Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
General Linear Mixed Model for Analysing Longitudinal Data in Developmental Research

Many areas of psychological, social, and health research are characterised by hierarchically structured data. Growth curves are usually represented by means of a two-level hierarchical structure in which observations are the first-level units nested within subjects, the second-level units. With data such as these, the best option for analysis is the general linear mixed model, which can be used even with longitudinal data series in which intervals are not constant or for which over the passage of time there is loss of data. In this paper an overview is given of the general linear mixed model approach to the analysis of longitudinal data in developmental research. The advantages of this model in comparison with the traditional approaches for analysing longitudinal data are shown, emphasising the usefulness of modelling the covariance structure properly to achieve a precise estimation of the parameters of the model.
Excitatory‐inhibitory relationship in the fascia dentata in the Ts65Dn mouse model of down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is a neurological disorder causing impaired learning and memory. Partial trisomy 16 mice (Ts65Dn) are a genetic model for DS. Previously, we demonstrated widespread alterations of pre‐ and postsynaptic elements and physiological abnormalities in Ts65Dn mice. The average diameter of presynaptic boutons and spines in the neocortex and hippocampus was enlarged. Failed induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) due to excessive inhibition was observed. In this paper we investigate the morphological substrate for excessive inhibition in Ts65Dn. We used electron microscopy (EM) to characterize synapses, confocal microscopy to analyze colocalization of the general marker for synaptic vesicle protein with specific protein markers for inhibitory and excitatory synapses, and densitometry to characterize the distribution of the receptor and several proteins essential for synaptic clustering of neurotransmitter receptors. EM analysis of synapses in the Ts65Dn vs. 2N showed that synaptic opposition lengths were significantly greater for symmetric synapses (∼18%), but not for asymmetric ones. Overall, a significant increase in colocalization coefficients of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)65/p38 immunoreactivity (IR) (∼27%) and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT)/p38 IR (∼41%) was found, but not in vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1)/p38 IR. A significant overall decrease of IR in the hippocampus of Ts65Dn mice compared with 2N mice for glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2; ∼13%) and anti‐γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor β2/3 subunit (∼20%) was also found. The study of proteins essential for synaptic clustering of receptors revealed a significant increase in puncta size for neuroligin 2 (∼13%) and GABAA receptor‐associated protein (GABARAP; ∼13%), but not for neuroligin 1 and gephyrin. The results demonstrate a significant alteration of inhibitory synapses in the fascia dentata of Ts65Dn mice. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:453–466, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization and validation of moving average quality control procedures using bias detection curves and moving average validation charts

Abstract Background: To date, no practical tools are available to obtain optimal settings for moving average (MA) as a continuous analytical quality control instrument. Also, there is no knowledge of the true bias detection properties of applied MA. We describe the use of bias detection curves for MA optimization and MA validation charts for validation of MA. Methods: MA optimization was performed on a data set of previously obtained consecutive assay results. Bias introduction and MA bias detection were simulated for multiple MA procedures (combination of truncation limits, calculation algorithms and control limits) and performed for various biases. Bias detection curves were generated by plotting the median number of test results needed for bias detection against the simulated introduced bias. In MA validation charts the minimum, median, and maximum numbers of assay results required for MA bias detection are shown for various bias. Their use was demonstrated for sodium, potassium, and albumin. Results: Bias detection curves allowed optimization of MA settings by graphical comparison of bias detection properties of multiple MA. The optimal MA was selected based on the bias detection characteristics obtained. MA validation charts were generated for selected optimal MA and provided insight into the range of results required for MA bias detection. Conclusions: Bias detection curves and MA validation charts are useful tools for optimization and validation of MA procedures.
Common DPYD mutation associated with 5-fluorouracil toxicity detected by PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis.

The human dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene (DPYD) encodes dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD; EC 1.3.1.2), the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the three-step pathway of uracil and thymine catabolism. DPD is also the principal enzyme involved in detoxification of pyrimidine-based antimetabolic analogs, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of solid tumors (colon, breast, head, neck, ovary, and skin). Because >80% of the administered 5-FU is degraded by DPD (1), the DPD catalytic activity in cancer patients could affect the efficacy of 5-FU treatment. In cancer patients with very low DPD activity, toxic reactions (e.g., diarrhea, stomatitis, mucositis, myelosuppression, and neurotoxicity) were reported that in some cases were life-threatening and sometimes fatal (2). A frequency as high as 3% of putative heterozygotes for DPD deficiency was also estimated based on catalytic activities in population studies (3)(4). The identification and characterization of the human DPD cDNA (5) made possible the identification and molecular analysis of mutations that affect DPD expression and catalytic activity. The most common mutation (6) associated …
Performance enhancement through the generalized bypass transform

The authors introduce a novel method for the acceleration of general logic circuits based on the assumption that the delay of a circuit is its longest sensitizable (non-false) path. Hence, circuits are accelerated not by reducing path length but by making paths false. The method is based on generalizing the transformation used to obtain the bypass adder to automatically, in an area efficient way, reduce the delay of any combinational logic circuit with paths of varying length. The authors prove that a circuit realizing any function can be accelerated in this manner, give a general algorithm, and prove bounds on the size of the gain expected. <<ETX>>
Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Acromioclavicular Joint Problems: A Systematic Review

Excision of the distal clavicle has become the mainstay of surgical treatment for acromioclavicular joint arthritis and osteolysis refractory to nonoperative management. Surgical options for symptomatic acromioclavicular joint abnormalities refractory to nonoperative treatment are the classic open distal clavicle excision, direct (superior) arthroscopic excision, and indirect (bursal) arthroscopic distal clavicle excision. We asked whether any of these three procedures provided a better result. We systematically reviewed the medical literature (Medline, EMBASE), assigned a level of evidence for available studies, and critically identified the flaws and biases in the studies to provide comparisons between the published reports. We limited the literature review to clinical reports in the English language published in peer-reviewed journals. The literature supports surgical excision, but the reports are all Level III or IV evidence consisting largely of retrospective case series. Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more “good or excellent” results than has the open procedure, but is comprised of low-level evidence. Distal clavicle resection has provided satisfactory results when combined with other procedures. Simple distal clavicle resection may have worse outcomes when performed after preceding trauma. The published reports of the removal of medial acromial and inferior distal clavicle osteophytes when performing subacromial decompression are conflicting and may increase post-operative acromioclavicular symptoms.Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Cutting Edge: T Cell Requirement for CD28 Costimulation Is Due to Negative Regulation of TCR Signals by PTEN1

Recent studies suggest that the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) plays a critical role in the maintenance of self-tolerance. Using T cell-specific PTEN knockout mice (PTENΔT), we have identified a novel mechanism by which PTEN regulates T cell tolerance. We found that TCR stimulation alone, without CD28 costimulation, is sufficient to induce hyperactivation of the PI3K pathway, which leads to enhanced IL-2 production by naive PTENΔT T cells. Importantly, as a result of this increased response to TCR stimulation, PTENΔT CD4+ T cells no longer require CD28 costimulation for in vitro or in vivo expansion. In fact, unlike wild-type T cells, PTENΔT CD4+ T cells are not anergized by delivery of TCR stimulation alone. These data suggest that by negatively regulating TCR signals, PTEN imposes a requirement for CD28 costimulation, thus defining a novel mechanism for its role in self-tolerance.
Is planned cesarean childbirth a safe alternative?

Cesarean birth rates have risen dramatically during the past decade, reaching more than 50% in some regions of the world, despite a lack of evidence of any increase in obstetric emergencies. [1][1],[2][2] The marked increase in primary elective cesarean delivery, particularly among women without an
NBTI in Nanoscale MOSFETs—The Ultimate Modeling Benchmark

After nearly half a century of research into the bias temperature instability, two classes of models have emerged as the strongest contenders. One class of models, the reaction-diffusion models, is built around the idea that hydrogen is released from the interface and that it is the diffusion of some form of hydrogen that controls both degradation and recovery. Although various variants of the reaction-diffusion idea have been published over the years, the most commonly used recent models are based on nondispersive reaction rates and nondispersive diffusion. The other class of models is based on the idea that degradation is controlled by first-order reactions with widely distributed (dispersive) reaction rates. We demonstrate that these two classes give fundamentally different predictions for the stochastic degradation and recovery of nanoscale devices, therefore providing the ultimate modeling benchmark. Using detailed experimental time-dependent defect spectroscopy data obtained on such nanoscale devices, we investigate the compatibility of these models with experiment. Our results show that the diffusion of hydrogen (or any other species) is unlikely to be the limiting aspect that determines degradation. On the other hand, the data are fully consistent with reaction-limited models. We finally argue that only the correct understanding of the physical mechanisms leading to the significant device-to-device variation observed in the degradation in nanoscale devices will enable accurate reliability projections and device optimization.
Skin and soft tissue infections caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis: Report of 20 cases

Abstract Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an unusually virulent coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS). The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of 20 cases of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) due to S. lugdunensis that occurred in our area. The frequency of SSTIs due to this organism was 0.42%. The infection was secondary to trauma, surgery or skin disease in 15 patients (75%). Abscesses (7 cases), surgical wound infections (6 cases) and cellulitis (3 cases) were the most common clinical presentations. Breast, abdomen and lower limbs were the most frequent locations. Twelve infections were community-acquired (60%) and S. lugdunensis was the only pathogen isolated from 15 of the 20 specimens (75%). All patients were cured after therapy with antibiotics, associated or not with surgical drainage. The duration of antibiotic treatment ranged from 5 to 21 days. All isolates were susceptible to most of the antibiotics tested including oxacillin. In conclusion, S. lugdunensis is a CoNS that should be considered a potential pathogen when isolated from SSTIs, especially in patients with skin diseases or after trauma or surgery. S. lugdunensis can be underrated if microbiology laboratories do not routinely identify CoNS to the species level in these infections.
Pica in an urban environment.

The practice of pica, the compulsive ingestion of nonfood substances over a sustained period of time, was studied in 553 African American women who were admitted to prenatal clinics in Washington, D.C. Dietary, biochemical, and psychosocial correlates of the pica practices of a subset of this urban population are presented in this paper. Geophagia, compulsive eating of clay or dirt, was not observed in these women; pagophagia, or the ingestion of large quantities of ice and freezer frost, was self reported in 8.1% of the women, who consumed 1/2 to 2 cups a day from 1 to 7 days per week. Serum ferritin concentrations of pica women were significantly lower during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy; the average values for three trimesters of pregnancy for both ferritin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were significantly lower in pica women than their nonpica counterparts (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.017, respectively). Although not significantly different, the iron (66 vs. 84% RDA) and calcium (60 vs. 75% RDA) contents of the diets of pica women were less those of nonpica women. Gestational age, body length, and body weight were not different, but head circumferences of infants delivered to pica women who consumed freezer frost and/or ice were smaller than those of nonpica women (P = 0.012). The hypothesis is presented that pica in African American women may be a mediator of stress, acting through the immune system. The size of the social support network of pica women was significantly less than that of nonpica women. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An Empirical Examination of Symptom Substitution Associated With Behavior Therapy for burette's Disorder

Corresponding Author: Alan L. Peterson, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 IH 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX 78229. Telephone: 210-562-6700. petersona3@uthscsa.edu. Alan Peterson, PhD, ABPP, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,7550 IH-10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA, petersona3@uthscsa.edu Joseph McGuire, MA, UCLA Semel Institute, 760 Westwood Plaza, 68-218A Semel Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095, jfmcguire@mednet.ucla. edu Sabine Wilhelm, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000 Boston, MA 02214, swilhelm@mgh.harvard. edu John Piacentini, PhD, UCLA Semel Institute, 760 Westwood Plaza, 67-455, Los Angeles, CA 90095, jpiacentini@mednet.ucla. edu Douglas Woods, PhD, Texas A & M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4235, dowoods@tamu.edu John Walkup, MD, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, jtw9001@med.cornell. edu John Hatch, PhD, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 IH-10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA, hatch@uthscsa.edu Robert Villarreal, MS, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 IH-10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA, villarreaR10@uthscsa.edu Lawrence Scahill, MSN, PhD, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, lawrence.scahill@emory.edu Author Contributions Dr. Peterson, Dr. Hatch, Mr. McGuire, and Mr. Villarreal had full access to the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. Study concept and design: Drs. Peterson, Wilhelm, Piacentini, Woods, Walkup, and Scahill. Analysis and interpretation of data: Dr. Peterson, Dr. Hatch, Mr. McGuire, and Mr. Villarreal. Drafting of the manuscript: Dr. Peterson, Dr. Hatch, Mr. McGuire, and Mr. Villarreal. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Drs. Peterson, Wilhelm, Piacentini, Woods, Walkup, and Scahill. Statistical analysis: Dr. Hatch. Obtained funding: Drs. Peterson, Wilhelm, Piacentini, Woods, Walkup, and Scahill. Administrative, technical, or material support: Dr. Peterson, Dr. Hatch, and Mr. McGuire. Study supervision: Drs. Peterson, Wilhelm, Piacentini, Woods, Walkup, and Scahill. Clinical Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov, identifiers: NCT00218777 and NCT00231985. Previous Presentation Some results described in this paper were presented as a poster at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, National Harbor, MD, on November 16, 2012. HHS Public Access Author manuscript Behav Ther. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2018 January 09. Published in final edited form as: Behav Ther. 2016 January ; 47(1): 29–41. doi:10.1016/j.beth. 2015.09. 001. A uhor M anscript
4. ve 5. Sınıflarda Görev Yapan Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Üstbilişsel Farkındalık Düzeylerinin Çeşitli Değişkenler Açısından İncelenmesi

Bu arastirmanin konusu ilkogretim okullarinda gorev yapan 4. ve 5. okutan sinif ogretmenlerinin ustbilissel farkindalik duzeylerinin yas, cinsiyet, medeni durum, kidem, mezuniyet durumu, mezun olunan okul degiskenlerine gore karsilastirilarak incelenmesidir. Bu amacla Sivas ili Merkez okullarinda bulunan 131 (47 kadin; 84 erkek) sinif ogretmeni calismanin orneklemini olusturmaktadir. Arastirmada veri toplama araci olarak Schraw ve Dennison tarafindan gelistirilen ve Akin, Abaci ve Cetin tarafindan Turkce uyarlamasi yapilan Bilis otesi Farkindalik Envanteri orneklem disi tutulan sinif ogretmenleri uzerinde gecerlilik yonu sinanarak kullanilmistir. Calisma 2011-2012 egitim ve ogretim yilinda yurutulmustur. Elde edilen veriler, SPSS 17.0 paket programinda analiz edilmistir. Arastirmanin bulgularina gore sinif ogretmenlerinin ustbilissel farkindalik duzeyleri cinsiyet baglaminda bayan ogretmenlerin ustbilissel farkindaliklarinin (x=211.74) , erkek ogretmenlerden (x=209.35) daha yuksek oldugu gorulurken; medeni durum ve diger degiskenlere iliskin (P>,05) anlamli farklilik gorulmemistir. Arastirma verilerine dayanarak sinif ogretmenlerinin ustbilissel farkindaliklarina iliskin bilgi ve kazanimlarinin artirilmasi amaciyla hizmet ici kurslar duzenlenmesi gibi oneriler siralanmistir
Comparison of the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot and CMV QuantiFERON Cell-Mediated Immune Assays in CMV-Seropositive and -Seronegative Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women

ABSTRACT Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of congenital infection leading to birth defects and sensorineural anomalies, including deafness. Recently, cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in pregnant women has been shown to correlate with congenital CMV transmission. In this study, two interferon gamma release assays (IGRA), the CMV enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) and CMV QuantiFERON assays, detecting CMV-specific CMI were compared. These assays were performed for 80 CMV-infected (57 primarily and 23 nonprimarily) pregnant women and 115 controls, including 89 healthy CMV-seropositive pregnant women without active CMV infection, 15 CMV-seronegative pregnant women, and 11 seropositive or seronegative nonpregnant women. Statistical tests, including frequency distribution analysis, nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank test, Wilcoxon rank sum test for equality on unmatched data, and lowess smoothing local regression, were employed to determine statistical differences between groups and correlation between the assays. The CMV ELISPOT and CMV QuantiFERON assay data were not normally distributed and did not display equal variance. The CMV ELISPOT but not CMV QuantiFERON assay displayed significant higher values for primarily CMV-infected women than for the healthy seropositive pregnant and nonpregnant groups (P = 0.0057 and 0.0379, respectively) and those with nonprimary infections (P = 0.0104). The lowess local regression model comparing the assays on an individual basis showed a value bandwidth of 0.8. Both assays were highly accurate in discriminating CMV-seronegative pregnant women. The CMV ELISPOT assay was more effective than CMV-QuantiFERON in differentiating primary from the nonprimary infections. A substantial degree of variability exists between CMV ELISPOT and CMV QuantiFERON assay results for CMV-seropositive pregnant women.
Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) causes intestinal histopathology and inflammatory changes consistent with increased gut leakiness in chickens

ABSTRACT 1. The clinical severity, histological changes, indicators of gut leakiness and inflammatory cytokine profiles were studied in chickens with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation. 2. The experimental groups (1.25%, 1.5% and 2.5% DSS) showed clinical signs, such as loose stools and weight loss, which increased with additional treatment days and, as expected, the effects of DSS-induced intestinal inflammation were time and dose-dependent. 3. After 10 d, histological manifestations were evident, including goblet cell depletion, mucus layer loss, significantly shorter villi and a thinner total ileal mucosa. 4. The d(-)-lactate value, which was used as a gut leakiness indicator, was significantly increased in the 2.5% DSS group. 5. Expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1Beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-10 in the serum significantly increased with DSS treatment. 6. This study indicates that the experimental intestinal inflammation induced by DSS is an ideal model to study the pathogenic mechanisms of intestinal inflammation in chickens and to test the efficacy of therapies.
Temporal Dynamics of Carbon Partitioning and Rhizodeposition in Wheat1

The temporal dynamics of partitioning and rhizodeposition of recent photosynthate in wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots were quantified in situ in solution culture. After a 30-min pulse of 14CO2 to a single intact leaf, 14C activities of individual carbon fluxes in the root, including exudation, respiration, and root content, were measured continuously over the next 20 h concurrently with 14C efflux from the leaf. Immediately after the end of the 14CO2 pulse, 14C activity was detected in the root, the hydroponic solution, and in root respiration. The rate of 14C exudation from the root was maximal after 2 to 3 h, and declined to one-third of maximum after a further 5 h. Completion of the rapid phase of 14C efflux from the leaf coincided with peak 14C exudation rate. Thus, exudation flux is much more rapidly and dynamically coupled to current photosynthesis than has been appreciated. Careful cross-calibration of 14C counting methods allowed a dynamic 14C budget to be constructed for the root. Cumulative 14C exudation after 20 h was around 3% of 14C fixed in photosynthesis. Partitioning of photosynthate between shoot and root was manipulated by partial defoliation before applying the 14CO2 pulse to the remaining intact leaf. Although the rate of photosynthesis was largely unaffected by partial defoliation, the proportion of new photosynthate subsequently partitioned to and exuded from the root was substantially reduced. This clearly indicates that exudation depends more on the rate of carbon import into the root than on the rate of photosynthesis.