Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reputation Management of Adolescents in Relation to Antisocial Behavior

ABSTRACT Recent studies have emphasized the need to consider psychosocial and motivational variables in the study of antisocial behavior in adolescents. Thus, several studies have highlighted the importance of reputation management as a possible explanatory factor. This process of reputation management enables young people to form an image of themselves that they may use in their social interactions. In this study the authors carried out an investigation with data from a sample of 493 adolescents and analyzed (a) the relationships between adolescent reputation management and antisocial behavior and (b) the role of gender in this relationship. The results revealed that a perceived social identity as nonconforming was the best predictor of adolescent antisocial behavior, especially for girls. The data support previous findings on the importance of considering the establishment and management of reputation in the analysis of adolescent antisocial behavior.
Stereoselective in vitro degradation pattern of mivacurium in human plasma.

BACKGROUND Mivacurium is a mixture of three isomers, two of which are rapidly broken down in vivo by plasma cholinesterases. This study investigates the stereospecificity of mivacurium in vitro degradation to determine if it accounts for its in vivo behaviour. METHODS The in vitro rate of degradation of each isomer of mivacurium and the in vitro rate of formation of their primary (monoesters and alcohols) and secondary (alcohols) metabolites were examined using human plasma from six healthy volunteers. The in vitro rate of degradation of the monoester metabolites was also assessed. All these determinations were made using a stereospecific high-performance liquid chromatography assay. RESULTS The in vitro rate of disappearance of the two active isomers of mivacurium was very rapid, with mean values for the trans trans and cis trans isomers of 0.803 and 0.921 min(-1) respectively. These values are twofold faster than published in vivo data. The in vitro rate of disappearance was much slower for the cis cis isomer, with a mean value of 0.0106 min(-1). The cis trans isomer was converted exclusively to cis monoester and trans alcohol, while only metabolites in the trans and cis configuration were found for the trans trans and cis cis isomers respectively. Mean in vitro rates of disappearance for the trans and cis monoester were 0.00750 and 0.000633 min(-1) respectively. CONCLUSIONS The in vitro rates of hydrolysis of the active isomers of mivacurium confirm that plasma cholinesterases play a major role in their in vivo degradation, but that in vivo elimination is slowed by extravascular distribution. Mivacurium hydrolysis is stereoselective, the ester group in the trans configuration being more accessible to enzymatic attack. This stereoselective pattern, along with the relatively slow breakdown of the cis cis isomer, sheds light on the in vivo disposition of the cis alcohol metabolite.
Hematologic and Biochemical Reference Values of the Australian Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes)

Abstract We provide hematologic (n = 34) and biochemical (n = 30) blood values for wild-caught Australian bush rats (Rattus fuscipes). Hematology values have similar range limits compared with other rat species. Biochemistry values for glucose, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase have higher maximum ranges compared with other rats.
Diverse Subcellular Distribution Profiles of Pannexin1 and Pannexin3

Pannexins have been proposed to play a role in gap junctional intercellular communication and as single-membrane channels, although many of their molecular characteristics differ from connexins. Localization of untagged Panx1 and Panx3 exogenously expressed in five cultured cell lines revealed a cell surface distribution profile with limited evidence of cell surface clustering and variable levels of intracellular pools. However, N-glycosylation–defective mutants of pannexins exhibited a more prominent intracellular distribution with decreased cell surface labeling, suggesting an important role for pannexin glycosylation in trafficking. Similar to wild-type pannexins, the glycosylation-defective mutants failed to noticeably transfer microinjected fluorescent dyes to neighboring cells, suggesting that few, or no functional intercellular channels were formed. Finally, varied distribution patterns of endogenous Panx1 and Panx3 were observed in cells of osteoblast origin and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Collectively, diverse expression and distribution profiles of Panx1 and Panx3 suggest that they may have multiple cellular functions.
Increasing incidence of optic nerve hypoplasia/septo-optic dysplasia spectrum: Geographic clustering in Northern Canada.

Introduction Owing to the shared embryonic origin, defects in development of optic nerves are often seen in conjunction with defects affecting the surrounding brain and pituitary gland. Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) represent a clinical spectrum associated with visual, pituitary and severe central nervous system structural abnormalities (SODplus). Based on changing clinical patterns, our primary objective was to examine trends in annual incidence of ONH/SOD and geographical clustering in Manitoba. Methods This was a retrospective 1996 to 2015 chart review with extraction of anthropometric measures, radiologic findings, parental characteristics, endocrinopathies and neurologic symptoms from all involved in care. Postal codes were used to assign map co-ordinates and identify relevant census-based deprivation indices. Results Ninety-three children were identified in our catchment area; Poisson regression confirmed a striking 1.11-fold annual increase (95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.16) or ~800% over two decades. The annual incidence (averaged 2010 to 2014 chart data) reached 53.3 per 100,000, affecting 1 in 1875 live births. Most (~55%) had SODplus. Common presenting features were hypoglycemia, nystagmus, seizures and developmental delay; 40% had hormone deficiencies; 80% had reduced visual acuity, typically bilateral. Many were premature with young, primiparous mothers. Unhealthy maternal lifestyles and severe material deprivation were noted. There was disproportionate clustering in individuals from Northern Manitoba at three times the average provincial rate. Conclusion We noted a dramatic rise in the annual incidence of ONH/SOD, which was strongly associated with poverty and northern communities. The pattern was consistent with environmental or nutritional etiologies. Many children were severely affected with increased morbidity and health care burdens.
Pharmacological characterization of metabotropic glutamate receptors coupled to phospholipase D in the rat hippocampus

1 Phospholipase D (PLD) is the key enzyme in a signal transduction pathway leading to the formation of the second messengers phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol. In order to define the pharmacological profile of PLD‐coupled metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), PLD activity was measured in slices of adult rat brain in the presence of mGluR agonists or antagonists. Activation of the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway by the same agents was also examined. 2 The mGluR‐selective agonist (1S, 3R)‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐1, 3‐dicarboxylic acid [(1S, 3R)‐ACPD] induced a concentration‐dependent (10–300 μm) activation of PLD in the hippocampus, neocortex, and striatum, but not in the cerebellum. The effect was particularly evident in hippocampal slices, which were thus used for all subsequent experiments. 3 The rank order of potencies for agonists stimulating the PLD response was: quisqualate > ibotenate > (2S, 3S, 4S)‐α‐(carboxycyclopropyl)‐glycine > (1S, 3R)‐ACPD > L‐cysteine sulphinic acid > L‐aspartate > L‐glutamate. L‐(+)‐2‐Amino‐4‐phosphonobutyric acid and the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid, and kainate failed to activate PLD. (RS)‐3, 5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (100–300 μm), an agonist of mGluRs of the first group, stimulated PLC but inhibited the PLD response elicited by 100 μm (1S, 3R)‐ACPD. 4 (+)‐α‐Methyl‐4‐carboxyphenylglycine (0.1‐1 mM), a competitive antagonist of mGluRs of the first and second group, elicited a significant PLD response. L‐(+)‐2‐Amino‐3‐phosphonopropionic acid (1 mM), an antagonist of mGluRs of the first group, inhibited the 100 μm (1S, 3R)‐ACPD‐induced PLC response but produced a robust stimulation of PLD. 5 12‐O‐Tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetic acid and phorbol 12, 13‐dibutyrate (PDBu), activators of protein kinase C, at 1 μm had a stimulatory effect on mGluRs linked to PLD but depressed (1S, 3R)‐ACPD‐induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis. The protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine (1 and 10 μm) reduced PLD activation induced by 1 μm PDBu but not by 100 μm (1S, 3R)‐ACPD. 6 Our results suggest that PLD‐linked mGluRs in rat hippocampus may be distinct from any known mGluR subtype coupled to PLC or adenylyl cyclase. Moreover, they indicate that independent mGluRs coupled to the PLC and PLD pathways exist and that mGluR agonists can stimulate PLD through a PKC‐independent mechanism.
Non-Adherence in At-Risk Heart Failure Patients: Characteristics and Outcomes

Objective: To examine the characteristics and clinical outcomes of non-adherent heart failure patients in an at-risk population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study including all patients admitted with heart failure during the period from June 2003 to September 2004, and followed until 2008 at a hospital serving an at-risk population. Patients were divided into adherents and non-adherents based on medical chart review. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and time to readmission for heart failure. Results: Of 357 patients included in the study, 79 patients (22.1%) were in the non-adherent group. Non-adherent patients were more likely to be younger, men, African-American, and users of illicit drugs, and less likely to have diabetes. Non-adherence was associated with shorter time to readmission (HR, 0.45; 95% CI 0.25-0.52). Conclusion: Social and demo- graphic factors influence adherence, and may need to be considered in interventions that target improving adherence. Non-adherence was associated with decreased time to readmission. Journal of Nature and Science, 1(5):e95, 2015
HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with rheumatoid arthritis in southern France. Absence of extraarticular disease despite expression of the shared epitope.

OBJECTIVE Extraarticular rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is almost unknown in Marseille in southern France. We investigated whether this was due to rare expression of the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope. METHODS HLA-DRB1 alleles were characterized in 73 patients with RA and 108 controls by polymerase chain reaction amplification and oligonucleotide hybridization. RESULTS In patients with RA, 76% expressed the shared epitope (46% DR1, 45% DR4). Four HLA-DRB1 alleles were positively associated with disease: DRB1*0101, DRB1*0401, DRB1*0404, DRB1*0405. Patients with double dose shared epitope had the most severe articular damage, but no extraarticular disease. CONCLUSION In Marseille, 76% of patients with RA are shared epitope positive. Still, most do not develop extraarticular RA. This may be caused by the low frequency of HLA-DRB1*0401 in this population.
A meta‐analysis of the accuracy and precision of the ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM)

The ultrasonic cardiac output monitor is a non‐invasive, continuous‐wave Doppler monitor that can be used to measure cardiac output. Its accuracy and precision in peri‐operative and critical care has been assessed with varied results. We conducted a meta‐analysis to calculate a pooled mean bias, precision and percentage error for this device. Six studies were suitable for inclusion into a pooled parametric analysis consisting of 320 measurements. The mean weighted bias was −0.39 l.min−1 (95% CI −0.25 to −0.53 l.min−1), precision 1.27 l.min−1 and percentage error 42.7% (95% CI 38.5−46.9%). The ultrasonic cardiac output monitor achieved similar agreement with bolus thermodilution to that of other minimally invasive methods of peri‐operative cardiac output monitoring, and may have a useful role in cardiac output monitoring.
A robust synthesis methodology for neutrally stable uncertain SISO plants under input amplitude saturation

In this article, a control system design methodology for neutrally stable, uncertain, single-input single-output plants under input amplitude saturation is presented. Based on Horowitz's original three degree of freedom design and extensions developed afterwards, this approach concentrates on neutrally stable, higher type, uncertain plants. A three degree of freedom non-interfering loop structure is used for the synthesis, along with the structure of the additional, independent loop transmission around the saturating element proposed for designing the third degree of freedom H(s). Robust stability and performance are established. The circle criterion, the describing function and non-overshooting conditions are utilised to obtain design constraints. Finally, all these design constraints are expressed in frequency domain bounds and synthesis follows from loop shaping methods such as quantitative feedback theory.
Acquisition de liens sémantiques à partir d'éléments de mise en forme des textes : exploitation des structures énumératives. (Acquisition of semantic relations from layout elements / Acquisition of semantic relations from layout elements : exploitation of enumerative structures)

Ces dernieres annees de nombreux progres ont ete faits dans le domaine de l'extraction de relations a partir de textes, facilitant ainsi la construction de ressources lexicales ou semantiques. Cependant, les methodes proposees (apprentissage supervise, methodes a noyaux, apprentissage distant, etc.) n'exploitent pas tout le potentiel des textes : elles ont generalement ete appliquees a un niveau phrastique, sans tenir compte des elements de mise en forme. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif de cette these est d'adapter ces methodes a l'extraction de relations exprimees au-dela des frontieres de la phrase. Pour cela, nous nous appuyons sur la semantique vehiculee par les indices typographiques (puces, emphases, etc.) et dispositionnels (indentations visuelles, retours a la ligne, etc.), qui completent des formulations strictement discursives. En particulier, nous etudions les structures enumeratives verticales qui, bien qu'affichant des discontinuites entre leurs differents composants, presentent un tout sur le plan semantique. Ces structures textuelles sont souvent revelatrices de relations hierarchiques. Notre travail est divise en deux parties. (i) La premiere partie decrit un modele pour representer la structure hierarchique des documents. Ce modele se positionne dans la suite des modeles theoriques proposes pour rendre compte de l'architecture textuelle : une abstraction de la mise en forme et une connexion forte avec la structure rhetorique sont faites. Toutefois, notre modele se demarque par une perspective d'analyse automatique des textes. Nous en proposons une implementation efficace sous la forme d'une methode ascendante et nous l'evaluons sur un corpus de documents PDF. (ii) La seconde partie porte sur l'integration de ce modele dans le processus d'extraction de relations. Plus particulierement, nous nous sommes focalises sur les structures enumeratives verticales. Un corpus a ete annote selon une typologie multi-dimensionnelle permettant de caracteriser et de cibler les structures enumeratives verticales porteuses de relations utiles a la creation de ressources. Les observations faites en corpus ont conduit a proceder en deux etapes par apprentissage supervise pour analyser ces structures : qualifier la relation puis en extraire les arguments. L'evaluation de cette methode montre que l'exploitation de la mise en forme, combinee a un faisceau d'indices lexico-syntaxiques, ameliore les resultats.
Ideas about Science Portrayed in the Existing and Proposed Science Curricula of Grades IX-X in Bangladesh.

This paper presents part of the findings from a comparative study on existing and proposed science curricula of grades IX-X in Bangladesh. It aims to explore relevant research to find out what ideas about science are recommended to include in school science curriculum, and Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 9, Issue 2, Article 1, p.2 (Dec., 2008) Mohammad Nure Alam SIDDIQUE Ideas about science portrayed in the existing and proposed science curricula of grades IX-X in Bangladesh Copyright (C) 2008 HKIEd APFSLT. Volume 9, Issue 2, Article 1 (Dec., 2008). All Rights Reserved. then to compare the existing and proposed curricula in terms of ideas about science. This interpretive study analyzed curriculum documents and textbooks qualitatively, and the results reveal that the proposed science curriculum portrays more ideas about science compared to the existing two science curricula. However, some important ideas about science have not been portrayed well in the proposed curriculum, and therefore, there is a broad scope for improvement in communicating ideas about science.
Serum inflammatory markers in obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to and is associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity. Ongoing inflammatory responses play an important role in this association. Multiple small size studies addressing the profile of the inflammatory markers in OSA are available therefore we performed a meta-analysis. METHODS Systematic review of medical literature was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases from 1968 to 2011 by utilizing the key words obstructive sleep apnea, C-Reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) and Selectins. Inclusion criteria were: full text English articles; studies with adult population; reported values for at least one of the markers of interest; with at least two separate groups (subjects with OSA and control group); OSA was defined as AHI of ≥ 5/h. RESULTS Five hundred and twelve studies were reviewed for inclusion with 51 studies pooled for analysis (30 studies for CRP, 19 studies for TNF-α, 8 studies for ICAM, 18 studies for IL-6, six studies for VCAM and 5 studies for Selectins). The levels of inflammatory markers were higher in patients with OSA compared to control group. Standardized pooled Mean differences were calculated to be 1.77 for CRP, 1.03 for TNF-α, 2.16 for IL-6, 4.22 for IL-8, 2.93 for ICAM, 1.45 for Selectins and 2.08 for VCAM. CONCLUSIONS In this meta-analysis, the levels of systemic inflammatory markers were found to be higher in OSA patients compared to control subjects.
Sustained-release bupropion for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.

OBJECTIVE The authors compared low-dose sustained-release bupropion with placebo for sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHOD Thirty adults who had received SSRIs for at least 6 weeks, who were euthymic, and who had sexual dysfunction as determined by a total score greater than 19 out of a possible 30 on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale were randomly assigned to receive either 150 mg/day of sustained-release bupropion or placebo at 6:00 p.m. for 3 weeks. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the sustained-release bupropion and placebo groups as measured by change in Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale or Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores or side effects. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should compare higher doses of bupropion for treating sexual dysfunction and should include a greater number of subjects.
The Role of the Cerebellum in the Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, has traditionally been considered a “classic” basal ganglia disease, as the most obvious pathology is seen in the dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Nevertheless recent discoveries in anatomical connections linking the basal ganglia and the cerebellum have led to a re-examination of the role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of PD. This review summarizes the role of the cerebellum in explaining many curious features of PD: the significant variation in disease progression between individuals; why severity of dopaminergic deficit correlates with many features of PD such as bradykinesia, but not tremor; and why PD subjects with a tremor-predominant presentation tend to have a more benign prognosis. It is clear that the cerebellum participates in compensatory mechanisms associated with the disease and must be considered an essential contributor to the overall pathophysiology of PD.
Non-invasive assessment of exhaled biomarkers in lung transplantation

Biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) have been widely evaluated in respiratory research as non-invasive methods of sampling the lungs. These methods are particularly attractive in lung transplantation (LTx) as they are simple, repeatable and sensitive. Chronic rejection, manifest by progressive airflow limitation and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), is currently the major limiting factor to long-term survival in LTx. Early detection of BOS and initiation of appropriate treatment could significantly improve survival. Exhaled breath biomarkers could allow early diagnosis of factors associated with chronic rejection. FeNO is elevated in LTx patients with infections and chronic rejection prior to clinical presentation, and several EBC biomarkers and volatile organic compound patterns also show promise in these areas. This review summarizes information on exhaled breath biomarkers in LTx and discusses their potential role in the management of LTx patients.
Isolation and characterization of a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide from the slime of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A procedure is described for isolating a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide (PS) from the slime of Pseudomonas aeruginosa immunotype 1. The resultant material, obtained from the void volume of a Sephadex G-100 column, was composed of carbohydrate and water. No lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonoate, heptose, phosphate, or protein was detectable, and nucleic acid contamination was generally below 1%. The carbohydrate composition of the PS was glucose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose, and mannose. PS had a molecular weight of between 100,000 and 350,000 and did not disaggregate when chromatographed in the presence of sodium deoxycholate. An antigen immunologically indistinguishable from PS could be obtained from LPS by either acetic acid hydrolysis and column chromatography or by allowing solutions of LPS to stand at room temperature for 3 days. Some of this LPS-associated polysaccharide eluted as the void volume of a G-100 column but differed from PS by its lack of galactose and arabinose. LPS also contained an immunodeterminant not shared with PS that was detected by its stability to dilute alkali treatment (0.1 N NaOH, 37 degrees C, 2 h). PS was destroyed by alkali treatment. PS appeared to represent a form of LPS polysaccharide side chain that contains galactose and arabinose and is of a high molecular weight.