Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Differences in Criminogenic Risk Factors and Criminal Behavior Between Young Adult Violent Offenders With and Without Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disability

The relation between mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID) and violent offense behavior was studied among a group of former juvenile delinquents currently in a diversion program for persistent young adult violent offenders from Amsterdam (N = 146). Offenders were considered MBID if they had received juvenile probation from the local youth care agency specialized in intellectual disability (21%). A file study was used to estimate prevalence rates of criminogenic risk factors. Police data were used to depict recent criminal behavior. Nearly all offenders grew up in large and unstable multi-problem households and had psychosocial problems. More MBID offenders displayed externalizing behavior before the age of 12, were susceptible to peer pressure, and had low social-relational skills. MBID offenders committed more violent property crimes than offenders without MBID. Youth care interventions for MBID offenders should focus on the acquisition of social-relational skills and on the pedagogical skills of parents.
Variation in xylem vulnerability to embolism in European beech from geographically marginal populations

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of droughts and heatwaves in Europe, leading to effects on forest growth and major forest dieback events due to hydraulic failure caused by xylem embolism. Inter-specific variability in embolism resistance has been studied in detail, but little is known about intra-specific variability, particularly in marginal populations. We evaluated 15 European beech populations, mostly from geographically marginal sites of the species distribution range, focusing particularly on populations from the dry southern margin. We found small, but significant differences in resistance to embolism between populations, with xylem pressures causing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity ranging from -2.84 to -3.55 MPa. Significant phenotypic clines of increasing embolism resistance with increasing temperature and aridity were observed: the southernmost beech populations growing in a warmer drier climate and with lower habitat suitability have higher resistance to embolism than those from Northern Europe growing more favourable conditions. Previous studies have shown that there is little or no difference in embolism resistance between core populations, but our findings show that marginal populations have developed ways of protecting their xylem based on either evolution or plasticity.
Identification of a Gene That Causes Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness and is characterized by progressive degeneration of the optic nerve and is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Analyses of sequence tagged site (STS) content and haplotype sharing between families affected with chromosome 1q-linked open angle glaucoma (GLC1A) were used to prioritize candidate genes for mutation screening. A gene encoding a trabecular meshwork protein (TIGR) mapped to the narrowest disease interval by STS content and radiation hybrid mapping. Thirteen glaucoma patients were found to have one of three mutations in this gene (3.9 percent of the population studied). One of these mutations was also found in a control individual (0.2 percent). Identification of these mutations will aid in early diagnosis, which is essential for optimal application of existing therapies.
Shhh… I Need Quiet! Children’s Understanding of American, British, and Japanese-accented English Speakers

Children’s ability to understand speakers with a wide range of dialects and accents is essential for efficient language development and communication in a global society. Here, the impact of regional dialect and foreign-accent variability on children’s speech understanding was evaluated in both quiet and noisy conditions. Five- to seven-year-old children (n = 90) and adults (n = 96) repeated sentences produced by three speakers with different accents—American English, British English, and Japanese-accented English—in quiet or noisy conditions. Adults had no difficulty understanding any speaker in quiet conditions. Their performance declined for the nonnative speaker with a moderate amount of noise; their performance only substantially declined for the British English speaker (i.e., below 93% correct) when their understanding of the American English speaker was also impeded. In contrast, although children showed accurate word recognition for the American and British English speakers in quiet conditions, they had difficulty understanding the nonnative speaker even under ideal listening conditions. With a moderate amount of noise, their perception of British English speech declined substantially and their ability to understand the nonnative speaker was particularly poor. These results suggest that although school-aged children can understand unfamiliar native dialects under ideal listening conditions, their ability to recognize words in these dialects may be highly susceptible to the influence of environmental degradation. Fully adult-like word identification for speakers with unfamiliar accents and dialects may exhibit a protracted developmental trajectory.
Measurement of Hemoglobin Concentrations Using the AstrimTM Noninvasive Blood Vessel Monitoring Apparatus

Accessible online at: www.karger. com/journals/aha Several noninvasive measuring methods using nearinfrared radiation (wavelength 700–2,500 nm), which has a better biologic penetration than infrared and visible radiation, have been reported [1, 2]. In 1999, Sysmex (Kobe, Japan) developed a device to measure hemoglobin (Hb) using near-infrared radiation (AstrimTM) [3]. We report our study of the correlation between Hb levels determined by Astrim and by the SE-9000TM automatic cell analyzer used in our central laboratory. Astrim (fig. 1) can visualize veins running close to the surface of the skin by locating near-infrared radiation on the dorsal side of the fingers. A CCD camera is placed on the opposite side as a light acceptor. We summarize the principle as follows: if ‘I0’ is near-infrared radiation penetrating the skin, and ‘It’ is near-infrared radiation after permeation of the skin, then ‘log (I0/It) = ECD’ according to the Lambert-Beer law [4], where E = absorption coefficient of Hb, C = total concentration of Hb and HbO2 and D = diameter of the vessel permeated. With the assumption that the near-infrared radiation entering the skin has the same wavelength as that absorbed by Hb and HbO2, the formula can be rewritten as ‘total Hb = log (I0/It)/ED’. This formula is correct in ideal conditions, when there is no scattered or reflected light. In the case of near-infrared radiation, however, it is approximate, since scattered and reflected light in the blood and tissue cannot be disregarded. A program based on this formula is integrated in Fig. 1. The Astrim noninvasive blood vessel monitoring apparatus.
Endoglin interacts with VEGFR2 to promote angiogenesis

Endoglin, a TGF‐β coreceptor predominantly expressed in endothelial cells, plays an important role in vascular development and tumor‐associated angiogenesis. However, the mechanism by which endoglin regulates angiogenesis, especially during tip cell formation, remains largely unknown. In this study, we report that endoglin promoted VEGF‐induced tip cell formation. Mechanistically, endoglin interacted with VEGF receptor (VEGFR)‐2 in a VEGF‐dependent manner, which sustained VEGFR2 on the cell surface and prevented its degradation. Endoglin mutants deficient in the ability to interact with VEGFR2 failed to sustain VEGFR2 on the cell surface and to promote VEGF‐induced tip cell formation. Further, an endoglin‐targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb), TRC105, cooperated with a VEGF‐A targeting mAb, bevacizumab, to inhibit VEGF signaling and tip cell formation in vitro and to inhibit tumor growth, metastasis, and tumor‐associated angiogenesis in a murine tumor model. This study demonstrate a novel mechanism by which endoglin initiates and regulates VEGF‐driven angiogenesis while providing a rationale for combining anti–VEGF and anti–endoglin therapy in patients with cancer. —Tian H. , Huang J. J., Golzio, C. , Gao, X. , Hector‐Greene, M. , Katsanis, N. , Blobe G. C. Endoglin interacts with VEGFR2 to promote angiogenesis. FASEB J. 32, 2934–2949 (2018). www.fasebj. org
Fibromyalgia in Spondyloarthritis: Effect on Disease Activity Assessment in Clinical Practice

Objective. Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease, characterized by spinal involvement, peripheral arthritis, or enthesitis with marked pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Fibromyalgia (FM) may be associated with SpA, and shares some common symptoms. We aimed to determine how FM influences assessment of SpA disease activity, which is mainly dependent on patient-based outcome measures such as the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) or the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). Methods. This single-center cross-sectional study included consecutive patients with SpA according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria. FM was diagnosed according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Patient characteristics, BASDAI, ASDAS/C-reactive protein (CRP), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 questionnaire were recorded and compared. Results. The study included 103 patients with SpA; 81 with axial and 22 with peripheral forms. Eighteen patients presented with concomitant FM, of whom 12 had axial SpA and 6 peripheral SpA. Demographic characteristics did not differ except for sex, with a female predominance in the FM group that was more marked in peripheral forms. BASDAI was higher in patients with FM [median (IQR): 4.2 (4.2) vs 2.2 (3.1); p = 0.0068], whereas ASDAS-CRP was not significantly different [median (IQR): 2.7 (2) vs 2 (1.3); p = 0.1264]. Nevertheless, median ASDAS-CRP corresponded to high disease activity in patients with SpA or FM compared with moderate activity in non-FM patients. Conclusion. FM is a frequent comorbidity in patients with SpA, especially in peripheral forms. In patients with SpA-FM, disease activity may be overestimated when measured by BASDAI and to a lesser extent by ASDAS-CRP, and this overestimation could lead to inappropriate treatment escalation.
Microarray data classification using neuro-fuzzy classifier with firefly algorithm

Neuro-fuzzy is one of the popular tools used in many applications including microarray classification. In this paper, we introduce a neuro-fuzzy with firefly algorithm with its application to microarray classification. Our neuro-fuzzy is able to select good feature sets and generate rule sets as classifier. We compare our results on seven public data sets, i.e., Lung cancer, Ovarian cancer, Prostate cancer, Leukemia (ALL/AML), Breast cancer, Colon cancer, and Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with the results from the existing algorithms. We found that our algorithm can provide comparable results with smaller numbers of selected features. However, our algorithm can provide more understandable rule sets to human than other existing algorithms.
Possible Role of Nitric Oxide in IgE-Mediated Allergic Cutaneous Reaction in Mice

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the development of allergic cutaneous reactions in mice was investigated. A biphasic cutaneous reaction composed of an immediate-phase edema and a late-phase edema was evoked by epicutaneous application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene on the ear of mice passively sensitized with mouse anti-dinitrophenol monoclonal IgE. Two NO synthase inhibitors, L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, significantly inhibited both phases of the IgE-mediated biphasic cutaneous reaction. Simultaneous treatment with L-arginine attenuated the inhibitory effect of L-NAME. An NO donor, 3-morpholinosydononimine-N-ethylcarbamide, caused a potent edematous reaction in the mouse ear. Furthermore, L-NAME inhibited the cutaneous reactions caused by both interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, putative mediators of the late-phase edema in the biphasic cutaneous reaction. These results indicate that a gaseous mediator, NO, participates, at least in part, in the development of ear edema in the IgE-mediated biphasic cutaneous reaction in mice.
Cognitive determinants of cervical cancer screening behavior among housewife women in Iran: An application of Health Belief Model

ABSTRACT Our aim in this cross-sectional study was to assess the cognitive determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Behavior (CCSB) among housewife women in Islamabad County, Iran. Through multistage random sampling we recruited and interviewed 280 housewife women. The women who perceived more benefits of performing the Pap test (OR = 1.11), and perceived fewer barriers (OR = 0.915), and higher self-efficacy to perform the test (OR = 1.12) were more likely to have a CCSB in the previous three years. Our findings are informative for the development of targeted interventions to foster CCSB among housewife women.
Injury and Mortality Among Children Identified as at High Risk of Maltreatment

In this study, we use administrative data to document elevated rates of injury and mortality for children identified at birth as at high risk of child protection involvement. OBJECTIVES: To determine if children identified by a predictive risk model as at “high risk” of maltreatment are also at elevated risk of injury and mortality in early childhood. METHODS: We built a model that predicted a child’s risk of a substantiated finding of maltreatment by child protective services for children born in New Zealand in 2010. We assigned risk scores to the 2011 birth cohort, and flagged children as “very high risk” if they were in the top 10% of the score distribution for maltreatment. We also set a less conservative threshold for defining “high risk” and examined children in the top 20%. We then compared the incidence of injury and mortality rates between very high-risk and high-risk children and the remainder of the birth cohort. RESULTS: Children flagged at both 10% and 20% risk thresholds had much higher postneonatal mortality rates than other children (4.8 times and 4.2 times greater, respectively), as well as a greater relative risk of hospitalization (2 times higher and 1.8 times higher, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Models that predict risk of maltreatment as defined by child protective services substantiation also identify children who are at heightened risk of injury and mortality outcomes. If deployed at birth, these models could help medical providers identify children in families who would benefit from more intensive supports.
Socioeconomic Position and Age-Related Disparities in Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Within the Prefrontal Cortex

Objective Socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with cerebrovascular health and brain function, particularly in prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe regions that exhibit plasticity across the life course. However, it is unknown whether SEP associates with resting cerebral blood flow (CBF), an indicator of baseline brain function, in these regions in midlife, and whether the association is (a) period specific, with independent associations for childhood and adulthood SEP, or driven by life course SEP, and (b) explained by a persistent disparity, widening disparity, or the leveling of disparities with age. Methods To address these questions, we analyzed cerebral perfusion derived by magnetic resonance imaging in a cross-sectional study of healthy adults (N = 443) who reported on childhood and adult SEP. Main effects were examined as an index of persistent disparity and age by SEP interactions as reflecting widening or leveling disparities. Results Stable high SEP across the lifespan was associated with higher global CBF and regional CBF (rCBF) in inferior frontal gyrus. However, childhood SEP was associated with rCBF in middle frontal gyrus, as moderated by age (&bgr; = 0.04, p = .035): rCBF was inversely associated with age only for those whose parents had a high school education or below. No associations were observed for the hippocampus or amygdala. Conclusions Life course SEP associations with rCBF in prefrontal cortex are suggestive of persistent disparities, whereas the age by childhood SEP interaction suggests that childhood disadvantage relates to a widening disparity, independent of global differences. These differential patterns in midlife may relate to disparities in later-life cerebrovascular and neurocognitive outcomes.
Homoeopathic versus placebo therapy of children with warts on the hands: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Despite the wide practical application of homoeopathy, scientific proof of its effectiveness and mechanisms is still lacking, and sound, placebo-controlled studies are scarce. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathy in a prospective, double-blind randomized trial. METHODS 60 children aged 6-12 years with common warts on the back of the hands were treated either with an individually selected homoeopathic preparation (n = 30) of at least a 1:1,012 dilution or with pure placebo in the form of saccharose globuli (n = 30) under double-blind conditions. The area occupied by warts was measured by computerized planimetry before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Reduction of the warty area by at least 50% was considered a response. RESULTS There were a total of 16 responders: 9 of 30 patients in the homoeopathic therapy group and 7 of 30 patients in the placebo group (chi 2 = 0.34, p = 0.56). Total cure of warts occurred in 5 patients in the treated group and in 1 patient in the placebo group (chi 2 = 1.46, p = 0.22). CONCLUSION There was no apparent difference between the effects of homoeopathic therapy and placebo in children with common warts under the conditions of this study.
Two closely related Rho GTPases, Cdc42 and RacA, of the en-dophytic fungus Epichloë festucae have contrasting roles for ROS production and symbiotic infection synchronized with the host plant

Epichloë festucae is an endophytic fungus which systemically colonizes temperate grasses to establish symbiotic associations. Maintaining symptomless infection is a key requirement for endophytes, a feature that distinguishes them from pathogenic fungi. While pathogenic fungi extend their hyphae by tip growth, hyphae of E. festucae systemically colonize the intercellular space of expanding host leaves via a unique mechanism of hyphal intercalary growth. This study reports that two homologous Rho GTPases, Cdc42 and RacA, have distinctive roles in the regulation of E. festucae growth in planta. Here we highlight the vital role of Cdc42 for intercalary hyphal growth, as well as involvement of RacA in regulation of hyphal network formation, and demonstrate the consequences of mutations in these genes on plant tissue infection. Functions of Cdc42 and RacA are mediated via interactions with BemA and NoxR respectively, which are expected components of the ROS producing NOX complex. Symbiotic defects found in the racA mutant were rescued by introduction of a Cdc42 with key amino acids substitutions crucial for RacA function, highlighting the significance of the specific interactions of these GTPases with BemA and NoxR for their functional differentiation in symbiotic infection.
No major differences in outcomes between the initial and relapse episodes in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: The experience from the Ohio State University Registry

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Two new Tursiocola species (Bacillariophyta) epizoic on green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in French Guiana and Eastern Caribbean

Scrapings from several juvenile Chelonia mydas Linnaeus (green turtle) from Eastern Caribbean and adults from French Guiana allowed for the description of two small and relatively rare epizoic Tursiocola species (Bacillariophyta). Differences with the other eight Tursiocola species previously described are discussed here. Particular attention is given to the cingulum of the two new species and a conceptual key is proposed for Tursiocola species, based on the cingulum structure.
Renal autoregulatory and glomerular filtration responses to gradated ureteral obstruction.

This study was conducted on anesthetized dogs utilizing an electromagnetic flowmeter probe around the renal artery and inulin extraction ratios for the calculation of glomerular filtration rate. At maximal ureteral pressures, renal blood flow increased to almost twice the control values. Glomerular filtration rate increased slightly, but significantly, with small elevations in ureteral pressure and returned, with further elevations, to values not significantly different from control. Renal arterial pressure-blood flow relationships demonstrated that autoregulatory capacity was diminished with ureteral pressure elevation, and a nearly passive behavior was observed at maximal ureteral pressures. Urine flow progressively decreased as the ureteral pressure was elevated and approximately half of the dogs could not generate ureteral pressures above 60 mm Hg. Sodium and chloride excretion rates decreased to a greater, potassium to a lesser, and osmolal excretion rates to the same extent as urine flow. Upon return to zero ureteral pressure, polyuria was observed although the sodium, chloride, and osmolal excretion rates were not significantly different from control values. RBF and GFR also returned to control levels and autoregulatory capacity was re-established. The results are interpreted to indicate that elevation of ureteral pressure results in a reversible decrease in vascular resistance at preglomerular sites through some feedback mechanism which may involve factors within the tubular network.