Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Rule-Based Processes in the Inverse Base-Rate Effect

Three studies provide convergent evidence that the inverse base-rate effect (Medin & Edelson, 1988) is mediated by rule-based cognitive processes. Experiment 1 shows that, in contrast to adults, prior to the formal operational stage most children do not exhibit the inverse base-rate effect. Experiments 2 and 3 demonstrate that an adult sample is a mix of participants relying on associative processes who categorize according to the base-rate and participants relying on rule-based processes who exhibit a strong inverse base-rate effect. The distribution of the effect is bimodal, and removing participants independently classified as prone to rule-based processing effectively eliminates the inverse base-rate effect. The implications for current explanations of the inverse base-rate effect are discussed.
Mean platelet volume in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and bacterial meningitis.

INTRODUCTION Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been shown to reflect the inflammatory burden in different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Our objective was to analyze the MPV in patients with tuberculous (TBM) and bacterial meningitis (BM). METHODOLOGY The demographic and clinical data of 73 consecutive patients that presented with either BM (n = 35) or TBM (n = 38) were retrospectively analyzed, as well as that of 28 age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS MPV was 8.78±1.58 fL in patients with BM and 6.42±1.39 fL in the TBM group (p < 0.05). In the control group, MPV was 7.4±0.66 fL, significantly higher and lower when compared with TBM and BM, respectively. MPV was significantly associated with diagnosis (adjusted OR: 5.15, 95% CI: 1.090-23.7; p = 0.03). With the optimal cut-off value of 7.62 fL, MPV had 82% sensibility and 78% specificity for the differential diagnosis of TBM versus BM. Lower platelet counts, higher serum creatinine, higher white blood cell counts, and higher blood-cerebrospinal fluid glucose ratio were also predictive of BM. CONCLUSIONS Platelet counts were lower and MPV was higher in patients with BM compared to patients with TBM. Platelet indices, available in routine bloodwork, could be useful in the early differential diagnosis of these entities.
BASAL AND SALINE‐STIMULATED LEVELS OF PLASMA ATRIAL NATRIURETIC FACTOR IN ACROMEGALY

We have studied plasma ANF before and after a 4‐h intravenous infusion of normal saline in eight subjects with active acromegaly and in eight age and sex‐matched control subjects. Plasma ANF, serum aldosterone and blood pressure were measured basally and after 2 and 4 h and plasma renin activity basally and after 4 h. Basal plasma ANF was similar in each group (4.4 |Mp 1.5 pmol/1 (mean |Mp SEM) in acromegalic subjects and 5.3 ± 0.7 pmol/1 in controls NS). Plasma ANF did not rise significantly after saline in the acromegalic group (2‐h value, 5.9 ± 0.9; 4‐h value, 5.1 ± 0.9 pmo1/1) but did rise significantly in the control group (2‐h value, 8.9 ± 1.9; 4‐h value 9.5 ± 1.3 pmo1/1, both values P < 0.05 vs basal level). The 4‐h ANF value was significantly higher in the control group than in the acromegalic group (P < 0.05). Basal and stimulated serum aldosterone values were similar in the two groups. Plasma renin activity suppressed to a lesser extent in the acromegalic group after 4 h. The facts that basal plasma ANF was not raised in acromegalic subjects and did not respond to saline stimulation demonstrate that an abnormality of ANF control may be an important factor in the aetiology of the expanded sodium status of patients with acromegaly and hence may contribute to the hypertension seen in patients with growth hormone excess.
Term structure movements implicit in Asian option prices

In this paper we implement dynamic term structure models that adopt bonds and Asian options in the estimation process. The goal is to analyse the pricing and hedging implications of term structure movements when options are (or are not) included in the estimation process. We investigate how options affect the shape, risk premium and hedging structure of the dynamic factors. We find that the inclusion of options affects the loadings of the slope and curvature factors, and considerably changes the risk premium and hedging structure of all dynamic factors.
Loss of MMP 13 attenuates murine hepatic injury and fibrosis during cholestasis

Cholestasis occurs in a variety of clinical settings and often results in liver injury and secondary biliary fibrosis. Several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are upregulated in the liver during cholestasis. The function of the major interstitial collagenase, MMP‐13, in the initial phase of liver fibrosis is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MMP‐13 during the development of cholestasis‐induced liver fibrosis by comparing wild‐type and MMP‐13‐deficient mice. Cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) for 5 days or 3 weeks. Activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Expression of MMP‐13 mRNA increased significantly in BDL livers of WT mice. After BDL for 3 weeks liver fibrosis was suppressed in MMP‐13‐deficient mice versus WT animals. Activation and proliferation of HSCs were also suppressed in livers of MMP‐13‐deficient mice after BDL. To clarify the mechanism of this suppression, samples from 5‐day BDL mice were used for evaluation of liver injury. Compared with those in WT animals, serum ALT and the number of hepatic neutrophils were reduced in MMP‐13‐deficient mice. Increased expression of the mRNA of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) was significantly suppressed in livers of MMP‐13‐deficient mice. Upregulation of fibrogenic markers, for example, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1), was also significantly suppressed in livers of MMP‐13‐deficient mice versus in WT mice. In conclusion, distinct from the known function of interstitial collagenase to reduce liver fibrosis by degrading the extracellular matrix, MMP‐13 contributes to accelerating fibrogenesis in cholestatic livers by mediating the initial inflammation of the liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;44:420–429.)
Influence of the Institutional Environment on Entrepreneurial Intentions in an Emerging Economy

Building on the literature on institutions, this paper examines the regulatory, normative and cognitive institutional dimensions that may influence entrepreneurial intentions in an emerging market context. Recognizing that idiosyncrasies and barriers in the institutional dimensions of emerging economies contrast with those of the developed market economies, hypotheses are formulated and tested using correlation and regression analyses. Results from a sample of 199 respondents indicate that perceptions of the different institutional dimensions are positively but not significantly correlated with entrepreneurial intentions. These findings suggest that public policy makers and market entrants need to be aware of the less than favourable conditions for entrepreneurship in South Africa, and of the numerous and often conflicting institutional pressures and constraints faced by potential entrepreneurs.
Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2 Is a Specific Marker of Type I IFN-Producing Cells in the Naive Mouse, but a Promiscuous Cell Surface Antigen following IFN Stimulation1

Type I IFN-producing cells (IPC) are sentinels of viral infections. Identification and functional characterization of these cells have been difficult because of their small numbers in blood and tissues and their complex cell surface phenotype. To overcome this problem in mice, mAbs recognizing IPC-specific cell surface molecules have been generated. In this study, we report the identification of new Abs specific for mouse IPC, which recognize the bone marrow stromal cell Ag 2 (BST2). Interestingly, previously reported IPC-specific Abs 120G8 and plasmacytoid dendritic cell Ag-1 also recognize BST2. BST2 is predominantly specific for mouse IPC in naive mice, but is up-regulated on most cell types following stimulation with type I IFNs and IFN-γ. The activation-induced promiscuous expression of BST2 described in this study has important implications for the use of anti-BST2 Abs in identification and depletion of IPC. Finally, we show that BST2 resides within an intracellular compartment corresponding to the Golgi apparatus, and may be involved in trafficking secreted cytokines in IPC.
Transneuronal retrograde transport of attenuated pseudorabies viruses within central visual pathways

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) has been shown to be an effective transneuronal tracer within both the peripheral and the central nervous system. The only investigations of this virus in the visual system have examined anterograde transport of PRV from injection sites in the retina. In the present study, we injected attenuated forms of PRV into the primary visual cortex of both rats and cats to determine whether transneuronal retrograde infection would occur back to the retina. In rats, we made small injections into visual cortex of a strain of PRV (Bartha Blu) that contained a β-galactosidase promoter insert. In cats, we injected PRV-M201 into area V1 of visual cortex. After a 2- to 4-day incubation period, we examined tissue from these animals for the presence of the β-galactosidase marker (rats) or the virus itself (cats). Cortical PRV injections resulted in transneuronal retrograde infection of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), and retina. PRV was retinotopically distributed in the pathway. In addition, double-labeling experiments in cats using an antibody against gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were conducted to reveal PRV-labeled interneurons within the LGN and TRN. All TRN neurons were GABA+, as was a subset of LGN neurons. Only the subset of TRN neurons adjacent to the PRV-labeled sector of LGN was labeled with PRV. In addition, a subset of GABA+ interneurons in LGN was also labeled with PRV. We processed some tissue for electron microscopy to examine the morphology of the virus at various replication stages. No mature virions were detected in terminals from efferent pathways, although forms consistent with retrograde infection were encountered. We conclude that the PRV strains we have used produce a local infection that progresses primarily in the retrograde direction in the central visual pathways. The infection is transneuronal and viral replication maintains the intensity of the label throughout the chain of connected neurons, providing a means of examining detailed circuitry within the visual pathway.
Recombinant overexpression of dihydroneopterin aldolase catalyst potentially regulates folate‐biofortification

We aim to investigate the prospects of increased production of folate through the overexpression of heterologous dihydroneopterin aldolase catalyst. The gene encoding aldolase catalyst was cloned into an expression vector and the induced recombinant protein was purified through metal‐affinity chromatography which appeared at 14 kDa position on polyacrylamide‐gel. Remarkably, a periodic increase in the extracellular and intracellular folic acid concentration was observed at 4 h growth of induced recombinant DHNA samples than control in a pH‐dependent manner. Maximum folate concentration was observed with at least twofold increase in induced recombinant samples at pH8.0 compared to the significant decline at 6 h growth. Consistently, heterologous overexpression of bacterial aldolase through Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation of tobacco led to more than 2.5‐fold increase in the folate concentration in the transgenic leaves than control tissues. These data are veritable inspecting metabolic flux in both bacterial and plant systems, thus providing directions for future research on folate agri‐fortification.
Cross-correlation of Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe third-year data and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DR4 galaxy survey: new evidence for dark energy

We cross-correlate the third-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data with galaxy samples extracted from the SDSS DR4 (SDSS4) covering 13 per cent of the sky, increasing the volume sampled in previous analysis by a factor of 3.7. The new measurements confirm a positive cross-correlation with higher significance (total signal-to-noise ratio of about 4.7). The correlation as a function of angular scale is well fitted by the integrated Sachs–Wolfe (ISW) effect for Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker models with a cosmological constant. The combined analysis of different samples gives ΩΛ= 0.80–0.85 (68 per cent confidence level, CL) or 0.77–0.86 (95 per cent CL). We find similar best-fitting values for ΩΛ for different galaxy samples with median redshifts of z≃ 0.3 and z≃ 0.5, indicating that the data scale with redshift as predicted by the LCDM cosmology (with equation of state parameter w=−1). This agreement is not trivial, but cannot yet be used to break the degeneracy constraints in the w versus ΩΛ plane using only the ISW data.
An Intrinsic Mechanism Predisposes Foxp3-Expressing Regulatory T Cells to Th2 Conversion In Vivo

Naturally occurring regulatory T (nTreg) cells express Foxp3 and were originally discovered as immune suppressors critical for self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Through yet-to-be-defined mechanisms, nTreg cells were recently shown to convert into proinflammatory cells. Particularly, attenuation of Foxp3 expression led to Th2 conversion of nTreg cells in vivo. In this paper, we demonstrated an nTreg-specific mechanism controlling their Th2 conversion. We found that wild-type nTreg cells expressing reduced levels of Foxp3 but not those expressing no Foxp3 produced the Th2 cytokine IL-4. Intriguingly, IL-4 production by converted nTreg cells is required for Th2 differentiation of coexisting naive CD4 T cells in vivo, suggesting that Th2 conversion of nTreg cells might be critical for directing Th2 immune responses. Th2 conversion of nTreg cells was not due to their inability to become Th1 cells, because IFN-γ was produced by Foxp3-low–expressing cells when IL-4/STAT-6 signaling was abrogated. Surprisingly, however, unlike naive CD4 T cells whose IL-4 production is dependent on STAT-6, Foxp3-low–expressing cells generated IL-4 independent of STAT-6, indicating an intrinsic mechanism that favors nTreg-to-Th2 differentiation. Indeed, compared with naive CD4 T cells, nTreg expressed elevated levels of GATA-3 independent of STAT-6. And GATA-3 was required for nTreg-to-Th2 conversion. Foxp3 may account for this GATA-3 upregulation in nTreg cells, because ectopic expression of Foxp3 preferentially promoted GATA-3 but not T-bet expression. Thus, we have identified an intrinsic mechanism that imposes a Th2/Th1 imbalance and predisposes Foxp3-expressing cells to IL-4 production independent of STAT-6 signaling.
Influenza- and respiratory syncytial virus-associated mortality and hospitalisations

The aim of the current study was to estimate influenza- and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated mortality and hospitalisations, especially the influenza-associated burden among low-risk individuals ≤65 yrs old, not yet recommended for influenza vaccination in many European countries. Retrospectively during 1997–2003, Dutch national all-cause mortality and hospital discharge figures and virus surveillance data were used to estimate annual average influenza- and RSV-associated excess mortality and hospitalisation using rate difference methods. Influenza virus active periods were significantly associated with excess mortality among 50–64-yr-olds and the elderly, but not in younger age categories. Influenza-associated hospitalisation was highest and about equal for 0–1-yr-olds and the elderly, and also significant for low-risk adults. Hospitalisation among children was mostly due to respiratory conditions, and among adults cardiovascular complications were frequent. RSV-active periods were associated with excess mortality and hospitalisation among the elderly. The highest RSV-related excess hospitalisation was found in 0–1-yr-olds. Influenza-associated mortality was demonstrated in 50–64-yr-olds. Among low-risk individuals ≤65 yrs of age, influenza-associated hospitalisation rates were highest for 0–4-yr-olds, but also significant for 5–64-yr-olds. These data may further support extension of recommendations for influenza vaccination to include younger low-risk persons. The respiratory syncytial virus-associated burden was highest for young children but also substantial for the elderly.
Epidemiology and ethnic distribution of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in southern Israel, 1992-1997: the impact of immigration.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence of tuberculosis in the native and immigrant populations of southern Israel in the period between 1992 and 1997, and to study the prevalence of drug resistance overall and among these subpopulations in the region in order to create guidelines for empirical antituberculous treatment in this region. DESIGN A retrospective population-based study. SETTING The southern district of the country and its tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS All new culture-proven tuberculosis cases diagnosed in adults residing in the Negev region during the study period. Patients were classified into four groups according to ethnic origin and immigration date. RESULTS During the study period, 249 new cases involving 249 patients were recorded. Immigrants from the former Soviet Union (IFSU) were significantly younger and of male gender, and the incidence among this group rose sharply. IFSU had higher rates of resistance to any drug or drug combination. Isoniazid resistance rates were 16% overall and 32% among IFSU. Resistance to any drug was observed in 29% overall and 50% of isolates among IFSU. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was observed in 8.5% and 17%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The population of southern Israel carries very high rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis, mandating quadruple empiric treatment. IFSU should be regarded as having multidrug-resistant tuberculosis until proven otherwise, and empiric therapy with at least five drugs should be considered. This report demonstrates the influence of immigration on the incidence of tuberculosis, and the great value of local surveillance of population-specific resistance rates in an immigrant society, in order to optimize drug treatment and prevent the dissemination of resistant strains.
Sodium/lithium countertransport, insulin resistance, insulin peptides and microalbuminuria in clinically healthy 58-year-old men.

The activity of the erythrocyte transport system, sodium/lithium countertransport (SLC), has been linked to the metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia. We measured SLC and insulin sensitivity with the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp method in a patient sample (n = 93) randomly selected from a large clinically healthy group of 58-year-old men (n = 818). The lipid profile, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and insulin were also analysed. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in SLC between subjects with the metabolic syndrome (n = 19) and subjects without any components of this syndrome (n = 20). There was a highly significant correlation between SLC and BMI, waist/hip ratio, total body fat mass, serum triglycerides, plasma insulin, proinsulin split products and C-peptide in a univariate analysis. There was also a significant correlation between SLC and insulin sensitivity measured as insulin-mediated glucose uptake (P < 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, only two of the variables showing univariate significance were independently correlated to SLC, i.e. serum triglycerides (P < 0.001) and BMI (P < 0.01). The subjects with a SLC value in the highest tertile had a 6-fold higher prevalence of insulin resistance (low-insulin-mediated glucose uptake) as compared with those with a SLC value in the lowest tertile. We conclude that, in clinically healthy 58-year-old men from the general population, erythrocyte SLC is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, in particular to obesity, triglycerides and insulin resistance.
Use of maggot therapy for treating a diabetic foot ulcer colonized by multidrug resistant bacteria in Brazil

This study reports the efficacy of maggot therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer infected with multidrug resistant microorganisms. A 74 year old female patient with diabetes for over 30 years, was treated with maggot therapy using larvae of Chrysomya megacephala. The microbiological samples were collected to evaluate aetiology of the infection. The therapy done for 43 days resulted in a reduction of necrosis and the ulcer's retraction of 0.7 cm2 in area. Analysis of the bacteriological swabs revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further studies need to be done to confirm the role of maggot therapy in wound healing using a large sample and a proper study design.
Spectral and Energy Efficiency for Multi-Pair Massive MIMO Two-Way Relaying Networks with Imperfect CSI

A multi-pair two-way amplify-and-forward relaying system is considered in this paper, where the K-pair users exchange information within pairs, with the help of a shared relay station. Each user is equipped with a single antenna while the relay station is equipped with a very large number of antennas N, where N≫2K. The impact of imperfect channel state information (CSI) due to the channel estimation errors on spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE) is investigated. Asymptotic expressions for EE and SE are obtained in this paper for three power-scaling schemes when maximum-ratio combining/maximum-ratio transmission (MRC/MRT) is adopted. Our analytical results reveal that when the number of relay station antennas N→∞, the effect of the small-scale fading can be averaged out; the residual self-interference and additional noise generated by channel estimation errors will completely vanish, and the inter-pair interference will disappear. However, the imperfect CSI deteriorates EE and SE. When there are no estimation errors, our analytical results reduce to the existing results. Simulation results confirm the validity of our analysis.
Identification of rare polymerase variants of hepatitis B virus using a two‐stage PCR with peptide nucleic acid clamping

Emergence of lamivudine‐resistant variants, with amino acid substitutions in the Tyr‐Met‐Asp‐Asp (YMDD) motif of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase, is a serious problem in antiviral therapy. Presence of YMDD motif variants in patients who had never been treated with lamivudine has been reported recently. However, no analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of these variants has been performed. In the present study, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with peptide nucleic acid (PNA) clamping, we detected many new variants, such as Tyr‐Arg‐Asp‐Asp (YRDD), Tyr‐Met‐Asp‐Asn (YMDN). Many of them had stop codon(s) in overlapping HBs gene. Although the biological activity of these HBV polymerase variants remains to be determined, our results showed that numerous quasispecies are created during virus replication. A typical lamivudine‐resistant Tyr‐Val‐Asp‐Asp (YVDD) variant was detected in only one of 62 (1.6%) anti‐HBe patients with HBV infection before administration of lamivudine. This variant did not have the L528M mutation, which is often associated with YVDD variants, and lamivudine therapy in this patient suppressed HBV replication. Thus, care should be taken when interpreting the results of detection of YMDD variants, especially when the sensitivity of the assay is very high. Amplification of rare variants by PCR with PNA seems a useful tool to examine the emergence of drug‐resistant variants as well as naturally occurring mutants, such as the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) stop codon and vaccine escape mutants. Examination of rare variants should enhance the understanding of the mechanism for emergence of drug‐resistant HBV variants and help in developing strategies for new antiviral drugs. J. Med. Virol. 72:558–565, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.