Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in glutamatergic neurotransmission genes on neural response to alcohol cues and craving

The aim of the current study was to determine genotype effects of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes of the N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2C) and kainate receptor (GRIK1), which have been previously associated with alcoholism, on behavior, neural cue‐reactivity and drinking outcome. Eighty‐six abstinent alcohol dependent patients were recruited from an in‐patient setting. Neuropsychological tests, genotyping and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were used to study genotype effects. GRIN2C risk allele carriers displayed increased alcohol cue‐induced activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Neural activation in the ACC positively correlated with craving for alcohol (r = 0.201, P = 0.032), whereas activation in the dlPFC showed a negative association (r = −0.215, P = 0.023). In addition, dlPFC activation predicted time to first relapse (HR = 2.701, 95%CI 1.244–5.864, P = 0.012). GRIK1 risk allele carriers showed increased cue‐induced activation in the medial prefrontal (PFC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and in the lateral PFC and OFC. Activation in both clusters positively correlated with alcohol craving (rmedOFC, medPFC = 0.403, P = 0.001, rlatOFC, latPFC = 0.282, P = 0.008), and activation in the cluster that encompassed the medial OFC predicted time to first relapse (HR = 1.911, 95%CI 1.030–3.545, P = 0.040). Findings indicate that SNPs in the GRIN2C and GRIK1 genes are associated with altered cue‐induced brain activation that is related to craving for alcohol and relapse risk.
Morbidity After Flap Reconstruction of Hypopharyngeal Defects

Objectives: Laryngopharyngeal reconstruction continues to challenge in terms of operative morbidity and optimal functional results. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether complications can be predicted on the basis of reconstruction in patients undergoing pharyngectomy for tumors involving the hypopharynx. In addition, we detail a reconstructive algorithm for management of partial and total laryngopharyngectomy defects.
Performance Measurement in Global Product Development

An organisation looking to form collaborations across borders is a consequence of an increasingly competitive world market. Recent studies highlighted key challenges and success factors organisationâs face when globalising stages of product development. To optimize performance along these factors there is a requirement for the process to be monitored and measured relative to the business strategy of an organisation. It was found that performance measurement is a process that helps achieve sustainable business success, encouraging a learning culture within organisations. To this day, much of the research into how performance is measured has focussed on the process of product development. However, exploration of performance measurement related to global product development is relatively unexplored and a need for further research is evident. This paper contributes towards understanding how performance is measured in global product development. More specifically, results from a survey and interviews highlight a need for further development in current performance measurement frameworks used in product development to facilitate the key factors and metrics in global product development.
Collective Efficacy, Family Attachment, and Urban Adolescent Suicide Attempts

The suicide rate among American adolescents between the ages of 14–25 has dramatically increased during the last 50 years, and this fact has been the focus of extensive social-scientific investigation. To date, however, research focusing on the joint effects of mental health, family, and contextual-level predictors on adolescents’ suicidal behaviors is scarce. Drawing on Durkheim’s classic macro-level approach to suicide and collective efficacy theory, we use data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) to examine the effect of informal social controls on adolescents’ suicide attempts. Analyzing reports from 990 youth, we examine the hypothesis that neighborhood-level collective efficacy and family-level integration and social control independently affect suicide attempts. We also examine the extent to which they interact in their effects on suicidal behavior. Overall, results from multilevel logit models support the Durkheimian expectation that family attachment reduces the probability that adolescents will attempt suicide. The effect of collective efficacy is interactive in nature. Specifically, we find that collective efficacy significantly enhances the protective effect of family attachment and support on adolescent suicidal behaviors. We discuss findings within the context of social control theory.
Active Renal Secretion of NXY‐059, a Novel Neuroprotectant, Is Mediated via an Organic Acid Transporter

N (disufenton sodium) is a novel, freeradical–trapping neuroprotectant, which, until recently, was in clinical development for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke based on effects seen in experimental animal models. Phase 1 studies in healthy subjects receiving intravenous (iv) infusions of NXY-059 demonstrated that it is mainly eliminated unchanged by renal excretion. Furthermore, these data indicated that passive tubular reabsorption of NXY-059 does not occur because renal clearance (CLR) was insensitive to changes in pH and urine flow rate. Analysis of CLR data indicated that approximately 30% of renal elimination is a result of active secretion in the kidney. A study undertaken in subjects with renal impairment indicated that plasma clearance of NXY-059 correlated highly to kidney function measured as glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The study concluded that the contribution of nonrenal clearance to the overall clearance of NXY-059 was negligible. The purpose of this study was to further characterize the active renal excretion of NXY-059. NXY-059 is a disulfonate salt with both of its pKa values less than 2. At physiological pH of the blood, most of NXY-059 will exist in the unprotonated form and will be ionized as an acid. Therefore, NXY-059 would be a likely candidate for secretion by an active (carrier-mediated and energy-dependent) organic acid transport system. However, because the N-oxide moiety of NXY-059 also carries a partial positive charge, the possibility also exists that NXY-059 could be secreted by an active transporter for organic bases. Probenecid and cimetidine were used as model inhibitors in this study to further characterize the renal excretory mechanisms of NXY-059 because these drugs are known to be inhibitors of renal systems that transport organic acids and bases, respectively. In addition, inulin was used for monitoring GFR during the study.
portable system for monitoring the behavioral activity of Drosophila mer

We describe a low-cost system for monitoring the behavioral activity of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. The system is readily adaptable to one or more cameras for simultaneous recordings of behavior from different angles and can be used for monitoring multiple individuals in a population at the ccepted 25 August 2011
Multidisciplinary Assessment of 100 Athletes With Groin Pain Using the Doha Agreement: High Prevalence of Adductor-Related Groin Pain in Conjunction With Multiple Causes

Objective: To examine the prevalence of different causes of groin pain in athletes using the recent Doha consensus classification of terminology and definitions of groin pain in athletes. Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Setting: Multidisciplinary sports groin pain clinic at Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar. Patients: The clinical records of 100 consecutive athletes with complaints of groin pain who attended the multidisciplinary sports groin pain clinic between January and December 2014 were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: The causes of groin pain were categorized according to terminology and definitions agreed upon at the Doha consensus meeting on groin pain classification in athletes. The classification system has 3 main subheadings; defined clinical entities for groin pain (adductor-related, iliopsoas-related, inguinal-related, and pubic-related groin pain), hip-related groin pain, and other causes of groin pain in athletes. Results: The majority of athletes were male (98%) soccer players (60%). Multiple causes for groin pain were found in 44% of the athletes. Adductor-related groin pain was the most prevalent defined clinical entity (61% of athletes), and pubic-related groin pain was the least prevalent (4% of athletes). Conclusions: Adductor-related groin pain is the most commonly occurring clinical entity in this athlete population in mainly kicking and change of direction sports and frequently, multiple causes are found. Clinical Relevance: This is the first study to use the Doha agreement classification system and highlights the prevalence of adductor-related groin pain and that often multiple clinical entities contribute to an athlete's groin pain. Consequently, prevention programs should be implemented with these factors in mind.
Cultural Differences, Synergies and Mergers and Acquisitions

I use textual analysis of 10-K forms to develop an estimate of the differences in corporate cultures of the combining firms, and find that greater cultural differences between the combining firms lead to higher synergistic gains in mergers. The effect of cultural differences on acquisition synergy remain even after controlling for selection bias and known synergy factors. Cultural differences are associated with synergies only when the acquirer has a stronger culture than its target, and the synergy gains concentrate among deals where the acquirer’s values are not antagonistic to the target’s. Further analysis of profitability and productivity (measured as earnings per employee) before and after the acquisition transaction corroborates these findings. Overall, the evidence suggests that differences in corporate culture are an important driver of announcement returns in mergers and acquisitions.
Antinociceptive properties of the new alkaloid, cis-8, 10-di-N-propyllobelidiol hydrochloride dihydrate isolated from Siphocampylus verticillatus: evidence for the mechanism of action.

The antinociceptive action of the alkaloid cis-8, 10-di-n-propyllobelidiol hydrochloride dehydrate (DPHD), isolated from Siphocampylus verticillatus, given i.p., p.o. , i.t. , or i.c. v. , was assessed in chemical and thermal models of nociception in mice, such as acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, formalin- and capsaicin-induced licking, and hot-plate and tail-flick tests. DPHD given by i.p., p.o. , i.t. , or i.c. v. elicited significant and dose-related antinociception. At the ID50 level, DPHD was about 2- to 39-fold more potent than aspirin and dipyrone, but it was about 14- to 119-fold less potent than morphine. Its analgesic action was reversed by treatment of animals with p-chlorophenylalanine, naloxone, cyprodime, naltrindole, nor-binaltrorphimine, L-arginine, or pertussis toxin. Its action was also modulated by adrenal-gland hormones but was not affected by gamma-aminobutyric acid type A or type B antagonist, bicuculine, or phaclofen, nor was it affected by glibenclamide. DPHD, given daily for up to 7 days, did not develop tolerance to itself nor did it induce cross-tolerance to morphine. However, animals rendered tolerant to morphine presented cross-tolerance to DPHD. The antinociception of DPHD was not secondary to its anti-inflammatory effect, nor was it associated with nonspecific effects such as muscle relaxation or sedation. DPHD, in contrast to morphine, did not decrease charcoal meal transit in mice, nor did it inhibit electrical field stimulation of the guinea pig ileum or mouse vas deferens in vitro. Thus, DPHD produces dose-dependent and pronounced systemic, spinal, and supraspinal antinociception in mice, including against the neurogenic nociception induced by formalin and capsaicin. Its antinociceptive effect involves multiple mechanisms of action, namely interaction with mu, delta, or kappa opioid systems, L-arginine-nitric oxide and serotonin pathways, activation of Gi protein sensitive to pertussis toxin, and modulation by endogenous glucocorticoids.
Do home-based micro-entrepreneurial earnings empower rural women? Evidence from the handloom sector in Assam

Access to income through home-based activities is important for empowering disadvantaged groups of society, especially women. The present paper seeks to analyze the extent of empowerment of women engaged in the handloom sector in Assam in North Eastern India. Our study refines five empowerment indicators of economic, social, and cultural relevance, such as decision-making ability, freedom of movement, ownership of assets and income, male preference, and domestic violence. This is based on primary survey data collected from 328 married women from six districts of Assam to examine how engagement in handloom activities empowers them. Results indicate the existence of spatial variations as well as gaps in women’s empowerment. The parsimonious regression results show that age, educational attainment, income from handloom activities, and government support have had positive influences. Engagement in the handloom activities improves intra-household power relations significantly in favor of women and thereby reduces preference for males and domestic violence. The study urges that there should be better policies to facilitate women in accessing productive resources, especially financial ones. Micro-finance institutions can be encouraged to promote women’s active participation in home-based activities, which in turn should improve the overall empowerment of women.
Gain clamping in two-stage L-band EDFA using a broadband FBG

A gain-clamped long wavelength band erbium-doped fiber amplifier (L-band EDFA) with an improved gain characteristic is demonstrated by simply adding a broadband conventional band (C-band) fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in a two-stage amplifier system. The FBG reflects backward C-band amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) from the second stage back into the system to clamp the gain. The gain is clamped at about 22.4 dB with a gain variation below 0.4 dB for input signal powers of -40 to -15 dBm. Compared with an unclamped amplifier of similar noise figure values, the small signal gain has improved by 2.4 dB due to the FBG which blocks the backward propagating ASE. At wavelengths from 1570 to 1600 nm, gain of the clamped amplifier varies from 19.4 to 26.7 dB. The corresponding noise figure varies by /spl plusmn/0.35 dB around 5 dB, which is not much different compared to that of the unclamped amplifier.
Low Risk Anomalies?

This paper shows that low risk anomalies in the CAPM and in traditional factor models arise when investors require compensation for coskewness risk. Empirically, we find that option-implied ex-ante skewness is strongly related to ex-post residual coskewness, which allows us to construct coskewness factor mimicking portfolios. Controlling for skewness renders the alphas of betting-against-beta and -volatility insignificant. We also show that the returns of beta- and volatility-sorted portfolios are largely driven by a single principal component, which is in turn largely explained by skewness.
An Exploratory Study of Sleep Quality, Daytime Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support

Purpose: To identify and describe: (1) characteristics of sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and quality of life (QOL) pre and post implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD); (2) changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and QOL at baseline and 6 months post implant; and (3) relationships among the sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and QOL variables. Methods: We employed an exploratory research design. Fifteen patients with continuous/non-pulsatile flow LVAD consented to partake in the study. However, only 12 patients completed the baseline and 6-month post-LVAD implant data. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) to measure study variables. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 19.0 software. Results: Patients reported worse sleep quality accompanied by daytime sleepiness particularly at baseline, and persisting up to 6 months post LVAD implant. A significant improvement in QOL was observed at 6 months post implant, but remained at poor levels. Correlations among sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction components of PSQI and global daytime sleepiness (ESS) with QOL were strong (Pearson's correlations r>.60; p values <.05). Conclusions: We report the first empirical data describing the characteristics and correlations among sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and QOL in patients with LVADs. Our findings offer beginning evidence about the sleep-QOL connection in this population which warrants attention in clinical practice and research. Further research is required to clearly elucidate these phenomena in patients with mechanical circulatory support and other implantable artificial organs.
Significance of Some Trace Elements in Semen of Infertile Men

Objectives: The biological significance of trace elements in male infertility was studied. Levels of Zinc, Copper, Iron and Magnesium in the seminal plasma of infertile men and controls were measured. The relationships between these elements, seminal characteristics, and serum reproductive male hormones were explored. Patients and Methods: Seventy two infertile men on no treatment were selected from the central infertility center, Al Shifa hospital, Gaza, Palestine were studied and 72 known fertile males were used as controls. Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO criteria and seminal plasma trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum hormonal levels were measured by conventional methods. Results: The mean values of Zinc and Magnesium were significantly lower in infertile men than controls (69 vs. 122 mg/L and 67 vs 120 mg/L) respectively. All studied seminal parameters (sperm count, forward motility, weak motile and non-motile) were significantly lower in the infertile group than in controls. Serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone were significantly lower in the infertile group than in controls (p<0.05). No significant difference in serum follicle stimulating hormone levels was detected between groups. Within the infertile group, seminal plasma Zinc and Magnesium levels correlated directly to the sperm count (r=0.376, P=0.001 and r=0.293, P=0.013 respectively), and testosterone (r=0.293, P=0.012 and r=0.324, P=0.003 respectively). Zinc and Magnesium were inversely related to the seminal volume (r=-0.251, P=0.034 and r=-0.369 P=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Our findings supports possible role for Zinc and Magnesium in spermatogenesisand steroidogenesisKey words: Trace elements, Male Infertility, Semen Composition, Key words: Trace elements, Male Infertility, Semen Composition
Feeling low, thinking slow? Associations between situational cues, mood and cognitive function

ABSTRACT Within-person changes in mood, which are triggered by situational cues, for example someone’s location or company, are thought to affect contemporaneous cognitive function. To test this hypothesis, data were collected over 6 months with the smartphone application (app) moo-Q that prompted users at random times to rate their mood and complete 3 short cognitive tests. Out of 24,313 people across 154 countries, who downloaded the app, 770 participants submitted 10 or more valid moo-Q responses (mean = 23; SD = 18; range 10–207). Confirming previous research, consistent patterns of association emerged for 6 different situation cues with mood and cognitive function: For example, being alone rather than with others when completing the app resulted in worse mood but better cognitive task performance. Notwithstanding, changes in mood and cognitive function were not coupled. The advantages and challenges of using smartphone technology for studying mood and cognitive function are discussed.
Too good to be true: the role of online reviews’ features in probability to buy

Online consumer reviews are broadly believed to be a necessary and powerful marketing tool, and as such they have attracted considerable attention from both marketers and academics. However, previous research has not sufficiently focused on the effects of various review features on sales but rather used proxy measures such as consumers’ purchase intention or perceived helpfulness of reviews. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of review valence and volume on actual sales. We use data from three different e-commerce websites and study light bulbs, women's athletic shoes, natural hair care products, and herbal vitamins. The results show that, contrary to popular belief, more positive ratings do not simply result in higher sales. We find that the effect can be nonlinear, where the probability of purchase increases with rating to about 4.2–4.5 stars, but then decreases. Also, although the majority of extant research suggests that larger numbers of reviews bring more positive outcomes, we show that it is not always the case.
HLA‐DQ molecules and the control of Mycobacterium leprae‐specific T cell nonresponsiveness in lepromatous leprosy patients

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) controls of the outcome of the immune response to T cell‐dependent antigens by dictating whether T cell responsiveness will result (MHC‐immune response [Ir] genes) or alternatively T cell nonresponsiveness will occur, possibly through the activation of suppressor cells (MHC‐immune suppression [Is] genes).
Alternans and Arrhythmias: From Cell to Heart

The goal of systems biology is to relate events at the molecular level to more integrated scales from organelle to cell, tissue, and living organism. Here, we review how normal and abnormal excitation–contraction coupling properties emerge from the protein scale, where behaviors are dominated by randomness, to the cell and tissue scales, where heart has to beat with reliable regularity for a lifetime. Beginning with the fundamental unit of excitation–contraction coupling, the couplon where L-type Ca channels in the sarcolemmal membrane adjoin ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane, we show how a network of couplons with 3 basic properties (random activation, refractoriness, and recruitment) produces the classic physiological properties of excitation–contraction coupling and, under pathophysiological conditions, leads to Ca alternans and Ca waves. Moving to the tissue scale, we discuss how cellular Ca alternans and Ca waves promote both reentrant and focal arrhythmias in the heart. Throughout, we emphasize the qualitatively novel properties that emerge at each new scale of integration.