Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new look at the construct validity of the K6 using Rasch analysis

The Kessler six‐item psychological distress (K6) scale is widely used to screen for mental disorders; however, information is lacking on the rating scale performance or dimensionality structure of the scale. This study used a population based sample (n = 7596) to evaluate the construct validity of the K6 scale using Rasch partial credit analysis. The analysis showed that almost all of the five‐point rating scales in the K6 items were used appropriately to differentiate psychological distress of the study participants. The analysis provided evidence of unidimensionality of the scale, although items 1 (so sad) and 3 (restless or fidgety) might offer a potential second off‐dimensional component. All items appeared to fit the Rasch model's expectation as demonstrated by the acceptable item fit statistics. The study participants demonstrated valid response patterns when answering K6 items, except for some who were younger or had higher psychological distress. This study using Rasch analysis confirms the construct validity of the K6 scale and suggests that the K6 is a useful and valid instrument for assessing psychological distress in the mid‐aged general population. Further research can facilitate better understanding about the unidimensionality of the scale. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of distributed consensus of multi-agent systems with measurement/communication noises

Stochastic consensus of multi-agent systems is a main and an important research subject in distributed cooperative control. This is because the information shared in a network is always prone to some uncertainties, which can destroy the performances and the behavior of the entire system. One of these uncertainties is the measurement/communication noises. In this paper, we present an overview of the main contributions done in this field. A classification of these contributions depending on the agents' models and the noises' models is given. Other studies that investigate both the measurement/communication noises and other constraints simultaneously have been also reviewed.
Factors affecting anxiety-fear of surgical procedures in dentistry

Aim: To compare dental anxiety and fear during procedures performed under local anesthesia either in the operating room or in the clinic as well as to investigate the potential factors that might influence this psychological condition. Subjects and Methods: Patients who were admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the universities in two cities, which have a different sociocultural patient profile, were enrolled. In addition to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), and Dental Fear Scale (DFS), the patients were asked to answer the questions concerning previous dental experience, education level, and previous psychiatric therapy. Statistical Analysis Used: The results of STAI were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U-test and results of DAS and DFS were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance test. Results: Two hundred patients, of whom 76 were enrolled in the first center and 124 were enrolled in the second center. A statistically significant difference was observed in state anxiety levels of the patients between the two centers, whereas the difference in trait anxiety levels was not significant. The results of DAS, DFS, and STAI-trait (STAI-T) displayed a significant difference between genders; the levels of anxiety and fear were higher in females than in males (DAS P = 0.025, DFS P = 0.017, STAI-T P = 0.045). Comparison between the patients with and without previous dental experience revealed a statistically significant difference regarding the results of STAI. Conclusions: The study found that sociocultural structure and gender are the significantly effective factors on dental anxiety and fear.
Blotting efficiency investigated by using two‐dimensional electrophoresis, hydrophobic membranes and proteins from different sources

Purification and chemical characterization of protein may be achieved by combining two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and microsequencing or amino acid analysis. To enable this combination, the protein has to be transferred as completely as possible from the gel into the sequencer. In this study hydrophobic membranes were used as support for the transfer and proteins were transferred from the gels onto the membranes by semidry blotting. Blotting conditions were optimized to obtain high blotting efficiencies for as many proteins of a complex 2‐DE pattern as possible. Under optimized conditions, blotting efficiencies between 60 % and 100 % were obtained for five marker proteins; the mean values from four regions of a 2‐DE pattern from 29 unknown proteins of a complex protein mixture from mouse brain were between 60 % and 79 %. The four commercially available hydrophobic membranes that were compared showed only slight differences in protein amount on the membranes after blotting for whole protein patters, whereas single proteins occurred with higher amounts on either one or the other membrane. The results of the blotting optimization allowed us to suggest a blotting mechanism with which systematic improvement of the blotting conditions is possible for problematic proteins.
Modulating seed β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase II level converts the composition of a temperate seed oil to that of a palm-like tropical oil

β-Ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase II (KASII) elongates 16:0-ACP to 18:0-ACP in the plastid, where it competes with three other enzymes at the first major branch point in fatty acid biosynthesis. Despite its key metabolic location, the influence of KASII in determining seed oil composition remains unclear, in part because the biochemical consequences of the fab1-1 mutation were unresolved. Thus, fab1-1, and a newly identified knockout allele, fab1-2, were analyzed in the context of the hypothesis that modulating KASII activity is sufficient to convert the composition of a temperate seed oil into that of a palm-like tropical oil. No homozygous fab1-2 individuals were identified in progeny of self-fertilized heterozygous fab1-2 plants, ≈1/4 of which aborted before the torpedo stage, suggesting that fab1-2 represents a complete loss of function and results in lethality when homozygous. Consistent with this hypothesis, homozygous fab1-2 plants were identified when a fab1-1 transgene was introduced, demonstrating that fab1-1 encodes an active KASII. Strong seed-specific hairpin-RNAi reductions in FAB1 expression resulted in abortion of ≈1/4 of the embryos in an apparent phenocopy of fab1-2 homozygosity. In less severe FAB1 hairpin-RNAi individuals, embryos developed normally and exhibited a 1:2:1 segregation ratio for palmitate accumulation. Thus, early embryo development appears sensitive to elevated 16:0, whereas at later stages, up to 53% of 16:0, i.e., a 7-fold increase over wild-type levels, is tolerated. These results resolve the role of KASII in seed metabolism and demonstrate that modulation of Arabidopsis KASII levels is sufficient to convert its temperate oilseed composition to that of a palm-like tropical oil.
Sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors identify a novel calcium pool in the central nervous system

Ca2+ uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is mediated by Ca2+ ATPase isoforms, which are all selectively inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of thapsigargin. Using ATP/Mg2+‐dependent 45Ca2+ transport in rat brain microsomes, tissue sections, and permeabilized cells, as well as Ca2+ imaging in living cells we distinguish two ER Ca2+ pools in the rat CNS. Nanomolar levels of thapsigargin blocked one component of brain microsomal 45Ca2+ transport, which we designate as the thapsigargin‐sensitive pool (TG‐S). The remaining component was only inhibited by micromolar thapsigargin, and thus designated as thapsigargin resistant (TG‐R). Ca2+ ATPase and [32P]phosphoenzyme assays also distinguished activities with differential sensitivities to thapsigargin. The TG‐R Ca2+ uptake displayed unique anion permeabilities, was inhibited by vanadate, but was unaffected by sulfhydryl reduction. Ca2+ sequestered into the TG‐R pool could not be released by inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate, caffeine, or cyclic ADP‐ribose. The TG‐R Ca2+ pool had a unique anatomical distribution in the brain, with selective enrichment in brainstem and spinal cord structures. Cell lines that expressed high levels of the TG‐R pool required micromolar concentrations of thapsigargin to effectively raise cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. TG‐R Ca2+ accumulation represents a distinct Ca2+ buffering pool in specific CNS regions with unique pharmacological sensitivities and anatomical distributions.
TGF-β Promotes Immune Responses in the Presence of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess potent immunosuppression capacity and could exert strong therapeutic effects in many diseases, especially inflammatory disorders, in animal models and clinical settings. Although inflammatory cytokines are critical in inducing the immune modulatory properties of MSCs, detailed molecular mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. TGF-β is a well-known anti-inflammatory cytokine and exists in various inflammatory processes; therefore, we investigated whether it could synergize with MSCs in suppressing immune responses. To our surprise, we found that TGF-β actually reversed the immunosuppressive effect of MSCs on anti-CD3 activated splenocytes. Using TGF-β unresponsive MSCs, we demonstrated that the TGF-β directly acted on MSCs. Furthermore, we showed that the effect of TGF-β is exerted through inhibiting inflammatory cytokines induced inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in a SMAD3-dependent manner. Interestingly, we found that TGF-β produced by MSCs could act in an autocrine manner to reduce inflammatory cytokine-induced inducible NO synthase expression by MSCs themselves. Therefore, our study revealed a previously unrecognized property of TGF-β in promoting immune responses in the presence of MSCs.
The role of statistical power analysis in quantitative proteomics

Designing an experiment for quantitative proteomic analysis is not a trivial task. One of the key factors influencing the success of such studies is the number of biological replicates included in the analysis. This, along with the measured variation will determine the statistical power of the analysis. Presented is a simple yet powerful analysis to determine the appropriate sample size required for reliable and reproducible results, based on the total variation (technical and biological). This approach can also be applied retrospectively for the interpretation of results as it takes into account both significance (p value) and quantitative difference (fold change) of the results.
Restrictions in Quality of Life After Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fracture: A Retrospective Follow-up Study of 223 Cases

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcome after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fracture. Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Setting: Level I, Trauma Center. Methods: Retrospective review of 294 patients treated with intramedullary nailing after tibial shaft fracture from 1998 to 2008. The participants completed Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and these data were compared with published reference population. Intervention: Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fracture. Main Outcome Measures: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Results: A total of 223 patients agreed to participate (76%). Mean time of follow-up was 7.9 years. Compared to reference population, the study group reported 44% higher incidence of knee pain, 39% higher incidence of function in daily living limitations, 58% higher incidence of limitations in quality of life, and 60% higher incidence of limitations during sports activities. Comparison of age-related differences between the study group and reference population showed that the age group of 18–34 years reported the most difficulties. Conclusions: Compared with reference population, 60% of the patients experienced limitations in activity and restrictions in quality of life and 44% reported knee pain. This was mainly evident among the young participants. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
NONLINEAR DYNAMIC MODEL FOR SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF NON-STRUCTURAL CLADDING

The seismic behavior of moment-frame structures with non-structural cladding in moderate to severe earthquakes has shown that the cladding panels and connections have a significant influence on the overall building response. However, analytical models that simulate the seismic response of structures with cladding have not been fully developed. In this paper we present a finite element model for nonlinear static and dynamic analyses of moment frame structures with cladding elements. These non-structural elements are attached to the structure using a small number of connectors intended to carry gravity loads, in-plane shear, and out-of-plane shear. The attachments are made using all-thread rods with double nuts or field fillet welds between angles, pipes, or plates embedded in non-structural panels and attached to the structure. In the proposed model, the panels are assumed to be rigid elements with a known mass. The attachments are modeled as multi-directional spring elements with cyclic force-deformation properties derived from attachment test data. The characteristics of the proposed model are examined in nonlinear static pushover and nonlinear dynamic time history analyses of the SAC Joint Venture 3-story building. The results show that the inclusion of cladding in the analytical model significantly affects the seismic response of the building.
Epidemiology of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) during 2000-2012 in Asia.

BACKGROUND Over the past decade, the worldwide emergence of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae has become a severe public health issue. This meta-analysis aims to describe the epidemiology of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) during the years of 2000-2012 in Asian area. METHODS PubMed and Embase databases were searched to identify the qualified papers. Random or fixed-effect model was used to deal with the data. RESULTS Over all the 49 Asian countries (or regions), only 37.5% [19] of them contributed epidemiology data of CRE, and the rest ones provided either only case reports or no information at all. In Asia, the prevalence of CRE was still low during the study period with average resistance rates of 0.6% (95% CI, 0.6-0.8%, imipenem) and 0.9% (95% CI, 0.7-1.2%, meropenem). Resistance rates to imipenem and meropenem in Enterobacteriaceae exhibited stably escalating trend. Similar trend can also be observed among each Enterobacteriaceae genus, such as E. coli, Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacer spp. Klebsiella spp. accounted for the largest proportion among the isolates resistant to imipenem, and then followed by E. coli and Serratia. The rank order of resistance rates to imipenem among Enterobacteriaceae genus during the period of 2000-2012 was as follows: Serratia spp. (1.8%) > Proteus spp. (1.6%) > Klebsiella spp. (0.8%) = Citrobacter spp. (0.8%) > Enterobacer spp. (0.7%) > E. coli (0.2%). CONCLUSIONS Given the fact that the prevalence of CRE was increasing during the past decade, it is urgent for us to establish regional surveillance worldwide, carry out more effective antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures to prevent further spread of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae.
Kinematic analysis for task-based reconfiguration of wheel-arm robots

This paper presents the idea of reconfiguring multiple mobile-manipulator platforms called wheel-arm robots to increase their mobility and functionality. The wheel-arm robot is designed to be a wheel robot with a 4 DOF arm that has ability to manipulate small objects and move on flat terrain. The wheel-arm can also reconfigure itself to be a different type of one-wheel robot. By connecting multiple wheel-arm robots in different configurations, the robot group achieves different functionality. This paper provides kinematic analysis for various types of configurations which explains how the change in configuration affects their functionality including numbers of degrees of freedom for locomotion, manipulation, the ability to climb over obstacles and the maximum force exertion. These kinematic indices can be used in the task-based reconfiguration process which selects the configuration that best matches the given task requirements
Nutritional Programming of Accelerated Puberty in Heifers: Alterations in DNA Methylation in the Arcuate Nucleus

Abstract High rates of body weight gain during the juvenile period appear to program molecular events within the hypothalamus, leading to advancement of puberty. Methylation of DNA, an epigenetic mechanism that controls gene expression, is associated with metabolic programming events and is proposed to play a role in the pubertal process. In this study, DNA methylation was assessed in genomic DNA obtained from the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of juvenile heifers fed to gain body weight at low (0.5 kg/d; low-gain, LG, n = 4) or high (1 kg/d; high-gain, HG, n = 4) rates from 4.5 to 8.5 mo of age (earliest puberty expected at 9 mo of age in HG heifers). Using a customdesigned oligonucleotide array targeted to imprinted genes and genes associated with nutritional inputs and the control of puberty, a comparative-genomic-hybridization array was used to identify differentially methylated regions between LG and HG heifers. Differential methylation of genomic regions associated with alteredmRNA expression was observed for genes whose activity has been reported to be involved in the modulation of growth and metabolism (GHR) and puberty (HMGA2). Hence, increased rates of body weight gain during the juvenile period alter the methylation pattern of genomic DNA obtained from the ARC and these changes may be involved in programming the age at puberty in heifers. Summary Sentence Increased rates of body weight gain during the juvenile period alter the methylation pattern of genomic DNA obtained from the ARC and these changesmay be involved in programming the age at puberty in heifers.
REDD1 Is Essential for Optimal T Cell Proliferation and Survival

REDD1 is a highly conserved stress response protein that is upregulated following many types of cellular stress, including hypoxia, DNA damage, energy stress, ER stress, and nutrient deprivation. Recently, REDD1 was shown to be involved in dexamethasone induced autophagy in murine thymocytes. However, we know little of REDD1’s function in mature T cells. Here we show for the first time that REDD1 is upregulated following T cell stimulation with PHA or CD3/CD28 beads. REDD1 knockout T cells exhibit a defect in proliferation and cell survival, although markers of activation appear normal. These findings demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for REDD1 in T cell function.
THE INFLUENCE OF INCOME ON THE EXPERIENCE OF INFORMAL CAREGIVING: POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Examining the need for an eldercare policy is relevant and timely because the population is aging, a focus of care has shifted from institutional to community based, and informal caregivers, primarily women, are increasingly pressured to be responsible for eldercare. The purpose of the study is to examine the differences in the experiences of low-income and those who are not low-income informal caregivers. Three hundred questionnaires were mailed to past and present home care clients and 58 questionnaires were returned (19% response rate). This research revealed that low-income caregivers have increased needs for support and education from those who can afford to pay for their support services. Low-income caregivers experience significantly greater caregiver distress than do caregivers who are not low income. The unique needs of low-income caregivers must be considered in the formation of Canadian eldercare policy as increased health care privatization promotes the growing inequality in health care provision.
Critical Roles of Clostridium difficile Toxin B Enzymatic Activities in Pathogenesis

ABSTRACT TcdB is one of the key virulence factors of Clostridium difficile that is responsible for causing serious and potentially fatal colitis. The toxin contains at least two enzymatic domains: an effector glucosyltransferase domain for inactivating host Rho GTPases and a cysteine protease domain for the delivery of the effector domain into host cytosol. Here, we describe a novel intrabody approach to examine the role of these enzymes of TcdB in cellular intoxication. By screening a single-domain heavy chain (VHH) library raised against TcdB, we identified two VHH antibodies, 7F and E3, that specifically inhibit TcdB cysteine protease and glucosyltransferase activities, respectively. Cytoplasmic expression of 7F intrabody in Vero cells inhibited TcdB autoprocessing and delayed cellular intoxication, whereas E3 intrabody completely blocked the cytopathic effects of TcdB holotoxin. These data also demonstrate for the first time that toxin autoprocessing occurs after cysteine protease and glucosyltransferase domains translocate into the cytosol of target cells. We further determined the role of the enzymatic activities of TcdB in in vivo toxicity using a sensitive systemic challenge model in mice. Consistent with these in vitro results, a cysteine protease noncleavable mutant, TcdB-L543A, delayed toxicity in mice, whereas glycosyltransferase-deficient TcdB demonstrated no toxicity up to 500-fold of the 50% lethal dose (LD50) when it was injected systemically. Thus, glucosyltransferase but not cysteine protease activity is critical for TcdB-mediated cytopathic effects and TcdB systemic toxicity, highlighting the importance of targeting toxin glucosyltransferase activity for future therapy.