Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of immune responses to myelin and cardiolipin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Sera from 39 patients with SLE. 20 patients with cerebrovascular disease with no evidence of SLE, and 20 normal controls were tested for antibodies to cardiolipin (CL), brain total upper (UPG) and lower phase (LPG)glycolipids, myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin, and single strand DN A (ssDNA) by ELISA. Binding to the glycolipids and MBP was negative or negligible in all the groups, but significant binding was observed against CL, myelin and ssDNA in some of the SLE patients. Many sera from SLE patients with cerebral disorders and high CL binding also demonstrated high binding to myelin. These sera also labelled cell surface antigens on neonatal mouse neurons and astrocytes by immunofluorescence in tissue culture. A correlation was found to exist between anti‐CL and antimyelin antibodies in SLE patients with cerebral lesions, but not between anti‐ssDNA and anti‐CL antibodies. As much as 80–90% of the specific activity of these antibodies could be absorbed out by the relevant antigens but only partially by the other antigens. In the control groups binding was low and no specific absorption could be demonstrated.
The heart's ‘little brain’ controlling cardiac function in the rabbit

What is the topic of this review? The topic of the review is the intrinsic cardiac nervous system in the rabbit. What advances does it highlight? The anatomy of rabbit intrinsic ganglia is similar to that of other species, including humans. Immunohistochemistry confirms the presence of cholinergic and adrenergic neurones, with a striking arrangement of neuronal nitric oxide synthase‐positive cell bodies. Activation of atrial ganglia produces effects on local and remote regions.
Self-regulation prompts can increase fruit consumption: A one-hour randomised controlled online trial

Objective : The purpose was to examine whether a 1-h intervention would help increase fruit consumption in motivated individuals and to study the role of self-regulatory mechanisms in the behaviour change process, with a particular focus on dietary planning and action control. Methods : A randomised controlled trial compared a 1-h online intervention with controls in 791 participants. Dependent variables were fruit intake, planning to consume and dietary action control. Results : Experimental condition by time interactions documented superior treatment effects for the self-regulation group, although all participants benefited from the study. To identify the contribution of the intervention ingredients, multiple mediation analyses were conducted that yielded mediator effects for dietary action control and planning. Conclusions : A very brief self-regulatory nutrition intervention was superior to a control condition. Dietary planning and action control seem to play a major role in the mechanisms that facilitate fruit intake.
The n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Improved the Cognitive Function in the Chinese Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may protect against mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is still a lack of the n-3 PUFAs intervention in the elderly with MCI in China. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognitive function in the Chinese elderly with MCI. Methods: Eighty six MCI individuals aged 60 years or older were randomly assigned to receive either n-3 PUFAs (480 mg DHA and 720 mg EPA per day, n = 44) or placebo (olive oil, n = 42) capsules. The changes of cognitive functions were assessed using Basic Cognitive Aptitude Tests (BCAT). Results: The mean age of participants was 71 years old, and 59% of the participants were men. n-3 PUFA supplementation was associated with improved total BCAT scores, perceptual speed, space imagery efficiency, and working memory (p < 0.01), but not with mental arithmetic efficiency or recognition memory (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis by sex showed that n-3 PUFAs significantly improved perceptual speed (p = 0.001), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.013), working memory (p = 0.018), and total BCAT scores (p = 0.000) in males. However, in females, the significant beneficial effects can only be observed in perceptual speed (p = 0.027), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.006), and total BCAT scores (p = 0.015)—not working memory (p = 0.113). Conclusion: n-3 PUFAs can improve cognitive function in people with MCI. Further studies with different fish oil dosages, longer intervention periods, and larger sample sizes should be investigated before definite recommendations can be made.
Internet-Based Treatment for Complicated Grief: Concepts and Case Study

ABSTRACT The authors review current concepts of complicated grief and propose a new Internet-based cognitive-behavioral treatment program for complicated grief. They show how complicated grief is distinguished from disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in the literature and explore the effectiveness of existing bereavement interventions. According to meta-analyses, conventional bereavement interventions show no overall benefit and may even have harmful effects if initiated too soon. For people with complicated grief symptoms or those affected by a death in traumatic circumstances, however, interventions have proved to reduce symptoms. Against this background, the authors introduce an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral treatment program for complicated grief that integrates established methods of psychotherapy with new technology. The intervention was conducted via e-mail and aimed exclusively at clients with complicated grief. The procedure and course of this new approach are illustrated in a case study. The treatment successfully reduced symptoms. Results and further implications of an Internet-based writing protocol are discussed.
Effective sounds in complex systems: the ARKOLA simulation

We designed an ecology of auditory icons which worked together to convey information about a complex, demanding simulation task, and observed users collaborating on it with and without sound. Our observations suggest that audio cues can provide useful information about processes and problems, and support the perceptual integration of a number of separate processes into one complex one. In addition, they can smooth the transition between division of labour and collaboration by providing a new dimension of reference. These results suggest that auditory icons can play a significant role in future multiprocessing and collaborative systems.
Negative Control of the Myc Protein by the Stress-Responsive Kinase Pak2

ABSTRACT Pak2 is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in the cellular response to stress. Among the potential substrates for Pak2 is the protein Myc, encoded by the proto-oncogene MYC. Here we demonstrate that Pak2 phosphorylates Myc at three sites (T358, S373, and T400) and affects Myc functions both in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylation at all three residues reduces the binding of Myc to DNA, either by blocking the requisite dimerization with Max (through phosphorylation at S373 and T400) or by interfering directly with binding to DNA (through phosphorylation at T358). Phosphorylation by Pak2 inhibits the ability of Myc to activate transcription, to sustain cellular proliferation, to transform NIH 3T3 cells in culture, and to elicit apoptosis on serum withdrawal. These results indicate that Pak2 is a negative regulator of Myc, suggest that inhibition of Myc plays a role in the cellular response to stress, and raise the possibility that Pak2 may be the product of a tumor suppressor gene.
Effect of Bread Waste Feeding on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Crossbred Pigs

The study was conducted at Pig farm of AICRP on Pigs, Livestock farm, Adhartal, College of Veterinary Science & A.H. , Jabalpur (M.P.) for a period of three months. A total of 36 Large White Yorkshire crosses (LWY X Desi) were randomly assigned to six different groups and diets were formulated as per ICAR (1998) standard. All the diets were isoproteinous except group-6, which was formulated as per farmers practice. Composition of the diets (Table-1) are as follows; G-1(Control); concentrate mixture-1, G-2; concentrate mixture-2 (75%)+ bread waste (25%), G-3; concentrate mixture-3 (50%) + bread waste (50%), G-4; concentrate mixture-4 (25%) + bread waste (75%), G-5; wheat bran (19.5%) + bread waste (66%) + GNC (10%) + fish meal (3%) + mineral mixture (1%) + common salt (0.5%), G-6; rice bran (50%) + bread waste (50%). At the end of the experiment, the two animals from each group were slaughtered for carcass evaluation. Daily feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) varied among the groups. Highest daily feed intake (kg/pig/day) was observed in G3 group (1.647) and lowest value observed in G6 group (1.219). Average daily gain (ADG) were significantly (P<0.01) different and highest ADG (kg/pig/day) was observed in group G2 (0.377) and lowest ADG (kg/pig/day) observed in G6 group (0.171). Carcass characteristics were not significantly varied among the experimental groups. Finally, the study concluded that bread waste could be fed to the growing crossbred pigs without affecting performance.
An Interpersonal Approach to Group Psychotherapy with Borderline Personality Disorder

This paper describes a group treatment program that was developed and tested in a treatment comparison trial with patients who met criteria for the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. The specific structure, techniques, and therapeutic focus of the group method are described. The design of the group method reflects an integration of diagnostic and etiologic factors specific to the borderline disorder. It also focuses on identifying therapist variables that are critical in the management of this challenging disorder. The process of change within the context of group interactions is illustrated.
Ellipsoid Criterion and Fuzzy C Means Algorithm for 3D Point Cloud Data Denoising

This paper describes a new method to extract most of the noise points by combining the ellipsoid criterion with the Fuzzy C-Means clustering algorithm. The point cloud data are unorganized and without any normal or orientation information. Firstly, we determine if one point is the noise or not by the ellipsoid criterion. After acquiring new point sets being less noisy, we delete large-scale noise points, and partly smooth small-scale noise with the Fuzzy C-Means clustering. The cluster centers are regarded as the new points. The experimental results show that the algorithm is a robust noise detection one.
Executive functions and Alzheimer's disease: problems and prospects

The term executive functioning refers to mental activity that is involved in the planning, initiation, and regulation of behavior (Lezak, 1982, 1983). It is considered the central organizing function of the brain that results in systematic, goal-directed activity. Executive functions are called into play in non-routine situations, where automatic or reflexive behaviors are not adequate to solve the problem at hand. As described by Luria (1973), in carrying out mental activities,
Characterization of sulphonamide resistance genes and class 1 integron gene cassettes in Enterobacteriaceae, Central African Republic (CAR).

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize genes encoding sulphonamide resistance and gene cassettes associated with class 1 integrons in trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole resistant Enterobacteriaceae recovered from Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR). METHODS We studied 78 clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates, including 16 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producers, 10 Salmonella and 9 Shigella, resistant to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole as assessed by the disc diffusion method. PCR was used to test for sul1 and sul2 genes. Class 1 integron resistance gene cassettes were characterized by directly sequencing PCR products obtained with primers recognising 5' and 3' conserved regions. RESULTS The sul1 gene was found in 67 isolates, the sul2 gene in 72 isolates and both genes in 62 isolates, while the int1 gene was found in 74 isolates. The most prevalent dfr genes were dfrA7 (49%), dfrA1 (17%) and dfrA2d (13%). CONCLUSION These results illustrate the wide distribution of sulphonamide and trimethoprim resistance genes among Enterobacteriaceae in Bangui (CAR).
Update on Xylem Development A Weed for Wood ? Arabidopsis as a Genetic Model for Xylem Development 1

Wood, or secondary xylem, is a water-conductive and supportive vascular tissue highly characteristic of trees. In addition to parenchymatous cells adapted for storage and transport functions, wood is mainly composed of various vertically elongated cell types. These are classified either as tracheary elements or fibers, both of which are characterized with extensive secondary cell wall thickenings. The cell wall characteristics contribute to the properties of wood as a significant raw material for various human applications. Wood formation occurs during the secondary phase of plant development (Fig. 1). This results from the activity of the vascular cambium, a lateral meristem that is established and functional during the secondary phase. On the other hand, already the primary phase of vascular development, associated with the procambial development of apical meristems, involves xylem production. The formation of both primary and secondary xylem involves a cascade of interesting processes including specification of primary vascular tissue as bundles, cell proliferation within the primary bundles or in the secondary vascular cambium, initiation of xylem differentiation, regulation of cell expansion, deposition of a secondary cell wall, and programmed cell death (Fig. 1). Even as these processes have been extensively documented at the structural level, relatively little is known of the genetic mechanisms behind them. Although wood formation is an evident characteristic of trees, also many herbaceous plants, including Arabidopsis, develop vascular cambium and form secondary xylem. Thus, Arabidopsis can be considered as a model for the developmental processes underlying xylem development during both primary and secondary phases of development. In this Update we will first review the most recent work related to each developmental process resulting in xylem formation and finally focus on the secondary phase of development to compare wood development in Arabidopsis and trees in light of the most recent molecular data. SPECIFICATION OF VASCULAR BUNDLES
Recognition of Multiple Imbalanced Cancer Types Based on DNA Microarray Data Using Ensemble Classifiers

DNA microarray technology can measure the activities of tens of thousands of genes simultaneously, which provides an efficient way to diagnose cancer at the molecular level. Although this strategy has attracted significant research attention, most studies neglect an important problem, namely, that most DNA microarray datasets are skewed, which causes traditional learning algorithms to produce inaccurate results. Some studies have considered this problem, yet they merely focus on binary-class problem. In this paper, we dealt with multiclass imbalanced classification problem, as encountered in cancer DNA microarray, by using ensemble learning. We utilized one-against-all coding strategy to transform multiclass to multiple binary classes, each of them carrying out feature subspace, which is an evolving version of random subspace that generates multiple diverse training subsets. Next, we introduced one of two different correction technologies, namely, decision threshold adjustment or random undersampling, into each training subset to alleviate the damage of class imbalance. Specifically, support vector machine was used as base classifier, and a novel voting rule called counter voting was presented for making a final decision. Experimental results on eight skewed multiclass cancer microarray datasets indicate that unlike many traditional classification approaches, our methods are insensitive to class imbalance.
Implementation of Highly Available OSPF Router on ATCA

This paper proposes a highly-available open shortest path first (HA-OSPF) router which consists of two OSPF router modules-active and standby-to support a high-availability network. Each router module runs a Linux operating system, high-availability management middleware (HAM middleware), and OSPF daemon. The HAM middleware consists of an availability management framework (AMF) service, checkpoint service, interface monitor, OSPF fault manager, and fault handler; it provides a health check, state information exchange, and takeover mechanism. The experimental results are given to show the system availability of the HA-OSPF router on a PC-based prototype system. Furthermore, to build a carrier grade commercial product, we realize a HA-OSPF router on an industry standard compliant advanced telecom computing architecture (ATCA) hardware platform. From actual measurements, we show that our PC-based and ATCA-based HA-OSPF routers take only 166 and 131 ms to switch over to a standby router module when there is a software fault and 360 and 331 ms with a hardware failure respectively.
A General Framework of Trojan Communication Detection Based on Network Traces

Because of the widespread Trojan, Internet users become more and more vulnerable to the threat of information leakage. Traditional techniques of Trojan detection were classified into two main categories: host-based and network-based. Unfortunately, existing techniques are insufficient and limited, because of the following reasons: (1)only uncover the known Trojan while inefficiently detecting novel samples, (2) should be adjusted in a timely fashion even a trivial change is applied, and (3)become computationally more expensive. In our work, we focus on a network behavior based method to address the limitations of previous network-based approaches. We analyze the profile of network behavior at two levels: (i)flow-level, (ii)IP-level. Our approach present two main advantages: (1)capture more detailed information to describe the network behavior profile, (2)consume lower computational overhead. We proposed a system, Manto, which detects Trojan communication with high accuracy using clustering technique. We implement Manto on real-world traces. The evaluation results exhibit that Manto is suitable for detecting Trojan communication amongst the vast amount of network traffic, with over 91% accuracy and less than 3.2% false positive ratio. We confidently regard our approach as a complementary way to the existing network-based techniques for we could address their main shortcomings.
Recruitment and Reproduction: The Careers and Carriers of Digital Photography and Floorball

Recruitment and Reproduction: The Careers and Carriers of Digital Photography and Floorball The claim that social practices have a relatively durable existence in space and time, and that their persistence depends upon their recurrent reproduction through necessarily localised performances is theoretically plausible, but what of the detail? How do the careers of practices and those who "carry" them actually intersect? In this paper we have two related ambitions. One is to show how selected practices are concurrently shaped by the ebb and flow of recruits and defectors and by what it is that cohorts of practitioners actually do. The second is to learn more about the relation between recruitment and reproduction by comparing the ways in which these processes play out in different situations. In taking these two ambitions forward through a discussion of digital and film photography and of floorball (a team game in which players use plastic sticks to hit a small ball into a goal) we explore ways of concretely examining processes that are implied in Giddens' theory of structuration (1984) and in Bourdieu's concept of habitus (1984). This exercise generates insights into the internal dynamics of practice and the methodological challenges of pinning them down.
Widespread Environmental Contamination Associated With Patients With Diarrhea and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Objective. Patients colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may contaminate their immediate environment with this organism. However, the extent to which gastrointestinal colonization with MRSA affects environmental contamination is not known. We investigated the frequency of environmental contamination in the rooms of patients with diarrheal stools and heavy gastro-intestinal colonization with MRSA. Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. A 500-bed teaching hospital. Methods. Stool specimens submitted for Clostridium difficile toxin assays were inoculated onto colistin-naladixic acid agar. MRSA was identified with standard methods. Samples from a standardized list of 10 environmental surfaces were cultured, from the rooms of 8 patients who had diarrhea that yielded heavy growth of MRSA (case patients) and from the rooms of 6 MRSA-positive patients with stool cultures negative for MRSA (control patients). MRSA isolates from 13 patients (8 case patients and 5 control patients) and 64 of the environmental isolates recovered from their rooms were compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). One clinical isolate from a control patient was excluded because there was no corresponding environmental MRSA isolate with which to compare it. Results. Overall, MRSA were recovered from 47 (58.8%) of 80 surfaces in the rooms of case patients, compared with 14 (23.3%) of 60 surfaces in the rooms of control patients (58.8% [95% CI, 47.8-68.9] vs 23.3% [95% CI, 14.3-35.5];P<.0001). The items most commonly contaminated were bedside rails, blood pressure cuffs, television remote controls, and toilet seats. Seventy-eight percent of the environmental isolates in patients' rooms had PFGE types that were indistinguishable or closely related to those recovered from the patients' clinical specimens. Conclusions. Patients who have diarrheal stools and heavy gastrointestinal colonization with MRSA are associated with significantly greater environmental MRSA contamination than patients without MRSA in their stool, and they are likely to be the source of that contamination.
Introduction: Social regulation of diversity and equality

This article introduces the special issue on diversity and equality. We discuss the development of European Union anti-discrimination legislation, in particular as relates to gender and race/ethnicity, and the ways in which different European countries have implemented equality legislation. We also explore the complexities of the translation of the North American concept of diversity to European contexts. In conclusion we consider the interconnections between law and the ‘voluntary’ initiatives of employers and trade unions, and compare the contributions of the articles that follow.