Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Priming and stimulus–response learning in perceptual classification tasks

Participants often respond more quickly and more accurately to a repeated stimulus compared to a non-repeated one, a phenomenon known as repetition priming. In semantic classification tasks priming appears to be largely attributable to the learning of stimulus–decision and stimulus–response associations, which allow participants to bypass many of the processes engaged during initial stimulus analysis. The current study tested whether stimulus–response learning plays a similarly dominant role in priming that occurs in perceptual classification tasks. Unfamiliar objects were used as stimuli to reduce the influence of semantic processes on priming and the task switched for all test trials to eliminate stimulus–decision learning. The results showed across-task priming as measured by reaction time facilitation and improved accuracy when the response remained the same during the encoding and test phases. When the response switched, similar levels of reaction time facilitation were observed, but priming as measured by accuracy was significantly reduced and no longer significant. These findings indicate that stimulus–response learning contributes to priming in perceptual classification tasks, but does not play a dominant role. Significant stimulus-level learning that is independent of the task and response also occurs and likely indexes facilitated perceptual processing of the objects.
Evidence-Based Policy

Evidence-based policy making is espoused as a central feature of government in the United Kingdom. However, an expectation that this will improve the quality of policy produced and provide a path to increased involvement of nurses in the policy process is misplaced. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the emphasis on evidence-based policy is problematic and cannot be regarded as a “new model” of policy making. Also, it could deflect attention from more practical approaches to policy involvement on the part of nurses. Policy development activities, acquisition of skills in policy analysis, and other forms of involvement are needed if nurses are to move along the continuum from policy literacy, through policy acumen, to policy competence. This involves taking a critical stance on the notion of evidence-based policy.
The effects of the caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on erythrocyte membrane damage after hind limb ischaemia–reperfusion

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in pathogenesis injury after ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R). Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE), an active component of honeybee propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CAPE on erythrocyte membrane damage after hind limb I/R. Rats were divided into two groups: I/R and I/R with CAPE pre‐treatment. They were anaesthetized with intramuscular ketamine 100 mg kg−1. A 4‐h I/R period was performed on the right hind limb of all animals. In the CAPE‐treated group, animals received CAPE 10 μm by intraperitoneal injection 1 h before the reperfusion. At the end of the reperfusion period, a midsternotomy was performed. A 5‐ml blood sample was withdrawn from the ascending aorta for biochemical assays. Serum and erythrocyte membrane MDA levels were significantly lower in the CAPE‐treated group when compared to the I/R group ( p = 0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Erythrocyte membrane Na+‐K+ ATPases activity in the CAPE‐treated group was significantly higher than the I/R group ( p<0.001). In conclusion, CAPE seems to be effective in protecting against oxidative stress. Therefore, we suggest that in order to decrease I/R injury, pre‐administration of CAPE may be a promising agent for a variety of conditions associated with I/R. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Study of Renal Outcomes in African American Living Kidney Donors

Background. Little is known about the long-term outcomes of African American living kidney donors (AALKDs). We undertook this study to describe renal outcomes of AALKDs several years after donation. Methods. We invited 107 AALKDs to come for follow-up health evaluation. Results. Thirty-nine subjects (36.4%) completed evaluation at a mean of 7.1±1.6 (range, 3.9–10.2) years postdonation. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation [eGFR(MDRD)] at follow-up was 72.1±16.3 (range, 42–106) mL/min/1.73 m2, and 18% of subjects had an eGFR(MDRD) of 30 to 59. The mean absolute and relative decrease in eGFR(MDRD) from the time of donation to follow-up was 30.5±16.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 28.8%, respectively. Subjects whose body mass index was more than or equal to 35 kg/m2 (n=8) were found to have a greater decrement in e(MDRD) than those with body mass index less than 35 kg/m2 (40.1±7.3 and 28.3±17.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; P=0.009). Sixteen (41%) were hypertensive at follow-up, as defined as treatment with antihypertensive medications (n=8) or average blood pressure of more than or equal to 140 systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic (n=10, of whom two were on antihypertensive medications). One subject had macroalbuminuria (>300 &mgr;g/mg creatinine), and six (15.4%) had microalbuminuria (30–300 &mgr;g/mg creatinine). Conclusions. AALKDs experience a substantial incidence of hypertension and a modest drop in eGFR(MDRD) postdonation, and obesity may increase the magnitude of renal decline. Further study is urgently needed to determine the long-term risks of AALKDs.
A comparison of microsatellite‐based pairwise relatedness estimators

Studies of inbreeding depression or kin selection require knowledge of relatedness between individuals. If pedigree information is lacking, one has to rely on genotypic information to infer relatedness. In this study we investigated the performance (absolute and relative) of 10 marker‐based relatedness estimators using allele frequencies at microsatellite loci obtained from natural populations of two bird species and one mammal species. Using Monte Carlo simulations we show that many factors affect the performance of estimators and that different sets of loci promote the use of different estimators: in general, there is no single best‐performing estimator. The use of locus‐specific weights turns out to greatly improve the performance of estimators when marker loci are used that differ strongly in allele frequency distribution. Microsatellite‐based estimates are expected to explain between 25 and 79% of variation in true relatedness depending on the microsatellite dataset and on the population composition (i.e. the frequency distribution of relationship in the population). We recommend performing Monte Carlo simulations to decide which estimator to use in studies of pairwise relatedness.
Diagnosing a learning practice: the validity and reliability of a learning practice inventory

Background There is an increasing literature on learning organisations as a way of fostering communication, teamwork, collaboration and collective learning, thereby promoting quality improvement and enhancing patient safety. An increasing number of instruments are being developed in an attempt to measure learning organisation characteristics. However, the majority of these tools are created for a business setting, have not been scientifically tested and have not been applied in healthcare. Objective To evaluate elements of the validity and reliability of an instrument (ie, learning practice inventory (LPI)) for diagnosing learning practice characteristics in primary healthcare. Method Content validity was evaluated using a modified nominal group technique and a content validity rating scale. Construct validity and reliability evaluation was undertaken with 10 staff members from 10 general practices in the west of Scotland. Staff completed the inventory twice, 4–6 weeks apart. Applying generalisability theory, a variance component analysis was performed. Results The main findings present evidence that the inventory has acceptable reliability and content validity. The results also demonstrate that the inventory can reflect the consistent and uniquely different perspectives of particular designations of staff within a practice. It is possible to compare practices' overall learning environments and to identify specific areas of practice strength as well as areas for development. Conclusion This study demonstrates the psychometric properties of a learning practice diagnostic inventory. It highlights the consistently different perspectives that individual staff groups have on the function of their practice, suggesting that the success of quality improvement initiatives may be compromised without the involvement and true engagement of each staff group.
Multiple molecular architectures of the eye lens chaperone αB-crystallin elucidated by a triple hybrid approach

The molecular chaperone αB-crystallin, the major player in maintaining the transparency of the eye lens, prevents stress-damaged and aging lens proteins from aggregation. In nonlenticular cells, it is involved in various neurological diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Given its structural plasticity and dynamics, structure analysis of αB-crystallin presented hitherto a formidable challenge. Here we present a pseudoatomic model of a 24-meric αB-crystallin assembly obtained by a triple hybrid approach combining data from cryoelectron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and structural modeling. The model, confirmed by cross-linking and mass spectrometry, shows that the subunits interact within the oligomer in different, defined conformations. We further present the molecular architectures of additional well-defined αB-crystallin assemblies with larger or smaller numbers of subunits, provide the mechanism how “heterogeneity” is achieved by a small set of defined structural variations, and analyze the factors modulating the oligomer equilibrium of αB-crystallin and thus its chaperone activity.
Structure and organization of an avian haemosporidian assemblage in a Neotropical savanna in Brazil

SUMMARY Studies on avian haemosporidia are on the rise, but we still lack a basic understanding of how ecological and evolutionary factors mold the distributions of haemosporidia among species in the same bird community. We studied the structure and organization of a local avian haemosporidian assemblage (genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in the Cerrado biome of Central Brazil for 5 years. We obtained 790 blood samples from 54 bird species of which 166 (21%) were infected with haemosporidians based on molecular diagnostics. Partial sequences of the parasite cytochrome b gene revealed 18 differentiated avian haemosporidian lineages. We also analysed the relationship of life-history traits (i.e., nesting height, migration status, nest type, sociality, body mass, and embryo development period) of the 14 most abundant bird species with the prevalence of avian haemosporidia. It was found that host species that bred socially presented a higher prevalence of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) than bird species that bred in pairs. Thus, aspects of host behaviour could be responsible for differential exposure to vectors. The assemblage of avian haemosporidia studied here also confirms a pattern that is emerging in recent studies using molecular markers to identify avian haemosporidians, namely that many lineages are host generalists.
Genetic and epigenetic factors influencing vitamin D status

The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency appears to be increasing, and the impact of this on human health is important because of the association of vitamin D insufficiency with increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. There are few studies on the genetic factors that can influence vitamin D levels. In particular, the data from twin and family‐based studies have reported that circulating vitamin D concentrations are partially determined by genetic factors. Moreover, it has been shown that genetic variants (e.g., mutation) and alteration (e.g., deletion, amplification, inversion) in genes involved in the metabolism, catabolism, transport, or binding of vitamin D to it receptor, might affect vitamin D level. However, the underlying genetic determinants of plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] concentrations remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, the association between epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and vitamin D level has now been reported in several studies. The aim of current review was to provide an overview of the possible value of loci associated to vitamin D metabolism, catabolism, and transport as well epigenetic modification and environmental factors influencing vitamin D status.
The analysis of stochastic EMC problems using the concept of diffuse field reciprocity

There has been much progress in recent years in the analysis of complex random vibro-acoustic systems, and general analysis methods have been developed which are based on the properties of diffuse wave fields. It is shown in the present paper that such methods can also be applied to high frequency EMC problems, avoiding the need for costly full wave solutions to Maxwell's equations in complex cavities. The theory behind the approach is outlined and then applied to the relatively simple case of a wiring system which is subject to reverberant electromagnetic wave excitation.
Accuracy of the TRUGENE HIV-1 Genotyping Kit

ABSTRACT Drug resistance and poor virological responses are associated with well-characterized mutations in the viral reading frames that encode the proteins that are targeted by currently available antiretroviral drugs. An integrated system was developed that includes target gene amplification, DNA sequencing chemistry (TRUGENE HIV-1 Genotyping Kit), and hardware and interpretative software (the OpenGene DNA Sequencing System) for detection of mutations in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease and reverse transcriptase sequences. The integrated system incorporates reverse transcription-PCR from extracted HIV-1 RNA, a coupled amplification and sequencing step (CLIP), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, semiautomated analysis of data, and generation of an interpretative report. To assess the accuracy and robustness of the assay system, 270 coded plasma specimens derived from nine patients were sent to six laboratories for blinded analysis. All specimens contained HIV-1 subtype B viruses. Results of 270 independent assays were compared to “gold standard” consensus sequences of the virus populations determined by sequence analysis of 16 to 20 clones of viral DNA amplicons derived from two independent PCRs using primers not used in the kit. The accuracy of the integrated system for nucleotide base identification was 98.7%, and the accuracy for codon identification at 54 sites associated with drug resistance was 97.6%. In a separate analysis of plasma spiked with infectious molecular clones, the assay reproducibly detected all 72 different drug resistance mutations that were evaluated. There were no significant differences in accuracy between laboratories, between technologists, between kit lots, or between days. This integrated assay system for the detection of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations has a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility in several laboratories.
Reversed binding of a small molecule ligand in homologous chemokine receptors – differential role of extracellular loop 2

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The majority of small molecule compounds targeting chemokine receptors share a similar pharmacophore with a centrally located aliphatic positive charge and flanking aromatic moieties. Here we describe a novel piperidine‐based compound with structural similarity to previously described CCR8‐specific agonists, but containing a unique phenyl‐tetrazol moiety which, in addition to activity at CCR8 was also active at CCR1.
Agreement Between Stereophotographic and Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Measurements of Cup/Disc Ratio: Effect on a Predictive Model for Glaucoma Development

ObjectiveTo evaluate risk estimates obtained by incorporating confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy measurements of cup/disc (C/D) ratio into a previously described and validated predictive model to estimate the risk of glaucoma development in ocular hypertension. These risk estimates were compared with those obtained by the original model in which vertical C/D ratio was estimated from stereophotographs. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsThe study included 118 eyes of 59 patients with normal optic discs, normal visual fields, and high intraocular pressure. The original predictive model contained information on 6 baseline factors: age, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, vertical C/D ratio, visual field pattern standard deviation, and presence of diabetes. Information regarding these baseline factors was collected for each patient. For the original model, vertical C/D ratio was estimated from stereophotographs. The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) model used an identical model, except that the parameter linear C/D ratio was used to provide C/D ratio estimates. All patients underwent confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging HRT II within 6 months of stereophotographs. The agreement between stereophotograph and HRT II risk estimates was evaluated by Bland-Altman plots. ResultsThe difference between HRT II and stereophotograph estimates of C/D ratio was within 0.2 in 95% of the patients. When incorporated into the predictive model, estimates of risk using the HRT II parameter linear C/D ratio were highly correlated to those obtained using stereophotographs (ρ=0.954; P<0.001). The 95% limits of agreement were −4.57% to 4.65%. ConclusionsHRT II and stereophotograph estimates of C/D ratio can be used interchangeably when incorporated into a predictive model to estimate the risk of conversion from ocular hypertension to glaucoma.
Enhanced Coulomb counting method with adaptive SOC reset time for estimating OCV

This paper presents a Coulomb counting algorithm using the estimating OCV through a short rest time, such as the traffic signal time. Proposed algorithm could enhance the SOC estimating accuracy through the frequent SOC reset using a greatly short rest time, even though SOC reset error occurs. Also algorithm is implemented for a highly accurate SOC estimation by a SOC error prediction, an improvement of required rest time for SOC reset and a compensation of SOC reset error. The proposed algorithm is verified by experiment using the UDDS profile and it is verified that it could improve the SOC estimation accuracy up to 2.07%.
Plaque removal efficacy of an advanced rotation-oscillation power toothbrush versus a new sonic toothbrush.

PURPOSE To evaluate the plaque removal efficacy and safety of an advanced rotation-oscillation power toothbrush relative to a newly-introduced sonic toothbrush. METHODS This study used a randomized, examiner-blind, two-treatment, four-period, four-sequence crossover design. Subjects received both toothbrushes (Oral-B Triumph and Sonicare FlexCare) and a standard dentifrice from the study site and used each toothbrush at home during an acclimation phase prior to their plaque measurement visits. After abstaining from all oral hygiene for 24 hours, subjects returned to the study site and were assessed with the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index. They then brushed for 2 minutes with their first randomly-assigned toothbrush and post-brushing plaque scores were recorded. This procedure was followed for three additional study visits, with subjects using their normal at-home toothbrush and dentifrice for the 2- to 5-day washout periods between visits. Subjects always abstained from all oral hygiene for 24 hours prior to their visits. RESULTS 45 subjects completed the study. Both brushes were found to be safe and both significantly reduced plaque after a single brushing. Oral-B Triumph was statistically significantly (P < 0.0001) more effective in plaque removal than Sonicare FlexCare for whole mouth plaque scores, gingival marginal plaque scores and interproximal plaque scores. Compared to Sonicare FlexCare, the adjusted mean plaque reduction scores for Oral-B Triumph were 21%, 23% and 22% greater for whole mouth, marginal and interproximal areas, respectively.
Crystal structure of the functional region of Uro‐adherence factor A from Staphylococcus saprophyticus reveals participation of the B domain in ligand binding

Staphylococci use cell wall‐anchored proteins as adhesins to attach to host tissues. Staphylococcus saprophyticus, a uropathogenic species, has a unique cell wall‐anchored protein, uro‐adherence factor A (UafA), which shows erythrocyte binding activity. To investigate the mechanism of adhesion by UafA, we determined the crystal structure of the functional region of UafA at 1.5 Å resolution. The structure was composed of three domains, designated as the N2, N3, and B domains, arranged in a triangular relative configuration. Hemagglutination inhibition assay with domain‐truncated mutants indicated that both N and B domains were necessary for erythrocyte binding. Based on these results, a novel manner of ligand binding in which the B domain acts as a functional domain was proposed as the adhesion mechanism of S. saprophyticus.
Differential Effects of Infection with aBabesia-Like Piroplasm, WA1, in Inbred Mice

ABSTRACT A newly identified intraerythrocytic Babesia-like organism, WA1, and its relatives were recently shown to be infectious for humans in the western United States. The purpose of the present study was to determine the susceptibilities of selected mouse genotypes to WA1 infection in an attempt to develop a murine model of the human disease. Several mouse strains were inoculated intraperitoneally with various passages of WA1-parasitized erythrocytes. Parasitemia was evaluated by blood smears and by PCR with blood samples collected at various intervals after inoculation. Hematologic parameters were monitored in blood samples at all intervals. C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 mice exhibited mortality rates of <10%. BALB/cJ, CBAJ, and 129/J mice had higher peak parasitemias than did C57BL mice, with mortality rates of 40, 50, and 50%, respectively. A/J, AKR/N, C3H, and DBA/1J mice also had higher peak parasitemia and mortality rates (>95%). An F1 cross of C57BL/6 (resistant) and C3H.RKK (susceptible) mice had a mortality rate similar to that of the resistant parental strain. Histopathology of BALB/cJ and C3H mice at 9 and 14 days after inoculation revealed erythrophagocytosis and deposition of an iron-negative pigment in multiple organs. Morbidly ill C3H mice at 14 days had severe pulmonary edema, hemoglobinuria, and glomerulonephritis.
Symptom Distress, Catastrophic Thinking, and Hope in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients

The purposes of this study were to explore symptom distress, catastrophic thinking (catastrophizing) and hope, and factors predicting hope in Taiwanese nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients within 3 years of receiving radiation therapy (RT). Instruments used were the modified Symptom Distress Scale, disease catastrophizing scale (modified from Coping Strategies Questionnaire), and Herth's Hope Index. Adult NPC patients (N = 115; 33 undergoing RT, 44 who completed RT within 1 year, and 38 who completed RT more than 1 year but less than 3 years) were recruited from an outpatient RT center in Northern Taiwan. Although participants' overall symptom distress was mild to moderate, they scored moderate level for several distressful symptoms: dry mouth, fatigue, hearing difficulty, loss of appetite, insomnia, and pain. Patients undergoing RT had greater symptom distress than subjects in the other 2 groups. Regression analysis revealed that catastrophizing was the only predictor of hope. Patients who engaged in catastrophizing reported much lower levels of hope. Particular care and attention are recommended to help NPC patients deal with the top distressful symptoms listed. Nursing interventions to reduce catastrophic thinking and enhance hope are discussed.