Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Disparities in Insulin Resistance: Results From the Princeton School District Study

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine whether lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with changes in insulin resistance in adolescents over a 3-year period and explore moderators of this effect. Methods: A total of 1167 healthy non-Hispanic black and white participants in the Princeton School District Study, a longitudinal study of fifth to 12th graders in a suburban Midwestern public school district were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were a) physical examination and fasting morning blood draw at baseline and 3 years later, b) younger than 20 years old at follow up, and c) information available on SES provided by a parent. The influence of SES on insulin resistance and change in insulin resistance over time was examined using general linear models adjusting for multiple covariates. Models also assessed if race or baseline weight status changed the SES–insulin resistance relationship and explored the role of perceived stress. Results: Blacks and lower SES youth had higher body mass index z score and increased insulin resistance (p < .001). In multivariable models, lower parent education, but not household income, was associated with higher baseline insulin resistance (F = 7.84, p < .001) and worsening insulin resistance over time (F = 18.86, p < .001). Parent education’s effect on change in insulin resistance was more pronounced for obese youth compared with nonobese (F interaction = 10.12, p < .001) even with adjustment for multiple covariates. Perceived stress did not alter these relationships. Conclusions: Lower parent education appears to be related to increased insulin resistance both cross-sectionally and over time in black and white adolescents. Worsening insulin resistance is especially problematic for obese adolescents from families with low parent education. BMI = body mass index; CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CV = coefficient of variation; HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HOMA = homeostasis model assessment score; PSD = Princeton School District; SES = socioeconomic status.
Segmental Scoliosis Correlation: Use of the Lea Plaza Frame

Study Design. Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that underwent spine fusion using the principle of segmental correction and a specific instrumentation. Objectives. Evaluation of the methodology used. Summary of Background Data. The results of surgical correction of scoliosis today are mainly related to the popular use of the CD and other similar instrumentations. Most of its users report that the corrective mechanisms allow coronal and sagittal correction of the deformed spine but not derotation in the horizontal plane. The results of a corrective methodology using segmental correction are reviewed here to evaluate triplanar correction of the deformity. Materials and Methods. Two hundred seventy-three adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis underwent corrective arthrodesis with the Lea Plaza Frame at the average age of 15.2 years. Coronal and sagittal values were measured with the Cobb method, rotation with the Pedrialle ruler. Trunk, shoulder imbalance and the rib prominence was documented by plain pictures. Follow-up average is 7.8 years. Results. Preoperative: Coronal curves averaged 54 degrees. Associated preoperative thoracic hypokyphosis = 8 degrees. Lordosis = −3 degrees. Hyperkyphosis = 56 degrees. Apical rotation was 23 degrees. Postoperative: Long-term values: corrected coronal curves measured 20 degrees, hypokyphosis decreased to 23 degrees, and lordosis reversed to 18 degrees, whereas hyperkyphosis decreased to 41 degrees. Apical derotation is 31%. Of the patients with preoperative trunk imbalance over the pelvis, 95% were completely corrected and the 98% with shoulder unleveled had also full correction of these phenomena. Conclusions. This review shows that tridimensional correction in flexible curves can be obtained by following the principle of segmental correction.
Examining Thought Processes to Understand the Impact of Water Conservation Messages on Attitude.

Water availability issues have plagued many regions around the world and is viewed as the top issue facing the world. As a result, encouraging water conservation has become a priority for agricultural communicators. Previous research suggests strategically framed messages can impact attitudes about water conservation, but whether this change is a result of deep thoughts or simple cues has not been explored. This study used semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore the thought processes of individuals who irrigate their home landscape by presenting them with strategically framed messages. This audience was targeted due to the high volumes of water they use for irrigation. The interview process sought to understand how this group processed communication by asking participants to list their thoughts and verbalize their feelings toward a personal and a social message. The analysis was guided by the Elaboration Likelihood Model. The findings suggested participants processed the messages peripherally or retained their initial attitude. The findings implied this particular audience had more favorable thoughts toward the social benefits of water conservation than personal benefits. Future messages developed to promote water conservation should focus on the social benefits to promote increased change.
Pharmacological studies on stress-induced increase in frontal cortical dopamine metabolism in the rat.

The effects of a variety of minor tranquilizers and of benzodiazepine inverse agonists on the stress-induced increase in frontal cortical dopamine metabolism have been studied in the rat. Electric footshock stress increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in the frontal (but not parietal) cortex and in the nucleus accumbens but not in the striatum or ventral tegmental area. Similar stress-induced alterations of frontal cortical DOPAC levels were observed after DSP4-induced noradrenergic denervation or after adrenalectomy. Other types of stress, e.g. conditioned fear (exposure to an environment paired previously with footshock) or swim stress also provoked an elevation of DOPAC levels in the prefrontal cortex. When administered systemically, the anxiolytic agents meprobamate, CL 218,872, CGS 9896, suriclone and the hypnotic/anxiolytic drugs zolpidem and zopiclone all prevented the electric footshock stress-induced augmentation of cortical DOPAC levels whereas the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonists progabide, muscimol and depamide or the sedative alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin were ineffective. The preventive effect of diazepam and zolpidem on the stress-induced biochemical response was antagonized by the benzodiazepine antagonist CGS 8216 but not by the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist bicuculline. In nonstressed rats, systemic administration of the anxiogenic benzodiazepine inverse agonists beta-CCM (methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate) and beta-CCE (ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate), but not of the benzodiazepine antagonists Ro 15-1788 or CGS 8216, caused an increase in frontal cortical DOPAC similar to that provoked by stress and which was antagonized by zolpidem. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of expression of the colicin gene of I1 group plasmid TP110

The control of expression of the colicin Ib gene of the I1 group plasmid TP110 has been investigated. The colicin promoter was fused to the structural gene for beta-galactosidase, using the Mu d(Aprlac) phage, and the plasmid carrying this fusion was introduced into a variety of bacterial strains defective in genes involved in the "SOS" response. Colicin Ib belongs to that group of genes directly controlled by the repressor produced by the lexA gene, and expression was inducible by DNA-damaging agents. Mutations in uvrA, -B, and -C reduced the efficiency of induction by mitomycin C, as did mutations in recB. Mutations in recA and recF effectively prevented induction by mitomycin C, whereas mutations in lexA had contrasting effects, depending upon their effect on the properties of lexA protein. The spr-51 mutation (which inactivates lexA protein) led to constitutive expression, whereas the lexA3 mutation (which makes lexA protein refractory to cleavage by recA protein) completely inhibited inducible expression. In addition to lexA control, a TP110-coded function was identified which appeared able to inhibit colicin expression when the gene responsible was present in high copy number.
RESPONSE TO SELECTION ON COLD TOLERANCE IS CONSTRAINED BY INBREEDING

The evolutionary potential of any given population is of fundamental importance for its longer term prospects. Modern land‐use practices often result in small and isolated populations, increasing the risk of extinction through reduced genetic diversity as a consequence of inbreeding or drift. Such genetic erosion may also interfere with a population's evolutionary potential. In this study, we investigate the consequences of inbreeding on evolutionary potential (the ability to increase cold resistance) in a laboratory population of the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana. To explore constraints on evolution, we applied artificial selection to chill‐coma recovery time, starting from three levels of inbreeding (outbred control, one or two full‐sibling matings). Ten generations of selection produced highly divergent phenotypes, with the lines selected for increased cold tolerance showing about 28% shorter recovery times after cold exposure relative to unselected controls. Correlated responses to selection in 10 different life‐history and stress‐resistance traits were essentially absent. Inbred lines showed a weaker response to selection, indicating reduced evolutionary potential and thereby constraints on evolution. Inbreeding depression was still measurable in some traits after the course of selection. Traits more closely related to fitness showed a clear fitness rebound, suggesting a trait‐specific impact of purging. Our findings have important implications for the longer term survival of small populations in fragmented landscapes.
A comparison of public attitudes toward autopsy, organ donation, and anatomic dissection. A Swedish survey.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate people's reactions to procedures involving the dead body by comparing their attitudes toward autopsy, organ donation, and dissection. DESIGN Survey, using a questionnaire with 24 items that address reactions toward autopsy, organ donation, and donation of the whole body, including religious and sociodemographic issues. PARTICIPANTS An age-stratified, random sample of 1950 individuals in Sweden, 18 to 75 years old. The response rate was 65%. RESULTS Eighty-four percent reported acceptance of an autopsy for themselves and 80% for a close relative. Sixty-two percent were willing to donate their own organs and 39% to donate the organs of a family member; 15% accepted donation of their whole body for dissection. Practically all who accepted dissection also were willing to donate their organs and to be autopsied; practically all who were willing to donate their organs also accepted autopsy. About 65% to 70% felt some discomfort at the thought of autopsy and organ donation. Women seemed more sensitive toward operations on the dead body than men. CONCLUSIONS The rank order of medical procedures after death, based on the proportion of individuals positive toward the procedures, can be used to form a scale with autopsy and dissection at each end point and organ donation in the middle. This scale has the characteristics of a Guttman scale and can be looked on as a comfort-discomfort continuum regarding procedures involving the dead body.
The Sparse MLE for Ultrahigh-Dimensional Feature Screening

Feature selection is fundamental for modeling the high-dimensional data, where the number of features can be huge and much larger than the sample size. Since the feature space is so large, many traditional procedures become numerically infeasible. It is hence essential to first remove most apparently noninfluential features before any elaborative analysis. Recently, several procedures have been developed for this purpose, which include the sure-independent-screening (SIS) as a widely used technique. To gain computational efficiency, the SIS screens features based on their individual predicting power. In this article, we propose a new screening method via the sparsity-restricted maximum likelihood estimator (SMLE). The new method naturally takes the joint effects of features in the screening process, which gives itself an edge to potentially outperform the existing methods. This conjecture is further supported by the simulation studies under a number of modeling settings. We show that the proposed method is screening consistent in the context of ultrahigh-dimensional generalized linear models. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Debt Issue Motives and Earnings Optimism

The precautionary motive for finance predicts that firms make large issues to build financial liquidity when capital market conditions are favorable, and issue less or not at all when conditions are unfavorable. The liquidity squeeze framework predicts that firms issue to fund liquidity squeezes, regardless of market conditions. We find that both frameworks help explain the timing of issuance decisions, but only the precautionary framework explains issue size. With respect to timing, the majority of firms facing ex-ante liquidity squeezes do not issue. Squeezed firms issue if capital market conditions are favorable, but cut spending otherwise. With respect to size, large issues are not associated with large liquidity squeezes. Instead, firms raise more capital when issuance conditions are favorable, and use the majority of the proceeds to build financial liquidity, both by increasing cash and by refinancing debt to extend maturity.
HPV Test Results Stratify Risk for Histopathologic Follow-Up Findings of High-Grade Cervical Intra-Epithelial Neoplasia in Women with Low-Grade Squamous Intra-Epithelial Lesion Pap Results

Objective: Age-adjusted evaluations have explored the possible utility of human papillomavirus (HPV) test results in women with low-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (LSIL) Paps. We document LSIL correlation data with HPV test results and histopathologic follow-up from a large academic women’s hospital practice. Study Design: LSIL Pap tests with intermediate-/high-risk HPV DNA testing between July 1, 2005 and April 30, 2008 were studied along with follow-up histopathologic diagnoses. Patients were divided into age groups, and tissue diagnoses were correlated with HPV test results. Results: 1,083 (80.2%) of a total of 1,351 LSIL Pap samples tested HPV positive. HPV prevalence declined in older age groups. 719 women with LSIL Pap and HPV test results had at least 1 follow-up cervical biopsy result. 89 of 612 patients with HPV-positive LSIL (14.5%) had a follow-up histopathological diagnosis of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3. Only 4 of 107 patients with HPV-negative LSIL (3.7%) had CIN 2/3. Conclusions: In the largest study to date to document histopathological follow-up of older women with LSIL and HPV test results, no histopathological CIN 2/3 diagnoses were identified in women 50 years and older with HPV-negative LSIL. HPV test results stratified women with LSIL cytology findings into lower- and higher-risk groups for follow-up histopathologic CIN 2/3 outcomes.
Rifaximin for the treatment of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Introduction: Rifaximin is a non-absorbable, semisynthetic antibiotic that acts as an inhibitor of bacterial RNA synthesis, with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Due to its poor absorption, rifaximin has an increased exposure to the intestine, thus it is suitable for the treatment of many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathogenesis, gut microbiota impairment may play a major role. The possibility of modulating intestinal bacteria using antibiotics, in particular, rifaximin, has been demonstrated to improve IBS symptoms in non-constipation subtypes of IBS. Areas covered: We reviewed the use of rifaximin in diarrhoea-predominant IBS, focusing on its pharmacokinetic characteristics, its absorption in GI disease, its lack of interaction with other drugs and its new extended release formulation. Expert opinion: Rifaximin, with its low systemic absorption and no clinically significant interactions with other drugs, may represent a treatment of choice for IBS, mainly due to its ability to act on IBS pathogenesis, through the modulation of gut microbiota. Further studies to analyse the effect of rifaximin treatment on the composition of faecal microbiota are warranted. In particular, they need to evaluate whether resistant bacterial strains are selected and whether they are still present in the faecal sample even a long time after therapy.
MTMR9 Increases MTMR6 Enzyme Activity, Stability, and Role in Apoptosis*

Myotubularin-related protein 6 (MTMR6) is a catalytically active member of the myotubularin (MTM) family, which is composed of 14 proteins. Catalytically active myotubularins possess 3-phosphatase activity dephosphorylating phosphatidylinositol-3-phoshate and phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate, and some members have been shown to form homomers or heteromeric complexes with catalytically inactive myotubularins. We demonstrate that human MTMR6 forms a heteromer with an enzymatically inactive member myotubularin-related protein 9 (MTMR9), both in vitro and in cells. MTMR9 increased the binding of MTMR6 to phospholipids without changing the lipid binding profile. MTMR9 increased the 3-phosphatase activity of MTMR6 up to 6-fold. We determined that MTMR6 is activated up to 28-fold in the presence of phosphatidylserine liposomes. Together, MTMR6 activity in the presence of MTMR9 and assayed in phosphatidylserine liposomes increased 84-fold. Moreover, the formation of this heteromer in cells resulted in increased protein levels of both MTMR6 and MTMR9, probably due to the inhibition of degradation of both proteins. Furthermore, co-expression of MTMR6 and MTMR9 decreased etoposide-induced apoptosis, whereas decreasing both MTMR6 and MTMR9 by RNA interference led to increased cell death in response to etoposide treatment when compared with that seen with RNA interference of MTMR6 alone. Thus, MTMR9 greatly enhances the functions of MTMR6.
Routine Hemostasis and Hemogram Parameters: Valuable Assessments for Coagulation Disorder and Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients

Background: The clotting system abnormalities are the common complication in cancer patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the coagulation state, clinical features, and treatment in cancer patients by routine tests. Methods: A total of 2328 patients with different types of cancer were classified as the positive group (n = 1419, including 53 patients with thrombosis) and the negative group (n = 909) based on D-dimer (DD) value. Of the 2328 cases, 354 were admitted for chemotherapy. Hemostasis test and complete blood count (CBC) were performed during treatment or following-up. Results: This study showed that the hypercoagulable state was affected not only by clinical staging (P < 0.0001) but also by metastasis site (P < 0.0001 for bone vs. lung). Compared to negative DD group, the higher fibrinogen level, the extended activated partial thromboplastin time, and prothrombin time interacted markedly with disease clinical stage (P < 0.05) in the positive group. Between positive DD groups with and without thrombus, the significantly statistic difference in white blood cell (WBC) and DD (P < 0.05) rather than in red blood cell (RBC) and platelet count was observed. However, the higher DD level was not correlated with WBC, RBC, and platelet count in the positive DD group. Furthermore, the hypercoagulable plasma profile in cancer patients was moderated 2–3 weeks after chemotherapy (P < 0.05 for first six cycles). Conclusions: The routine hemostatic parameters and CBC are valuable to assessment for thrombosis and chemotherapy even for disease prognosis.
Immunological and metabolical studies in two siblings with Papillon-Lefevre syndrome.

Two cases of typical Papillon-Lefevre syndrome in one family were reported. Neither patient showed evidence of systemic disease as assessed by the medical history and a battery of clinical laboratory tests including a screening system for the detection of inborn errors of metabolism. A survey of the patients’ immunological status, including lymphocyte transformation tests using mitogens and polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemoiaxis studies, gave no indication of disturbances in immunological functions and host defense mechanisms. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
Empirical‐Bayes Adjustments for Multiple Comparisons Are Sometimes Useful

Rothman (Epidemiology 1990; 1:43–46) recommends against adjustments for multiple comparisons. Implicit in his recommendation, however, is an assumption that the sole objective of the data analysis is to report and scientifically interpret the data. We concur with his recommendation when this assumption is correct and one is willing to abandon frequentist interpretations of the summary statistics. Nevertheless, there are situations in which an additional or even primary goal of analysis is to reach a set of decisions based on the data. In such situations, Bayes and empirical-Bayes adjustments can provide a better basis for the decisions than conventional procedures
The 3DX multi image micro-CT device in clinical dental practice.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the usefulness of 3DX multi-image micro-CT device in clinical dental practice. METHODS Images of 198 examinations performed with a 3DX device during a 6 month period in a private dental practice were evaluated retrospectively for the benefit of additional information compared with panoramic or intraoral radiographs. RESULTS The main indication for the use of 3DX micro-CT was planning of dental implant placement in 49% of the examinations. Diagnosis or exclusion of dental infection or peri-implantitis represented 28% of the examinations and tooth, root or foreign body localization represented 13%. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging and cyst or tumour diagnosis represented 7.5% and 2.5% of the examinations, respectively. In implant planning and tooth, root or foreign body localization examinations, the required information was obtained in every case except three implant planning examinations, in which the exact measurements were hampered by artefacts caused by root fillings and retrograde fillings or metal posts. When compared with conventional radiography, additional radiographic information was obtained in 51% of the micro-CT examinations performed to confirm or exclude dental infection or peri-implantitis. Micro-CT also showed the bone structure of TMJs precisely. CONCLUSIONS The 3DX micro-CT device visualizes bony anatomical structures precisely, which makes it a reliable tool for, for example, planning of implant treatment. The device is highly suitable for diagnosing dental infections. Dental restorations may cause disturbing artefacts and in 4.5% of the examinations the small imaging area resulted in re-examination.
Dissecting Stock Price Momentum Using Financial Statement Analysis

The literature on stock price momentum documents that past price performance predicts future price performance (over the next 3–12 months). We argue that past price performance can be driven either by fundamentals or by non‐fundamental reasons and financial statement analysis (FSA) can help distinguish between these drivers of past returns. We find that price momentum reverses where fundamentals are inconsistent with past price performance, allowing us to develop an investment strategy that outperforms a pure momentum strategy over 80 percent of the time. Overall, we document robust evidence on the usefulness of FSA for enhancing momentum strategies.