Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histories of Perceived Job Insecurity and Psychological Distress among Older U.S. Adults

Changes in the labor market and employment contracts over the past several decades and a recent global recession have increased the salience of perceived job insecurity as a risk factor for poor mental health. We use 25 years of prospective data from the Americans’ Changing Lives study to examine long-term histories of perceived job insecurity and their link to psychological distress. We build on the prior literature by using a much longer window of exposure and accounting for involuntary job losses over the lengthy observation period. We find that persistent perceived job insecurity is strongly and significantly associated with greater psychological distress among U.S. workers in the latter part of their careers. Moreover, considering histories of exposure reveals more nuance in the sociodemographic characteristics and employment interruptions that predict persistent or intermittent insecurity and that identify contemporary older workers at particular risk.
Impaired baroreflex sensitivity, carotid stiffness, and exaggerated exercise blood pressure: a community-based analysis from the Paris Prospective Study III

Aims People with exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) have adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Mechanisms are unknown but could be explained through impaired neural baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and/or large artery stiffness. This study aimed to determine the associations of carotid BRS and carotid stiffness with exaggerated exercise BP. Methods and results Blood pressure was recorded at rest and following an exercise step-test among 8976 adults aged 50 to 75 years from the Paris Prospective Study III. Resting carotid BRS (low frequency gain, from carotid distension rate, and heart rate) and stiffness were measured by high-precision echotracking. A systolic BP threshold of ≥ 150 mmHg defined exaggerated exercise BP and ≥140/90 mmHg defined resting hypertension (±antihypertensive treatment). Participants with exaggerated exercise BP had significantly lower BRS [median (Q1; Q3) 0.10 (0.06; 0.16) vs. 0.12 (0.08; 0.19) (ms2/mm) 2×108; P < 0.001] but higher stiffness [mean ± standard deviation (SD); 7.34 ± 1.37 vs. 6.76 ± 1.25 m/s; P < 0.001) compared to those with non-exaggerated exercise BP. However, only lower BRS (per 1SD decrement) was associated with exaggerated exercise BP among people without hypertension at rest {specifically among those with optimal BP; odds ratio (OR) 1.16 [95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 1.01; 1.33], P = 0.04 and high-normal BP; OR, 1.19 (95% CI 1.07; 1.32), P = 0.001} after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, resting heart rate, and antihypertensive medications. Conclusion Impaired BRS, but not carotid stiffness, is independently associated with exaggerated exercise BP even among those with well controlled resting BP. This indicates a potential pathway from depressed neural baroreflex function to abnormal exercise BP and clinical outcomes.
Exploring the associations shared by mood, pain-related attention and pain outcomes related to sleep disturbance in a chronic pain sample

Objective: Sleep disturbance in chronic pain is common, occurring in two-thirds of patients. There is a complex relationship between chronic pain and sleep; pain can disrupt sleep and poor sleep can exaggerate pain intensity. This may have an impact on both depressive symptoms and attention to pain. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between chronic pain and sleep, and the role of mood and attention. Methods: Chronic pain patients, recruited from a secondary care outpatient clinic, completed self-report measures of pain, sleep, depressive symptoms and attention to pain. Hierarchical regression and structural equation modelling were used to explore the relationships between these measures. Participants (n = 221) were aged between 20 and 84 (mean = 52) years. Results: The majority of participants were found to be ‘poor sleepers’ (86%) with increased pain severity, depressive symptoms and attention to pain. Both analytical approaches indicated that sleep disturbance is indirectly associated with increased pain severity Instead the relationship shared by sleep disturbance and pain severity was further associated with depressive symptoms and attention to pain. Conclusions: Our results indicate that sleep disturbance may contribute to clinical pain severity indirectly though changes in mood and attention. Prospective studies exploring lagged associations between these constructs could have critical information relevant to the treatment of chronic pain.
Separation of processing roughness from anatomical irregularities and fuzziness to evaluate the effect of grit size on sanded European oak

Sanded wood surfaces contain irregularities due to both the sanding process and the anatomy of the wood specimen. The anatomical roughness, which is independent of machining, must be excluded from any measured data of the surface if the processing roughness is to be properly evaluated. This paper investigates the effect of grit size on the processing roughness of sanded European oak (Quercus robur) as measured by modified standard roughness parameters. The processing roughness is separated from the wood anatomy and the fuzziness using a method based on thresholds defined in the Abbot-curve, developed in a doctoral study by Gurau (2004).
Variability and interaction of some egg physical and eggshell quality attributes during the entire laying hen cycle

&NA; The aim of this study was to investigate the variability and relationships between some egg physical (egg weight, width, length, shape index, and surface area) and eggshell parameters (weight and percentage, thickness, breaking strength, and L*, a*, and b* values) during the entire laying hen cycle. A total of 8,000 eggs was collected every 5 wk, from 30 to 81 wk of hen age (10 samplings of 400 eggs/house), in 2 identical poultry houses equipped with enriched cages. For the statistical analysis, ANOVA, Bivariate Correlation, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis were used. An increase of egg weight, length, and eggshell lightness (L*) associated with a reduction of eggshell percentage, breaking strength, and redness (a*) was observed as the hen aged (P < 0.05). Overall, the coefficients of variation resulted in <5% in width, length, shape index, and egg surface area; from 5 to 10% of egg weight, shell weight, shell percentage, shell thickness, L*, and b*; and >10% of eggshell breaking strength and a*. According to the PCA, the highest changes during the laying cycle are related to egg physical parameters (32%) and to eggshell breaking strength, percentage, and thickness (26%). The egg physical parameters appeared to be strongly correlated to each other, whereas a slight correlation between eggshell breaking strength and color attributes were evidenced (‐0.231 and 0.289, respectively, for L* and a*; P < 0.01). Hierarchical cluster analysis, based on principal components of the overall egg attributes, is hereby considered, and evidenced dissimilarities for eggs laid from peak production up for 39 wk of hen age from the eggs laid afterwards. The latter group could also be divided into 2 subgroups, one comprising eggs laid from 44 and 53 wk of hen age and the other from 58 wk to the end. In conclusion, the large dataset created in this study allowed to extrapolate some robust information regarding the variability and correlations of the egg physical and eggshell quality attributes throughout the entire laying hen cycle.
Otago Exercise Program in the United States: Comparison of 2 Implementation Models

Background The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is an evidence-based fall prevention program delivered by a physical therapist in 6 visits over a year. Despite documented effectiveness, there has been limited adoption of the OEP by physical therapists in the United States. To facilitate dissemination, 2 models have been developed: (1) the US OEP provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the home or outpatient setting and (2) the community OEP provided by a non–physical therapist and a physical therapist consultant. It is unknown whether such modifications result in similar outcomes. Objective The aims of this study were to identify the components of these 2 models, to compare participant characteristics for those components reached by each model, and to examine outcome changes by model and between models. Design This was a translational cohort study with physical therapists implementing the US OEP and trained providers implementing the community OEP. Methods Data for physical performance, sociodemographic characteristics, and self-perception of function were collected at baseline and at 8 weeks. Results Participants in the community OEP were significantly younger and reported more falls compared with those in US OEP. Both sites reported significant improvements in most physical and self-reported measures of function, with larger effect sizes reported by the community OEP for the Timed “Up & Go” Test. There was no significant difference in improvements in outcome measures between sites. Limitations This was an evaluation of a translational research project with limited control over delivery processes. The sample was 96% white, which may limit application to a more diverse population. Conclusion Alternative, less expensive implementation models of the OEP can achieve results similar to those achieved with traditional methods, especially improvements in Timed “Up & Go” Test scores. The data suggest that the action of doing the exercises may be the essential element of the OEP, providing opportunities to develop and test new delivery models to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved by participants.
MicroRNAs in Peripheral Mononuclear Cells as Potential Biomarkers in Hypertensive Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate gene expression and play an important role in ventricular and vascular remodeling. However, there are limited data regarding their role in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to assess gene expression of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-21, miR-208b, miR-499, and miR-26b in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in hypertensive patients with HFpEF and to evaluate their association with their exercise capacity. METHODS We included 56 hypertensive patients with HFpEF (age 67.29 ± 7.75 years). Forty-two hypertensive patients without HFpEF (age 66.83 ± 7.17 years) served as controls. All subjects underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPXT). PBMCs were isolated and levels of miRs were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS For hypertensive patients with HFpEF, higher expression levels in PBMCs were found only for miR-26b (7.6 ± 7.3 vs. 4.0 ± 3.6, P = 0.002), miR-208b (28.8 ± 35.3 vs. 7.5 ± 13.3, P < 0.001), and miR-499 (14.2 ± 22.4 versus 3.5 ± 2.9, P = 0.001). The strongest correlations with CPXT parameters were found for miR-208b levels, which had a positive correlation with maximal oxygen uptake (peakVO2) (r = 0.671, P < 0.001), exercise duration (r = 0.445, P = 0.001), and minute ventilation-carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2) (r = 0.437, P = 0.001) in the HFpEF group. CONCLUSIONS miR-26b, miR-208b, and miR-499 show a distinct in profile in hypertensive patients with HFpEF that is related with functional capacity. Further studies are needed to assess the role of miRs as prognostic tools or as therapeutic targets in those patients.
Variability and trends in Southern Ocean eddy activity in 1/12° ocean model simulations

The response of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) to the strengthening of Southern Hemisphere winds occurring since the 1950s is investigated with a global ocean model having a resolution of 1/12° in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current domain. The simulations expose regional differences in the relative importance of stochastic and wind‐related contributions to interannual EKE changes. In the Pacific and Indian sectors the model captures the EKE variability observed since 1993 and confirms previous hypotheses of a lagged response to regional wind stress anomalies. Here the multidecadal trend in wind stress is reflected in an increase in EKE typically exceeding 5 cm2 s−2 decade−1. In the western Atlantic, EKE variability is mostly stochastic, is weakly correlated with wind fluctuations, and its multidecadal trends are close to zero. The nonuniform distribution of wind‐related changes in the eddy activity could affect the regional patterns of ocean circulation and biogeochemical responses to future climate change.
Beams loaded perpendicular to grain by connections

This contribution addresses the following issues regarding splitting: - Is the splitting strength dependent on the connection width along the grain when laterally loaded dowel-type fasteners are applied? - Is the Eurocode 5 model valid for axially loaded screws? - Is the Eurocode 5 model safe for multiple connections along the span?
Analysis of re-sequencing buffer overflow probability based on stochastic delay characteristics

With the development of multi-interface terminals, a host can connect to the Internet simultaneously by multiple access technologies. Under multi-access technology, a multi-path transmission can obtain high throughput, increased available bandwidth and enhanced reliability. However, the multi-path transmission with multi-access technology also has the problems that the packet re-ordering is unavoidable, and the fast retransmission is unnecessarily requested. Considering the stochastically varying transmission delay, the problems above may eventually result in a degradation of throughput. As a result, in this paper, we focus on the analysis of buffer overflow probability problem which is influenced by the transmission interval. First, we utilize Reinforcement Learning method to estimate the stochastic delay of end-to-end paths. Then, we discuss problems of re-sequencing buffer occupancy distribution and the overflow probability. In this paper, we model the stochastic delay as a continuous random variable, and then, discuss its mean value and variance. Simulation result shows that the re-sequencing buffer overflow probability is influenced by the transmission intervals and the variance of stochastic delay.
MASS AND RADIUS DETERMINATIONS FOR FIVE TRANSITING M-DWARF STARS

We have derived masses and radii for both components in five short-period single-lined eclipsing binary stars discovered by the TrES wide-angle photometric survey for transiting planets. All these systems consist of a visible F-star primary and an unseen M-star secondary (MA ⩾ 0.8 M☉, MB ⩽ 0.45 M☉). The spectroscopic orbital solution combined with a high-precision transit light curve for each system gives sufficient information to calculate the density of the primary star and the surface gravity of the secondary. The masses of the primary stars were obtained using stellar evolution models, which requires accurate determinations of metallicities and effective temperatures. In our case, the uncertainty in the metallicity of the primary stars is the most important limiting factor in order to obtain accurate results for the masses and radii of the unseen M-dwarf secondaries. The solutions were compared with results obtained by calculating the radius of the primary stars under the assumption of rotational synchronization with the orbital period and alignment between their spin axis and the axis of the orbit, using the observed broadening of the spectral lines as an indicator of stellar rotation. Four systems show an acceptable match between the two sets of results when their metallicity is allowed to vary around solar values (−0.5 ⩽ [Fe/H] ⩽ +0.5), but one system shows a clear mismatch between the two solutions, which may indicate the absence of synchronization or a misalignment between the rotational and orbital axis. When compared to low-mass stellar evolution models, the derived masses and radii of the unseen M dwarfs are inconsistent (three only marginally) with the predicted values, with all of the radii being larger than expected for their masses. These results confirm the discrepancy shown in a previous work between the predicted and observed radii on low-mass binary stars. This work also shows that reliance on the assumption of synchronization to derive the mass and radius of stars in eclipsing single-lined F+M binaries is a useful tool, but may not always be warranted and should be carefully tested against stellar evolution models.
DIO2 Thr92Ala Reduces Deiodinase-2 Activity and Serum-T3 Levels in Thyroid-Deficient Patients

Context A substantial proportion of athyreotic levothyroxine (LT4)-treated patients experience hypothyroid-like symptoms. During LT4 replacement, levels of the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3) strictly depend on type 2-deiodinase (D2)-mediated activation of LT4. The Thr92Ala polymorphism and the 258 G/A in the DIO2 gene have been associated with various clinical conditions. Objectives To investigate the effects of DIO2 polymorphisms in thyroid hormone homeostasis. Design We compared the presurgical hormonal status of thyroidectomized LT4-treated patients who had a similar thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level with their postsurgery status and analyzed their DIO2 genotype in a subgroup of 102/140 (72.8%) of patients. We measured the enzymatic properties of Thr92Ala in living cells and in relevant generated mouse models. Subjects and methods A total of 140 thyroidectomized subjects were included. Serum free T3 (FT3), free thyroxine, and TSH levels were directly measured. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were performed for D2 protein. Results The DIO2 genotyping revealed an association between low FT3 values and Thr92Ala. Specifically, the mean postsurgery FT3 levels were significantly lower in patients carrying the mutated allele(s) than in wild-type patients, in whom FT3 postsurgical levels were similar to presurgery levels. The -258 G/A variation was not associated with hormonal alteration. We found that endogenous wild-type D2 and Thr92Ala share the same subcellular localization but differ in protein stability. Importantly, Thr92Ala reduced D2-mediated thyroxine to T3 conversion. Conclusions Thyroidectomized patients carrying Thr92Ala are at increased risk of reduced intracellular and serum T3 concentrations that are not adequately compensated for by LT4, thus providing evidence in favor of customized treatment of hypothyroidism in athyreotic patients.
A Decision for Predicting Successful Extubation of Patients in Intensive Care Unit

Approximately 40% of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) require mechanical ventilation. An accurate prediction of successful extubation in patients is a key clinical problem in ICU due to the fact that the successful extubation is highly associated with prolonged ICU stay. The prolonged ICU stay is also associated with increasing cost and mortality rate in healthcare system. This study is retrospective in the aspect of ICU. Hence, a total of 41 patients were selected from the largest academic medical center in Taiwan. Our experimental results show that predicting successful rate of 87.8% is obtained from the proposed predicting function. Based on several types of statistics analysis, including logistic regression analysis, discriminant analysis, and bootstrap method, three major successful extubation predictors, namely, rapid shallow breathing index, respiratory rate, and minute ventilation, are revealed. The prediction of successful extubation function is proposed for patients, ICU, physicians, and hospital for reference.
Hsp90 inhibitors block outgrowth of EBV-infected malignant cells in vitro and in vivo through an EBNA1-dependent mechanism

EBV causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with certain malignancies. EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) mediates EBV genome replication, partition, and transcription, and is essential for persistence of the viral genome in host cells. Here we demonstrate that Hsp90 inhibitors decrease EBNA1 expression and translation, and that this effect requires the Gly-Ala repeat domain of EBNA1. Hsp90 inhibitors induce the death of established, EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines at doses nontoxic to normal cells, and this effect is substantially reversed when lymphoblastoid cell lines are stably infected with a retrovirus expressing a functional EBNA1 mutant lacking the Gly-Ala repeats. Hsp90 inhibitors prevent EBV transformation of primary B cells, and strongly inhibit the growth of EBV-induced lymphoproliferative disease in SCID mice. These results suggest that Hsp90 inhibitors may be particularly effective for treating EBV-induced diseases requiring the continued presence of the viral genome.
Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: A Health Economic Evaluation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Lost productivity caused by insomnia is a common and costly problem for employers. Although evidence for the efficacy of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (iCBT-I) already exists, little is known about its economic effects. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of providing iCBT-I to symptomatic employees from the employer's perspective. METHODS School teachers (N = 128) with clinically significant insomnia symptoms and work-related rumination were randomized to guided iCBT-I or a waitlist-control-group, both with access to treatment as usual. Economic data were collected at baseline and 6-mo follow-up. We conducted (1) a cost-effectiveness analysis with treatment response (Reliable Change [decline of 5.01 points] and Insomnia Severity Index < 8 at 6-month follow-up) as the outcome and (2) a cost-benefit analysis. Because both analyses were performed from the employer's perspective, we focused specifically on absenteeism and presenteeism costs. Statistical uncertainty was estimated using bootstrapping. RESULTS Assuming intervention costs of €200 ($245), cost-effectiveness analyses showed that at a willingness-to-pay of €0 for each positive treatment response, there is an 87% probability that the intervention is more cost effective than treatment as usual alone. Cost-benefit analyses led to a net benefit of €418 (95% confidence interval: -593.03 to 1,488.70) ($512) per participant and a return on investment of 208% (95% confidence interval: -296.52 to 744.35). The reduction in costs was mainly driven by the effects of the intervention on presenteeism and to a lesser degree by reduced absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS Focusing on sleep improvement using iCBT-I may be a cost-effective strategy in occupational health care. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION Title: Online Recovery Training for Better Sleep in Teachers with High Psychological Strain. German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS), URL: https://drks-neu.uniklinik-freiburg.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00004700. Identifier: DRKS00004700. COMMENTARY A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1767.
Supervised exercise training as an adjunct therapy for venous leg ulcers: a randomized controlled feasibility trial†

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are typically painful and heal slowly. Compression therapy offers high healing rates; however, improvements are not usually sustained. Exercise is a low‐cost, low‐risk and effective strategy for improving physical and mental health. Little is known about the feasibility and efficacy of supervised exercise training used in combination with compression therapy patients with VLUs.