Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of deliberative and implemental mind-sets on illusion of control.

Subjects completed a contingency learning task that involved estimating the degree of personal control exerted over target light onset. In Experiment 1, subjects worked on two identical apparatuses in an attempt to turn on the target light by pressing or not pressing a button. Both apparatuses produced noncontingent onsets of the target light either frequently or infrequently. Half of the subjects were told to alternate working on the two apparatuses before deciding on which apparatus they would be more successful in achieving target light onset. The other half were asked to first decide on a particular sequence of alternation between the two apparatuses and then try to achieve as many target light onsets as possible. The former showed rather accurate control judgments for both frequent and infrequent light onset conditions, whereas the latter subjects showed accurate control judgments in the infrequent light onset condition but inaccurate illusionary judgments in the frequent light onset condition. In Experiment 2, the first experimental group was asked to complete a mental exercise that requested the deliberation of an unresolved personal problem, whereas a second experimental group was requested to plan the implementation of a personal goal. Subjects in both groups were then asked to find out how to turn on the target light on an apparatus that produced frequent noncontingent outcomes. A control group worked on this contingency task without any pretreatment. The control judgments of the first experimental group were much more accurate than those of the second experimental group or the control group. Overall findings suggest that people who are trying to make decisions develop a deliberative mind-set that allows for a realistic view of action-outcome expectancies, whereas people who try to act on a decision develop an implemental mind-set that promotes illusionary optimism.
[Significance of percutaneous vertebroplasty with Genex in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures].

OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty with Genex combined with pedical screw fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS From February 2007 to October 2009, 38 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty with Genex and pedical screw fixation. There were 25 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 42 years old (ranged, 30 to 68 years). The cause of injuries included road accident of 9 cases,crush injury of 7 cases,crash of 21 cases and others of 1 case. The fractures were classified according to Denis classification: 6 cases of type A, 22 cases of type B, 7 cases of type C and 3 cases of type D. Functional assessment of nerves was assessed according to ASIA criteria: 4 cases of type A,7 cases of type B, 10 cases of type C, 6 cases of type D and 11 cases of type E. Therapeutic effects were assessed by imaging and ASIA standard. RESULTS All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 months to 34 months,with a mean period of 16.5 months. The results were observed after 1 week by X-ray inspection that vertebrate column array of all patients were restored to normal, anterior height of centrum restored to (98.50 +/- 2.17)%, posterior height of centrum for (98.87 +/- 1.82)%; and Cobb angle of injured vertebra decreased to average of (1.63 +/- 2.15) degree; the stenosis rate restored to (1.45 +/- 3.47)%. By X-ray inspection, it was observed that the vertebral height kept good at 6 months after operation, and the bone density almostly normal. By CT scanning, it was observed that bone defects of vertebrae disappeared, and restored to normal bony tissue. The nerve function restored 1 to 2 grades 6 months after operation. CONCLUSION Artificial bone of Genex applied in vertebral body-plasty has good biocompatibility, strong bone inducibility, no complications, little loss of vertebrae height and Cobb angle, and satisfactory results in the near future.
Cathepsin B activity is related to the quality of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes and its inhibition can improve their developmental competence

Recently, the quantity of cathepsin transcripts in cumulus cells was found to be associated with low‐developmental competence of bovine oocytes. In the present study, we investigated (1) the relation between cathepsin B activity and the quality of in vitro‐matured cumulus–oocyte complexes (IVM COCs) and denuded oocytes and (2) the effect of a cathepsin B inhibitor (E‐64) on embryo development and quality. The activity of cathepsin B was evaluated in IVM COCs and denuded oocytes. After maturation of COCs with or without E‐64, followed by in vitro fertilization, zygotes were cultured for 8 days. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were evaluated on days 2 and 8, respectively. Quality of embryos was evaluated by differential staining of day 8 blastocysts. TUNEL staining was conducted on IVM COCs and blastocysts. Cathepsin B activity was clearly detected in the low‐quality oocytes, and in the cumulus cells of both high‐ and low‐quality oocytes. This latter activity was diminished by addition of E‐64. The presence of E‐64 during IVM also significantly increased both the blastocyst rate and the total cell number, and improved blastocyst quality associated with a significant increase of trophoectoderm cells. TUNEL staining revealed that inhibition of cathepsin B significantly decreased the number of apoptotic nuclei in both the cumulus cell layer of matured oocytes and blastocysts. These results indicate that cathepsin B activity can be a useful marker of oocyte quality. Furthermore, inhibition of cathepsin B greatly improves the developmental competence of bovine oocytes and increases the number of high‐quality embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 439–448, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient communication of commitment-dependency information in the programmer-transparent coordination (PTC) scheme for cooperative recovery

The programmer-transparent coordination (PTC) scheme is an approach that facilitates efficient cooperative backward recovery from errors caused by software faults and latent hardware faults in distributed computer systems. The efficiency of handling the information on commitment-dependency is a major factor that determines the overhead incurred by the PTC scheme. The authors establish a principle on efficient identification and internode communication of the dynamically changing commitment-dependency among the distributed processes. Previously the principle of representing and communicating the commitment-dependency information in the form called the direct potential recaller set (DPRS) descriptor was established. It is shown that it is sufficient to maintain and communicate a part of the DPRS descriptor called the primary direct potential recaller set descriptor. This could mean substantial reductions in time and storage overhead associated with the PTC scheme in many applications. <<ETX>>
Effect of aging and anthropometric measurements on nerve conduction properties - A review

Aging is a process that is often accompanied by physiological changes. These physiological changes include slowing in muscle contractility, alteration in muscle metabolism and neuromuscular junction, and reduction in nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Age has been widely accepted to have an influence on nerve velocity. It is well established that there is a decline in muscular performance with advancing age. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are the most sensitive and reproducible measure of peripheral nerve functions. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are performed to diagnose the disorders of the peripheral nervous system. These enable the clinicians to differentiate the two major groups of peripheral diseases: demyelination and axonal degeneration. These also help in localizing the site of the lesions. Majority of the available literature mentioning effects of age and anthropometric factors on nerve conduction measures have been referred in the present review. Various studies referred to are based on the data on healthy subjects. The references were further supplemented by systematic search on pubmed, google and Pedro with keywords age, temperature, height and nerve conduction. Several specific studies that had been dealt on anthropometric measures and nerve conduction on normal subjects were also included in this review. A total of fifty five research studies dealing with age, anthropometric measurements and nerve conduction properties have been found in the literature reviewed up to 2011.
Hem-o-lok clip dislodgment causing death of the donor after laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy.

The self-locking Hem-o-lok vascular clips (Weck Closure Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC) are widely used to control medium and large size vessels in various laparoscopic procedures (1). The self-locking mechanism ensuring adequate closure has made the Hem-o-lok clips popular mainly in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) where the relatively short vascular stump remains with the donor (2). Another advantage is cost saving in comparison with the endovascular staplers. The following case report of late clip dislodgement with subsequent donor death has led to the recall in 2005 of the clip manufacturer not to use this clip in LDN (3), and indeed recent reports validated our observation (4). Despite that alert, these clips are still widely used in LDN in the United States (5) and Asia (6). This has prompted us to report that fatal case in the transplant literature.
Limitations of Indium Leukocyte Imaging for the Diagnosis of Spine Infections

The usefulness of indium-111 white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy in the detection of spine sepsis was studied in 22 patients who had open or percutaneous biopsies for microbiologic diagnosis. The indium images In 18 patients with vertebral infection were falsely negative In 15 (83%) and truly positive in 3 (17%). All four patients with negative cultures and histology had true-negative scans. The indium-111 WBC imaging results yielded a sensitivity of 17%,a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy rate of 31%. Prior antibiotic therapy was correlated with a high incidence of false-negative scans and photondeficient indium-111 WBC uptake. The usefulness of indium-111 WBC scintigraphy for the diagnosis of vertebral infection may be limited to those patients who have not been treated with antibiotics previously.
Flow Cessation Triggers Endothelial Dysfunction During Organ Cold Storage Conditions: Strategies for Pharmacologic Intervention

Background. Vascular pathologies constitute a major cause of graft rejection after organ transplantation. Recent studies have documented an improvement in transplant outcome when organs are preserved through pulsatile perfusion; however, the underlying mechanisms of these observations are poorly characterized. We hypothesized that the temporary absence of flow occurring in the context of organ cold storage conditions disrupts endothelial vasoprotective programs, and that this consequence of stasis may be a target for pharmacological modulation. Methods. The expression of the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and its vasoprotective target genes were assessed during cold storage conditions in cultured human endothelial cells and murine aortic segments. In addition, we evaluated the effect of simvastatin used as a supplement in a cold preservation solution on the expression of vasoprotective genes, and on endothelial activation and apoptosis. Results. The expression of endothelial KLF2 and its vasoprotective transcriptional targets were rapidly lost during cold preservation in vitro and ex vivo. Importantly, simvastatin treatment blocked the decay of KLF2, sustaining a vasoprotective phenotype, and preventing endothelial activation and apoptosis. Conclusions. Flow stasis leads to acute endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis in the context of cold storage conditions. Supplementation of organ preservation solutions with pharmacologic agents that restore endothelial vasoprotective programs, by upregulating KLF2, may represent a significant advancement of current organ preservation techniques.
Off seasonal and pre-seasonal assessment of circulating energy sources during prolonged running at the anaerobic threshold in competitive triathletes

Objectives: To compare changes in circulating energy sources during prolonged exercise in off season (OS) and pre-season (PS) training of triathletes. Methods: Nine athletes of the Swiss national triathlon team (three female, mean (SD) age 28.7 (4.9) years, height 169.8 (6.0) cm, weight 57.0 (6.2) kg, V˙o2max 66.5 (5.3) ml/min/kg; six male, mean (SD) age 24.0 (4.1) years, height 181.4 (6.9) cm, weight 73.5 (6.0) kg, V˙o2max 75.9 (4.9) ml/min/kg) were tested twice (2.5 months apart) during a 25 km aerobic capacity test run at the end of the OS and just before the season. The average training load during the OS was 9.9 h/week, and this increased to 14.4 h/week in the PS. With heart rates as reference, exercise intensity during the aerobic capacity test was 97.0 (4.9)% of the anaerobic threshold and 91.2 (4.5)% of V˙o2max. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after the aerobic capacity test. Samples were collected every 5 km during three minute rest intervals. Results: Blood was analysed for triglyceride (TG), free fatty acids, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, insulin, lactate, and changes in plasma volume. A two factor (season by distance) repeated measures analysis of variance revealed an increase in capacity for prolonged exercise in the PS by a decrease in running intensity during the aerobic capacity test (% of speed at 2.0 mmol/l lactate threshold, p = 0.008), an increase in running speed at the anaerobic threshold (p = 0.003) and at 4.0 and 2.0 mmol/l (p<0.001) of the lactate threshold. A significant season by distance interaction was found for TG (p<0.001). TG concentrations peaked at 5 km and decreased logarithmically throughout the OS (1.48 (0.34) to 0.86 (0.20) mmol/l) and PS (1.90 (0.31) to 0.73 (0.18) mmol/l) tests. From the OS to the PS, there was an increase in the difference in TG at 5–15 km with a concomitant increase at 2.0 mmol/l of the lactate threshold. The peak TG concentrations at 5 km followed by a logarithmic decrease suggest that TG may also provide circulating energy. A greater logarithmic decrease in TG occurred in the PS than in the OS, indicating a higher rate of use. There was an increase in the difference in TG at 5–15 km similar to the increase in the speed at 2.0 mmol/l of the lactate threshold between the two seasons. Glucose, insulin, lactate, and free fatty acids were similar in the two seasons. Conclusion: Free fatty acid and TG concentrations were much higher than expected, and the two training seasons showed significantly different patterns of TG concentration during prolonged running. These responses may be related to aerobic capacity of prolonged exercise.
N‐glycosylation of the human melanocortin 1 receptor: occupancy of glycosylation sequons and functional role

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a major determinant of skin pigmentation and phototype, mediates the actions of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone on melanocytes and is critical for melanocyte proliferation and differentiation. MC1R has two putative N‐glycosylation targets, Asn15 and Asn29. It has been shown that MC1R is a glycoprotein with an unusual sensitivity to endoglycosidase H digestion. However, the occupancy and functional importance of each specific glycosylation sequon remains unknown. We demonstrate that MC1R is N‐glycosylated at Asn15 and Asn29, with structurally and functionally different glycan chains. N‐glycosylation is not necessary for high affinity agonist binding or functional coupling but has a strong effect on the availability of MC1R molecules on the plasma membrane, most likely by a combination of improved forward trafficking and decreased internalization. Finally, we found that MC1R variants exhibit different degrees of glycosylation which do not show a simple correlation with their functional status or intracellular trafficking.
Development and application of confocal scanning laser microscopy methods for studying the distribution of fat and protein in selected dairy products

Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) methods were developed to identify fat and protein in cheeses, milk chocolate and milk powders. Various fluorescent probes were assessed for their ability to label fat or protein in selected food products in situ. Dual labelling of fat and protein was made possible by using mixtures of probes. Selected probes and probe mixtures were then used to study (a) structure development of Mozzarella cheese during manufacture and ripening, and (b) the distribution of fat and protein in milk chocolate made with milk powders containing varying levels of free fat. Microstructural changes in the protein and fat phases of Mozzarella cheese were observed at each major step in processing. Aggregation of renneted micelles occurred during curd formation; this was followed by amalgamation of the para-casein into linear fibres during plasticization. Following storage, the protein phase of the Mozzarella became more continuous; entrapping and isolating fat globules. Chocolate made with a high free-fat spray-dried powder blend showed a homogeneous fat distribution, similar to that of chocolate made with roller-dried milk. Chocolate made with whole milk powder containing 10 g free fat/100 g fat showed a non-homogeneous fat distribution with some fat occluded within milk protein particles. These differences in fat distribution were related to Casson yield value and Casson viscosity of the chocolates.
Astrocyte differentiation selectively upregulates CCL2/monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in cultured human brain‐derived progenitor cells

Chemokines (chemoattractant cytokines) and their receptors are present in the brain and may play roles in both neurodevelopment and neuropathology. Increased brain levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), also known as CCL2, are found in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐associated dementia and other acute and chronic neurologic diseases. Although the function of CCL2 in the brain is unclear, it is believed that upregulation of this chemokine during neuropathologic or neuroinflammatory conditions leads to recruitment of activated monocytes into the brain, where they differentiate into macrophages producing neurotoxic and inflammatory molecules. We recently showed that human fetal brain‐derived progenitor cells are susceptible to HIV‐1 and JC virus infection, and that differentiation toward an astrocyte phenotype increased virus production from these cells. In the current study, we found that in the absence of infection, progenitors produced moderate levels of CCL2 (5.6 ng per million cells). Astrocyte differentiation over 3 weeks increased CCL2 protein levels 30‐fold in a biphasic manner, whereas neuronal differentiation decreased production 20‐fold. Electromobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrated increased nuclear NF‐κB levels within 2 h of initiating astrocyte differentiation, and inhibitors of NF‐κB activation partially blocked the CCL2 increase in differentiating astrocytes. Transfection of progenitors with mutated CCL2 promoter/CAT reporter constructs showed that the distal promoter region, containing NF‐κB and NF‐I binding sites, is important for differentiation‐induced CCL2 upregulation. Together these results suggest that the transcription factor NF‐κB, and possibly NF‐I, contribute to the upregulation of CCL2 chemokine production during the differentiation of human progenitor cells toward an astrocyte phenotype. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Par4 is required for platelet thrombus propagation but not fibrin generation in a mouse model of thrombosis

Thrombin, a central mediator of hemostasis and thrombosis, converts fibrinogen to fibrin and is a potent platelet activator. Activated platelets provide a surface for assembly of the tenase and prothrombinase complexes required for thrombin generation. The role of thrombin-induced platelet activation in platelet accumulation and its interplay with fibrin deposition during thrombus assembly has not been fully defined. We studied these processes during laser-induced thrombus formation by using real-time digital fluorescence microscopy in mice lacking protease-activated receptor-4 (Par4), which is necessary for thrombin responsiveness in mouse platelets. Juxtamural platelet accumulation immediately after laser injury was not different in wild-type and Par4−/− mice. However, subsequent growth of platelet thrombi was markedly diminished in Par4−/− mice. At the time of maximal thrombus size in wild type, platelet accumulation was more than 10-fold higher in wild type than in Par4−/− mice. P-selectin expression, a marker of platelet activation, was reduced and delayed in Par4−/− thrombi. In contrast to platelet activation and accumulation, the rate and amount of fibrin deposition, predominantly intramural and juxtamural in this model, were indistinguishable in Par4−/− and wild-type mice. These results suggest that platelet activation by thrombin is necessary for normal propagation of a platelet thrombus at a distance from the injured vessel wall and hence for normal thrombus growth. However, platelet activation by thrombin is unnecessary for initial and limited accumulation of platelets at or near the vessel wall, and this limited accumulation of platelets and/or platelet-independent mechanism(s) of thrombin generation are sufficient for normal fibrin deposition in this model.
Spatially explicit modeling of blackbird abundance in the Prairie Pothole Region

Knowledge of factors influencing animal abundance is important to wildlife biologists developing management plans. This is especially true for economically important species such as blackbirds (Icteridae), which cause more than $100 million in crop damages annually in the United States. Using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the National Land Cover Dataset, and the National Climatic Data Center, we modeled effects of regional environmental variables on relative abundance of 3 blackbird species (red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus; yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus; common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula) in the Prairie Pothole Region of the central United States. We evaluated landscape covariates at 3 logarithmically related spatial scales (1,000ha, 10,000ha, and 100,000ha) and modeled weather variables at the 100,000-ha scale. We constructed models a priori using information from published habitat associations. We fit models with WinBUGS using Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques. Both landscape and weather variables contributed strongly to predicting blackbird relative abundance (95% credibility interval did not overlap 0). Variables with the strongest associations with blackbird relative abundance were the percentage of wetland area and precipitation amount from the year before bird surveys were conducted. The influence of spatial scale appeared small—models with the same variables expressed at different scales were often in the best model subset. This large-scale study elucidated regional effects of weather and landscape variables, suggesting that management strategies aimed at reducing damages caused by these species should consider the broader landscape, including weather effects, because such factors may outweigh the influence of localized conditions or site-specific management actions. The regional species distributional models we developed for blackbirds provide a tool for understanding these broader landscape effects and guiding wildlife management practices to areas that are optimally beneficial. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.