Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Timing of Precolumbian Militarization in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast

Abstract Bayesian chronological modeling is used to investigate the chronology of bastioned palisades during the precolumbian period in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Nine precolumbian settlements in the Midwest and Southeast with bastioned palisades have been subject to scientific dating (Angel Mounds, Annis Village, Aztalan, Cahokia Mounds, Etowah, Kincaid Mounds, Jonathan Creek, Moundville, and Southwind). Complete radiocarbon datasets from these sites are presented within an interpretative Bayesian statistical framework. The results provide a glimpse into the history of Mississippi period (A.D. 1000–1700) fortifications with bastions and indicate that the analyzed fortifications were built and maintained predominantly in A.D. 1200–1400. This finding suggests a greater institutionalized role for defense and warfare in post-A.D. 1200 Mississippian societies. Additionally, modeling results further indicate that the investigated Mississippian centers continued to maintain fortifications for generations after their construction.
Protein Kinase C-dependent Phosphorylation of Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 6 (TRPC6) on Serine 448 Causes Channel Inhibition*

TRPC6 is a cation channel in the plasma membrane that plays a role in Ca2+ entry following the stimulation of a Gq-protein coupled or tyrosine kinase receptor. A dysregulation of TRPC6 activity causes abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells and glomerulosclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of TRPC6 activity by protein kinase C (PKC). We showed that inhibiting PKC with GF1 or activating it with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate potentiated and inhibited agonist-induced Ca2+ entry, respectively, into cells expressing TRPC6. Similar results were obtained when TRPC6 was directly activated with 1-oleyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol. Activation of the cells with carbachol increased the phosphorylation of TRPC6, an effect that was prevented by the inhibition of PKC. The target residue of PKC was identified by an alanine screen of all canonical PKC sites on TRPC6. Unexpectedly, all the mutants, including TRPC6S768A (a residue previously proposed to be a target for PKC), displayed PKC-dependent inhibition of channel activity. Phosphorylation prediction software suggested that Ser448, in a non-canonical PKC consensus sequence, was a potential target for PKCδ. Ba2+ and Ca2+ entry experiments revealed that GF1 did not potentiate TRPC6S448A activity. Moreover, activation of PKC did not enhance the phosphorylation state of TRPC6S448A. Using A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells, which endogenously express TRPC6, we observed that a novel PKC isoform is involved in the inhibition of the vasopressin-induced Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, knocking down PKCδ in A7r5 cells potentiated vasopressin-induced Ca2+ entry. In summary, we provide evidence that PKCδ exerts a negative feedback effect on TRPC6 through the phosphorylation of Ser448.
Results of Peritoneal Equilibration Test during Treatment with Polyglucose Dialysis Solution

Background Results of peritoneal equilibration test (PET) suggest prolonged effect of polyglucose dialysis solution (PG-DS) on peritoneal permeability. Objectives An evaluation of dialysate-to-plasma ratio (D/P) of urea, D/P creatinine, and D/D0 glucose (ratio of dialysate glucose at designated dwell time to dialysate glucose at 0 dwell time), and mass transfer area coefficients (KBD) of these solutes in PET before introduction, during administration, and after discontinuation of PG-DS in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Design Single-center prospective study with PG-DS; retrospective selection of the control group. Setting Peritoneal dialysis unit in a university hospital. Patients Fourteen patients (11 males; age 45.1 ± 8.5 years) treated with CAPD for 17.5 ± 9.9 months. 7.5% PG-DS was used for the overnight exchange. After discontinuation of the PG-DS, standard dialysis solutions, as previously used, were reintroduced. The control group was selected to match both CAPD duration and peritoneal permeability of the patients in the PG-DS group at the start of the study. Methods Standard PET was carried out at 1.6 ± 0.8 months before the introduction of PG-DS (study period I, n = 14), after 1.2 ± 0.6 months’ use of PG-DS (study period II, n = 14), after 4.4 ± 0.8 months’ use of PG-DS (study period III, n = 11), after 8.8 ± 2.2 months’ use of PG-DS (study period IV, n = 9), and at 2.0 ± 0.6 months after PG-DS discontinuation (study period V, n = 11). Patients in the control group underwent PET at similar time intervals (control periods I – V). Results In the PG-DS group, a tendency toward increased peritoneal permeability for urea and creatinine was shown during the consecutive study periods. D/D0 glucose was significantly higher only in the PET performed during use of PG-DS (periods II – IV) compared to results obtained in period I. In the control group, both D/P and KBD of both urea and creatinine remained unchanged, but KBD glucose was higher in the first 2 hours of the PET in control period V compared to respective values in control period III. Conclusion Changes in peritoneal permeability are observed in CAPD patients treated with PG-DS. These changes may be at least partially related to the administration of polyglucose.
Bilateral Congenital Corneal Keloids and Anterior Segment Mesenchymal Dysgenesis in a Case of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

Purpose. To report the unusual association of bilateral corneal keloids and anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis in a child with Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome. Methods. Case report of a 2-year-old boy. Results. Excision of the epicorneal mass in the right eye was followed by recurrence of the lesion. Multiple penetrating keratoplasties were unsuccessful in reconstructing the anterior segment because of recurrent corneal epithelial breakdown, suggesting limbal stem cell insufficiency. Histopathology and electron microscopy of the excised mass lesion showed features typical of a corneal keloid: thickened keratinized epithelium, absent Bowman's layer, and fibrovascular hyperplasia, with haphazard orientation of the collagen lamellae. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and intraoperative findings suggested a diagnosis of Peter anomaly, but genetic analysis did not show a PAX6 mutation. Conclusion. The findings in our patient add to the spectrum of ocular changes described in Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome and confirm earlier reports of poor ocular prognosis in corneal keloids and Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome.
Cognitive Processes and Prosocial Behaviors Among Children: The Role of Affective Attributions and Reconciliations

Although attributions about others' sad emotions have been shown to be positively related to helping behavior, there have been considerable inconsistencies in the findings. This study was designed to investigate the relations of affective attributions, affective reconciliations, and cognitive perspective-taking measures to prosocial behavior. Eighty-nine preschool through second grade children were administered various social cognition indices (two affective and one cognitive); the children were then given an opportunity to help a same-sex confederate child obtain toys
Symbol Flipping Algorithm With Self-Adjustment Strategy for LDPC Codes Over GF($q$)

Compared with the non-prediction algorithm, the prediction-based symbol flipping decoding algorithm of non-binary, low-density, parity-check codes over GF(<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$</tex-math></inline-formula>) can significantly improve the error performance. To escape from undesirable local maximum, this paper proposes a self-adjustment strategy to redesign the flipping metric. Combined with the prediction mechanism, our proposed algorithm provides a good tradeoff between the complexity and the error correction performance. Simulation results for the additive white Gaussian noise channel and the binary symmetric channel verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Haemodialysis increases QT(c) interval but not QT(c) dispersion in ESRD patients without manifest cardiac disease.

BACKGROUND HD has been reported to determine an increase in QTc interval and QTc dispersion (QT(max)-QT(min))-risk factors that predispose to severe ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. However, most studies have included end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with significant heart pathology. We therefore aimed to study the impact of a single HD session in subjects without manifest cardiac disease. METHODS Sixty-eight stable, non-diabetic HD patients (47.1% males, age 40.2+/-12.7 years, HD duration 57+/-36 months and 37% hypertensive), with normal maximal ECG stress test and sub-endocardiac viability index and without ECG left ventricular hypertrophy were included. QT interval was calculated 10 min pre- and post-HD, as an average of three consecutive complexes, and corrected for heart rate using Bazett's formula (QTc=QT/(R-R)(1/2)). Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), PO(4), pH and BP levels were also determined pre- and post-HD. RESULTS The QTc interval increased significantly post-HD to 434+/-29 from 421+/-26 ms pre-HD (P=0.005); an abnormally prolonged QTc (>440 ms) was recorded in 34% cases pre-HD and in 46% post-HD, i.e. 1.5-2.3 times higher than in the high risk EURODIAB IDDM population. However, this effect was not homogeneous. Only 47 subjects had an increase in QTc duration after a dialysis session, while in 21 a decrease in QTc duration was recorded. The increase in QTc post-HD correlated with Ca(2+) homeostasis. Patients with greater increases in QTc after dialysis had higher baseline plasma calcium levels (r=0.47, P<0.001); also, a larger decrease in Ca(2+) post-HD correlated with higher increases in QTc interval (r=0.33, P<0.05). In contrast with QTc behaviour and with data from the literature, in this young HD population without manifest cardiac disease and with a low prevalence of HTA, post-HD QTc dispersion was similar to pre-HD values, increasing in only 39 patients. Furthermore, changes in QTc dispersion were not related to changes in electrolytes and BP following dialysis. However, changes in QTc dispersion and in QTc interval were directly correlated (r=0.37, P=0.42). There were no relationships between pre-HD measured echocardiographic variables, including: LV ejection fraction, internal diameters, wall thickness, mass and mass index and baseline or changes in QTc or QTc-d. CONCLUSIONS Haemodialysis increases the QTc interval in ESRD patients, mainly related to rapid changes in electrolyte plasma concentrations. However, the impact on QTc dispersion is less important in the absence of significant coexisting cardiac disease.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from Chinese Patients

Helicobacter pylori, the major cause of gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, infects half of the world population, but only a few infections lead to serious disease. In order to investigate specific proteins related to the pathogenic difference of this bacterium, comparative proteome analyses of Helicobacter pylori C1 (isolated from patients with gastric cancer) and G1 (isolated from patients with gastritis) were performed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Four proteins (inorganic pyrophosphatase, 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase subunit B, translation elongation factor, and aldo-keto reductase) were found only in Helicobacter pylori C1, and one protein (alkyl hydroperoxide reductase) was found in G1. Additionally, different isoelectric points (pI) of Hsp60 were observed from the two strains. Then we cloned and sequenced Hsp60 genes from forty-nine Helicobacter pylori isolated from gastric cancer and gastritis. Gene sequencing showed that one C→G single nucleotide polymorphism occurred in the 1399th nucleotide of Hsp60. These results indicate that pathogenic differences exist in various Helicobacter pylori isolated from Chinese patients.
Ciprofloxacin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% topical drops for the management of otic infections

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery has recommended that, where possible, infections of the external auditory canal and middle ear be treated with topical preparations. The advantages of topical therapy include i) excellent efficacy; ii) decreased risk of systemic side effects; iii) less likelihood of selecting for resistant strains of microorganisms; and iv) lack of potential for ototoxicity. One advantage of topical therapy arises as a consequence of a very high concentration of antibiotic in topical preparations reaching the site of infection. Ciprofloxacin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% (Ciprodex®) is the only ototopical drop approved for use in both the middle ear and external auditory canal that combines a fluoroquinolone with a steroid. At 0.3% (3000 mcg/ml), the ciprofloxacin concentration of Ciprodex exceeds the MIC of virtually all relevant organisms by a very considerable margin. The clinical efficacy of ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone suspension has been demonstrated in several large prospective clinical trials. It has been consistently equal to or superior to comparator drugs. The authors believe that the use of topical ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone will increase as the advantages of fluoroquinolone/steroid combination therapy become more widely recognized.
Delay of gratification and executive performance in individuals with schizophrenia: putative role for eating behavior and body weight regulation.

OBJECTIVE Impairment in executive functions and disturbed weight regulation are common features in individuals with schizophrenia on antipsychotics. Still, the clinical management of weight gain, including educational programs, is insufficient. Therefore, we hypothesized that distinct executive impairment is associated with the inability to self-control food intake. METHOD In the present study we investigated the performance in a paradigm analyzing the executive subfunction "delay of gratification" in individuals with schizophrenia (n=29) compared with controls (n=23) and the interrelationship between delay of gratification, overall executive functioning, reported eating behavior and the BMI. We applied a board-game paradigm to operationalize delay of gratification: on designated fields individuals need to decide about a small amount of immediate reinforcement versus double the amount in the end. Appetite and eating behavior were assessed by self-report scales, executive functioning by BADS. RESULTS We found that the patients performed significantly worse in our paradigm and that this is associated with lower executive functioning. However, the interrelationship between all parameters is complex: there is a significant positive correlation between the reported perceived appetite and executive functioning whereas the reported restrained eating behavior, significantly more frequent in patients, is correlated with low executive functioning and high disinhibition in eating situations. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that executive functions are necessary to successfully manage eating behavior. Thus, better understanding of the cognitive mechanisms might help to support the patients more efficiently in their tough job to keep control.
Dynamic bidirectional reflectance distribution functions: Measurement and representation

With high-energy lasers, not only the direct laser beam can pose significant eye and skin hazards, but also light reflecting off material illuminated by the beam. Proper hazard analysis for a material irradiated by a laser relies upon the reflecting properties of the material surface, as these properties determine the magnitude and direction of the reflected laser energy commonly characterized by the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). However, a high-energy laser heating and possibly melting a material can change the reflecting properties of that material, so these changes must be included in the hazard analysis. Traditional methods for measuring the BRDFs of materials are not practical for measurement of materials with rapidly-changing surface properties. However, BRDF measurement by imagery of a witness screen allows for practical measurements of the dynamically-changing BRDFs of materials under high-energy laser irradiation. Using this technique, the dynamic BRDFs of stainless stee.
THE APPLICATION OF CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY TO THE STUDY OF LIPOSOME ADSORPTION ONTO BACTERIAL BIOFILMS

ABSTRACT Confocal laser scanning microscopy has been used to visualise the adsorption of fluorescently labelled liposomes on immobilised biofilms of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The liposomes were prepared with a wide range of compositions with phosphatidylcholines as the predominant lipids using the extrusion technique. They had weight average diameters of 125 ± 5 nm and were prepared with encapsulated carboxyfluorescein. Cationic liposomes were prepared by incorporating dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB) or 3, β [N-(N1,N1 dimethylammonium ethane)–carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-chol) and anionic liposomes were prepared by incorporation of phosphatidylinositol (PI). Pegylated cationic liposomes were prepared by incorporation of DDAB and 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine-N-[polyethylene glycol)–2000]. Confocal laser scanned images showed the preferential adsorption of the fluorescent cationic liposomes at the biofilm–bulk phase interface which on quantitation gave fluorescent peaks at the interface when scanned perpendicular (z-direction) to the biofilm surface (x–y plane). The biofilm fluorescence enhancement (BFE) at the interface was examined as a function of liposomal lipid concentration and liposome composition. Studies of the extent of pegylation of the cationic liposomes incorporating DDAB, on adsorption at the biofilm–bulk phase interface were made. The results demonstrated that pegylation inhibited adsorption to the bacterial biofilms as seen by the decline in the peak of fluorescence as the mole% DPPE-PEG-2000 was increased in a range from 0 to 9 mole%. The results indicate that confocal laser scanning microscopy is a useful technique for the study of liposome adsorption to bacterial biofilms and complements the method based on the use of radiolabelled liposomes.
College Students' Drinking Problems: A National Study, 1982–1991

The drinking problems of college students from every state in the continental United States were examined in 1982 (n = 4,405), 1985 (n = 3,453), 1988 (n = 4,343), and 1991 (n = 3,907). Observed were increases in 10 of the 17 problems studied and decreases in four; three of the decreases were in driving-related problems.
Disinfection of hatching eggs by formaldehyde fumigation - a review.

Microbial contamination of hatching eggs is a main concern of poultry producers as it causes poor hatchability and chick performance. It is evident that high standards of hygiene must be practised in hatcheries in order to minimise the soiling of eggs but, further disinfection of eggs is also necessary to limit bacterial numbers. Methods used include the application of disinfectants by wiping, spraying, and dipping but, arguably, the most effective way of disinfection of hatching eggs is fumigation with formaldehyde. Eggs can be fumigated during incubation or at pipping (during or just after the transfer to the hatcher), but most commonly prior to incubation. Formaldehyde, besides being an excellent anti-microbial agent, is also a toxic chemical and, as such, can seriously damage the dormant embryo if fumigation is carried out improperly. The part of the egg most exposed to the fumigant is the outmost organic layer, the cuticle, an important barrier to microbial invasion. Any damage of the cuticle may have serious consequences during incubation. The aim of fumigation is therefore twofold: to reduce microbial count and to minimise the adverse effects of contamination whilst causing as little damage to the developing embryo as possible. In order to fumigate effectively, the balance must be found. The importance of fumigation in hatchery practice is undoubtable, yet an overall and detailed review on the subject is still lacking. Moreover, results are sometimes conflicting or even misleading. The present review is an attempt to provide a summary of the literature on fumigation with a particular emphasis on the circumstances of this way of disinfection and the possible dangers to the developing embryo. It was also an aim to clear the contradictions and offer possible explanations for consideration. Since fumigation is usually performed prior to incubation, the following review concentrates primarily on investigations on the conditions and effects of this practice.
22q13 deletion syndrome.

We have recently collected clinical information on 37 individuals with deletion of 22q13 and compared the features of these individuals with 24 previously reported cases. The features most frequently associated with this deletion are global developmental delay, generalized hypotonia, absent or severely delayed speech, and normal to advanced growth. Minor anomalies include dolicocephaly, abnormal ears, ptosis, dysplastic toenails, and relatively large hands. As with many terminal deletions involving pale G-band regions, the deletion can be extremely subtle and can go undetected on routine cytogenetic analysis. In fact, 32% of the individuals in our study had previous chromosome analyses that failed to detect the deletion. Eight of 37 individuals had deletion of 22q13 secondary to an unbalanced chromosome translocation. In the newborn, this deletion should be considered in cases of hypotonia for which other common causes have been excluded. In the older child, this syndrome should be suspected in individuals with normal growth, profound developmental delay, absent or delayed speech, and minor dysmorphic features. We recommend high-resolution chromosome analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, or molecular analysis to exclude this diagnosis.
Soft Tissue Mechanics of the Temporomandibular Joint

Direct measurement of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissue deformation requires animal experimentation. Most of the available data pertain to the mechanical strain on the bone surfaces around the joint. However, bone is rarely the first joint tissue to show injury, being affected after damage to collagenous tissues such as the disc or capsule. Capsular ligaments guide or limit movement, while the intra-articular disc may also distribute joint loads. However, these tissues are difficult to visualize dynamically and not suitable for strain gage attachment, so in vivo deformations are poorly understood. Using pigs as the best nonprimate model for human TMJ function, we implanted differential variable reluctance transducers to measure antero-posterior strain in the lateral aspect of the intra-articular disc. The results were compared to previously published data on the TMJ capsule. Passive manipulation in anesthetized animals indicated that opening, protrusion, and contralateral movements caused the disc to elongate. On the contrary, closing, retrusion and ipsilateral movements caused disc shortening. These strains are opposite to those observed in the capsule and are expected on anatomical grounds. Surprisingly, disc strain during mastication differed from that during manipulation. The disc elongated during jaw closure, more on the retruding balancing side (16% ± 1) than on the working side (8% ± 2). This anomalous behavior may reflect compressive loading, such that the disc elongates as a result of the Poisson effect rather than condylar movement. Because the capsule also elongates during the power stroke, especially on the balancing side, both disc and capsule are maximally loaded on the same side at the same moment.