Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of Twitter Among Local Health Departments: An Analysis of Information Sharing, Engagement, and Action

Background Social media offers unprecedented opportunities for public health to engage audiences in conversations and collaboration that could potentially lead to improved health conditions. While there is some evidence that local health departments (LHDs) are using social media and Twitter in particular, little is known about how Twitter is used by LHDs and how they use it to engage followers versus disseminating one-way information. Objective To examine how LHDs use Twitter to share information, engage with followers, and promote action, as well as to discover differences in Twitter use among LHDs by size of population served. Methods The Twitter accounts for 210 LHDs were stratified into three groups based on size of population served (n=69 for less than 100,000; n=89 for 100,000-499,999; n=52 for 500,000 or greater). A sample of 1000 tweets was obtained for each stratum and coded as being either about the organization or about personal-health topics. Subcategories for organization included information, engagement, and action. Subcategories for personal health included information and action. Results Of all LHD tweets (n=3000), 56.1% (1682/3000) related to personal health compared with 39.5% (1186/3000) that were about the organization. Of the personal-health tweets, 58.5% (984/1682) involved factual information and 41.4% (697/1682) encouraged action. Of the organization-related tweets, 51.9% (615/1186) represented one-way communication about the organization and its events and services, 35.0% (416/1186) tried to engage followers in conversation, and 13.3% (158/1186) encouraged action to benefit the organization (eg, attend events). Compared with large LHDs, small LHDs were more likely to post tweets about their organization (Cramer’s V=0.06) but were less likely to acknowledge events and accomplishments of other organizations (χ2=12.83, P=.02, Cramer’s V=0.18). Small LHDs were also less likely to post personal health-related tweets (Cramer’s V=0.08) and were less likely to post tweets containing suggestions to take action to modify their lifestyle. While large LHDs were more likely to post engagement-related tweets about the organization (Cramer’s V=0.12), they were less likely to ask followers to take action that would benefit the organization (χ2=7.59, P=.02. Cramer’s V=0.08). While certain associations were statistically significant, the Cramer’s V statistic revealed weak associations. Conclusions Twitter is being adopted by LHDs, but its primary use involves one-way communication on personal-health topics as well as organization-related information. There is also evidence that LHDs are starting to use Twitter to engage their audiences in conversations. As public health transitions to more dialogic conversation and engagement, Twitter’s potential to help form partnerships with audiences and involve them as program participants may lead to action for improved health.
Minimum Cost Data Aggregation for Wireless Sensor Networks Computing Functions of Sensed Data

We consider a problem of minimum cost (energy) data aggregation in wireless sensor networks computing certain functions of sensed data. We use in-network aggregation such that data can be combined at the intermediate nodes en route to the sink. We consider two types of functions: firstly the summation-type which includes sum, mean, and weighted sum, and secondly the extreme-type which includes max and min. However for both types of functions the problem turns out to be NP-hard. We first show that, for sum and mean, there exist algorithms which can approximate the optimal cost by a factor logarithmic in the number of sources. For weighted sum we obtain a similar result for Gaussian sources. Next we reveal that the problem for extreme-type functions is intrinsically different from that for summation-type functions. We then propose a novel algorithm based on the crucial tradeoff in reducing costs between local aggregation of flows and finding a low cost path to the sink: the algorithm is shown to empirically find the best tradeoff point. We argue that the algorithm is applicable to many other similar types of problems. Simulation results show that significant cost savings can be achieved by the proposed algorithm.
The C-Terminal Region of Bacteroides fragilis Toxin Is Essential to Its Biological Activity

ABSTRACT To evaluate the role of the C-terminal region in Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT) activity, processing, and secretion, sequential C-terminal truncation and point mutations were created by site-directed mutagenesis. Determination of BFT activity on HT29/C1 cells, cleavage of E-cadherin, and the capacity to induce interleukin-8 secretion by wild-type BFT and C-terminal deletion mutants showed that deletion of only 2 amino acid residues at the C terminus significantly reduced BFT biological activity and deletion of eight or more amino acid residues obliterated BFT biologic activity. Western blot and reverse transcription-PCR analyses indicated that BFT mutants lacking seven or fewer amino acid residues in the C-terminal region are processed and expressed similar to wild-type BFT. However, BFT mutants lacking eight or more amino acids at the C terminus are expressed similar to wild-type BFT but are unstable. We concluded that the C terminus of BFT is not tolerant of modest amino acid deletions, suggesting that it is biologically important for BFT activity.
Influence of the Renin‐Angiotensin System on the Effect of Prostaglandin Synthesis Inhibitors in the Renal Vasculature

The effect of meclofenamate and indomethacin on renal blood flow and renal vascular resistance was determined under basal experimental conditions and during renal ischemia in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. Renal blood flow was measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter and renal arterial pressure was recorded from a catheter in the renal artery. Intra-arterial infusion of indomethacin or meclofenamate in concentrations of 4 and 4 to 8 jig/ml, respectively, did not cause any significant change in renal blood, flow or renal vascular resistance under basal conditions. During the period of ischemia (50% reduction in renal blood flow), 4 μg/ml of either prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor caused a marked increase in renal vascular resistance. Prostaglandin E in the renal venous blood was decreased at the time renal vascular resistance was increased by meclofenamate. The renal vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin II injected intravenously was potentiated by both inhibitors under basal as well as ischemic conditions, which also suggested that prostaglandin synthesis was inhibited. The angiotensin antagonist l-sar-8-ala-angioten-sin II was infused intra-arterially in concentrations of 20 and 40 mg/ml during renal ischemia. Subsequent administration of meclofenamate increased renal vascular resistance only slightly. The results of these experiments indicated that renal prostaglandins have more influence on renal blood flow during renal ischemia than under basal conditions, and that the renin-angiotensin system may be involved in activating synthesis and release of prostaglandins during ischemia.
Audiological and Subjective Benefit Results in Bone-Anchored Hearing Device Users

Objective Audiological and subjective benefits in adult bone-anchored hearing device users. Study Design Retrospective evaluation. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Thirty-eight adult subjects fitted with unilateral bone-anchored hearing device. Interventions Audiometric measurements included sound-field pure-tone and speech audiometries (speech reception threshold, maximum speech discrimination). Subjective benefit was assessed by the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire. Ipsilateral and contralateral hearing loss was considered. Comparison was drawn between Compact, Divino, and Intenso processors. Main Outcome To compare sound-field pure-tone and speech audiometries and APHAB results with and without the device adjusted for the unaided results. Results With the device, sound-field pure-tone audiometry results revealed an increase gain in all frequencies. Sound-field speech audiometry showed that the mean threshold of speech recognition was 20 dB lower, maximum discrimination was attained at 5 dB less, and percentage of maximum discrimination increased by 5%. Scores in the APHAB questionnaire decreased except for the aversiveness subscale. Auditory-adjusted gain showed greater benefit in subjects with ipsilateral conductive hearing loss. Subjects with contralateral normal hearing or conductive hearing loss showed greater improvement that those with contralateral mixed or sensorineural hearing loss. There were no differences between Compact, Divino and Intenso processors. Conclusion When comparisons are adjusted for unaided condition, the bone-anchored hearing device provided auditory and subjective benefit in subjects with ipsilateral conductive hearing loss and contralateral normal hearing or conductive hearing loss. It gave marginal benefit in ipsilateral mixed and contralateral mixed or sensorineural hearing loss. No differences were found between the Compact, Intenso, and Divino processors.
Msh 2 , Mlh 1 , Fhit , p 53 , Bcl-2 , and Bax Expression in Invasive and in Situ Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix 1

To analyze relevant factors and their effects on neoplastic progression in cervical carcinoma, a panel of genetic markers was studied. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were obtained from 37 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix, 14 noninvasive squamous cell carcinomas (NISCCs), and 23 invasive squamous cell carcinomas (ISCCs). Immunoreactivity of Msh2, Mlh1, Fhit, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins was examined by immunohistochemical staining with appropriate antibodies. Positive staining of Msh2 was detected in 13 of 14 (92.9%) NISCCs and in 13 of 23 (56.5%) ISCCs (P < 0.02). Mlh1 immunoreactivity was observed in 10 of 14 (71.4%) NISCCs and in 8 of 23 (34.8%) ISCCs ( P < 0.04). Overexpression of p53 protein was found in 4 of 14 (28.6%) NISCCs and in 16 of 23 (69.6%) ISCCs ( P < 0.02). Bcl-2 overexpression was detected in 2 of 14 (14.3%) NISCCs and in 15 of 23 (65.2%) ISCCs (P< 0.003). No significant difference in the two types of lesion was found for Bax and Fhit expression. The relationship between Mlh1, Msh2, and p53 protein expression was significant ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), as was that between Fhit and Bax immunoreactivity (P < 0.02). In conclusion, we consider that altered expression of Msh2, Mlh1, p53, and Bcl-2 may be a critical event during cervical cancer progression, whereas Fhit may be a component of a proapoptotic pathway.
Molecular Mechanisms and Pathways Involved in Bovine Embryonic Genome Activation and Their Regulation by Alternative In Vivo and In Vitro Culture Conditions1

ABSTRACT Understanding gene expression patterns in response to altered environmental conditions at different time points of the preimplantation period would improve our knowledge on regulation of embryonic development. Here we aimed to examine the effect of alternative in vivo and in vitro culture conditions at the time of major embryonic genome activation (EGA) on the development and transcriptome profile of bovine blastocysts. Four different blastocyst groups were produced under alternative in vivo and in vitro culture conditions before or after major EGA. Completely in vitro- and in vivo-produced blastocysts were used as controls. We compared gene expression patterns between each blastocyst group and in vivo blastocyst control group using EmbryoGENE's bovine microarray. The data showed that changing culture conditions from in vivo to in vitro or vice versa, either before or after the time of major EGA, had no effect on the developmental rates; however, in vitro conditions during that time critically influenced the transcriptome of the blastocysts produced. The source of oocyte had a critical effect on developmental rates and the ability of the embryo to react to changing culture conditions. Ontological classification highlighted a marked contrast in expression patterns for lipid metabolism and oxidative stress response between blastocysts generated in vivo versus in vitro, with opposite trends. Molecular mechanisms and pathways that are influenced by altered culture conditions during EGA were defined. These results will help in the development of new strategies to modify culture conditions at this critical stage to enhance the development of competent blastocysts.
Conservation Strategies for Species Affected by Apparent Competition

Apparent competition is an indirect interaction between 2 or more prey species through a shared predator, and it is increasingly recognized as a mechanism of the decline and extinction of many species. Through case studies, we evaluated the effectiveness of 4 management strategies for species affected by apparent competition: predator control, reduction in the abundances of alternate prey, simultaneous control of predators and alternate prey, and no active management of predators or alternate prey. Solely reducing predator abundances rapidly increased abundances of alternate and rare prey, but observed increases are likely short‐lived due to fast increases in predator abundance following the cessation of control efforts. Substantial reductions of an abundant alternate prey resulted in increased predation on endangered huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) deer in Chilean Patagonia, which highlights potential risks associated with solely reducing alternate prey species. Simultaneous removal of predators and alternate prey increased survival of island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) in California (U.S.A.) above a threshold required for population recovery. In the absence of active management, populations of rare woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) continued to decline in British Columbia, Canada. On the basis of the cases we examined, we suggest the simultaneous control of predators and alternate prey is the management strategy most likely to increase abundances and probabilities of persistence of rare prey over the long term. Knowing the mechanisms driving changes in species’ abundances before implementing any management intervention is critical. We suggest scientists can best contribute to the conservation of species affected by apparent competition by clearly communicating the biological and demographic forces at play to policy makers responsible for the implementation of proposed management actions.
Yield of green mass, grain and other yield components of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in dependence of agroecological conditions and seed maturity.

Summary The goal of the research was to determine the influence of two locations (Osijek and Vinkovci) and seed age on field germination, vegetative mass and dry matter of vegetative mass yields, grain yield, 1000 grain weight and grain crude protein yield of foreign spring field pea cultivar (Timo) during two successive years (2004 and 2005). The year has significantly influenced the grain yield, and the location influenced the grain yield and 1000 grain weight. In the first year of research, the greater grain yield by 70 % was accomplished on Osijek location, and in the second year it almost doubled. 1000 grain weight was by 19 % greater in the second year of research on Osijek location in relation to Vinkovci location. The same cultivar seed stored for 9 and 21 months were sown on both locations in the second year of investigation. Field germination of 9 month old seed was for 12.1 % greater than 21 month old seed. Seed maturity and location interaction was significant (p=0.05) for vegetative mass yield, dry matter of vegetative mass yield, grain yield and grain crude protein yield.
Who Makes Our Laws? The Legislative Effectiveness of Members of the U. S. Congress

Focusing on the distribution of power in the U. S. House of Representatives, this paper uses a decision-making approach and measures power by the ability of a member of Congress to get bills enacted into law. The findings reveal that, while a relatively large number of members expend effort in the legislative realm and have some success, this group can still be identified as a unique subset, which is only partially specified by the conventional wisdom defining congressional power holders. The analysis also points to the conclusion that legislative effort and success do not contribute to electoral strength and security. Legislating is an option largely reserved for those members with few electoral fears.
Effect of a High-Monounsaturated Fat Diet Enriched With Avocado in NIDDM Patients

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of two controlled diets, one rich in oleic acid obtained from avocado and olive oil and the other rich in complex carbohydrates, on fasting and postprandial serum lipids and glycemic control in 12 women with NIDDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A randomized crossover study was designed. During a 4-week baseline period, all patients received the isocaloric diets recommended by the American Diabetes Association. After this period the patients were randomly assigned to receive the two study diets alternately during two 4-week periods. One diet was high in monounsaturated fatty acids (HMUFA) and the other was high in complex carbohydrates (high-CHO). There also was a 4-week washout period in between the two 4-week periods during which the patients followed the American Diabetes Association's isocaloric diet. Blood samples were obtained before and after each dietary period. RESULTS Both diets had a minor hypocholesterolemic effect with no major changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The HMUFA diet was associated with a greater decrement in plasma triglycerides (20 vs. 7% in the high-CHO diet). Glycemic control was similar with both diets. CONCLUSIONS Partial replacement of complex digestible carbohydrates with monounsaturated fatty acids (avocado as one of its main sources) in the diet of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus improves the lipid profile favorably, mantains an adequate glycemic control, and offers a good management alternative.
Monte Carlo calculation of beam quality correction factors in proton beams using detailed simulation of ionization chambers

This work calculates beam quality correction factors (kQ) in monoenergetic proton beams using detailed Monte Carlo simulation of ionization chambers. It uses the Monte Carlo code penh and the electronic stopping powers resulting from the adoption of two different sets of mean excitation energy values for water and graphite: (i) the currently ICRU 37 and ICRU 49 recommended Iw=75 eV ? > and Ig=78 eV ? > and (ii) the recently proposed Iw=78 eV ? > and Ig=81.1 eV ? >. Twelve different ionization chambers were studied. The kQ factors calculated using the two different sets of I-values were found to agree with each other within 1.6% or better. kQ factors calculated using current ICRU I-values were found to agree within 2.3% or better with the kQ factors tabulated in IAEA TRS-398, and within 1% or better with experimental values published in the literature. kQ factors calculated using the new I-values were also found to agree within 1.1% or better with the experimental values. This work concludes that perturbation correction factors in proton beams—currently assumed to be equal to unity—are in fact significantly different from unity for some of the ionization chambers studied.
Melanoses of the gastrointestinal tract

Electronmicroscopy and electron probe energy dispersive X‐ray analysis studies have substantially contributed to our understanding of the various gastrointestinal tract melanoses. The nature of the pigment granules which occur in the various melanoses is discussed; their pattern of distribution in melanosis coli, melanosis ilei, melanosis duodeni and melanosis oesophagi is summarized and current knowledge of the aetiology and pathogenesis of these conditions is reviewed. Brief mention is also made of other examples of lipofuscin pigmentation, and a case of haemosiderosis ilei is described.
GM-CSF alters dendritic cells in autoimmune diseases

Abstract Autoimmune diseases arise from an inappropriate immune response against self components, including macromolecules, cells, tissues, organs etc. They are often triggered or accompanied by inflammation, during which the levels of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are elevated. GM-CSF is an inflammatory cytokine that has profound impact on the differentiation of immune system cells of myeloid lineage, especially dendritic cells (DCs) that play critical roles in immune initiation and tolerance, and is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Although GM-CSF was discovered decades ago, recent studies with some new findings have shed an interesting light on the old hematopoietic growth factor. In the inflammatory autoimmune diseases, GM-CSF redirects the normal developmental pathway of DCs, conditions their antigen presentation capacities and endows them with unique cytokine signatures to affect autoimmune responses. Here we review the latest advances in the field, with the aim of demonstrating the effects of GM-CSF on DCs and their influences on autoimmune diseases. The summarized knowledge will help to design DC-based strategies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Long-Term Asset Allocation

This paper studies the ability of cash, bonds, stocks and direct real estate to hedge inflation and optimal inflation-protecting asset allocations within a downside risk framework. Using a VAR model to capture predictable price dynamics, we find that the inflation-hedging properties of assets substantially change over the investment horizon. Cash is clearly the best hedge against inflation in the short run. However, as the investment horizon increases, bonds, stocks, and real estate become the more attractive options, with real estate exhibiting the best inflation protection qualities on a medium and long-term basis. While cash plays the most important role in short-term portfolios, the weights of the inflation-protecting portfolios shift to real estate, stocks and bonds as the investment horizon increases.
Patients’ Attitudes to Informed Consent for Genomic Research With Donated Samples

ABSTRACT This international self-administered survey describes the attitudes of 279 patients, who had previously donated samples, regarding informed consent for future genomic research on donated tissue and explores factors associated with these attitudes. Most of the patients supported a fairly broad consent unless research was industry-sponsored. In multivariate analysis, support for broad informed consent was highest among neurology patients and patients who had already given a broad informed consent. There was a trend for Spaniards to be more supportive for a broad informed consent than their US counterparts. Exploring these opinions may help improve consent and explain why some patients reject broader forms of consent.