Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Hayflick Limit May Determine the Effective Clonal Diversity of Naive T Cells

Having a large number of sufficiently abundant T cell clones is important for adequate protection against diseases. However, as shown in this paper and elsewhere, between young adulthood and >70 y of age the effective clonal diversity of naive CD4/CD8 T cells found in human blood declines by a factor of >10. (Effective clonal diversity accounts for both the number and the abundance of T cell clones.) The causes of this observation are incompletely understood. A previous study proposed that it might result from the emergence of certain rare, replication-enhancing mutations in T cells. In this paper, we propose an even simpler explanation: that it results from the loss of T cells that have attained replicative senescence (i.e., the Hayflick limit). Stochastic numerical simulations of naive T cell population dynamics, based on experimental parameters, show that the rate of homeostatic T cell proliferation increases after the age of ∼60 y because naive T cells collectively approach replicative senescence. This leads to a sharp decline of effective clonal diversity after ∼70 y, in agreement with empirical data. A mathematical analysis predicts that, without an increase in the naive T cell proliferation rate, this decline will occur >50 yr later than empirically observed. These results are consistent with a model in which exhaustion of the proliferative capacity of naive T cells causes a sharp decline of their effective clonal diversity and imply that therapeutic potentiation of thymopoiesis might either prevent or reverse this outcome.
1. Dynamics of Social Stratification in Kibbutzim

The existence of stratification in kibbutzim is an issue which arises widespread differences of interpretation among researchers. According to kibbutz ideology, common ownership of the means of production, direct democracy, and collective responsibility for cultural life, education and consumption should permit the development of a strictly egalitarian setting. Thus, although stratification processes which are quite evident in kibbutz reality have been given consideration in some pieces of research (see Rosenfeld, 1951), their impact has been largely minimized by other sociologists (see, for instance, Shepher, 1974). The purpose of the following pages is to throw some light
Psychosocial stressors at work, psychological stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in the care for the elderly

Abstract This study was conducted in order to determine how occupational stressors (psychosocial stressors and physical load) are related to psychological stress (symptoms) and musculoskeletal symptoms among staff of Finnish residential homes, nursing homes and home help services (n = 204). Data obtained from questionnaires was used to test two hypotheses: that psychosocial stressors (time pressure, troublesome patients with dementia) are associated with psychological stress, and that musculoskeletal disorders are associated with physical load. The authors also tested whether psychological stress has a mediating effect between psychosocial stressors and musculoskeletal symptoms. The findings supported the hypothesis regarding the mediating effect of psychological stress.
Inconsistent users of condoms: A challenge to traditional models of health behaviour

People who sometimes use condoms present a challenge to the utility of traditional models of health-protective behaviour in safe sex research. This study used a prospective condom use diary to identify predictors of condom use among heterosexual young adults who use condoms inconsistently. Rather than being influenced by the trait-like attitudes and beliefs central to traditional models of health behaviour, condom use was predicted by characteristics of the sexual encounter, particularly negotiation of condom use. The results of this study highlight the limitations of attempts to explain condom use solely on the basis of trait-like characteristics of individuals. The results also show that if we wish to increase rates of condom use among people who use condoms inconsistently, then we must instil in them skills for negotiating condom use, and confidence in their ability to use these skills.
A Drug-Sensitive Genetic Network Masks Fungi from the Immune System

Fungal pathogens can be recognized by the immune system via their β-glucan, a potent proinflammatory molecule that is present at high levels but is predominantly buried beneath a mannoprotein coat and invisible to the host. To investigate the nature and significance of “masking” this molecule, we characterized the mechanism of masking and consequences of unmasking for immune recognition. We found that the underlying β-glucan in the cell wall of Candida albicans is unmasked by subinhibitory doses of the antifungal drug caspofungin, causing the exposed fungi to elicit a stronger immune response. Using a library of bakers' yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutants, we uncovered a conserved genetic network that is required for concealing β-glucan from the immune system and limiting the host response. Perturbation of parts of this network in the pathogen C. albicans caused unmasking of its β-glucan, leading to increased β-glucan receptor-dependent elicitation of key proinflammatory cytokines from primary mouse macrophages. By creating an anti-inflammatory barrier to mask β-glucan, opportunistic fungi may promote commensal colonization and have an increased propensity for causing disease. Targeting the widely conserved gene network required for creating and maintaining this barrier may lead to novel broad-spectrum antimycotics.
Long-term effects of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective: To compare the effects of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure (HF) in either atrial fibrillation (AF) or sinus rhythm (SR). Design: Prospective observational study. Patients: 295 consecutive patients with HF (permanent AF in 66, paroxysmal AF in 20, SR in 209; New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ⩽35%, QRS ⩾120 ms). Interventions: All patients underwent CRT without atrioventricular junction ablation. Main outcome measures: The primary end point was the composite of cardiovascular death or unplanned hospitalisation for major cardiovascular events. Secondary end points included the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for worsening HF. Cardiovascular mortality, total mortality and changes in NYHA class, 6-minute walking distance, quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire) and echocardiographic variables were also considered. Results: Over a follow-up period of up to 6.8 years, no differences emerged between patients in AF or SR in any of the mortality or morbidity end points. The AF and SR groups derived similar improvements in mean NYHA class (−1.3 vs –1.2), 6-minute walking distance (92.3 vs 78.4 m) and quality of life scores (−25.2 vs –18.7) (all p<0.001). In both the AF and the SR groups, reductions were seen in left ventricular end-systolic (−25.9 vs –34.5 ml, both p<0.001) and end-diastolic (−20.2 ml, p = 0.001 vs 26.2 ml, p<0.001) volumes and improvements in LVEF (4.69% vs 7.86%, both p<0.001). Conclusions: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy leads to similar prognostic and symptomatic benefits in patients in AF and SR, even without atrioventricular junction ablation. Echocardiographic improvements are also comparable.
Friend or Foe, Champ or Chump? Social Conformity and Superiority Goals Activate Warmth-Versus Competence-Based Social Categorization Schemas

Evaluations of individuals and social groups refer to two basic dimensions of social judgment: warmth and competence. Although previous research has explored the antecedents and consequences of these evaluations, there is a lack of understanding of the conditions under which warmth and competence information is used for social categorization in the first place. The present research developed a novel measure of individuals’ tendencies to categorize persons in terms of competence versus warmth and tested whether these tendencies are predicted by chronic (Study 1, N = 301) and experimentally induced (Study 2, N = 69) social conformity and superiority goals. Social conformity goals predicted greater relative use of warmth information, while superiority goals predicted greater relative use of competence information in categorizing persons. These findings attest to the relevance of chronic as well as contextually induced goals at an early stage of social information processing related to social categorization.
Results of the carotid and vertebral artery transluminal angioplasty study

Trials have demonstrated the benefit of surgery for severe carotid stenosis, but there is still significant morbidity from the operation. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) avoids general anaesthesia and trauma from a neck incision, but has not yet gained acceptance for carotid stenosis because of concern about the risks. The Carotid And Vertebral Artery Transluminal Angioplasty Study was established to investigate the risks and benefits of cerebrovascular PTA.
Host-Selection Patterns of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) Determine the Spatial Heterogeneity of West Nile Virus Enzootic Activity in Northern California

ABSTRACT The spatial heterogeneity of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in Sutter County, CA, as measured by mosquito infection rates, was associated with spatial variation in the prevalence of Culex blood feeding on competent passeriform hosts. Overall, 42 vertebrate host species (31 avian, 11 mammal) were identified from 601 blood-fed Culex tarsalis Coquillett and 151 blood-fed Culex pipiens L. complex females using sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene and the Barcode of Life Data Systems database. WNV infection rates were low at sites where the primary vector, Cx. tarsalis, fed frequently on domestic cattle or incompetent galliform birds and high when females fed frequently on American Robins, American Crows, and Yellow-billed Magpies. Opportunistic host selection by Cx. tarsalis in combination with spatial variation in the presence of highly competent corvid hosts appeared to determine the distribution of WNV activity in rural Sutter County, CA.
A Collaborative Approach for Cardiovascular Health Promotion for Children and Youth : A Population and Public Health Perspective

Current data and guidelines recommend treating abnormal blood lipids (ABL) to goal. This is a complex process and requires involvement from various healthcare professionals with a wide range of expertise. The model of a multidisciplinary case management approach for patients with ABL is well documented and described. This collaborative approach encompasses primary and secondary prevention across the lifespan, incorporates nutritional and exercise management as a significant component, defines the importance and indications for pharmacological therapy, and emphasizes the importance of adherence. Use of this collaborative approach for the treatment of ABL ultimately will improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. (Circulation. 2005;112:31843209.)
Yoga Relaxation (savasana) decreases cardiac sympathovagal balance in hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVE: Although relaxation is recommended as complementary therapy for hypertension, its post-intervention cardiovascular autonomic effects are unclear. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of savasana relaxation on cardiovascular autonomic modulation in hypertensive patients. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was performed at the Hemodynamic Laboratory of the Physical Education School of the University of Sao Paulo/Brazil. Sixteen hypertensive (6-women) and 14 normotensive patients (6-women) non-obese subjects participated in 2 random sessions: savasana relaxation and control. Patients remained supine for 55 min after interventions. Electrocardiogram, beat-to-beat blood pressure and respiration were acquired during and after interventions for posterior autoregressive spectral analysis of the R-R interval and blood pressure variability. RESULTS: Hypertensive and normotensive patients presented similar cardiac autonomic modulation responses during and after experimental sessions. During relaxation, low frequency and sympathovagal balance were signiﬁcantly lower in the Relaxation sessions than during supine rest in the Control sessions. Fifteen minutes after interventions, low frequency and sympathovagal balance were still lower in Relaxation than in Control, and remained lower for 35 min; at 55 min, the variables were similar between sessions. Systolic blood pressure variability did not differ among sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Savasana Relaxation decreases cardiac sympathetic autonomic modulation after its performance in hypertensive patients; this reduction lasts at least 35 minutes and is not blunted in hypertensive patients when compared to normotensive controls. Thus, savasana relaxation has positive effects on cardiac autonomic modulation of hypertensive patients, and may be included as a strategy for the non-drug treatment of hypertension.
Performance of transient elastography and serum fibrosis biomarkers for non-invasive evaluation of recurrent fibrosis after liver transplantation: A meta-analysis

Recurrent fibrosis after liver transplantation (LT) impacts on long-term graft and patient survival. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the accuracy of non-invasive methods to diagnose significant recurrent fibrosis (stage F2-F4) following LT. Studies comparing serum fibrosis biomarkers, namely AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis score 4 (FIB-4), or transient elastography (TE) with liver biopsy in LT recipients were systematically identified through electronic databases. In the meta-analysis, we calculated the weighted pooled odds ratio and used a fixed effect model, as there was no significant heterogeneity between studies. Eight studies were included for APRI, four for FIB-4, and twelve for TE. The mean prevalence of significant liver fibrosis was 37.4%. The summary odds ratio was significantly higher for TE (21.17, 95% CI confidence interval 14.10–31.77, p = 1X10-30) as compared to APRI (9.02, 95% CI 5.79–14.07; p = 1X10-30) and FIB-4 (7.08, 95% CI 4.00–12.55; p = 1.93X10-11). In conclusion, TE performs best to diagnose recurrent fibrosis in LT recipients. APRI and FIB-4 can be used as an estimate of significant fibrosis at centres where TE is not available. Longitudinal assessment of fibrosis by means of these non-invasive tests may reduce the need for liver biopsy.
The Review of Economics and Statistics

Most Americans are now in some form of managed care plan that restricts access to services in order to reduce costs. It is difficult to determine whether these restrictions affect health because individuals and firms self-select into managed care. We investigate the effect of managed care using a California law that required some pregnant women on Medicaid to enter managed care. We use a unique longitudinal database of California births in which we observe changes in the regime faced by individual mothers between births. We find that Medicaid managed care reduced the quality of prenatal care and increased low birth weight, prematurity, and neonatal death.
Social Comparisons across Nations: Variables Relating to the Subjective Evaluation of National Achievement and to Personal and Collective Self‐esteem

Abstract This study investigated correlates of the degree to which participants favoured the products and achievements of their own nation. Three samples of undergraduate students in Adelaide, Australia compared their country with 30 other countries in regard to either economic development (Sample 1, N = 113), cultural achievement (Sample 2, N= 104), or scientific/technological achievement (Sample 3, N = 104). They also completed a general measure of ingroup bias (national favouritism) and measures of national identity, national identification, and personal and collective self-esteem. Results showed that ratings across countries were correlated with economic, social, and cultural objective indicators. Favouring own nation over others in general was linked to national identity (Australia or other), national identification, and to cultural and scientific/technological advantage, but not to economic advantage. Results for the esteem-related variables varied across the three samples, but there was some eviden.
Epistemic Updates on Algebras

We develop the mathematical theory of epistemic updates with the tools of duality theory. We focus on the Logic of Epistemic Actions and Knowledge (EAK), introduced by Baltag-Moss- Solecki, without the common knowledge operator. We dually characterize the product update construction of EAK as a certain construction transforming the complex algebras associated with the given model into the complex algebra associated with the updated model. This dual characterization naturally generalizes to much wider classes of algebras, which include, but are not limited to, arbitrary BAOs and arbitrary modal expansions of Heyting algebras (HAOs). As an application of this dual characterization, we axiomatize the intuitionistic analogue of the logic of epistemic knowledge and actions, which we refer to as IEAK, prove soundness and completeness of IEAK w.r. t. both algebraic and relational models, and illustrate how IEAK encodes the reasoning of agents in a concrete epistemic scenario.
Illumina MiSeq Phylogenetic Amplicon Sequencing Shows a Large Reduction of an Uncharacterised Succinivibrionaceae and an Increase of the Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii Clade in Feed Restricted Cattle

Periodic feed restriction is used in cattle production to reduce feed costs. When normal feed levels are resumed, cattle catch up to a normal weight by an acceleration of normal growth rate, known as compensatory growth, which is not yet fully understood. Illumina Miseq Phylogenetic marker amplicon sequencing of DNA extracted from rumen contents of 55 bulls showed that restriction of feed (70% concentrate, 30% grass silage) for 125 days, to levels that caused a 60% reduction of growth rate, resulted in a large increase of relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii clade (designated as OTU-M7), and a large reduction of an uncharacterised Succinivibrionaceae species (designated as OTU-S3004). There was a strong negative Spearman correlation (ρ = -0.72, P = <1x10-20) between relative abundances of OTU-3004 and OTU-M7 in the liquid rumen fraction. There was also a significant increase in acetate:propionate ratio (A:P) in feed restricted animals that showed a negative Spearman correlation (ρ = -0.69, P = <1x10-20) with the relative abundance of OTU-S3004 in the rumen liquid fraction but not the solid fraction, and a strong positive Spearman correlation with OTU-M7 in the rumen liquid (ρ = 0.74, P = <1x10-20) and solid (ρ = 0.69, P = <1x10-20) fractions. Reduced A:P ratios in the rumen are associated with increased feed efficiency and reduced production of methane which has a global warming potential (GWP 100 years) of 28. Succinivibrionaceae growth in the rumen was previously suggested to reduce methane emissions as some members of this family utilise hydrogen, which is also utilised by methanogens for methanogenesis, to generate succinate which is converted to propionate. Relative abundance of OTU-S3004 showed a positive Spearman correlation with propionate (ρ = 0.41, P = <0.01) but not acetate in the liquid rumen fraction.
Relational psychoanalytic enactments and psychotherapy integration: Dualities, dialectics, and directions: Comment of Frank (2002).

Dualities embedded within the relational psychoanalytic enactment concept encourage dialectical thinking and intervention. K. A. Frank’s (2002) conceptualization of enactments as entailing structural, functional, and consequential interactions between the intrapsychic and the interpersonal valuably obviates the need to choose between these 2 domains (J. C. Anchin, 1985). His incorporation of systems conceptions and the schema construct also renders boundaries between psychoanalysis and other paradigms increasingly permeable. Frank highlighted intrasession and extrasession enactments as intermutual contexts for collaboratively synthesizing relational analytic and cognitive–behavioral techniques and their respective emphases on insight and action, thereby potentiating integration of structural and behavioral changes. His perspective also converges with contemporary interpersonal theory, research, and practice, fostering superordinate idiographicnomothetic dialecticism, and with constructivist psychotherapy, spawning additional integrative directions.
Segmentation of medical images using adaptive region growing

Interaction increases flexibility of segmentation but it leads to undesirable behavior of an algorithm if knowledge being requested is inappropriate. In region growing, this is the case for defining the homogeneity criterion as its specification depends also on image formation properties that are not known to the user. We developed a region growing algorithm that learns its homogeneity criterion automatically from characteristics of the region to be segmented. The method is based on a model that describes homogeneity and simple shape properties of the region. Parameters of the homogeneity criterion are estimated from sample locations in the region. These locations are selected sequentially in a random walk starting at the seed point, and the homogeneity criterion is updated continuously. The method was tested for segmentation on test images and of structures in CT images. We found the method to work reliable if the model assumption on homogeneity and region characteristics are true. Furthermore, the model is simple but robust, thus allowing for a certain degree of deviation from model constraints and still delivering the expected segmentation result. This approach was extended to a fully automatic and complete segmentation method by using the pixels with the smallest gradient length in the not yet segmented image region as a seed point.
Efficiency of use of nitrogen from dried microbial cells after a period of N deprivation in growing pigs

1. Semi-synthetic diets, with dried microbial cells (Pruteen) as the nitrogen source, were used to measure N retention in 50 kg pigs which had been given only sufficient N (5.3 g/d) to maintain N equilibrium for the previous 12 d. Control pigs were given 33.2 g N/d. 2. Metabolic faecal N losses were 1.62 g/d (1.2 g/kg dry matter eaten) and endogenous urinary losses were 3.90 g/d. 3. Realimentation of N-deprived pigs was achieved with diets providing 20.0, 33.2 and 67.4 g N/d and daily rates for N retention were 11.2, 17.8 and 25.9 g respectively; the corresponding value for control pigs was 15.0 g. ‘Catch-up’ protein growth was demonstrated in pigs given both 33.2 and 67.4 g N/d. In the former instance, this was associated with an increase in the efficiency of utilization of dietary N. 4. The biological value of the protein in Pruteen was 0.85, and it appeared that under conditions of increased demand for N the pig could utilize some of the nucleic acid-N fraction of this protein source.