Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Transcobalamin II (TCN2) and Transcobalamin II-Receptor (TCblR) Genetic Variations With Cobalamin Deficiency Parameters in Elderly Women

Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency is a subtle progressive clinical disorder, affecting nearly 1 in 5 individuals > 60 years old. This deficiency is produced by age-related decreases in nutrient absorption, medications that interfere with vitamin B12 absorption, and other comorbidities. Clinical heterogeneity confounds symptom detection for elderly adults, as deficiency sequelae range from mild fatigue and weakness to debilitating megaloblastic anemia and permanent neuropathic injury. A better understanding of genetic factors that contribute to cobalamin deficiency in the elderly would allow for targeted nursing care and preventive interventions. We tested for associations of common variants in genes involved in cobalamin transport and homeostasis with metabolic indicators of cobalamin deficiency (homocysteine and methylmalonic acid) as well as hematologic, neurologic, and functional performance features of cobalamin deficiency in 789 participants of the Women’s Health and Aging Studies. Although not significant when corrected for multiple testing, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two genes, transcobalamin II (TCN2) and the transcobalamin II-receptor (TCblR), were found to influence several clinical traits of cobalamin deficiency. The three most significant findings were the identified associations involving missense coding SNPs, namely, TCblR G220R (rs2336573) with serum cobalamin, TCN2 S348F (rs9621049) with homocysteine, and TCN2 P259R (rs1801198) with red blood cell mean corpuscular volume. These SNPs may modify the phenotype in older adults who are more likely to develop symptoms of vitamin B12 malabsorption.
Dietary genistin stimulates growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer tumors similar to that observed with genistein.

The estrogenic soy isoflavone, genistein, stimulates growth of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells in vivo. Genistin is the glycoside form of genistein and the predominant form found in plants. It is generally believed that genistin is metabolized to the aglycone genistein in the lower gut. However, it is unclear if the rate of metabolism of genistin to genistein is sufficient to produce a level of genistein capable of stimulating estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell growth. Our hypothesis was that dietary genistin would stimulate tumor growth similar to that observed with genistein in athymic mice. To test this hypothesis, genistin or genistein was fed to athymic mice containing xenografted estrogen-dependent breast tumors (MCF-7). Mice were fed either genistein at 750 p.p.m. (parts per milllion) or genistin at 1200 p.p.m. , which provides equal molar concentrations of aglycone equivalents in both diets. Tumor size was measured weekly for 11 weeks. At completion of the study, half of the animals per treatment group were killed and tumors collected for evaluation of cellular proliferation and estrogen-responsive pS2 gene expression. Incorporation of bromo-deoxyuridine into cellular DNA was utilized as an indicator of cellular proliferation. Dietary genistin resulted in increased tumor growth, pS2 expression and cellular proliferation similar to that observed with genistein. The remaining mice were switched to diets free of genistin and genistein. When mice were placed on isoflavone free diets, tumors regressed over a span of 9 weeks. Next, we examined how effectively and where metabolism of genistin to genistein occurred in the digestive tract. We present evidence that demonstrates conversion of genistin to its aglycone form genistein begins in the mouth and then continues in the small intestine. Both human saliva and the intestinal cell-free extract from mice converted genistin to genistein. In summary, the glycoside genistin, like the aglycone genistein, can stimulate estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell growth in vivo. Removal of genistin or genistein from the diet caused tumors to regress.
The Influence of Perceived Power and Specific Self-Efficacy Levels on Intergroup Conflict Management

The current study examines the way individuals manage an intergroup conflict as a function of a situational variable - 'Perceived Power' (PP), and a personality trait variable - 'Cognitive Bias Overcoming Self-Efficacy' (COSE). On a basis of a new bi-dimensional model portraying intergroup conflict management as derived from 'constructive-destructive' approach to handle conflict and 'creating - claiming' value expectations concerning the outcomes of conflict, four hypotheses were proposed: H1: Subjects with Low PP and Low COSE will tend to adopt the avoidance strategy. H2: Subjects with High PP and Low COSE will tend to adopt the dominating strategy. H3: Subjects with Low PP and High COSE will tend to adopt the integrating strategy. H4: Subjects with High PP and High COSE will tend to adopt the compromising strategy. 105 Israeli students from the University of Haifa and the Haifa Institute of Technology volunteered to participate in the study. Conflict management strategy was measured by the ROCII-II questionnaire (Rahim, 1983a), Perceived Power levels were measured using an experimental manipulation, and COSE levels were measured by a new scale that was developed especially for the current study. The hypotheses were by and large supported; Perceived Power and COSE levels did predict the use of Avoiding, Integrating and Compromising strategies (although the latter was not in the predicted direction), but failed to predict the use of Dominating strategy. The findings corroborate the assumption that both situational as well as personality trait variables affect the way people manage intergroup conflict.
The interactions between hemostasis and resistance training: a review

Physical inactivity is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is strongly associated with changes in arterial structure. Regular physical activity and exercise contributes to the prevention of coronary artery disease. Therefore, cardiovascular and resistance training improve hemostatic parameters and promote a less thrombotic blood profile. This review highlights the studies, mechanisms, and outcomes relating to the effectiveness of resistance training on the process of hemostasis. The Pubmed, Scopus, Medline, Scielo, Lilacs, Ibecs, and Cochrane databases were used to locate the original articles. Seventeen studies were found during the research process. Of these, ten articles were excluded. Those protocols using a high volume of training for young adults showed a greater fibrinolytic response, and training protocols with intensities above 80% of 1 maximum repetition showed an increased platelet activity. In subjects with coronary artery disease, just one session of resistance training resulted in improvement in the fibrinolytic system (tissue plasminogen activator) without raising potential thrombotic markers.
Evaluation of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CAPN 1 for association with meat tenderness in cattle 1 , 2

Micromolar calcium activated neutral protease (CAPN1) was evaluated as a candidate gene for a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on BTA29 affecting meat tenderness by characterization of nucleotide sequence variation in the gene. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified by sequencing all 22 exons and 19 of the 21 introns in two sires (Piedmontese × Angus located at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE; Jersey × Limousin located at AgResearch in New Zealand) of independent resource populations previously shown to be segregating meat tenderness QTL on BTA29. The majority of the 38 SNP were found in introns or were synonymous substitutions in the coding regions, with two exceptions. Exons 14 and 9 contained SNP that were predicted to alter the protein sequence by the substitution of isoleucine for valine in Domain III of the protein, and alanine
A systematic review of the effects of upper body warm-up on performance and injury

Purpose This systematic review was conducted to identify the impact of upper body warm-up on performance and injury prevention outcomes. Methods Web of Science, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases were searched using terms related to upper extremity warm-up. Inclusion criteria were English language randomised controlled trials from peer-reviewed journals in which investigation of upper body warm-up on performance and injury prevention outcomes was a primary aim. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scale. A wide variety of warm-up modes and outcomes precluded meta-analysis except for one group of studies. The majority of warm-ups were assessed as having ‘positive’, ‘neutral’, ‘negative’ or ‘specific’ effects on outcomes. Results Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria with 21 rated as having ‘good’ methodological quality. The studies investigated a total of 25 warm-up modes and 43 outcome factors that could be grouped into eight mode and performance outcome categories. No studies of upper body warm-up effects on injury prevention were discovered. Conclusions Strong research-based evidence was found for the following: high-load dynamic warm-ups enhance power and strength performance; warm-up swings with a standard weight baseball bat are most effective for enhancing bat speed; short-duration static stretching warm-up has no effect on power outcomes; and passive heating/cooling is a largely ineffective warm-up mode. A clear knowledge gap in upper body warm-up literature is the lack of investigation of injury prevention outcomes.
„Face to Interface“: Zum Problem der Vertrauenskonstitution im Internet am Beispiel von elektronischen Auktionen / “Face to Interface” – The Establishment of Trust in the Internet: The Case of e-Auctions

Zusammenfassung Am Beispiel von Internetauktionen geht der Beitrag der Frage nach, welche Rolle Vertrauen bei e-Commerce-Transaktionen spielt und über welche Institutionalisierungsprozesse Vertrauen befördert werden kann. Dazu wird zunächst mit Rückgriff auf den Stand der Forschung ein multidimensionales Verständnis von Vertrauen entwickelt. Anschließend wird die Spezifik von Internetauktionen als Sonderfall von e-Commerce aus der Perspektive der Vertrauensproblematik beleuchtet: beiden Transaktionsparteien fehlen wechselseitige Informationen über die Kompetenz, Integrität und Gesinnung des „Gegenübers“. Zu den fehlenden Primärerfahrungen und face-to-face-Absicherungen gesellt sich Unsicherheit über das Produkt und die Abwicklung der Transaktion, die nur über Vertrauen kompensiert werden kann. Am Fallbeispiel eines Auktionsanbieters findet eine empirische Überprüfung statt (exploratives Experteninterview, quantitative und qualitative Analyse einer Stichprobe). Es wird aufgezeigt, wie sich bei sinkender Vertrauenswürdigkeit von Transaktionsparteien auch deren Chancen auf eine erfolgreiche Teilnahme an Internet-Auktionen reduzieren. Die zuvor entwickelten Vertrauensdimensionen werden durch das empirische Material bestätigt. Es stellt sich schließlich heraus, dass aufgrund der Institutionalisierung eines kumulativen Vertrauensprofils ein funktionierender „high-trust“-Transaktionskontext mit verschiedenen Kontroll- und Regulationsmechanismen entsteht. Vertrauen ist für Internet-Auktionen eine notwendige Vorbedingung und trägt darüber hinaus zur Senkung der Transaktionskosten bei. Summary In this article the importance of trust in e-commerce is examined. The institutionalization of processes which help to establish trust are outlined using the example of an internet auction market. First, trust is defined as a multidimensional concept. Subsequently, internet transactions are described as a special case of e-commerce from the perspective of the question of trust: both partners in the transaction lack information about the competence, integrity, and benevolence of the other. The seller and buyer in an internet auction market do not share personal knowledge of each other, as they have not met before. There are many uncertainties about the product exchanged and the modes of transaction. The internet auction market eBay was analyzed to verify empirically that trust is necessary to overcome the risks and imponderabilities of transactions. It was demonstrated that a loss of trustworthiness reduces the chances of participating successfully in the online trading community. Additionally, it was discovered that the institutionalization of a feedback mechanism is the basis of a high-trust context and of mechanisms of fine-tuning and control. Trust is therefore the necessary basis for internet transaction markets and reduces the costs of transaction.
Multimethod Validity Assessment of the SWAP-200 Dysphoric Q-Factor

The aim of this study was to investigate the convergent validity of the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure Q-Sort Dysphoric Q-Factor with scales from the therapist, the patient, and independent observers. Therapists used the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure Q-Sort to describe their patients after the therapeutic assessment and the first two therapy sessions (when available). Independent observers completed a number of symptom distress, global functioning, and Axis II psychopathology measures after watching videotapes of the therapeutic assessment. They also completed a measure of social cognition and object relations after watching videotape of the therapeutic assessment and the first two therapy sessions (when available). Patients completed measures of symptomatology and personality assessment. Results indicated several significant correlations between the Dysphoric Q-Factor and a number of the clinician ratings of depressive symptomatology. In addition, three clinician ratings (Personality Disorder Index, Global Assessment of Functioning scale, and the experience and management of aggressive impulses variable of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale) demonstrated unique and nonredundant predictive ability in accounting for the variance of the Dysphoric Q-Factor. The patient self-report measures, however, did not correlate significantly with the Dysphoric Q-Factor, although several correlations demonstrated trends toward statistical significance.
Hormonal regulation of mannan‐binding lectin synthesis in hepatocytes

Activation of the complement system via the plasma protein mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) provides a first line of defence against infections. The plasma level of MBL is, in part, determined genetically, but may also be influenced by different hormones in vivo. Here we study the hormonal regulation of MBL synthesis from the human hepatocyte cell line HuH‐7. Cells were exposed to medium with growth hormone (GH), hydrocortisone, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, insulin, interleukin (IL)‐6 or thyroid hormones (T3 or T4). After 3 days the concentration of MBL in the culture supernatants was determined and the amount of mRNA for MBL was measured, relative to mRNA for β2 microglobulin. GH, IL‐6, T3 and T4 significantly increased MBL synthesis in a dose‐dependent manner, while hydrocortisone, insulin and IGF‐1 had no effect. T3 caused a fourfold increase at 1 nM of T3 (P < 0·001) and at 100 nM of T3 the production was increased more than eightfold. The effect of T4 was less potent, reaching an eightfold increase at 1 µM of T4 (P < 0·001). GH augmented the production of MBL threefold at a concentration of 100 ng/ml (P = 0·018) with no further effect up to 10 µg/ml, whereas IL‐6 caused only a very weak increase in MBL production. MBL mRNA levels were stable during the first 24 h of T3 stimulation but increased significantly between 24 and 48 h. The results suggest that MBL synthesis in humans may be increased by thyroid hormone and GH, whereas it does not exhibit a classical IL‐6‐dependent response.
Acute haematogenous osteitis in childhood.

1 . Two hundred and twelve cases of acute haematogenous osteitis treated between 1936 and 1950 have been reviewed. 2. The cases are described in three groups: Group I—Seventy-five cases treated before the introduction of effective chemotherapy; Group II—Fifty-five cases treated with sulphathiazole and Group III—Eighty-two cases treated with penicillin. 3. The problems of penicillin therapy are discussed.
The Role of Generativity in the Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Behavior

Although research has theoretically and empirically linked corporate social responsibility (CSR) to consumer responses, understanding the different paths that link CSR to loyalty is still limited. A new pathway for this understanding comes from the idea that generative consumers, or those committed to the well-being of future generations, may be inclined to patronize companies engaged in CSR activities. This research addresses the question of how consumer generativity moderates the effect of CSR on consumer behavior through two studies. Study 1 shows how generativity influences purchase intention. Study 2 demonstrates that while a company’s commitment to CSR affects both generative and nongenerative consumers, the effect is greater for the former. This moderating role of generativity of the effect of CSR on purchase intention suggests the utility of considering generativity as a relevant consumer segmentation criterion.
Modeling the human face through multiple view three-dimensional stereopsis: a survey and comparative analysis of facial recognition over multiple modalities

The growing need for effective biometric identification is widely acknowledged. Identifying an individual from his or her face is one of the most non-intrusive modalities in biometrics. Major challenges to face recognition system robustness include illumination and pose variations. This work introduces foundational research addressing two-dimensional intensity, infrared, three-dimensional, and multi-modal face recognition. I contribute to the growing body of work surrounding face recognition by examining novel approaches to face recognition beyond the traditional, two-dimensional intensity modality. My infrared research made strides in overcoming the illumination challenge because this modality proved robust in the face of varied lighting conditions. Although infrared is invariant to changing lighting, infrared is not robust in the face of varying pose, it produced very low-resolution images with unreliable face registration when compared to their 2D intensity counterparts, and, in many cases, it would be cost-prohibitive. In looking to overcome these bottlenecks, 3D recognition was the next, logical step given that previous trials with the three-dimensional modality demonstrated that it provides greater accuracy than any of the two-dimensional modalities. However, available 3D state-of-the-art scanners such as the Minolta Vivid series prove cost-prohibitive, are fragile, require that a subject remain immobile for several seconds, and are generally too intrusive for many real-world acquisition scenes. These observations provided the motivation for a proposed three-dimensional recognition system that is built upon a two-dimensional framework. I extended my infrared research to consider a three-dimensional recognition system that had a two-dimensional foundation. This dissertation explores the possibility of using cost effective, flexible, accurate, and user friendly multiple-view stereo photogrammetry to reconstruct the three-dimensional shape of the human face for unproved recognition performance. Specifically, I developed a novel approach to face recognition that relies on 2D images to successfully reconstruct 3D shape of the human face. This approach ultimately outperforms 3D shape obtained from a commercial scanner. This is noteworthy given that our approach does not require strict calibration as in the case of the commercial 3D scanner. Also significant is the demonstrated flexibility of this system to successfully perform 3D recognition on a database acquired originally for 2D face recognition.
The menopausal transition--a possible window of vulnerability for eating pathology.

OBJECTIVE No published studies, to our knowledge, have examined the association of menopausal status with eating disorders and body image in women. We assessed these associations in a large sample of middle-aged women. METHOD We administered an anonymous questionnaire to a randomly selected nonclinical sample of women aged 40-60 in Innsbruck, Austria. The questionnaire covered demographic items, menopausal status, weight history, measures of body image, and current eating disorders as diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria. Using modified WHO criteria, we classified the respondents' current stage of menopausal transition as premenopausal (N = 192), perimenopausal (N = 110), or naturally postmenopausal (N = 134). In a separate analysis, we also examined the small group of women with surgically induced menopause (N = 12). RESULTS The three groups were similar in all demographic features except age, and did not differ significantly on current body mass index (BMI), weight-control behaviors, or dieting history after age adjustment. However, perimenopausal women reported a significantly greater prevalence of eating disorders as compared to premenopausal women. Perimenopausal women also reported significantly higher self-ratings of "feeling fat" and higher Body Shape Questionnaire scores than premenopausal women. Women with surgically induced menopause also showed an elevated prevalence of eating and body image pathology. DISCUSSION Our data suggest that the menopausal transition is associated with an increased prevalence of eating disorders and negative body image. Menopause, like puberty, may perhaps represent a window of vulnerability to these conditions, likely because of changes in hormonal function, body composition, and conceptions of womanhood.
Mental toughness in South African competitive tennis: Biographical and sport participation differences

The purpose of the present study was to determine the level of mental toughness (MT) of South African competitive tennis players as a function of ethnicity, sex, age, length of tennis participation, and competitive standard. Competitive tennis players, 191 males and 174 females, completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated statistically significant differences in MT based on age as well as length of tennis participation, but not as a function of the players’ ethnicity, sex, and competitive standard. Older age groups and athletes participating for longer periods of time tended to report higher levels of total MT, constancy, and control compared to the younger and less experienced age groups. Age and length of participation group differences between the older age (30–48 years and 49 years and older) and longer period of participation (16–25 years, 26–35 years, and 36 or more years) categories were not found for total MT, constancy, and control. The implications for the nature and development of MT in competitive tennis are discussed, with the need to consider personal and sport involvement characteristics, among other factors, when designing MT interventions that are appropriate for individual tennis players.