Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of intestinal metaplasia in Helicobacter pylori gastritis.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in underlying Helicobacter pylori gastritis was studied in 1446 patients. METHODS Antral and body mucosa biopsy specimens (stains: hematoxylin and eosin, Warthin-Starry) were taken from five groups of patients: gastritis with no lesions, gastritis with duodenal, pyloric, or gastric ulcers or with chronic antral erosions. RESULTS The prevalence of IM was higher in the antral than in the body mucosa (22.9% versus 2.8%; p < 0.001). Patients with IM had a higher mean age than those without IM in the overall group (p < 0.01). IM could be detected with the highest frequency in patients with gastric ulcers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The higher prevalence of IM in the antral mucosa--the preferred location of gastric carcinomas--further supports the postulated association of H. pylori and gastric carcinoma. The various prevalences of IM might contribute to explaining the different probabilities of gastric carcinoma developing in the groups investigated.
Functional Analysis of a Troponin I (R145G) Mutation Associated with Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy*

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been associated with several mutations in the gene encoding human cardiac troponin I (HCTnI). A missense mutation in the inhibitory region of TnI replaces an arginine residue at position 145 with a glycine and cosegregates with the disease. Results from several assays indicate that the inhibitory function of HCTnIR145G is significantly reduced. When HCTnIR145G was incorporated into whole troponin, TnR145G(HCTnT·HCTnIR145G·HCTnC), only partial inhibition of the actin-tropomyosin-myosin ATPase activity was observed in the absence of Ca2+ compared with wild type Tn (HCTnT·HCTnI·HCTnC). Maximal activation of actin-tropomyosin-myosin ATPase in the presence of Ca2+ was also decreased in TnR145G when compared with Tn. Using skinned cardiac muscle fibers, we determined that in comparison with the wild type complex 1) the complex containing HCTnIR145G only inhibited 84% of Ca2+-unregulated force, 2) the recovery of Ca2+-activated force was decreased, and 3) there was a significant increase in the Ca2+ sensitivity of force development. Computer modeling of troponin C and I variables predicts that the primary defect in TnI caused by these mutations would lead to diastolic dysfunction. These results suggest that severe diastolic dysfunction and somewhat decreased contractility would be prominent clinical features and that hypertrophy could arise as a compensatory mechanism.
An Arabidopsis pex 10 Null Mutant Is Embryo Lethal , Implicating Peroxisomes in an Essential Role during Plant Embryogenesis 1

Peroxisomes participate in many important functions in plants, including seed reserve mobilization, photorespiration, defense against oxidative stress, and auxin and jasmonate signaling. In mammals, defects in peroxisome biogenesis result in multiple system abnormalities, severe developmental delay, and death, whereas in unicellular yeasts, peroxisomes are dispensable unless required for growth of specific substrates. PEX10 encodes an integral membrane protein required for peroxisome biogenesis in mammals and yeast. To investigate the importance of PEX10 in plants, we characterized a Ds insertion mutant in the PEX10 gene of Arabidopsis (AtPEX10). Heterozygous AtPEX10::dissociation element mutants show normal vegetative phenotypes under optimal growth conditions, but produce about 20% abnormal seeds. The embryos in the abnormal seeds are predominantly homozygous for the disruption allele. They show retarded development and some morphological abnormalities. No viable homozygous mutant plants were obtained. AtPEX10 fused to yellow fluorescent protein colocalized with green fluorescent protein-serine-lysine-leucine, a well-documented peroxisomal marker, suggesting that AtPEX10 encodes a peroxisomal protein that is essential for normal embryo development and viability.
Strength of Ties as an Antecedent of Privacy Concerns: A Qualitative Research Study

Previous research has indicated that the relationship between individuals might influence privacy concerns of individuals. In particular, the tie strength between the individual who is about to disclose information (discloser) and the individual who is potentially receiving the information (potential coowner), might determine privacy concerns of the discloser. The discloser and the potential co-owner might be tied up strongly, weakly or not at all. We set up a qualitative research study, asking disclosers in how far tie strength determines their privacy concerns. The results prove that weak ties mainly increase privacy concerns of disclosers, whereas strong and absent ties mainly only increase privacy concerns in certain situations. We therefore contribute to the under-researched field of antecedents of privacy concerns by presenting strength of tie as an additional antecedent.
Signal Analysis for Voice Evaluation in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is frequently correlated with vowel articulation difficulties. The phonation problem arises in patients affected by PD is commonly known as Parkinsonian Dysarthria and identifiedby vocal signal analysis. The analysis supporte physicians and specialists in early detection and monitoring of dysarthria aiming, to increase patients life quality and to evaluate the efficacy of treatments. We investigate on vocal signal analysis correlation with speech patterns related to PD. Vowel parameters are considered as discriminant elements among PD patients and healthy subjects. Aim of this work is to define possible indicators for dysarthria in PD patients.
Evaluation of a Cache-Oblivious Data Structure

In modern computer hardware architecture memory is organized in a hierarchy consisting of several types of memory with different memory sizes, block transfer sizes and access times. Traditionally, data structures are evaluated in a theoretical model that does not take the existence of a memory hierarchy into account. The cacheoblivious model has been proposed as a more accurate model. Although several data structures have been described in this model relatively little empirical performance data is available. This paper presents the results of an empirical evaluation of several data structures in a realistic scenario and aims to provide insight into the applicability of cache-oblivious data structures in practice.
Chronic stress enhances calcium mobilization and glutamate exocytosis in cerebrocortical synaptosomes from mice

Abstract Objectives: Our previous study showed that acute restraint stress enhances depolarization-induced increases in intrasynaptosomal free calcium (Ca2+) concentration ([Ca2+]i) and Ca2+-dependent glutamate release in mouse cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic stress on [Ca2+]i and glutamate release in cerebrocortical synaptosomes from mice. Methods: Male ddY strain mice were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: control group and chronic stressed group. Mice in the chronic stressed group were subjected to immobilization stress for 2 hours daily for a period of 21 days. [Ca2+]i and glutamate release in cerebrocortical synaptosomes isolated from the mice were determined by fura-2 fluorescence assay and enzyme-linked fluorometric assay, respectively. Results: Chronic stress caused a significant increase in resting [Ca2+]i and significantly enhanced the ability of the depolarizing agents K+ and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to increase [Ca2+]i. It also brought about a significant increase in spontaneous (unstimulated) glutamate release and significantly enhanced K+- and 4-AP-evoked Ca2+-dependent glutamate release. Synaptosomes were more sensitive to the depolarizing agents at lower concentrations following chronic stress than after acute stress. The pretreatment of synaptosomes with a combination of omega-agatoxin IVA (a P-type Ca2+ channel blocker) and omega-conotoxin GVIA (an N-type Ca2+ channel blocker) completely suppressed the enhancements of [Ca2+]i and Ca2+-dependent glutamate release in chronic stressed mice. Discussion: These results indicate that chronic stress enhances depolarization-evoked glutamate release by increasing [Ca2+]i via stimulation of Ca2+ entry through P- and N-type Ca2+ channels, and that chronic stress increases the sensitivity to depolarizing agents.
Dynamic changes in the direction of the theta rhythmic drive between supramammillary nucleus and the septohippocampal system

Neurons in the supramammillary nucleus (SUM) of urethane‐anesthetized rats fire rhythmically in synchrony with hippocampal theta rhythm. As these neurons project to the septum and hippocampus, it is generally assumed that their role is to mediate ascending activation, leading to the hippocampal theta rhythm. However, the connections between SUM and the septohippocampal system are reciprocal; there is strong evidence that theta remains in the hippocampus after SUM lesions and in the SUM after lesioning the medial septum. The present study examines the dynamics of coupling between rhythmic discharge in the SUM and hippocampal field potential oscillations, using the directionality information carried by the two signals. Using directed transfer function analysis, we demonstrate that during sensory‐elicited theta rhythm and also during short episodes of theta acceleration of spontaneous oscillations, the spike train of a subpopulation of SUM neurons contains information predicting future variations in rhythmic field potentials in the hippocampus. In contrast, during slow spontaneous theta rhythm, it is the SUM spike signal that can be predicted from the preceding segment of the electrical signal recorded in the hippocampus. These findings indicate that, in the anesthetized rat, SUM neurons effectively drive theta oscillations in the hippocampus during epochs of sensory‐elicited theta rhythm and short episodes of theta acceleration, whereas spontaneous slow theta in the SUM is controlled by descending input from the septohippocampal system. Thus, in certain states, rhythmically firing SUM neurons function to accelerate the septal theta oscillator, and in others, they are entrained by a superordinate oscillatory network. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Utilizing Ellipsoid on Support Vector Machines

In this paper we propose a modified framework for support vector machines, called ellipsoid support vector machines (ESVMs), to improve classification capability. The principle of ESVMs is to use a minimum ellipsoid to enclose the specific patterns. Utilizing an approximation algorithm for the minimum enclosing ellipsoid problem in computational geometry allow ESVMs provided better performance than existing SVMs models. With this method maximizing the margin of separation and minimizing the volume of ellipsoid are formulated as the regularized risk function. To simply implementation a smoothing technique is adopted to convert the constrained nonlinear programming problem into an unconstrained optimum problem. By adopting an efficient algorithm the proposed algorithm in this paper can be used with nonlinear kernels and has a time complexity that is linear in $N$. Experiments on large-scale data demonstrate that the ESVMs have comparable performance with existing SVM models.
Electron beam exposure mechanisms in hydrogen silsesquioxane investigated by vibrational spectroscopy and in-situ electron beam induced desorption

Hydrogen Silsesquioxane (HSQ) is used as a high-resolution resist with resolution down below 10nm half-pitch. This material or materials with related functionalities could have widespread impact in nanolithography and nanoscience applications if the exposure mechanism was understood and instabilities controlled. Here we have directly investigated the exposure mechanism using vibrational spectroscopy (both Raman and Fourier transform Infrared) and electron beam desorption spectrocscopy (EBDS). In the non-networked HSQ system, silicon atoms sit at the corners of a cubic structure. Each silicon is bonded to a hydrogen atom and bridges 3 oxygen atoms (formula: HSiO3/2). For the first time, we have shown, via changes in the Si-H2 peak at ~;;2200 cm -1 in the Raman spectra and the release of SiHx products in EBID, that electron-bam exposed materials crosslinks via a redistribution reaction. In addition, we observe the release of significantly more H2 than SiH2 during EBID, which is indicative of additional reaction mechanisms. Additionally, we compare the behavior of HSQ in response to both thermal and electron-beam induced reactions.
Who initiates extrapair mating in song sparrows

Extrapair paternity (EPP) is a common feature of many mating systems. Although molecular methods have made it possible to document the rate of EPP across numerous taxa, we still lack an understanding of how and why EPP happens. Behavioral data on mating interactions are needed to answer this question. We employed radiotelemetry to follow the movement patterns of tagged song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) during their nesting cycle. We found that females and males commonly forayed onto neighboring territories in the prefertile period, frequently together. In the fertile period, however, the foray rate dropped significantly, and females largely stayed on their own territories. Concurrently in the fertile period, both the time mates spent in proximity and intrusion rates on their territories increased compared with the prefertile period. After the female started laying eggs, proximity of the mates to one another declined again, and some males started to foray onto neighboring territories, in most cases into territories where there was a fertile female. Thus, females do not seem to seek out particular males for extrapair copulations (EPCs) in their fertile period, but rather it is the males who actively seek extrapair mating. Males therefore face a trade-off between ensuring paternity at home and pursuing copulations elsewhere. Agonistic interactions between extrapair males and females were almost entirely absent, suggesting that males do not force females into copulations. Therefore, in song sparrows, males have to initiate EPCs by seeking out fertile females, suggesting that males probably drive the pattern of EPP in our population.
Development and climate change : review and quantitative analysis of indices of climate change exposure, adaptive capacity, sensitivity, and impacts

Adaptation to climate change is necessary, in addition to mitigation of climate change, to avoid unacceptable impacts of anthropogenic climate change [IPCC 2007]. The text is structured as follows: section two reviews different conceptualizations of 'vulnerability', focusing on the two main interpretations of this term in climate change research: outcome vulnerability and contextual and social vulnerability. This section also discusses the normative challenges involved in the construction of vulnerability indices. Section three reviews the main aggregated national-level vulnerability indices for climate change, including indices of outcome vulnerability as well as indices of contextual and social vulnerability. This section also includes a more general discussion of the potential and limitations of aggregated indices of vulnerability to climate change. Section four discusses the relationship between countries' aggregated vulnerability to climate change and their prioritization for international adaptation assistance, considering the implications of different principles of distributive justice. Section five develops a conceptual framework of vulnerability to climate change that structures disaggregated information on the vulnerability of countries in a way that is particularly well suited to inform the prioritization of international adaptation assistance. This conceptual framework distinguishes five groups of vulnerability factors and two groups of adaptability factors. It is based on the IPCC definition of vulnerability but also considers more recent findings on the components of vulnerability to climate change. The relationship between the various components of vulnerability and adaptability and 'fair' allocations for adaptation are discussed, and controversial normative issues are highlighted. The conceptual framework is illustrated by vulnerability indicators for four main climate-sensitive sectors. Section six presents results from a quantitative assessment of selected vulnerability factors for different climate-sensitive sectors, including on the justice implications of climate change for different sectors. A comprehensive quantitative assessment is beyond the scope of this study. Section seven summarizes the main findings of this report, drawing primarily on the enumerated key messages highlighted in bold face.
Improved GNSS velocity estimation using sensor fusion

This work presents a generic method for improving the velocity estimation of GNSS devices. The suggested algorithm is based on the famous Kalman Filter which utilizes both GNSS and IMU measurements. The suggested sensor-fusion method contains a built-in classifier for identifying measurements with low confidence. The algorithm was implemented and tested using both simulation and real-world data. The results show significant improvement in the velocity estimation. This improvement can be used for further positioning accuracy improvement of a wide range of COTS GNSS devices.
Authoritarian parenting predicts reduced electrocortical response to observed adolescent offspring rewards

Abstract Parenting styles are robust predictors of offspring outcomes, yet little is known about their neural underpinnings. In this study, 44 parent-adolescent dyads (Mage of adolescent = 12.9) completed a laboratory guessing task while EEG was continuously recorded. In the task, each pair member received feedback about their own monetary wins and losses and also observed the monetary wins and losses of the other member of the pair. We examined the association between self-reported parenting style and parents’ electrophysiological responses to watching their adolescent winning and losing money, dubbed the observational Reward Positivity (RewP) and observational feedback negativity (FN), respectively. Self-reported authoritarian parenting predicted reductions in parents’ observational RewP but not FN. This predictive relationship remained after adjusting for sex of both participants, parents’ responsiveness to their own wins, and parental psychopathology. ‘Exploratory analyses found that permissive parenting was associated with a blunting of the adolescents’ response to their parents’ losses’. These findings suggest that parents’ rapid neural responses to their child’s successes may relate to the harsh parenting behaviors associated with authoritarian parenting.
Pathophysiological Changes in Infertile Women Infected with Chlamydia Trachomatis

Chlamydia trachomatisis obligatory intracellular gram-negative bacteria that mainly infect the female urethra, cervix and fallopian tubes which is the popular bacterial of sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally. The objective of this study was to determine the infertility of infected women with C. trachomatis. This study was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology department and fertility center at ALSADER teaching hospital. Two hundred female were enrolled in current study were divided one hundred of those female was considered the study group with unexplained primary infertility and other100 females were considered as control group. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected by ELISA and PCR. Ultrasound examination, Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) for infertile women and Hormone tests included LH, FSH, E2, Prolactin and Testosterone were achieved all for all women participated in this study during the period from November 2013 to January 2015. The results of this study showed the mean age of the women was ranged from 20 to 45 (29.93+0.41 years). The detection of C. trachomatis using PCR showed 17 (17%) infected, while by ELISA was 16 (16%) among control group. However, subfertile group showed 36 (36%) positive detection of Chlamydia infection using PCR, while 33 (33%) infected using ELISA test with a significant positive correlation between Chlamydia infection, fallopian block age and infertility of women. There was nonsignificant differences in the serum FSH, LH, E2, testosterone and prolactin levels among all groups. However, the endometrial thickness of subfertile group with Chlamydia infection showed decreasing significantly of endometrial thickness compared with other groups. The results of cervix changes examination showed subfertile subgroup with Chlamydia infection increasing scoring significant compared with other groups. The level of serum iron in the subfertile subgroup with Chlamydia infection showed decreasing significantly compared with other groups. In conclusion, this study showed there was a significant positive correlation between Chlamydia infection and women infertility with a significant positive correlation between Chlamydia infection, fallopian blockage, decrease endometrial thickness, cervix changes and decrease serum Iron level.
Evaluation of factors associated with immunoglobulin G, fat, protein, and lactose concentrations in bovine colostrum and colostrum management practices in grassland-based dairy systems in Northern Ireland

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to investigate colostrum feeding practices and colostrum quality on commercial grassland-based dairy farms, and to identify factors associated with colostrum quality that could help inform the development of colostrum management protocols. Over 1 yr, background information associated with dairy calvings and colostrum management practices were recorded on 21 commercial dairy farms. Colostrum samples (n = 1,239) were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and IgG concentration. A subset was analyzed for somatic cell count and total viable bacteria count. Factors associated with nutritional and IgG concentrations were determined using both univariate and multivariate models. This study found that 51% of calves were administered their first feed of colostrum via esophageal tube, and the majority of calves (80%) were fed >2 L of colostrum at their first feed (mean = 2.9 L, SD = 0.79), at a mean time of 3.2 h (SD 4.36) after birth, but this ranged across farms. The mean colostral fat, protein, and lactose percentages and IgG concentrations were 6.4%, 14%, 2.7%, and 55 mg/mL, respectively. The mean somatic cell count and total viable count were 6.3 log10 and 6.1 log10, respectively. Overall, 44% of colostrum samples contained <50 mg/mL IgG, and almost 81% were in excess of industry guidelines (<100,000 cfu/mL) for bacterial contamination. In the multivariate model, IgG concentration was associated with parity and time from parturition to colostrum collection. The nutritional properties of colostrum were associated with parity, prepartum vaccination, season of calving, and dry cow nutrition. The large variation in colostrum quality found in the current study highlights the importance of routine colostrum testing, and now that factors associated with lower-quality colostrum on grassland-based dairy farms have been identified, producers and advisers are better informed and able to develop risk-based colostrum management protocols.
A cDNA Encoding a PR-1-Like Protein in the Model Legume Medicago truncatula

strain, subtracted (in two cycles) against mRNA isolated from similar material inoculated with a non-nod- ulating (NodA-) mutant (Sive and St. John, 1988). A num- ber of the resulting cDNA clones were tested by northern analysis using the same two populations of mRNA, and a partial cDNA clone was identified that appeared to show a severalfold increase in expression after inoculation with the nodulating strain. This clone was used to probe a nonsubtracted cDNA library of the "induced plant mate- rial, and