Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid Proportion Comparison with Spatial Arrays of Frequently Used Meaningful Visual Symbols

It has been shown that when two arrays of Arabic numerals were briefly presented, observers could accurately indicate which array contained the larger number of a target numeral. This study investigated whether this rapid proportion comparison can be extended to other meaningful symbols that share some of notable properties of Arabic numerals. We tested mainly several Japanese Kanji letters, each of which represents a meaning and can work as a word. Using physically identical stimulus sets that could be interpreted as different types of letters, Experiment 1 first confirmed the rapid proportion comparison with Arabic numerals for Japanese participants. Experiment 2 showed that the rapid proportion comparison can be extended to Kanji numerals. Experiment 3 successfully demonstrated that rapid proportion judgments can be found with non-quantitative Kanji letters that are used frequently. Experiment 4 further demonstrated the rapid proportion comparison with frequently used meaningful non-letter symbols (gender icons). The rapid processing cannot be attributed to fluent processing of familiar items, because it was not found with familiar phonograms (Japanese Kana letters). These findings suggest that the rapid proportion comparison can be commonly found with frequently used meaningful symbols, even though their meaning is not relevant to the task.
The development of self-efficacy beliefs during general practice vocational training: An exploratory study

Introduction: Retention of general practitioners (GPs) is crucial to ensure appropriate primary care. However, some recently qualified GPs feel unprepared for practice, which may lead them to leave the profession or restrict their scope of practice. The development of self-efficacy beliefs during vocational training may be an important factor in this phenomenon. Methods: Five focus groups with a total of 28 GP trainees and recent graduates were conducted in Belgium and France. Initial analysis using the immersion-crystallisation method was followed by analysis using Bandura's self-efficacy framework. Results: Participants described beginning their training with low self-efficacy beliefs. Most participants described how they overcame stressful situations. Some, however, seemed to be developing avoidance strategies. Successfully resolving patient problems, sharing experiences with peers and receiving positive feedback from supervisors, colleagues and patients were conducive to the development of positive self-efficacy beliefs. Discussion: Although low self-efficacy beliefs are natural at the beginning of training, participants seemed to develop in two ways, either overcoming their fears or avoiding them. Identifying the pattern of trainees’ responses to allow tailoring of interventions should be investigated by those who run training programs. Interventions could include reassurance, peer interaction and an appropriate degree of autonomy.
Combined Haploinsufficiency of SF-1 and GATA4 Does Not Reveal a Genetic Interaction in Mouse Gonadal Development

The nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1 or NR5A1) and the zinc finger protein GATA4 mediate key events in the early steps of gonadal development and sex differentiation, presumably by activating the expression of essential target genes. An important SF-1 target in male sex differentiation is the gene encoding the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which induces regression of the Müllerian ducts in the developing male embryo. In cell transfection studies, there is apparent cooperation between GATA4 and SF-1 in the regulation of both human and mouse Amh promoters. We hypothesized that compound haploinsufficiency of both SF-1 and GATA4, by reducing their synergism, might cause a more severe phenotype than that seen in mice that were heterozygous for either SF-1 or Gata4 alone. Surprisingly, in adult and embryonic mice, compound haploinsufficiency of SF-1 and GATA4 caused no gonadal or reproductive abnormalities beyond those seen in SF-1+/– mice. Thus, although cooperation between SF-1 and GATA4 very likely is important for regulation of their target genes, such synergy was not revealed in our in vivo studies of gonadal development and function.
A Decade of Living Lobar Lung Transplantation: Perioperative Complications after 253 Donor Lobectomies †

Living lobar lung transplantation places two donors at risk for each recipient. We examined the perioperative outcomes associated with the 253 donor lobectomies performed at our institution during our first decade of living lobar lung transplantation. There have been no perioperative or long‐term deaths. 80.2% of donors (n = 203) had no perioperative complications, while fifty (19.8%) had one or more complication. The incidence of intraoperative complications was 3.6%. Complications requiring reoperation occurred in 3.2% of donors. 15.0% of donors had other perioperative complications; the most serious were two donors who developed pulmonary artery thrombosis, while the most common was the need for an additional thoracostomy tube or a thoracostomy tube for ≥14 d for persistent air leaks and/or drainage. Right‐sided donors were more likely to have a perioperative complication than left‐sided donors (odd ratio 2.02, p = 0.04), probably secondary to right lower and middle lobe anatomy. This experience has shown donor lobectomy to be associated with a relatively low morbidity and no mortality, and is important if this procedure is to be considered an option at more pulmonary transplant centers, given continued organ shortages and differences in philosophical and ethical acceptance of live
The Staphylococcus aureus LytSR Two-Component Regulatory System Affects Biofilm Formation

ABSTRACT Studies of the Staphylococcus aureus LytSR two-component regulatory system have led to the identification of the cid and lrg operons, which affect murein hydrolase activity, stationary-phase survival, antibiotic tolerance, and biofilm formation. The cid gene products enhance murein hydrolase activity and antibiotic tolerance whereas the lrg gene products inhibit these processes in a manner believed to be analogous to bacteriophage-encoded holins and antiholins, respectively. Importantly, these operons have been shown to play significant roles in biofilm development by controlling the release of genomic DNA, which then becomes an important structural component of the biofilm matrix. To determine the role of LytSR in biofilm development, a lytS knockout mutant was generated from a clinical S. aureus isolate (UAMS-1) and the effects on gene expression and biofilm formation were examined. As observed in laboratory isolates, LytSR was found to be required for lrgAB expression. Furthermore, the lytS mutant formed a more adherent biofilm than the wild-type and complemented strains. Consistent with previous findings, the increased adherence of the mutant was attributed to the increased prevalence of matrix-associated eDNA. Transcription profiling studies indicated that the lrgAB operon is the primary target of LytSR-mediated regulation but that this regulatory system also impacts expression of a wide variety of genes involved in basic metabolism. Overall, the results of these studies demonstrate that the LytSR two-component regulatory system plays an important role in S. aureus biofilm development, likely as a result of its direct influence on lrgAB expression.
Comparison of nuchal translucency measurement and mid‐gestation serum screening in assisted reproduction versus naturally conceived singleton pregnancies

It has been reported that second‐trimester serum markers may be affected by assisted reproduction leading to a higher false‐positive rate. The current study compares 10–14 week nuchal translucency (NT) measurement and early mid‐trimester serum screening in pregnancies resulting from assisted reproduction versus naturally conceived pregnancies. 75 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy achieved by assisted reproduction underwent both 10–14 weeks NT measurement and second‐trimester triple test and were followed throughout gestation. They were compared with matched controls for gestation and maternal ages. A risk of 1:380 or higher or having a fetus with Down syndrome was considered as screen‐positive in both tests. The mean maternal age (30±3 years) and crown–rump length (61±9 mm) were similar, and there was no difference in NT thickness distribution between the groups. Based on NT measurement, 4 (5 per cent) women in the study and 2 (3 per cent) in the control groups, were defined as screen positive (p=NS). However, 11 (15 per cent) women in the study group and 4 (5 per cent) in the control group were found screen‐positive by the triple test (p<0.05). A significantly higher amniocentesis rate of 20 per cent was noted in the study group compared with 8 per cent in the controls (p<0.05). All karyotypes were normal and no miscarriages or structural malformation were diagnosed in either group. We confirm the observation that assisted reproduction may adversely affect second‐trimester screening results, which did not affect the NT screening test. Since these series are relatively small, larger series may be needed to clarify the most beneficial screening policy for this highly selected group of pregnant women. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limitations of Titanium Dioxide and Aluminum Oxide as Ossicular Replacement Materials: An Evaluation of the Effects of Porosity on Ceramic Prostheses

Background: Because the performance of titanium dioxide (TiO2) has not yet been assessed in the unique environment of the middle ear, its role as an ossicular replacement prototype in the form of a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) was tested and compared with aluminum oxide (Al2O3), once considered to be a suitable implant material. Methods: Ossiculoplasty was performed by implanting TORPs into the tympanic cavities of rabbits. After an implantation period of 28, 84, or 300 days, the petrous bones were extracted, whereby the biocompatibility of the prostheses was examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine morphologic changes in situ. Proper implant placement and functionality was tested via manual manipulation. Results: Mucosa was seen covering most of the implants by day 84. Inflammatory cells were not observed in any of the specimens examined. The macroporous TiO2 TORPs were subjected to osseous infiltration, material dissolution, and fragmentation, whereas the microporous TiO2 implants were subjected to an increasing frequency of fissure formations. The Al2O3 prostheses demonstrated signs of material dissolution by producing encapsulated aggregates during the experimental trial period. Conclusions: Neither the macroporous nor microporous oxide ceramics were able to withstand the oscillatory stress to which they were continually subjected. Although porosity allows for the rapid integration of an implant material into a biological environment, its properties are not suited to fulfill the requirements of strength and long-term stability, which are demanded of middle ear prostheses.
Long-term health outcomes and quality of life in American and Italian inception cohorts of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. II. Early predictors of outcome.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether demographic, clinical, and immunogenetic variables measurable during the first 6 months of illness long-term health outcomes and quality of life in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). METHODS Patient eligibility criteria: (1) first examined in our units between 1958 and 1990 within 6 months of onset of symptoms; (2) diagnosis of JRA by American College of Rheumatology criteria; (3) disease duration of at least 5 years at the time of assessment of outcome. Instruments used: (1) the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ, short form), or Childhood HAQ (CHAQ) to measure disability (0-3 scale), (2) pain, and (3) parental assessment of overall well being, each scored on a 15 cm visual analog scale; (4) the Quality of Life Scales (QOLS) (adults only). Independent variables that showed significant results using univariate tests underwent multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS 227 patients were available for analysis. Mean duration of disease at time of assessment of outcome was 15 years (range 5.3-36.1). Univariate tests allowed 11 variables for disability, 9 for pain, 7 for overall well being, and 4 for QOL into the multivariate analysis. The best predictor of higher disability was the articular severity score (odds ratio, OR, 5.69) while antinuclear antibody positivity foretold less disability (OR 0.29). HLA-DR5 positivity conferred the greatest risk for pain (OR 3.34), while HLA-B5, DR3, and C3 were protective (OR 0.25, 0.28, 0.33, respectively). Early hand involvement was the strongest predictor of poorer overall well being (OR 8.75). Only the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was predictive of future QOL, but the model yielded a low C statistic (< 70%) and the OR 95% confidence limits were extreme (OR 9.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-77.8). CONCLUSION Clinical and immunogenetic variables measurable within 6 months of onset of JRA can be used to predict future disability, pain, and well being. QOL appears more difficult to forecast, perhaps due to the multiple domains that make up this outcome. Further study is needed to identify other genetic and laboratory factors that predict outcome in JRA with greater precision.
Evaluation on Influencing Factors of Board-Level Drop Reliability for Chip Scale Packages (Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array)

Board-level drop testing is an effective method to characterize the solder joint reliability performance of miniature handheld products. In this study, drop test of printed circuit boards (PCBs) with a four-screw support condition was conducted for a 15 mm times 15 mm fine-pitch ball grid array (FBGA) package assembly with solder ball compositions of 36Pb-62Sn-2Ag and Sn-4Ag-0.5Cu on printed circuit board (PCB) surface finishes of organic solderability preservative, electroless nickel immersion gold, and immersion tin. Finite element modeling of the FBGA assembly was performed to study the stress-strain behavior of the solder joints during drop test. The drop test results revealed a strong influence of different intermetallic compound formation on soldered assemblies drop durability. The lead-based solder supersedes the lead-free composition regardless of the types of surface finish. Joints on organic solderability preservative were found to be strongest for each solder type. Other factors affecting drop reliability such as component location on the board and thermal cycling aging effects are reported. Finite element modeling results showed that a solder joint is more prone to failure on the PCB side, and the predicted solder joint stresses are location dependent. Predicted failure sites based on simulation results are consistent with experimental observations.
Granulocyte-macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor Provokes RAS Activation and Transcription of c-fos through Different Modes of Signaling (*)

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) provokes a proliferative response and induction of early-response genes such as c-fos in target cells. It also induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins, including the β subunit (βc) of its functional receptor. However, locations and functions of phosphorylated tyrosine residues within the βc are unclear. To elucidate the mechanism of the human GM-CSF receptor signal transduction, mutational analyses were made of the cytoplasmic domain of the βc, using murine BA/F3 cells. Deletion of the conserved box 1 motif resulted in loss of tyrosine phosphorylation of the βc, thereby indicating an essential role for this motif in activating the tyrosine kinase which phosphorylates βc. A C-terminal truncated mutant at position 589 activated the c-fos promoter, and this activation was diminished by a substitution at tyrosine 577 (Tyr). However, the same substitution in the full-length βc did not completely abrogate the c-fos promoter activation, hence, redundant signaling pathways probably exist. When we analyzed signaling molecules functioning downstream of the βc we found that Tyr is essential for Shc phosphorylation, while tyrosine phosphorylation of PTP1D was mediated through Tyr as well as through other site(s). We suggest that GM-CSF stimulates at least two modes of signals leading to Ras activation, an event which ultimately gives rise to promoter activation of c-fos.
Silent information regulator (Sir)T1 inhibits NF‐κB signaling to maintain normal skeletal remodeling

Silent information regulator T1 (SirT1) is linked to longevity and negatively controls NF‐κB signaling, a crucial mediator of survival and regulator of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Here we show that NF‐κB repression by SirT1 in both osteoclasts and osteoblasts is necessary for proper bone remodeling and may contribute to the mechanisms linking aging and bone loss. Osteoclast‐ or osteoblast‐specific SirT1 deletion using the Sirtflox/flox mice crossed to lysozyme M‐cre and the 2.3 kb col1a1‐cre transgenic mice, respectively, resulted in decreased bone mass caused by increased resorption and reduced bone formation. In osteoclasts, lack of SirT1 promoted osteoclastogenesis in vitro and activated NF‐κB by increasing acetylation of Lysine 310. Importantly, this increase in osteoclastogenesis was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of NF‐κB. In osteoblasts, decreased SirT1 reduced osteoblast differentiation, which could also be rescued by inhibition of NF‐κB. In further support of the critical role of NF‐κB signaling in bone remodeling, elevated NF‐κB activity in IκBα+/− mice uncoupled bone resorption and formation, leading to reduced bone mass. These findings support the notion that SirT1 is a genetic determinant of bone mass, acting in a cell‐autonomous manner in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts, through control of NF‐κB and bone cell differentiation. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Mapping levels of theory of mind in Alzheimer's disease: A preliminary study

Background: Research on Theory of Mind (ToM), the ability to understand behaviour based on mental state representation, has shifted towards a life span perspective in typical and atypical conditions (dementia). Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and the features of ToM decay in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared to healthy controls adopting a neurodevelopmental stance. Method: Sixteen AD patients and 16 healthy controls were submitted to an increasing complexity ToM battery, tapping ToM precursors, standard first- and second-order false beliefs and advanced ToM tasks (Eyes Test and strange stories). Results: The results underline a similar pattern of increasing difficulty of the tasks that explore ToM abilities in both the groups. They also confirm the presence of a strong gap in performance between the CTR and the AD groups, especially in the more complex ToM tasks, whereas there is no significant difference between the two groups in the first level of reasoning about beliefs (first-order false belief). The impairment in specific cognitive functions (i.e. memory and executive functions) seems to correlate with the decline in the most complex mentalistic abilities. Conclusion: This study identifies a specific pattern of deterioration in ToM abilities in AD patients, following backwards developmental steps typical of the acquisition of mentalizing abilities, where the most complex ToM levels are impaired, whereas the intermediate and the simplest ones are preserved.
Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Inventory: Factorial Structure and Life History Correlates among Japanese University Students

The theoretical model of psychological well-being that encompasses six domains (self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth) was tested with a Japanese university student population (N = 574) using a Japanese translation of Ryff's 1989 Psychological Well-being Inventory. A factor structure similar to Ryff's original model emerged. Both depression and anxiety correlated only moderately with scores on some subscales of the inventory, suggesting the relative independence of these dimensions of psychological well-being and negative affectivity. With negative affectivity controlled, some early life experiences were significantly linked with psychological well-being: relationships with romantic partners were linked with greater autonomy and experiences which enhance self-esteem were liked with greater personal growth. Careful psychometric work on the Japanese version is required to use the scale; then a replication and extension of the present study would be feasible.
Is bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy accurate in estimating total body water and its compartments in elite athletes?

Background: Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) provides an affordable assessment of the body's various water compartments: total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW). However, little is known of its validity in athletes. Aim: To validate TBW, ECW and ICW by BIS in elite male and female Portuguese athletes using dilution techniques (i.e. deuterium and bromide dilution) as criterion methods. Subjects and methods: Sixty-two athletes (18.5 ± 4.1 years) had TBW, ECW and ICW assessed by BIS during their respective pre-season. Results: BIS significantly under-estimated TBW by 1.0 ± 1.7 kg and ICW by 0.9 ± 1.9 kg in relation to the criterion methods, with no differences observed for ECW. The values for the concordance correlation coefficient were 0.98 for TBW and ECW and 0.95 for ICW. Bland-Altman analyses revealed no bias for the various water compartments, with the 95% confidence intervals ranging from − 4.8 to 2.6 kg for TBW, − 1.5 to 1.6 kg for ECW and − 4.5 to 2.7 kg for ICW. Conclusions: Overall, these findings demonstrate the validity of BIS as a valid tool in the assessment of TBW and its compartments in both male and female athletes.
Effect of anthropometric measurements and personal data parameters on benign prostatic hyperplasia and carcinoma prostate.

BACKGROUND With advancing age the chances of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and carcinoma prostate (CaP) increases. Although previous studies on physical parameters and personal data parameters have shown the positive associations between BMI, family history, and marital status but they have not seen the effect of occupation and socioeconomic status on BPH and CaP. The objective of the present study was to see the effects of anthropometric measurements and personal history parameters on BPH and CaP in our community. METHODS Ninety-three willing subjects from the outpatient department of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT) were selected for the study. Height and weight were measured, BMI calculated and personal data information, i.e., occupation, marital status, smoking history, family history and socioeconomic history were recorded. Data were analysed for association of various parameters with BPH and CaP. RESULTS Significant association between weight, BMI and skilled labourers was found when normal were compared with BPH cases. CONCLUSION No significant association between other parameters and BPH, CaP cases was found, except weight, BMI and skilled labour. Body weight should be managed well as it can lead to both cardiovascular as well as prostatic diseases.