Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Falls, fear of falling and falls risk in adults with cerebral palsy: A pilot observational study

Abstract Aims: To investigate the frequency and consequences of falls in a group of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore relationships between falls, falls risk, balance and fear of falling. In addition, this study will compare falls risk factors in those reporting falls and those not reporting falls. Method: Twenty-five ambulant community dwelling adults with CP (mean age 41 ± 9.3 years) participated in this pilot observational study. An evaluation of current mobility (walking speed), falls risk (Falls Risk for Older People – Community), balance (Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go) and fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale – International) was undertaken followed by prospective falls diary completion for 6 months. Major findings: Seventeen participants reported falls (range 1–75, mean 7.12 ± 18.5). Seven participants reported one fall, six participants reported two or three, and the remaining four reported more. Most falls (176 in total) resulted in no (122) or minor injury (37). One fall-related fracture occurred. Fear of falling and falls risk did not differ between those who fell and those who did not fall (p > 0.05). Fear of falling was correlated with walking speed (r = − 0.511, p = 0.009) and Timed Up and Go performance (r = 0.493, p = 0.012). Principal conclusion: Some adults with CP may experience falls with elevated falls risk and adverse consequences. Current falls risk measures may have limited capacity to identify falls risk in adults with CP.
Calcium-mediated structural changes of native nuclear pore complexes monitored by time-lapse atomic force microscopy.

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are large macromolecular assemblies embedded in the double membrane nuclear envelope. They are the major gateways mediating transport of ions, small molecules, proteins, RNAs, and ribonucleoprotein particles in and out of the nucleus in interphase cells. Understanding structural changes at the level of individual pores will be a prerequisite to eventually correlate the molecular architecture of the NPC with its distinct functional states during nucleocytoplasmic transport. Toward this goal, we have employed time-lapse atomic force microscopy of native NPCs kept in buffer, and recorded calcium-mediated structural changes such as the opening (i.e. +Ca2+) and closing (i.e. -Ca2+) of individual nuclear baskets. Most likely, this structural change of the nuclear basket involves its distal ring which may act as an iris-like diaphragm. In order to directly correlate distinct structural features with corresponding functional states and dynamic aspects, we also addressed the question of whether the "central plug" or "transporter" actually represents a calcium-sensitive component of the NPC involved in mediating nucleocytoplasmic transport. Our data indicate that in the absence of ATP, cytoplasmic plugging/unplugging of the NPC is insensitive to calcium.
Factors Affecting the Designation of Cerebrovascular Diseases as Work-Related in Administrative Litigation

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that could be used as standardized criteria for evaluating occupational diseases in initial assessments or requests for examination. Using 100 administrative litigation cases on the work-relatedness of cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) by the Seoul Branch of the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC) from 1997 to 2002, we estimated the relationship between the investigated variables and designation of the work-relatedness of the CVD. As for the age, the odds ratio of the acceptance rate of a case as work-related in subjects over 60 yr of age was 0.08 (95% CI, 0.01-0.75), which was compared to subjects under 30 yr of age. Regarding working hours, the odds ratio of the acceptance rate of a case as work-related in CVDs in those over 56 hr was 9.50 (95% CI, 1.92-47.10) when compared to those less than 56 hr. As for the benefit type, the odds ratio of the acceptance rate of a case as work-related in medical benefits was 5.74 (95% CI, 1.29-25.54), compared to survivor benefits. As for the criteria for defining situations as work overload, the odds ratio of the acceptance rate of a case as work-related in injured workers was 12.06 (95% CI, 3.12-46.62), compared to that in non-injured workers. Our findings show that the criteria for defining situations of work overload played an important role in assessing the work-relatedness of CVDs in administrative litigation, and it is necessary to make the scientific evidence on judgement of work-relatedness on overwork.
Validation of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer cervical cancer module for Chinese patients with cervical cancer

Purpose The aim of our study was to assess, for the first time, the validity, reliability, and acceptability of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life questionnaire (QLQ) cervical cancer module (CX24) in Chinese cervical cancer patients. Patients and methods One hundred fifteen outpatients with cervical cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from May 2013 to July 2013 were included in this study. All participants self-administered the EORTC QLQ-CX24 and the core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the Karnofsky Performance Scale was performed to evaluate scores. Data were analyzed with Cronbach’s α coefficient, Pearson correlation test, multitrait scaling analysis, and Mann–Whitney U test. Results Scale reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s α coefficients for internal consistency, which ranged from 0.71 to 0.82. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed by multitrait scaling analysis, which revealed three (3.4%) scaling errors for symptom experience scales and zero (0%) for body image as well as sexual/vaginal functioning scales. Higher missing value rate occurred in sexuality-related items. The clinical validity of the Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-CX24 was demonstrated by the ability to discriminate among patients in different International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages. Conclusion The EORTC QLQ-CX24 was proved to be a reliable and valid instrument with which to measure the quality of life in cervical cancer patients in the People’s Republic of China.
Emotional processing in psychopathic personality

Emotional-processing deficits may be one of the characteristic features of impaired affect in individuals with psychopathy. These include shallowness and profound lack of remorse or empathy. Performances on standardized emotion discrimination tasks and mood induction tasks were compared between 17 patients with antisocial personality disorder (DSM-IV) and 17 nonpsychopaths. Subjects with psychopathic personality demonstrated poorer performance on emotion-discrimination tasks compared with controls. However, higher scores on factor “emotional detachment” of the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R) were associated with better discrimination ability. Subjective ratings were comparable between groups during mood induction. Although the findings support the hypothesis of a significant association between impaired emotional processing and psychopathy, they also suggest a relationship between emotional discrimination and the core personality features of psychopathy. Aggr. Behav. 28:394–400, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The independent relationships of objective and subjective workload with couples’ mood

Mood signifies general well-being and a positive mood benefits self, one’s spouse and the family unit. Dual-earner couples are particularly susceptible to spillover and crossover of mood. A lack of studies on the relationship between workload and mood and the repeated calls for more couple-level research served as the primary impetus for this study. Using data from 629 couples, we examined the relationship between objective (i.e. hours of paid work) and subjective (i.e. time pressure) workload on 1) one’s own (positive and negative) mood, 2) spouse’s mood, and 3) mood at the couple level. Results of two-level regression analyses indicated that subjective workload was positively related to negative mood. In contrast, objective workload was related to decreased negative mood and to increased positive mood. In addition to support for spillover effect, results supported one crossover effect, such that wives of husbands who devote more hours to paid work reported higher levels of negative mood, even as the husbands themselves reported lower levels of negative mood. Implications of results are discussed.
Environmental Consciousness ( “ Going Green ” )

The purpose of our study is to test the robustness of innovation theory. Today, many companies are ‘going green’ to respond to the demand from government, consumers, and general public and also to improve competitiveness. To investigate if information technology (IT) innovators achieve competitive advantage even after going green, we first selected IT innovators using the most recent Information Week 500 annual data sets and then selected companies that are environmentally conscientious (green). Using ‘matched sample comparison group’ methodology, we compared green IT innovators’ performance against their industry average performance and also with performance of green IT followers that are going green but not IT innovators. We found that performance of green IT innovators was significantly better than their industry benchmark firms and also green IT followers.
TET1 inhibits cell proliferation by inducing RASSF5 expression

Tet methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) catalyze the oxidative reactions of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). However, TET1 roles in ovarian cancer cell growth are unknown. Here, we show that ectopic expression of TET1 increased 5hmC levels, and inhibited proliferation and colony formation in ovarian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo functional studies demonstrated that TET1 overexpression is necessary for the suppression of ovarian cancer growth, whereas depletion of TET1 expression had the opposite effect. Furthermore, the results of RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses identified a tumor suppressor, Ras association domain family member 5 (RASSF5), as the key downstream target of TET1. TET1 promotes RASSF5 expression by demethylating a CpG site within RASSF5 promoter. Up-regulated RASSF5 expression leads to the suppression of ovarian cancer cells growth. Additionally, we demonstrated that inhibition of CUL4-DDB1 ubiquitin ligase complex decrease 5hmC levels in ovarian cancer cells. These results provide new insights into the understanding of how ovarian cancers develop and grow, and identify TET1 as a key player in this process.
The Use of Spray-Dried Mn3O4/C Composites as Electrocatalysts for Li–O2 Batteries

The electrocatalytic activities of Mn3O4/C composites are studied in lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries as cathode catalysts. The Mn3O4/C composites are fabricated using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) with organic surfactants as the carbon sources. The physical and electrochemical performance of the composites is characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurements, elemental analysis, galvanostatic charge–discharge methods and rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) measurements. The electrochemical tests demonstrate that the Mn3O4/C composite that is prepared using Trition X-114 (TX114) surfactant has higher activity as a bi-functional catalyst and delivers better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic performance in Li–O2 batteries because there is a larger surface area and particles are homogeneous with a meso/macro porous structure. The rate constant (kf) for the production of superoxide radical (O2•−) and the propylene carbonate (PC)-electrolyte decomposition rate constant (k) for M3O4/C and Super P electrodes are measured using RRDE experiments and analysis in the 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6)/PC electrolyte. The results show that TX114 has higher electrocatalytic activity for the first step of ORR to generate O2•− and produces a faster PC-electrolyte decomposition rate.
Determinants of Candidate Selection

The purpose of this article is to examine whether party characteristics and contextual variables explain varying degrees of centralization of intra-partisan candidate selection methods. By means of statistical analyses and a larger dataset than in earlier studies, possible associations are studied. In order to carry out the study, an index of the degree of centralization is constructed. Of the party characteristics, only party size affects the dependent variable: large parties tend to apply more centralized selection methods than small parties. None of the institutional variables determines the degree of centralization of candidate selection. For instance, earlier assertions about the importance of the electoral system and territorial organization are falsified. However, some distinct regional patterns emerge: Southern European parties apply centralized selection methods, whereas candidate selection in Nordic countries is decentralized.
Prevalence of Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients with Aortic Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies have suggested an association between aortic aneurysms and intracranial aneurysms with a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in patients with aortic aneurysms. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the incidence of intracranial aneurysms in a large cohort of patients with aortic aneurysms and to identify potential risk factors for intracranial aneurysms in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all patients with aortic aneurysms (either abdominal and/or thoracic) who had available cerebral arterial imaging and were seen at our institution during a 15-year period. We identified patients with intracranial aneurysms. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and aortic aneurysm and intracranial aneurysm sizes and locations were analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed with a χ2 test for categoric variables and a Student t test or ANOVA for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 1081 patients with aortic aneurysms were included. Of them, 440 (40.7%) had abdominal aortic aneurysms, 446 (41.3%) had thoracic aortic aneurysms, and 195 (18.0%) had both abdominal aortic and thoracic aortic aneurysms. The overall prevalence of associated intracranial aneurysms in patients with aortic aneurysms was 11.8% (128/1081), with 12.7% (56/440), 10.8% (48/446), and 12.3% (24/195), respectively, in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, thoracic aortic aneurysms, and both thoracic aortic aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Female patients had a higher risk of associated intracranial aneurysms (OR = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.49–3.03; P = .0002). There was a slight association between abdominal aortic aneurysm size and the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.03; P = .045). There was no significant association between the locations of the aortic and intracranial aneurysms (P = .93). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms is high in patients with aortic aneurysms. Further studies examining the role and cost-effectiveness of intracranial aneurysm screening in patients are warranted.
Parties as Teams and the Nomination of Legislative Candidates ∗ Preliminary and Incomplete

We develop a theory of candidate nomination processes predi cat upon the notion that members of the majority party in a legislature collaboratively influ ence policy. Because of this team aspect, a candidate’s party label matters for voters, in addition to h is own policy positions: For example, in a liberal district, electing even a liberal Republican may be unattractive for voters because it increases the chance that Republicans obtain the majority in Congress , thereby increasing the power of more conservative Republicans. We show that candidates may be un able to escape the burden of their party association, and that primary voters in both parties are lik ely to nominate extremist candidates. We also show that gerrymandering a ffects the equilibrium platforms not only in those districts t hat become more extreme, but also in those that ideologically do not change.
Hypertension in Obese Black Women is Not Caused by Increased Sympathetic Vascular Tone

Background Black women have one of the highest prevalence rates of hypertension and obesity in the United States. We previously reported that sympathetic activation induced by obesity is a significant contributor to hypertension in white patients. It is unknown whether sympathetic activity similarly contributes to hypertension in obese black women. Methods and Results We studied 42 obese women (16 white, body mass index 36±4 kg/m2, 44% with hypertension; 26 black, body mass index 35±4 kg/m2, 46% with hypertension). Antihypertensive medications were discontinued for 2 weeks before the day of the study. All patients underwent complete autonomic blockade with trimethaphan at a dosage of 4 mg/min. Resting sympathetic activity determined from muscle sympathetic nerve recordings was similar between obese black women with hypertension and those with normotension. In whites, sympathetic activity was elevated in obese patients with hypertension compared with normotension; the decrease in mean arterial blood pressure produced by trimethaphan was greater in obese white patients with hypertension compared with those with normotension (−26.8±9.7 mm Hg versus −14.8±7.9 mm Hg, P=0.02). In contrast, there was no difference in the depressor responses induced by trimethaphan between obese black women with hypertension and those with normotension (−15.5±10.5 mm Hg versus −12.3±10.2 mm Hg, P=0.45). Mean arterial blood pressure remained elevated in obese blacks with hypertension compared with those with normotension during trimethaphan infusion (83.7±15.0 mm Hg versus 71.7±9.8 mm Hg, P=0.02). Heart rate increased similarly with trimethaphan between white (P=0.11) and black (P=0.76) women with hypertension and normotension. Conclusions These findings suggest that sympathetic activity does not contribute to hypertension in obese black women and provide further evidence for racial differences in hypertension mechanisms.
A Multi-Site Study of Norovirus Molecular Epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand, 2013-2014

Background Norovirus (NoV) is the major cause of acute gastroenteritis across all age groups. In particular, variants of genogroup II, genotype 4 (GII.4) have been associated with epidemics globally, occurring approximately every three years. The pandemic GII.4 variant, Sydney 2012, was first reported in early 2012 and soon became the predominant circulating NoV strain globally. Despite its broad impact, both clinically and economically, our understanding of the fundamental diversity and mechanisms by which new NoV strains emerge remains limited. In this study, we describe the molecular epidemiological trends of NoV-associated acute gastroenteritis in Australia and New Zealand between January 2013 and June 2014. Methodology Overall, 647 NoV-positive clinical faecal samples from 409 outbreaks and 238 unlinked cases of acute gastroenteritis were examined by RT-PCR and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was then performed to identify NoV capsid genotypes and to establish the temporal dominance of circulating pandemic GII.4 variants. Recombinant viruses were also identified based on analysis of the ORF1/2 overlapping region. Findings Peaks in NoV activity were observed, however the timing of these epidemics varied between different regions. Overall, GII.4 NoVs were the dominant cause of both outbreaks and cases of NoV-associated acute gastroenteritis (63.1%, n = 408/647), with Sydney 2012 being the most common GII.4 variant identified (98.8%, n = 403/408). Of the 409 reported NoV outbreaks, aged-care facilities were the most common setting in both Western Australia (87%, n = 20/23) and New Zealand (58.1%, n = 200/344) while most of the NoV outbreaks were reported from hospitals (38%, n = 16/42) in New South Wales, Australia. An analysis of a subset of non-GII.4 viruses from all locations (125/239) showed the majority (56.8%, n = 71/125) were inter-genotype recombinants. These recombinants were surprisingly diverse and could be classified into 18 distinct recombinant types, with GII.P16/GII.13 (24% of recombinants) the most common. Conclusion This study revealed that following its emergence in 2012, GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant continued to be the predominant cause of NoV-associated acute gastroenteritis in Australia and New Zealand between 2013 and 2014.
Issues in Information Systems EXPLORING THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY , PLAYFULNESS , AND CREATIVE SELF-EFFICACY IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

In this paper we argue that successful information systems development requires creative problem solving skills, and present two cognitive factors, selfefficacy, and creative self-efficacy, and one affective factor, playfulness, as three key personal factors that aid creative problem solving during information systems development (ISD). A research model to support our argument is constructed synthesizing relevant literature from social cognitive theory, IS success, and software quality research streams. A proposed methodology to test the research model and the research implications are also presented.
International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCVIII. Histamine Receptors

Histamine is a developmentally highly conserved autacoid found in most vertebrate tissues. Its physiological functions are mediated by four 7-transmembrane G protein–coupled receptors (H1R, H2R, H3R, H4R) that are all targets of pharmacological intervention. The receptors display molecular heterogeneity and constitutive activity. H1R antagonists are long known antiallergic and sedating drugs, whereas the H2R was identified in the 1970s and led to the development of H2R-antagonists that revolutionized stomach ulcer treatment. The crystal structure of ligand-bound H1R has rendered it possible to design new ligands with novel properties. The H3R is an autoreceptor and heteroreceptor providing negative feedback on histaminergic and inhibition on other neurons. A block of these actions promotes waking. The H4R occurs on immuncompetent cells and the development of anti-inflammatory drugs is anticipated.
Tension free open inguinal hernia repair using an innovative self gripping semi-resorbable mesh

Aims: Inguinal hernia repair according to Lichtenstein technique has become the most common procedure performed by general surgeons. Heavy weight polypropylene meshes have been reported to stimulate inflammatory reaction responsible for mesh shrinkage when scar tissue evolved. Additionally, some concerns remain regarding the relationship between chronic pain and mesh fixation technique. In order to reduce those drawbacks, we have developed a new mesh for anterior tension free inguinal hernia repair which exhibits self-gripping absorbable properties. Materials and Methods: 52 patients (69 hernias) were prospectivly operated with this mesh (SOFRADIM-France) made of low-weight isoelastic large pores knitted fabric which incorporated resorbable micro hooks that provides self gripping properties to the mesh during the first months post-implantation. The fixation of the mesh onto the tissues is significantly facilitated. The mesh is secured around the cord with a self gripping flap. After complete tissular ingrowth and resorption of the PLA hooks, the low-weight (40 g/m2) polypropylene mesh insures the long term wall reinforcement. Results: Peroperativly, no complication was reported, the mesh was easy to handle and to fix. Discharge was obtained at Day 1. No perioperative complication occurred, return to daily activities was obtained at Day 5.5. At one month, no neurological pain or other complications were described. Conclusions: Based on the first results of this clinical study, this unique concept of low density self gripping mesh should allows an efficient treatment of inguinal hernia. It should reduce postoperative complications and the extent of required suture fixation, making the procedure more reproducible