Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure and Measurement Invariance of Adult Romantic Attachment

ABSTRACT Romantic attachment is a popular theory for explaining affect, cognition, and behavior in romantic contexts. This popularity has led to a surge of self-report measures assessing dimensions of attachment. In this study, we considered the ability of 2 common attachment measures, the Adult Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ) and the Experience in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR–R), to replicate the avoidant and anxious attachment factors. We also determined the degree of measurement invariance across, and mean differences between, genders and single and nonsingle individuals. Both the AAQ (N = 650) and the ECR–R (N = 1,271) successfully distinguished avoidant and attachment factors. The AAQ showed evidence for partial strong measurement invariance, whereas the ECR-R showed strict factorial invariance for both gender and relationship status. Gender differences were detected on both measures in a direction consistent with previous research, with males exhibiting higher levels of avoidant attachment (relative to females) and females exhibiting higher levels of anxious attachment (relative to males). Furthermore, when compared to individuals who were currently single, those in romantic relationships exhibited lower levels of avoidant tendencies. This research aligns with the notion that the AAQ and ECR–R reliably assess similar constructs, across genders and single and nonsingle individuals.
Model-based patterns in stomach cancer mortality worldwide

The decrease in stomach cancer mortality was not because of specific interventions, and is likely that different countries follow a similar model of variation. Here, we aimed to identify model-based patterns in the time trends of stomach cancer mortality worldwide. Stomach cancer mortality rates were retrieved for 62 countries from the WHO mortality database. Sex-specific mixed models were used to describe time trends in age-standardized rates between 1980 and 2010 (age group 35–74 years; World standard population). Three patterns, similar for men and women, were identified through model-based clustering. Pattern 1 presented the highest mortality rates in 1980 (median: men, 81.5/100 000; women, 34.4/100 000) and pattern 3 the lowest ones (median: men, 24.4/100 000; women, 12.4/100 000). The decrease in mortality rates was greater in 1980–1995 than during 1996–2010. Assuming that the patterns characterized by the highest rates precede temporally those with lower mortality, the overlap of model predictions supports a 20-year lag between adjacent patterns. We propose a model for the variation in stomach cancer mortality with three stages that develop sequentially through a period of ∼70 years. The countries with the lowest mortality had the highest proportional decrease in mortality rates.
Gene–Environment Interactions: A Review of Effects on Reproduction and Development

ABSTRACT Polymorphisms in genes can lead to differences in the level of susceptibility of individuals to potentially adverse effects of environmental influences, such as chemical exposure, on prenatal development or male or female reproductive function. We have reviewed the literature in this area, with the caveat that papers involving straight gene knock-outs in experimental animals, without a clear human relevance, were largely excluded. This review represents current knowledge in this rapidly moving field, presenting both human epidemiological and animal data, where available. Among the polymorphic genes and environmental interactions discussed with respect to prenatal development are those for P-glycoprotein (multidrug resistance protein) and the avermectins; methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme in folate metabolism, and dietary folic acid; transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) and cigarette smoke; and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1 in association with alcohol consumption. Effects on male reproduction attributable to gene–environment interaction involve infertility seen as a result of either organophosphorous (OP) pesticide interaction with the polymorphic paraoxonase (PON1) gene or antiandrogenic agent interaction with the androgen receptor (AR). MTHFR, folate metabolism, and dietary folic acid are also considered in conjunction with preeclampsia and early pregnancy loss, and the effect of the interaction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) with exposure to benzene or cigarette smoke on pregnancy maintenance is explored. As a conclusion, we offer a discussion of lessons learned and suggested research needs.
Regional Uptake of [3H]Norepinephrine by the Canine Left Ventricle 1

Abstract The distribution of sympathetic neurons within the canine left ventricle was assessed by measuring the myocardial uptake of [3H]norepinephrine in anesthetized dogs. The nonneuronal uptake of [3H]norepinephrine was also assessed in a separate group of cocaine-treated animals. The left ventricle was systematically divided into multiple sections. The [3H]norepinephrine was isolated in tissue homogenates, using alumina extraction, and quantified by liquid scintillation counting. The results revealed a nonuniform pattern of [3H]norepinephrine uptake in the ventricular free wall, with a greater uptake in the base than in the apex. Differences in uptake between the anterior and posterior regions of the free wall, and between the free wall and the septum were not statistically significant. In the cocainetreated animals uptake was approximately 20% of that in the control animals. Furthermore, there were no significant regional differences. These data suggest that in the canine left ventricle the sympathetic nerves are distributed nonuniformly between the base and apex, but otherwise the distribution is uniform.
From fighting fires to building bridges: the role of metaphor in systems requirements

The problems of systems development have been called a chronic affliction with no apparent cure. We see issues of misunderstanding: misunderstanding in the practice of communication and misunderstanding of the nature of the communication at the heart of this problem. We illustrate the standard model of systems requirements, a reductionist model based on the conduit metaphor of communications, which minimises proper understanding. We describe how this approach is conceptually flawed and use developments from cognitive science to gain a deeper understanding of embodied cognition and the role of metaphor in communication. We show how even our understanding and application of understanding is confined by the usage of analogies and metaphors such as 'grasping' and 'filling', which relate to physical objects. We show that avoiding reductionism is more challenging than not using the conduit approach. It requires working with the problems at the second level. We need to identify and use metaphors about understanding that do not cause an unconscious dumbing down of the processes involved in systems development. Concluding that conceptual difficulties necessarily arise when groups are working with different metaphorical concepts grounded in their personal experience, we suggest some approaches for improving communication.
Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome*, PANK2, and the tiger’s eyes

Background: Infants born of low birth weight often have poor subsequent growth (especially if they were born very preterm), which has been shown to relate to later motor and cognitive development. Aims: To assess a cohort of preterm infants at the age of 7 years for growth, motor, and cognitive measures, and investigate the effects of growth impairment on school performance. Methods: A cohort of 280 children born before 32 completed weeks of gestation were tested, together with 210 term controls. Results: Pretem children were significantly lighter and shorter than term controls and had smaller heads and lower body mass index (BMI). Median centiles for weight, height, head circumference, and BMI were 25, 25, 9, and 50 for boys and 50, 25, 9, and 50 for girls compared with 50, 50, 50, and 75 for controls. They performed significantly less well on all tests with a mean score of 91 (9.2) on the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, 89 (14.5) on the Wechsler-III IQ test, and 30.7% scoring at or below the 5th centile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. In boys, short stature and small heads were the best predictors of poor performance; in girls, a small head alone was a predictor for poor motor and cognitive performance. Conclusion: Poor postnatal growth in preterm infants, especially of the head, is associated with increased levels of motor and cognitive impairment at 7 years of age. This growth restriction appears to occur largely in the postnatal rather than antenatal period and may be amenable to intervention and subsequent improvement in outcome.
Phosphate, fibroblast growth factor 23 and retinopathy in chronic kidney disease: the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Elevated circulating concentrations of phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Retinopathy is a common manifestation of microvascular disease in CKD, but its associations with phosphate and FGF23 have not been studied. We tested the hypothesis that higher serum phosphate is associated with more severe retinopathy in individuals with CKD, independent of FGF23 and known risk factors for retinopathy. METHODS We tested the associations of serum phosphate and plasma FGF23 with retinopathy in a cross-sectional analysis of 1800 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study who underwent fundus photography. Retinopathy severity was graded according to the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Severity score, and retinal venous and arterial diameters were measured. RESULTS Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 46.5 ± 15.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2), mean serum phosphate was 3.7 ± 0.6 mg/dl and median plasma C-terminal FGF23 was 133 RU/mL (interquartile range 87.2, 217.8 RU/mL). In multivariable ordinal logistic regression models, higher serum phosphate was associated with greater retinopathy severity independent of hypertension, diabetes, CKD severity and FGF23 [adjusted odds ratio of being in one higher category of retinopathy severity: 1.19 per 1 standard deviation increase; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 1.36; P = 0.007]. Presence of diabetes or hypertension did not modify the results. Higher serum phosphate was also independently associated with greater retinal venous diameter (multivariable-adjusted 1.70 µm increase per 1 standard deviation increase in phosphate; 95% CI 0.46, 2.93; P = 0.007). FGF23 levels were not independently associated with retinopathy severity or retinal venous diameter, and neither FGF23 nor phosphate was associated with retinal arterial diameter. CONCLUSIONS Among individuals with moderate-to-severe CKD, higher serum phosphate but not FGF23 was independently associated with more severe retinopathy and microvascular retinal venous dilatation.
The effect of feeding a renal diet on plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations in cats with stable azotemic chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphatonin, which is increased in cats with azotemic CKD. Dietary phosphate restriction decreases FGF-23 concentrations in humans and rodents, but this relationship has not previously been examined in the cat. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of feeding renal diet on plasma FGF-23 concentrations in cats with stable azotemic CKD. ANIMALS Azotemic, client-owned cats (≥ 9 years); 33 cats ate renal diet (RD group) and 11 cats did not eat renal diet (comparator group) over 28-56 days. METHODS Retrospective longitudinal study: Plasma FGF-23, PTH, and phosphate concentrations were measured at baseline and after 28-56 days. Cats in the RD group were classified as hyperphosphatemic (HP) or normophosphatemic (NP) based on the International Renal Interest Society targets for plasma phosphate concentration. Nonparametric tests were performed. RESULTS In the HP group (n = 15), feeding renal diet was associated with a significant decrease in plasma phosphate (P = .001), PTH (P = .007), and FGF-23 (P = .008), but not creatinine concentrations (P = .91). In the NP group (n = 18), feeding renal diet was associated with a significant decrease in plasma FGF-23 (P = .006), but not phosphate (P = .48), PTH (P = .35), or creatinine concentrations (P = .10). No significant changes were seen in any parameters in the comparator group during the study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Feeding renal diet is associated with reductions in plasma FGF-23 concentrations in hyper- and normophosphatemic cats with stable azotemic CKD, suggesting that dietary phosphate restriction may enable cats with CKD to maintain normal plasma phosphate concentrations in association with lower plasma FGF-23 concentrations.
An a VLSI driving circuit for memristor-based STDP

The main goal in realizing a VLSI (analog VLSI) systems able to mimic functionalities of biological neural networks is pointed to the reproduction of realistic synapses. Indeed, because of the relative high synapse/neuron ratio, especially in the case of extremely dense networks (i.e., reproduction of a real scenario), synapses represent a considerable limitation in terms of waste of silicon area and power consumption as well. Thanks to advancement made in the implementation of memristor, the interest in bio-inspired neural network design has been renewed. Memristors have tunable resistance which depends on its past state; this is analogous to the operating mode of biological synapses. In this paper, we present the circuit implementation of a simple memristor-based neural network. Here, we propose a driving circuit model that not requires specific shape input pulses to change the memristor conductance (i.e., synaptic strength), but it can be driven by arbitrary shaped input pulses. Moreover, this prototype circuit offers the chance of emulating the standard STDP behavior allowing “controlled” changes for the synaptic weights. Some preliminary experimental results are reported to validate the proposed driving circuit.
“It's All So Different Here…”: Initial Employment and Social Engagement Experiences of South Africans in New Zealand

South African immigrants in New Zealand have been largely ignored by researchers in comparison with ‘visible’ migrants from Asia and the South Pacific. This paper examines the initial settlement experiences of a group of skilled South Africans with regard to employment and social engagement. It has two key aims: to show that despite their ‘invisibility’ South Africans were not immune to initial settlement difficulties; and to identify the cause(s) of such difficulties. The evidence indicates that cultural, social and economic differences between South Africa and New Zealand were the primary causes of the difficulties experienced. Prejudice was also a factor but was usually less overt, more complex and sometimes just a matter of suspicion.
Assessment and longitudinal analysis of health impacts and stressors perceived to result from unconventional shale gas development in the Marcellus Shale region

Abstract Introduction: Concerns for health and social impacts have arisen as a result of Marcellus Shale unconventional natural gas development. Our goal was to document the self-reported health impacts and mental and physical health stressors perceived to result from Marcellus Shale development. Methods: Two sets of interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of community members living proximal to Marcellus Shale development, session 1 March–September 2010 (n = 33) and session 2 January–April 2012 (n = 20). Symptoms of health impacts and sources of psychological stress were coded. Symptom and stressor counts were quantified for each interview. The counts for each participant were compared longitudinally. Results: Participants attributed 59 unique health impacts and 13 stressors to Marcellus Shale development. Stress was the most frequently-reported symptom. Over time, perceived health impacts increased (P = 0·042), while stressors remained constant (P = 0·855). Discussion: Exposure-based epidemiological studies are needed to address identified health impacts and those that may develop as unconventional natural gas extraction continues. Many of the stressors can be addressed immediately.
Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Protects Neurons by Limiting COX-2 Elevation*

Endocannabinoids are involved in synaptic signaling and neuronal protection; however, our understanding of the mechanisms by which endocannabinoids protect neurons from harmful insults remains elusive. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the most abundant endogenous cannabinoid and a full agonist for cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), is a substrate for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and can be metabolized by COX-2. Here we show, however, that 2-AG is also capable of suppressing elevation of hippocampal COX-2 expression in response to proinflammatory and excitotoxic stimuli. 2-AG prevents neurodegeneration from toxic assaults that elevate COX-2 expression and inhibits the COX-2 elevation-enhanced excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission. The action of 2-AG on suppression of COX-2 appeared to be mediated via the pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled CB1 receptor and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. Our results reveal that 2-AG functions as an endogenous COX-2 inhibitor protecting neurons from harmful insults by preventing excessive expression of COX-2, which provides a mechanistic basis for opening up new therapeutic approaches for protecting neurons from inflammation- and excitotoxicity-induced neurodegeneration.
Concentric and eccentric torque of the hip musculature in individuals with and without patellofemoral pain.

CONTEXT Individuals suffering from patellofemoral pain have previously been reported to have decreased isometric strength of the hip musculature; however, no researchers have investigated concentric and eccentric torque of the hip musculature in individuals with patellofemoral pain. OBJECTIVE To compare concentric and eccentric torque of the hip musculature in individuals with and without patellofemoral pain. DESIGN Case control. SETTING Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Twenty participants with patellofemoral pain (age = 26.8 +/- 4.5 years, height = 171.8 +/- 8.4 cm, mass = 72.4 +/- 16.8 kg) and 20 control participants (age = 25.6 +/- 2.8 years, height = 169.5 +/- 8.9 cm, mass = 70.0 +/- 16.9 kg) were tested. Volunteers with patellofemoral pain met the following criteria: knee pain greater than or equal to 3 cm on a 10-cm visual analog scale, insidious onset of symptoms not related to trauma, pain with palpation of the patellar facets, and knee pain during 2 of the following activities: stair climbing, jumping or running, squatting, kneeling, or prolonged sitting. Control participants were excluded if they had a prior history of patellofemoral pain, knee surgery in the past 2 years, or current lower extremity injury that limited participation in physical activity. INTERVENTION(S) Concentric and eccentric torque of the hip musculature was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. All volunteers performed 5 repetitions of each strength test. Separate multivariate analyses of variance were performed to compare concentric and eccentric torque of the hip extensors, abductors, and external rotators between groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Average and peak concentric and eccentric torque of the hip extensors, abductors, and external rotators. Torque measures were normalized to the participant's body weight multiplied by height. RESULTS The patellofemoral pain group was weaker than the control group for peak eccentric hip abduction torque (F(1,38) = 6.630, P = . 014), and average concentric (F(1,38) = 4.156, P = . 048) and eccentric (F(1,38) = 4.963, P = . 032) hip external rotation torque. CONCLUSIONS The patellofemoral pain group displayed weakness in eccentric hip abduction and hip external rotation, which may allow for increased hip adduction and internal rotation during functional movements.
Clinical Utility of Bile Acid Sequestrants in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia: A Scientific Review

Bile acid sequestrants (BAS) continue to command a position in the treatment of dyslipidemias 25 years after their introduction. Partial diversion of the enterohepatic circulation using BAS depletes the endogenous bile acid pool by approximately 40%, thus stimulating an increase in bile acid synthesis from cholesterol, which lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 15 to 26%. Three BAS are currently used for treating hypercholesterolemia in the United States: the conventional sequestrants, cholestyramine and colestipol, and the specifically engineered BAS, colesevelam hydrochloride (HCl). Compared with conventional BAS, colesevelam HCl has enhanced specificity, greater affinity, and higher capacity for binding bile acids, due to its polymer structure engineered for bile acid sequestration. BAS are not absorbed by the intestine and thus have no systemic drug-drug interactions, but may interfere with the absorption of some drugs. Although BAS monotherapy effectively lowers LDL-C, combination therapy, especially with BAS and statins, is becoming increasingly common due to complementary mechanisms of action. Low-dose statin plus BAS combinations lead to greater or similar LDL-C reductions compared with high-dose statin monotherapy and may have a better safety profile. Combinations of BAS with nonstatin lipid-lowering agents, including niacin, fibrates, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, may be useful in those patients who require intensive lipid-lowering, but are statin intolerant. BAS treatment can significantly reduce coronary artery disease (CAD) progression and the risk of CAD-associated outcomes. It is also becoming clear that BAS and other therapies that manipulate the bile acid synthetic pathway may have clinically useful therapeutic effects on other metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes.
Fine structure of the carotid body of normal and anoxic cats

Certain modifications and clarifications of current concepts of the fine structure of the carotid body are described. The two principal cell types are here designated “enclosing” and “enclosed” to emphasize the enveloping nature of the former. The enclosed cells have numerous processes, contain lysosome‐like bodies which are sometimes related to crystals with a period of about 100Å. In addition to the typical dark‐cored vesicles, a few with lighter content are always present. The enclosing cells are in most respects similar in their contents to the enclosed, even to the presence of occasional dark‐cored vesicles. The fenestrations of the blood vessels apparently are closed by thin diaphragms.
Association of exon 9 but not intron 8 VDR polymorphisms with occult HBV infection in south‐eastern Iranian patients

Background and Aim: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized as a form of hepatitis in which, despite the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV–DNA) is present in a patient's peripheral blood. Investigators believe that divergent genetics and immunological parameters vary between resistant individuals and patients with OBI. Vitamin D3 and its known receptor appear to be involved in antiviral immune responses. Therefore, because OBI is a form of viral infection, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in intron 8 and exon 9 of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) with OBI.