Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Timing of reproductive maturation in rural versus urban Tonga boys, Zambia

Background: Population variation in the timing of reproductive maturation among boys has received relatively little attention. However, evidence that the timing of pubertal onset is related to measures of adiposity suggests that the onset of reproductive maturation among boys in populations with poor nutritional status will be delayed. Aim: This study seeks to determine the impact of nutritional status on the timing of reproductive maturation by comparing urban and rural boys in an African population. Subjects and methods: Subjects were 794 rural and urban Tonga boys from Zambia, ages 5–19. Onset of puberty was defined as testicular volume >3 mL, which was measured using Prader beads. Data on height, weight, triceps skinfolds, and dental development were also obtained. Results: Onset of testicular growth was 11.2 years (95% CI 10.9–11.4) for urban boys and 12.4 (95% CI 12.1–12.9) years for rural boys. Completion of testicular growth was also earlier in the urban sample: 15.3 years (95% CI 15.0–5.6) versus 17.1 years (95% CI 15.6–25.2). Both onset and completion of testicular growth were significantly and positively related to height and arm muscle area. In addition, triceps skinfolds by residence interaction was a significant predictor of testicular maturity, indicating a stronger relationship between energetic status and testicular growth in the rural sample. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that delayed onset and slow testicular development among rural Gwembe boys is related to poor nutritional status.
Sertoli-Germ Cell Adherens Junction Dynamics in the Testis Are Regulated by RhoB GTPase via the ROCK/LIMK Signaling Pathway1

Abstract During spermatogenesis, cell-cell actin-based adherens junctions (AJs), such as ectoplasmic specializations (ESs), between Sertoli and germ cells undergo extensive restructuring in the seminiferous epithelium to facilitate germ cell movement across the epithelium. Although the mechanism(s) that regulates AJ dynamics in the testis is virtually unknown, Rho GTPases have been implicated in the regulation of these events in other epithelia. Studies have shown that the in vitro assembly of the Sertoli-germ cell AJs but not of the Sertoli cell tight junctions (TJs) is associated with a transient but significant induction of RhoB. Immunohistochemistry has shown that the localization of RhoB in the seminiferous epithelium is stage specific, being lowest in stages VII–VIII prior to spermiation, and displays cell-specific association during the epithelial cycle. Throughout the cycle, RhoB was localized near the site of basal and apical ESs but was restricted to the periphery of the nuclei in elongating (but not elongated) spermatids, spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells. However, RhoB was not detected near the site of apical ESs at stages VII–VIII. Furthermore, disruption of AJs in Sertoli-germ cell cocultures either by hypotonic treatment or by treatment with 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (AF-2364) also induced RhoB expression. When adult rats were treated with AF-2364 to perturb Sertoli-germ cell AJs in vivo, a ∼4-fold induction in RhoB in the testis, but not in kidney and brain, was detected within 1 h, at least ∼1–4 days before germ cell loss from the epithelium could be detected by histological analysis. The signaling pathway(s) by which AF-2364 perturbed the Sertoli-germ cell AJs apparently began with an initial activation of integrin, which in turn activated RhoB, ROCK1, (Rho-associated protein kinase 1, also called ROKβ), LIMK1 (LIM kinase 1, also called lin-11 isl-1 mec3 kinase 1), and cofilin but not p140mDia and profilin via phosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblots revealed that the induction of LIMK1 was mediated via an increase in its phospho-Ser but not phospho-Tyr content. Furthermore, Y-27632 ([(R)−(+)-trans-N-(4-pyridyl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)-cyclohexane-carboxamide, 2HCl]), a specific ROCK inhibitor, could effectively delay the AF-2364-induced germ cell loss from the seminiferous epithelium in vivo, illustrating that the integrin/RhoB/ROCK/LIMK pathway indeed plays a crucial role in the regulation of Sertoli-germ cell AJ dynamics. The fact that the RhoB pathway in the kidney and brain was not activated suggests that AF-2364 exerts its effects primarily at the testis-specific ES multiprotein complex structures between Sertoli cells and spermatids. In summary, this report illustrates that Sertoli germ cell AJ dynamics are regulated, at least in part, via the integrin/ROCK/LIMK/cofilin signaling pathway.
Probabilistic inference of human arm reaching target for effective human-robot collaboration

Allowing a cobot to predict what the human operator is about to do can definitely enhance the effectiveness of human-robot collaboration. This paper addresses the problem of inferring the most likely reaching target of the human hand. The method allows the robot to promptly recognise the intention of the human to reach a certain position within the scene and can be thus used by the controller of the robot to take the optimal decision on what to do. A novel method based on Bayesian statistics has been developed in this work and its applicability in a realistic context has been verified within an industrial use case, consisting of a commercial collaborative robot and a human operator performing a collaborative assembly task.
Media competencies of university professors and students. Comparison of levels in Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Venezuela / Las competencias mediáticas de profesores y estudiantes universitarios. Comparación de niveles en España, Portugal, Brasil y Venezuela

Abstract Media competencies are a set of skills that every individual should possess in order to be able to consume and produce media and digital and information products in a critical and analytical way. This exploratory and comparative work analyses the level of media competence among 1,676 university students and 524 professors in Brazil, Spain, Portugal and Venezuela. One of the main results shows that the level of knowledge of technology and interaction — which is linked to digital competencies — does not depend solely on age, thus contradicting theories of digital natives and migrants. Our study also found that the general level of media competence is no better than medium to low when considering language, technology, interaction, production and dissemination, ideology and values, and aesthetics. These results point to the need to develop transversal actions for instructing both university professors and students in media competencies to face an ecosystem dominated by fake news and disinformation, as well as public policies directed at improving these skills among citizens at large.
Job Performance and Job Satisfaction: An Integrated Survey

The empirical evidence from the econometrics of self-reported job satisfaction and from organisational psychology on job performance confronts economic theory with some puzzling results. Job performance is found to be positively correlated with job satisfaction, whereas effort is assumed to be a disutility in the theory. Economic incentives are not found to be the main motivations of job performance; in some cases, indeed, they are even counterproductive. Interest in the job is found to account better for job satisfaction. This paper proposes an integrated approach to these issues by (i) conducting an interdisciplinary critical survey, (ii) proposing a simple economic framework within which to explain the puzzles. The key idea behind this framework is that intrinsic motivations and self-esteem help explain both job satisfaction and job performance. The employer can thus adopt other, more friendly actions, besides using incentives and controls to enhance performance by employees.
A National Comparison of Spousal Abuse in Mid- and Old Age

This exploratory study addresses whether there are similar or different risks and protective factors associated with spousal abuse among mid-age adults (persons aged 45–59) and old-age adults (persons aged 60 and over). The risk and protective factors of abuse are compared across these two age groups and situated within a life course framework. Cross-sectional data from the 1999 and 2004 General Social Surveys are merged to address the research questions. Overall, it was found that there are as many differences as there are similarities in risk/protective factors connected to individual, relationship, and community environments. The findings are discussed in terms of program development and future research.
Study of Nerve Conduction and Late Responses in Normal Chinese Infants, Children, and Adults

Healthy Chinese individuals (n = 168), aged from 24 hours to 30 years, were studied to establish the following normal values: (1) motor conduction velocity, distal latency, amplitude, and F-wave velocity in the median, ulnar, tibial, and peroneal nerves; (2) H-reflex velocity and latency in the tibial nerve for all subjects as well as in the median and ulnar nerves in infants; (3) sensory conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude in the median, ulnar, and sural nerves; and (4) the dif ference in minimal latencies of both H-reflex and F-waves between corresponding nerves in opposite limbs and between two nerves in the same limb. The motor conduction velocities, sensory conduction velocities, F-wave velocities, and H-reflex velocities in newborns were approximately 50%, 40%, 40 to 45%, and 40 to 45% of adult values, respectively. At age 3 years, the normal values were in the adult range for all motor conduction velocities and for the sensory conduction velocities in the upper limbs. The sensory conduction velocities, H-reflex velocities, and F-wave velocities in the lower limbs did not reach adult values until age 6 years whereas the upper limb F-wave velocities reached adult levels between 6 and 14 years in different nerves. These results indicate that adult values for nerve conduction velocities, including the late responses, are reached earlier in the lower extremities; however, conduction velocities at any age are always faster in the upper limbs and in the proximal compared to the distal segments. The maturation process occurs most rapidly during the first 3 to 6 years of life, especially in the first year. This parallels the histologic development of peripheral nerves during childhood. (J Child Neurol 1997; 12:13-18).
Drug Use Among Welfare Recipients in the United States

This study examined the prevalence of drug use in a nationally representative sample of 1989 recipients and 6840 nonrecipients of four welfare programs. Data from the 1995 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) were analyzed using the conditional form of multiple logistic regression with matching of respondents on neighborhood of residence. Weighted proportions and variances accounting for the complex sample design of the NHSDA survey were estimated using the Taylor series linearization method. The results indicate that drug use is 50% more common in households with welfare recipients than in nonwelfare households. Programs making welfare eligibility contingent on the recipient working toward a drug-free lifestyle are worth examining, although a vigilant eye must be kept on the potential unintended consequences.
Cholinergic inputs to laryngeal motoneurons functionally identified in vivo in rat: A combined electrophysiological and microscopic study

The intrinsic laryngeal muscles are differentially modulated during respiration as well as other states and behaviors such as hypocapnia and sleep. Previous anatomical and pharmacological studies indicate a role for acetylcholine at the level of the nucleus ambiguus in the modulation of laryngeal motoneuron (LMN) activity. The present study investigated the anatomical nature of cholinergic input to inspiratory‐ (ILM) and expiratory‐modulated (ELM) laryngeal motoneurons in the loose formation of the nucleus ambiguus. Using combined in vivo intracellular recording, dye filling, and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that LMNs identified in Sprague–Dawley rat receive several close appositions from vesicular acetylcholine transporter‐immunoreactive (VAChT‐ir) boutons. ELMs receive a significantly greater number of close appositions (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 47 ± 11; n = 5) than ILMs (32 ± 9; n = 8; t‐test P < 0.05). For both LMN types, more close appositions were observed on the cell soma and proximal dendrites compared to distal dendrites (two‐way analysis of variance [ANOVA], P < 0.0001). Using fluorescence confocal microscopy, almost 90% of VAChT‐ir close appositions (n = 45 boutons on n = 4 ELMs) were colocalized with the synaptic marker synaptophysin. These results support a strong influence of cholinergic input on LMNs and may have implications in the differential modulation of laryngeal muscle activity. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4903–4916, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Miniaturized Reflectarray Unit Cell Using Fractal-Shaped Patch-Slot Configuration

This letter introduces a new class of miniaturized reflectarray unit cells with increased phase swing employing Minkowski fractal-shaped patch-slot elements. Square, 1st Minkowski, and 2nd Minkowski fractal patches are designed as a reflectarray unit cell. A slot with variable lengths of 0 <; Ls <; 6 mm is used in the ground plane to perform the phase variation function. The resonant frequency corresponding to the maximum phase swing is reduced from 10.6 GHz for the square patch down to 8.8 and 8.3 GHz for the first- and second-order Minkowski fractal patches, respectively, which is equivalent to 17% and 22% size reduction. Unit cells with different patch type and slot length are fabricated, and close agreement is observed between the measured and simulated results. As it has been proven for conventional phased array antennas, this size reduction can lead to a decrease in mutual coupling in reflectarray antennas. Alternatively, it allows for smaller distance between reflectarray antenna elements, which renders a wider beam-scanning range.
Cross-sectional survey of parasite control practices on Thoroughbred and Standardbred training yards in New Zealand.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There is growing concern worldwide regarding anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites. In order to improve parasite control practices and reduce the selection for resistant parasites, baseline data are required. OBJECTIVES To describe the current parasite management and control practices used for racehorses. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. METHODS Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers were surveyed online regarding demographics, parasite control methods, grazing management and quarantine, and the use of faecal egg counts (FEC), with questions stratified by horse type, i.e. racehorses (horses in training) and spellers (racehorses on a break from training), and industry (Thoroughbred and Standardbred). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations with FEC use. RESULTS In total, 234 respondents completed the survey for an estimated response rate of 16%. In total, 50.5% of trainers treated horses on an interval treatment strategy and treated a median of 6 (interquartile range (IQR) 4-7) and 6 (IQR 4-8) times annually for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses, respectively. A total of 62.5% (130/208) of respondents reported seeking veterinary advice for deworming products, and FEC had been done by 20.1% (39/194) of respondents. The odds of a trainer doing FEC were 4 times higher if the trainer had consulted a veterinarian, compared with those that had not. CONCLUSIONS This study has highlighted an industry-wide overuse of anthelmintic products and few trainers were using surveillance-based control strategies. The relationship between veterinarians and trainers should be explored further to enhance information dissemination and implement effective control strategies, to maintain horse health and delay the advance of anthelmintic resistance.
Analysis of the Corynebacterium diphtheriae DtxR Regulon: Identification of a Putative Siderophore Synthesis and Transport System That Is Similar to the Yersinia High-Pathogenicity Island-Encoded Yersiniabactin Synthesis and Uptake System

ABSTRACT The diphtheria toxin repressor, DtxR, is a global iron-dependent regulatory protein in Corynebacterium diphtheriae that controls gene expression by binding to 19-bp operator sequences. To further define the DtxR regulon in C. diphtheriae, a DtxR repressor titration assay (DRTA) was developed and used to identify 10 previously unknown DtxR binding sites. Open reading frames downstream from seven of the newly identified DtxR binding sites are predicted to encode proteins associated with iron or heme transport. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that DtxR was able to bind to DNA fragments carrying the 19-bp operator regions, and transcriptional analysis of putative promoter elements adjacent to the binding site sequences revealed that most of these regions displayed iron- and DtxR-regulated activity. A putative siderophore biosynthesis and transport operon located downstream from one of the DtxR binding sites, designated sid, is similar to the yersiniabactin synthesis and uptake genes encoded on the Yersinia pestis high pathogenicity island. The siderophore biosynthetic genes in the sid operon contained a large deletion in the C. diphtheriae C7 strain, but the sid genes were unaffected in four clinical isolates that are representative of the dominant strains from the recent diphtheria epidemic in the former Soviet Union. Mutations in the siderophore biosynthetic genes in a clinical strain had no effect on siderophore synthesis or growth in low-iron conditions; however, a mutation in one of the putative transport proteins, cdtP, resulted in reduced growth in iron-depleted media, which suggests that this system may have a role in iron uptake. The findings from this study indicate that C. diphtheriae contains at least 18 DtxR binding sites and that DtxR may affect the expression of as many as 40 genes.
Subjective Biological Self and Self-Actualization

Ginsburg, Rogers, and Maslow, humanistic theorists, have maintained that the self is an emergent characteristic of one's biological makeup. The relationship between physical self-efficacy as an appraisal of subjective biology and self-actualization was examined in a sample of 160 black and white participants. An r of . 46 supports the association of subjective biology and self-actualization. Whereas there were no gender or racial differences in scores on self-actualization, men scored higher on physical self-efficacy and subscales of perceived physical ability and perceived self-presentation confidence.
Identification of MFG-E8 as a novel therapeutic target for diseases

Introduction: Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8), a peripheral membrane glycoprotein has been widely studied in recent years due to its omnipresent locations, express and multiple functions. Traditionally, MFG-E8 was identified as an outstanding factor for phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and a significant factor in immune systems. Recent studies with some new findings have shed an interesting light on the old peripheral membrane glycoprotein in various diseases. Areas covered: In inflammatory and the systemic lupus erythematosus-type autoimmune disease, age-related diseases and tumors, MFG-E8 plays a multifunctional role in attenuating inflammation and improving prognosis, healing wound and remodeling arterial and enhancing tumorigenicity and cancer metastasis. This review provides a comprehensive view on the latest advances in the field. The summarized knowledge will help to explore the potential therapeutic roles of MFG-E8 and to design MFG-E8-based strategies for the treatment of these diseases. Expert opinion: Though the exact roles of MFG-E8 have not been fully elucidated in diseases. MFG-E8 may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy.
CC chemokine receptor 5 polymorphism in chronic periaortitis.

OBJECTIVE Chronic periaortitis (CP) is a rare disease characterized by a fibro-inflammatory tissue surrounding the abdominal aorta, and includes non-aneurysmal [idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF)] and aneurysmal forms [inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA)]. We investigated whether CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)Δ32 polymorphism confers susceptibility to CP. METHODS One hundred CP patients and 180 healthy controls were genotyped for CCR5Δ32 polymorphism by molecular methods. The patients were subgrouped according to the type of CP (IRF or IAAA) and the presence of established atherosclerotic disease (ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease). RESULTS The distribution of the CCR5Δ32 genotype differed between CP patients and controls (P = 0.01). The CCR5Δ32 allele was more frequent in CP patients than in controls [P = 0.02, odds ratio (OR) 2.8 (95% CI 1.2, 6.4)]. The distribution of the CCR5Δ32 genotype did not differ significantly between IRF patients and controls, whereas the CCR5Δ32 allele was more frequent in IAAA patients than in controls [P = 0.0001, OR 10.0 (95% CI 3.7, 27.3)]. Furthermore, the CCR5Δ32 allele occurred more frequently in IAAA than in IRF patients [P = 0.001, OR 6.4 (95% CI 2.1, 19.1)]. The CCR5Δ32 allele frequency was higher in IAAA patients without established atherosclerotic disease compared with controls [66.7 vs 5.6%, P = 0.00001, OR 34.0 (95% CI 7.4, 156.3)], but not in IAAA patients with atherosclerotic disease and IRF patients with or without atherosclerotic disease. CONCLUSIONS The CCR5Δ32 polymorphism might be associated with an increased risk of developing the aneurysmal form of CP, IAAA, particularly in patients without established atherosclerotic disease. Chemokines may have a role in the pathophysiology of CP.
On-line Monitoring of Battery State in Wireless Sensor Networks - Using Two Battery Models in WSN Constraints

This paper addresses the class of wireless sensor networks where the nodes are using batteries as power sources. It describes the adaptation of an existing analytical battery model to fit the constraints of the wireless sensors in terms of available resources, the algorithm complexity being reduced to O(n) in case of constant loads. The analytical battery model obtained is used together with another existing battery model to provide real time information about the remaining capacity of the battery, based on the electric current draw and elapsed time. The current consumption is estimated using application specific power profiles, thus the monitoring solution proposed does not imply additional hardware on a mote and can be used on each node of a WSN during network employment as a real time decision support.