Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rod involvement in peripheral color processing.

— It has previously been suggested that rods act as blue receptors in peripheral color vision. Two experiments examining this issue were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the perceived hue of a test light presented at a luminance level above chromatic threshold. At 8° in the periphery, the 500 nm test light was perceived as more blue under conditions of dark adaptation than after light adaptation. Similar differences were not found for foveal presentation. The increased blue in the periphery after dark adaptation was attributed to a rod contribution. In Experiment 2 an attempt was made to mix a rod contribution obtained with a 470 nm light below chromatic threshold, with a cone color obtained from a 670 nm light presented above chromatic threshold. No evidence was obtained to support the idea that a blue produced by rods stimulated below chromatic threshold could mix with a red produced by cones stimulated above chromatic threshold. The results are discussed in terms of a rod contribution to hue which is dependent on the luminance level of short wavelength stimulation.
Psychopathic traits moderate peer influence on adolescent delinquency.

BACKGROUND Peer influence on adolescent delinquency is well established, but little is known about moderators of peer influence. In this study, we examined adolescents' (targets) and their peers' psychopathic personality traits as moderators of peer influence on delinquency in peer networks. We used three separate dimensions of the psychopathic personality: grandiose-manipulative traits, callous-unemotional traits, and impulsive-irresponsible traits. METHODS We used a peer network approach with five waves of longitudinal data from 847 adolescents in one community. Peer nominations were not limited to the school context, thus allowing us to capture all potentially important peers. In addition, peers reported on their own delinquency, thus allowing us to avoid problems of false consensus or projection that arise when individuals report on their peers' delinquency. We used simulation investigation for empirical network analyses (SIENA), which is the only program currently available that can be used to study peer influence effects in peer networks of multiple relationships while controlling for selection effects. RESULTS Targets' and peers' callous-unemotional and grandiose-manipulative traits uniquely moderated peer influence on delinquency. Relative to those with low levels, targets who were high on these traits were less influenced by peers' delinquency, and peers who were high on these traits were more influential on targets' delinquency. Selection effects were found for impulsive-irresponsible traits, but these traits did not moderate peer influence on delinquency. CONCLUSIONS As the first study to look at moderating effects of psychopathic traits on peer influence, this study advances knowledge about peer influence on delinquency and about psychopathic traits in adolescents. In addition, the study contributes to the literature by looking at unique effects of the three dimensions of psychopathy and taking a peer network approach, in which network effects, self-selection, and other selection effects are controlled when examining influence and moderators of influence.
[Long-term follow-up results after open small umbilical hernia repairs].

INTRODUCTION Adult umbilical hernia is a common surgical condition in the fifth and sixth decade of life. Despite the high frequency of umbilical hernia repairs, disappointingly high recurrence rates after simple suture repairs are reported, amounting to 54%. In addition, it is reported that with the rising frequency of recurrences, the size of the hernial sac and gate gradually increases. Therefore we decided to find out the incidence of recurrences after operative repair of an umbilical hernia at our department. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patient data for this retrospective study focusing on the period between 2006 and 2010 were obtained from the electronic hospital database. Patients with umbilical hernia and the abdominal wall defect up to 3 cm who underwent primary elective procedure were included in the study. Patients with incisional hernias were excluded. All patients were contacted at least 3 years after operation to confirm the accuracy of data. RESULTS A total of 127 patients were included in this study. In the abovementioned period, no mesh was used during primary surgery in any of the patients. Recurrence occurred in a total of 13.4% of patients. Approximately 40% of patients with the first recurrence were re-operated at our department, 30% of patients were re-operated in other hospitals and the rest have not sought medical attention in respect of the recurrence. Patients with recurrence did not differ from the others as regards age, body mass index or surgical site infection development. CONCLUSION Due to the high recurrence rates after operative sutures of the umbilical hernias there is a need to thoroughly consider the potential risk factors such as the body mass index and the abdominal wall defect size. Therefore, it is recommended to use the mesh more widely during primary surgery, especially in obese patients with BMI over 30 and the wall defect size exceeding 3 cm. The question remains whether to use the mesh in all overweight patients and with wall defect smaller than 3 cm.
Sequential treatment with lamivudine and interferon monotherapies in patients with chronic hepatitis B not responding to interferon alone: Results of a pilot study

Sustained viral suppression using monotherapy with interferon alfa (IFN‐α) or lamivudine can only be achieved in a small percentage of patients with chronic hepatitis B. The concomitant administration of lamivudine and IFN‐α does not enhance efficacy. We postulated that the optimal timing of therapy might be sequential treatment with lamivudine and IFN‐α. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the efficacy of sequential treatment in patients resistant to IFN‐α alone. Fourteen male patients, with a median age of 40 years, nonresponders to IFN‐α with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA > 100 pg/mL (branched DNA [bDNA] Chiron) and positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in 11 of 14 patients, were treated with lamivudine 100 mg/d alone for 20 weeks, then with both IFN‐α2b 5 MU 3 times per week and lamivudine for 4 weeks, and lastly with IFN‐α alone for 24 weeks. At the end of lamivudine therapy, all patients had undetectable serum HBV DNA, and none exhibited an emergence of HBV polymerase mutant or breakthrough. Sustained serum HBV‐DNA clearance 6 months after the end of sequential treatment was achieved in 8 of 14 patients, HBeAg–to–anti‐HBe seroconversion in 5 of 11 patients, and HBeAg and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversions in 3 of 14 patients (anti‐HBs > 100 IU/mL). All sustained responders had normalized their alanine transaminase (ALT) values and exhibited histologic improvements. In conclusion, the results of this pilot study suggest that sequential treatment with lamivudine and IFN‐α can induce a sustained virologic response, including HBs seroconversion, in patients with chronic hepatitis B not responding to IFN‐α alone, without the selection of drug‐resistant mutants. This therapeutic schedule warrants further evaluation in clinical trials. (HEPATOLOGY 2001;34:573‐577.)
Clinical and Functional Outcomes After 2 Years in the Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Multisite Effectiveness Trial

Objective: To test effectiveness of the Early Detection, Intervention, and Prevention of Psychosis Program in preventing the onset of severe psychosis and improving functioning in a national sample of at-risk youth. Methods: In a risk-based allocation study design, 337 youth (age 12–25) at risk of psychosis were assigned to treatment groups based on severity of positive symptoms. Those at clinically higher risk (CHR) or having an early first episode of psychosis (EFEP) were assigned to receive Family-aided Assertive Community Treatment (FACT); those at clinically lower risk (CLR) were assigned to receive community care. Between-groups differences on outcome variables were adjusted statistically according to regression-discontinuity procedures and evaluated using the Global Test Procedure that combined all symptom and functional measures. Results: A total of 337 young people (mean age: 16.6) were assigned to the treatment group (CHR + EFEP, n = 250) or comparison group (CLR, n = 87). On the primary variable, positive symptoms, after 2 years FACT, were superior to community care (2 df, p < .0001) for both CHR (p = .0034) and EFEP (p < .0001) subgroups. Rates of conversion (6.3% CHR vs 2.3% CLR) and first negative event (25% CHR vs 22% CLR) were low but did not differ. FACT was superior in the Global Test (p = .0007; p = .024 for CHR and p = .0002 for EFEP, vs CLR) and in improvement in participation in work and school (p = .025). Conclusion: FACT is effective in improving positive, negative, disorganized and general symptoms, Global Assessment of Functioning, work and school participation and global outcome in youth at risk for, or experiencing very early, psychosis.
Genome-wide expression analysis reveals dysregulation of myelination-related genes in chronic schizophrenia

Neuropathological and brain imaging studies suggest that schizophrenia may result from neurodevelopmental defects. Cytoarchitectural studies indicate cellular abnormalities suggestive of a disruption in neuronal connectivity in schizophrenia, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying these findings remain unclear. To identify molecular substrates associated with schizophrenia, DNA microarray analysis was used to assay gene expression levels in postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic and control patients. Genes determined to have altered expression levels in schizophrenics relative to controls are involved in a number of biological processes, including synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, neurotransmission, and signal transduction. Most notable was the differential expression of myelination-related genes suggesting a disruption in oligodendrocyte function in schizophrenia.
Patient satisfaction and perception of change following single physiotherapy consultations in a hospital's outpatient clinic for people with multiple sclerosis

The aim of this study was to investigate satisfaction with physiotherapy and perception of change following single physiotherapy consultations in a hospital's outpatient service for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) (PwMS). The consultation included assessment, exploration of treatment, information, and instruction in self-assisted exercises based on the British guidelines for PwMS. Seventy-two PwMS were consecutively included, 54 women and 18 men with a mean age 45 (range 26–80). The Outpatient Experience Questionnaire (OPEQ) was used to record satisfaction; the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and the Borg's Rating Scale of Perceived Exertion (BRSPE) were used to investigate perceived changes in standing up, sitting down, and walking following the consultation. Sixty-four patients (89%) returned the OPEQ. The results showed strong satisfaction with physiotherapy regarding both interpersonal and clinical skills (mean 9.4, SD 1.0, best score 10) and no significant differences regarding the level of ambulatory independence, gender, or age. The PGIC indicated perceived short-term improvement for 35 (57%) patients, with no patients reporting deterioration. The BRSPE showed a significantly lower perception of exertion during walking after the consultation (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Z–2.58, p = 0.010). The study indicates a high level of satisfaction regarding interpersonal and clinical skills, information, and instruction in self-assisted exercises and indicates that perceptions of short-term improvement may occur after single consultations. The study suggests an important role for physiotherapy in hospital outpatient services for PwMS, but further studies are necessary to deepen our understanding.
Presynaptic N‐type and P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels mediating synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held of mice

At the nerve terminal, both N‐ and P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels mediate synaptic transmission, with their relative contribution varying between synapses and with postnatal age. To clarify functional significance of different presynaptic Ca2+ channel subtypes, we recorded N‐type and P/Q‐type Ca2+ currents directly from calyces of Held nerve terminals in α1A‐subunit‐deficient mice and wild‐type (WT) mice, respectively. The most prominent feature of P/Q‐type Ca2+ currents was activity‐dependent facilitation, which was absent for N‐type Ca2+ currents. EPSCs mediated by P/Q‐type Ca2+ currents showed less depression during high‐frequency stimulation compared with those mediated by N‐type Ca2+ currents. In addition, the maximal inhibition by the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen was greater for EPSCs mediated by N‐type channels than for those mediated by P/Q‐type channels. These results suggest that the developmental switch of presynaptic Ca2+ channels from N‐ to P/Q‐type may serve to increase synaptic efficacy at high frequencies of activity, securing high‐fidelity synaptic transmission.
Data-driven subtypes of major depressive disorder

Background: According to current classification systems, patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) may have very different combinations of symptoms. This symptomatic diversity hinders the progress of research into the causal mechanisms and treatment allocation. Theoretically founded subtypes of depression such as atypical, psychotic, and melancholic depression have limited clinical applicability. Data-driven analyses of symptom dimensions or subtypes of depression are scarce. In this systematic review, we examine the evidence for the existence of data-driven symptomatic subtypes of depression. Methods: We undertook a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase in May 2012. We included studies analyzing the depression criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) of adults with MDD in latent variable analyses. Results: In total, 1176 articles were retrieved, of which 20 satisfied the inclusion criteria. These reports described a total of 34 latent variable analyses: 6 confirmatory factor analyses, 6 exploratory factor analyses, 12 principal component analyses, and 10 latent class analyses. The latent class techniques distinguished 2 to 5 classes, which mainly reflected subgroups with different overall severity: 62 of 71 significant differences on symptom level were congruent with a latent class solution reflecting severity. The latent class techniques did not consistently identify specific symptom clusters. Latent factor techniques mostly found a factor explaining the variance in the symptoms depressed mood and interest loss (11 of 13 analyses), often complemented by psychomotor retardation or fatigue (8 of 11 analyses). However, differences in found factors and classes were substantial. Conclusions: The studies performed to date do not provide conclusive evidence for the existence of depressive symptom dimensions or symptomatic subtypes. The wide diversity of identified factors and classes might result either from the absence of patterns to be found, or from the theoretical and modeling choices preceding analysis.
Enhancing functional production of G protein‐coupled receptors in Pichia pastoris to levels required for structural studies via a single expression screen

We have optimized the expression level of 20 mammalian G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. We found that altering expression parameters, including growth temperature, and supplementation of the culture medium with specific GPCR ligands, histidine, and DMSO increased the amount of functional receptor, as assessed by ligand binding, by more than eightfold over standard expression conditions. Unexpectedly, we found that the overall amount of GPCR proteins expressed, in most cases, varied only marginally between standard and optimized expression conditions. Accordingly, the optimized expression conditions resulted in a marked fractional increase in the ratio of ligand binding‐competent receptor to total expressed receptor. The results of this study suggest a general approach for increasing yields of functional mammalian GPCRs severalfold over standard expression conditions by using a set of optimized expression condition parameters that we have characterized for the Pichia expression system. Overall, we have more than doubled the number of GPCR targets that can be produced in our laboratories in sufficient amounts for structural studies.
Tachykinin expression in cartilage and function in human articular chondrocyte mechanotransduction.

OBJECTIVE To assess whether substance P and the corresponding neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor are expressed in human articular cartilage, and whether these molecules have a role in chondrocyte mechanotransduction. METHODS Transgenic studies, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were used to assess the expression of the preprotachykinin (PPT) gene, substance P, and NK1 in developing mice, in adult human articular cartilage, and in human chondrocytes in culture. Chondrocytes obtained from PPT knockout mice and human articular chondrocytes were mechanically stimulated in the presence or absence of inhibitors of substance P signaling, and cell membrane potentials or relative levels of aggrecan messenger RNA (mRNA) were measured. RESULTS Replacing a region of the PPT gene transcriptional site that contains a dominant repressor of the proximal promoter activity with the constitutive minimal promoter of the human beta-globin promoter allowed expression of a marker gene in areas of chondrogenesis during mouse development and in adult chondrocytes grown in culture. Adult human articular chondrocytes expressed endogenous PPT mRNA, substance P, and the corresponding NK1 receptor in vivo and in vitro. Blockade of substance P signaling by a chemical antagonist to the NK1 receptor inhibited chondrocyte responses to mechanical stimulation. CONCLUSION Substance P is expressed in human articular cartilage and is involved in chondrocyte mechanotransduction via the NK1 receptor in an autocrine and paracrine manner. This suggests that substance P and the NK1 receptor have roles in the maintenance of articular cartilage structure and function that were previously unrecognized.
Bridging fault detections for testable realizations of logic functions

A method of devising a universal test set for detecting bridging faults in circuit testable realizations is investigated. The circuit realizations employed use an XOR gate tree construction and generalized Reed-Muller (GRM) expressions of logic functions. It is shown that all AND bridging faults and OR bridging faults in the circuit realization can be detected. The cardinality of the bridging faults test set is (2n+m), where n is the number of variables present in the logic functions, and m is the number of product terms in function expressions. Furthermore, a bridging fault testing method is given for the testable realization of the EXOR-sum-of-products (ESOP) expression of logic functions. The ESOP representations yield fewer product terms than GRM expressions.
Impact of Security Events and Fraudulent Transactions on Customer Loyalty : A Field Study

Security and Privacy has become a dominant issue for both consumers and corporations. In this paper, we investigate how customer behavior is affected after they have been a victim of financial fraud. Our analysis provides insights into how security concerns affect the continuation of the existing relationship of the customers depending on kind of fraudulent transactions. With the data from one of the largest banks in the US, we show that the probability of ending the relationship in the next six months increases significantly after a fraudulent transaction. Furthermore, these results are validated by an increase in rate of terminating the relationship after a fraudulent event. We provide results with a detailed analysis including the kind of fraudulent transaction, tenure and location.
Significance of the Strength of the Quadriceps Muscles in Children with Myelomeningocele

A study of 109 patients with myelomeningocele indicates that useful assessment of quadriceps power can be made during the first 3 years of life. In 21 of 22 patients assessed in those years as having grade 4 quadriceps power, an increase in power was observed in ensuing years, but no such trend was observed in patients with less quadriceps power. Only four of 51 patients who were initially assessed as having quadriceps power of grade 5 showed deterioration in this muscle power over the ensuing years. Ambulatory ability was closely related to quadriceps muscle power.
Title Piezoelectric properties of aligned collagen membranes

Electromechanical coupling, a phenomenon present in collagenous materials, may influence cellextracellular matrix interactions. Here, electromechanical coupling has been investigated via piezoresponse force microscopy in transparent and opaque collagen membranes consisting of helical-like arrays of aligned type I collagen fibrils self-assembled from acidic collagen solution. Using atomic force microscopy, the transparent membrane was determined to contain fibrils having an average diameter of 76 ± 14 nm, while the opaque membrane comprised fibrils with an average diameter of 391 ± 99 nm. As the acidity of the membranes must be neutralized before they can serve as cell culture substrates, the structure and piezoelectric properties of the membranes were measured under ambient conditions before and after the neutralization process. A crimp structure (1.59 ± 0.37 μm in width) perpendicular to the fibril alignment became apparent in the transparent when the pH was adjusted from acidic (pH = 2.5) to neutral (pH = 7) conditions. In addition, a 1.35 fold increase was observed in the amplitude of the shear piezoelectricity of the transparent membrane. The structure and piezoelectric properties of the opaque membrane were not significantly affected by the neutralization process. The results highlight the presence of an additional translational order in the transparent membrane in the direction perpendicular to the fibril alignment. The piezoelectric response of both membrane types was found to be an order of magnitude lower than that of collagen fibrils in rat tail tendon. This reduced response is attributed to less-ordered molecular assembly than is present in Dperiodic collagen fibrils, as evidenced by the absence of D-periodicity in the membranes. *corresponding author: brian.rodriguez@ucd.ie
Social psychological factors in lifestyle change and their relevance to policy

Crises in obesity and changes in the environment illustrate the need to change problematic behaviors and lifestyles in large segments of the population. This article uses social psychological theory and research to understand methods for facilitating lifestyle change. A basic assumption in the social psychological perspective is that the environment and the person interact to determine behavior. Both factors are important for understanding “upstream” and “downstream” approaches to lifestyle change (McKinlay, 1993; Verplanken & Wood, 2006) and consideration of one factor without the other may be disastrous. We review evidence from within and outside of the health context to illustrate the upstream and downstream approaches and then describe implications for public policy and intervention. The evidence and recommendations encompass a wide range of behaviors, ranging from speeding and intoxicated driving to eating an unhealthy diet and energy conservation. When armed with the relevant social psychological theory and evidence, lifestyle change campaigns are likely to be successful.