Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neither antisocial personality disorder nor antisocial alcoholism is associated with the MAO-A gene in Han Chinese males.

BACKGROUND Recent studies on the genetics of alcoholism have suggested an association between antisocial alcoholism and the MAO-A gene. However, previous studies have failed to include subjects with antisocial personality disorder without alcoholism even though there is a high comorbidity between antisocial personality disorder and alcoholism. Consequently, the finding of an association between the MAO-A gene and alcoholism or antisocial personality disorder seems tenuous. In Taiwan, about 70% of the Han Chinese population have the ADH2*2 allele and 50% show ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2 genotypes, which offer protection against drinking behavior and the risk of developing alcoholism. Thus, it is possible to recruit individuals with antisocial personality disorder but without alcoholism in Taiwan. Therefore, association studies of alcoholism or antisocial personality disorder in Chinese may be more reliable if pure antisocial alcoholics, pure antisocial personality disorders, and normal controls as MAO-A gene are examined. METHODS In this study, the associations among antisocial alcoholism, antisocial personality disorder, and the uVNTR and EcoRV polymorphisms of the MAO-A gene, both individually and as a haplotype, were investigated among male adults recruited from jails in Taipei. A total of 129 Chinese Han males were studied, including 41 with antisocial personality disorder with alcoholism, 50 with antisocial personality disorder but without alcoholism, and 38 without either disorder as a jail control group. The diagnoses of alcohol dependence and antisocial personality disorder were made according to DSM-IV criteria. In addition, 77 normal controls were collected from the community. RESULTS Strong linkage disequilibrium was found for the uVNTR and EcoRV variants of MAO-A gene in each study group. CONCLUSIONS No significant association was observed between these two polymorphisms and antisocial personality disorder with alcoholism, either individually or for the haplotype, or for antisocial personality disorder without alcoholism. Thus, neither antisocial alcoholism nor antisocial personality disorder was associated with the genetic variants of MAO-A gene.
Barriers to Breastfeeding in the WIC Population

Background:Breastfeeding (BF) initiation rates in the United States have increased over the past 11 years by 3.6%. However, women who participate in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program are almost 12% less likely to initiate BF than the general population, and less likely to continue for a year. Purpose:To identify barriers to BF in order to recommend guidelines for the WIC population. Study Design and Methods:A systematic review using the search words WIC and BF was conducted using the CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria were articles studying the WIC population alone and/or relative to other populations. Twenty-four articles from the last 5 years were reviewed and graded according to the Evans' hierarchy of evidence. Results:Barriers to BF in the WIC population were sorted into five categories: lack of support inside/outside the hospital, returning to work, practical issues, WIC-related issues, and social/cultural barriers. Factors predisposing to lower BF rates include non-Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, depression, younger age, or an incomplete high school education. Interventions trialed with positive outcomes include peer counseling, improved communication between hospital lactation consultants and WIC staff, breast-pump programs, and discouraging routine formula provision in the hospital and by WIC. Clinical Implications:Reasons for low BF rates in the WIC population are complex. More research is needed into interventions tailored for WIC participants. Recommendations for clinicians include initiating peer-counseling programs, prenatal/ postpartum education, in-hospital BF support, and changing the focus of WIC from formula to BF promoting.
Closely spaced multi-band MIMO antenna for mobile terminals

Modern terminal devices are developing towards multi-functionality and miniaturization. Antenna has become one of the bottlenecks for new generation portable devices since it cannot be easily modularized as the well-established integrated circuit. How to design an antenna covering multiple bands within a limited space is a challenge. Besides, urgent demands in increasing information capacity for modern wireless communication systems motivate the applications of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technique. For MIMO system, a crucial requirement is that each channel should be independent, which means that the antenna array should have a low correlation. This is a big challenge for antenna designers when a limited space is provided, such as portable terminal devices. In this paper, a compact planar printed antenna is presented for mobile terminals. A new terminally loading method is presented which can be used to wideband monopoles. By loading the well-designed hybrid strips on the back via two shorting pins, an additional middle band is generated. Meanwhile high-frequency band characteristics of the wideband monopole are kept invariantly. The new-type monopole is half surrounded by a long folded strip to achieve diversity patterns. Based on this, the proposed structure efficiently reduces the mutual coupling between two adjacent elements in MIMO system. Based on the measured scattering parameters, a low envelope correlation coefficient below 0.25 is obtained even though the two elements are closely placed with a distance of 3 mm. The presented dual-port antenna is low cost and ease fabrication, occupying a volume of 61 mm × 16 mm × 0.8 mm without any lumped component loaded. The printed planar antenna is designed for mobile terminal applications and it covers three bands with measured Su lower than −6dB, i.e., the low-band (880–960 MHz), the middle-band (1800–2500MHz) and the high-band (3400MHz-5850MHz).
Lipid Antioxidant, Etoposide, Inhibits Phosphatidylserine Externalization and Macrophage Clearance of Apoptotic Cells by Preventing Phosphatidylserine Oxidation*

Apoptosis is associated with the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the plasma membrane and subsequent recognition of PS by specific macrophage receptors. Selective oxidation of PS precedes its externalization/recognition and is essential for the PS-dependent engulfment of apoptotic cells. Because etoposide is a potent and selective lipid antioxidant that does not block thiol oxidation, we hypothesized that it may affect PS externalization/recognition without affecting other features of the apoptotic program. We demonstrate herein that etoposide induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells without the concomitant peroxidation of PS and other phospholipids. HL-60 cells also failed to externalize PS in response to etoposide treatment. In contrast, oxidant (H2O2)-induced apoptosis was accompanied by PS externalization and oxidation of different phospholipids, including PS. Etoposide potentiated H2O2-induced apoptosis but completely blocked H2O2-induced PS oxidation. Etoposide also inhibited PS externalization as well as phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by J774A.1 macrophages. Integration of exogenous PS or a mixture of PS with oxidized PS in etoposide-treated HL-60 cells reconstituted the recognition of these cells by macrophages. The current data demonstrate that lipid antioxidants, capable of preventing PS peroxidation, can block PS externalization and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages and hence dissociate PS-dependent signaling from the final common pathway for apoptosis.
Neuronal apoptotic bodies: phagocytosis and degradation by primary microglial cells

Neuronal loss via apoptosis is a key element in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. To avoid accumulation of apoptotic material, the remains of apoptotic cells should be degraded. It was suggested that microglial cells are phagocytosing and degrading apoptotic material. There is only limited information available concerning the fate of the remains of apoptotic neurons. In this study, we investigated the ability of microglial cells to take up and degrade neuronal apoptotic material. We isolated primary microglial cells and used apoptotic bodies of apoptotic neuron‐like PC12 cells as a substrate. The apoptotic material was taken up and degraded within the microglial cells. The uptake is clearly activation dependent. We were able to demonstrate that the CD36 scavenger receptor is involved in the uptake of the apoptotic material via competition studies, antibody blockage, and use of a CD36 mutant rat strain. Blockage of other uptake mechanisms was also able to inhibit the uptake to some extent. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate the role of the microglial lysosomal and proteasomal pathways in the degradation of proteins originating from apoptotic bodies.
In-hospital outcome of acute myocardial infarction in correlation with 'thrombolysis in myocardial infarction' risk score.

BACKGROUND Effective risk stratification is integral to management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a simple integer score based on 8 high-risk parameters that can be used at the bedside for risk stratification of patients at presentation with STEMI. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prognostic significance of TIMI risk score in a local population group of acute STEMI. METHODS The study included 160 cases of STEMI eligible for thrombolysis. TIMI risk score was calculated for each case at the time of presentation and were then followed during their hospital stay for the occurrence of electrical and mechanical complications as well as mortality. The patients were divided into three risk groups, namely 'low-risk', 'moderate-risk' and 'high-risk' based on their TIMI scores (0-4 low-risk, 5-8 moderate-risk, 9-14 high risk). The frequencies of complications and deaths were compared among the three risk groups. RESULTS Post MI arrhythmias were noted in 2.2%, 16% and 50%; cardiogenic shock in 6.7%, 16% and 60%; pulmonary edema in 6.7%, 20% and 80%; mechanical complications of MI in 0%, 8% and 30%; death in 4.4%, 8%, and 60% of patients belonging to low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk groups respectively. Frequency of complications and death correlated well with TIMI risk score (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION TIMI risk score correlates well with the frequency of electrical or mechanical complications and death after STEMI.
Partitioning-defective Protein 6 (Par-6) Activates Atypical Protein Kinase C (aPKC) by Pseudosubstrate Displacement*

Background: Many cell polarities are controlled by the Par complex, which includes Par-6 and atypical protein kinase C (aPKC). How is aPKC activity controlled? Results: A pseudosubstrate motif within aPKC inhibits its activity. Par-6 displaces the pseudosubstrate and increases aPKC activity. Conclusion: Par-6 activates aPKC. Significance: Par-6 couples aPKC localization and activation to precisely control cell polarity. Atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) controls cell polarity by modulating substrate cortical localization. Aberrant aPKC activity disrupts polarity, yet the mechanisms that control aPKC remain poorly understood. We used a reconstituted system with purified components and a cultured cell cortical displacement assay to investigate aPKC regulation. We find that aPKC is autoinhibited by two domains within its NH2-terminal regulatory half, a pseudosubstrate motif that occupies the kinase active site, and a C1 domain that assists in this process. The Par complex member Par-6, previously thought to inhibit aPKC, is a potent activator of aPKC in our assays. Par-6 and aPKC interact via PB1 domain heterodimerization, and this interaction activates aPKC by displacing the pseudosubstrate, although full activity requires the Par-6 CRIB-PDZ domains. We propose that, along with its previously described roles in controlling aPKC localization, Par-6 allosterically activates aPKC to allow for high spatial and temporal control of substrate phosphorylation and polarization.
Purification, Cloning, and Heterologous Expression of a Catalytically Efficient Flavonol 3-O-Galactosyltransferase Expressed in the Male Gametophyte of Petunia hybrida *

Flavonols are plant-specific molecules that are required for pollen germination in maize and petunia. They existin planta as both the aglycone and glycosyl conjugates. We identified a flavonol 3-O-galactosyltransferase (F3GalTase) that is expressed exclusively in the male gametophyte and controls the formation of a pollen-specific class of glycosylated flavonols. Thus an essential step to understanding flavonol-induced germination is the characterization of F3GalTase. Amino acid sequences of three peptide fragments of F3GalTase purified from petunia pollen were used to isolate a full-length cDNA clone. RNA gel blot analysis and enzyme assays confirmed that F3GalTase expression is restricted to pollen. Heterologous expression of the F3GalTase cDNA inEscherichia coli yielded active recombinant enzyme (rF3GalTase) which had the identical substrate specificity as the native enzyme. Unlike the relatively nonspecific substrate usage of flavonoid glycosyltransferases from sporophytic tissues, F3GalTase uses only UDP-galactose and flavonols to catalyze the formation of flavonol 3-O-galactosides. Kinetic analysis showed that thek cat/K m values of rF3GalTase, using kaempferol and quercetin as substrates, approaches that of a catalytically perfect enzyme. rF3GalTase catalyzes the reverse reaction, generation of flavonols from UDP and flavonol 3-O-galactosides, almost as efficiently as the forward reaction. The biochemical characteristics of F3GalTase are discussed in the context of a role in flavonol-induced pollen germination.
Acute, Reproductive Toxicity and Two‐generation Teratology Studies of a Standardized Quassinoid‐rich Extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack in Sprague–Dawley Rats

The roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack are popularly sought as herbal medicinal supplements to improve libido and general health amongst the local ethnic population. The major quassinoids of E. longifolia improved spermatogenesis and fertility but toxicity studies have not been well documented. The reproductive toxicity, two generation of foetus teratology and the up‐and‐down acute toxicity were investigated in Sprague–Dawley rats orally treated with quassinoid‐rich E. longifolia extract (TAF273). The results showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of TAF273 for female and male rats was 1293 and >2000 mg/kg, respectively. Fertility index and litter size of the TAF273 treated were significantly increased when compared with those of the non‐treated animals. The TAF273‐treated dams decreased in percentage of pre‐implantation loss, post‐implantation loss and late resorption. No toxic symptoms were observed on the TAF273‐treated pregnant female rats and their foetuses were normal. The no‐observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) obtained from reproductive toxicity and teratology studies of TAF273 in rats was 100 mg/kg body weight/day, being more than 10‐fold lower than the LD50 value. Thus, any human dose derived from converting the rat doses of 100 mg/kg and below may be considered as safe for further clinical studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of Surgery Resident Satisfaction With Teaching by Attendings: A National Survey

Objective:To identify factors that predict fourth- and fifth-year surgical resident satisfaction of attending teaching quality. Summary Background Data:With the training of surgical residents undergoing major changes, a key issue facing surgical educators is whether high-quality surgeons can still be produced. Innovative techniques (eg, computer simulation surgery) are being developed to substitute partially for conventional teaching methods. However, an aspect of training that cannot be so easily replaced is the faculty–resident interaction. This study investigates resident perceptions of attending teaching quality and the factors associated with this faculty–resident interaction to identify predictors of resident educational satisfaction. Methods:A national survey of clinical fourth- and fifth-year surgery residents in 125 academically affiliated general surgery training programs was performed. The survey contained 67 questions and addressed demographics, hospital, and service characteristics, as well as surgery, education, and clinical care-related factors. Univariate analyses were performed to describe the characteristics of the sample; multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the factors associated with resident educational satisfaction. Results:The response rate was 61.5% (n = 756). Average age was 32 years; most were male (79%), white (72%), and married (69%); 42% had children. Ninety-five percent of respondents graduated from U.S. medical schools, and the average debt was $80,307. Of 20 potentially mutable factors, 6 variables had positive associations with resident education satisfaction and 7 had negative associations. Positive factors included the resident being the operating surgeon in major surgeries, substantial citing of evidence-based literature by the attending, attending physicians giving spontaneous or unplanned presentations, increasing the continuity of care, clinical teaching aimed at the chief resident level, and having clinical decisions made together by both the attending and resident. There were 7 negative factors such as overly supervising in surgery, being interrupted so much that teaching was ineffective, and attending physicians being rushed and/or eager to finish rounds. Conclusion:This study identifies several factors that were associated with resident educational satisfaction. It offers the perspective of the learners (ie, residents) and, importantly, highlights mutable factors that surgery faculty (and departments) may consider changing to improve surgery resident education and satisfaction. Improving such satisfaction may help to produce a better product.
Memristive based device arrays combined with Spike based coding can enable efficient implementations of embedded neuromorphic circuits

Since the rapid development of post-CMOS technologies in the last decade, there has been a growing interest in utilizing them for implementing neuromorphic or brain-like computing machines. Besides attempts to build realistic circuits that would mimic the functioning of biological neurons as close as possible [1][2], our team is focused on implementing neuromorphic circuits suitable for embedded applications. This objective puts the emphasis on two majors concerns: integration and energy efficiency. In our quest for ultimate integration, we first report on investigating for the best synapse-like technology among the realm of potential candidates. We then report our investigations on the feasibility of large crossbars of synapse-like devices and show that there is still a long way ahead. Finally in an effort to tackle the energy problem, we introduce spike based coding for deep neuromorphic architectures and discuss our argument that spike coding combined with memristive synaptic devices could pave the way for future embedded neuromorphic circuits.
Mentoring Urban School Leaders

The purpose of this article is to report on the findings of a mixed-mode study that examined the effect of mentoring on 20 doctoral students and 21 mentors in the National Urban Special Education Leadership Initiative (NUSELI), a federally funded urban special education leadership doctoral program. Each doctoral student was provided a school-based leader with a doctorate to serve as his or her mentor. The mentors received training from the NUSELI director, served as a member of the student's dissertation committee, and provided access to opportunities in the school district. Mentor and mentee reports on the mentoring experience are presented.
MHC II lung cancer vaccines prime and boost tumor‐specific CD4+ T cells that cross‐react with multiple histologic subtypes of nonsmall cell lung cancer cells

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major cause of lung cancer‐related deaths in the United States. We are developing cell‐based vaccines as a new approach for the treatment of NSCLC. NSCLC is broadly divided into 3 histologic subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Since these subtypes are derived from the same progenitor cells, we hypothesized that they share common tumor antigens, and vaccines that induce immune reactivity against 1 subtype may also induce immunity against other subtypes. Our vaccine strategy has focused on activating tumor‐specific CD4+ T cells, a population of lymphocytes that facilitates the optimal activation of effector and memory cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. We now report that our NSCLC MHC II vaccines prepared from adeno, squamous or large cell carcinomas each activate CD4+ T cells that cross‐react with the other NSCLC subtypes and do not react with HLA‐DR‐matched normal lung fibroblasts or other HLA‐DR‐matched nonlung tumor cells. Using MHC II NSCLC vaccines expressing the DR1, DR4, DR7 or DR15 alleles, we also demonstrate that antigens shared among the different subtypes are presented by multiple HLA‐DR alleles. Therefore, MHC II NSCLC vaccines expressing a single HLA‐DR allele activate NSCLC‐specific CD4+ T cells that react with the 3 major classes of NSCLC, and the antigens recognized by the activated T cells are presented by several common HLA‐DR alleles, suggesting that the MHC II NSCLC vaccines are potential immunotherapeutics for a range of NSCLC patients.
Applying discrete dynamic integral sliding surface control to hydraulic position control

The variable structure control system is a great robust control method. However, its classical existence condition seems not enough for applying to the discrete systems. Due to the existence of the sampling interval in discrete systems, the controller can not simultaneously correct the system's response during the interval. The small switching gains are necessary in order not to be divergent to the switching surface. However, to quickly reach the sliding surface, the large switching gains have to be chosen. In this paper, based on the different viewpoint can develop the additional restriction. It does not only offer the definitions of ranges of the switching gains but also their domains. The discrete dynamic integral sliding surface control (DDISSC) can solve these problems. It can not only reduce the time to reaching the sliding surface, but also pay less control effort to achieve this surface. Finally, the hydraulic position servo control system is used to demonstrate the potential of the proposed control method. CPLD based control board implements the proposed rule by full digital technology. Simulation and experimental results show the robustness to against the parameters' variation and external disturbance