Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in sites of chronic periodontitis of subjects with poorly and well-controlled type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of osteoclastogenesis-related factors (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand [sRANKL] and osteoprotegerin [OPG]) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from subjects with poorly and well-controlled type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis before and after periodontal therapy. METHODS Eighteen subjects with well-controlled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] levels ≤ 8%) and 20 subjects with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c levels >8%) were enrolled in this study. All subjects were submitted to non-surgical periodontal therapy. GCF sampling and clinical periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Total amounts and concentrations of sRANKL and OPG in GCF were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Total amounts and concentrations of sRANKL and RANKL/OPG ratios were higher in poorly controlled subjects than in well-controlled subjects at baseline and 3 and 6 months post-therapy (P <0.05). In addition, RANKL/OPG ratios decreased in well-controlled subjects (P <0.05) but not in poorly controlled subjects (P >0.05) at 3 months post-therapy. Almost all clinical parameters improved significantly for both groups post-treatment (P <0.05). CONCLUSION RANKL/OPG ratios in untreated and treated periodontitis sites may be negatively influenced by poor glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Soil–plant–atmosphere conditions regulating convective cloud formation above southeastern US pine plantations

Loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda L.) occupy more than 20% of the forested area in the southern United States, represent more than 50% of the standing pine volume in this region, and remove from the atmosphere about 500 g C m −2 per year through net ecosystem exchange. Hence, their significance as a major regional carbon sink can hardly be disputed. What is disputed is whether the proliferation of young plantations replacing old forest in the southern United States will alter key aspects of the hydrologic cycle, including convective rainfall, which is the focus of the present work. Ecosystem fluxes of sensible ( Hs ) and latent heat (LE) and large‐scale, slowly evolving free atmospheric temperature and water vapor content are known to be first‐order controls on the formation of convective clouds in the atmospheric boundary layer. These controlling processes are here described by a zero‐order analytical model aimed at assessing how plantations of different ages may regulate the persistence and transition of the atmospheric system between cloudy and cloudless conditions. Using the analytical model together with field observations, the roles of ecosystem Hs and LE on convective cloud formation are explored relative to the entrainment of heat and moisture from the free atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that cloudy–cloudless regimes at the land surface are regulated by a nonlinear relation between the Bowen ratio Bo=Hs/LE and root‐zone soil water content, suggesting that young/mature pines ecosystems have the ability to recirculate available water (through rainfall predisposition mechanisms). Such nonlinearity was not detected in a much older pine stand, suggesting a higher tolerance to drought but a limited control on boundary layer dynamics. These results enable the generation of hypotheses about the impacts on convective cloud formation driven by afforestation/deforestation and groundwater depletion projected to increase following increased human population in the southeastern United States.
Long-Term Transmission of Defective RNA Viruses in Humans and Aedes Mosquitoes

In 2001, dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) populations in humans and mosquitoes from Myanmar acquired a stop-codon mutation in the surface envelope (E) protein gene. Within a year, this stop-codon strain had spread to all individuals sampled. The presence of truncated E protein species within individual viral populations, along with a general relaxation in selective constraint, indicated that the stop-codon strain represents a defective lineage of DENV-1. We propose that such long-term transmission of defective RNA viruses in nature was achieved through complementation by coinfection of host cells with functional viruses.
Offensive for defensive: the belt and road initiative and China's new grand strategy

ABSTRACT China's Belt and Road initiative came from the combined pressure of slowing down of Chinese economy, US pivot to Asia and deterioration of the relations with neighboring countries after weathering the storm of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. It also symbolizes a more proactive approach of Chinese new leader Xi Jinping in meeting the expectation on China's international obligation and leadership. Aimed to link Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania, the initiative provides tremendous opportunities of international economic cooperation. The paper argues that as China's contribution to international public goods, it is in the line of economic liberalism; as China's grand strategy, it is more of defensive than offensive by nature. Despite risks and uncertainties exist, the enforcement will boost China's influence and position in regional and international institutions. US should consider making more strategic space to the rising China, and a better coordinated China–US relations will make Asia Pacific a safer and more promising region.
Impact of nutrient heterogeneity on plant response and competition in Coastal plain species

Relationships between nutrient heterogeneity, root foraging behavior and short-term competitive interactions were investigated for six species native to southeastern USA. Monoculture, twoand six-species garden plots were established and fertilized to create spatially homogeneous or heterogeneous nutrient conditions. After 3.5 months, root proliferation in rich patches (precision) and aboveground biomass response to heterogeneity were assessed in monocultures, and competitive outcomes (aboveground biomass) were determined from mixed-species plots. In monoculture plots, two species were relatively precise foragers, but no species showed significant aboveground biomass response to nutrient treatment. Correlations between precision and aboveground biomass were weak (-0.40 < r < 0.17). In two-species plots, interspecific competition was influenced by soil heterogeneity in two of six cases tested (P < 0.05), and precision was the behavior most correlated with competitive success. In six-species plots, spatial pattern of nutrients had no influence on aboveground growth or competition. Results suggest that heterogeneity influences competition, but the influence is context-specific and generally small. Precision may be the foraging behavior that most influences interspecific interactions.
How the Ageing Population Contributes to UK Economic Activity: A Microsimulation Analysis

In the United Kingdom, as in several other countries, increasing life expectancy is leading to a shift in the age distribution of the population. Meanwhile, at the level of individuals, spending patterns change as people age. This paper investigates the extent to which demographic change is likely to affect household spending patterns by combining the techniques of dynamic microsimulation with an imputation method known as random assignment. While there has been significant concern about the economic cost of the ageing population, this paper finds a potentially beneficial effect in the form of an increase in total spending for most expenditure categories.
Impact of test condition selection in adaptive crowdsourcing studies on subjective quality

Adaptive crowdsourcing is a new approach to crowdsourced Quality of Experience (QoE) studies, which aims to improve the certainty of resulting QoE models by adaptively distributing a fixed budget of user ratings to the test conditions. The main idea of the adaptation is to dynamically allocate the next rating to a condition, for which the submitted ratings so far show a low certainty. This paper investigates the effects of statistical adaptation on the distribution of ratings and the goodness of the resulting QoE models. Thereby, it gives methodological advice how to select test conditions for future crowdsourced QoE studies.
Posttranscriptional regulation of a class of human cytomegalovirus phosphoproteins encoded by an early transcription unit

We have further characterized and determined the origins of a family of nuclear phosphoproteins of 84, 50, 43, and 34 kilodaltons (kDa) encoded by a class of early transcripts arising from the adjacent EcoRI fragments R and d (map units 0.682 to 0.713) of the strain AD169 human cytomegalovirus genome. These RNAs have a complex spliced structure with common 5' and internal exons and alternative 3' exons with coterminal 3' ends. At early times, two fully processed species of 2.1 and 2.2 kilobases (kb) predominated. As the infection progressed to late times, there was a decrease in splicing of the RNA, generating larger transcripts 2.5 to 2.65 kb in size, which corresponded to the species which had spliced out only the first intron, as well as the completely unspliced transcript. We previously reported that the 34-kDa protein could be derived from a transcript which had failed to splice out the first intron (D. A. Wright, S. I. Staprans, and D. H. Spector, J. Virol. 62:331-340, 1988), but the origin of the other proteins was unclear. cDNA cloning has shown that the 2.1-, 2.2-, and 2.5-kb RNAs encode the 50-, 43-, and 84-kDa proteins, respectively. The shift in the splicing pattern of these RNAs with time revealed a posttranscriptional control mechanism which results in the differential accumulation of individual proteins within this family of nuclear phosphoproteins. Expression of the 84-, 43-, and 34-kDa proteins correlated well with the steady-state concentrations of their respective mRNAs. The 50-kDa protein, however, was not expressed in abundance until late times, despite the presence of the 2.1-kb mRNA in the cytoplasm at early times, suggesting a secondary level of posttranscriptional regulation for this protein. Full expression of the RNAs and proteins was dependent on continuing viral DNA synthesis. Accumulation of the 50-kDa protein was found to be particularly sensitive to the state of viral DNA replication and could not be detected after inhibition of replication. Further analysis of these proteins revealed that each one had a unique pattern of serine phosphorylation. Although there was one common site of phosphorylation, most likely located within the amino-terminal shared region, even this site showed quantitative differences in the level of phosphorylation for each of the proteins. Analysis of the Towne strain and two recent independent clinical isolates of human cytomegalovirus has shown that this family of proteins is highly conserved among human cytomegaloviruses.
Distribution of central cholinergic neurons in the baboon (papio papio). I. General morphology

The morphological characteristics of cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) of the baboon (Papio papio) were studied by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) pharmacohistochemistry. The distributions of central cholinergic neurons as visualized by these two histochemical techniques were similar in most, but not all regions of the brain and spinal cord. Based upon these observations, central cholinergic neurons that are immunoreactive to ChAT and intensely stained for AChE by the pharmacohistochemical procedure can be divided into four major groups: (1) those in the caudate nucleus, putamen, nucleus accumbens and anterior perforated substance. These ChAT‐containing and AChE‐intense neurons are large and multipolar, and are scattered throughout these structures. (2) The rostral cholinergic column, which consists of a continuous mass of cholinergic perikarya situated in the medial septal nucleus, nucleus of the diagonal band, and nucleus basalis (Meynert). The ChAT‐immunoreactive and AChE‐intense cell bodies of the nucleus basalis are a prominent feature in the basal forebrain of the baboon. The labeled neurons are large, multipolar, and hyperchromic and show a tendency to aggregate in cell clusters. These cells are distributed within the full extent of the substantia innominata, often being associated with sub‐cortical fiber networks such as the medullary laminae of the globus pallidus. (3) The caudal cholinergic column, which consists of a continuous group of cholinergic neurons in the caudal midbrain and pontine tegmentum. The rostral component of this group of cells is the nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus (subnucleus compacta) and it extends caudally to include the later‐odorsal tegmental nucleus. Compared to that in other species the nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus in the baboon appears to occupy a relatively greater volume and is composed of a greater number of cholinergic neurons. The cells of the caudal column are large and hyperchromic. (4) Nuclei of origin of somatic and visceral efferents of the cranial nerves (III, IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, XII) and spinal nerves. In addition to these major cholinergic cell groups, a small population of ChAT‐positive and AChE‐intense cell bodies can be observed at the floor of the fourth ventricle and in lamina VII and X of the cervical cord. The present findings indicate that although some differences exist, the overall distribution and morphological features of cholinergic cell bodies identified in the baboon brain and spinal cord are similar to those demonstrated previously in investigations of the rhesus monkey and nonprimates.
Effects of a Mnemonic Technique Applied to Verbal Learning and Memory

This investigation evaluated the effects of Furst's mnemonic technique applied to serial verbal learning using consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) lists of Low (1.07), Medium (2.75), and High (4.37) scaled meaningfulness (m‘) values. On the basis of three pre-experimental tasks known to correlate well with serial learning performance, 126 college Ss were recruited to form 18 matched pairs at each of seven ability levels. One member of each pair was assigned to the experimental group and given a 1-hr. lecture-demonstration on Furst's “hook” method. This was followed by four days of private practice in imagery using a list of 100 random digits. The other Ss were assigned to the control group. All Ss were then divided into three experimental and three control groups of 21 comparable Ss each. Ss received 20 Learning trials on one of the three 10-item CVC lists, were excused for 24 hr. , then retested for 10 Relearning trials on the same list. Furst's method produced significant differences in Recall (loss over the 24-hr. test) and Relearning, but the differences failed to reach statistical significance for the Learning phase. A complex relationship existed between the effectiveness of the Method and Meaningfulness, with no differences occurring for highly meaningful lists, large differences for medium m' lists, and small differences for low m' lists. Superiority of the experimental groups over the control groups was mainly attributable to better performance on the part of low-ability Ss. Both Meaningfulness and Ability were primary sources of between-group differences during Learning, Recall, and Relearning. Complex interactions appeared between degree of meaningfulness, level of ability, and Furst's method. Some methodological problems were discussed. It was concluded that Furst's mnemonic technique has limited usefulness during the acquisition of a serial verbal list, and perhaps a significant facilitating effect on retention, provided the material to be recalled is of medium or low meaningfulness, but no efficacy for remembering highly meaningful materials learned under the present conditions.
Alphavirus 6K Proteins Form Ion Channels*

Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus are Australian arboviruses of the Alphavirus genus. Features of alphavirus infection include an increased permeability of cells to monovalent cations followed by virion budding. Virally encoded ion channels are thought to have a role in these processes. In this paper, the 6K proteins of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus are shown to form cation-selective ion channels in planar lipid bilayers. Using a novel purification method, bacterially expressed 6K proteins were inserted into bilayers with a defined orientation (i.e.N-terminal cis, C-terminal trans). Channel activity was reversibly inhibited by antibodies to the N and C termini of 6K protein added to the cis and trans baths, respectively. Channel conductances varied from 40–800 picosiemens, suggesting that the protein is able to form channels with a range of possible oligomerization states.
The Psychometric Properties of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 in an APA DSM-5 Field Trial Sample

Section 3 of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes a hybrid model of personality pathology, in which dimensional personality traits are used to derive one of seven categorical personality disorder diagnoses. The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) was developed by the DSM-5 Personality and Personality Disorders workgroup and their consultants to produce a freely available instrument to assess the personality traits within this new system. To date, the psychometric properties of the PID-5 have been evaluated primarily in undergraduate student and community adult samples. In the current investigation, we extend this line of research to a psychiatric patient sample who participated in the APA DSM-5 Field Trial (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health site). A total of 201 psychiatric patients (102 men, 99 women) completed the PID-5 and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R). The internal consistencies of the PID-5 domain and facet trait scales were acceptable. Results supported the unidimensional structure of all trait scales but one, and the convergence between the PID-5 and analogous NEO PI-R scales. Evidence for discriminant validity was mixed. Overall, the current investigation provides support for the psychometric properties of this diagnostic instrument in psychiatric samples.
Perceptions of secondary agriculture teachers and 4-H youth development Extension personnel regarding cooperative behavior

AND 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EXTENSION PERSONNEL REGARDING COOPERATIVE BEHAVIOR ________________________________________________________________________ A Thesis presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School at the University of Missouri-Columbia ___________________________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science ___________________________________ by BILLY RAY MCKIM
Have changes in the context of doctors’ work altered the concept of the professional in medicine?

There is clearly current interest in the subject of doctors as professionals. Many other bodies look towards medicine for a definition of a professional. The term ‘professional’ is not easy to define but appears to include the concepts of a body of specialized knowledge and skill, autonomy, trust, responsibility and integrity, serving society, direct interaction with clients, duty to speak with authority and a licence to practise. This paper reflects on the changes in doctors’ work, looking for any alteration in the concept of a professional. There have been significant recent changes in the context of medical work; medicine has suffered much bad publicity. In addition there have been major changes to the regulatory council and there have also been fundamental registration changes, including the revalidation of registration. The government has made substantial changes involving performance targets and management. In addition, patient power has been enhanced. This paper contends that there has been little change in the professional role of medical practitioners; this lack of change assists with defining the whole concept of a professional. The professional role appears to include elements of specialized knowledge, a service ethic and critical evaluation, but there are traits of personality within the concept. The paper concludes with the realization that a definition of a professional is both difficult and continually changing. There are important implications from this paper for other groups that seek to be professionals. Certainly, any such group needs to convince others that this title should indeed be used.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning of the Recipient Reduces Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Denervated Donor Heart via a Katp Channel-Dependent Mechanism

Background. We assess whether remote ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) of the recipient can modify ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in the donor heart following orthotopic heart transplantation from brain dead donors and to examine potential mechanisms of protection. Methods. Sixteen pigs weighing from 26 to 34.2 (mean 29.2) kg, randomized to control group (n=5), ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) group (n=6), and to receive rIPC with prior glibenclamide administration (Glib + rIPC) group (n=5) underwent orthotopic heart transplantation with the support of hypothermic (32°C) cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The hearts were harvested from donor animal rendered brain dead by balloon compression via a craniotomy. Preconditioning of the recipients was induced by four 5-min cycles of lower limb ischemia. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced following heart transplantation by 30 min of left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion following by 2 hr of regional reperfusion. The extent of myocardial infarction was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining. Results. Preconditioning of the recipient reduced the mass of MI (6.75±6.3 g in rIPC vs. 18.1±5.8 g in control, P=0.01), MI to area at risk (ARR) mass ratio by 57% (15.6%±15.2% vs. 36.3%±13.4%, P=0.04). The protective effect of preconditioning was abolished by pretreatment with glibenclamide. Conclusions. Remote ischemic preconditioning of the recipient, decreases ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain dead donor heart following orthotopic heart transplantation via a Katp channel-dependent mechanism. This study suggests that a circulating effector persists after the rIPC stimulus is applied, and excludes an ongoing afferent neurogenic mechanism of cardioprotection.