Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vignette development and administration: a framework for protecting research participants

This paper is a discussion regarding vignette development and administration as a means of protecting research participants in social research. Health and social care researchers investigate a plethora of issues that may be sensitive or upsetting, for example, abuse or bereavement. This exposes participants to potential emotional harm caused by revisiting the original trauma. Using research methods that offer a protective layer is important. Evidence suggests that vignettes provide protection for research participants by placing distance between their experience and that of the vignette character. However, there are few methodological papers regarding vignette use. Utilising examples from our own research, we engage in a critical discussion regarding vignette development and administration. The paper offers a new framework to support researchers – particularly those in health and social care – in the development and administration of vignettes. We contend that the framework supports best practice in vignette use, particularly when researching sensitive issues.
Docking unbound proteins using shape complementarity, desolvation, and electrostatics

A comprehensive docking study was performed on 27 distinct protein‐protein complexes. For 13 test systems, docking was performed with the unbound X‐ray structures of both the receptor and the ligand. For the remaining systems, the unbound X‐ray structure of only molecule was available; therefore the bound structure for the other molecule was used. Our method optimizes desolvation, shape complementarity, and electrostatics using a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm. A global search in the rotational and translational space without any knowledge of the binding sites was performed for all proteins except nine antibodies recognizing antigens. For these antibodies, we docked their well‐characterized binding site—the complementarity‐determining region defined without information of the antigen—to the entire surface of the antigen. For 24 systems, we were able to find near‐native ligand orientations (interface Cα root mean square deviation less than 2.5 Å from the crystal complex) among the top 2,000 choices. For three systems, our algorithm could identify the correct complex structure unambiguously. For 13 other complexes, we either ranked a near‐native structure in the top 20 or obtained 20 or more near‐native structures in the top 2,000 or both. The key feature of our algorithm is the use of target functions that are highly tolerant to conformational changes upon binding. If combined with a post‐processing method, our algorithm may provide a general solution to the unbound docking problem. Our program, called ZDOCK, is freely available to academic users (http://zlab.bu.edu/∼rong/dock/). Proteins 2002;47:281–294. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inulin and oligofructose as prebiotics in the prevention of intestinal infections and diseases

Health and wellbeing are challenged constantly by pathogens. A number of defence mechanisms exist to protect the body from pathogen colonisation and invasion, with an important role to play for the natural intestinal bacterial flora (mainly by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli). The present paper reviews the evidence on the effects of inulin and oligofructose on colonisation and translocation of pathogens and the prevention of intestinal diseases. In vitro experiments have shown that lactic acid-producing bacteria have antagonistic (antibacterial) activity against pathogens partly because of the production of organic acids which are the endproducts of inulin and oligofructose fermentation. In addition, studies with epithelial layers have shown that inulin and oligofructose inhibit pathogen colonisation and that endproducts of their fermentation have the ability to support barrier function. Furthermore, studies in various animal models have shown that inulin and oligofructose accelerate the recovery of beneficial bacteria, slow down pathogen growth, decreasing pathogen colonisation and systemic translocation. Finally, data from human intervention trials either in patients with intestinal disorders or disease, or prone to critical illness, found that inulin and oligofructose restore the balance when the gut microbial community is altered, inhibit the progression of disease or prevent it from relapsing and/or developing. To conclude, the dietary use of inulin and oligofructose offers a promising approach to restore microbial communities and to support barrier function of the epithelia by their prebiotic action. This may offer the host protection against invasion and translocation of pathogens (endogenous and/or exogenous) and in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.
Relation between serum 3-deoxyglucosone and development of diabetic microangiopathy.

OBJECTIVE 3-Deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a highly reactive intermediate of the glycation reaction, has been suggested to contribute to the development of diabetes complications. To verify this hypothesis, we assessed the relation between serum 3-DG concentrations and the severity of diabetic microangiopathy in diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a high-performance liquid chromatography assay to determine the serum 3-DG concentrations of 110 diabetic patients with different degrees of severity of diabetic microangiopathy and 57 age-matched control subjects. RESULTS The fasting serum 3-DG level in diabetic patients was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that in control subjects (353 +/- 110 vs. 199 +/- 53 nmol/l). The 3-DG levels were significantly (P < 0.001) elevated even in the diabetic patients showing normoalbuminuria (n = 62, 322 +/- 79 nmol/l) compared with control subjects. The 3-DG levels were further elevated in the patients with microalbuminuria (n = 30, 383 +/- 146 nmol/l) and overt proteinuria (n = 18, 410 +/- 100 nmol/l) (P = 0.027 and P < 0.001 vs. normoalbuminuria group, respectively). This phenomenon was basically reproduced in a category of retinopathy. Furthermore, the diabetic patients with low nerve conduction velocity showed a tendency to display higher 3-DG levels. CONCLUSIONS The present results show that the fasting serum 3-DG level is elevated in diabetic patients and that the patients with relatively higher 3-DG levels were prone to suffer from more severe complications, indicating a possible association of 3-DG with diabetic microangiopathy.
Characterizing the connectome in schizophrenia with diffusion spectrum imaging

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by disabling symptoms and cognitive deficit. Recent neuroimaging findings suggest that large parts of the brain are affected by the disease, and that the capacity of functional integration between brain areas is decreased. In this study we questioned (i) which brain areas underlie the loss of network integration properties observed in the pathology, (ii) what is the topological role of the affected regions within the overall brain network and how this topological status might be altered in patients, and (iii) how white matter properties of tracts connecting affected regions may be disrupted. We acquired diffusion spectrum imaging (a technique sensitive to fiber crossing and slow diffusion compartment) data from 16 schizophrenia patients and 15 healthy controls, and investigated their weighted brain networks. The global connectivity analysis confirmed that patients present disrupted integration and segregation properties. The nodal analysis allowed identifying a distributed set of brain nodes affected in the pathology, including hubs and peripheral areas. To characterize the topological role of this affected core, we investigated the brain network shortest paths layout, and quantified the network damage after targeted attack toward the affected core. The centrality of the affected core was compromised in patients. Moreover the connectivity strength within the affected core, quantified with generalized fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient, was altered in patients. Taken together, these findings suggest that the structural alterations and topological decentralization of the affected core might be major mechanisms underlying the schizophrenia dysconnectivity disorder. Hum Brain Mapp, 36:354–366, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Habitual Self–Control: A Brief Measure of Persistent Goal Pursuit

Habitual self–control is defined as a trait–like personal resource factor that facilitates the enactment of difficult intentions. A 14–item Habitual Self–Control Questionnaire (HSCQ) was developed to assess this trait. Reliability, factorial validity, and criterion validity were assessed in five undergraduate student subsamples with an overall N of 2224. Internal consistency was . 81 across the entire sample, and test–retest reliability was . 83 over a one–month interval. The HSCQ showed a theoretically meaningful pattern in terms of convergent and discriminant validity and criterion validity in predicting a variety of health behaviours that relate to self–control, including exercise, dieting behaviour, binge eating and weight loss success. Further, the HSCQ contributed uniquely to the prediction of health behaviours beyond alternative self–control scales. In a longitudinal part of the study, the HSCQ added to the prediction of action plan completion and satisfaction beyond motivation and moderated the relationship between motivation and enactment of action plans as theoretically expected. In sum, the results provided strong evidence for the reliability and validity of the HSCQ and highlighted some theoretically meaningful differences to already existing measures of self–control. Theoretical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deshidratación y reposición hídrica en jugadores de fútbol sala: Efectos de un programa de intervención sobre la pérdida de líquidos durante la competición

his work has a double purpose, on one hand, to know the dehydration of a futsal team during the competition, and on the other, to assess the effects of an intervention programme, which last fifteen days, in order to make players aware of the importance of hydration in sport performance and avoid processes of dehydration during the competition and training. Three official matches were evaluated, the first before the intervention programme and the second and the third in the following two weeks. The mean of the dehydration in the three marches were 1.7±1.0%, 0.8±0.8% and 0.9±0.7%, respectively. Comparing the dehydration values of the first match (before the intervention) with the following two matches (during and after the programme) we find significant differences during the half time (and the end of the match. Results give us the idea that the futsal players, despite having many opportunities to drink enough fluid, don´t drink all they need and reach a high dehydration that could affect players´ performance. The use of strategies to improve fluid replacement produces a significant decrease of the dehydration during the competition. KEY WORDS: Fluid replacement, dehydration, futsal and competition.
Cognitive Reflection Predicts Real‐Life Decision Outcomes, but Not Over and Above Personality and Decision‐Making Styles

The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT), designed to assess the ability to inhibit intuition to process a problem analytically, predicts people's performance in many normative judgement and decision-making tasks (e.g., Bayesian reasoning, conjunction fallacy and ratio bias). However, how the CRT predicts normative decision-making performance is unclear, and little is known about the extent to which the CRT predicts real-life decision outcomes. We investigate the role of the CRT in predicting real-life decision outcomes and examine whether the CRT predicts real-life decision outcomes after controlling for two related individual differences: the Big Five personality traits and decision-making styles. Our results show that greater CRT scores predict positive real-life decision outcomes measured by the Decision Outcome Inventory. However, the effect size was small, and the relationship became non-significant after statistically controlling for personality and decision-making styles. We discuss the limited predictive role of cognitive reflection in real-life decision-making outcomes, along with the roles of personality and decision-making styles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The β-Secretase-Derived C-Terminal Fragment of βAPP, C99, But Not Aβ, Is a Key Contributor to Early Intraneuronal Lesions in Triple-Transgenic Mouse Hippocampus

Triple-transgenic mice (3xTgAD) overexpressing Swedish-mutated β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPPswe), P310L-Tau (TauP301L), and physiological levels of M146V-presenilin-1 (PS1M146V) display extracellular amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) deposits and Tau tangles. More disputed is the observation that these mice accumulate intraneuronal Aβ that has been linked to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Here, we provide immunohistological, genetic, and pharmacological evidences for early, age-dependent, and hippocampus-specific accumulation of the β-secretase-derived βAPP fragment C99 that is observed from 3 months of age and enhanced by pharmacological blockade of γ-secretase. Notably, intracellular Aβ is only detectable several months later and appears, as is the case of C99, in enlarged cathepsin B-positive structures, while extracellular Aβ deposits are detected ∼12 months of age and beyond. Early C99 production occurs mainly in the CA1/subicular interchange area of the hippocampus corresponding to the first region exhibiting plaques and tangles in old mice. Furthermore, the comparison of 3xTgAD mice with double-transgenic mice bearing the βAPPswe and TauP301L mutations but expressing endogenous PS1 (2xTgAD) demonstrate that C99 accumulation is not accounted for by a loss of function triggered by PS1 mutation that would have prevented C99 secondary cleavage by γ-secretase. Together, our work identifies C99 as the earliest βAPP catabolite and main contributor to the intracellular βAPP-related immunoreactivity in 3xTgAD mice, suggesting its implication as an initiator of the neurodegenerative process and cognitive alterations taking place in this mouse model.
ESTABLISHING DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR CARDIAC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN SAUDI ARABIA

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a commonly used diagnostic imaging tool for cardiovascular disease. Despite constant improvements to imaging technologies, the radiation dose to patients remains a concern when using this procedure. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are used as a trigger to identify and alert individual facilities that are using high doses during CT. This study aims to assess patient radiation dose and establish new national DRLs (NDRL) associated with CCTA in Saudi clinical practices. A structured booklet survey was designed for recording patient and scanning protocols during CCTA procedures. The data were collected retrospectively from the participating centres. NDRLs for CCTA were defined as the 75th and 25th of volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP). Specific DRLs based on two main ECG-gating modes were also proposed. Data sets related to 197 CCTAs with a mean weight of 77 kg were analysed in detail. The DRL values for CTDIvol and DLP for prospective gating mode and retrospective gating mode were 29 and 62 mGy and 393 and 1057 mGy cm, respectively. NDRLs for CCTA in Saudi Arabia are comparable or slightly lower than European DRLs due to the current use of dose-saving technology. There are major variations in patient doses during CCTA due to differences in CT scanners, scanning modes and departmental CCTA protocols.
The politics of discontent: the emergence of a new criminal justice discourse in the Netherlands

Criminal justice policy in the Netherlands has traditionally been characterised by a great deal of stability but recent crises have fueled a public mood of discontent and disarray. The most notable event in this regard has no doubt been the assassination of populist politician Pim Fortuyn in May 2002. This article discusses some of these crises, the governmental response to them, and examines how criminal justice is evolving under an emerging Dutch-style Garlandian social discourse of crime and security.
Thermal expansion of chromium at high temperature.

Measurements of linear thermal expansion by pushrod dilatometry to 1873 K confirm the \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray density measurements by Stankus in 1993 which indicated that the coefficient of expansion of chromium increases much more rapidly above \ensuremath{\sim}1200 K than the heat capacity. The increase in expansion is also much greater than in Mo and W where anharmonicity is important. Magnetic spin effects are a possible source. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Learned Democracy? Support of Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe

In this article, the extent of support for democracy is determined for thirteen countries in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in East Germany. In addition, West Germany, representing an established democracy, is included as a benchmark country. The analysis rests on the assumption, that a democracy can be regarded as consolidated only if it is supported by the majority of its citizens. The empirical analysis is based on comparative surveys conducted in 1998-2001, after a decade of experience with the new democratic structures. The results show that in most countries of Central and Eastern Europe support for democracy is considerably lower than in West Germany. This holds true not only for electoral democracies but also for liberal democracies in Central and Eastern Europe. In five countries, the percentage of respondents who can be classified as nondemocrats is about 50 percent. Thus, the consolidation process in most of the new democracies in Central and Eastern Europe is not yet complete.
Ionic Mechanisms of Pacemaker Activity in Spontaneously Contracting Atrial HL-1 Cells

Although normally absent, spontaneous pacemaker activity can develop in human atrium to promote tachyarrhythmias. HL-1 cells are immortalized atrial cardiomyocytes that contract spontaneously in culture, providing a model system of atrial cell automaticity. Using electrophysiologic recordings and selective pharmacologic blockers, we investigated the ionic basis of automaticity in atrial HL-1 cells. Both the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++ release channel inhibitor ryanodine and the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++ ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin slowed automaticity, supporting a role for intracellular Ca++ release in pacemaker activity. Additional experiments were performed to examine the effects of ionic currents activating in the voltage range of diastolic depolarization. Inhibition of the hyperpolarization-activated pacemaker current, If, by ivabradine significantly suppressed diastolic depolarization, with modest slowing of automaticity. Block of inward Na+ currents also reduced automaticity, whereas inhibition of T- and L-type Ca++ currents caused milder effects to slow beat rate. The major outward current in HL-1 cells is the rapidly activating delayed rectifier, IKr. Inhibition of IKr using dofetilide caused marked prolongation of action potential duration and thus spontaneous cycle length. These results demonstrate a mutual role for both intracellular Ca++ release and sarcolemmal ionic currents in controlling automaticity in atrial HL-1 cells. Given that similar internal and membrane-based mechanisms also play a role in sinoatrial nodal cell pacemaker activity, our findings provide evidence for generalized conservation of pacemaker mechanisms among different types of cardiomyocytes.
History and Super Diversity

The article looks at the perspectives on history amongst adolescent children of different backgrounds living in inner-cities in England and builds on previous research in this area. The current article presents exploratory research which focuses on the views of particular groups of adolescents, namely those from long established settled immigrant communities; those from more recently arrived migrant and immigrant communities; and those from white indigenous communities. An inclusive, perspectival and dynamic approach towards history education is outlined and the underlying view of knowledge and implications for pedagogy of this approach discussed alongside comparisons with other approaches towards the subject. The exploratory work and analysis is used to generate a research agenda through which history for a super diverse society can be developed. Although the research was conducted in the English context, the issues it raises are pertinent elsewhere.
Measuring visual stimulation and attention signals in human superior colliculus using high-resolution fMRI

Dedication According to the philosophy of science of Yoga, the quest for Truth is the inherent longing of an individual's mind. The word 'consciousness' in Sanskrit language is known by the terms Purusa or Shiva and is synonymous with such a Truth. What humans through self-reflection refer to as subjectivity or consciousness is actually omnipresent, though most clearly reflected by the human mind. Therefore, instead of consciousness being a generative property of the human mind, and therefore the brain, mind itself is a step through the process of evolution. In fact, the process of evolution is the process of evolution of consciousness. In successive stages of this evolution, consciousness goes on a journey from crude to subtle, starting in the material realm, followed by the mental or psychic realm and culminating in the spiritual realm. According this philosophy, the mind-body " problem " does not exist for dualism is only an apparent sage of an individual's mind. The unveiling of this seeming illusion begins by understanding the continuity of the physico-psychic-spirirual parallelism, though proceeds only through means of spiritual practices or sadhana. Sadhana should not be identified with religion or religiosity and in the beginning is best approached with full skepticism, for at its core lies the non-acceptance of dogma of any kind. It may, however, seem psychologically daunting in the beginning, because it is a process of purification of the mind, but becomes easier as one slowly gets established in a universal ideation for a substantial part of their waking life. The final goal of sadhana then is the realization of this inherent non-duality of the physico-psychic-spiritual realms, which in mystical terms is often known as 'realization' or 'liberation'. I fully and completely dedicate myself to understanding of the Truth in its purest form not mired by dogma of any kind, and for that I take the path of science and more importantly the science of mind in addition to my spiritual path. I dedicate this dissertation and the quest of my doctoral years, to the individual I identify as my spiritual preceptor, my Gurudeva, whom I love most dearly, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiiji. The superior colliculus (SC) is a laminated oculomotor structure in the midbrain. In non-human primates SC has long been known to contain a retinotopically-organized map of visual stimulation in its superficial layers, which is aligned to a map of saccadic eye movements in the deeper layers. …