Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The debate between current versions of covariation and mechanism approaches to causal inference

Current psychological research on causal inference is dominated by two basic approaches: the covariation approach and the mechanism approach. This article reviews these two approaches, evaluates the contributions and limitations of each approach, and suggests how these approaches might be integrated into a more comprehensive framework. Covariation theorists assume that cognizers infer causal relations from conditional probabilities computed over samples of multiple events, but they do not provide an adequate account of how cognizers constrain their search for candidate causes and relevant evidence. Mechanism theorists assume that cognizers use their knowledge of potential mechanisms to infer the causes of individual events, but they do not account for the origins of this kind of knowledge. Theorists might integrate these approaches into a framework that overcomes these limitations by (1) examining important relations between cognizers' beliefs about the nature of causality, the logic of causal inference, and the processes cognizers use to make causal inferences, and (2) providing a more complete account of cognizers' conceptions of causality and the origins of those conceptions.
Traditional Postpartum Practices and Rituals: Clinical Implications

Objectives: In many cultures, postpartum rituals are observed because they are believed to have beneficial mental health effects. Our systematic review examines the research literature investigating the effects of postpartum rituals on postpartum depression (PPD) to determine if the rituals protect against PPD. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched (from 1966 to October 31, 2008). Reference lists of relevant articles and links to related articles were also examined. Both qualitative and quantitative studies that focused on traditional practices and rituals in the postpartum period (that is, within the first year following childbirth) and their relation to PPD or mood were included. Results: Seventy-two studies were considered, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria. The data were summarized according to the type of ritual including: organized support, diet, and other or multiple postpartum practices, and evidence for or against a protective effect on PPD. Although limited, not all studies suggested that the rituals prevent PPD. Overall, there is some evidence that postpartum rituals dictating appropriate and wanted social support may be of some protective value, depending on numerous contextual factors. Conclusions: This area needs more culturally sensitive and systematic research. Current studies suggest that the key protective element may be the presence of welcome support rather than the specific ritual.
Tendon Transfers for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

&NA; Tendon transfer is one treatment option for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Although surgical indications are not clearly defined, the traditional thought is that the ideal candidate is young and lacks significant glenohumeral arthritis. The proposed benefits of tendon transfers are pain relief and potential increase in strength. The biomechanical rationale for the procedure is to restore the glenohumeral joint force couple and possibly to restore normal shoulder kinematics. The selection of donor tendon depends on the location of the rotator cuff deficiency. Transfers of latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major tendons have been shown to consistently improve pain; however, functional benefits are unpredictable. Trapezius tendon transfer may be an alternative in patients with massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, although longer‐term follow‐up is required.
Abnormalities of functional brain networks in pathological gambling: a graph-theoretical approach

Functional neuroimaging studies of pathological gambling (PG) demonstrate alterations in frontal and subcortical regions of the mesolimbic reward system. However, most investigations were performed using tasks involving reward processing or executive functions. Little is known about brain network abnormalities during task-free resting state in PG. In the present study, graph-theoretical methods were used to investigate network properties of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data in PG. We compared 19 patients with PG to 19 healthy controls (HCs) using the Graph Analysis Toolbox (GAT). None of the examined global metrics differed between groups. At the nodal level, pathological gambler showed a reduced clustering coefficient in the left paracingulate cortex and the left juxtapositional lobe (supplementary motor area, SMA), reduced local efficiency in the left SMA, as well as an increased node betweenness for the left and right paracingulate cortex and the left SMA. At an uncorrected threshold level, the node betweenness in the left inferior frontal gyrus was decreased and increased in the caudate. Additionally, increased functional connectivity between fronto-striatal regions and within frontal regions has also been found for the gambling patients. These findings suggest that regions associated with the reward system demonstrate reduced segregation but enhanced integration while regions associated with executive functions demonstrate reduced integration. The present study makes evident that PG is also associated with abnormalities in the topological network structure of the brain during rest. Since alterations in PG cannot be explained by direct effects of abused substances on the brain, these findings will be of relevance for understanding functional connectivity in other addictive disorders.
Attentional factors in a disjunctive reasoning task

Girotto and Legrenzi's 1993 facilitation effect for their SARS version of Wason s THOG problem a disjunctive reasoning task was examined. The effect was not replicated when the standard THOG problem instructions were used in Experiments 1 and 2. However, in Experiment 3 when Girotto and Legrenzi's precise instructions were used, facilitation was observed. Experiment 4 further investigated the role of the type of instructions in the observed facilitation. The results suggest that such facilitation may result from attentional factors rather than the use of a combinatorial analysis in the problem.
Biophysical and atomic force microscopy characterization of the RNA from satellite tobacco mosaic virus

Agarose gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry showed that single-stranded RNA from satellite tobacco mosaic virus transforms from a conformationally ‘closed state’ at 4°C to a more conformationally ‘open state’ at 65°C. The transition is reversible and shows no hysteresis. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) allowed visualization of the two states and indicated that the conformationally ‘closed state’ probably corresponds to the native encapsidated conformation, and that the ‘open state’ represents a conformation, characterized as short, thick chains of domains, as a consequence of the loss of tertiary interactions. Heating from 75°C to 85°C in the presence of EDTA was necessary to further unravel the ‘open’ conformation RNA into extended chains of lengths >280 nm. Virus exposed to low concentrations of phenol at 65°C, extruded RNA as distinctive ‘pigtails’ in a synchronous fashion, and these ‘pigtails’ then elongated, as the RNA was further discharged by the particles. Moderate concentrations of phenol at 65°C produced complete disruption of virions and only remains of decomposed particles and disordered RNA were evident. AFM images of RNA emerging from disrupted virions appear most consistent with linear arrangements of structural domains.
Genomic hallmarks of homologous recombination deficiency in invasive breast carcinomas

Therapeutic strategies targeting Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) in breast cancer requires patient stratification. The LST (Large‐scale State Transitions) genomic signature previously validated for triple‐negative breast carcinomas (TNBC) was evaluated as biomarker of HRD in luminal (hormone receptor positive) and HER2‐overexpressing (HER2+) tumors. The LST genomic signature related to the number of large‐scale chromosomal breakpoints in SNP‐array tumor profile was applied to identify HRD in in‐house and TCGA sets of breast tumors, in which the status of BRCA1/2 and other genes was also investigated. In the in‐house dataset, HRD was predicted in 5% (20/385) of sporadic tumors luminal or HER2+ by the LST genomic signature and the inactivation of BRCA1, BRCA2 or RAD51C confirmed this prediction in 75% (12/16) of the tested cases. In 14% (6/43) of tumors occurring in BRCA1/2 mutant carriers, the corresponding wild‐type allele was retained emphasizing the importance of determining the tumor status. In the TCGA luminal and HER2+ subtypes HRD incidence was estimated at 5% (18/329, 95%CI: 5–8%) and 2% (1/59, 95%CI: 2–9%), respectively. In TNBC cisplatin‐based neo‐adjuvant clinical trials, HRD is shown to be a necessary condition for cisplatin sensitivity. This analysis demonstrates the high performance of the LST genomic signature for HRD detection in breast cancers, which suggests its potential as a biomarker for genetic testing and patient stratification for clinical trials evaluating platinum salts and PARP inhibitors.
Seeing what they meant: transcribing as a route to noticing

This paper describes a reflective noticing activity in which pairs of adult learners of English for Academic Purposes transcribed their own performances of a routine classroom speaking task. Working collaboratively, they then discussed and edited the transcripts, making a large number of changes, which were overwhelmingly for the better. These edited transcripts were passed on to the teacher, who made further corrections and reformulations, and then discussed the changes with the learners. Analysis of the process and product of these cycles of work suggests that collaborative transcribing and editing can encourage learners to focus on form in their output in a relatively natural way. It also underlines the role of the teacher in this sort of post-task intervention, especially in the area of vocabulary.
Measuring Social Desirability: Short Forms of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale

A practical difficulty with the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (SDS) is its length. Preferring a shorter measure of social desirability, researchers have devised a number of short forms of the SDS. The present study used confirmatory factor analysis to establish the adequacy of these subscales in measuring social desirability. Results showed that (a) of the six short forms of SDS considered two models (XI and X2) provide the best measures of social desirability, (b) improved measures of all of the models can be constructed, and (c) improved measures of the dimensions, denial and attribution, thought to measure the latent construct of social approval can also be constructed.
A secure account-based mobile payment protocol

In this paper, we propose a secure account-based payment protocol which is suitable for wireless networks. The proposed protocol employs symmetric-key operations which require lower computation at all engaging parties than existing payment protocols. The proposed protocol also satisfies transaction security properties provided by public-key based payment protocols such as SET and iKP. The formal analysis illustrates that our protocol achieves the goals of payment protocols. Moreover, the credit-card information is not required to be sent during transactions which results in a security enhancement of the system.
Inhibitors of V-ATPase Proton Transport Reveal Uncoupling Functions of Tether Linking Cytosolic and Membrane Domains of V0 Subunit a (Vph1p)*

Background: Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) proton pumps maintain pH homeostasis. Results: We discovered new V-ATPase inhibitors that uncouple the proton transport and ATPase activity of the pump. Conclusion: Residues at the tether connecting V0 subunit a to the membrane give uncoupling potential to V-ATPases. Significance: The tether may offer new mechanisms to regulate V-ATPase and cellular pH in vivo by uncoupling the pump. Vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) are important for many cellular processes, as they regulate pH by pumping cytosolic protons into intracellular organelles. The cytoplasm is acidified when V-ATPase is inhibited; thus we conducted a high-throughput screen of a chemical library to search for compounds that acidify the yeast cytosol in vivo using pHluorin-based flow cytometry. Two inhibitors, alexidine dihydrochloride (EC50 = 39 μm) and thonzonium bromide (EC50 = 69 μm), prevented ATP-dependent proton transport in purified vacuolar membranes. They acidified the yeast cytosol and caused pH-sensitive growth defects typical of V-ATPase mutants (vma phenotype). At concentrations greater than 10 μm the inhibitors were cytotoxic, even at the permissive pH (pH 5.0). Membrane fractions treated with alexidine dihydrochloride and thonzonium bromide fully retained concanamycin A-sensitive ATPase activity despite the fact that proton translocation was inhibited by 80–90%, indicating that V-ATPases were uncoupled. Mutant V-ATPase membranes lacking residues 362–407 of the tether of Vph1p subunit a of V0 were resistant to thonzonium bromide but not to alexidine dihydrochloride, suggesting that this conserved sequence confers uncoupling potential to V1V0 complexes and that alexidine dihydrochloride uncouples the enzyme by a different mechanism. The inhibitors also uncoupled the Candida albicans enzyme and prevented cell growth, showing further specificity for V-ATPases. Thus, a new class of V-ATPase inhibitors (uncouplers), which are not simply ionophores, provided new insights into the enzyme mechanism and original evidence supporting the hypothesis that V-ATPases may not be optimally coupled in vivo. The consequences of uncoupling V-ATPases in vivo as potential drug targets are discussed.
The Changing Social Context of Welsh: A Review of Statistical Trends

Abstract This paper provides a review of the statistical evidence base pertaining to the future demographic prospects for the Welsh language. Census statistics show some encouraging features from the point of view of those concerned with reversing language shift but these are not entirely supported by statistics from other sources, education statistics in particular. The continuum of Welsh-speaking ability is identified as an important consideration for the interpretation of Census and other statistics, particularly those relating to family formation and intergenerational transmission. Those and other demographic factors indicate that Welsh is increasingly a second rather than a first language. A different aspect of linguistic vitality, that of usage, is examined by reference to the results of the 2004 Welsh Language Use Survey, and by means of a logistic regression analysis of that survey. The analysis demonstrates the relationships between background variables, such as family background and personal fluency, and daily usage of Welsh by an individual.
The usefulness of evolutionary models for explaining innovation. The case of the Netherlands in the nineteenth century

Why do nations and industrial sectors cease to be pioneers? This question is discussed for the case of The Netherlands. Why was innovation in The Netherlands in the nineteenth century virtually limited to elaborating on developments in other countries whereas before it had been a technological paradise? It is argued here that no single reason can account for this loss of technological leadership. A complex of — often mutually reinforcing — factors was at work, some more important than others depending on the sector. The core of the explanation is that the Dutch had developed their own technological regime which was perfected before the nineteenth century. When a new regime emerged elsewhere it was difficult for the Dutch to adjust because of a complex set of barriers embedded in the existing technological regime. The inclination was to revitalise the old merchant capitalist regime and with success — albeit limited in the long run —, as some of the cases in the article show. This conclusion leads to a further question: How do regime shifts occur? Drawing on an evolutionary model, it is argued that new technologies emerge in technological niches, which after a process of branching can lead to a regime shift. Such a shift happens when successful niche formation coincides with a number of favourable external developments. Successful niche formation depends on the articulation of expectations, the coupling of new markets and new technologies, the development of new networks and the emergence of new competencies.
Systematic Application of DNA Fiber-FISH Technique in Cotton

Fluorescence in situ hybridization on extended DNA (fiber-FISH) is a powerful tool in high-resolution physical mapping. To introduce this technique into cotton, we developed the technique and tested it by deliberately mapping of telomere and 5S rDNA. Results showed that telomere-length ranged from 0.80 kb to 37.86 kb in three species, G. hirsutum, G. herbaceum and G. arboreum. However, most of the telomeres (>91.0%) were below 10 kb. The length of 5S rDNA was revealed as 964 kb in G. herbaceum whereas, in G. arboreum, it was approximately three times longer (3.1 Mb). A fiber-FISH based immunofluorescence method was also described to assay the DNA methylation. Using this technique, we revealed that both telomere and 5S rDNA were methylated at different levels. In addition, we developed a BAC molecule-based fiber-FISH technique. Using this technique, we can precisely map BAC clones on each other and evaluated the size and location of overlapped regions. The development and application of fiber-FISH technique will facilitate high-resolution physical mapping and further directed sequencing projects for cotton.
Does Combining Liraglutide with Intragastric Balloon Insertion Improve Sustained Weight Reduction?

Background/Aim: Intragastric balloon (IGB) is an effective and safe method of weight reduction. However, IGBs have been associated with a high rate of weight regain post removal. Accordingly, ways to improve sustained weight reduction including concomitant treatment with Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists have been proposed. This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding Liraglutide to IGB insertion on sustained weight reduction. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all cases treated with IGB with or without Liraglutide was performed. Outcomes were statistically compared. Results: A total of 108 patients were included; 64 were treated with IGB alone and 44 with IGB + Liraglutide. Six months after removing IGB, patients treated with IGB + Liraglutide had a higher mean weight loss post treatment completion (10.2 ± 6.7 vs. 18.5 ± 7.6, P = <0.0001) than those treated with IGB alone. After adjusting for covariates, patients treated with IGB alone demonstrated a higher mean body weight loss at the time of IGB removal (coefficient 7.71, 95% CI = 4.78–10.63), and a higher odds of treatment success 6 months post IGB removal (OR = 5.74, 95% CI = 1.79–188.42). Baseline body mass index appeared to be a significant predictor of mean body weight loss at the time of balloon removal. Conclusions: Adding Liraglutide to IGB does not appear to decrease the risk of weight regain 6 months post IGB removal.
Perioperative Bridging Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND It is uncertain whether bridging anticoagulation is necessary for patients with atrial fibrillation who need an interruption in warfarin treatment for an elective operation or other elective invasive procedure. We hypothesized that forgoing bridging anticoagulation would be noninferior to bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin for the prevention of perioperative arterial thromboembolism and would be superior to bridging with respect to major bleeding. METHODS We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which, after perioperative interruption of warfarin therapy, patients were randomly assigned to receive bridging anticoagulation therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin (100 IU of dalteparin per kilogram of body weight) or matching placebo administered subcutaneously twice daily, from 3 days before the procedure until 24 hours before the procedure and then for 5 to 10 days after the procedure. Warfarin treatment was stopped 5 days before the procedure and was resumed within 24 hours after the procedure. Follow-up of patients continued for 30 days after the procedure. The primary outcomes were arterial thromboembolism (stroke, systemic embolism, or transient ischemic attack) and major bleeding. RESULTS In total, 1884 patients were enrolled, with 950 assigned to receive no bridging therapy and 934 assigned to receive bridging therapy. The incidence of arterial thromboembolism was 0.4% in the no-bridging group and 0.3% in the bridging group (risk difference, 0.1 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.6 to 0.8; P=0.01 for noninferiority). The incidence of major bleeding was 1.3% in the no-bridging group and 3.2% in the bridging group (relative risk, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.78; P=0.005 for superiority). CONCLUSIONS In patients with atrial fibrillation who had warfarin treatment interrupted for an elective operation or other elective invasive procedure, forgoing bridging anticoagulation was noninferior to perioperative bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin for the prevention of arterial thromboembolism and decreased the risk of major bleeding. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health; BRIDGE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00786474.).
Psychological resources and successful retirement

Abstract Although most people eventually make a satisfactory adjustment to retirement, some people experience difficulties in managing the transition. While measures of wellbeing are frequently included as outcomes in studies of retirement, few studies have examined the impact of retirement on health behaviours. Further, the contribution of psychological resources such as self-efficacy and sense of coherence in coping with transitions has largely been ignored. Data from the Health Status of Older People project were used to test the hypothesis that psychological resources would moderate the relationship between retirement and changes in health behaviours and wellbeing. People who had retired within the previous 5 years were compared with three other groups: those who were still working, those who were partly retired, and those who had been retired for between 6 and 10 years. Recently retired people were found to be more likely than other groups to have experienced recent reductions in physical and social .
MALCEV PRESENTATIONS FOR SUBSEMIGROUPS OF GROUPS — A SURVEY

This paper introduces and surveys the theory of Malcev presentations. [Malcev presentations are a species of presentation that can be used to define any semigroup that can be embedded into a group. ] In particular, various classes of groups and monoids all of whose finitely generated subsemigroups admit finite Malcev presentations are described; closure and containment results are stated; links with the theory of automatic semigroups are mentioned; and various questions asked. Many of the results stated herein are summarized in tabular form.