Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes of Recovery Function in Median Nerve Somatosensory Evoked Potentials From Awake to Sleep

To investigate how the sleep affects the recovery functions of somatosensory evoked potential, we studied somatosensory evoked potential recovery functions of the median nerve during awake to sleep in eight healthy adults, using the paired conditioning and test stimulus paradigm. The most notable difference between wakefulness and sleep was the much greater enhancement of parietal P26 and frontal P22 in sleep than in awake state at interstimulus intervals of 20 to 100 milliseconds of paired stimulus paradigm. Although the enhanced P26 and P22 were observed in control somatosensory evoked potential during sleep, the augmentation was much greater when conditioned by preceding stimulus. In contrast, the parietal P40-N60 and frontal fP40-fN60 of test response were more depressed in sleep than in wakefulness. As a whole, the recovery curves in sleep appeared to be shifted to the right as compared with those in the awake, suggesting delayed recovery function in sleep. The augmentation of frontal P22 and parietal P26 in sleep, contrasting depressed other components, most notably fP40-fN60 and parietal P40-N60, imply that the former components reflect inhibitory and the latter to the excitatory process. This is the first study that demonstrates the somatosensory evoked potential recovery functions are different from those of awake state.
Breast meat traits of Muscovy ducks fed on a microalga (Crypthecodinium cohnii) meal supplemented diet

1. A trial was conducted in order to increase the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in the meat of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica L.) fed on a diet supplemented with the microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii. 2. Two diets were provided to 48 male and 48 female ducks, belonging to an Italian rural strain during the last 3 weeks of life: a maize–soybean based diet as the control diet and the same diet supplemented with 5 g/kg microalga meal. 3. Dietary treatment did not induce differences in growth performances and slaughter traits. Similarly, chemical composition, colour, pH, oxidative stability and sensory characteristics of breast muscle were not influenced by the diet. 4. A significant increase of DHA content in breast meat of ducks fed on the Crypthecodinium cohnii enriched diet was observed.
Effects of chelating agents during freeze-drying of boar spermatozoa on DNA fragmentation and on developmental ability in vitro and in vivo after intracytoplasmic sperm head injection

SUMMARY Successful offspring production after intracytoplasmic injection of freeze-dried sperm has been reported in laboratory animals but not in domesticated livestock, including pigs. The integrity of the DNA in the freeze-dried sperm is reported to affect embryogenesis. Release of endonucleases from the sperm is one of the causes of induction of sperm DNA fragmentation. We examined the effects of chelating agents, which inhibit the activation of such enzymes, on DNA fragmentation in freeze-dried sperm and on the in vitro and in vivo developmental ability of porcine oocytes following boar sperm head injection. Boar ejaculated sperm were sonicated, suspended in buffer supplemented with (1) 50 mM EGTA, (2) 50 mM EDTA, (3) 10 mM EDTA, or (4) no chelating agent and freeze-dried. A fertilization medium (Pig-FM) was used as a control. The rehydrated spermatozoa in each group were then incubated in Pig-FM at room temperature. The rate of DNA fragmentation in the control group, as assessed by the TUNEL method, increased gradually as time after rehydration elapsed (2.8% at 0 min to 12.2% at 180 min). However, the rates in all experimental groups (1–4) did not increase, even at 180 min (0.7–4.1%), which were all significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. The rate of blastocyst formation after the injection in the control group (6.0%) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in the 50 mM EGTA (23.1%) and 10 mM EDTA (22.6%) groups incubated for 120–180 min. The average number of blastocyst cells in the 50 mM EGTA group (33.1 cells) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the 10 mM EDTA group (17.8 cells). Finally, we transferred oocytes from 50 mM EGTA or control groups incubated for 0–60 min into estrous-synchronized recipients. The two recipients of the control oocytes became pregnant and one miscarried two fetuses on day 39. The results suggested that fragmentation of DNA in freeze-dried boar sperm is one of the causes of decreased in vitro developmental ability of injected oocytes to the blastocyst stage. Supplementation with EGTA in a freeze-drying buffer improves this ability.
Parental Awareness and Perception of Their Children’s Body Size

Objective: To investigate parents’ misperception of their active children’s size. Subjects: One hundred and forty male or female parents and their children from a youth soccer league participated. Actual Child Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles and BMI categories were compared to the results of a Body Size Estimation Task and lifestyles questionnaire results. Results: Parents underestimated the body size of their children and placed them in a lower BMI category than the children actually belonged in. As was the case in other studies children in the unhealthy or at risk to become overweight category where seen as a healthy weight. Unlike other studies, many healthy weight children were seen as underweight. Conclusions: An explanation of body size misperception and underestimation of body size may be “change blindness”. The growing prevalence of obesity in children may be better addressed by focusing on the parents’ apparent lack of concern about excess childhood weight and the parents’ identification of excess childhood weight as “just normal” rather than seeing excess weight as a potential problem.
Isolation and Characterization of Plant Growth- Promoting Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain sks_bnj_1 and its Influence on Rhizosphere Soil Properties and Nutrition of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

The objective of this work was to isolate and characterize Bacillus bearing multiple plant growthpromoting traits from diseased roots of soybean and to further assess its inoculation effect on soil rhizosphere properties and nutrition in soybean. The isolate was putatively identified as Bacillus on the basis of cultural characteristics and FAMEs profile, and further sequencing of 16S rRNA gene revealed 98.7% similarity to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and designated as strain sks_bnj_1 (AY 932823). The strain possessed multiple plant growth-promoting traits such as siderophore production, indole-3-acetic acid-like-compounds, ACC deaminase, phosphatases, phytases, HCN, cellulases, zinc solubilization and antagonisms to soil-borne pathogens. Microcosm study using soybean as an indicator crop revealed that inoculation of this strain sks_bnj_1 significantly increased rhizosphere soil properties (enzyme activities, IAA production, microbial respiration, microbial biomass-C), and nutrient content in straw (K, P, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) and seeds (K, P, Fe, Mn) of soybean over un-inoculated control. This study suggests that inoculation of B. amyloliquefaciens sks_bnj_1 improves most of the rhizosphere properties, plant growth, nutrient assimilation and yield of soybean and has potential to be promoted as a bioinoculant for soybean production following proper field evaluation.
Effects of Color-Multiplex Stereoscopic View on Memory and Navigation

In this work, effects of stereoscopic view on object recognition and navigation performance of the participants are examined in an indoor desktop virtual reality environment, which is a two-floor virtual museum having different floor plans and 3D object models inside. This environment is used in two different experimental settings: 1) color-multiplex stereoscopic 3D viewing is provided by colored eye-wear, 2) regular 2D viewing. After the experiment, participants filled a questionnaire that inquires their feeling of presence, their tendency to be immersed and their performance on object recognition and navigation in the environment. Two groups (3D and 2D), each having 5 participants, with equal tendency are formed according to the answers of 'tendency' part, and the rest is evaluated to examine the effects of stereoscopic view. Contrary to our expectations, results show no significant difference between 3D and 2D groups both on feeling of presence and object recognition/navigation performance.
New-Onset Asthma Associated With Exposure to 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole

Objective: The authors conducted an investigation of a cluster of eight new-onset asthma cases identified in a chemical plant through the Sentinel Event Notification Systems for Occupational Risks (SENSOR) program. Methods: Workplace investigation involved interviews with the asthma cases, review of medical records, and medical and industrial hygiene surveys in the plant. Results: Altogether, 11 work-related asthma cases were identified among the plant workers—approximately 10% of the workers exposed to the potential causative agents: 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMT) or N-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2-sulfonamide (DE-498; trade name Flumetsulam). Of these cases, six had physician-diagnosed occupational asthma (OA) based on work-related respiratory symptoms and nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH), and of these, three had work-related expiratory peak flow changes. Conclusions: The findings of this investigation, together with findings from concurrent animal studies, suggest that this outbreak of new-onset asthma was associated with exposure to AMT. Clinical Significance: A cluster of eight new-onset asthma cases was identified in a chemical plant through the SENSOR program. Subsequent workplace investigation identified AMT, used in the production of a herbicide N-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl- [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2-sulfonamide, as the most likely causal agent.
Collectivism and individualism in Latino recovery homes

ABSTRACT Research indicates that Latinos underutilize substance abuse interventions; cultural variables may contribute to difficulties accessing and completing treatment for this group. As a result, there is a need to understand the role of cultural constructs in treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate how levels of collectivism (COL) and individualism (IND) relate to length of stay and relapse outcomes in self-run recovery homes. We compared Latinos in several culturally modified recovery Oxford Houses to Latinos in traditional recovery Oxford Houses. By examining COL and IND in the OH model, we explored whether aspects of COL and IND led to longer lengths of stay and better substance use outcomes. We hypothesized that higher levels of COL would predict longer stays in an Oxford House and less relapse. COL did not have a main effect on length of stay. However, COL had a significant interaction effect with house type such that COL was positively correlated with length of stay in traditional houses and negatively correlated with length of stay in the culturally modified condition; that is, those with higher collectivism tended to stay longer in traditional houses. When we investigated COL, length of stay, and substance use, COL was negatively correlated with relapse in the culturally modified houses and positively correlated with relapse in the traditional houses. In other words, those with higher COL spent less time and had less relapse in the culturally modified compared to the traditional Oxford Houses. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Effectiveness of Hamstring Knee Rehabilitation Exercise Performed in Training Machine vs. Elastic Resistance: Electromyography Evaluation Study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate muscle activity during hamstring rehabilitation exercises performed in training machine compared with elastic resistance. DesignSix women and 13 men aged 28–67 yrs participated in a crossover study. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded in the biceps femoris and the semitendinosus during the concentric and the eccentric phase of hamstring curls performed with TheraBand elastic tubing and Technogym training machines and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction–EMG (normalized EMG). Knee joint angle was measured using electronic inclinometers. ResultsTraining machines and elastic resistance showed similar high levels of muscle activity (biceps femoris and semitendinosus peak normalized EMG >80%). EMG during the concentric phase was higher than during the eccentric phase regardless of exercise and muscle. However, compared with machine exercise, slightly lower (P < 0.05) normalized EMG values were observed using elastic resistance at 30- to 50-degree knee joint angle for the semitendinosus and the biceps femoris during the concentric and the eccentric phase, respectively. Perceived loading (Borg CR10) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) during hamstring curl performed with elastic resistance (7.58 ± 0.08) compared with hamstring curl performed in a machine (5.92 ± 0.03). ConclusionsHamstring rehabilitation exercise performed with elastic resistance induces similar peak hamstring muscle activity but slightly lower EMG values at more extended knee angles and with higher perceived loading as hamstring curls using training machines.
Exposure to Pornography a Risk Factor for Sexual Compulsivity ? Findings from an Online Survey among Young Heterosexual Adults Running head : Early exposure to pornography and sexual compulsivity

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the relationship between early exposure to pornography and sexual compulsivity among Croatian young adults. Using online survey data on pornography use and sexual behavior among 1528 heterosexual women and men aged 18-25, we tested a hypothesis that pornography use at the age of 14 is a marker for sexual compulsivity in late adolescence and young adulthood. After satisfactory reliability of a 4-item subscale of the Sexual Compulsiveness Scale (Kalichman & Rompa, 1995) was confirmed in this sample, construct validity of this composite indicator focused on out of control sexual thoughts and behaviors was assessed. High sexual compulsivity was associated with sexual risk taking, though mainly among women, decreased levels of relationship intimacy and lesser sexual contentment. However, we found no significant association between early exposure to pornography and high sexual compulsivity either among men or women.
Personality as a predictor of Business Social Media Usage: an Empirical Investigation of Xing Usage Patterns

Referring to recent research calls regarding the role of individual differences on technology adoption and use, this paper reports on an empirical investigation of the inﬂuence of a user’s personality on the usage of the European career-oriented social network XING and its usage intensity (n = 760 ). Using structural equation modeling, a signiﬁcant inﬂuence of personality on the intensity of XING usage was found (R 2 = 12 . 4% , α = 0 . 758 ). More speciﬁcally, results indicated the major role played by the personality traits Extraversion, Emotional Stability and Openness to Experience as proper predictors for XING usage. Contrary to prior research on private-oriented social media, I discovered a signiﬁcant positive Emotional Stability–XING usage intensity relationship instead of a negative relationship which is explained by Goffman’s Self Presentation Theory.
Accurate in Vitro End Joining of a DNA Double Strand Break with Partially Cohesive 3′-Overhangs and 3′-Phosphoglycolate Termini

To examine determinants of fidelity in DNA end joining, a substrate containing a model of a staggered free radical-mediated double-strand break, with cohesive phosphoglycolate-terminated 3′-overhangs and a one-base gap in each strand, was constructed. In extracts of Xenopus eggs, human lymphoblastoid cells, hamster CHO-K1 cells, and a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) derivative lacking the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), the predominant end joining product was that corresponding to accurate restoration of the original sequence. In extracts of the Ku-deficient CHO derivative xrs6, a shorter product, consistent with 3′ → 5′ resection before ligation, was formed. Similar results were seen for a substrate with 5′-overhangs and recessed 3′-phosphoglycolate ends. Supplementation of the xrs6 extracts with purified Ku restored accurate end joining. In Xenopus and human extracts, but not in hamster extracts, gap filling and ligation were blocked by wortmannin, consistent with a requirement for DNA-PKcs activity. The results suggest a Ku-dependent pathway, regulated by DNA-PKcs, that can accurately restore the original DNA sequence at sites of free radical-mediated double-strand breaks, by protecting DNA termini from degradation and maintaining the alignment of short partial complementarities during gap filling and ligation.
ANIMAL MODELS Mutation in the First Ig-Like Domain of Kit Leads to JAK 2 Activation and Myeloproliferation in Mice

opyright a 2014 American Society for Inve ublished by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved ttp://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.ajpath. 2013.09. 019 Myeloproliferative neoplasms constitute a group of hematopoietic neoplasms at the myeloid stem cell level. Although mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT have been identified in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm, the functional causality is unknown because of a lack of animal models. Here, we describe a mouse strain harboring a point mutation in the first Ig-like domain of Kit. Intriguingly, the mutant mice develop a myeloproliferative disorder with typical loss-of-function phenotypes in other tissues. The mutant Kit is incompletely N-glycosylated, shows compromised receptor dimerization, and down-regulates Akt and extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2 signaling. However, the mutation increases the association of Kit to Janus kinase (JAK)2 and hence the activation of JAK2. The b common receptor of the gp140 family interacts and synergizes with Kit to promote JAK2 phosphorylation, which is further enhanced by the Kit mutation. Inhibition of JAK2 suppresses the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors in vitro and partially rescues myeloproliferation in mice. Our data suggest that overactivation of JAK2 leads to myeloproliferation in Kit mutant mice and provide mechanistic insights for the diagnosis and treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms in humans. (Am J Pathol 2014, 184: 122e132; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.09.019)
Selective mobilization of CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes by exercise

Ziegler-Heitbrock. Selective mobilization of CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes by exercise. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 279: C578–C586, 2000. —Strenuous, anaerobic exercise leads to an increase of leukocytes that are mobilized from the marginal pool. We have analyzed in human peripheral blood the effect of exercise on the number of CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes as determined by two-color immunoﬂuorescence and ﬂow cytometry. We show herein that this type of monocyte re-sponds with a dramatic up to 4.8-fold increase. Mobilization does not occur after 1 min at 100 or 200 W but 1 min at 400 W leads to a twofold increase of the CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes immediately after exercise. The numbers remain high at 5 min and gradually decrease to reach the initial level at 20 min postexercise. After 20 min of rest, the CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes can be mobilized again by a second exercise. The CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes appear to be mobilized from the marginal pool where they preferentially home because of a higher expression of adhesion molecules like CD11d and very late antigen-4. Exercise goes along with an increase of catecholamines, and mobilization of the CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes can be substantially reduced by treatment of donors with the b -adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol. Mobilization of CD14 1 CD16 1 monocytes by a catecholamine-de-pendent mechanism may contribute to the increase of these cells in various clinical conditions. Catecholamines. Plasma catecholamines were determined in blood samples collected in vials containing EGTA (1.8 mg/ml ﬁnal) and reduced glutathione (2.4 mg/ml ﬁnal). Sam- ples were chilled on ice immediately, centrifuged in the cold, and stored at 2 80°C until analysis. An established method (26) with some modiﬁcations was employed. This involved addition of an internal standard (dihydroxybenzylamine) and adsorption to aluminum oxide followed by reverse-phase HPLC and electrochemical detection. Statistics. For statistical analysis of paired data, the Wil- coxon test was employed. For analysis of time course data, the Bonferroni-Holm test for multiple data points was used.
Circulatory Effects of Peridural Block: II. Effects of Epinephrine

The influence of epinephrine on the cardiovascular effects of high (T5) peridural analgesia was studied in 19 human volunteers, each of whom received two injections. In 12, the effects of lidocaine alone were compared with those of lidocaine–epinephrine. Peridural analgesia with lidocaine alone produced small (5 to 10 per cent) changes in cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). During peridural analgesia with Iidocaine–epinephrine a 49 per cent increase in CO and a 37 per cent decrease in TPR resulted in a 10 per cent decrease in MAP. All of these changes from control were statistically significant and were significantly greater than those produced by lidocaine alone. In another seven subjects, the effects of peridural injection of lidocaine–epinephrine were compared with those of injection of saline–epinephrine. The two solutions produced similar effects on the heart, but lidocaine–epinephrine solution caused a significantly greater decrease in TPR, and consequently in MAP, and a greater increase in leg blood flow than did saline–epinephrine solution.