Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Too fat, too thin: Understanding bias against overweight and underweight in an Australian female university student sample

Objective: We compare attribution and social comparison theories as potential explanations for attitudes towards overweight and underweight targets among Australian university students. Design: 185 female students (median age 18) completed a measure of body image state, then read one of six vignettes, describing a female student who was underweight, average weight or overweight, and who did or did not have a medical condition affecting weight. Independent variables were target weight (underweight, average-weight, overweight); weight controllability (no information, uncontrollable); and participant body image (higher, lower). Main outcome measures: Participants evaluated the target on six characteristics derived from existing research on weight bias, on seven-point Likert scales: attractive; healthy; likeable; motivated; self-disciplined; having willpower. Results: A three-way between-participants multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted, with post hoc comparisons of significant effects. Overweight targets were rated more negatively than average-weight and underweight targets. Uncontrollability (medical) information produced more positive evaluations of the overweight target, but more negative evaluations of the underweight target. Ratings of the average-weight target were not influenced by uncontrollability information. Participant body image state had no significant effects. Conclusion: Results provided partial support for attribution theory, but not for social comparison theory, as an explanation of weight bias.
Antibacterial activity of pollen and propolis extracts.

The antimicrobial activities of different concentrations of pollen and propolis extracts were determined against nine food-borne pathogens (Streptococcus salivarius RSHE 605, Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 5348, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Staphylococcus pneumoniae ATCC 10015, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae NCTC 5049, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus anthracis) in model systems. The extracts and antibiotic discs (ciprofloxacin, cefaperazon sulbaktam, penicilline, amikacine, cefepime, gentamicine, ceftriaxone) exhibited inhibitory effect at the varying levels against tested bacteria. Among the tested bacteria, L. monocytogenes and P. aeruginosa were the most sensitive ones to 50 ppm concentrations of both extracts. The highest effect concentrations towards B. anthracis were 600 ppm dose of pollen and propolis extracts. The 400 and 600 ppm levels of propolis extracts on L. monocytogenes NCTC 5348 exhibited similar antimicrobial effects compared with amikacine, gentamicine and ceftriaxone antibiotics. Also, 600 ppm concentration of propolis had higher effect against B. anthracis compared with cefepime, gentamicine and ceftriaxone antibiotics. The inhibitory effect of propolis extract was found to be higher than that of pollen against tested bacteria. Propolis especially appears to be promising in this respect.
Integrated Data Set of microRNAs and mRNAs Involved in Severe Intrauterine Adhesion

Background: Adhesion tissue is formed following injury to the uterine basal layer. Currently, there is no effective treatment for severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA), which causes loss of reproductive function. Enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving severe IUA would be beneficial for the treatment. Methods: Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in severe IUA (n = 3) and normal (n = 3) endometrium were analyzed by high-throughput microarray analysis. Subsequently, the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted and found to overlap with the differentially expressed mRNAs. Gene Ontology and pathway analyses were performed for the intersecting genes. Three of the significantly dysregulated miRNAs and 4 of their target mRNAs were further assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 10 severe IUA and 10 normal endometrium samples. Results: Microarray analysis indicated that 26 miRNAs and 1180 mRNAs were significantly different between the 2 groups. Of these, 16 miRNAs and 54 mRNAs overlapped with putative miRNA target genes and prediction of target gene. Real-time PCR revealed upregulation of hsa-miR-513a-5p and has-miR-135a-3p and downregulation of hsa-miR-543 and their corresponding target genes, plus downregulation of ADAM9 (a disintegrin-containing and metalloproteinases) and lysyl oxidase and upregulation of CDH2 (N-cadherin) and COL16A1 (collagen 16A1). Both CDH2 and COL16A1 were bioinformatically predicted and confirmed in vitro as target genes of miR-543. Conclusion: This study provides an integrated data set of the miRNA and mRNA profiles in severe IUA, showing involvement of many miRNAs and their target genes. Further analysis of these genes will help in understanding of the molecular mechanism of IUA formation.
Elevated pentraxin-3 levels are related to blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE In this study, relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) levels in hypertensive patients was investigated. METHODS Overall, 80 patients with stage 1 hypertension between 40-61 years of age without any disease and 80 healthy volunteers were included to the study. Blood samples obtained to measure PTX3 levels and biochemical analysis. Relationship between PTX3 levels and clinical and biochemical parameters were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS Although systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significant different, there were no differences regarding age and gender between hypertensives and normotensives. In each group, significant statistical differences were found between PTX3 and CRP levels (PTX3 (ng/mL) 35.25±5.45 and 0.27±0.24, p<0.001; CRP (mg/dL) 10.03±5.81 and 4.30±3.38, p<0.001; in hypertensive and normotensive groups respectively). It was observed that increase in PTX3 levels accompanies the increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (r2=0.78). It was observed that PTX3 levels are not effected from CRP, lipid levels and body mass index (p>0.05). On multivariate regression analysis PTX3 was found to strongly affect blood pressure (beta=0.82, 95% CI 0.644-0.799, p<0.001, and beta=0.84, 95% CI 0.422-0.799, p<0.001, respectively for systolic and diastolic blood pressures), CRP and total cholesterol are found to affect moderately (beta=0.115-0.265, 95% CI 0.101-0.572, p<0.05 and beta=0.107-0.141, 95% CI 0.041-0.110, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION This study showed that PTX3 levels are higher in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients than in healthy individuals. In addition, it was noticed that increased PTX3 levels causes increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
WSN12-6: Cluster-Based DSRC Architecture for QoS Provisioning over Vehicle Ad Hoc Networks

Under the DSRC architecture, we propose a cluster-based multi-channel communication scheme to provision the quality of service (QoS), especially the real-time delivery of safety traffics, over the vehicle ad hoc networks (VANET). Our scheme integrates the clustering algorithm, contention-free, and contention-based MAC to support the real-time transmission of safety-messages. We develop the analytical model to conduct the safety message delay analyses. Our analyses show that our scheme can guarantee the real-time transmission of safety messages. The analytical results are also verified by our simulation experiments.
Cortical Activation Patterns during Long-term Memory Retrieval of Visually or Haptically Encoded Objects and Locations

The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to delineate cortical networks that are activated when objects or spatial locations encoded either visually (visual encoding group, n = 10) or haptically (haptic encoding group, n = 10) had to be retrieved from long-term memory. Participants learned associations between auditorily presented words and either meaningless objects or locations in a 3-D space. During the retrieval phase one day later, participants had to decide whether two auditorily presented words shared an association with a common object or location. Thus, perceptual stimulation during retrieval was always equivalent, whereas either visually or haptically encoded object or location associations had to be reactivated. Moreover, the number of associations fanning out from each word varied systematically, enabling a parametric increase of the number of reactivated representations. Recall of visual objects predominantly activated the left superior frontal gyrus and the intraparietal cortex, whereas visually learned locations activated the superior parietal cortex of both hemispheres. Retrieval of haptically encoded material activated the left medial frontal gyrus and the intraparietal cortex in the object condition, and the bilateral superior parietal cortex in the location condition. A direct test for modality-specific effects showed that visually encoded material activated more vision-related areas (BA 18/19) and haptically encoded material more motor and somatosensory-related areas. A conjunction analysis identified supramodal and material-unspecific activations within the medial and superior frontal gyrus and the superior parietal lobe including the intraparietal sulcus. These activation patterns strongly support the idea that code-specific representations are consolidated and reactivated within anatomically distributed cell assemblies that comprise sensory and motor processing systems.
Localization of soluble guanylyl cyclase in the superficial dorsal horn

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in pain processing at the spinal level, but the mechanisms mediating its effects remain unclear. In the present work, we studied the organization of the major downstream effector of NO, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), in the superficial dorsal horn of rat. Almost all neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor‐positive neurons in lamina I (a major source of ascending projections) were strongly immunopositive for sGC. Many local circuit neurons in laminae I–II also stained for sGC, but less intensely. Numerous fibers, presumably of unmyelinated primary afferent (C fiber) origin, stained for calcitonin gene‐related peptide or isolectin B4, but none of these was immunopositive for sGC. These data, along with immunoelectron microscopy results, imply that unmyelinated primary afferent fibers terminating in the superficial dorsal horn lack sGC. Double labeling showed that neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) seldom colocalized with sGC, but nNOS‐positive structures were frequently closely apposed to sGC‐positive structures, suggesting that in the superficial dorsal horn NO acts mainly in a paracrine manner. Our data suggest that the NK1 receptor‐positive projection neurons in lamina I are a major target of NO released in superficial dorsal horn. NO may also influence local circuit neurons, but it does not act on unmyelinated primary afferent terminals via sGC. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:668–678, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defining interdisciplinary research: conclusions from a critical review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE To summarize findings from a systematic exploration of existing literature and views regarding interdisciplinarity, to discuss themes and components of such work, and to propose a theoretically based definition of interdisciplinary research. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Two major data sources were used: interviews with researchers from various disciplines, and a systematic review of the education, business, and health care literature from January 1980 through January 2005. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of literature, one-on-one interviews, field test (survey). DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We reviewed 14 definitions of interdisciplinarity, the characteristics of 42 interdisciplinary research publications from multiple fields of study, and 14 researcher interviews to arrive at a preliminary definition of interdisciplinary research. That definition was then field tested by 12 individuals with interdisciplinary research experience, and their responses incorporated into the definition of interdisciplinary research proposed in this paper. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Three key definitional characteristics were identified: the qualitative mode of research (and its theoretical underpinnings), existence of a continuum of synthesis among disciplines, and the desired outcome of the interdisciplinary research. CONCLUSION Existing literature from several fields did not provide a definition for interdisciplinary research of sufficient specificity to facilitate activities such as identification of the competencies, structure, and resources needed for health care and health policy research. This analysis led to the proposed definition, which is designed to aid decision makers in funding agencies/program committees and researchers to identify and take full advantage the interdisciplinary approach, and to serve as a basis for competency-based formalized training to provide researchers with interdisciplinary skills.
Effect of eccentric training on the plantar flexor muscle-tendon tissue properties.

PURPOSE It has been shown that eccentric training can be effective in the rehabilitation of patients with Achilles tendonopathy. The mechanism behind these results is not clear. However, there is evidence that tendons are able to respond to repeated forces by altering their structure and composition, and, thus, their mechanical properties change. In this regard, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether eccentric training affects the mechanical properties of the plantar flexor's muscle-tendon tissue properties. METHODS Seventy-four healthy subjects were randomized into two groups: an eccentric training group and a control group. The eccentric training group performed a 6-wk eccentric training program for the calf muscles. Before and after this period, all subjects were evaluated for dorsiflexion range of motion using universal goniometry, passive resistive torque of the plantar flexors, and stiffness of the Achilles tendon. Passive resistive torque was measured during ankle dorsiflexion on an isokinetic dynamometer. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon was assessed using a dynamometer, in combination with ultrasonography. RESULTS The results of the study reveal that the dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly increased only in the eccentric training group. The eccentric heel drop program also resulted in a significant decrease of the passive resistive torque of the plantar flexors (from 16.423 +/- 0.827 to 12.651 +/- 0.617 N.m). The stiffness of the Achilles tendon did not change significantly as a result of training. CONCLUSION These findings provide evidence that an eccentric training program results in changes to some of the mechanical properties of the plantar flexor muscles. These changes were thought to be associated with modifications to structure rather than to stretch tolerance.
Further Characterization of Complement Regulator-Acquiring Surface Proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi

ABSTRACT The three genospecies Borrelia burgdorferi,Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia afzelii, all causative agents of Lyme disease, differ in their susceptibilities to human complement-mediated lysis. We recently reported that serum resistance of borrelias correlates largely with their ability to bind the human complement regulators FHL-1/reconectin and factor H. To date, two complement regulator-acquiring-proteins (CRASP-1 and CRASP-2) have been identified in serum-resistant B.afzelii isolates (P. Kraiczy, C. Skerka, M. Kirschfink, V. Brade, and P. F. Zipfel, Eur. J. Immunol. 31:1674–1684, 2001). Here, we present a comprehensive study of the CRASPs detectable in both serum-resistant and intermediate serum-sensitive B. afzelii and B. burgdorferi isolates. These CRASPs were designated according to the genospecies either as BaCRASPs, when derived fromB. afzelii, or as BbCRASPs, for proteins identified in B. burgdorferi isolates. Each borrelial isolate expresses distinct CRASPs that can be differentiated by their mobility and binding phenotypes. A detailed comparison reveals overlapping and even identical binding profiles for BaCRASP-1 (27.5 kDa), BbCRASP-1 (25.9 kDa), and BbCRASP-2 (23.2 kDa), which bind FHL-1/reconectin strongly and interact weakly with factor H. In contrast, two B. afzelii proteins (BaCRASP-4 [19.2 kDa] and BaCRASP-5 [22.5 kDa]) and three B. burgdorferi proteins (BbCRASP-3 [19.8 kDa], BbCRASP-4 [18.5 kDa], and BbCRASP-5 [17.7 kDa]) bind factor H but not FHL-1/reconectin. Most CRASPs bind both human immune regulators at their C-terminal ends. Temperature-dependent up-regulation of CRASPs (BaCRASP-1, BaCRASP-2, and BaCRASP-5) is detected in low-passage borrelias cultured at 33 or 37°C compared with those cultured at 20°C. The characterization of the individual CRASPs on the molecular level is expected to identify new virulence factors and potential vaccine candidates.
WACC the Dog: The Effect of Financing Costs on the Levelized Cost of Solar PV Power

The adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies has expanded rapidly in recent years, leading to suggestions that this growth, which occurred mostly in high-latitude countries with often low levels of sunshine, may have come at an unnecessarily high price. However, the factors influencing the cost of solar PV, and the subsidies required to sustain its uptake, include more than just the level of sunshine. While cross-country differences in technology costs are hard to ascertain, it is possible to account for the cost of capital on a country-by-country basis. In this paper, we therefore map the cost of solar PV globally, accounting for differences in both the solar resource and the financing cost in order to calculate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from solar PV systems in 143 countries. In contrast to the work of other researchers who typically treat financing costs as uniform across countries, our results suggest that the LCOE of solar PV systems in northern countries may in fact be lower than in equatorial countries, and high latitude countries may thus not have been an unwise location to subsidize the adoption of solar PV technologies in the past. Our results further suggest that efforts to expand PV installation in equatorial developing countries may benefit greatly from policies designed to make low cost finance more widely available, which underlines on-going efforts to “de-risk” low carbon investments.
Factors influencing virological response to antiretroviral drugs in cerebrospinal fluid of advanced HIV-1-infected patients

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in controlling cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HIV-1 replication and to assess factors related to virological response in advanced patients. Design: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Methods: Consecutive paired CSF and plasma samples from HIV-1-infected patients were collected before starting or changing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Results: In the cross-sectional analysis 75 patients were included, 55 (73%) with neurological disease, 28 (37%) naive for antiretroviral agents. A significant correlation between plasma and CSF levels at baseline was observed only in antiretroviral-experienced patients. The absence of neurological disease, lower plasma HIV-1 load and a previous exposure to indinavir were all associated with a baseline CSF HIV-1-RNA level less than 80 copies/ml at multivariate analysis. In 29 patients included in the longitudinal study a significant reduction in CSF HIV-1 RNA was observed. Plasma HIV-1-RNA change, CSF HIV-1-RNA level at baseline, overall months of antiretroviral treatment and the magnitude of difference between plasma and CSF HIV-1-RNA levels were all correlated to CSF HIV-1-RNA change during treatment. A significant difference in the magnitude of CSF HIV-1-RNA reduction was observed according to naive status and to the use of three or more drugs penetrating the blood–brain barrier. Conclusion: HAART effectively reduces HIV-1 replication in CSF. A variable response to antiretroviral therapy was observed in CSF, reflecting a different compartmentalization of infection during treatment. Naive status and the use of CNS-penetrating drugs substantially enhance antiviral response. A negative interaction between virological response and the duration of antiretroviral treatment suggests long-term selection of drug-resistant CSF HIV-1 strains.
The Practical Application of Fractal Dimension in Water Treatment Practice–the Impact of Polymer Dosing

Abstract The application of floc fractal dimension has been investigated in this work to determine if this parameter can have operational significance in water treatment. Natural organic matter suspensions were coagulated with aluminium sulphate and varying concentrations of a non‐ionic polymer. The fractal dimensions of the flocs formed were measured using light scattering and settling combined with image analysis. By using the correct methodology, optimum floc properties could be determined using the floc fractal dimension combined with the floc size and strength data.
Work stress, family stress and depression in professional and managerial employees

SYNOPSIS Detailed interviews were conducted with 1523 married professional and managerial employees of a major US corporation to test associations of acute and chronic occupational and domestic stress with DSM-III-R major depression and current depressive symptoms. After controlling for demographic and clinical risk factors, both sources of stress were significantly associated with the two measures of depression. On the other hand, neither the demographic and clinical risk factors, nor several psychosocial characteristics (social support, sense of mastery and organizational commitment) moderated the relationship between stress and depression.
Streamer Propagation and Flashover Along Insulator Surface in a Uniform Field in Air: Influence of Humidity

Results are presented concerning the influence of humidity on streamer propagation and flashover along a PTFE cylindrical insulator in a uniform field in air. Experiments were carried out in a three electrode arrangement consisting of a parallel-plane gap (12 cm), stressed by negative DC voltage and a needle in the earthed anode. Positive streamers were initiated by applying a pulse voltage at the needle electrode and propagate along the insulator surface. Streamer properties investigated are the electric field required for stable streamer propagation and the propagation velocity with field values sustaining stable streamer propagation and also under "overfields". The electric field required for flashover and the corresponding time were measured. It is shown that the electric field required for stable streamer propagation and the associated velocity increase with increasing humidity, whilst under "overfields" high humidity causes streamers to decelerate. Time to breakdown tends to decrease while the required field to breakdown increases with increasing humidity