Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of low and high mileage drivers: findings from the Ozcandrive older driver cohort study

This study used real-world driving data from the Ozcandrive older driver cohort study to examine the relationship between annual mileage driven and a range of demographic and functional factors, self-reported driving comfort, real-world driving patterns and self-reported crashes and citations. Driving data for a subset of Australian participants of the Candrive/ Ozcandrive study (n = 183), aged 75-94 years were included in the analysis. Participants’ real-world annual mileage distances were recorded through an in-car recording device (ICRD) installed in participants’ own vehicles. Participants’ annual mileage distances were grouped into three categories (low: ≤ 5,000 km, middle: > 5,000 < 13,000 km, and high: ≥ 13,000 km). Preliminary results showed females were more likely to be in the low mileage group compared to male drivers. Additionally, the low mileage group drove significantly more trips 5 km or less compared to the middle and high mileage groups, while the high mileage group drove the greatest percentage of trips beyond 20 km compared to the low and middle mileage groups. On average, the low mileage group reported the lowest total scores on the Driving Comfort Scale compared to the high mileage group which reported the highest total score. However, there were no significant group differences on any tests of cognitive/ functional ability or crash and citation rates. Findings suggest that older adults who drive lower annual mileages may engage in some driving practices that are suggestive of self-regulation. However, a larger-scale study using official crash data is needed to establish whether the low mileage bias is pertinent to older drivers.
Physical and chemical kernel properties associated with resistance to grain mold in sorghum

Identification of kernel properties associated with resistance to grain mold would be useful in screening germplasm in a breeding program. We screened and characterized a large and diverse collection of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) accessions for physical and chemical kernel properties, as well as for resistance to grain mold in the field. We identified sorghum accessions with a high level of grain mold resistance originating from diverse geographical areas and belonging to different botanical races. We found that resistance to grain mold in these sorghums was strongly associated with high concentration of phenolic compounds (apigeninidin, flavan-4-ols, and tannin), kernel hardness, and pericarp color. Each of these kernel properties contributed to grain mold resistance differently in white, red, and brown pericarp sorghum accessions. We developed a numerical index that integrated the more important kernel attributes, and this index effectively differentiated resistant and susceptible sorghum genotypes.
Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma - current status and advances

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer worldwide, especially in Asia, with high mortality. Curative options are only available for early-stage HCC, which are usually asymptomatic and best diagnosed through surveillance. Risk factors associated with HCC include liver cirrhosis due to alcohol, chronic viral hepatitis infections and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. We review the evidence supporting the benefits and drawbacks of HCC surveillance as well as new surveillance modalities. Methods: A MEDLINE and Cochrane Database search with defined search phrases was performed. Studies published from Jan 2000 to Jul 2018 were reviewed and publications focusing on the benefits and harms of HCC surveillance were qualitatively synthesized. Modalities of HCC surveillance were also reviewed. Results: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 cohort studies with sample size of more than 100 each were selected. Significant mortality reduction was demonstrated in 1 RCT. Cohort studies showed overall improved outcomes in the surveillance group with 61.3%-88% of HCC being detected in an early-stage and with up to 80% eligible for curative treatments. A quarter (27.5%) of the surveillance patients experienced additional scans or procedures due to false-positive results. Combination of ultrasound with alpha-fetoprotein increases HCC detection rate. Novel serum markers and liquid biopsy are attractive tools for surveillance as they are non-invasive
The impact of a structured floral arrangement (SFA) program on caregivers’ mental health: A pilot study

Good mental health of caregivers is crucial for maintaining strong relationships between caregivers and care-recipients, which in turn is important for positive caregiving outcomes. We have developed a structured floral arrangement (SFA) program for neurocognitive disorders to improve visuospatial memory, whereby patients are asked to arrange real flowers and leaves according to an instruction sheet, and then take the arrangements back home to enjoy with their caregivers (family members or care staff ). Previous studies with the SFA program revealed that it improves the visuospatial memory of treated patients and the production of the arrangements encouraged them to continue the cognitive training. However, the impact of the arrangements on mental health of the caregivers at home has been unclear. We therefore investigated the effects of these floral arrangements on primary caregivers’ mental health. Our results showed that the mean total GHQ-28 score of caregivers improved significantly when spending time with the arrangements (P<0.05), although no changes were found in control caregivers who were not exposed to arrangements in the home. Mean scores of the GHQ-28 Anxiety and Insomnia sub-category was significantly improved in caregivers exposed to the arrangements. These results suggest that caregivers are affected positively by arrangements of real flowers and leaves made by their care-recipients. The SFA program could therefore contribute to improving the mental health of caregivers as well as the visuospatial memory of patients with neurocognitive disorders. *Correspondence to: Hiroko Mochizuki-Kawai, PhD, Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 2-1 Fujimoto, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0852, Japan, Tel: 81298386821; Fax: 81298386842, E-mail: hirokom@affrc.go. jp
Strategic Family Therapy

Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) is designed to (1) prevent, reduce, and/or treat adolescent behavior problems such as drug use, conduct problems, delinquency, sexually risky behavior, aggressive/violent behavior, and association with antisocial peers; (2) improve prosocial behaviors such as school attendance and performance; and (3) improve family functioning, including effective parental leadership and management, positive parenting, and parental involvement with the child and his or her peers and school. BSFT is typically delivered in 12-16 family sessions but may be delivered in as few as 8 or as many as 24 sessions, depending on the severity of the communication and management problems within the family. Sessions are conducted at locations that are convenient to the family, including the family's home in some cases. Hispanic families have been the principal recipients of BSFT, but African American families have also participated in the intervention.
Molecular characterization of root-knot nematodes with five new host records from Pakistan.

During nematode surveys in the different regions of the country, high infestation of root-knot nematodes were found. On morphological characterization these RKN species were identified as Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. Molecular characterization of 16 strains of these root-knot nematodes were also done and incorporated herein including three new species. The 18S rDNA of 16 strains of Meloidogyne spp. , were amplified and directly sequenced. Phylogenetic trees based on alignments of these sequences were constructed using distance, parsimony and likelihood optimality criteria. The molecular characterization of 16 strains of RKN was done for the first time from Pakistan. Moreover, during the studies M. incognita and M. javanica were found associated with five new hosts viz., Feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus L.), olive (Olea europaea L.), malabar spinach (Basella rubra L.), canna (Canna indica L.) and dehla (Jasminium multiflorum Burm. f.) not reported earlier. The molecular analysis of these RKN species associated with new host records are in progress.
Is MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy an Effective Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not MDMAassisted psychotherapy is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Study Design: Systematic review of three published, randomized controlled trials (double-blind, placebo-controlled) between 2008-2013. Data Sources: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Review databases. Outcomes Measured: The primary outcome measure in all three studies was the severity of PTSD symptoms. The primary outcome measure was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the Severity of Symptoms Scale for PTSD (SSSPTSD). Results: All trials demonstrated a larger group mean reduction in CAPS/SSSPTSD scores for the MDMA group compared to the placebo group. One study found these results to be statistically significant (P = 0.015) and a considerable clinical response was seen with the MDMA-AP group with a NNT of 2. Conclusions: Based on the studies, all reported that the use of MDMA-AP reduced group mean scores from baseline to a larger extent than placebo. Although the studies showed a similar outcome, further studies with larger, heterogeneous sample sizes need to be performed to assess the safety and efficacy of MDMA-AP as a treatment for PTSD.
Efficacy and Safety of Single-Site Umbilical Laparoscopic Surgery for Small Bowel Resection in Pediatric Patients

Purpose: Single-port laparoscopy-assisted surgery is being performed for various operations in pediatric patients recently. The aims of this study were to prove the safety and find well-matched indications of small bowel resection using single-site umbilical laparoscopic surgery (SSULS). Methods: From 2011 to 2016, 29 pediatric patients underwent SSULS. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 29 patients were included and 30 SSULS were performed in this study. The mean age at operation was 5.7 years, and the mean weight was 21.9 kg. Meckel's diverticulum was the most common indication for SSULS, followed by small bowel intussusception due to leading point mass, small bowel duplication, and Crohn's disease. In most cases, estimated blood loss was negligible except in Crohn's disease with severe inflammation. While answering post-discharge questions about scars, most parents responded that they were satisfied with the postoperative wound. Conclusion: SSULS is a useful operation to try even for surgeons who do not have advanced laparoscopic skills. Complication rates of single-port operations do not differ from those of conventional laparoscopic operations. Most lesions of the small bowel could be indications of SSULS. Careful attention is required when performing SSULS in patients with Crohn's disease.
Augmenting antiviral host defense in the respiratory epithelium

Approved: __________________________________ Thesis Supervisor __________________________________ Title and Department __________________________________ Date 1 AUGMENTING ANTIVIRAL HOST DEFENSE IN THE RESPIRATORY EPITHELIUM by Anthony John Fischer A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Genetics in the Graduate College of The University of Iowa
The homozygous and heterozygous effects of an aurea mutation on plastid development in spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

A11 electron niicroscopical investigation has been made of plastid developnienti n spruce plants which are homozygous or heterozygous for a semi-dominant aurea mutation. The cotyledons of normal spruce seedlings synthesise chlorophyll and develop chloroplasts both in the dark and in the light. The chloroplasts in dark-grown seedlings have grana and severa1 prolamellar bodies. No chlorophyll was detected in acetone extracts of light-grown or dark-grown seedlings which were homozygous for the aurea factor. In these yellow lethal seedlings,plastid morphogenesis is blocked prior to the formation of prolamellar bodies. In the yellon-green heterozygous aurea seedlings, clorophyll synthesis is reduced; when grown in the dark they have a clorophyll content that is only 50 per cent of that in corresponding wild type individuals. The chloroplasts of these dark-grown aurea seedlings possess several prolamellar bodies and a poorly differentiated lamellar system, in which the grana usually contain only two or three discs. Aurea plants develop in the light an abnormal lamellar system with grana which appear sickle-shaped in cross-section. The yellon-green needles possess the ability of spontaneous greening. The chloroplasts in older green needles of the mutant are normalised and indistinguishable from wild type chloroplasts.
Purification and Partial Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies of Francisella tularensis

Abstract : Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies against Francisella tularensis cellular antigens were isolated. These monoclonal antibodies reacted with killed whole cells of F. tularensis in the ELISA but not by immunoblot, indicating that the antibodies were directed against conformational epitopes. One of these monoclonal antibodies was directed principally against outer membrane protein (OMP) components, and the remainder are likely directed against capsular components. The OMP-specific monoclonal antibodies are F. tularensis- specific in contrast to the others which cross-react with a number of other bacterial species. These OMP-specific monoclonal antibodies are of the IgG1 subclass, and may prove to be a useful tool for diagnosis of F. tularensis in clinical materials.
Host-imposed regulation of bacterial transposons Tn10 and Tn5

ii Co-Authorship Statement . iv Acknowledgments . vi Table of Contents . vii List of Tables . xii List of Figures . xiii List of Appendices . xvi List of Abbreviations . xvii Chapter 1 . 1 1 General Introduction . 1 1.1 A brief history of mobile DNA . 1 1.2 Transposition and human health . 3 1.3 Lateral gene transfer and mobile genetic elements in bacteria . 5 1.4 Host-transposon interactions . 9 1.4. 1 Intrinsic regulation of bacterial transposition . 9 1.4. 2 Host-imposed regulation of bacterial transposition . 10 1.5 Post-transcriptional regulation in bacteria . 11 1.6 Hfq: a global post-transcriptional regulator . 13 1.6. 1 Canonical regulation: Hfq-dependent sRNAs . 16 1.6. 2 Alternative regulatory mechanisms employed by Hfq . 17 1.7 Bacterial stress-response and transposons . 18 1.8 Topics addressed in this thesis . 21 1.9 References . 22 Chapter 2 . 38 viii 2 Tn10/IS10 transposition is down-regulated at the level of transposase expression by the RNA-binding protein Hfq . 38 2.1 Introduction . 38 2.2 Results . 42 2.2.1 Hfq acts as a potent negative regulator of IS10 transposition independent of its effects on H-NS gene expression . 42 2.2.2 Hfq can act independent of the mci pathway to suppress Tn10/IS10 transposition . 45 2.2.3 Hfq down-regulates transposase expression . 51 2.2.4 Hfq binds both RNA-IN and RNA-OUT and accelerates the rate of pairing of these species . 59 2.3 Discussion . 65 2.3. 1 Hfq down-regulates IS10 transposase expression . 65 2.3. 2 Hfq interactions with RNA-IN and RNA-OUT . 67 2.3. 3 Hfq could link Tn10/IS10 transposition to cellular stress response pathways . 68 2.3. 4 Summary . 70 2.4 Experimental procedures . 70 2.4. 1 Strains, bacteriophage and plasmids . 70 2.4. 2 Mating out assay . 72 2.4. 3 Papillation assay . 73 2.4. 4 Semi-quantitative RT-PCR . 73 2.4. 5 β-Galactosidase assay . 74 2.4. 6 Protein purification . 74 2.4. 7 In vitro transcription and RNA labeling . 74 2.4. 8 Gel retardation assay . 76 2.4. 9 Kinetic analysis of RNA-IN:RNA-OUT pairing . 77 2.5 References . 77
Comparison of Body Composition, Eating Habits, Exercise Habits, High Risk Behaviors in a Tri-Racial Group of College Female Athletes

There is a lack of information in Hispanic American (HA) athletes regarding body weight concerns, eating habits, exercise habits, and high-risk behaviors. The aim of this study was to compare body composition, eating habits, exercise habits, and high-risk behavior in Caucasian American (CA), African American (AA), and HA female athletes. Being Hispanic significantly contributed to the variance in physical characteristics (p<0.01 for all) and variables related to body weight concerns (p<0.05 for all), eating habits (p<0.05 for all), exercise habits (p<0.05 for all), and high-risk behaviors (p<0.05 for all). These results demonstrated that HA female athletes had significantly different behaviors than CA and AA female athletes.
The economics of presenteeism in the context of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis

Structured summary 2 Provide a structured summary including, as applicable: background; objectives; data sources; study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions; study appraisal and synthesis methods; results; limitations; conclusions and implications of key findings; systematic review registration number. INTRODUCTION Rationale 3 Describe the rationale for the review in the context of what is already known. Objectives 4 Provide an explicit statement of questions being addressed with reference to participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design (PICOS). METHODS Protocol and registration 5 Indicate if a review protocol exists, if and where it can be accessed (e.g., Web address), and, if available, provide registration information including registration number. N/A Eligibility criteria 6 Specify study characteristics (e.g., PICOS, length of follow-up) and report characteristics (e.g., years considered, language, publication status) used as criteria for eligibility, giving rationale. Information sources 7 Describe all information sources (e.g., databases with dates of coverage, contact with study authors to identify additional studies) in the search and date last searched. Search 8 Present full electronic search strategy for at least one database, including any limits used, such that it could be repeated. Study selection 9 State the process for selecting studies (i.e., screening, eligibility, included in systematic review, and, if applicable, included in the meta-analysis). Data collection process 10 Describe method of data extraction from reports (e.g., piloted forms, independently, in duplicate) and any processes for obtaining and confirming data from investigators.
Embryo dormancy responses to temperature in capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) seeds

Changes in embryo dormancy of capeweed [Arctotheca calendula (L.) Levyns. ] seeds in response to temperature were investigated to determine the nature of seasonal dormancy cycles. Primary embryo dormancy persisted for 2–3 months after seed collection and was then rapidly relieved when seeds were maintained at temperatures simulating summer soil surface temperatures. Embryo dormancy was also rapidly relieved in seeds maintained at constant temperatures, indicating that a daily temperature fluctuation was not necessary for the relief of embryo dormancy in capeweed. Dormancy relief was maximal at 40°C. Secondary dormancy was induced when seeds were maintained at low temperatures and a water potential of –1.5 MPa, suggesting that the onset of winter may postpone germination until a subsequent autumn. These results indicate that the dormancy cycles observed in capeweed seeds maintained on the soil surface are probably driven by seasonal changes in soil temperature.
Improvement of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Production Using Cell Entrapment of Lactobacillus brevis GABA 057

GABA (y-aminobutyric acid) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. For the efficient production of GABA, a semicontinuous cell entrapment system using Lactobacillus brevis GABA 057 was optimized, including the substrate concentration, bead-stabilizing additives, and reaction conditions. The converted monosodium glutamate (MSG), which was added as a substrate for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), increased from 2% (w/v) to 12% (w/v). The addition of isomaltooligosaccharide to the alginate beads also increased the stability of the entrapped L. brevis and GABA productivity. Consequently, when optimal conditions were applied, up to 223 mM GABA could be produced from 534 mM MSG after 48 h of reaction by using alginate-bead-encapsulated L. brevis GABA 057.
Mechanisms of epidermal growth factor receptor activation after epithelial wounding

Wounding disrupts the primary function of an epithelium, which is to provide a barrier to the outside environment. The longer the epithelial defect remains unhealed, the greater the risks of morbidity and mortality from infection, loss of tissue homeostasis, and fibrosis. Normally, epithelial cells restore barrier function by becoming highly motile and migrating to cover the defect, but in many situations cells do not move fast enough to prevent tissue malfunction. This is especially true in the cornea, where even minor wounds can impair vision. Therefore, there is considerable therapeutic interest in identifying signals that induce epithelial migration. Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key signaling event that promotes cells to move and cover wounds in many epithelia. The broad goal of this dissertation research was to identify mechanisms of wound-induced EGFR activation so that therapies may be developed to improve normal and pathological healing.I hypothesized that mechanisms of EGFR activation may differ with respect to distance from the wound, so I developed wounding models to analyze signaling specifically in cells near to or far from "wounds" in a human corneal epithelial cell line. I have examined the involvement of extracellular ATP, phospholipase D, Src-family kinases (SFKs), and the focal adhesion kinase Pyk2, all of which are signals that have been hypothesized to be stimulated by environmental cues related to wounding and to activate the EGFR.I have found that the proximal mechanism of EGFR activation is the proteolytic release of membrane-bound ligands, which is regulated by activation of SFKs. After wounding, multiple pathways converge on SFKs to regulate EGFR activation and cell motility. In one pathway, extracellular ATP transactivates the EGFR through phospholipase D2. In a distinct pathway that functions specifically near the wound edge, Pyk2 triggers SFK and EGFR activation. Finally, my data suggest the presence of a third distinct pathway that promotes SFK and EGFR activation in response to a physically unconstrained edge. By delineating signaling pathways that stimulate EGFR activation, I have identified potential therapeutic targets for modulating EGFR signaling and cell motility in wound healing and other pathologies.