Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The MAPT gene is differentially methylated in the progressive supranuclear palsy brain

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disease causing parkinsonian symptoms. Altered DNA methylation of the microtubule‐associated protein tau gene correlates with the expression changes in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease brains. However, few studies examine the sequences beyond the constitutive promoter.
Rural Medicare Beneficiaries Have Fewer Follow-up Visits and Greater Emergency Department Use Postdischarge

Background:Hospitals are focused on improving postdischarge services for older adults, such as early follow-up care after hospitalization to reduce readmissions and unnecessary emergency department (ED) use. Rural Medicare beneficiaries face many barriers to receiving quality care, but little is known about their postdischarge care and outcomes. We hypothesize that rural Medicare beneficiaries compared with urban beneficiaries, will have fewer follow-up visits, and a greater likelihood of readmission and ED use. Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of elderly Medicare beneficiaries discharged home using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, Cost and Use files, 2000–2010. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of rural residency on readmission, ED use, and follow-up care up to 30 days’ postdischarge. Covariates include demographic, health, and hospital-level characteristics. Results:Compared with urban beneficiaries, Medicare beneficiaries living in isolated rural settings had a lower rate of follow-up care [hazard ratio (HR)=0.81, P<0.001]. Beneficiaries in large and small rural settings had a greater risk of an ED visit compared with urban beneficiaries (HR=1.44, P<0.001; HR=1.52, P<0.01). Rural beneficiaries did not have a greater risk of readmission, though risk of readmission was higher for beneficiaries discharged from hospitals in large and small rural settings (HR=1.33, P<0.05; HR=1.42, P<0.05). Conclusions:This study provides evidence of lower quality postdischarge care for Medicare beneficiaries in rural settings. As readmission penalties expand, hospitals serving rural beneficiaries may be disproportionately affected. This suggests a need for policies that increase follow-up care in rural settings.
The impact of condition on reproduction in Flemish Cap Cod

The impacts of fish condition on reproduction have not been examined previously for Flemish Cap cod. It is known that a substantial portion of female cod skipped spawning during the late 1970s and 1980s (Walsh et al., MS 1986) and it was speculated that this might be as a result of poor condition. The purpose of this paper was to determine if there is a relationship between condition and maturity (being an adult) in Flemish Cap cod, both male and female, and to determine if there was a relationship between condition and the probability of spawning in female cod. There was no significant effect of relative body condition (Kr) on the probability of being an adult for either male or female cod. For males there was also no significant effect of relative liver condition (LKr) on the probability of being an adult. For female cod there was a significant effect of LKr on the probability of being an adult, after accounting for the effects of age and length. However, LKr accounted for only a small portion of the deviance (1%) compared to the deviance accounted for by the combined effects of age and length (69%). There was no significant effect of Kr on the probability of spawning in adult females, however there was a significant impact of LKr with females with higher LKr having a greater probability of spawning.
A three-dimensional morphometric study of craniofacial shape in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Subtle dysmorphogenesis of the craniofacial region constitutes important corroborating evidence of the neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia. Advances in facial visualization now allow for three-dimensional anthropometric evaluations of potentially greater discriminatory power in examining the complex geometric relationships of facial topography. METHOD Sixty-five anthropometrically derived landmarks were identified from three-dimensional facial images collected from 14 patients with schizophrenia and 11 comparison subjects, imaged with a high-resolution, portable laser scanner. RESULTS Using the Procrustes morphometric approach for shape analysis, the difference in mean shapes was highly significant, with patients exhibiting superoinferior elongation of the face. CONCLUSIONS The topography of craniofacial anomalies in schizophrenia is not random and points to midline deformation.
Colistin-tobramycin combinations are superior to monotherapy concerning the killing of biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

BACKGROUND Antibiotic combination therapy might be more efficient than single antibiotics to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis. We tested the ability of colistin sulphate-tobramycin combinations and single antibiotics to kill P. aeruginosa biofilms. METHODS P. aeruginosa biofilms were generated in vitro and in rat lungs. In a pilot study, 5 patients with cystic fibrosis inhaled colistin and then tobramycin for 4 weeks. The changes in P. aeruginosa counts and lung function were assessed before and after therapy. RESULTS Antibiotic combination therapy significantly reduced the number of P. aeruginosa cells in P. aeruginosa biofilm models in vitro. When rats were challenged with 1 x 10(7) cfu of P. aeruginosa, which was embedded in alginate beads, mortality rates, lung pathologic findings, and bacterial colony-forming unit counts were significantly lower after 7 days in animals receiving antibiotic combination than in animals receiving single antibiotics. In patients with cystic fibrosis, inhaled colistin-tobramycin was well tolerated and resulted in a mean decrease of 2.52 + /- 2.5 log(10) cfu of P. aeruginosa per milliliter of sputum (P = .027). Measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 s, obtained both before and after the study, did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION Colistin-tobramycin combinations are more efficient than respective single antibiotics for killing P. aeruginosa in biofilms in vitro, and they significantly reduced P. aeruginosa cell counts in a rat lung infection model and in patients with cystic fibrosis.
The Relationship between the ROA , ROE and ROI Ratios with Jordanian Insurance Public Companies Market Share Prices

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the ROA, ROE and ROI ratios together and separately with Jordanian insurance public companies share prices during the period (2002-2007). Based on the empirical evidence, the results showed a positive relationship between the ROA, ROE and ROI ratios together with Jordanian insurance public companies share prices. The results also showed a positive but low relationship between each of ROA ratio separately and ROI ratio separately with Jordanian insurance public companies share prices. However, the results showed no relationship between the ROE ratio separately with Jordanian insurance public companies market share prices.
The Influence of Pattern Interference on Performance in Migraine and Visual Discomfort Groups

Performance in migraine with and without visual aura, non-specific headache and headache-free control groups was measured using a visual search task. Data from groups with high and low visual discomfort were also gathered. No pattern, 2 c/deg, 15 c/deg and a grey field were used in different background conditions. Presentation of patterned backgrounds slowed performance for all groups with the 2 c/deg pattern producing greatest interference. Performance of headache groups did not differ from that of the control group in any condition. The high visual discomfort group responded significantly more slowly than other groups with the 2 c/deg background. It was concluded that the presence of visual discomfort, reported on an everyday basis was a better indicator of heightened sensory sensitivity than the occurrence of migraine with or without aura.
Skeletal muscle autophagy and protein breakdown following resistance exercise are similar in younger and older adults.

BACKGROUND The loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength during aging, sarcopenia, increases the risk for falls and dependency. Resistance exercise (RE) training is effective at improving muscle mass and strength in older adults; however, aging is associated with reduced training-induced hypertrophy. Recent research has illustrated an impaired muscle protein synthetic response following an acute bout of RE in older adults but much less is known regarding the effect of acute RE on muscle protein breakdown (MPB). We hypothesize that the ubiquitin proteasome system and the autophagosomal-lysosomal system may regulate the overall rate of MPB during postexercise recovery. METHODS Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were sampled from 16 older (age = 70±2 years) and 16 younger (age = 27±2 years) participants at baseline and at 3, 6, and 24 hours following an acute bout of RE. In conjunction with stable isotopic techniques to measure MPB, we utilized immunoblotting and RT-PCR to examine protein and mRNA expression for key signaling molecules in both the ubiquitin proteasome system and the autophagosomal-lysosomal system. RESULTS MuRF1 mRNA expression increased, whereas GABARAP mRNA decreased after RE in both younger and older adults (p < .05). The LC3B-II/LC3B-I protein ratio decreased in both groups after RE (p < .05), but MPB was not different 24 hour post-RE in either group (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS Aging does not influence skeletal MPB, autophagy, or the ubiquitin proteasome system following an acute bout of RE. Therefore, targeting the muscle protein synthesis response to exercise may hold more promise in the prevention of sarcopenia.
Sharp-Object-Induced Open-Globe Injuries in Iranian Children Admitted to a Major Tertiary Center: A Prospective Review of 125 Cases

Ocular trauma in children can result in catastrophic visual and psychological outcomes both for the child and his/her family. According to the WHO, childhood blindness is one of the major causes of avoidable blindness and so target of the Vision 2020 program. To achieve this program’s goals, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological patterns of ocular trauma in different countries which in its turn could be a valuable means to guide us in developing preventive measures. Our study is a hospital-based prospective study which was conducted to reveal detailed information about children who were admitted to a large tertiary care hospital with the diagnosis of lacerating globe injury due to a sharp object. Patients and Methods: During a 6-month period (December 2006 to June 2007), 125 eyes of 125 children (age ≤16 years) with the diagnosis of open-globe injury were enrolled. Clinical data were documented. Demographic data and details of the event were explored and documented based on the study questionnaire (adopting the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology and the United States Eye Injury Registry model as basis) by interviewing the parents and the child. Results: The mean age was 8.5 years (SD = 4.36 years, range: 1–16). The boys:girls ratio was 2.5:1; this ratio was age dependent, showing a significant increase with age. The home was the most frequent place (61.7%) for the trauma to occur in. Most traumas (50%) occurred in the afternoon (12 midday to 6 p.m.). Almost half of the traumas were unintentional self-injuries and occurred when the child was alone. A knife and fireworks were the two most frequent causes of injury. Conclusion: As the home is the most common place of ocular trauma in this age group and as lack of proper supervision and accessibility of sharp objects such as knives are the background of the event in most cases, it is strongly recommended to educate parents about providing a safe environment at home for their children. Work-related eye injuries in this age group should also be reduced by regulations for prohibiting children’s work or at least providing the necessary education and safety goggles.
Multiple shoot formation and plant regeneration from stem nodal explants of Paphiopedilum orchids

SummaryStem nodal explants of Paphiopedilum philippinense hybrids (hybrid PH59 and PH60) directly formed shoots when cultured on a modified half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium supplemented with a combination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D: 4.52 and 45.25 μM) and 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)-urea (TDZ; 0.45 and 4.54 μM) for 6 mo. On hormone-free basal medium, the percentages of explants with shoots were 33.3% and 0% and the shoot numbers per explant were 1 and 0 in hybrid PH59 and hybrid PH60, respectively. In hybrid PH59, 4.52 μM 2,4-D plus 0.45μM TDZ induced a higher percentage of explants with shoots and shoot number per explant than did the hormone-free treatment. In hybrid PH60, although 4.52 μM 2,4-D and 0.45 μM TDZ promoted shoot formation, the highest shoot number was found with 4.52 μM 2,4-D alone. Plantlets, each having several roots, were obtained from regenerated shoots after transferring onto hormone-free basal medium for 3 mo. The plantlets were potted in sphagnum moss, and acclimatized well in a greenhouse.
Endogenous Inside-Debt Compensation

Previous studies and regulators usually regard inside-debt compensation as a device to mitigate the conflict of interests between shareholders and debtholders, and believe that firms need to be enforced to pay their executives inside-debt compensations to resolve this conflict. However, although there is no federal mandate, in practice it is very common that firms voluntarily offer inside-debt compensations such as pensions and deferred compensations to their executives, which cannot be explained by extant research. In this paper we try to shed light on firms' endogenous reasons of offering inside-debt compensation. We examine a setting in which a firm seeks external fund from a competitive debt market for its project, and offers a compensation package which may include both performance-based and inside-debt compensations to its manager. We consider three scenarios with different seniority orders in claiming against the liquidation value upon bankruptcy. We find that in all the three scenarios, it is optimal for the firm to offer positive inside-debt compensation. This is because, by choosing the "right mix" between the inside-debt and the performance-based compensations, a firm is able to calibrate its manager's risk choice and achieve the first best to maximize its shareholders' welfare. Without inside-debt compensation, the firm is unable to achieve the first best.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE Adequate tissue oxygenation is essential for healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has potential clinical applications to treat ischemic pathologies, however the exact nature of any protective effects are unclear at present. We therefore investigated the potential role of HBOT in modulating the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury response in intestinal model of I/R injury. METHODS Male Wistar rats were subjected to surgery for the induction of intestinal ischemia followed by reperfusion. HBOT was provided before and/or after intestinal ischemia. Cell viability in the intestinal tissue was assessed using the MTT assay and by measuring serum malondealdehyde (MDA). Microvascular density and apoptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The results indicate that HBOT treatment pre- and post-ischemia reduces lesion size to the intestinal tissue. This treatment increases cell viability and reduces the activation of caspase-3, which is associated with increased number of tissue CD34 cells and enhanced VEGF expression. CONCLUSION The hyperbaric oxygen therapy can limit tissue damage due to ischemia/reperfusion injury, by inducing reparative signaling pathways.
MFCC-based Vocal Emotion Recognition Using ANN

Emotion recognition and verification is the automated determination of the psychological state of the speaker. This paper discusses the method to extract features from a recorded speech sample, and using those features, to detect the emotion of the subject. Mel-Frequency Cepstrum Coefficient (MFCC) method was used to extract these features. Every emotion comprises different vocal parameters exhibiting diverse characteristics of speech. These features result in different MFCC coefficients that are input to the trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN), which will analyze them with the stored database and compare the same to recognize the emotion.
Earnings Management and Cross Listing: Are Reconciled Earnings Comparable to Us Earnings?

We compare the characteristics of US GAAP earnings for US firms with reconciled earnings for non-US firms cross listing on US markets. We find that the reconciled earnings for non-US firms differ systematically from US GAAP earnings for US firms, and are characterized by more evidence of smoothing, a greater tendency to manage earnings towards a target, a lower association with share price and less timely recognition of losses. Further, splitting by country of domicile, firms from countries with relatively weak local investor protection environments show more evidence of earnings management in the reconciled accounts, suggesting that the extra layer of regulation imposed by the SEC does not supplant the effect of the local regulatory environment. While evidence of earnings management is stronger for cross-listed firms that reconcile to US GAAP than for those that prepare local accounts in accordance with US GAAP, both sets show more evidence of earnings management than the matched US firms, suggesting that reconciliation may explain part, but not all, of the results.
Childhood Autism Rating Scale − Tokyo Version for screening pervasive developmental disorders

Abstract To assess the utility of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale − Tokyo Version (CARS‐TV), its total score was compared among 430 children with DSM‐IV per subgroup (i.e. autistic disorder (AD), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), Asperger's disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) not otherwise specified (PDDNOS)). Values of Cronbach's alpha were 0.91 for the PDD group and 0.89 for the non‐PDD mental retardation (MR) group, and 0.93 for both groups combined. The total score was significantly higher in PDD (mean = 30.1, SD = 4.5) than in non‐PDD MR (mean = 22.9, SD = 3.3), t(503) = 13.7, P< 0.0001. The cut‐off to distinguish PDD from non‐PDD MR was 25.5/26, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 0.86, 0.83, 0.97 and 0.50, respectively. The total score differed significantly among the four groups, with CDD and AD being significantly higher than both PDDNOS and Asperger's disorder, PDDNOS being significantly higher than Asperger's disorder and no significant difference between CDD and AD. The cut‐off to distinguish AD from PDDNOS was 30/30.5, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 0.71, 0.75, 0.77 and 0.69, respectively. CARS‐TV seems to be a useful instrument for differentiating between PDD and non‐PDD MR and between AD and PDDNOS, although further replication is needed.
Does Breeding Status Influence Haematology and Blood Biochemistry of Yellow-Legged Gulls?

We compared the haematological and biochemical values within a population of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in the Chafarinas Islands (Northern Africa), in non-breeding (February) and breeding (May) animals. We collected blood samples from 51 adults. We found that according to the haematological data, there was a significant variation in haemoglobin content, and a higher proportion of heterophils, thrombocytes, and Haemoproteus infection in breeding individuals with a lower level in basophils. Blood biochemistry showed a higher level in plasmatic proteins, calcium, phosphorus, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and alkaline phosphatase as well as alanine aminotransferase activity in breeding animals while cholesterol and phospholipid levels showed a lower level. There was also a sexual difference in triglycerides, albumin, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and alkaline phosphatase activity. Hence, the haematological and blood chemistry values of yellow-legged gulls showed some differences between breeding and non-breeding individuals as well as between sexes.
Development of the pelvic plexus in human embryos and fetuses and its relationship with the pelvic viscera.

Development of the pelvic plexus is studied in 15 human embryos and 2 fetuses ranging in size from 4 to 132 mm. C.R. length. A tridimensional reconstruction of the entire pelvic block was made in two specimens (30 and 132 mm. C.R. length) 80 X. The first ganglionic elements appear in Carnegie's stage 16, but the real definition of what in the final anatomy of the plexus is described as the hypogastric ganglion (Lee-Frankenhäuser) is formed in stage 18. Complete development of the plexus occurs in stage 23. Other relevant facts are: the appearance in stage 18 of the pelvic splanchnic nerves, which are formed from S2, S3 and S4, the involvement of S1 and S5 were not observed in any case. In all specimens studied, a close proximity was seen between the pelvic plexus and genitourinary organs. Starting in stage 18, the terminal ureter consistently crosses the posterosuperior part of the pelvic plexus.
THE MECHANISM OF THE MOTOR RESPONSE TO PERIARTERIAL NERVE STIMULATION IN THE SMALL INTESTINE OF THE RABBIT

In the presence of guanethidine, periarterial nerve stimulation caused a frequency‐dependent motor response in the rabbit isolated ileum. Tachyphylaxis to capsaicin greatly diminished the effect of periarterial stimulation; the remaining portion of the contractile response was susceptible to hexamethonium. The motor effect of periarterial stimulation is mediated by two different mechanisms: one via parasympathetic preganglionic nerves and the other sensitive to capsaicin.
In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity of four newly developed quinolone agents against Legionella infection

We investigated the antibacterial activity of four newly developed quinolone agents, temafloxacin (TMFX, TA-167), sparfloxacin (SPFX , AT -4140) , OPC -17116 and Y 26611 against Legionella was investigated both in vitro and in vivo and compared them with those of other quinolone agents and with erythromycin. In vitro strength of the antibacterial activity was found to be in the order of strongest to weakest, as follows: temafloxacin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, OPC-17116, Y-26611, ofloxacin, norfloxacin and erythromycin. The quinolones showed higher intracellular than extracellular concentration in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. All quinolones and the erythromycin, at concentrations twice that of MIC, inhibited the growth of Legionella pneumophila in guinea pig peritoneal macrophages. In experimental L. pneumophila pneumonia in guinea pigs, the newly developed quinolone agents showed a significantly greater therapeutic effect than
Evaluation of a new generation of plastic culture bottles with an automated microbial detection system for nine common contaminating organisms found in PLT components

BACKGROUND: A microbial detection system (BacT/ALERT 3D, bioMérieux [formerly Organon Teknika]) has previously been validated with a variety of bacterial contaminants in PLTs. The recovery of nine organisms seeded into PLTs with new plastic culture bottles was studied in comparison to the current glass bottles. The use of plastic instead of glass would be expected to reduce the risk of injury.
Two-stage optimal control of a parallel hybrid vehicle with traffic preview

An approach for the optimal control of both velocity and torque split of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle with trac preview is presented in this paper. The optimal controller is analytically derived using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle. The optimal velocity and torque split trajectories developed are then repeatedly recalculated in a receding horizon fashion over drive cycles to assess the potential fuel saving with varying lengths of the trac preview.