the researcher’s expectations. The results on the process measures however require further research to get a better understanding. Especially ‘kindness for yourself’ has to be improved to make it more understandable and enjoyable. For the setup of an OPPI is recommended to present every exercise during the whole intervention, present the intervention as an APP and use an alarm so that participants won’t miss exercises as easy as they do now.
Combining classifiers with diverse feature sets for robust speaker independent emotion recognition

We consider two ways of combining classifiers for speaker independent emotion recognition: serial and parallel combination. In contrast to methods like bagging or boosting, our combination is based on different feature sets, having maximum diversity, instead of different training pattern sets. For that purpose, ensemble feature selection methods are presented for both combination types. For the parallel combination, we propose a novel method that has, to our knowledge, never been considered in the literature. The evaluation is performed on a well-known German emotional database [1]. Both new methods outperform the single stage and the hierarchical classifier presented in [2],[3] on the same database. Moreover, we examine the generalization capability of these classifiers when their feature subsets are not optimized directly on the test set. Here, the parallel combination proved to have the best generalization capability among all studied methods with a benefit of about 10%.
Association of Cyclin D 1 Variants with Head and Neck Cancer Susceptibility : Evidence from a Meta-analysis

Head and neck cancers (HNC) comprising malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, are the sixth most common cancers which threatens human life worldwide (Jemal et al., 2010). Although the exact pathogenetic mechanisms of HNC are not yet fully elucidated, there are ample evidences suggesting that HNC are complex multifactorial disorders involving genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental factors (Abusail et al., 2013, Mishra and Meherotra, 2014) and some low-penetrant genes have been identified as potential HNC susceptibility genes (Hopkins et al., 2008, Niu et al., 2012). Among them, an important one is a cell cycle regulatory gene called cyclin D1 (CCND1), which is located on chromosome 11q13 and encodes CCND1 protein, which plays a pivotal role in regulating the cell cycle at the G1 to S phase transition in the process of cell division and up-regulation of CCND1 has been proved to disrupt normal cell cycle control and participate in the oncogenesis of lung cancer and breast cancer (Cui et al., 2012, Li et al., 2012). The two most commonly studied variants in the CCND1 gene, G870A (rs9344) and G1722C (rs678653), have both been associated with cancer risk. The most important mutation, CCND1 G870A polymorphism, is caused by a G to A transition
Correlations Between Computed Tomography Findings and Family History in Otosclerotic Patients

Background Otosclerosis is a heritable disease affecting the otic capsule. Its genetics have been studied since the 19th century, but several issues remain controversial. Objective The goals of this study were to assess the prevalence of sporadic and familial forms of otosclerosis in a population of otosclerotic patients and to compare the radiologic findings between both groups. Study Design and Setting This retrospective study was conducted in a single institution. Patients This study included 211 patients operated on for otosclerosis. Main Outcome Measures Clinical data, including pure tone audiograms, were available from patients' charts. A questionnaire assessing family history of otosclerosis and deafness was mailed to the otosclerotic patients. A relative was considered otosclerotic if surgery confirmed the disease. The family history was correlated with the computed tomography results. This examination was performed before surgery in all patients. Results A family history of otosclerosis was found in 24.2% of the patients. The radiologic findings differed between patients with a sporadic form of otosclerosis and those with a familial form. The lesions were more often detectable, bilateral, and severe in the familial forms (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings lead to the assumption that fenestral radiologic otosclerosis occurs more in sporadic forms, whereas more extensive lesions on computed tomography seem to indicate the familial forms. Hereditary forms demonstrated to be familial seem to lead to more severe disease. The search for a genome locus of otosclerosis may be enlightened by these findings.
Characterization and prevalence of spondyloarthritis and peripheral arthritis among patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background Joint complaints such as spondyloarthritis and peripheral arthritis are the most common extraintestinal manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the evaluation of these symptoms are poorly described. Objectives To examine the clinical characteristics and prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other joint complaints among patients with IBD. Methods In a local cohort of patients diagnosed with IBD between 1996 and 2009, we performed a retrospective study at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Patients with IBD were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and confirmed by chart review. The occurrence of AS, peripheral arthritis, and other peripheral and axial joint symptoms were identified. Results We identified 626 patients with IBD between ages 18 and 90 (90% males), of whom 57% had ulcerative colitis (UC), 74% were Caucasians, and the mean age at diagnosis was 54 (±16) years. Among the study population, 108 patients (17%) had at least one type of joint pain. Among these 17% with joint pain, 12% had AS, 43% had peripheral arthritis, 32% had chronic back pain without AS, and 13% had other types of joint pain. The overall prevalence of peripheral arthritis among patients with IBD was three times higher than that of AS (7% vs 2.1%, respectively, OR 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–6.5; p=0.001). There was no difference in the prevalence of AS or peripheral arthritis between patients with Crohn’s disease and UC. The initial diagnosis of AS occurred after the initial diagnosis of IBD in 80% of patients within a mean (SD) period of 5.6 (±6) years. Conclusion Spondyloarthritis among patients with IBD is usually diagnosed after the initial diagnosis of IBD. No difference in the prevalence of AS or peripheral arthritis was observed by IBD type, age, or race. Recognition and understanding of these results will have important implications for the management of IBD patients with spondyloarthritis.
Nucleoside diphosphate kinase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: characterization of the gene and its role in cellular growth and exopolysaccharide alginate synthesis

We report the cloning and determination of the nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Ndk) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The amino acid sequence of Ndk was highly homologous with other known bacterial and eukaryotic Ndks (39.9 to 58.3% amino acid identity). We have previously reported that P. aeruginosa strains with mutations in the genes algR2 and algR2 algH produce extremely low levels of Ndk and, as a consequence, are defective in their ability to grow in the presence of Tween 20, a detergent that inhibits a kinase which can substitute for Ndk. Hyperexpression of ndk from the clone pGWS95 in trans in the P. aeruginosa algR2an6 algR2 algH double mutant restored Ndk production to levels which equalled or exceeded wild‐type levels and enabled these strains to grow in the presence of Tween 20. Hyperexpression of ndk from pGWS95 in the P. aeruginosa algR2 mutant also restored alginate production to levels that were approximately 60% of wild type. Nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity was present in both the cytosolic and membrane‐associated fractions of P. aeruginosa. The cytosolic Ndk was non‐specific in its transfer activity of the terminal phosphate from ATP to other nucleoside diphosphates. However, the membrane form of Ndk was more active in the transfer of the terminal phosphate from ATP to GDP resulting in the predominant formation of GTP. We report in this work that pyruvate kinase and Ndk form a complex which alters the specificity of Ndk substantially to GTP. The significance of GTP in signal transduction
P-Selectin: An Unpredicted Factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Introduction. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a severe complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It leads to acute pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening disease. P-selectin is a 140-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein. Elevated P-selectin was associated with 1.7-fold increase in the risk of venous thrombosis. Materials and Methods. To confirm the association, a total of 91 subjects who received primary total hip arthroplasty using lateral approach performed by one skilled orthopedic surgeon were studied. All the patients were consecutively enrolled at the Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Joint Diseases, Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to the Medical School of Nanjing University from 2010 to 2012. All the subjects received venography 3–5 days after operation. We measured P-selectin by means of a highly sensitive sandwich ELISA technique and a commercially available test reagent set. Results. No significant association was detected between P-selectin and DVT (all P values > 0.05). ΔsP-selectin was correlated with weight, APTT after operation, history of DVT, and diagnosis of primary disease ( P values were 0.03, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.02, resp.). Conclusion. P-selectin may not be a predicted factor for deep vein thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus in Chronic Cervicitis, Cervical Adenocarcinoma, Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Squamus Cell Carcinoma

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Recent studies show that human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is present in all cervical carcinomas and in some cervicitis cases, with some geographical variation in viral subtypes. Therefore determination of the presence of HPV in the general population of each region can help reveal the role of these viruses in tumors. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the frequency of infection with HPV in cervicitis, cervical adenocarcinoma, intraepithelial neoplasia and squamus cell carcinoma samples from the Isfahan Province, Iran. Patients and Methods: One hundred and twenty two formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples of crevicitis cases and different cervix tumors including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (I, II, III), squamus cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma were collected from histopathological files of Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan. Data about histopathological changes were collected by reexamination of the hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. DNA was extracted and subjected to Nested PCR using consensus primers, MY09/MY11 and GP5+/GP6+, designed for amplification of a conserved region of the genome coding for L1 protein. Results: In total 74.5% of the tested samples were positive for HPV. Amongst the tested tumors 8 out of 20 (40%) of CIN (I, II, III), 5 out of 21 (23.8%) of adenocarcinoma cases and 78 out of 79 chronic cervicitis cases were positive for HPV. Conclusions: The rate of different carcinomas and also the rate of HPV infection in each case were lower than other reports from different countries. This could be correlated with the social behavior of women in the area, where they mostly have only one partner throughout their life, and also the rate of smoking behavior of women in the studied population. On the other hand the rate of HPV infection in chronic cervicitis cases was much higher than cases reported by previous studies. This necessitates more attention to the role of human papillomaviruses in the their induction in the studied area.
Assessing the restorative value of the environment: A study on the elderly in comparison with young adults and adolescents

Nature is not only appreciated for its aesthetic characteristics, but is also a useful resource for people. It plays an important role in the process of attention restoration and recovery from stress. Young adults and adolescents assess natural environments as being more restorative than built environments. This study sought to test whether natural environments are more restorative than built environments for the elderly as well. The study is made up of two phases: (1) an empirical study with the elderly, (2) a comparison of data from the elderly with two earlier studies of adolescents and young adults. To achieve this aim a group of 50 elderly people (age range: 62–93 years) was asked to rate the restorative value of 10 pictures of environments ranging from natural to built, covering 5 environmental categories: housing, industrial zone, city streets, hills, and lakes. Each picture was assessed using the Perceived Restorativeness Scale. Participants were from three living situations: elderly living in a p.
Sense of Community and Being a Volunteer Among the Young-Old

This study tests the hypothesis derived from Omoto and Snyder’s context-and-process model that sense of community is an independent predictor of volunteering among young-old adults. A secondary analysis was carried out on data from the U.S. Survey of Midlife Development using respondents 60-74 years old (N = 653). Controlling for demographic factors and human, social, and cultural capital variables, a logistic regression model indicated that as sense of community increased, the likelihood of volunteering increased. Among the control variables, working 40 or more hr per week (relative to not working) and being divorced, separated, or widowed (relative to being married) were associated with lower rates of volunteering. The likelihood of volunteering increased as education, organizational ties, church attendance, and generative concern increased. Efforts to retain young-old adult volunteers should emphasize how the organization’s activities reflect humanitarian values, provide opportunities to show a concern for the community, and benefit community members.
Serological survey to determine the occurrence of respiratory Mycoplasma infections in the Polish cattle population

Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony (MmmSC) are causes of bovine mycoplasmosis and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), respectively, and are responsible for serious economic losses in cattle around the world. CBPP was last reported in Poland in 1939 but bovine mycoplasmosis is believed to be endemic. A survey of 3670 serum samples for antibodies to M bovis and MmmSC from 361 herds in 16 Polish provinces Poland between 2007 and 2010 found no evidence of CBPP. The seroprevalence of M bovis, however, appeared high with 76.7 per cent of samples giving a positive reaction in the ELISA test, which did not appear to reflect the clinical disease status of the cattle. Adjusting the sensitivity of the test reduced the prevalence to 28.2 per cent and reflects the levels reported in other European countries