Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of tobacco control programs on adult smoking.

OBJECTIVES We examined whether state tobacco control programs are effective in reducing the prevalence of adult smoking. METHODS We used state survey data on smoking from 1985 to 2003 in a quasi-experimental design to examine the association between cumulative state antitobacco program expenditures and changes in adult smoking prevalence, after we controlled for confounding. RESULTS From 1985 to 2003, national adult smoking prevalence declined from 29.5% to 18.6% (P<.001). Increases in state per capita tobacco control program expenditures were independently associated with declines in prevalence. Program expenditures were more effective in reducing smoking prevalence among adults aged 25 or older than for adults aged 18 to 24 years, whereas cigarette prices had a stronger effect on adults aged 18 to 24 years. If, starting in 1995, all states had funded their tobacco control programs at the minimum or optimal levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there would have been 2.2 million to 7.1 million fewer smokers by 2003. CONCLUSIONS State tobacco control program expenditures are independently associated with overall reductions in adult smoking prevalence.
Cysteine and obesity: consistency of the evidence across epidemiologic, animal and cellular studies

Purpose of reviewThe concentrations of several plasma amino acids increase in obesity. Notably, plasma total concentrations of the sulphur amino acid cysteine (tCys) are linearly associated with fat mass in large population studies. Animal and cellular experiments support the concept that cysteine may be obesogenic. Here we review experimental and epidemiologic findings linking cysteine and related compounds with fat regulation and obesity. Recent findingstCys, and to a lesser extent cystathionine, are the only plasma sulphur amino acids consistently associated with human obesity, whereas glutathione is inversely associated with BMI. Supplementing cyste(i)ne in rodents decreases energy expenditure and promotes adiposity, whereas defects of cysteine-synthesizing enzymes decrease body weight. In adipocytes, cysteine inhibits lipolysis and promotes lipogenesis via H2O2 production. Unlike most plasma amino acids, tCys levels do not decrease with gastric bypass-induced weight loss, further supporting the concept that elevated cysteine may be a cause, not a consequence of obesity. Although cysteine products (glutathione, taurine and H2S) are altered in obesity, they do not appear to explain cysteine's effects on body weight. SummaryCellular, animal and epidemiologic data are consistent with the view that cysteine is obesogenic. Targeted research linking in-vitro and in-vivo findings is needed to elucidate mechanisms involved.
Minimal Age-Related Deficits in Task Switching, Inhibition, and Oculomotor Control

Background/Study Context: We are often required to carry out complex tasks in changing, context-dependent ways. This task switching requires the rapid realignment of attention to task constraints and may be age sensitive. Methods: Three experiments, two in which eye movements were recorded, were conducted to assess age-related differences in task switching and inhibitory control. Observers carried out a Same-Different task and Go-No Go task in single and mixed blocks of trials. Results: Other than Experiment 1, although switch costs were observed, they were not larger for older adults compared to younger adults. Furthermore, eye movement and false alarm data demonstrated little evidence of age-related decline in inhibitory and oculomotor control. Conclusions: A major implication is that, at least when two tasks involve different stimuli and unique responses, older adults are no more likely than younger adults to show task-switching costs or inhibition deficit.
[Vascular complications in diabetes mellitus: role of endothelial dysfunction].

The endothelium is a complex organ with a multitude of properties essential for control of vascular functions. Dysfunction of the vascular endothelium is regarded as an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic micro- and macro-angiopathy. Endothelial dysfunction in Type I and II diabetes complicated by micro- or macro-albuminuria is generalized in that it affects many aspects of endothelial function and occurs not only in the kidney. The close linkage between microalbuminuria and endothelial dysfunction in diabetes is an attractive explanation for the fact that microalbuminuria is a risk marker for atherothrombosis. In Type I diabetes, endothelial dysfunction precedes and may cause diabetic microangiopathy, but it is not clear whether endothelial dysfunction is a feature of the diabetic state itself. In Type II diabetes, endothelial function is impaired from the onset of the disease and is strongly related to adverse outcomes. It is not clear whether impaired endothelial function is caused by hyperglycaemia or by other factors. Impaired endothelial function is closely associated with and may contribute to insulin resistance regardless of the presence of diabetes. Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes originates from three main sources. Hyperglycaemia and its immediate biochemical sequelae directly alter endothelial function or influence endothelial cell functioning indirectly by the synthesis of growth factors, cytokines and vasoactive agents in other cells. Finally, the components of the metabolic syndrome can impair endothelial function.
Constitutive and inducible heat shock protein 70 immunoreactivity in the normal rat eye.

PURPOSE Distributions for the constitutive and inducible 70-kDa heat shock proteins, Hsc70 and Hsp70, in different parts of the rat eye are likely to be related to the metabolic demands required for absorption and detection of light. This study was conducted to better understand the functions of Hsc70 and Hsp70 in these tissues and to provide a basis for elucidating their contributions to the maintenance and repair of ocular structures subsequent to tissue injury or cellular degeneration. METHODS Eyes from male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-300 g) were fixed in methacarn and embedded in paraffin. Sagittal sections (10 microm) through the optic nerve were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or incubated with heat shock protein antibody or control IgG. Bound antibody was visualized using an avidin- biotin- horseradish peroxidase detection system. RESULTS Hsc70 immunoreactivity was detected in all layers of the retina, except the outer segments. In the retinal pigment epithelium, staining was restricted to cells near the optic nerve-retina junction. Intense staining was also observed in glial nuclei of the optic nerve, whereas weaker staining was observed in the basal and wing cells of the limbal and corneal epithelia. In contrast, Hsp70 immunoreactivity was restricted to the outer nuclear layer and inner segments of the retina. Hsp70 staining was also prominent in basal and wing cells of the limbal cornea and to a lesser extent in the central corneal epithelium. The optic nerve was Hsp70 negative. CONCLUSIONS Hsc70 and Hsp70 have distinct distributions in the normal rat eye, which imply regional and cell-specific functions.
Examining the Role of Attitude towards Mathematics in Students of Management Sciences

There is agreement in the literature that attitude play pivotal role in achievements and performance in mathematics. Moreover, mathematical skills are necessary in order to complete undergraduate program of business studies. Specially, students who are having major marketing, accounting and finance subjects cannot complete degree without possessing some mathematical skills and knowledge. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between gender, marks obtained in mathematics and overall CGPA in previous semesters, with students’ attitude towards business mathematics. This empirical study is done through 18 items of attitude for business mathematics and demographic information of respondents and survey information is collected from 108 students of department of management sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. All the respondents have already passed out business mathematics course. In order to find out results descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis employed. Results indicate that gender is not having significant impact on attitude for mathematics, male are slightly better than female. Higher achievements and grades increase the likeness of this subject. Surprisingly, students with higher CGPA are negatively inclined toward this course. On the average, students’ performance in mathematics remains below part compared to other subjects results. There is importance for the universities and business schools to know that failure and lower inclination toward mathematics due to little achievements and inadequate exposure of this subject. At entry level, these institutions should ensure that students have necessary mathematical abilities and skills.
Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec) Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth through a Mechanism Dependent on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α and Akt Inactivation

Purpose: We identified the platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) as an ovarian cancer-specific gene by microarray hybridization using primary cultures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether disruption of the platelet-derived growth factor-regulated growth pathway by Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), a partially selective PDGFR inhibitor, inhibits growth of ovarian cancer cells expressing PDGFR. Experimental Design: To investigate the effects of Imatinib mesylate in ovarian cancer, we established an in vitro model by immortalizing primary ovarian cells, which express endogenous PDGFR, and we evaluated the effects of Imatinib on cell proliferation. In addition, we investigated the involvement of Akt in mediating Imatinib-inhibited cell growth inhibition. Results: We found that 39% of ovarian tumors express PDGFR by immunohistochemistry. We showed that Imatinib inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells in a PDGFR-specific manner, at clinically relevant concentrations (IC50 < 1 μm). Imatinib inhibits the growth of three primary ovarian cultures and two immortalized cultures (PDGFR positive), but has no effects on SkOv3 and CaOv3 cell lines (PDGFR negative). Imatinib exerts antiproliferative effects by arresting cells at G0-G1 and preventing progression through S phase. Imatinib inhibits both PDGFRα and Akt phosphorylation at a concentration of 1 μm. Stable expression of constitutively active Akt induces partial resistance to PDGFR inhibition in ovarian cancer cells, as demonstrated by cell proliferation assay and cell cycle analysis. Conclusions: Our data indicate that Imatinib mesylate inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells through PDGFR inactivation. In addition, our results suggest that constitutive Akt activation modulates sensitivity to Imatinib in ovarian cancer cells.
Driving Human Motor Cortical Oscillations Leads to Behaviorally Relevant Changes in Local GABAA Inhibition: A tACS-TMS Study

Beta and gamma oscillations are the dominant oscillatory activity in the human motor cortex (M1). However, their physiological basis and precise functional significance remain poorly understood. Here, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to examine the physiological basis and behavioral relevance of driving beta and gamma oscillatory activity in the human M1 using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). tACS was applied using a sham-controlled crossover design at individualized intensity for 20 min and TMS was performed at rest (before, during, and after tACS) and during movement preparation (before and after tACS). We demonstrated that driving gamma frequency oscillations using tACS led to a significant, duration-dependent decrease in local resting-state GABAA inhibition, as quantified by short interval intracortical inhibition. The magnitude of this effect was positively correlated with the magnitude of GABAA decrease during movement preparation, when gamma activity in motor circuitry is known to increase. In addition, gamma tACS-induced change in GABAA inhibition was closely related to performance in a motor learning task such that subjects who demonstrated a greater increase in GABAA inhibition also showed faster short-term learning. The findings presented here contribute to our understanding of the neurophysiological basis of motor rhythms and suggest that tACS may have similar physiological effects to endogenously driven local oscillatory activity. Moreover, the ability to modulate local interneuronal circuits by tACS in a behaviorally relevant manner provides a basis for tACS as a putative therapeutic intervention. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Gamma oscillations have a vital role in motor control. Using a combined tACS-TMS approach, we demonstrate that driving gamma frequency oscillations modulates GABAA inhibition in the human motor cortex. Moreover, there is a clear relationship between the change in magnitude of GABAA inhibition induced by tACS and the magnitude of GABAA inhibition observed during task-related synchronization of oscillations in inhibitory interneuronal circuits, supporting the hypothesis that tACS engages endogenous oscillatory circuits. We also show that an individual's physiological response to tACS is closely related to their ability to learn a motor task. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neurophysiological basis of motor rhythms and their behavioral relevance and offer the possibility of developing tACS as a therapeutic tool.
6-Hydroxynicotinic acid as an intermediate in the oxidation of nicotinic acid by Pseudomonas fluorescens.

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Improved sentiment analysis for teaching evaluation using feature selection and voting ensemble learning integration

Teaching evaluation system is widely used to assess and investigate the education quality. Presently, sentiment analysis contributes for student sentiment polarity detection in teaching evaluation which collects the feedback messages. Text mining techniques are broadly extended to classify the effective improvement of the sentiment polarity analysis. Furthermore, the feedback messages from opened-end questions which stored in teaching evaluation system are selected for the classification. In addition, various methods used for classification in the experiment are Naïve Bayes, ID3, J48 Decision tree. In this paper, reducing the feature in data preprocessing stage and teaching sentiment analysis using voting ensemble method of machine learning are proposed and compared with existing typical machine learning for sentiment analysis. The experimental results show that the voting ensemble learning integrate with Chi-Square feature selection exhibits higher than typical classifiers.
QWERTY vs . Dvorak Efficiency : A Computational Approach

After David’s pioneering contribution, many authors have claimed that the prevalence of the QWERTY keyboard layout is an instance of lock-in on an inferior technology, because the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard is more efficient. But other authors, notably Liebowitz and Margolis, have disputed this claim. Here we proceed to examine the relative efficiency of the two layouts by computational means. The result is that Dvorak is actually more efficient than QWERTY. Our computations depend on a coefficient that measures the additional effort associated with a displacement of the hand. For intermediate values of this parameter, the gain in efficiency exceeds 10%.
“+CLICK”: pilot of a web-based training program to enhance ART adherence among HIV-positive youth

Abstract Youth account for almost half of all new HIV infections in the United States. Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is critical for successful management, yet reported adherence rates for youth are often low. This study pilot-tested “+CLICK,” an innovative, web-based, adherence intervention for HIV-positive youth as an adjunct to traditional clinic-based, self-management education. The theory-based application, developed for HIV-infected youth, 13–24 years of age, provides tailored activities addressing attitudes, knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to ART adherence. HIV-positive youth (N=10) pilot-tested “+CLICK” to assess usability (ease of use, credibility, understandability, acceptability, motivation) and short-term psychosocial outcomes (importance and self-efficacy related to ART adherence) using a single-group, pre-/post-test study design in a hospital-based pediatric clinic (n=8) and home (n=2) location. Youth were mostly female (80%) and Black (80%). Mean age was 17.8 years (SD=2.65, range 14–22). All were infected perinatally and had been living with HIV all their lives. Most learned their HIV status by age 10 years. Sixty percent reported an undetectable viral load, whilst 10% reported a viral load of over 50,000. Half (50%) reported a normal CD4 count, whilst 20% reported having low CD4 (<200). Usability ratings indicated “+CLICK” was very easy to use (70%), trustworthy, and understandable (both>90%). Most (70%) indicated they would use “+CLICK” again. Short-term psychosocial outcomes indicate significant increase in medication adherence self-efficacy (p<0.05), perceived importance of taking antiretroviral medicine close to the right time every day (p<0.05), and knowledge about HIV and adherence (p<0.01). Other psychosocial variables and behavioral intentions were not significantly impacted. Results suggest that “+CLICK” has the potential to affect psychological antecedents to ART adherence. Further research on long-term and behavioral effects is indicated prior to broader dissemination into clinical practice.
Social relationships, stigma and adherence to antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS

Abstract Research on adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy has up to now focused largely upon problems of definition and measurement, and on the identification of barriers and supports. This paper examines the intersection between taking HAART and building a life with HIV/AIDS. Data consist of 214 qualitative interviews with 52 HIV-positive, active illegal drug users. A interpretive analysis drawing upon stigma and fear of disclosure as analytical constructs was applied to explain working tensions between efforts to develop social relationships on the one hand, and attempts to safeguard health through adherence on the other. The analysis specifies a mechanism through which stigma as a social process results in marginalization and exclusion. The hierarchical organization of multiple stigma is also noted. Loneliness and the desire for relatedness is intensified by drug use. Results suggest that persons with HIV/AIDS will not consistently subordinate other interests to prioritize adherence. Interventions aimed at supporting long-term adherence must address experienced conflicts between ‘health’ and ‘life’.
Breast cancer survival and tumor characteristics in premenopausal women carrying the CHEK2*1100delC germline mutation.

PURPOSE Women carrying a CHEK2*1100delC germline mutation have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This study aims to determine the proportion of CHEK2*1100delC carriers in a premenopausal breast cancer population, unselected for family history of breast cancer, and to investigate tumor characteristics and disease outcome with sufficient follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified a retrospective cohort of 1,479 patients, who received surgery for invasive breast cancer between 1970 and 1994. All patients were diagnosed before age 50. Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were collected for DNA isolation (normal tissue), subsequent CHEK2*1100delC analysis, and tumor revision. Median follow-up was 10.1 years. RESULTS We detected a CHEK2*1100delC germline mutation in 54 patients (3.7%). Tumor characteristics of CHEK2*1100delC carriers did not differ significantly from those of noncarriers. CHEK2*1100delC carriers had a two-fold increased risk (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3; P = .049) of developing a second breast cancer and they had worse recurrence-free survival (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.4; P = .006) and worse breast cancer-specific survival (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.1; P = .072) compared with noncarriers. The poorer disease outcome of CHEK2*1100delC carriers could not be explained by the increased risk of second breast cancer. CONCLUSION Our study, which is representative for the premenopausal breast cancer population, reveals approximately 4% CHEK2*1100delC carriers have an increased risk of second breast cancer and a worse long-term recurrence-free survival rate. Their identification at time of diagnosis and prolonged intensive follow-up should be considered to optimize clinical management.
Alveolar Cell Pattern and Chemiluminescence Response of Blood Neutrophils and Alveolar Macrophages in Sheep after Endotoxin Injection

In order to study the pathomechanisms of the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome in an acute animal model, we monitored the alveolar cell pattern and the stimulatory chemiluminescence responses of blood neutrophils and alveolar macrophages in sheep after Escherichia coli endotoxin injection (2 micrograms/kg of body weight). Using appropriate bronchoalveolar lavage techniques, thereby avoiding local inflammation, it was demonstrated that endotoxin injection did not cause any recruitment of neutrophils into the alveoli for a period of up to 24 hours. Following endotoxin injection, blood neutrophils showed a maximal stimulatory response after 5 minutes, and alveolar macrophages after 4 hours. It is concluded that if neutrophils are responsible for initiating the increase in microvascular permeability, then this action must be purely intravascular.
Intrascleral dissemination of infectious scleritis following pterygium excision

AIMS To assess the clinical pictures, possible pathogenesis, management, and therapy of patients with infectious scleritis associated with multifocal scleral abscesses following pterygium excision. METHODS The records of patients with infectious scleritis after pterygium excision who developed multifocal scleral abscesses presenting from 1988 to the end of 1995 were reviewed. Early culture of abscesses was performed, and topical, systemic antimicrobials, or both were given to all patients. Fourteen eyes were operated on in addition to antimicrobial treatment. RESULTS The initial culture reports of scleral ulcers identified Pseudomonas species in 12 of these 18 patients, Aspergillus in one, Mycobacterium fortuitum in one, and mixed organisms in four. Subsequent abscess cultures were taken from 15 of the infected eyes, and revealed the same organism as the initial culture in 12. Associated complications included four serous retinal detachments, three choroidal detachments, two double detachments, five complicated cataracts, and four recurrences of the initial infection. Four eyes required eventual enucleation and 11 eyes regained useful vision. CONCLUSIONS With subsequent abscess cultures proving to be the same organism as found in the initial ulcer, the abscess formation appears to represent intrascleral dissemination. Early diagnosis and appropriate, prolonged topical plus systemic antimicrobial treatment are essential to halt the progression of such severe infections.