Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mediators of the relationship between race and allostatic load in African and White Americans.

OBJECTIVE Allostatic load (AL) is a cumulative index of physiological dysregulation, which has been shown to predict cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. On average, African Americans (AA) have higher AL than their White American (WA) counterparts. This study investigated whether differences in discrimination, negative affect-related variables (e.g., experience and expression of anger, depression), and health practices (e.g., exercise, alcohol use, smoking, subjective sleep quality) mediate racial differences in AL. METHOD Participants included healthy, AA (n = 76) and WA (n = 100), middle-aged (Mage = 35.2 years) men (n = 98) and women (n = 78). Questionnaires assessed demographics, psychosocial variables, and health practices. Biological data were collected as part of an overnight hospital stay-AL score was composed of 11 biomarkers. The covariates age, gender, and socioeconomic status were held constant in each analysis. RESULTS Findings showed significant racial differences in AL, such that AA had higher AL than their WA counterparts. Results of serial mediation indicated a pathway whereby racial group was associated with discrimination, which was then associated with increased experience of anger and decreased subjective sleep quality, which were associated with AL (e.g., race → discrimination → experience of anger → subjective sleep quality → AL); in combination, these variables fully mediated the relationship between race and AL (p < .05). CONCLUSION These results suggest that discrimination plays an important role in explaining racial differences in an important indictor of early disease through its relationship with negative affect-related factors and health practices. (PsycINFO Database Record
Temperature dependence of exciton-surface plasmon polariton coupling in Ag, Au, and Al films on InxGa1−xN/GaN quantum wells studied with time-resolved cathodoluminescence

The optical properties and coupling of excitons to surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in Ag, Au, and Al-coated InxGa1−xN/GaN multiple and single quantum wells (SQWs) were probed with time-resolved cathodoluminescence. Excitons were generated in the metal coated SQWs by injecting a pulsed high-energy electron beam through the thin metal films. The Purcell enhancement factor (Fp) was obtained by direct measurement of changes in the temperature-dependent radiative lifetime caused by the SQW exciton-SPP coupling. Three chosen plasmonic metals of Al, Ag, and Au facilitate an interesting comparison of the exciton-SPP coupling for energy ranges in which the SP energy is greater than, approximately equal to, and less than the excitonic transition energy for the InGaN/GaN QW emitter. A modeling of the temperature dependence of the Purcell enhancement factor, Fp, included the effects of ohmic losses of the metals and changes in the dielectric properties due to the temperature dependence of (i) the intraband behavior.
Effects of conjugated fatty acid supplementation on central obesity and blood pressure in women with benign breast disease: A randomized controlled-clinical trial

Summary. Objective: Health benefits of conjugated fatty acids, particularly conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA), have recently provide substantial insights in a variety of obesity-related tumorigenesis including breast neoplasia. This study aims to investigate the effects of CLNA-contained oil (CLNAO) supplementation on central obesity indices and blood pressure in women with benign breast disease (BBD). Methods: Forty six pre-menopausal women with BBD were randomly allocated to intervention group (n=23) or placebo (n=23). Patients in the intervention group received 1000 mg/day CLNAO capsule and the placebo group received 1000 mg/day inert oil-contained capsule during 13 weeks. Measures of blood pressure and some anthropometric variables were performed at the baseline and end of study. Result: Systolic (P<0.01) and diastolic (P<0.05) blood pressures decreased within CLNAO group on subjects whom were overweight. Normal weight participants who received placebo showed significant increases in total body fat (P<0.05), waist circumference (P<0.05), and waist circumference to height ratio (P<0.05), meantime CLNAO group showed no changes on both variables. Intervention with CLNAO caused no significant increases on skinfolds of abdomen and suprailiac, whereas these measures were remarkably increased in placebo (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Findings from this study show that CLNAO can attenuate development of central fat acquisition in the BBD patients who weighted normally. Administration of CLNAO decline systolic and diastolic blood pressures of overweight subjects. Â© Mattioli 1885
[Surgery before orthodontic treatment: a concept for timing the combined therapy of skeletal dysgnathias].

Postsurgical orthodontic treatment will prevent several disadvantages of the presurgical orthodontic approach: 1. Orthodontic tooth-movements do not interfere with compensatory biological responses. 2. The dental arch alignment is similar to the procedures of any class-I-orthodontic treatment; i.e. dental movements can be based on an already corrected skeletal relation. 3. A possible postsurgical relapse may be easily compensated within the postsurgical orthodontic treatment. Presurgical corrections of dento-alveolar discrepancies are only required to limit an excessive vertical disclusion necessary for a correct sagittal and transverse positioning of the jaws.
Enhanced authentication for commercial video services

The advance in information technology has made video service a market with great commercial value. As an example, in-vehicle infotainment has been introduced to vehicles with which customers can enjoy subscribed media services wherever they are. This paper investigates the authentication in commercial video services using a recently proposed protocol, the Sun–Leu protocol, as baseline. Several important security and performance requirements are revisited, including mutual authentication, anonymous authentication, one-to-many delivery, low communication cost and the security against replay attacks. We provide a detailed analysis of the Sun–Leu protocol against these requirements, based on which an enhanced authentication scheme is proposed. The new scheme is designed within the framework of the Sun–Leu protocol, preserves all merits of the original protocol and provides a higher level of security for video communication services. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixed phenotype acute leukemia: outcomes with allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A retrospective study from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT

Mixed phenotype acute leukemias are infrequent and considered high risk. The optimal treatment approach and the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are not entirely clear. In this study, we investigated 519 patients with mixed phenotype acute leukemia in first complete remission who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 2000 and 2014, and who were reported to the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). Median age was 38.1 years (range 18–75). Cytogenetics classified 49.3% as poor risk. At three years, relapse incidence was 31.4% (26.9–35.9), non-relapse mortality was 22.1% (18.4–26.1), the leukemia-free survival was 46.5% (41.7–51.4), and the overall survival was 56.3% (51.5–61.2). At six months, 32.5% had developed acute graft-versus-host disease, while at three years, 37.5% had developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (32.6–42.3). In a multivariate analysis, age and year of transplant had a strong impact on outcome. Myeloablative conditioning using total body irradiation correlated with a better leukemia-free survival. Our study suggests that mixed phenotype acute leukemia is potentially sensitive to graft-versus-leukemia and thus can benefit from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a potential for cure.
Configuration of subjectivities of english language teachers as NNESTS in the frame of colombian language policies: a narrative study

En este trabajo se describe el proceso realizado para informar sobre la configuracion de las subjetividades profesionales de cuatro profesores colombianos de lengua inglesa como profesores no nativos y su relacion con las politicas linguisticas. Historicamente, las politicas linguisticas en Colombia han sido disenadas no teniendo en cuenta las necesidades, deseos y experiencias de las personas involucradas en su aplicacion, especialmente los docentes. (Gonzalez, 2007, Guerrero, 2008, 2009, 2010, Mejia, 2012, Usma, 2009, entre otros). En consecuencia, mi aspiracion es que las historias aqui retratadas puedan arrojar luz sobre la formulacion de politicas, y de alguna manera, guiar a las personas que tienen la responsabilidad de generarlas. Teniendo en cuenta mis experiencias personales, la literatura producida en el campo de las subjetividades, la dicotomia entre profesores de ingles nativos y no nativos, y las subjetividades, pude identificar que en Colombia no se ha hecho mucho trabajo de investigacion integrando estos tres campos, este estudio intenta ayudar a llenar ese espacio. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo-narrativo en el que he utilizado grupos focales, narrativas escritas y entrevistas narrativas como instrumentos para recopilar datos de los participantes que pertenecen a diferentes universidades y colegios en Colombia. Sus historias fueron analizadas utilizando el metodo de analisis de historias cortas (SSA - por sus siglas en ingles) y los resultados me permitieron identificar una categoria principal: Re-crear el yo: un proceso complejo, cambiante y duradero que muestra como las subjetividades de los maestros son influenciadas por otros; los procesos de aceptacion o rechazo que estos profesores tienen cuando las configuran; y el papel que desempenan el conocimiento y la reflexion en dicho proceso.
Problems of formal reasoning in test situations.

The reported study is one of several undertaken in the context of a desire to arrive at a clearer understanding of the kinds of advances in reasoning that appear as the child approaches adolescence. How much are these advances sufficiently homogeneous and distinctive to warrant the use of the general term "formal reasoning" in opposition to the term "concrete reasoning," which is characteristic of the achievements belonging to the years between 6 and 9?
Large-scale gene expression profiling reveals major pathogenetic pathways of cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE Despite many research efforts in recent decades, the major pathogenetic mechanisms of osteoarthritis (OA), including gene alterations occurring during OA cartilage degeneration, are poorly understood, and there is no disease-modifying treatment approach. The present study was therefore initiated in order to identify differentially expressed disease-related genes and potential therapeutic targets. METHODS This investigation consisted of a large gene expression profiling study performed based on 78 normal and disease samples, using a custom-made complementary DNA array covering >4,000 genes. RESULTS Many differentially expressed genes were identified, including the expected up-regulation of anabolic and catabolic matrix genes. In particular, the down-regulation of important oxidative defense genes, i.e., the genes for superoxide dismutases 2 and 3 and glutathione peroxidase 3, was prominent. This indicates that continuous oxidative stress to the cells and the matrix is one major underlying pathogenetic mechanism in OA. Also, genes that are involved in the phenotypic stability of cells, a feature that is greatly reduced in OA cartilage, appeared to be suppressed. CONCLUSION Our findings provide a reference data set on gene alterations in OA cartilage and, importantly, indicate major mechanisms underlying central cell biologic alterations that occur during the OA disease process. These results identify molecular targets that can be further investigated in the search for therapeutic interventions.
Colony Elimination of Subterranean Termites by Bait Application Using Benzoylphenylurea Compounds, with Special Reference to Bistrifluron

1.1 Termite as pest insect Termites are insects that belong to Termitidae and from systematic point of view cockroaches are most closely-related to them. Although termites had been formed the independent order, Isoptera, recently they became a part of Blattodea (Inward et al., 2007). While cockroach is one of the most important household and hygiene pest insects all over the world, termite is also occupying a high position as a household pest insect. However their position is bit different from their closest relatives and is a structural pest which attacks and gives serious damage to wooden structures such as residences [c.f. , in developing countries they are pests to trees and agricultural products (Constantino, 2002)]. In Japan, several hundred million dollars are spent annually for the prevention and control of termites (Yoshimura, 2001; Tsunoda, 2003). One thing to be addressed here is that termites are very important decomposers of cellulose in the ecosystem. They become pest insects when their habitats overlap those of humans.
Cloning and functional expression of a human liver organic cation transporter.

Polyspecific organic cation transporters in the liver mediate the elimination of a wide array of endogenous amines and xenobiotics. In contrast to our understanding of the mechanisms of organic cation transport in rat liver, little is known about the mechanisms of organic cation transport in the human liver. We report the cloning, sequencing, and functional characterization of the first human polyspecific organic cation transporter from liver (hOCT1). hOCT1 (554 amino acids) is 78% identical to the previously cloned organic cation transporter from rat, rOCT1 [Nature (Lond.) 372:549-552 (1994)]. In Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with the cRNA of hOCT1, the specific uptake of the organic cation 3H-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (3H-MPP+) was significantly enhanced (8-fold) over that in water-injected oocytes. Uptake of 3H-MPP+ was saturable (K(m) = 14.6 +/- 4.39 microM) and sensitive to membrane potential. Both small monovalent organic cations such as tetraethylammonium and N1-methylnicotinamide and bulkier organic cations (e.g., vecuronium and decynium-22) inhibited the uptake of 3H-MPP+. In addition, the bile acid taurocholate inhibited the uptake of 3H-MPP+ in oocytes expressing hOCT1. Northern analysis demonstrated that the mRNA transcript of hOCT1 is expressed primarily in the human liver, whereas the mRNA transcript of rOCT1 is found in rat kidney, liver, intestine, and colon [Nature (Lond.) 372:549-552 (1994)]. In comparison to rOCT1, hOCT1 exhibits notable differences in its kinetic characteristics and tissue distribution. The functional expression of hOCT1 will provide a powerful tool for elucidation of the mechanisms of organic cation transport in the human liver and understanding of the mechanisms involved in the disposition and hepatotoxicity of drugs.
A signalling role for muscle glycogen in the regulation of pace during prolonged exercise

Introduction: In this study we examined the pacing strategy and the end muscle glycogen contents in eight cyclists, once when they were carbohydrate loaded and once when they were non-loaded. Methods: Cyclists completed 2 hours of cycling at ∼73% of maximum oxygen consumption, which included five sprints at 100% of peak sustained power output every 20 minutes, followed immediately by a 1 hour time trial. Muscle biopsies were performed before and immediately after exercise, while blood samples were taken during the 2 hour steady state rides and immediately after exercise. Results: Carbohydrate loading improved mean power output during the 1 hour time trial (mean (SEM) 219 (17) v 233 (15) W; p<0.05) and enabled subjects to use significantly more muscle glycogen than during the trial following their normal diet. Significantly, the subjects, kept blind to all feedback except for time, started both time trials at similar workloads (∼30 W), but after 1 minute of cycling, the workload average 14 W higher throughout the loaded compared with the non-loaded time trial. There were no differences in subjects’ plasma glucose and lactate concentrations and heart rates in the carbohydrate loaded versus the non-loaded trial. Of the eight subjects, seven improved their time trial performance after carbohydrate loading. Finishing muscle glycogen concentrations in these seven subjects were remarkably similar in both trials (18 (3) v 20 (3) mmol/kg w/w), despite significantly different starting values and time trial performances (36.55 (1.47) v 38.14 (1.27) km/h; p<0.05). The intra-subject coefficient of variation (CV) for end glycogen content in these seven subjects was 10%, compared with an inter-subject CV of 43%. Conclusions: As seven subjects completed the time trials with the same end exercise muscle glycogen concentrations, diet induced changes in pacing strategies during the time trials in these subjects may have resulted from integrated feedback from the periphery, perhaps from glycogen content in exercising muscles.
Anthrax as a biological weapon, 2002: updated recommendations for management.

OBJECTIVE To review and update consensus-based recommendations for medical and public health professionals following a Bacillus anthracis attack against a civilian population. PARTICIPANTS The working group included 23 experts from academic medical centers, research organizations, and governmental, military, public health, and emergency management institutions and agencies. EVIDENCE MEDLINE databases were searched from January 1966 to January 2002, using the Medical Subject Headings anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, biological weapon, biological terrorism, biological warfare, and biowarfare. Reference review identified work published before 1966. Participants identified unpublished sources. CONSENSUS PROCESS The first draft synthesized the gathered information. Written comments were incorporated into subsequent drafts. The final statement incorporated all relevant evidence from the search along with consensus recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Specific recommendations include diagnosis of anthrax infection, indications for vaccination, therapy, postexposure prophylaxis, decontamination of the environment, and suggested research. This revised consensus statement presents new information based on the analysis of the anthrax attacks of 2001, including developments in the investigation of the anthrax attacks of 2001; important symptoms, signs, and laboratory studies; new diagnostic clues that may help future recognition of this disease; current anthrax vaccine information; updated antibiotic therapeutic considerations; and judgments about environmental surveillance and decontamination.
Nutritional Epidemiology—There's Life in the Old Dog Yet!

Consideration is given to the idea that the nutritional epidemiology of cancer is dead, as some in the media have claimed. The basis for the claim does not lie in science nor has anyone with relevant knowledge made such a statement—although that, too, has been claimed. Evidence is adduced for the importance of past achievements of nutritional epidemiology. Attention is similarly drawn to recent contributions. In particular, I note the state of play of cancer and plant foods, fat and breast cancer, meat and cancer, vegetarians, intervention studies, migrant studies, and westernization of diet and lifestyle. Some next steps and some currently important questions are outlined. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 323–30. ©2014 AACR.
A meta-analysis of PDE-gene polymorphism and cerebral infarction risk

Previous studies identified that phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene polymorphism might be associated with cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke in human populations. However, as yet, no meta-analysis has revealed any detailed association. We retrospectively reviewed studies regarding the relationship of PDE4D gene polymorphism with ischemic stroke (IS) published during the period January 2003 to September 2012. According to the inclusion criteria, 9 of 105 initial studies were included in the subsequent analysis. The PubMed, Embase and CNKI of China were searched to identify the relevant studies. A total of 186 young patients with IS were included for the meta-analysis and 232 matched control subjects were enrolled and results were presented. The association of PDE4D gene polymorphism with IS in various populations was examined. The results suggested that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), SNP 83 in PDE4D gene was significantly related with susceptibility to IS. The meta-analysis also showed that PDE4D gene was associated with an enhanced risk of IS. The meta-analysis suggested that PDE4D SNP 87 constitutes an independent risk factor for IS development. To the best of our knowledge, the present meta-analysis reveals a number of possible associations between PDE4D gene polymorphism and IS.
Macroscopic and Microscopic Morphological Features of Stromatolites Related To Activity of Eukaryote-Dominated Biofilms in an Acid Mine Drainage Environment: Biosignatures and Understanding Preservation of Stromatolites as Trace Fossils

Abstract Euglena-, diatom-, and algae-dominated biofilms are the principal producers of iron-rich biolaminates that result in biosedimentary structures, or stromatolites, in an acid mine drainage (AMD) environment in Indiana. These structures are considered trace fossils because they are produced by organism-sediment interactions and record physicochemical conditions of the environment. Our purpose was to link the biofilm types to specific micro- and micromorphological features and the physicochemical conditions under which they were formed. Analyses revealed that Euglena-dominated biofilm produced thin, porous microlaminae by trapping, binding, and relocating AMD precipitates as the biofilm kept pace with chemical sedimentation. More massive microlaminae were produced by high rates of chemical sedimentation brought on by increased discharge and dilution of acidity. Diatom- and algae-dominated biofilms produced thick, mm–cm-scale, porous, spongelike micro- to macrolaminae through oxygenic photosynthesis and/or metal uptake in extracellular polymeric substances, which promoted mineral precipitation on cell walls to create a rigid, porous structure. The variations in biolaminate textures within the stromatolites record seasonal changes in the microbial populations and physicochemical conditions of the AMD environment. These iron-rich stromatolites represent trace fossils that record morphological biosignatures of eukaryote-dominated microbial biofilms and may serve as appropriate proxies in the search for similar evidence of eukaryotic life in other iron-rich paleoenvironments, such as those on early Earth and Mars.