Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The HEXACO Honesty-Humility, Agreeableness, and Emotionality Factors

We review research and theory on the HEXACO personality dimensions of Honesty-Humility (H), Agreeableness (A), and Emotionality (E), with particular attention to the following topics: (1) the origins of the HEXACO model in lexical studies of personality structure, and the content of the H, A, and E factors in those studies; (2) the operationalization of the H, A, and E factors in the HEXACO Personality Inventory–Revised; (3) the construct validity of self-reports on scales measuring the H factor; (4) the theoretical distinction between H and A; (5) similarity and assumed similarity between social partners in personality, with a focus on H and A; (6) the extent to which H (and A and E) variance is represented in instruments assessing the “Five-Factor Model” of personality; and (7) the relative validity of scales assessing the HEXACO and Five-Factor Model dimensions in predicting criteria conceptually relevant to H, A, and E.
Recent Developments in Rayleigh-Bénard Convection

▪ Abstract This review summarizes results for Rayleigh-Benard convection that have been obtained over the past decade or so. It concentrates on convection in compressed gases and gas mixtures with Prandtl numbers near one and smaller. In addition to the classical problem of a horizontal stationary fluid layer heated from below, it also briefly covers convection in such a layer with rotation about a vertical axis, with inclination, and with modulation of the vertical acceleration.
In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Profile and Correlation of Mycelial and Yeast Forms of Molecularly Characterized Histoplasma capsulatum Strains from India

ABSTRACT The antifungal susceptibility profiles of the mycelial and yeast forms of 23 Histoplasma capsulatum strains from pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis patients in India are reported here. The MIC data of this dimorphic fungus had good agreement between both forms for azoles, amphotericin B, and caspofungin. Therefore, the use of mycelial inocula for H. capsulatum antifungal susceptibility testing is suggested, which is less time-consuming vis-à-vis the yeast form, which requires 6 to 8 weeks for conversion.
The Active Phase‐Related Increase in Corticosterone and Aggression are Linked

Recently we demonstrated that corticosterone exerts an acute facilitatory effect on aggression in male rats. Corticosterone production reaches a maximum at the onset of the dark period, while male rats are more aggressive in the dark. Here we present evidence demonstrating that the corticosterone increase at the beginning of the dark period is causally linked to the increase in aggressiveness. We measured plasma corticosterone and quantified aggressive behaviour of male territorial rats at various time points of the day–night transition. Low aggression levels were observed in the full light period when plasma concentrations of corticosterone were low. An increase in plasma corticosterone occurred just prior to the dark phase, when aggressive responding was the highest. Aggressive behaviour remained high in the early dark period when corticosterone was still high. We found that blocking the high affinity mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) with spironolactone (5 or 10 mg/kg) during the early dark period dramatically and specifically reduced territorial aggression.
Evaluation of Synergistic Effects of Resynchronization Therapy and a β‐Blocker Up‐titration Strategy Based on a Predefined Patient‐Management Program: The RESTORE Study

Prior studies have suggested that a substantial number of eligible heart failure (HF) patients fail to receive β‐blocker therapy, or receive it at a suboptimal dose. The aim of this study is to assess the benefit of a predefined management program designed for β‐blocker up‐titration, evaluating the synergistic effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and β‐blockers in a HF population. The Resynchronization Therapy and β‐Blocker Titration (RESTORE) study is a prospective, case‐control, multicenter cohort study designed to test the hypothesis that a β‐blocker up‐titration strategy based on a predefined management program maximizes the beneficial effect of CRT, increasing the number of patients reaching the target dose of β‐blockers and improving their clinical outcome. All study patients receive an implantable defibrillator for CRT delivery in accordance with current guidelines. Enrollments started in December 2011 and are scheduled to end in December 2014. Approximately 250 consecutive patients will be prospectively enrolled in 6 Italian centers and followed up for 24 months after implantation. The primary endpoint is to demonstrate that CRT may allow titration of β‐blockers until the optimal dose, or at least to the effective dose, in patients with HF. This study might provide important information about the benefit of a predefined management program for β‐blocker up‐titration in patients receiving CRT. Moreover, assessment of health‐care utilization and the consumption of resources will allow estimating the potential utility of remote monitoring by means of an automated telemedicine system in facilitating the titration of β‐blockers in comparison with a standard in‐hospital approach.
Influence of imipramine and pargyline on the arrhythmogenicity of epinephrine during halothane, enflurane or methoxyflurane anesthesia in dogs.

Abstract Each group of six male mongrel dogs was treated with oral pargyline, 100 mg/day, or imipramine, 25 mg/day, for at least 8 days. During continued drug treatment each animal was studied 3 times between day 8–14 and was anesthetized by 1.2 MAC (minimal elveolar concentration) halothane, enflurane or methoxyflurane with 50% N 2 OO 2 , but only one of the anesthetic regimens was administered during each study. Lead II of the ECG, esophageal temperature and femerol arterial pressure were monitored continuously during controlled ventilation, maintaining normocarbia. Epinephrine was infused at the rate of 1 ug/kg/min until the occurence of three or more consecutive PVC's (premature ventricular contractions) as the end point of the arrhythmia threshold dose. The latter is significantly lower in the imipramine pretreated group in comparison with the pargyline pretreated and the control groups. The results also suggest that methoxyflurane and enflurane may be less harmful to the myocardium than halothane during epinephrine-induced arrhythmias.
Broiler genetic strain and sex effects on meat characteristics.

A randomized complete block design within a factorial arrangement of treatments was used to evaluate the effect of strain and sex on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and sensory acceptability. Two broiler strains were reared: a commercially available strain (strain A) and a strain currently in the test phase (strain B) that has been genetically selected to maximize breast yield. Broilers were harvested in a pilot scale processing plant using commercial prototype equipment at 42 d of age. Carcasses were deboned at 4 h postmortem. The left half of each breast was evaluated for pH, color, cooking loss, shear force, and proximate analysis. The right side of each breast was used for consumer acceptability testing. Thigh meat was evaluated for proximate composition. No interactions were observed throughout the study. Male broilers had a higher (P < 0.05) live BW, carcass weight, and breast weight and lower (P < 0.05) dressing percentage and breast meat yield when compared with females. Broilers from strain B presented a higher (P < 0.05) breast yield and dressing percentage than those broilers corresponding to the commercially available broiler strain. At 24 h postmortem, female broilers presented a lower ultimate pH and higher Commission internationale de l'éclairage yellowness values (ventral side of the pectoralis major) when compared with male broilers. On average, no differences existed (P > 0.05) among treatments with respect to pH decline, cooking loss, shear values, and proximate composition. In addition, no differences (P > 0.05) existed among breast meat from the different strains with respect to consumer acceptability of appearance, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability, but breast meat from strain B was slightly preferred (P < 0.05) over that of strain A with respect to aroma. However, breast meat from both strains received scores in the range of "like slightly to like moderately. " Overall data suggest that all treatments yielded high quality breast and thigh meat and strain cross did not present variability in terms of consumer acceptability.
Germ‐line genetic variation of TP53 in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) has been well described in individuals with germ‐line TP53 mutations (Li‐Fraumeni Syndrome) but typically occurs sporadically in adolescents and young adults. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common germ‐line genetic variation, have been associated with risk for other types of cancer. We hypothesized that genetic variation in TP53 could be associated with OS risk based on its critical role in cell growth and effect of somatic mutations in OS tumors.
Interpretations of faecal concentrations of corticosteroids

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to comment on a recent paper in Laboratory Animals: Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites: how to express yourself – comparison of absolute amounts versus concentrations in samples from a study in laboratory rats. We have for more than 10 years used faecal excretion of corticosteroids as a measure of preceding stress in laboratory animals. Corticosteroids in the circulation are excreted in urine and faeces. In urine, corticosteroids can be quantified and concentrations adjusted, using creatinine concentrations to make allowance for irrelevant variations in urine volume. The corticosteroids excreted in faeces enter the gastrointestinal (GI) tract predominantly via bile and the regulation of bile flow into the GI tract in man and across species – with or without gall bladder – is poorly understood. It is, however, well known that bile flow into the alimentary tract is not constant nor directly coupled to – or coordinated with – the flow of intestinal contents. Thus, bile with corticosteroids enters the GI tract regardless of whether there is no flow in the GI tract (as during invasive surgery) or whether the gut is full of fast flowing more or less bulky materials. Consequently, concentrations of corticosteroids in faeces vary, not just according to the amounts entering the bile from the blood but also according to the quantity and motility of gut contents and thus amounts of faeces voided by the animal. If – for example – an animal has been subjected to surgery, it is not uncommon that it voids smaller amounts of faeces in the early stages after operation compared with unoperated controls, obviously with high concentrations of corticosteroids whether the animal has been stressed or not. We have documented, e.g. in rats, poultry, pigs and monkeys, that in order to obtain reliable and biologically meaningful results it is – not surprisingly – important to collect all faeces and quantify total corticosteroid excretion per kilogram body weight per time unit. Conservation and wildlife biologists may not have the possibility to investigate hormonal changes in faeces in detail, and have to make do with samples, but this is not the case for biomedical scientists working with laboratory animals. Measuring all molecules in a very heterogeneous biological compartment is more accurate than base assumptions on samples obtained from the compartment. We are therefore concerned that the paper by Lepschy and co-workers, perhaps unintentionally, may misguide colleagues with little endocrinology background to – based on this article – embark on studies measuring corticosterone concentrations in faecal samples as measures of preceding stress in animals. This would result in analyses that would contain more false-positive and false-negative results than if they went through the trouble and collected all faeces in the relevant time windows and quantified corticosteroid excretion as number of molecules excreted per time unit per kilogram body weight.
COMPARATIVE SEED SHADOWS OF BIRD‐, MONKEY‐, AND WIND‐DISPERSED TREES

Although spatial patterns of seed distribution are thought to vary greatly among plant species dispersed by different vectors, few studies have directly examined this assumption. We compared patterns of seed rain of nine species of trees disseminated by large birds, monkeys, and wind in a closed canopy forest in Cameroon. We used maximum-likelihood methods to fit seed rain data to four dispersal functions: inverse power, negative exponential, Gaussian, and Student t. We then tested for differences in dispersal characteristics (1) among individuals within species, and (2) among species dispersed by the same vector. In general, an inverse power function best described animal-dispersed species and the Gaussian and Student t functions best described wind-dispersed species. Animal-dispersed species had longer mean dispersal distances than wind-dispersed species, but lower fecundities. In addition to these distinct differences in average dispersal distance and functional form of the seed shadow between animal- and wind-dispersed species, seed shadows varied markedly within species and vector, with conspecifics and species within vector varying in their dispersal scale, fecundity, and clumping parameters. Dispersal vectors determine a significant amount of variation in seed distribution, but much variation remains to be explained. Finally, we demonstrate that most seeds, regardless of vector, fall directly under the parent canopy. Long-distance dispersal events (>60 m) account for a small proportion of the seed crop but may still be important in terms of the absolute numbers of dispersed seeds and effects on population and community dynamics.
Changing Trends in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: A 13‐Year Experience

Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the treatment of breast cancer and reconstruction following mastectomy. This analysis represents a 13-year review (1979–1991) of 455 postmastectomy reconstructions involving 381 patients (age range 25 to 76 years, mean 51 years). Follow-up was 6 months to 13 years (mean 5 years). Timing of the reconstruction, reconstructive techniques used, incidence of complications, and final results were determined. Reconstructions were divided into three chronologic study groups: group I, 1979–1983; group II, 1984–1987; and group III, 1988–1991. A significant increase in the use of autogenous reconstruction was identified: 13 percent in group I to 37 percent in group III (p < 0.0002). Complication rates were not significantly different among the three groups (p > 0.2). Significant decreases in the use of implants alone and the latissimus dorsi flap with implant were identified, while tissue expansion and TRAM flap use increased significantly (p < 0.002). Also, a significant increase in immediate reconstruction from 6 percent in group I to 28 percent in group III occurred (p < 0.0002). There was no significant difference in complication rates between immediate and delayed reconstruction in any study group. Operative time averaged 2 hours less for nonautogenous techniques; however, autogenous reconstruction required significantly fewer operative revisions. The identified trends toward immediate reconstruction and use of autogenous tissue have been accomplished without an increase in complications. Despite a decrease in overall implant use, the textured silicone saline-filled expander/implant remains the most frequently used device for breast reconstruction, providing a safe and predictable method to accomplish both immediate and delayed post-mastectomy reconstruction. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 93: 1418, 1994.)
Rebels with a cause? Adolescent defiance from the perspective of reactance theory and self-determination theory.

The present investigation focused on adolescents' defiance against parents by drawing upon psychological reactance theory (Brehm, 1966) and self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Psychological reactance would be elicited when freedom is taken away, thereby motivating individuals to engage in oppositional behavior. Throughout four studies (total N = 1,472, age ranging between 12 and 21 years), it was examined whether a controlling parenting style related to adolescents' experiences of autonomy need frustration (i.e., pressure) and reactance. Reactance, in turn, would relate to more externalizing and internalizing problems. Support was obtained for these associations in community and clinical samples, making use of different informants, and controlling for responsiveness and rule setting. A vignette-based study provided further support. The discussion highlights theoretical and clinical implications.
Comprehensive gene expression profile of a normal human liver.

To investigate the gene expression profile of a normal human liver, we performed serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), which allows the quantitative and simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes expressed in tissue. Polyadenylated RNA was obtained from a bulk normal human liver sample and SAGE was performed. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was also performed in each of 3 different normal liver samples to evaluate the validity of the profile in each individual. A total of 30,982 tags were sequenced, 8,596 of which were unique. The genes highly expressed in the normal liver were those encoding plasma proteins (>21.8% of total transcripts), cytoplasmic proteins (>8.6%), enzymes (>4.8%), protease inhibitors (>1.7%), complements (>1.1%), and coagulation factors (>0.75%). About 13.9% of all transcripts encoded genes not reported in GenBank thus far. This study identifies candidate genes to be examined in relation to various human liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Iodine intake and status in two groups of Norwegians

Objective: To evaluate the ranges of iodine intake and iodine status in two subgroups of the Norwegian population. Design: The participants in the Tromso group (n=63) had a normal diet. The participants in the Bergen group (n=44) comprised people with a variable intake of fish and dairy products. Results: The iodine intake varied from 56 to 318 mg day-1 in the Tromso group and from 30 to 427 mg day–1 in the Bergen group. Median intake of iodine (162 µg day-1) in the Tromso group was significantly higher than in the Bergen group (89 µg day-1) (<p/0.001). Urinary iodine concentration varied from 38 to 572 µg l-1 with a median value of 117 µg l-1 in the Tromso group. Median iodine excretion in the Bergen group was 96 µg 24 h-1 (85 µg l-1) and varied from 16 to 316 µg 24 h-1. Median serum thyroid-stimulating hormone was 1.6 mIU l-1 in the Tromso group and 1.4 mIU l-1 in the Bergen group. Median free thyroxine in serum was significantly higher in the p articipants from Tromso (15 pmol l-1) than in those from Bergen (12 pmol l-1). Conclusions: Regular intake of dairy products and/or fish products is important to meet the iodine requirements in the Norwegian diet. Although the iodine intake was found to be in the intake range of sufficient iodine intake of most of the participants in the two groups, there may exist population groups with a very low average intake of iodine. Keywords: Diet; iodine; iodine excretion; Norwegians; thyroid hormones
Acculturation and Diabetes among Hispanics: Evidence from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective. Hispanic individuals in the United States have a greater prevalence of diabetes mellitus than non-Hispanic white individuals; however, it is unclear whether Hispanics' risk of diabetes differs based on their level of acculturation. The purpose of our research was to examine acculturation among Hispanic Americans with respect to prevalence and control of diabetes. Methods. We conducted an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2002, a nationally representative sample of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population. We evaluated data on Hispanic adults (≥18 years of age, unweighted n=2,696), analyzing diagnosed diabetes, glycemic blood pressure and lipid control, and diabetes complications according to acculturation as measured by language and birth outside the United States. Results. Hispanics with low acculturation were more likely to be without a routine place for health care, have no health insurance, and have low levels of education. In adjusted analyses, individuals with low acculturation, measured by language, were more likely to have diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 3.54). Among individuals with diagnosed diabetes, no significant association was yielded between acculturation and diabetes control. However, individuals with low language acculturation were more likely to have the diabetes complication of peripheral neuropathy (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.40, 11.48). Conclusions. Acculturation as measured through language is associated with diabetes and complications among Hispanics even after controlling for a variety of demographic characteristics including health insurance and education. The findings suggest that even within a “single” minority ethnic group, there are differences in disease prevalence and complications and access to health care.
[Should small bowel diverticula be removed?].

BACKGROUND/AIMS Small bowel diverticulum is a rare disease that can be found incidentally during a surgical operation. Since reported complication rate is low, uncomplicated small bowel diverticula are generally recommended to be untreated. The aim of this study was to elucidate clinical features of this disease and to determine whether incidental small bowel diverticula should be removed for cure. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 80 patients with small bowel diverticular disease who underwent operation at Asan Medical Center between July 1989 and March 2003, retrospectively. RESULTS Male to female ratio was 61:19, and the mean age was 44 (0-91) years. The most common diverticulum of small bowel is Meckel's diverticulum (63.8%), followed by duodenal diverticulum (15%), jejunal diverticulum (12.5%), and ileal diverticulum (8.7%). Of the 80 cases, 43 (53.7%) were symptomatic, and 37 (46.3%) were incidental. In the symptomatic patients, the most frequent symptom was abdominal pain (58.1%), followed by bleeding (44.2%). As for the treatments, segmental resection (53.7%) was performed more commonly than diverticulectomy (43.8%) in the symptomatic patients. Postoperative complications occurred more commonly in the symptomatic patients (25.6%) than the incidental patients (8.1%). Duodenal diverticula had a high morbidity and mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS We should consider the diverticular disease of small bowel in patients with unexplained abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding. As most small bowel diverticula, except for duodenal diverticula, are found incidentally and easily removed without postoperative morbidity or mortality, surgical resection appears to be recommended for the purpose of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Association of Epstein‐Barr virus with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in alaskan native patients: Serum antibodies and tissue EBNA and DNA

Biopsy specimens from Alaskan Native patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and from other patients seen on the otolaryngology service were tested for Epstein‐Barr virus‐specific DNA and nuclear antigen (EBNA). Serum samples from both groups were tested for various EBV‐related antibodies. EBV DNA and EBNA results were in agreement in 29 of 31 tissue specimens tested by the two methods. Ten of 11 biopsies containing NPC cells were positive for EBV DNA. Two NPC patients had biopsies that showed only atypical epithelium but were also positive for EBV DNA or EBNA. The other tissue specimens were negative except for biopsies from two patients: one with a parotid gland lymphoepithelial lesion; another with undifferentiated carcinoma of salivary gland origin.