Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shyness and Social Anxiety Assessed Through Self-Report: What Are We Measuring?

ABSTRACT The distinction between shyness and social anxiety remains unclear in the literature. In an attempt to shed further light on this issue, our research evaluated whether shyness and social anxiety were the same construct underlying various measurement scales. Participants (N = 801, Mage = 36.21, range = 18–74, female = 53.10%) responded to 10 questionnaires assessing either shyness or social anxiety. Evidence indicated that the scales were highly correlated and loaded onto 1 factor. Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated this finding. A second exploratory factor analysis revealed that all the shyness and social anxiety items best loaded together onto 3 factors: one corresponding to fear of negative evaluation, embarrassment, self-consciousness, scrutiny, authority, interaction anxiety, and shyness (71.0%); a second comprised of primarily interaction anxiety and shyness (17.7%); and a third associated with performance anxiety (7.5%). All scales were similarly discriminated from sociability. Overall, the constructs of shyness and social anxiety were not differentiated from each other. Researchers should carefully consider what items are included in shyness and social anxiety scales if these constructs are to be distinguished from one another.
Serotyping of Vibrio anguillarum

A serotyping scheme based on the detection of O antigens by slide agglutination in fish-pathogenic strains of Vibrio anguillarum is presented. Over a period of 5 years 270 Vibrio strains from feral and cultured fish, 189 strains from the environment, and 36 strains from invertebrates were collected. The strains were divided into 10 distinct serotypes (O1 through O10). More than 90% of the fish-pathogenic strains, but only 40% of the environmental strains, were typable; 71% of the strains isolated from cultured rainbow trout were serotype O1, whereas 78% of the strains isolated from feral fish were serotype O2. No dominating environmental serotype was found. A serotyping system for V. anguillarum is proposed. A total of 90 strains received from culture collections and laboratories in different countries were typed according to the present system.
Prolactin Actions on Casein and Lipid Biosynthesis in Mouse and Rabbit Mammary Gland Explants are Abolished by p-Bromphenacyl Bromide and Quinacrine, Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors

p-Bromphenacyl bromide (BPB) at concentrations of 50 microM and above and quinacrine (50 microM) abolished the actions of prolactin (PRL) on casein and lipid biosynthesis in cultured mouse mammary gland explants. In cultured rabbit mammary gland explants, 100 microM BPB or quinacrine abolished the PRL stimulation of casein synthesis, while 50 microM BPB or 250 microM quinacrine abolished the PRL stimulation of lipid biosynthesis. Since BPB and quinacrine are known to inhibit the enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2), it is possible that ongoing PLA2 activity is essential for prolactin to express its actions on at least certain lactogenic processes.
Frequency pulling and bandwidth measurements of a 140 GHz pulsed gyrotron

Abstract Accurate measurements of the emission frequency and bandwidth of a pulsed 140 GHz gyrotron have been made using a harmonic mixer system. This system has been used to measure the bandwidth of individual 1 μs pulses of the gyrotron, to determine the dependence of the operating frequency on the cathode voltage and resonator magnetic field, to detect and identify second-harmonic radiation and to study multimode operation. Bandwidths as low as 3 MHz, which is the instrumental limit, have been observed. In addition, frequency pulling has been measured and compared with predictions based on linear and self-consistent non-linear theory. It was found that linear theory is inadequate for describing the frequency characteristics of a gyrotron operating well above the starting current, while self-consistent non-linear theory was in reasonable agreement with the experimental results. The small bandwidths and stable operating frequencies that were measured confirm the viability of the gyrotron as a millimetre .
Characterization of Autism in Young Children With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Both cognitive impairment and autism are common in the tuberous sclerosis complex, but the relationship between the 2 diagnoses has not been formally explored. The authors evaluated 20 clinic-referred children with tuberous sclerosis complex at ages 18, 24, 36, and 60 months and classified them as autism, autism spectrum disorder, or normal on the basis of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Using the Mullen Scale of Early Learning, cognitive function in each subgroup was assessed. The authors then analyzed the subscores of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule in children with autism. Children with autism showed significantly more global cognitive impairment than those without autism. In addition, all children had some baseline cognitive impairment and the majority had deficits in play scores. The authors conclude that clinic-referred children with tuberous sclerosis complex and autism are at considerable risk for cognitive impairment. These characteristics may help to guide more tailored services for these high-risk children.
Results of transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in 52 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate microsurgical transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). STUDY DESIGN Prospective study to evaluate the results (survival and disease-free interval, remission, recurrence) and complications of microsurgical transsphenoidal hypophysectomy by clinical follow-up, computed tomography (CT), and urinary corticoid-to-creatinine (C/C) ratios in dogs with PDH. The effect of surgical experience was investigated by comparing results of hypophysectomy cases 1 through 26 and 27 through 52. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION 52 dogs with PDH. RESULTS Preoperative CT enabled accurate assessment of pituitary size (24 nonenlarged and 28 enlarged) and localization relative to intraoperative anatomic landmarks. Treatment failures included procedure-related mortalities (five dogs) and incomplete hypophysectomies (four dogs). The 1-year estimated survival rate was 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71% to 92%). The 2-year estimated survival rate was 80% (95% CI, 65% to 90%). In 43 dogs, the hyperadrenocorticism went into remission. Hyperadrenocorticism recurred in five dogs. The 1-year estimated relapse-free fraction was 92% (95% CI, 76% to 97%). The main complications were transient, mild, postoperative hypernatremia; transient reduction or cessation of tear production (25 eyes in 18 dogs); permanent (five dogs) or prolonged (nine dogs) diabetes insipidus; and secondary hypothyroidism. Normal tear production had resumed in all but one case after a median period of 10 weeks. In the second case series (27 through 52), the hospitalization period was shorter, the number of dry eyes fewer, the survival fraction greater, and the postoperative mortality lower than in the first series. In 15 dogs in which remission was obtained, postoperative CT images suggested the presence of small pituitary remnants; in 1 of these, hyperadrenocorticism recurred. In 46 dogs, the histological diagnosis was pituitary adenoma. CONCLUSIONS Microsurgical transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in dogs with PDH is an effective method of treatment in specialized veterinary institutions having access to advanced pituitary imaging techniques. Postoperative CT findings do not correlate well with remission or subsequent recurrence of hyperadrenocorticism. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The neurosurgeon performing hypophysectomies must master a learning curve and must be familiar with the most frequent complications of the operation to recognize them as early as possible and to treat them immediately and effectively. Urinary C/C ratios are sensitive indicators for the assessment of remission and recurrence of hyperadrenocorticism.
Evaluation of new silvicultural alternatives for Scots pine stands in northern Spain

Les nouveaux objectifs que la societe demande aux systemes forestiers provoquent actuellement de profonds changements dans la gestion de ces derniers. Des aspects tels que la conservation de la biodiversite ou la jouissance recreative requierent des modeles de gestion forestiere non fondes sur la gestion traditionnelle qui est axee sur la maximisation de la production du bois. Ce travail presente cinq alternatives sylvicoles du sylviculture traditionel, qui se caracterisent, dans 4 cas, par la combinaison d'une gestion plus intensive avec la retention d'une partie du peuplement dans la coupe finale et, dans le dernier cas, par l'extension de la rotation afin d'atteindre ces nouveaux objectifs. Les resultats pour un peuplement de Pinus sylvestris L. dans le nord de l'Espagne ont ete evalues en termes de production (volume total, volume de contreplaque) ainsi qu'en termes financiers (Valeur Potentielle du Sol, VPS), et certaines des alternatives ont montre leur viabilite par comparaison avec la gestion traditionnelle.
Probing EFL Students’ Language Skill Development in Tertiary Classrooms

Research in second or foreign language learning indicates that for adult learners, the improvement of one language skill facilitates the development of other skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations among Chinese EFL students’ reading, writing, and listening development by examining their test scores on the College English Test Band 4. The findings showed that the resultant correlation coefficients between reading and writing and between reading and listening were low and not statistically significant. However, there was a significant relationship between listening and writing. It was suggested that factors such as the homogeneous sample selected, students’ motivation, and teaching methodology might affect the outcome of the research. The perceived implications of the research point to the importance of drawing close attention to teachers’ efforts in cultivating and developing students’ language skills evenly in the EFL context of China.
The influence of metabolic syndrome on serum uric acid level and its relation to renal function Wpływ zespołu metabolicznego na stężenie kwasu moczowego w surowicy oraz na funkcję nerek

1/ Studencke Koło Naukowe przy Klinice Chorób Wewnętrznych, Zaburzeń Metabolicznych i Nadciśnienia Tętniczego, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu 2/ Klinika Chorób Wewnętrznych, Zaburzeń Metabolicznych i Nadciśnienia Tętniczego, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu 3/ Pracownia Edukacji, Diagnostyki i Leczenia Otyłości, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu
Validation of Virtual Reality Simulation for Obstetric Ultrasonography: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study

Introduction Ultrasonography is an important skill for obstetricians and gynecologists; however, trainees have highlighted ultrasonography as an area of deficiency in their training. We undertook a prospective cross-sectional comparative study to assess content and construct validity of an ultrasound virtual reality (VR) simulator (UltraSim). Methods Twenty-six physicians and sonographers of varied ultrasonography experience were recruited and divided into trainees (no formal ultrasonography training) and expert (certified) categories. They performed a VR simulation crown-rump length (CRL) ultrasound scan and growth ultrasound scan measuring biparietal diameter, occipitofrontal diameter, abdominal anteroposterior and transverse diameters, and femur length. Maximum pool depth (MPD), placental site, and fetal presentation were also assessed. Outcome measures included the mean absolute deviation and the variance of the absolute deviation from true measurements. Accuracy of determining placental site, fetal presentation, and MPD was assessed. The time taken to perform each type of scan was recorded. Results Trainees had significantly greater variation of measurement of CRL (P = 0.025) than the expert group. For late-pregnancy fetal biometry, the absolute deviation and the degree of variability for all measurements differed. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for all measurements except abdominal diameters and MPD. Trainees took significantly longer time to obtain CRL and fetal biometric scans (P < 0.001). All subjects correctly identified fetal presentation and placental site. Conclusions Clinicians with differing ultrasonography expertise showed differing skill with the UltraSim VR simulator, demonstrating construct validity for skills needed in simulation. Consideration should be given to investigating whether trainees with minimal scanning experience can improve their clinical skills and efficiency with VR simulation.
Molecular analysis of populations of Ctenomys (Caviomorpha, Rodentia) with high karyotypic variability

The tuco-tucos (Ctenomys) are South American subterranean rodents that are some of the most chromosomally variable of all mammals. In this study we focus on Ctenomys of the “Corrientes species group” from that Argentine province and consisting of C. dorbignyi, C. perrensi, C. roigi and unnamed populations (Ctenomys sp.). A diploid range of 41–70 has been demonstrated for these taxa with multiple Robertsonian changes, pericentric inversions, heterochromatic modifications and other chromosomal rearrangements. To analyse the molecular variation in the Corrientes group, a 402 base pair fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b was sequenced in 75 individuals from 26 populations. This generated 15 different haplotypes which were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The different species within the Corrientes group failed to form monophyletic groups in the phylogenetic trees we generated and the divergences between haplotypes were low. Therefore, these molecular data demonstrate the recent subdivision of the Corrientes group with a substantial accumulation of chromosomal differences. Through our new chromosomal data and cytochrome b studies, we are able to subdivide the Ctenomys sp. populations into two groups and hypothesize on their relationships with the described Corrientes group species. Further studies are needed to establish the basis of the phenomenal chromosomal variation in this group.
Reference data for bone mass, calciotropic hormones, and biochemical markers of bone remodeling in older (55‐75) postmenopausal white and black women

From a random sample of our institution's health maintenance organization (HMO), we recruited 250 white women and 112 black women, aged 55‐75, all of whom were 10 or more years postmenopause with minimal estrogen exposure and free of osteoporosis, other metabolic bone disease, and medical, surgical, or therapeutic situations that may influence bone loss. Bone mass was measured in the radius, spine, and femur by DXA and in L1 by QCT. Serum samples were analyzed for parathyroid hormone, calcidiol, calcitriol, osteocalcin, and bone alkaline phosphatase and urine samples analyzed for creatinine, calcium, and hydroxyproline. Mean Z score, based on published reference data for forearm and femoral neck BMD in the white women, was not significantly different from zero, but mean Z score at the lumbar spine was 0.6 (p > 0.001), 17.2% of the individual values being >2.0. In normal white women (BMI > 27.3, n = 143), Z score was still >2.0 in 10.3%, suggesting that the upper bound of the published reference interval may be too low. After adjustment for body mass index, BMD was greater in the forearm (9.8%), spine (8.7%), and femoral neck (14.7%) in black women (p > 0.001 at all sites). At L1, adjusted BMC in the black women was 37.4% greater than in the white women (p > 0.001). Serum calcidiol was significantly lower and serum PTH and calcitriol significantly higher in the black women. Despite this, biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation were significantly lower in the black women. We conclude that skeletally healthy older black women have a greater bone mass and lower rates of bone remodeling than a comparable group of white women. These data can serve as reference intervals for the variables measured.
Root canal filled versus non-root canal filled teeth: a retrospective comparison of survival times.

OBJECTIVE This matched cohort study used data from a large dental HMO in the Pacific Northwest to evaluate the degree to which pulpal involvement and subsequent endodontic therapy affects tooth survival. Root canal filled (RCF) teeth were used as an indicator of pulpal involvement. Our hypothesis was that RCF teeth would be extracted sooner than non-RCF teeth matched within subjects, controlling for tooth-level variables of interest. METHODS The HMO's treatment databases and a subsequent chart audit were used to identify 202 eligible subjects, each of whom had one tooth endodontically treated in 1987-88 and a similar contralateral tooth that was non-RCF at that time. Both teeth were followed from the endodontic access date through the extraction date, the endodontic access date (for initially non-RCF teeth), or 12/31/94, whichever was earliest. Time-to-event analyses were carried out, with Kaplan-Meier curves generated and multivariable marginal proportional hazards regression models fitted to describe the effect of RCF status on tooth survival. All statistical analyses accounted for the complex sampling strategy used in generating the dataset. RESULTS Teeth were followed for up to eight (median = 6.7) years. RCF teeth had substantially worse survival than their non-RCF counterparts (p < 0.001), with a greater effect of RCF status evident among molars than non-molars. Adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for loss of RCF versus non-RCF molars and non-molars were 7.4 (3.2-15.1) and 1.8 (0.7-4.6), respectively. CONCLUSION Though endodontic therapy can prolong tooth survival, pulpal involvement still may hasten tooth loss, underscoring the importance of caries prevention and prompt restorative care.
Thrombin-Mediated Platelet Activation of Lysed Whole Blood and Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Comparison Between Platelet Activation Markers and Ultrastructural Alterations

Abstract Platelet ultrastructural alterations representing spurious activation have been identified in pathological conditions. A limitation of platelet studies is that sample preparation may lead to artifactual activation processes which may confound results, impacting the use of scanning electron microscopy as a supplemental diagnostic tool. We used scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry to analyze platelet activation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood (WB) samples. PRP generated using a single high g force centrifugation, and WB samples treated with a red blood cell lysis buffer, were exposed to increasing concentrations of the agonist thrombin. Platelets in lysed WB samples responded to thrombin by elevating the activation marker CD62p definitively, with corresponding ultrastructural changes indicating activation. Conversely, CD62p expression in PRP preparations remained static. Ultrastructural analysis revealed fully activated platelets even under low concentration thrombin stimulation, with considerable fibrin deposition. It is proposed that the method for PRP production induced premature platelet activation, preventable by using an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and fibrin polymerization. Nevertheless, our results show a definitive correspondence between flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy in platelet activation studies, highlighting the potential of the latter technique as a supplemental diagnostic tool.
Dynamic Changes in Meiotic Progression and Improvement of Developmental Competence of Pig Oocytes in Vitro by Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Cycloheximide1

Abstract The effects of FSH, LH, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the dynamics of nuclear maturation and subsequent embryo development were examined in pig oocytes cultured either conventionally or after preincubation with cycloheximide (CHX). In conventional culture, FSH or EGF significantly increased the rate of attainment of metaphase II (MII) for both gilt (50.0% ± 4.2% and 54.8% ± 4.3%, respectively; control, 5.8% ± 1.8%; P < 0.001) and sow (87.6% ± 3.4% and 78.8% ± 3.9%, respectively; control, 7.8% ± 2.5%; P < 0.001) oocytes. Gilt oocytes treated with both FSH and EGF showed an additive response (93.7% ± 2.1%). Treatment with LH had no effect. Preincubation with CHX caused the majority (84–100%) of both gilt and sow oocytes to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown. Compared to those treated with LH and/or EGF (both >80%), fewer FSH-treated oocytes reached metaphase I (43.8% ± 5.3%, P < 0.001) by 14 h and MII (48.4% ± 5.9%, P < 0.001) by 24 h, although the majority (71%) did mature to MII by 36 h after removal of CHX. After in vitro fertilization, higher proportions of both CHX-pretreated and untreated, FSH-exposed oocytes cleaved (71.3% ± 2.9% and 75.3% ± 3.1%, respectively) compared with those not treated with FSH (37.7% ± 3.0% and 43.0% ± 2.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Pretreatment with CHX significantly increased blastocyst yield for both FSH-treated (32.8% ± 2.0% and 10.3% ± 1.5%, respectively; P < 0.001) and untreated (16.7% ± 1.5% and 9.4% ± 1.2%, respectively; P < 0.001) oocytes. Polyspermy rates were unaffected. In conclusion, pig oocytes meiotically arrested by CHX before maturation retain and improve their developmental competence. FSH stimulates nuclear maturation but slows meiotic progression.
Dietary Glycemic Index: Health Implications

Weight loss can be achieved by any means of energy restriction, but the challenge is to achieve sustainable weight loss and prevent weight “creep” without increasing the risk of chronic disease. The modest success of low fat diets has prompted research on alternative dietary strategies, including high protein diets and low glycemic index (GI) diets. Conventional high carbohydrate diets, even when based on wholegrain foods, increase postprandial glycemia and insulinemia and may compromise weight control via mechanisms related to appetite stimulation, fuel partitioning, and metabolic rate. This paper makes the case for the benefits of low glycemic index diets over higher protein diets. Both strategies are associated with lower postprandial glycemia, and both are commonly labeled as “low glycemic load,” but the long-term health effects are likely to be different. A large body of evidence, which now comprises observational prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and mechanistic experiments in animal models, provides robust support for low GI carbohydrate diets in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Although lower carbohydrate, higher protein diets increase the rate of weight loss, cohort studies and meta-analyses of clinical trials suggest the potential for increased mortality.
The Effect on the Lumbosacral Spine of Long Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Minimum 10-Year Follow-up

The effect on the lumbosacral spine of long spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was studied in 22 patients. The average duration of follow-up was 12.8 years. Corrections of the coronal curves through instrumentations were satisfactory. However, a kyphosis was produced at the fused segment of the lumbar spine in more than half of the cases. The unfused intervertebral spaces distally were hypermobile in extension, which probably indicated early disc degeneration. The incidences of back pain and radiological degeneration were found to be low. There was no relationship between back symptoms and type of employment, pregnancies or radiological degeneration. Preservation of normal lumbar lordosis during spinal fusions was emphasized.