Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degenerations in the claustrum after regional neocortical ablations in the cat

Connections of the claustrum have seldom been the subject of special studies although some pertinent observations have been reported in a number of papers which were primarily concerned with connections of other parts of the brain. Bianchi ('22), Mettler ('35, '45, '47), Kato ('38), and Hirasawa et al. ('38) found after removal of some areas of the cortex degenerating nerve fibers entering the claustrum. Berke ('60) confirmed these observations but it was his opinion that these fibers are fibers of passage. Rosegay ('44) described fragmentation of nerve cells in the posterior portion of the claustrum of a cat after a lesion in mesencephalon and pons. Rae ('54) presented a review of the literature concerning claustral connections. Hiddema and Droogleever Fortuyn ('60) found degenerating fibers reaching the claustrum after lesions placed in the thalamus. Ruiz ('60) traced fibers to the medulla from a lesion involving the claustrum. Droogleever Fortuyn and Stefens ('51) suggested on the basis of observations made by Vogt and Vogt ('41) and McLardy ('48) on human pathological material that there are connections between centrum medianum and claustrum. Some electrophysiological data regarding claustral connections are also available. Fox et al. ('44) recorded potentials in the ventral portion of the claustrum in response to electrical stimulation of the lateral part of the olfactory bulb. Starzl et al. ('51) observed recruiting waves in the claustrum after electrical stimulation of the centrum medianum and intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus. Segundo and Machne ('56) described responses in the claustrum to various somatosensory stimuli. The study to be presented is based on observations of retrograde degenerative changes in the claustrum following various ablations of cortical areas. It will be shown that after certain cortical lesions there are striking retrograde changes in the claustrum of the cat.
Social Identity Theory's Self-Esteem Hypothesis: A Review and Some Suggestions for Clarification

Distinctions are made between global and specific, personal and social, and trait and state self-esteem, and these are used to structure a review of over 40 studies concerning social identity theory's hypothesis that (a) intergroup discrimination elevates self-esteem and (b) low self-esteem motivates discrimination. It is observed that researchers have tended to employ measures of global personal trait self-esteem in their investigations of this self-esteem hypothesis, and it is argued that measures of specific social state self-esteem are more consistent with social identity theory's assumptions. Although no convincing evidence is found for the self-esteem hypothesis in its full and unqualified form, it is argued that this is due to a lack of specificity in its formulation and it is suggested that a more qualified and specific version of the hypothesis may be more appropriate.
Antioxidants as Complementary Medication in Thalassemia

μM) of the controls’ plasma [122]. Administration of lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E (10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) is beneficial in the management of transfusion-dependant β-thalas‐ semia HbE patients [123]. A current study has demonstrated that levels of iron parameters, such as serum ferritin, NTBI and transferrin receptors, were significantly increased in β-thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia patients, compared to the controls and in severe cases when compared to the mild cases. Levels of serum ferritin, MDA, NTBI and GSSG/GSH were significantly increased in thalassemia intermedia patients; activities of serum glutathione reductase (GR), GPx and SOD were significantly reduced in these patients; while serum ascorbic acid concentrations were mildly reduced in the patients [124]. Interestingly, DFP has been reported to be a potent pharmaceutical antioxidant [125]. three months increased erythrocyte SOD as well as the GPx activities and GSH concentrations, and lowered levels of plasma NTBI and platelet factor-3 like activity [141, 142]. The same researcher group has been using a cocktail containing DFP, vitamin E, NAC and the curcuminoids for treatment of the thalassemia patients and expected that the treatment would improve their iron overload and oxidative stress more effectively (Kalpravidh and coworkers, personal communication). A recent study has reported that iron content of HDL-2 and HDL-3 from  -thalassemia/HbE patients was higher while the cholesterol content was lower than those levels found in the healthy subjects. Thalassemic HDL-2 and HDL-3 had increased levels of conjugated diene, lipid hydroperoxide and TBARS. The thalassemic HDL had lower peroxidase activity than the control HDL and could not protect against CuSO 4 - induced oxidation of LDL [143]. (EGC), (GC). EGCG as catechins that elevated levels of plasma NTBI and lipid peroxidation tended to be normalized in the BKO mice in response to oral therapy with GTE, while their plasma GSH concentrations were also increased by up to 2-times. The mice exhibited a decrease of the lipid peroxidation product and an improvement in the oxidant– antioxidant balance in erythrocytes. Importantly, GTE was effective in inhibiting hemolysis and thereby prolonged RBC half-life in the BKO mice (Sakaewan Ounjaijean PhD thesis. Chiang Mai University; 2011). Our current study has shown that the treatment of iron-loaded mouse hepatocytes and human hepatoma (HepG2) cells with GTE (0 – 100 mg/dl) and EGCG (0 – 200  M) removed intracellular LIP and ROS efficiently, and relieved the mitochondrial membrane collapse, implying a hepatoprotective effect of green tea catechins in the hepatocytes with iron overload [151].
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Increases Territorial Song and the Size of an Associated Brain Region in a Male Songbird

In many species, male territorial aggression is tightly coupled with gonadal secretion of testosterone (T). In contrast, in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia morphna), males are highly aggressive during the breeding (spring) and nonbreeding (autumn and early winter) seasons, but not during molt (late summer). In aggressive nonbreeding song sparrows, plasma T levels are basal (< or = 0.10 ng/ml), and castration has no effect on aggression. However, aromatase inhibitors reduce nonbreeding aggression, indicating a role for estrogen in wintering males. In the nonbreeding season, the substrate for brain aromatase is unclear, because plasma T and androstenedione levels are basal. Aromatizable androgen may be derived from plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an androgen precursor. DHEA circulates at elevated levels in wintering males (approximately 0.8 ng/ml) and might be locally converted to T in the brain. Moreover, plasma DHEA is reduced during molt, as is aggression. Here, we experimentally increased DHEA in wild nonbreeding male song sparrows and examined territorial behaviors (e.g., singing) and discrete neural regions controlling the production of song. A physiological dose of DHEA for 15 days increased singing in response to simulated territorial intrusions. In addition, DHEA treatment increased the volume of a telencephalic brain region (the HVc) controlling song, indicating that DHEA can have large-scale neuroanatomical effects in adult animals. The DHEA treatment also caused a slight increase in plasma T. Exogenous DHEA may have been metabolized to sex steroids within the brain to exert these behavioral and neural effects, and it is also possible that peripheral metabolism contributed to these effects. These are the first results to suggest that exogenous DHEA increases male-male aggression and the size of an entire brain region in adults. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that DHEA regulates territorial behavior, especially in the nonbreeding season, when plasma T is basal.
Multiple Antibiotic Resistance as a Fecal Contamination Source Identification Method

Abstract A variety of methods have been developed over the last 30 years to determine the sources of fecal contamination of surface water. Identification of sources is a major step required in the process of prevention or remediation of such pollution. This paper provides a brief overview of the various methods available, then an in-depth discussion of a specific method: Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) testing. The MAR method relies on the idea that fecal bacteria from different sources will have differing levels of resistance to antibiotics and combinations of antibiotics, based on previous exposure of the sources to antibiotics. The method first involves developing a library of known sources for a watershed and then using the library to identify the sources of new samples. Several case studies are provided showing the effectiveness of the method in field conditions.
Participation in screening for colorectal cancer based on a faecal occult blood test is improved by endorsement by the primary care practitioner

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of general practitioner (GP) endorsement on participation in screening for colorectal cancer based on a faecal occult blood test (FOBT). SETTING: South Australian residents (n=2400), in 1999, aged >50 years. METHODS: Random selection of three groups (GP1, GP2, GP3) from two general practices and of one group (ER) from the federal electoral roll; n=600 per group. Without previous communication or publicity, subjects were posted an offer of screening by immunochemical FOBT. The GP1 and ER groups were invited without indication that their GP was involved; GP2 received an invitation indicating support from the practice; and GP3 received an invitation on practice letterhead and signed by a practice partner. A reminder was posted at 6 weeks. Participation was defined as return of correctly completed FOBT sample cards within 12 weeks. RESULTS: Participation rates were: GP1 192/600 (32.0%), GP2 228/600 (38.0%), and GP3 244/600 (40.7%); &khgr;2=10.2, p=0.006. Both GP2 and GP3 differed significantly from GP1 (odds ratio (OR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.60 to 0.98 and relative risk (RR)=0.69, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.87 respectively). ER (193/600 (32.2%)) and GP1 were not significantly different. Age but not sex was significantly associated with participation. Overall test positivity rate was 4.6%; five malignancies were found in the 918 who performed FOBT. CONCLUSIONS: Association of a GP of recent contact with a screening offer in the form of a personalised letter of invitation achieves better participation than does the same letter from a centralised screening unit that does not mention the GP. Thus, GP enhanced participation is achievable without their actual involvement. Additional strategies are needed to further improve participation.
Induction of Broad CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell Responses and Cross- Neutralizing Antibodies against Hepatitis C Virus by Vaccination with Th1-Adjuvanted Polypeptides Followed by Defective Alphaviral Particles Expressing Envelope Glycoproteins gpE1 and gpE2 and Nonstructural Proteins 3, 4, and 5

ABSTRACT Broad, multispecific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), as well as virus-cross-neutralizing antibodies, are associated with recovery from acute infection and may also be associated in chronic HCV patients with a favorable response to antiviral treatment. In order to recapitulate all of these responses in an ideal vaccine regimen, we have explored the use of recombinant HCV polypeptides combined with various Th1-type adjuvants and replication-defective alphaviral particles encoding HCV proteins in various prime/boost modalities in BALB/c mice. Defective chimeric alphaviral particles derived from the Sindbis and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses encoding either the HCV envelope glycoprotein gpE1/gpE2 heterodimer (E1E2) or nonstructural proteins 3, 4, and 5 (NS345) elicited strong CD8+ T-cell responses but low CD4+ T helper responses to these HCV gene products. In contrast, recombinant E1E2 glycoproteins adjuvanted with MF59 containing a CpG oligonucleotide elicited strong CD4+ T helper responses but no CD8+ T-cell responses. A recombinant NS345 polyprotein also stimulated strong CD4+ T helper responses but no CD8+ T-cell responses when adjuvanted with Iscomatrix containing CpG. Optimal elicitation of broad CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses to E1E2 and NS345 was obtained by first priming with Th1-adjuvanted proteins and then boosting with chimeric, defective alphaviruses expressing these HCV genes. In addition, this prime/boost regimen resulted in the induction of anti-E1E2 antibodies capable of cross-neutralizing heterologous HCV isolates in vitro. This vaccine formulation and regimen may therefore be optimal in humans for protection against this highly heterogeneous global pathogen.
Pricing Options under Heston's Stochastic Volatility Model via Accelerated Explicit Finite Differencing Methods

We present an acceleration technique, effective for explicit finite difference schemes describing diffusive processes with nearly symmetric operators, called Super-Time-Stepping (STS). The technique is applied to the two-factor problem of option pricing under stochastic volatility. It is shown to significantly reduce the severity of the stability constraint known as the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy condition whilst retaining the simplicity of the chosen underlying explicit method. For European and American put options under Heston’s stochastic volatility model we demonstrate degrees of acceleration over standard explicit methods sufficient to achieve comparable, or superior, efficiencies to a benchmark implicit scheme. We conclude that STS is a powerful tool for the numerical pricing of options and propose them as the method-of-choice for exotic financial instruments in two and multi-factor models.
Neural network application in Japanese sign language: distinction of similar Yubimoji gestures

In a previous paper, the authors built a neural network model to recognize Japanese sign language syllabary or yubimoji. One of the problems encountered in that study was the accurate digital representation and distinction of similar yubimoji gestures, i.e. gestures with the same finger flexure positions but with different hand/finger orientations. This study focuses on these yubimoji gestures. Using data from a glove interface with bend sensors and accelerometers, a neural network was built, trained and tested. The network performed well and good results were obtained.
Recent developments and future prospects in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

Limited therapeutic options in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) make the treatment of this neglected disease very challenging. In addition to this, long treatment duration and toxic adverse effects make it even more difficult. With no effective vaccine available to date, treatment of VL is based only on chemotherapy. In the Indian subcontinent, a single dose of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) and multidrug therapy (L-AmB + miltefosine, L-AmB + paromomycin [PM], or miltefosine + PM) are the treatments of choice for VL. In East Africa, however, combination therapy of pentavalent antimonials (Sbv) and PM remains the treatment of choice, and in the Mediterranean region and South America, L-AmB is the recommended drug. Fexinidazole and PA-824 are new promising drugs which have shown encouraging results in preclinical studies.
Prevalence and correlates of burden among caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder.

OBJECTIVES Caring for a relative with schizophrenia or dementia is associated with reports of high caregiver burden, symptoms of depression, poor physical health, negligence of the caregiver's own health needs, elevated health service use, low use of social supports, and financial strain. This study presents the design and preliminary data on the costs and consequences of caring for a relative or friend with bipolar disorder from the Family Experience Study, a longitudinal study of the primary caregivers to 500 patients enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder. METHODS Subjects were primary caregivers of 500 patients with bipolar disorder diagnosed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Affective Disorder Evaluation. Caregivers were evaluated within 1 month after patients entered Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program using measures of burden, coping, health/mental health, and use of resources and costs. RESULTS Eighty-nine percent, 52%, and 61% of caregivers, respectively, experienced moderate or higher burden in relation to patient problem behaviors, role dysfunction, or disruption of household routine. High burden caregivers reported more physical health problems, depressive symptoms, health risk behavior and health service use, and less social support than less burden caregivers. They also provided more financial support to their bipolar relative. CONCLUSIONS Burdens experienced by family caregivers of people with bipolar disorder are associated with problems in health, mental health, and cost. Psychosocial interventions targeting the strains of caregiving for a patient with bipolar disorder are needed.
Design Aspects of the Elastic Trailing Edge for an Adaptive Wing

Abstract : According to predictions of market researchers a large growth in numbers of passengers as well as of airfreight volume can be expected for the civil transport aircraft industry. This will lead to an increased competition between the aircraft manufacturers. To stay competitive it will be essential to improve the efficiency of the new aircraft generation. Especially the transonic wings of civil aircraft with their fixed geometry offer a large potential for improvement. Such fixed geometry wings are optimized for only one design point characterized by the parameters altitude, mach number and aircraft weight. Since these vary permanently during the mission of the aircraft the wing geometry is only seldom optimal. As aerodynamic investigations have shown one possibility to compensate for this major disadvantage lies in the chordwise and spanwise differential variation of the wing camber for mission duration. This paper describes the design of a flexible flap system for an adaptive wing to be used in civil transport aircraft that allows both a chordwise as well as a spanwise differential camber variation during flight. Since both lower and upper skins are flexed by active ribs, the camber variation is achieved with a smooth contour and without any additional gaps. This approach for varying the wing's camber is designed to be used for replacement and enhancement of a given flap system. In addition the kinematics of the rib structure allows for adaptation of the profile contour to different types of aerodynamic and geometric requirements.
Resilience in Patients With Recent Diagnosis of a Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

Abstract This study focused on resilience in patients who recently received a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Psychopathological symptoms, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness were considered as sources of stress in the context of psychosis. Forty-eight SSD patients (mean period between diagnosis and recruitment, 20.79 months) were enrolled. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, depression by the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, hopelessness by the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and functioning by the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale. Resilience was evaluated by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, which was additionally completed by 81 healthy controls. Patients demonstrated less resilience than did healthy participants. Female patients showed higher resilience levels and functioning than did males. High resilience levels were associated with less severe positive symptoms, general psychopathological symptoms, depression, and hopelessness. Apart from negative symptoms, results indicated that resilience may be a potential moderator of functioning. Thus, resilience-oriented interventions might constitute an additional therapeutic approach for SSD patients.
Ex-PRESS implantation with phacoemulsification in POAG versus CPACG.

AIM To compare the long-term outcomes of the Ex-PRESS miniature glaucoma device implanted under a scleral flap in combination of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma (CPACG). METHODS Retrospective, comparative study. A total of 60 eyes (60 patients) receiving the Ex-PRESS miniature glaucoma device implantation combined with phacoemulsification were reviewed. Thirty eyes (30 patients) had the combined procedures for POAG, and the other 30 eyes (30 patients) for CPACG. RESULTS The follow-up was 39.37±7.09mo (range 3 to 49mo) in patients with POAG and 37.10±9.26mo (range 9 to 49mo) in patients with CPACG (P=0.29). The mean change in best corrected visual acuity was 0.41 logMAR for POAG and 0.38 logMAR for CPACG at the last follow-up (P=0.22). The postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of the POAG group was significantly lower than the CPACG group at 1, 3, 12, and 18mo after surgery (P=0.02, 0.00, 0.04, 0.01) with similar glaucoma medications after surgery (P>0.16). At 3y after surgery, the cumulative complete and qualified success rates were 63.3% (POAG) and 53.3% (CPACG), 83.3% (POAG) and 73.3% (CPACG) (P=0.41, 0.49), respectively. The POAG group had more hypotony than the CPACG group (P=0.04). CONCLUSION The long-term outcomes show the Ex-PRESS implantation combined with phacoemulcification can effectively lower the IOP in both the POAG and CPACG groups. The POAG group seems to have lower postoperative IOP and a higher risk of hypotony.
Predictors of Participation in Prostate Cancer Screening among Older Men in Jordan.

BACKGROUND Participation is one of the major factors affecting the long-term success of population-based prostate cancer screening programs. The aim of this study was to explore strong factors linked to participation in prostate cancer screening among older Jordanian adults using the Health Belief Model (HBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were obtained from Jordanian older adults, aged 40 years and over, who visited a comprehensive health care center within the Ministry of Health. A pilot test was conducted to investigate the internal consistency of the the Champion Health Belief Model Scale for prostate cancer screening and the clarity of survey questions. Sample characteristics and rates of participation in prostate cancer screening were examined using means and frequencies. Important factors associated with participation in prostate cancer screening were examined using bivariate correlation and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS About 13% of the respondents had adhered to prostate cancer screening guidelines over the previous decade. Four out of the seven HBM-driven factors (perceived susceptibility, benefits and barriers to PSA test, and health motivation) were statistically significant. Those with greater levels of susceptibility, benefits of PSA test and health motivation and lower levels of barriers to PSA testing were more likely to participate in prostate cancer screening. Family history, presence of urinary symptoms, age, and knowledge about prostate cancer significantly predicted the participation in prostate cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals should focus more on the four modifiable HBM-related factors to encourage older adults to participate in prostate cancer screening. Intervention programs, which lower perceived barriers to PSA testing and increase susceptibility, benefits of PSA testing and health motivation, should be developed and implemented.