Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning what from where: Effects of Spatial Regularity on Nonspatial Sequence Learning and Updating

The current study examined the influence of redundant stimulus features on our ability to build and update representations of our environment. We hypothesized that our ability to process redundant spatial features would speed our ability to adapt to changing nonspatial regularities. Using a computerized version of the children's game “rock–paper–scissors”, undergraduates were instructed to win as often as possible against a computer opponent. The computer's plays were repeating sequences of five choices that were presented either with spatial regularity (i.e., “rock” would always appear on the left, “paper” in the middle, and “scissors” on the right) or without spatial regularity (i.e., the items were equally likely to appear in any of the three locations). Once participants learned a sequence, the computer switched to a different sequence without participants being informed that a switch had occurred. Redundant spatial regularity improved a participant's ability both to learn sequences of plays and to update their plays to reflect new computer sequences. Our results suggest that our perceptual system is sensitive to redundant spatial stimulus features and that this information can improve learning and updating.
Experimental transmission of Japanese encephalitis virus by Culex vishnui Theobald.

C. vishnui est nourri sur du sang contenant du virus de l'encephalite japonaise. Le virus se multiplie dans le moustique qui peut biologiquement transmettre le virus aux poulets. On conclut que C.v. peut jouer le role de vecteur du virus de l'encephalite japonaise en Inde
Synergistic Regulation of Schwann Cell Proliferation by Heregulin and Forskolin

ABSTRACT A peptide corresponding to the epidermal growth factor homology domain of β-heregulin stimulated autophosphorylation of the heregulin receptors erbB2 and erbB3 in Schwann cells and activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1 and ERK2. Heregulin-dependent activation of PAK65, a component of the stress-activated signaling pathway, ribosomal S6 kinase, and a cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) kinase, identified as p95 RSK2 , was also observed. Receptor phosphorylation and activation of these kinases in response to heregulin occurred in the absence of forskolin stimulation and were not augmented in cells treated with forskolin, a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase. Schwann cell proliferation in response to heregulin was observed only when the cells were also exposed to an agent that elevates cAMP levels. In the absence of heregulin, elevation of cAMP levels failed to stimulate Schwann cell proliferation. Forskolin significantly enhanced heregulin-stimulated expression of cyclin D and phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product. In cells treated with both heregulin and forskolin there was a sustained accumulation of phospho-CREB, which was not observed in cells treated with either agent alone. Heregulin and forskolin synergistically activated transcription of a cyclin D promoter construct. These results demonstrate that heregulin-stimulated activation of MAP kinase is not sufficient to induce maximal Schwann cell proliferation. Expression of critical cell cycle regulatory proteins and cell division require activation of both heregulin and cAMP-dependent processes.
Preoperative Positioning of the Protruding Premaxilla in the Bilateral Cleft Lip Patient

The rationale and technique for preoperative retraction of a protrusive premaxilla in the bilateral complete cleft lip and palate patient are presented. Two types of pinned intraoral appliances are presented that can expand the palatal shelves while retracting the premaxillary segment. Findings from lateral cephalometric x-ray studies of eight appliance patients and six control patients with bilateral clefts but no appliance treatment are presented at age 15. The data indicate that the cephalometric values at age 15 are within the normal range for most patients. Incisor angulation was quite varied among the subjects.
Educational intervention to improve breast health knowledge among women in Jordan.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Jordan and on average 70% of the cases present at advanced stages. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a public educational campaign conducted by the Jordan Breast Cancer Program to improve breast health knowledge among Jordanian women and to relate their knowledge to breast health practices. METHODS The campaign was conducted in five governorates in Jordan with a total of 105 public group lectures about breast cancer focusing on early detection. The total number of participants was 2,554 women with a median age of 37 years (range: 15-73 years). Median number of women per lecture was 24 (range: 9-38). Before the lectures, the women answered a structured questionnaire about their knowledge and practices. After the intervention 2,418 of them filled a post-test questionnaire with the same content. Correct answers on the 15 knowledge questions yielded a maximum score of 15. Determinants of breast health practices were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 10.9 in the pre-test to 13.5 in the post-test (p<0.001). The percentage with a minimum of 14 correct answers to the 15 questions increased from 18 to 63% (p<0.001). Adequate breast health practices were generally low but increased significantly with increasing age and attendance at a previous lecture on breast cancer. Breast health practices were also higher among married women and housewives, and significantly associated with older age and greater breast health knowledge (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Group educational lectures appeared effective for improving breast health knowledge among Jordanian women. However, even with the noticeable level of knowledge at the baseline, there were low breast health practices among the study participants. This necessitates further in-depth research to explore womens experiences and socio-cultural barriers to breast health seeking behaviour in Jordan.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel polymer-ceramic system for biodegradable composite applications.

The objective of this study was to develop a biodegradable polymer resin that could be used for the fabrication of an interpenetrating phase composite (IPC) made of porous calcium polyphosphate (CPP) and an organic polymer resin. The resin was synthesized from a polycarbonate-based divinyl oligomer and monomers containing ionic groups. The physical and chemical properties of the polymer resin and polycarbonate-based divinyl oligomer were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and swelling studies. The in vitro degradation of the polymer resins was assessed using cholesterol esterase in a buffer solution at 37 degrees C for 3 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy of the degraded samples indicated that the hydrolysis of the resin was catalyzed by the enzyme. The relative interfacial shear strength between the polymer resin and the CPP ceramic was studied using a microbond test. The addition of ionic groups into the polymer resin chains appeared to improve the chemical bonding between the polymer and the CPP. Preliminary mechanical properties of the IPC were investigated by determining bending strength using a three point bending test. The data showed a sevenfold increase in strength over that of the monolithic CPP, and the addition of more ionic groups into the resin led to a higher bending strength for the newly formed CPP/polycarbonate resin system. Sample cross sections of the IPC examined using scanning electron microscopy suggested that the resin had infiltrated almost all of the pores of the CPP. The results of this study indicate that the IPC could potentially be used for fabricating novel biodegradable load-bearing implants.
Markowitz portfolio optimization using MOSEK. MOSEK Technical report: TR-2009-2

In this tutorial paper we introduce different approaches to Markowitz portfolio optimization, and we show how to solve such problems in MATLAB, R and Python using the MOSEK optimization toolbox for MATLAB, the Rmosek package, and the MOSEK Python API, respectively. We first consider conic formulations of the basic portfolio selection problem, and we then discuss more advanced models for transaction costs.
Continuous NSW health survey: quarterly report on health status, health behaviours, and risk factors.

This is the first of a series of quarterly reports on the surveillance of the health status, health behaviours, and risk factors of the people of NSW, which will be produced from the Continuous NSW Health Survey. Ten indicators have been selected for inclusion in the report. These have been chosen either because they are of ongoing interest or because seasonal variation is possible (Figure 1). The Continuous NSW Health Survey is conducted by the Centre for Epidemiology and Research, through the Department of Health’s Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) facility.
Distress of caregivers of older adults receiving home care in European countries: results from the AgeD in HOme Care Study.

OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with distress of caregivers of home care patients in Europe and to assess whether caregivers response to distress varies among countries. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study among older adults receiving home care in 11 European countries. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3,449 older adults receiving home care in Europe. MEASUREMENT Caregiver distress was assessed by asking whether caregiver was distressed, angry, depressed, or in conflict because of caring for the participant. RESULTS Mean age of study participants was 82.4 years, and distress was present in 7.5% of their caregivers. In all the country sample, number of depressive symptoms (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27-1.49), cognitive performance scale score (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.30), number of impaired Activities of Daily Living (OR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.25-1.47), and number of behavioral symptoms (OR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.58) were significantly associated with caregivers distress. These associations were consistent among caregivers in all countries. Overall, 295 caregivers (8.6%) felt that participant would be better off in another living environment, and 1,444 (41.9%) caregivers were willing to increase help. Despite an elevated rate of distress, a low proportion of caregivers in Italy (3.0%), Germany (6.1%), and France (5.5%) felt that participants would be better off in another living environment. By contrast, in countries with lower rate of distress, as Iceland and the Netherlands, this rate was more elevated (15.5% and 20.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION Distress of caregivers is associated with patient cognitive and functional status, depressive, and behavioral symptoms, and there are national differences in the response to distress.
Neurological Involvement in the Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz Syndrome: Clinical and Neuropathological Findings

Two patients with the Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz syndrome were examined clinically and at autopsy. In addition to the features characteristic of the syndrome, there was evidence in both patients of significant developmental anomalies at all levels of the central nervous system, but mainly affecting the cerebral and cerebellar cortex. Both patients were microcephalic and one had anomalies of the carotid artery. Examination of samples of peripheral nerves, autonomic structures and skeletal muscles revealed no significant abnormalities. These findings appear to be important features of the syndrome which have not been emphasized previously.
Impact of Visual Cues on Directional Benefit and Preference: Part I—Laboratory Tests

Objectives: The purpose of the laboratory tests of the current investigation was to examine how visual cues impact directional (DIR) benefit and preference for the DIR microphone hearing aid (re: the omnidirectional [OMNI] microphone). Specifically, three hypotheses were examined: (1) the presence of visual cues would improve OMNI-aided performance to ceiling levels and therefore reduce DIR benefit and preference, (2) DIR benefit measured in the audiovisual (AV) condition could not be predicted by that measured using auditory-only (AO) testing, and (3) with visual cues, listeners with greater lipreading skills would perceive less DIR benefit than did listeners with lesser lipreading skills. Design: Twenty-four adults with sensorineural hearing loss were recruited. Their speech recognition performances were measured in two hearing aid microphone modes (DIR and OMNI), at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNR, −10 to +10 dB in 4-dB steps) and under two presentation conditions (AV and AO) by using the AV version of the Connected Speech Test. Microphone preference (DIR versus OMNI) was also assessed with and without visual cues at each of the SNRs by using the same Connected Speech Test sentences. Lipreading skills were measured using the Utley test. Results: The speech recognition data revealed that the participants obtained significantly less DIR benefit in the AV condition because their AV performances were at the ceiling level. Consistent with this, the likelihood of preferring DIR processing was significantly reduced when visual cues were available to the listeners. Further, DIR benefit measured in the AV condition was not correlated with that measured in the AO condition while being significantly and negatively correlated with lipreading skill. Conclusions: These results suggest that AO laboratory testing overestimates the DIR benefit and preference for DIR processing that hearing aid users may have in most face-to-face conversations in typical SNR, real-world environments. Additionally, because the DIR benefit measured in the AV condition cannot be predicted by the benefit score obtained from traditional AO laboratory testing, the effect of visual cues should be considered in establishing a valid laboratory/clinical environment and protocol for DIR microphone hearing aid testing. In light of these findings, consultations should be provided for hearing aid users with superior lipreading skills to help them adjust their expectations regarding the possibly small perceivable benefit gained from DIR microphone hearing aids.
Biological targeting and drug delivery in control of Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania. Visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe type and is transmitted by the phlebotomine sandflies of genera Lutzomyia (New World) or Phlebotomus (Old World) to human and other vertebrates. Leishmaniasis is widespread in developing countries with current mortality rate of 50 thousand deaths per year. The parasites adopt different biochemical approaches to evade the host immune system. Knowledge in chemical control of leishmaniasis is currently emerging and not many drugs are available. Control of parasite is complex and WHO has put an ardent appeal for development of drugs and delivery devices against leishmaniasis. Main-stay in treatment of leishmaniasis is pentavalent antimonials but second-line drugs like amphotericin B and pentamidine are available. Clinical acceptability of drugs is poor due to severe toxicity, poor bioavailability, improper localization and recent appearance of resistant variants. Interest in leishmanicidal chemotherapy is therefore renewed and biochemical strategies or improved delivery appear to be a solution. Trends in control of leishmaniasis also include specific applications of low-cost, locally available plant drugs in different delivery devices. This work attempts to present a comprehensive overview of the different approaches to targeted leishmanicidal chemotherapy.
Involvement of the nucleus accumbens and dopamine system in chronic pain

Chronic pain syndrome is a complex disorder that includes not only the presence of spontaneous pain and exaggerated responses to painful and nonpainful stimuli but also the development of a negative affective, motivational, and cognitive state and the persistent desire to eliminate pain. Recent evidence indicates that chronic pain shares basic mechanisms with reward-based learning and drug addiction1–3 and that the transition from acute to chronic pain reflects functional reorganization of this reward/motivational circuitry.4
Prompted vs Trial-and-Error Concept Discrimination Learning in Monkeys

8 test-sophisticated rhesus monkeys were tested on concept discrimination problems under conventional trial-and-error (TE) procedures and two forms of prompting, i.e., conditions in which an established cue was temporarily available for solution of the problem. Positive Prompting (PP) included a cue attached to the correct stimulus of the discrimination pair; Negative Prompting (NP), a cue attached to the incorrect stimulus. The data revealed significantly better intraproblem learning following NP than following equivalent amounts of either PP or TE.
Relations between steroid hormones and cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are multifactorial autoimmune diseases that originate from the patient’s excessive immune and inflammatory response to a pathogenic agent (that is, an infective antigen). 1 The pathophysiological mechanisms are activated after the combination of several predisposing factors, which include the relations between histocompatibility epitopes and epitopes of the pathogenic antigen, the altered status of the stress response system (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis = HPA) and the gonadal hormone pattern (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis = HPG), with oestrogens principally implicated as enhancers of the immune response, and androgens and progesterone as natural suppressors (fig1). 2-8 Figure 1 Genetic, infectious, and dietary factors, as well as gonadal/adreanal steroid hormones, play a predisposing part in autoimmune diseases such as RA and SLE. Therefore, the involvement of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA = adrenal steroids) and -gonadal (HPG = gonadal steroids) axis is crucial and interferes with the immune system response. An intricate balance with bidirectional interactions between soluble mediators, released by the neuroendocrine system (that is, steroid hormones and neuropeptides) and products of activated cells of the immune/inflammatory system (cytokines) maintains the homeostasis in presence of the immune/inflammatory stimulus.9-12 Cytokine secretion seems fundamental in determining the duration and intensity of an immune response, and how steroid hormones (gonadal and adrenal steroids) influence autoimmunity may entail a further balance between Th1 and Th2 lymphocyte responses.13-15 Th1 lymphocytes produce mainly interleukin 2 (IL2) and interferon γ (IFNγ) and are primarly responsible for cell mediated immunity, while Th2 lymphocytes produce mainly IL4, IL5, IL13, and IL10, and are responsible for humoral immunity, supporting the activation of immunoglobulin secreting cells (fig 2). 16 17 Figure 2 Role of Th1/Th2 cytokines in the regulation of cellular and humoral immunity. IL6, probably secreted by activated macrophages (Mφ) is able to polarise naive CD4+ T cells (Th0) to …
Quantitative biochemical studies on the effects of neomycin on central nervous system: An experimental study in albino rats

The aminoglycoside antibiotics have been the drug of choice for the treatment of tuberculo-sis and resistant cases of septicemia, but their use has been selective and restricted due to their known toxicities specially the ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Besides extensive litera-ture on the various side effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics in general and neomycin in particular, there is paucity of literature regarding the mechanism of toxicity. Although most of the studies highlight peripheral toxicities of neomycin, scientists have not sufficiently studied its central neurotoxicity.Taking these into considerations, the study was planned to know the effects of neomycin on the biochemical parameters (specially, sodium, potassium and calcium) in the central nervous system of albino rats. The present study was carried on 12 healthy, adult rats of either sex weighing 180±10 gm obtained from animal house of JNMC, AMU, Aligarh. Neomycin 100mg/kg body weight was given intramuscularly, every day for 10 days to the experimental animals and equal volume of distilled water, in identical manner to the control animals. The animals were decapitated on 10th day; brain and spinal cord were removed within 30 seconds and blotted on filter paper. The cerebrum, cerebel-lum, brain stem and spinal cord were separated and weighed to the nearest of milligram on a single pan electrical balance. Tissue samples were homogenized and digested in concen-trated nitric acid (100mg/ml). The supernatant solution was used for estimation of sodium and potassium by Flame Photometry and calcium level by the method of Clark and Collip and zinc and copper by the method of Donaldson and Pierre. Separate homogenate in dis-tilled water were centrifuged to get the supernatant for the estimation of total proteins in all the four parts by the method of Folin and Crocalteu. It was found that all the three cations i.e. sodium, potassium and calcium showed an increment in different regions of CNS and a zone of inhibition was observed after overnight incubation of CNS homogenate. Although there was a uniform response of different region of CNS for potassium concentration, the sodium was increased in the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain-stem while calcium was only increased in spinal cord. It was concluded that neomycin penetrates the central nervous tis-sue and central cause of muscular weakness after neomycin intoxication can’t be ruled out.
MONITORAMENTO ELETRÔNICO DAS RESPOSTAS COMPORTAMENTAIS DE VACAS EM LACTAÇÃO ALOJADAS EM FREESTALL CLIMATIZADO

O trabalho teve como objetivo empregar o monitoramento eletronico para avaliar as respostas comportamentais de vacas em lactacao alojadas em freestall climatizado. Quatro video-câmeras foram instaladas em cada tratamento, nos locais estrategicos do freestall, de modo a capturar, em tempo real o deslocamento dos animais. O experimento teve duracao de 28 dias consecutivos do mes de novembro de 2003, no qual as imagens foram gravadas durante sete dias, no intervalo das 9 as 17 horas. Foram utilizadas 15 vacas em lactacao, multiparas, com producao media de 20 kg de leite dia-1. Os tratamentos adotados foram: ausencia de ventilacao (V0), ventilacao (V) e ventilacao + nebulizacao (VN) posicionados na area de descanso dos animais. Os dados referentes a temperatura do bulbo seco (TBS) e umidade relativa do ar (UR) foram mensurados a cada 15 minutos ao longo das 24 horas no interior da instalacao e no ambiente externo. A UR mostrou-se mais elevada nos tratamentos V0 (61,8%) e VN (61,8%) quando comparada ao tratamento V(60,3%). O THI mostrou-se mais elevado em V (75,0), quando comparado ao tratamento V0 (74,5) e VN (74,3). Os animais submetidos ao tratamento V (108,3 min) passaram mais tempo na area de alimentacao quando comparados com V0 (60,7 min) e VN (72,5 min). Os animais do tratamento V (19,3 min) permaneceram um periodo maior na area do bebedouro em relacao a V0 (8,3 min) e VN (12,7 min) que nao diferiram entre si. Foram observadas diferencas na preferencia pelo lado da instalacao. A area de descanso apresentava camas adjacentes a area de alimentacao e adjacentes ao bebedouro. As vacas dos tratamentos V0 (189,0 min) e V (167,3 min) permaneceram maior tempo nas camas adjacentes a area de alimentacao. Por outro lado, as vacas do tratamento VN (164,0 min) passaram mais tempo nas camas adjacentes a area do bebedouro em relacao aos animais do tratamento V (26,7 min). Foi constatado maior tempo em pe no corredor proximo ao bebedouro para as vacas do tratamento VN (35,0 min). Esses resultados permitem inferir que as diferencas verificadas na distribuicao espacial dos animais no freestall foram sempre associadas a busca pelo recurso de climatizacao disponivel.