Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural adaptation and preliminary validation of a zygosity determination questionnaire for twins in Sri Lanka

Abstract We report the process of adaptation into Sinhala of a questionnaire given to mothers of twins to determine zygosity. Adaptation and validation was carried out in three stages. Firstly, we used a nominal group to translate the English version and to assess the extent of agreement (consensus measurement) on the appropriateness of the translation and resolve disagreement (consensus development). Secondly we used a qualitative interview with 25 mothers of twins. The three main stems of the translated questionnaire were used as a semi-structured interview, and the responses noted verbatim. These were categorised and analysed, and the translated full questionnaire was then presented as closed questions with fixed choice responses. The categorised responses generated during the qualitative interview were compared with the responses to the fixed choices in the full questionnaire. The third stage was the appraisal of the questionnaire by 17 bilingual parents of twins. The source and translated version of the questionnaire were given to them at least 3 days apart. The responses were rated and the total scores were computed to determine the zygosity. This step was carried out to measure the validity and reliability of the Sinhala version. A perfect correlation between the original and adapted version was obtained, with a kappa of 1. The results suggest that the Sinhala version of the questionnaire is conceptually equivalent to the original questionnaire. Comparison of the zygosity determination by using this adapted questionnaire with results from analysis of genetic markers on Sri Lankan twins is needed for final validation of the translated questionnaire. Twin Research (2000) 3, 205–212.
Regulation of Proline-rich Akt Substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40) Function by Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1)-mediated Phosphorylation*

The rapamycin-sensitive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) contains mTOR, raptor, mLST8, and PRAS40 (proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa). PRAS40 functions as a negative regulator when bound to mTORC1, and it dissociates from mTORC1 in response to insulin. PRAS40 has been demonstrated to be a substrate of mTORC1, and one phosphorylation site, Ser-183, has been identified. In this study, we used two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping in conjunction with mutational analysis to show that in addition to Ser-183, mTORC1 also phosphorylates Ser-212 and Ser-221 in PRAS40 when assayed in vitro. Mutation of all three residues to Ala markedly reduces mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of PRAS40 in vitro. All three sites were confirmed to be phosphorylated in vivo by [32P]orthophosphate labeling and peptide mapping. Phosphorylation of Ser-221 and Ser-183 but not Ser-212 is sensitive to rapamycin treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that mutation of Ser-221 to Ala reduces the interaction with 14-3-3 to the same extent as mutation of Thr-246, the Akt/protein kinase B-phosphorylated site. We also find that mutation of Ser-221 to Ala increases the inhibitory activity of PRAS40 toward mTORC1. We propose that after mTORC1 kinase activation by upstream regulators, PRAS40 is phosphorylated directly by mTOR, thus contributing to the relief of PRAS40-mediated substrate competition.
Epidemiology of hospitalizations and deaths from heat illness in soldiers.

PURPOSE Serious heat illness has received considerable recent attention due to catastrophic heat waves in the United States and Europe, the deaths of high-profile athletes, and military deployments. METHODS This study documents heat illness hospitalizations and deaths for the U.S. Army from 1980 through 2002. Hospitalization data were obtained from the Total Army Injury Health Outcomes Database (TAIHOD) coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). North Atlantic Treaty Organization Standardization Agreement codes were searched for heat injuries in an effort to detect cases that were not found during the ICD-9-CM search. RESULTS Five-thousand two-hundred forty-six soldiers were hospitalized, and 37 died due to heat illness. Our results indicate: 1) approximately 60% reduction in hospitalization rates (fewer heat exhaustion cases) over the 22-yr period; 2) fivefold increase in heat stroke hospitalization rates (1.8 per 100,000 in 1980 to 14.5 per 100,000 in 2001); 3) heat stroke cases were associated with dehydration (17%), rhabdomyolysis (25%), and acute renal failure (13%); 4) lower hospitalizations rates among African and Hispanic Americans compared with Caucasians (incidence density ratio, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.82]; 5) greater rates of hospitalizations and heat strokes among recruits from northern than southern states (incidence density ratio, 1.69 [95% confidence interval, 1.42-1.90]; and 6) greater rates of hospitalizations and heat strokes among women than men (incidence density ratio, 1.18 [95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.27]). CONCLUSIONS Exertional heat illness continues to be a military problem during training and operations. Whereas the hospitalization rate of heat illness is declining, heat stroke has markedly increased.
Peptidoglycan Molecular Requirements Allowing Detection by Nod1 and Nod2*

Nod1 and Nod2 are mammalian proteins implicated in the intracellular detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Recently, naturally occurring peptidoglycan (PG) fragments were identified as the microbial motifs sensed by Nod1 and Nod2. Whereas Nod2 detects GlcNAc-MurNAc dipeptide (GM-Di), Nod1 senses a unique diaminopimelate-containing GlcNAc-MurNAc tripeptide muropeptide (GM-TriDAP) found mostly in Gram-negative bacterial PGs. Because Nod1 and Nod2 detect similar yet distinct muropeptides, we further analyzed the molecular sensing specificity of Nod1 and Nod2 toward PG fragments. Using a wide array of natural or modified muramyl peptides, we show here that Nod1 and Nod2 have evolved divergent strategies to achieve PG sensing. By defining the PG structural requirements for Nod1 and Nod2 sensing, this study reveals how PG processing and modifications, either by host or bacterial enzymes, may affect innate immune responses.
Pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 causing infertility and subsequent successful in vitro fertilization

One of the most common and benign variants of normal human karyotype is pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 (inv[9][p11q13]). Despite being categorized as a normal variant, there are several reports of its association with various disease conditions. Here, we report a 27 year old female, who presented to us with primary infertility. The woman was diagnosed with inv (9)(p11q13) which was acknowledged as the reason for her otherwise unexplained infertility. The couple thereupon underwent in vitro fertilization using donor oocyte resulting in live birth. The clinical significance of this minor chromosomal rearrangement, need for genetic counseling, and subsequent reproductive guidance is highlighted in this report.
Predation and Disturbance Interact to Shape Prey Species Diversity*

Though predation, productivity (nutrient richness), spatial heterogeneity, and disturbance regimes are known to influence species diversity, interactions between these factors remain largely unknown. Predation has been shown to interact with productivity and with spatial heterogeneity, but few experimental studies have focused on how predation and disturbance interact to influence prey diversity. We used theory and experiments to investigate how these factors influence diversification of Pseudomonas fluorescens by manipulating both predation (presence or absence of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus) and disturbance (frequency and intensity of disturbance). Our results show that in a homogeneous environment, predation is essential to promote prey species diversity. However, in most but not all treatments, elevated diversity was transitory, implying that the effect of predation on diversity was strongly influenced by disturbance. Both our experimental and theoretical results suggest that disturbance interacts with predation by modifying the interplay of resource and apparent competition among prey.
INFORMATION SECURITY THREATS AND E-GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AT THE KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY (KRA)

v LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . ix CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.1.1 Information Security . 1 1.1.2 Information Security Threats . 2 1.1.3 E-Government . 4 1.1.4 E-Government in Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) . 6 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 7 1.3 Objectives of the Study . 8 1.4 Value of the Study . 8 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 10 2.
Superadditivity of the Ebbinghaus and Müller-Lyer Illusions Depends on the Method of Comparison Used

Illusions are useful tools for understanding fundamental visual processing. The method used to measure illusion strength is important but often neglected. We identified two methods of comparing bipart illusion elements (eg of the Müller-Lyer or Ebbinghaus illusions). For simultaneous adjustment an increase in size of one figure causes a decrease in the other. For independent adjustment one figure remains fixed while the other is adjusted to match it. These direct comparison illusion effects are contrasted to separate comparison illusion effects, where a neutral stimulus is matched to each illusory figure. If the illusion is stronger for direct comparisons, it is superadditive. The superadditivity of the Ebbinghaus illusion has been investigated using only simultaneous adjustment (Franz, Gegenfurtner, Bülthoff, & Fahle, 2000, Psychological Science 11 20–25), and the Müller-Lyer illusion using only independent adjustment (Gilster & Kuhtz-Buschbeck, 2010, Journal of Vision 10(1):11, 1–13). Superadditivity was found for the Ebbinghaus but not the Müller-Lyer illusion, but this may have been due to the comparison method or differences between the illusions. Here we test both illusions with both methods of adjustment. Our results suggest that both illusions are superadditive for simultaneous adjustment, but for independent adjustment only under limited circumstances. Implications for research on illusions and perception and action are discussed.
Changes in asthma‐like responses after extended removal from exposure to trimellitic anhydride in the Brown Norway rat model

Background Organic acid anhydride‐induced occupational asthma is considered to be IgE‐mediated. Airway and skin exposure are the two main routes of sensitization in the work place. Recently we developed an allergic asthmatic Brown Norway rat model sensitized by dermal exposure to trimellitic anhydride (TMA) using an occlusion patch application.
Predictors of Adherence to Latent Tuberculosis Infection Therapy in Latino Immigrants

Adherence to Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) therapy is a continuing community problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors of adherence to LTBI therapy in Latino immigrants at a public health clinic. A descriptive study was conducted to examine 153 randomly selected records from a population of Latino immigrant clients who had received a recommendation for 9 months of Isoniazid (INH) therapy. Most of the clients were women (64%), the mean age was 26.1, and the mean time in the U.S. was 4.58 years. The majority came from El Salvador, Bolivia, or Guatemala. Adherence dropped off in a linear fashion from month 1 (84%) to month 8 (34%). None of the demographic factors predicted adherence. Implications for community health nursing are discussed.
Using Tri-Axial Accelerometry in Daily Elite Swim Training Practice

Background: Coaches in elite swimming carefully design the training programs of their swimmers and are keen on achieving strict adherence to those programs by their athletes. At present, coaches usually monitor the compliance of their swimmers to the training program with a stopwatch. However, this measurement clearly limits the monitoring possibilities and is subject to human error. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the reliability and practical usefulness of tri-axial accelerometers for monitoring lap time, stroke count and stroke rate in swimming. Methods: In the first part of the study, a 1200 m warm-up swimming routine was measured in 13 elite swimmers using tri-axial accelerometers and synchronized video recordings. Reliability was determined using the typical error of measurement (TEM) as well as a Bland-Altman analysis. In the second part, training compliance both within and between carefully prescribed training sessions was assessed in four swimmers in order to determine the practical usefulness of the adopted accelerometric approach. In these sessions, targets were set for lap time and stroke count by the coach. Results: The results indicated high reliability for lap time (TEM = 0.26 s, bias = 0.74 [0.56 0.91] with limits of agreement (LoA) from −1.20 [−1.50 −0.90] to 2.70 [2.40 3.00]), stroke count (TEM 0.73 strokes, bias = 0.46 [0.32 0.60] with LoA from −1.70 [−1.94 −1.46] to 2.60 [2.36 2.84]) and stroke rate (TEM 0.72 str∙min−1, bias = −0.13 [−0.20 −0.06] with LoA from −2.20 [−2.32 −2.08] to 1.90 [1.78 2.02]), while the results for the monitoring of training compliance demonstrated the practical usefulness of our approach in daily swimming training. Conclusions: The daily training of elite swimmers can be accurately and reliably monitored using tri-axial accelerometers. They provide the coach with more useful information to guide and control the training process than hand-clocked times.
A role for semaphorin 3A signaling in the degeneration of hippocampal neurons during Alzheimer's disease

Among the earliest invariant neuropathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the degeneration of vulnerable hippocampal CA1 and subicular pyramidal neurons. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a secreted protein that functions in signaling growth cone collapse, chemorepulsion and neuronal apoptosis during early development of the central nervous system. In this report we show that accumulation of an internalized form of Sema3A is associated with degeneration of neurons in vulnerable fields of the hippocampus during AD. Accumulation of Sema3A overlaps the appearance of phosphorylated MAP1B and tau in many neurons, suggesting that Sema3A signaling at some level may be coupled to these previously identified cytoskeletal markers of neurodegeneration. Consistent with this, we isolated and partially characterized a multiprotein complex from the hippocampus of patients with AD that contains phosphorylated MAP1B, collapsin‐response mediator protein 2 (CRMP‐2), Plexins A1 and A2, and a processed form of Sema3A. A model is presented in which aberrant release of Sema3A from expressing neurons in the subiculum during AD results in the internalization and transport of Sema3A from this field to CA1. Within the context of the myriad of potential insults that contribute to Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, the bioactivity of Sema3A may contribute either directly to neurodegeneration by inducing neuronal collapse, or indirectly by abrogating the recovery capabilities of adult neurons faced with these insults.
Expression of p16 in oral cancer and premalignant lesions.

BACKGROUND Expression of p16 has been proposed as a marker for malignant transformation. This study aimed to evaluate p16 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and premalignant lesions including oral leukoplakia (OL) with and without dysplasia. METHODS Expression of p16 was investigated in 56 samples including OSCC, OL with and without dysplasia, and normal oral mucosa. Expression of p16 was identified by immunohistochemistry, using the CINtecTM p16INK4a Histology Kit. Both nuclear and/or cytoplasmic staining of the keratinocytes were considered to be positive and the percentage of positive cells was calculated. RESULTS Expression of p16 was detected in 3/16 (18.75%) cases of OSCC, in 4/15 (26.7%) cases of OL without dysplasia, and in none of OL with dysplasia and normal mucosa. No significant differences in p16 expression prevalence were found among OSCC, OL with and without dysplasia and normal mucosa. The percentages of positive cells in OSCC and OL without dysplasia were 0.89 and 0.17, respectively. No significant difference in the percentage of positive keratinocytes was found. CONCLUSION As a marker, p16 is not reliable for oral mucosal dysplasia and malignant transformation.
Effect of Positive End‐Expiratory Pressure on Left Ventricular Mechanics in Patients with Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

When positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is added to intermittent positive pressure ventilation, cardiac output and stroke volume frequently fall despite unchanged or increased transmural left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. To determine whether a part of the fall in stroke volume with PEEP is explained by depressed left ventricular systolic function (increased end-systolic volume at a given end-systolic pressure on PEEP) the authors measured left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and the corresponding pressures in nine patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Measurements were made before and after 10 cm H2O PEEP was added to the ventilator. PEEP reduced mean stroke volume from 71 to 62 ml and this was explained entirely by a reduction in end-diastolic volume from 135 to 112 ml (P < 0.005). Despite reduced EDV, pulmonary wedge pressure increased from 12 to 14 torr on PEEP, indicating reduced diastolic compliance or unstressed volume of the left ventricle in these patients similar to that reported in dogs. The authors conclude that PEEP reduces venous return and cardiac output without depressing left ventricular pumping function because end-systolic volume decreased from 64 to 49 ml on PEEP despite identical blood pressures (78 torr). They speculate that PEEP might improve ventricular performance by increasing intrathoracic pressure and left ventricular pressure relative to systemic blood pressure in extrathoracic vessels.
Morbidity of total pancreatectomy with islet cell auto-transplantation compared to total pancreatectomy alone.

BACKGROUND In pancreatitis, total pancreatectomy (TP) is an effective treatment for refractory pain. Islet cell auto-transplantation (IAT) may mitigate resulting endocrinopathy. Short-term morbidity data for TP + IAT and comparisons with TP are limited. METHODS This study, using 2005-2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data, examined patients with pancreatitis or benign neoplasms. Morbidity after TP alone was compared with that after TP + IAT. RESULTS In 126 patients (40%) undergoing TP and 191 (60%) patients undergoing TP + IAT, the most common diagnosis was chronic pancreatitis. Benign neoplasms were present in 46 (14%) patients, six of whom underwent TP + IAT. Patients in the TP + IAT group were younger and had fewer comorbidities than those in the TP group. Despite this, major morbidity was more frequent after TP + IAT than after TP [n = 79 (41%) versus n = 36 (29%); P = 0.020]. Transfusions were more common after TP + IAT [n = 39 (20%) versus n = 9 (7%); P = 0.001], as was longer hospitalization (13 days versus 9 days; P < 0.0001). There was no difference in mortality. CONCLUSIONS This study is the only comparative, multicentre study of TP and TP + IAT. The TP + IAT group experienced higher rates of major morbidity and transfusion, and longer hospitalizations. Better data on the longterm benefits of TP + IAT are needed. In the interim, this study should inform physicians and patients regarding the perioperative risks of TP + IAT.
Experimental radiation therapy and apparent radioresistance of autochthonous tumors subcutaneously induced with 3-methylcholanthrene in mice.

The radiation response of autochthonous tumors induced by s.c. injection of 3-methylcholanthrene in ICR/JCL mice was studied. The tumors were mostly fibrosarcomas and grew with an average volume-doubling time of 2.6 days, independently of the time tumor appearance or dose of the chemical used. The tumors were locally and singly irradiated with 6-MV X-rays through a filter. Autochthonous tumors were similar to their transplants in postirradiation regression and gross cellular radiosensitivity (Do, 400 rads), as estimated from regrowth time. However, most of the autochthonous tumors irradiated with single doses of up to 7.4 kilorads recurred within 120 days, whie in identically irradiated tumor transplants a complete cure was obtained with doses of 6.5 kilorads or more. The 50% tumor control dose with no recurrence within 120 days was 4.4 kilorads for the transplants. Transplantation of 26 irradiated autochthonous fibrosarcomas produced only a few tumors in autochthonous hosts, and they were completely rejected in other, previously tumor-free mice; a 48% recurrence was noted even after resection of the irradiated tumor. Two possibilities for the apparent radioresistance of autochthonous tumors were suggested: (a) existence of radioresistant cells in autochthonous tumors; and (b) induction of a second new tumor by the additive effect of the chemical and radiation. Although our results are preliminary, the second possibility is not favored since autochthonous tumors induced with low doses of 3-methylcholanthrene recurred with high frequency after irradiation. Moreover, irradiation of tumor-free mouse skin that had been treated with the carcinogen produced tumors at a very low frequency.
Analysis of smoke PAHs from selected Taiwanese cigarettes by using molecular imprinting polymers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives are common trace pollutants produced during incomplete combustion of organic substances, such as tobacco. After sampling cigarette smoke, PAH collators must undergo pretreatment processes such as extraction, cleanup and concentration before instrument analysis. This study combines molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) to create a novel sample pretreatment technique. Experimental results demonstrate that MIPs have good selectivity for benz[a]pyrene (BaP) from a mixture of 16 PAH solvents. The MIPs were applied to a sample taken from mainstream smoke from a cigarette. Based on functional monomers and crosslinkers, this study investigated two groups of MIPs. After the template was removed, various tests, including capacity, selectivity, recovery, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and real environmental sample tests, were conducted. Experimental results show that MIP-1 is the best MIP, with a capacity of 20.78 ± 1.7 (μ g/g), BaP selectivity and recovery exceeding 93%. In environmental sample tests, i.e., mainstream smoke from S and M brand cigarettes, 80% of BaP was absorbed by the MIP compared with absorbed by the filters. All experimental results suggest that MIPs effectively adsorbed BaP among 16 different PAHs, reduced background interference and increased signal resolution compared with traditional extraction techniques. Additionally, using MIPs for sample pretreatment is less time-consuming than traditional sample pretreatments and also reduces the amount of organic solvent used. Using molecular imprinted polymers solid extraction (MISPE) may separate target analytes from a complex sample more effectively than traditional Soxhlet extraction. Future toxicity tests should contribute to the understanding of toxic compounds emitted from specific pollution sources.