Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Cost of Structure Learning

Human learning is highly efficient and flexible. A key contributor to this learning flexibility is our ability to generalize new information across contexts that we know require the same behavior and to transfer rules to new contexts we encounter. To do this, we structure the information we learn and represent it hierarchically as abstract, context-dependent rules that constrain lower-level stimulus–action–outcome contingencies. Previous research showed that humans create such structure even when it is not needed, presumably because it usually affords long-term generalization benefits. However, computational models predict that creating structure is costly, with slower learning and slower RTs. We tested this prediction in a new behavioral experiment. Participants learned to select correct actions for four visual patterns, in a setting that either afforded (but did not promote) structure learning or enforced nonhierarchical learning, while controlling for the difficulty of the learning problem. Results replicated our previous finding that healthy young adults create structure even when unneeded and that this structure affords later generalization. Furthermore, they supported our prediction that structure learning incurred a major learning cost and that this cost was specifically tied to the effort in selecting abstract rules, leading to more errors when applying those rules. These findings confirm our theory that humans pay a high short-term cost in learning structure to enable longer-term benefits in learning flexibility.
A role for the divergent actin gene, ACT2, in nuclear pore structure and function

We have identified a temperature‐sensitive allele of the yeast divergent actin gene ACT2, act2‐1, which displays defects in nuclear pore complex (NPC) structure and nuclear import at the restrictive temperature. Although defective in nuclear import, act2‐1 cells still selectively retain reporter proteins in the nucleus, and by indirect immunofluorescence the actin cytoskeleton appears normal. Previous studies in Acanthamoeba and Saccharomyces cerevisiae reported that the cellular location of Act2p partially overlaps that of conventional actin, indicating that it has a cytoskeletal function. In this study, both immunofluorescence localization and cellular fractionation of different epitope‐tagged versions of Act2p also reveal an association with the nucleus, suggesting an independent nuclear function for Act2p. Analysis of act2‐1 by electron microscopy, 30 min after a shift to the restrictive temperature (37°C), reveals a striking aberration in NPC morphology; NPCs appear as abnormal densities on either side of, rather than spanning, the nuclear envelope. Immunoelectron microscopy confirms that these densities contain XFXFG nucleoporins. act2‐1 is synthetically lethal in combination with a deletion in the XFXFG nucleoporin gene, NUP1, or a mutation in the nuclear localization sequence receptor gene, SRP1. Act2p and Srp1p co‐immunoprecipitate, suggesting that the proteins exist in a complex. Together our data argue that Act2p plays an important role in NPC structure and function.
Sucrose Attenuates a Negative Electroencephalographic Response to an Aversive Stimulus for Newborns

ABSTRACT. Reports that sweet taste calms crying in newborns and is analgesic against the pain caused by a heel lance served as the basis for this study. Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, heart rate activity, and infants’ facial behaviors were recorded before and after a noninvasive, but noxious, heelstroke (procedure from the Brazelton Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale). In a randomized and controlled trial, 34 newborns were administered 2 mL of water or sucrose solution before the heelstroke. Frontal EEG asymmetry scores were computed, and power in the 3 to 6 Hz frequency band was analyzed. Infants who received water showed increased relative right frontal EEG activation from baseline to the post-heelstroke phase, a pattern that typifies negative affect. The EEG of infants in the sucrose group did not change. Heart rate increased rapidly in both groups during the heelstroke phase. However, after the heelstroke, the heart rate of infants who received sucrose returned to baseline, whereas the heart rate of infants who tasted water remained elevated. During the heelstroke, the infants in the water group cried and grimaced twice as long as the infants in the sucrose group. These findings add to the growing literature showing that sucrose attenuates newborns’ negative response to aversive or noxious stimuli.
Immunological evidence for deficiency in an activator protein for sulfatide sulfatase in a variant form of metachromatic leukodystrophy.

Cultured skin fibroblasts from the patient described by Shapiro and co-workers as having a variant form of metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) [Shapiro, L.J., Aleck, K. A. , Kaback, M.M. , Itabashi, H. , Desnick, R.J., Brand, N. , Stephens, R.L. , Fluharty, A.L. & Kihara, H. (1979) Pediatr. Res. 13, 1179-1181] were confirmed to have a partial deficiency (25-40% of controls) of arylsulfatase A activity in vitro and a severe inability to metabolize [14C]stearic acid-labeled sulfatide presented in the medium. When 150 micrograms of purified activator protein for GM1 ganglioside beta-galactosidase and sulfatide sulfatase was added in 4 ml of medium with the 14C-labeled sulfatide, correction of the sulfatide metabolism to the normal range was found. Monospecific antibodies to this activator protein were prepared in rabbits, and they were used to examine cultured cells for the presence of crossreacting material by Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion and rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Cell extracts from controls and from patients with GM1 gangliosidosis and MLD were found to have a single line of identity. By comparison to known concentrations of purified activator protein, cell extracts from controls were found to have 0.76 +/- 0.32 micrograms of activator protein (mean +/- 1 SD, n = 10) per mg of solubilized protein, whereas those from patients with type 1 GM1 gangliosidosis and late infantile MLD had 1.53 and 1.41 micrograms/mg, respectively. Cell extracts from the patient with a variant form of MLD had no visible precipitin line by Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion and only a diffuse nonspecific region of staining by rocket immunoelectrophoresis. These immunologic studies provide evidence for a deficiency in the activator protein required for normal catabolism of sulfatide in the cells from this patient and possibly provide a method for diagnosis of similar patients.
Gender‐specific molecular heterosis and association studies: Dopamine D2 receptor gene and smoking

If the concept of the gender‐specific molecular heterosis is not considered and tested, incorrect conclusions would easily be drawn in association studies. Therein, heterosis and its gender effect in the genetic effect of DRD2 gene for smoking were examined with 187 healthy Korean individuals. The male smokers showed a higher A1 allele frequency (P = 0.016) and prevalence (P = 0.049) than those of the male non‐smokers, and the female smokers showed a lower frequency of heterozygotes (P = 0.018) than the female non‐smokers. However, the association of DRD2 gene with smoking found in each gender disappeared when both males and females were considered as one group because of the opposite genetic effect of DRD2 gene for smoking: (1) while 75% of heterozygotes males were smokers, only 22% of female heterozygotes were; (2) males showed an excess of heterozygotes and the deviation from Hardy‐Weinberg expectations in smokers, while these were true in the female non‐smokers; and (3) in non‐smokers, females were different from the males exhibiting a significantly higher prevalence (P = 0.005) and frequency (P = 0.015) of A1 allele, and significantly different genotype (P = 0.017) distribution, and higher frequency of heterozygotes (P = 0.055). Meanwhile, in smokers, males showed higher frequency of heterozygotes (P = 0.019) compared to females. The results indicate that gender‐specific molecular heterosis at DRD2 gene for smoking is also applicable in healthy individuals as well as schizophrenics. Moreover, this concept has general applicability to other candidate genes and biological phenotypes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Valuation and Modeling of EQ-5D-5L Health States Using a Hybrid Approach

Background: The EQ-5D instrument is the most widely used preference-based health-related quality of life questionnaire in cost-effectiveness analysis of health care technologies. Recently, a version called EQ-5D-5L with 5 levels on each dimension was developed. This manuscript explores the performance of a hybrid approach for the modeling of EQ-5D-5L valuation data. Methods: Two elicitation techniques, the composite time trade-off, and discrete choice experiments, were applied to a sample of the Spanish population (n=1000) using a computer-based questionnaire. The sampling process consisted of 2 stages: stratified sampling of geographic area, followed by systematic sampling in each area. A hybrid regression model combining composite time trade-off and discrete choice data was used to estimate the potential value sets using main effects as starting point. The comparison between the models was performed using the criteria of logical consistency, goodness of fit, and parsimony. Results: Twenty-seven participants from the 1000 were removed following the exclusion criteria. The best-fitted model included 2 significant interaction terms but resulted in marginal improvements in model fit compared to the main effects model. We therefore selected the model results with main effects as a potential value set for this methodological study, based on the parsimony criteria. The results showed that the main effects hybrid model was consistent, with a range of utility values between 1 and −0.224. Conclusion: This paper shows the feasibility of using a hybrid approach to estimate a value set for EQ-5D-5L valuation data.
The core proteins of large and small interstitial proteoglycans from various connective tissues form distinct subgroups.

Large and small proteoglycans were separately isolated from a number of connective tissues and compared to determine the extent of structural similarity. This was studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and by the peptide patterns obtained when 125I-labelled proteoglycans were digested with trypsin. All the large proteoglycans, i.e. from tendon, sclera, cartilage and aorta, appear to contain the structure typical for the hyaluronic acid-binding region, both shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by content of peptides unique for this region. These proteoglycans also share other structural features of the protein core, as indicated by immunological cross-reactivity and similar peptide patterns. The large proteoglycans from aorta in addition show the presence of unique structures both upon immunoassay and with regard to peptide pattern. Among the small proteoglycans two groups can be identified, although amino acid composition and protein core sizes are grossly similar. One group consists of the small proteoglycans from aorta and cartilage having similar peptide maps and showing immunological cross-reactivity in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The other distinctly different group consists of the small proteoglycans from bone, cornea, sclera and tendon, which among them show identity in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and similar peptide patterns. Proteoglycans from the two groups, however, show partial immunological cross-reactivity.
High juvenile hormone titre and abdominal activation of JH signalling may induce reproduction of termite neotenics

Termite castes are a key example of polyphenism, in which reproductive division of labour is clearly seen in colonies. The reproductive castes in termites include primary and neotenic reproductives; primary reproductives found a new colony whereas neotenics succeed them in the reproductive role when the primary reproductives die or become senescent. Neotenics usually differentiate from nymphs or workers by developing functional gonads while retaining juvenile characteristics; however, the developmental mechanism during neotenic differentiation remains poorly understood. Juvenile hormone (JH) mediates a number of aspects of developmental regulation in caste differentiation in termites. In the present study we quantified JH titres in neotenic reproductives of Reticulitermes speratus, and compared these with other developmental stages. In addition, expression changes in JH signalling gene homologues (Methoprene‐tolerant [Met], Krüppel‐homolog1, Broad‐Complex) in the head, thorax and abdomen were investigated during neotenic differentiation. Finally, we examined the function of Met in reproduction of neotenics by RNA interference (RNAi). Our results showed that the JH titres of neotenics were significantly higher than those of nymphs and workers. JH signalling genes were highly expressed in neotenic abdomens, compared with those in workers and nymphs. Met RNAi resulted in the inhibition of vitellogenin gene expression in newly moulted neotenics. These results suggest that the fertility of neotenics might be controlled by a large increase of JH titres and body‐part‐specific activation of JH signalling pathways.
Bone demineralization in adult thalassaemic patients: contribution of GH and IGF‐I at different skeletal sites

Background and objective GH and IGF‐I exert an important role in the control of bone formation, as shown by decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk in adult hypopituitary patients untreated for GH deficiency (GHD). Different degrees of bone demineralization are frequently reported in patients affected by β‐thalassaemia. Considering the high prevalence of GHD recently observed by our group among adult thalassaemic patients, we elected to study the possible role of GH–IGF‐I abnormalities in the pathogenesis of the osteopenia/osteoporosis of this disease.
Relationship between fecal lactoferrin and inflammatory bowel disease

Objective. Lactoferrin as a glucoprotein that can reflect the activity of neutrophil leukocytes is a specific and sensitive indicator in the evaluation of intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fecal lactoferrin and intestinal inflammation by quantitative analysis and the effect of fecal lactoferrin in measuring the activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Material and methods. A total of 177 fresh stool samples were collected from 42 active UC, 17 inactive UC, 13 active CD, 5 inactive CD, 41 infectious bowel disease, 25 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and 34 healthy volunteers. IBD-SCAN was used quantitatively to measure the level of fecal lactoferrin. A modified Harvey-Bradshaw Active Index was used to evaluate the activity of IBD. Results. Fecal lactoferrin was 3.15±1.60 µg/g in healthy volunteers, 2.54±1.49 µg/g in IBS, 83.3±29.9 µg/g in infectious bowel disease, 1126.29±431.21 µg/g in active UC, 1035.25±456.59 µg/g in active CD, 96.58±82.46 µg/g in inactive UC and 133.52±88.89 µg/g in inactive CD. Fecal lactoferrin was significantly higher in active IBD than in inactive IBD, IBS and infectious bowel disease. The sensitivity and specificity of fecal lactoferrin were 92% and 88%, respectively, for UC, and 92% and 80%, respectively, for CD. Conclusions. Fecal lactoferrin is a sensitive and specific marker in measuring the activity of IBD. It provides us with a valid method in discriminating between inflammatory and non-inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, an elevated fecal lactoferrin level can lead us to exclude IBS in clinical practice.
Comparison of conventional and sensor-based electronic stethoscopes in detecting cardiac murmurs of dogs

Summary Background and objective: Cardiac auscultation is one of the most important parts of the cardiological examination traditionally performed with acoustic stethoscopes.The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivities and the diagnostic capabilities of traditional and electronic stethoscopes in detecting canine heart murmurs. Materials and methods: The study was performed on 21 dogs referred for cardiologic examination with suspected heart murmurs. Six out of these dogs had cardiac murmurs bilaterally. Cardiac auscultation was performed independently by a final-year veterinary student (AB = I1) and by an experienced clinician (KV = I2), both using a traditional and a Welch Allyn Meditron electronic sensor-based stethoscope. Final diagnoses were established by echocardiography and by digital phonocardiography. Results: Correct detection of a murmur was made by I1 with a traditional stethoscope in 20/27 (74.0%) of the suspected murmurs (p = 0.30, kappa [κ] = 0.2) and with the electronic stethoscope in 26/27 (96.3%), respectively (p = 0.0013, κ = 0.75). I2 correctly detected the murmurs with the traditional stethoscope in 25/27 (92.6%) cases (p = 0.0013, κ = 0.75) and with the electronic stethoscope in all 27/27 (100%) cases (p = 0.00012, κ = 1). Agreements of murmur intensity gradings between traditional and electronic stethoscopes were highly significant (I1: p = 6.9 × 10−8; κ = 0.79), (I2: p = 5.2 × 10−11; κ = 0.92). When grading the murmurs with the traditional stethoscope, there was a significant agreement between I1 and I2 (p = 2.9 × 10−7; κ = 0.79), being even higher with the electronic stethoscope (p = 1.1 × 10−11; κ = 0.92). Conclusion: The electronic stethoscope was more sensitive than the traditional one in detecting and grading cardiac murmurs being especially useful for I1 with less experience. However, it can be suggested to use a traditional and an electronic stethoscopes simultaneously to optimally utilize their advantages.
The Role of Computed Tomography Colonography in Detecting Bowel Involvement in Women With Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Comparison With Clinical History, Serum Ca125, and Transvaginal Sonography

Objective We wanted to assess the diagnostic value of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in recognizing bowel endometriosis in comparison with serum Ca125, transvaginal sonography (TVS), and presence of intestinal symptoms. Methods We included in this study 92 women undergoing surgery for symptomatic DIE. Preoperative evaluation included clinical history, Ca125 serum value, and TVS. CTC was performed in 37/92 patients (40.2%), and the results were compared to the other preoperative tools and to surgical exploration, considered the clinical reference standard. Results Surgery confirmed bowel endometriosis in 49/92 subjects (53.3%). Presence of intestinal symptoms, serum Ca125 values, and TVS were significantly correlated to intestinal involvement, but CTC had the highest accuracy in detecting bowel endometriosis with a sensitivity of 68%, a specificity of 67%, a PPV of 81%, and a NPV of 50% (P = 0.04). Conclusions CTC proved to be an accurate and low invasive imaging technique to detect DIE of the bowel and compared favorably with clinical evaluation, serum Ca125 determination, and TVS.
Effects of sexual stimulation, with and without ejaculation, on serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone, cortisol and prolactin in stallions.

Six lighthorse stallions with previous sexual experience were used to determine the short-term effects of sexual stimulation (SS; 5 min exposure to an estrous mare), SS plus ejaculation (SSE), and no stimulation (control) on serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone, cortisol and prolactin. Stallions received one treatment per day on d 1, 4 and 7. Treatments were assigned such that each stallion 1) received each treatment once and 2) experienced a unique sequence of treatments. Neither SS nor SSE had any consistent effects on LH or FSH concentrations. Testosterone concentrations during control bleedings increased (P less than .05) with time. This increase was suppressed (P less than .05) by both SS and SSE. Cortisol concentrations increased (P less than .05) immediately after SS and SSE. Cortisol concentrations also tended to increase during the control bleedings, but only in stallions that previously had been exposed to SS or SSE. Prolactin concentrations increased (P less than .05) immediately after SS and SSE and tended to rise during control bleedings in stallions previously exposed to SS or SSE. We conclude that 1) prolactin and cortisol were secreted rapidly in response to SS and SSE, 2) the rise in cortisol concentrations likely suppressed testosterone secretion within the next hour, and 3) stallions appeared to associate the distant sounds of other stallions with their own previous exposure to SS and SSE, resulting in a cortisol response (and perhaps a prolactin response) even in the absence of direct stimulation.
A Pulsed Dye Laser with a 10‐mm Beam Diameter and a Pigmented Lesion Window for Purpura‐Free Photorejuvenation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In traditional pulsed dye lasers (PDLs), power limitations and pulse characteristics have compromised purpura-free procedures. This study evaluated a new PDL with a modified pulse structure and a 10-mm beam diameter for purpura-free photorejuvenation. A compression handpiece was used for targeting lentigines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with skin types I to III were treated three times at 3- to 4-week intervals. The first pass was delivered through a 10-mm compression handpiece to target pigment dyschromias using fluences between 6.5 and 8.0 J/cm2 with a 1.5-ms pulse duration. A second pass was then performed with a 10-mm spot with fluences between 9.5 and 10 J/cm2, a 20-ms pulse duration, and cryogen spray enabled. Improvement was evaluated by comparing pre- and posttreatment photographs and live subjects 1 month after the third treatment. RESULTS In the majority of patients, >90% reduction of fine telangiectasias (<0.6 mm) and dark lentigines was achieved. Pigmented dyschromias improved proportional to the degree of pigment at presentation. Avoidance of purpura with the compression handpiece was dependent on obtaining proper compression before laser emission. Mean textural improvement was 34%. CONCLUSIONS The new 595-nm PDL is highly effective for two-pass purpura-free improvement of telangiectases, pigment dyschromias, and texture.
Obviating the requirement for oxygen in SnO2-based solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Organic semiconductors employed in solar cells are perfectly stable to solar irradiation provided oxygen content can be kept below 1 ppm. Paradoxically, the state-of-the-art molecular hole-transporter-based solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells only operate efficiently if measured in an atmosphere containing oxygen. Without oxygen, these devices rapidly lose photovoltage and photocurrent and are rendered useless. Clearly this peculiar requirement has detrimental implications to the long term stability of these devices. Through characterizing the solar cells in air and in oxygen-free atmospheres, and considering the device architecture, we identify that direct contact between the metallic cathode and the mesoporous metal oxide photo-anode is responsible for a shunting path through the device. This metal–metal oxide contact forms a Schottky barrier under ambient conditions and the barrier is suitably high so as to prevent significant shunting of the solar cells. However, under light absorption in an anaerobic atmosphere the barrier reduces significantly, opening a low resistance shunting path which dominates the current–voltage characteristics in the solar cell. By incorporating an extra interlayer of insulating mesoporous aluminum oxide, on top of the mesoporous semiconducting metal oxide electrode, we successfully block this shunting path and subsequently the devices operate efficiently in an oxygen-free atmosphere, enabling the possibility of long term stability of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.