Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Profiles in Alzheimer’s Disease and in Mild Cognitive Impairment of Different Etiologies

There has been increasing interest in determining whether amnestic, nonamnestic and multiple-domain subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) reflect different disease etiologies. In this study, we examined the extent to which cognitive profiles of nondemented patients with MCI diagnosed with prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD) differed from those MCI patients diagnosed with vascular disease. We also compared these diagnostic groups to mildly demented patients diagnosed with AD and normal elderly controls. Results indicate that a majority of both MCI-AD and MCI-vascular patients experienced amnestic features and that multiple-domain was the most common presentation. MCI-AD and MCI-vascular groups did not differ on neuropsychological measures tapping memory, language, visuospatial skills/praxis or executive function. Further both MCI groups could be distinguished from dementia patients with regards to performance on measures of memory but not on non-memory measures. Considerable variability was observed in the degree of memory impairment among MCI patients with scores as much as 6 standard deviations below expected mean values. MCI-AD and MCI-vascular patients frequently exhibit both common and overlapping amnestic and nonamnestic features. The implication of these findings for future clinical research is discussed.
Nuclear DNA C-values in 12 species in Nymphaeales

Abstract Nuclear DNA C-values are the basic data of species and used in a strikingly wide range of biological fields. Genome size of the most species belonging to the three families Nulembonaceae, Cabombaceae and Nym-phaeaceae in Nymphaeales were not assessed, especially none of the species in Cabombaceae was reported so far. In present research, flow cytometry was used to assess the genome size of 12 species belonging to the three families in Nymphaeales and a standard squash technique to count the chromosome numbers of the tested materials. In the tested different species, 2C nuclear DNA contents ranged from 1.55 to 8.11 pg, which is more than fivefold variation. And chromosome numbers varied from 2n=16 to 2n=72. Differences between the species or among populations within a species were also recorded by statistical analysis. The tested species are all small genomes except two species of Victoria. The ploidies did not matched with their DNA contents very well in Nymphaea. Significant differences were found between the species of Nymphaea, between those of Victoria and among wild populations of Nelumbo nicifera. , while no obvious differences were found between the species of Nelumbo and among the cultivars of Euryale ferox as well as among those of Brasenia schreberi, respectively.
Response of macroinvertebrates to copper and zinc in a stream mesocosm

Metal pollution of streams and rivers is recognized as one of the major concerns for management of freshwaters. Macroinvertebrate communities were established within 12 artificial streams and exposed to three replicated concentrations of a metals mixture (copper and zinc) for 34 d. The cumulative criterion units (CCU = σ[metals]/hardness‐adjusted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [U.S. EPA] 1996 chronic criterion value) of total metals in the low, medium, and high treatments were 2.4, 5.9, and 18 CCUs. Zinc comprised approximately 75% of the CCUs in each of the treatments. Effects on taxa richness and the number of taxa in the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) were moderate at the high exposure concentration (−23% and −26% respectively, p < 0.05). All of the five major mayfly species showed near extinction, whereas four of the seven caddisflies showed stimulation (up to +121%) and three were reduced (up to −76%). Redundancy analysis for this metal gradient indicated that 94% of the variance in community structure was explained by three quantitative variables: total mayfly abundance, a mollusk (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) abundance, and the number of EPT individuals, indicating that multiple indices do provide improved predictors of metal stress. Most species showed a threshold response relationship, whereas some community indicators showed apparent hormetic responses (e.g., number of mayfly taxa, total taxa, and number of EPT taxa). Model concentration‐response relationships with generalized linear models were used to provide threshold of 20% effective concentration values for species and community metrics. Threshold effect values ranged upwards of 1.4 CCUs, indicating that U.S.EPA chronic criteria would be protective of species and community responses.
Technical note: Accuracy of an ear tag-attached accelerometer to monitor rumination and feeding behavior in feedlot cattle.

Early identification of sick cattle increases treatment success and decreases mortality. Continuous automated records of behavior can be used to identify sick cattle early in the disease process. The objective was to evaluate accuracy of an ear-attached accelerometer (SensOor) that quantified ear movements and estimated feeding and rumination time through a proprietary algorithm. Accelerometers were attached to the ear tag of 18 steers with an initial mean BW of 326 ± 46 kg. The manufacturer's proprietary software was used to determine time spent "feeding," "ruminating," "active," and "resting. " Direct visual observation was used to validate the accelerometer. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for rumination and feeding separately. Repeated measures were accounted for using mixed model logistic regression. Single minutes of either feeding or rumination in a run of other behavior minutes were changed to the preceding behavior. Accuracy and precision of hourly recorded feeding and rumination times were assessed using the concordance correlation coefficient adjusted for repeated measurements. Sensitivity and specificity were 95 and 76% for feeding and 49 and 96% for rumination, respectively. Concordance correlation between observations and the sensor were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.85) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.23 to 0.60) for feeding and rumination, respectively. There was large variability among steers, with concordance correlations ranging from 0.09 to 0.98 for rumination time and from 0.58 to 0.96 for feeding time. We conclude that the accelerometer is a promising monitoring system for feeding behavior.
Ultrathin body germanium-on-insulator (GeOI) MOSFETs fabricated by transfer of epitaxial Ge films on III–V substrates

We report the first demonstration of thin body GeOI MOSFETs fabricated by a novel GeOI fabrication process based on epitaxial Ge grown on III-V compound semiconductor wafers. Normal operation of n- and p-MOSFET is confirmed for GeOI with thickness of 55 to 15 nm. The ION/IOFF ratio at room temperature is about 104 and the peak effective hole and electron mobility of 122 and 235 cm2/Vs, respectively, have been obtained for 15-nm-thick-GeOI n- and p-MOSFETs.
In vitro immunomodulatory effects of fractions obtained from aqueous extracts of Larrea divaricata Cav (Jarilla) on mouse peritoneal macrophages

Background and aim: Larrea divaricata Cav. (Zygophyllaceae) is a plant widely used in Argentina. Material and methods: We isolated different fractions of L. divaricata aqueous extract containing minor amounts of NDGA, and we analyzed these fractions on mouse macrophages. Results: We showed that a fraction without NDGA was capableof activating macrophages, principally through the production of mitochondrial anion superoxide and H2O2. This could be important in the defense of infections. Moreover, this fraction decreased NO level suggesting an anti-inflammatory action. Conclusion: These results indicate that NDGA was not the compound responsible for the immunomodulatory action exerted by the aqueous extract from L. divaricata.
Structural Models for the Geology of the Hanna Basin , Carbon County , Wyoming

The Hanna Basin in Carbon County, Wyoming, poses unusual and little studied structural problems. Several hypotheses have been proposed previously to explain the geology in the basin, but no adequate strike and dip data had been collected to support the construction of cross-sections. This paper explores the previously proposed models, which include several north-verging out-of-the-basin thrust faults, and introduces several new possibilities with faults verging both north and south. Constructed cross-sections demonstrate the varying viability of these models as explanations for the geologic structures mapped at the surface of the northern boundary of the Hanna Basin. Both trishear and evolved triangle zones are discussed as means to model deformation styles in this basin. The most viable model based upon the cross-sections constructed for this paper involves a series of north-verging, out-of-the-basin thrust faults which place younger Tertiary/Cretaceous strata on older Cretaceous strata and create a triangle zone between the smaller north-verging thrusts, the south-verging Shirley Thrust, and a deep, south-verging blind master thrust.
β-Blockers for the prevention of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (βLOCK COPD): a randomised controlled study protocol

Introduction A substantial majority of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs are due to acute exacerbations, but existing medications have only a modest effect on reducing their frequency, even when used in combination. Observational studies suggest β-blockers may reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations; thus, we will conduct a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to definitively assess the impact of metoprolol succinate on the rate of COPD exacerbations. Methods and analyses This is a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective randomised trial that will enrol 1028 patients with at least moderately severe COPD over a 3-year period. Participants with at least moderate COPD will be randomised in a 1:1 fashion to receive metoprolol or placebo; the cohort will be enriched for patients at high risk for exacerbations. Patients will be screened and then randomised over a 2-week period and will then undergo a dose titration period for the following 6 weeks. Thereafter, patients will be followed for 42 additional weeks on their target dose of metoprolol or placebo followed by a 4-week washout period. The primary end point is time to first occurrence of an acute exacerbation during the treatment period. Secondary end points include rates and severity of COPD exacerbations; rate of major cardiovascular events; all-cause mortality; lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)); dyspnoea; quality of life; exercise capacity; markers of cardiac stretch (pro-NT brain natriuretic peptide) and systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C reactive protein and fibrinogen). Analyses will be performed on an intent-to-treat basis. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol has been approved by the Department of Defense Human Protection Research Office and will be approved by the institutional review board of all participating centres. Study findings will be disseminated through presentations at national and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT02587351; Pre-results.
Surgical Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison of Resection and Transplantation

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has progressed remarkably over the last years. In patients with good hepatic functional reserve, liver resection should be considered as the therapeutic modality for local control of primary HCC, including a large tumor, or multiple HCCs with vascular invasion. Anatomic resection involves systematic elimination of the main tumor and its minute metastases. In cases with poor hepatic functional reserve, however, liver transplantation may be a better therapeutic option depending on patient age and tumor-related factors. Patients with tumors satisfying the Milan criteria (or its extended criteria) are good candidates for liver transplantation. We analyzed the findings from 100 patients with HCC who underwent living donor liver transplantation. The overall survival at 3 and 5 years after liver transplantation was 79 and 78%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 45 months. The treatment algorithm, based on evidence accrued from published papers, is now available and is useful for determining the therapeutic choice based on the tumor- and liver function-related conditions.
B Translocation k Caspase Activation and NF-Mast Cell Granules: Role in Regulation of in 4 Labile Zinc and Zinc Transporter ZnT

The granules of mast cells and other inﬂammatory cells are known to be rich in zinc (Zn), a potent caspase inhibitor. The functions of granular Zn, its mechanism of uptake, and its relationship to caspase activation in apoptosis are unclear. The granules of a variety of mast cell types ﬂuoresced intensely with the Zn-speciﬁc ﬂuorophore Zinquin, and ﬂuorescence was quenched by functional depletion of Zn using a membrane-permeable Zn chelator N , N , N (cid:1) , N (cid:1) -tetrakis (2-pyridyl-methyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN). Zn levels were also depleted by various mast cell activators, including IgE/anti-IgE, and Zn was rapidly replenished during subsequent culture, suggesting an active uptake mechanism. In support of the latter, mast cells contained high levels of the vesicular Zn transporter ZnT 4 , especially in the more apical granules. Immunoﬂuorescence and immunogold labeling studies revealed signiﬁcant pools of procaspase-3 and -4 in mast cell granules and their release during degranulation. Functional depletion of Zn by chelation with TPEN, but not by degranulation, resulted in greatly increased susceptibility of mast cells to toxin-induced caspase activation, as detected using a ﬂuorogenic substrate assay. Release of caspases during degranulation was accompanied by a decreased susceptibility to toxins. Zn depletion by chelation, but not by degranulation, also resulted in nuclear translocation of the antiapoptotic, proinﬂammatory transcription factor NF- (cid:1) B. These ﬁndings
Defense mechanisms of conifers : differences in constitutive and wound-induced monoterpene biosynthesis among species.

Levels of monoterpene cyclase activity were determined in extracts from wounded and unwounded saplings of 10 conifer species to assess whether oleoresin biosynthesis is induced by stem wounding. Species of Abies and Picea, with low to moderate levels of constitutive monoterpene cyclase activity, exhibited a five- to 15-fold increase in cyclase activity 7 days after wounding relative to unwounded controls. In contrast, species of genera such as Pinus, with high levels of constitutive cyclase activity, did not significantly respond to wounding by alteration in the level of cyclase activity. The highest fold increase in monoterpene cyclase activity was consistently observed in Abies grandis, and the time-course of induction of activity following stem wounding in this species demonstrated a threefold increase at 2 days relative to unwounded controls, rising to a maximum increase in the response at 9 days (greater than 10-fold) followed by an apparent decline. The wound response was localized, and both bark (phloem) and wood (xylem) tissues displayed increased cyclase activity at the wound site. The magnitude of the increase in cyclase activity was dependent on the severity of the wound.
Model tests and numerical analyses on the mechanism of flow-out of railway ballasts induced by flood inundation

Recently in Japan, railway ballasts have been flown out several times by heavy or intense rainfalls. However, the mechanism has not yet been investigated in detail, so that the risk and the countermeasures cannot be reasonably proposed. Therefore, in this research, model tests and numerical analyses were conducted to investigate the flow-out mechanism. It was found that the seepage characteristics of ballast beds can be expressed based on Forchheimer law not on Darcy law. Progressive failures were observed in the model tests. It was also found that the stability of the ballast beds can be reasonably explained by the proposed micro-mechanic approach.
Punishment Despite Reasonable Doubt - A Public Goods Experiment with Sanctions Under Uncertainty

Under a great variety of legally relevant circumstances, people have to decide whether or not to cooperate when they face an incentive to defect. The law sometimes provides people with sanctioning mechanisms to enforce pro-social behavior. Experimental evidence on voluntary public goods provision shows that the option to punish others substantially improves cooperation, even if punishment is costly. However, these studies focus on situations where there is no uncertainty about the behavior of others. We investigate sanctions in a world with "reasonable doubt" about the contributions of others. Interestingly, people reveal a high willingness to punish even if their information about cooperation rates is highly inaccurate. If there is some nontrivial degree of noise, punishment (1) cannot establish cooperation high and (2) reduces welfare even below the level of a setting without punishment. Our findings suggest that sufficient information accuracy about others' behavior is crucial for the efficiency of sanction mechanisms. If a situation is characterized by low information accuracy, precluding sanctions, for example, through high standards of proof, is likely to be optimal.
No direct role for Epstein‐Barr virus in oral carcinogenesis: A study at the DNA, RNA and protein levels

Reports on the association of EBV with oral squamous‐cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are scarce and inconclusive. To determine the potential role of EBV in oral carcinogenesis, we investigated 36 EBV DNA PCR‐positive OSCCs for the expression of EBV transcripts and proteins. From these EBV DNA‐positive OSCCs, 13 were analysed for the presence of EBV products, either at RNA and/or protein level. EBER transcripts were investigated by RNA in situ hybridisation. EBNA‐1, EBNA‐2, LMP‐1, LMP‐2, BHRF1 and BARF0 transcripts were investigated by RT‐PCR and/or NASBA. EBNA‐1, LMP‐1 and ZEBRA protein expressions were investigated by immunohistochemistry. All 36 OSCCs were positive for EBV DNA, using the highly sensitive BamHI W PCR, and 18 of these (50%) were positive using the less‐sensitive PCR, which targets BNLF‐1. However, virtually all OSCCs tested failed to reveal EBV transcripts, including EBERs and EBNA‐1 transcripts. No ZEBRA and LMP‐1 proteins were found in the neoplastic or any other cells of the OSCCs investigated. Immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) raised against EBNA‐1 (2B4) resulted in positive staining in some cases of OSCCs, but these results were non‐specific, since EBV‐negative epithelial tissues showed extensive non‐specific staining and no EBNA‐1‐specific transcripts were detected by RT‐PCR or NASBA. The absence of expression of EBV encoded transcripts and proteins indicate that, with the present knowledge on EBV, an active role in oral carcinogenesis for this virus is unlikely. Int. J. Cancer 86:356–361, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temperamental Anger and Effortful Control, Teacher-Child Conflict, and Externalizing Behavior Across the Elementary School Years.

This study examined teacher-child conflict as a possible mediator of the effects of temperamental anger and effortful control on subsequent externalizing behavior. Reciprocal influences between teacher-child conflict and externalizing behavior were also examined. Participants were 1,152 children (49% female; 81.6% non-Hispanic White) from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Multivariate growth curve modeling revealed that greater effortful control at age 54 months indirectly predicted lower levels of, and subsequent changes in, externalizing behavior from kindergarten to Grade 6 through reduced teacher-child conflict. An alternative model, in which greater effortful control predicted lower teacher-child conflict through lower externalizing behavior, received less support. Within persons, greater-than-expected teacher-child conflict predicted greater-than-expected teacher-reported externalizing behavior concurrently and over time.
Length of gestation in the guinea pig with data on the frequency and time of abortion and stillbirth

The value of the guinea pig for investigations of teratogenesis and pregnancy is enhanced by its relatively long gestation. This species-characteristic provides especial opportunity to study deleterious factors which act differentially with respect to the phases of pregnancy as do many noxious factors in man (Taussig, '36). Not until the present, however, have sufficient data been available for a statistical analysis of the temporal aspects of pregnancy, both normal and abnormal. The uncertainty which has existed with respect to this aspect of gestation is reflected in the literature on the length of gestation in this species. Kenneth ('47) lists nine estimates ranging from 63 to 70 days. Inasmuch as the length of gestation varies inversely with litter size (Minot, 1891; McKeown and Macmahon, '56), it is possible that some of the differences are explained by the failure of investigators to make allowance for this relationship. It seems more likely though that the shorter estimates resulted from the inclusion of a considerable propor-
Output Feedback Stabilization for Discrete-time Systems with A Time-varying Delay

The free-weighting matrix approach is employed to investigate the output feedback control of linear discrete-time systems with an interval time-varying delay. First, a delay-dependent stability analysis is carried out using a new method of estimating the upper bound on the difference of a Lyapunov function without ignoring any useful terms; and a design criterion for a static output feedback (SOF) controller is formulated based on that analysis. Since the conditions thus obtained for the existence of admissible controllers are not expressed strictly in terms of linear matrix inequalities, a modified cone complementary linearization (CCL) algorithm is employed to solve the nonconvex feasibility SOF control problem. This enables the problem of designing a dynamic output feedback controller to be reduced to one of designing an SOF controller. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the method and its advantage over existing methods.