Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Falls and fall-related injuries in community-dwelling elderly persons in Hong Kong: a study on risk factors, functional decline, and health services utilisation after falls

Principal applicant and corresponding author: Dr LW Chu Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China Tel: ( 52) 2 55 3315 Fax: ( 52) 2 16 21 7 E-mail: lwchu@hkucc.hku. hk Falls and fall-related injuries in community-dwelling elderly persons in Hong Kong: a study on risk factors, functional decline, and health services utilisation after falls Key Messages
The effects of electrical stunning voltage on meat quality, plasma parameters, and protein solubility of broiler breast meat

&NA; This study was designed to compare the effects of different stunning voltages of pulsed direct current on meat quality of broilers. For this purpose, plasma parameters, blood loss, carcass damage, and meat water holding capacity, color, shear force, pH, and protein solubility were analyzed. A total of 400 broilers were divided into 5 treatment groups and stunned with 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 V at 750 Hz and 10 s, respectively. Blood samples were collected immediately after cutting the neck. Pectoralis major muscles were removed from the carcass after chilling and placed on ice. Breast muscle pH and meat color were determined at both 2 and 24 h postmortem. Dripping loss, cooking loss, pressing loss, and cooked breast meat shear values were determined after 24 h postmortem. The 5 V treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) blood plasma corticosterone and lactate concentration compared with the other groups. The carcass damage of wings, Pectoralis major, and Pectoralis minor was significant in the 5, 35, and 45 V groups. The pH of 2 h postmortem in the 5 and 45 V groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the 15 and 25 V groups. In the 5 and 45 V groups, the protein solubility and shear force value were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and dripping loss was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other groups.
Neuropsychological tests accurately predict incident Alzheimer disease after 5 and 10 years

Objective: To determine whether neuropsychological tests accurately predict incident Alzheimer disease (AD) after 5 and 10 years in participants of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA) who were initially nondemented. Methods: The CSHA was conducted in three waves: CSHA-1 (1991 to 1992), CSHA-2 (1996 to 1997), and CSHA-3 (2001 to 2002). The 10-year prediction study included those who completed neuropsychological testing at CSHA-1 and received a diagnostic assessment at CSHA-3 (n = 263). The 5-year prediction study included those who completed neuropsychological testing at CSHA-2 and received a diagnostic assessment at CSHA-3 (n = 551). The diagnostic workup for dementia at CSHA-3 was formulated without knowledge of neuropsychological test performance at CSHA-1 or CSHA-2. The authors excluded cases with a baseline diagnosis of dementia or a prior history of any condition likely to affect the brain. Age and education were included in all analyses as covariates. Results: In the 10-year follow-up study, only one test (short delayed verbal recall) emerged from the forward regression analyses. The model with this test and two covariates was significant, χ2 (3) = 31.61, p < 0.0001 (sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 70%). In the 5-year follow-up study, three tests (short delayed verbal recall, animal fluency, and information) emerged from the forward logistic regression analyses. The model was significant, χ2 (5) = 91.34, p < 0.0001 (sensitivity = 74%, specificity = 83%). Both models were supported with bootstrapping estimates. Conclusions: In a large epidemiologic sample of nondemented participants, neuropsychological tests accurately predicted conversion to Alzheimer disease after 5 and 10 years.
Functional Cooperation of Epithelial Heteromeric Amino Acid Transporters Expressed in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells*

The heteromeric amino acid transporters b0,+AT-rBAT (apical), y+LAT1-4F2hc, and possibly LAT2-4F2hc (basolateral) participate to the (re)absorption of cationic and neutral amino acids in the small intestine and kidney proximal tubule. We show now by immunofluorescence that their expression levels follow the same axial gradient along the kidney proximal tubule (S1>S2≫S3). We reconstituted their co-expression in MDCK cell epithelia and verified their polarized localization by immunofluorescence. Expression of b0,+AT-rBAT alone led to a net reabsorption of l-Arg (given together withl-Leu). Coexpression of basolateral y+LAT1-4F2hc increased l-Arg reabsorption and reversed l-Leu transport from (re)absorption to secretion. Similarly, l-cystine was (re)absorbed when b0,+AT-rBAT was expressed alone. This net transport was further increased by the coexpression of 4F2hc, due to the mobilization of LAT2 (exogenous and/or endogenous) to the basolateral membrane. In summary, apical b0,+AT-rBAT cooperates with y+LAT1-4F2hc or LAT2-4F2hc for the transepithelial reabsorption of cationic amino acids and cystine, respectively. The fact that the reabsorption of l-Arg led to the secretion of l-Leu demonstrates that the implicated heteromeric amino acid transporters function in epithelia as exchangers coupled in series and supports the notion that the parallel activity of unidirectional neutral amino acid transporters is required to drive net amino acid reabsorption.
The implications of the surprising existence of a large, massive CO disk in a distant protocluster

It is not yet known if the properties of molecular gas in distant protocluster galaxies are significantly affected by their environment as galaxies are in local clusters. Through a deep, 64 hours of effective on-source integration with the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), we discovered a massive, Mmol = 2.0 ± 0.2 × 10^11 M⊙, extended, ∼40 kpc, CO(1-0)-emitting disk in the protocluster surrounding the radio galaxy, MRC 1138−262. The galaxy, at zCO = 2.1478, is a clumpy, massive disk galaxy, M∗ ∼ 5 × 10^11 M⊙, which lies 250 kpc in projection from MRC 1138−262 and is a known Hα emitter, HAE229. HAE229 has a molecular gas fraction of ∼30%. The CO emission has a kinematic gradient along its major axis, centered on the highest surface brightness rest-frame optical emission, consistent with HAE229 being a rotating disk. Surprisingly, a significant fraction of the CO emission lies outside of the UV/optical emission. In spite of this, HAE229 follows the same relation between star-formation rate and molecular gas mass as normal field galaxies. HAE229 is the first CO(1-0) detection of an ordinary, star-forming galaxy in a protocluster. We compare a sample of cluster members at z > 0.4 that are detected in low-order CO transitions with a similar sample of sources drawn from the field. We confirm findings that the CO-luminosity and FWHM are correlated in starbursts and show that this relation is valid for normal high-z galaxies as well as those in overdensities. We do not find a clear dichotomy in the integrated Schmidt-Kennicutt relation for protocluster and field galaxies. Our results uggest that environment does not impact the “star-formation efficiency” or the molecular gas content of high-redshift galaxies. Not finding any environmental dependence in these characteristics, especially for such an extended CO disk, suggests that environmentally-specific processes such as ram pressure stripping are not operating efficiently in (proto)clusters. We discuss why this might be so.
Modèles statistiques des imprécisions géométriques des objets géographiques linéaires

Cette these, placee dans la perspective des travaux sur la qualite des donnees geographiques, presente trois modelisations des incertitudes geometriques des donnees geographiques lineaires. Le rapport, articule en trois chapitres, debute par l'etude des concepts sur la qualite des donnees geographiques et sur les outils qui la manipulent, pour montrer l'interet du sujet etudie : nous cherchons des outils d'evaluation et de mise en forme de la qualite geometrique pour modeliser les incertitudes geometriques et valider la modelisation etablie sur des applications. Le choix d'une methode de mesure des incertitudes geometriques s'est fait au vu de la capacite de la methode retenue a evaluer les ecarts de geometrie tant pour des lots de donnees que pour de simples objets lineaires individuels. La methode retenue est fondee sur les composantes de la distance de hausdorff. L'application de cette methode sur des donnees reelles a fonde la demarche de modelisation. Differents modeles sont proposes : modele de l'incertitude de positionnement d'un point quelconque d'une polyligne (modele dit ges, pour gaussienne et exponentielle symetrique) ; modele sur la dependance relative des incertitudes le long d'une polyligne (modele hybride de variogramme de pepite, lineaire generalise et periodique) ; modele sur l'incertitude introduite par la representation des donnees lineaires par des polylignes (modele par mouvements browniens fractionnaires). Les relations qu'il a ete possible d'etablir entre ces trois modeles sont fournies. Differentes utilisations des modeles sont proposees : simulation pour generer des incertitudes selon les modeles ges et de mouvement brownien fractionnaire, et propagation du modele ges sur des operations geometriques elementaires comme le calcul de distance et le regroupement de points. Cette utilisation des modeles proposes montre leurs apports et leurs interets, theoriques et pratiques
Portfolio theory and how parent birds manage investment risk

Investment theory is founded on the premise that higher returns are generally associated with greater risk, and that portfolio diversification reduces risk. Here I examine parental investment decisions in birds from this perspective, using data from a model system, a 16-year study of breeding red-winged blackbirds Agelaius phoeniceus. Like many altricial birds, blackbirds structure their brood into core (first-hatched) and marginal (later-hatched) elements that differ in risk profile. I measured risk in two ways: as the coefficient of variation in growth and survival of core and marginal offspring from a given brood structure; and using financial beta derived from the capital asset pricing model of modern portfolio theory. Financial beta correlates changes in asset value with changes in the value of a broader market, defined here as individual reproductive success vs. population reproductive success. Both measures of risk increased with larger core (but not marginal) brood size; and variation in growth and survival was significantly greater during ecologically adverse conditions. Core offspring showed low beta values relative to marginal progeny. The most common brood structures in the population exhibited the highest beta values for both core and marginal offspring: many parent blackbirds embraced rather than avoided risk. But they did so prudently with an investment strategy that resembled a financial instrument, the call option. A call option is a contingent claim on the future value of the asset, and is exercised only if asset value increases beyond a point fixed in advance. Otherwise the option lapses and the investor loses only the initial option price. Parents created high risk marginal progeny that were forfeited during ecological adversity (the option lapses) but raised otherwise (the option called); at the same time parents maintained a constant investment and return in low risk core progeny that varied little with changes in brood size or ecological conditions.
Pretransplant risk factors and causes of death or graft loss after heart transplantation during early infancy. Pediatric Heart Transplant Team, Loma Linda.

BACKGROUND This study was performed to report causes of death or graft loss and to identify possible pretransplant risk factors for death or graft loss in infants after heart transplantation. METHODS AND RESULTS Pretransplant risk factors were compared for 153 infants registered for heart transplantation within 90 days of life and transplanted from November 1985 to June 1994. Factors assessed were diagnosis, age at transplantation, race, weight, blood type, sex, donor/recipient blood type match, sex match, weight ratio, fetal registration, locale of pretransplant waiting period, mechanical ventilation, ischemic time, and the need for atrial septostomy or septectomy pretransplantation. No factor was associated with death or graft loss at 1 month or 1 year. Causes of death or graft loss were determined using clinical course and pathology data when available. Death or grafts lost at 1 month, 1 year, and > 1 year were 14, 13, and 15, respectively. Causes of death or graft loss expressed as a percent (at 1 month, 1 year, and > 1 year, respectively) were acute rejection (14, 23, 27), chronic rejection and posttransplant coronary disease (0, 8, 47), infectious causes (21, 15, 13), early graft failure (21, 0, 0), technical issues (21, 23, 0), chronic graft dysfunction (0, 15, 0), and miscellaneous (21, 15, 13). The graft loss rate at 1 year was significantly correlated (linear regression, r2 = .66; P < .05) with the year of transplantation. Actuarial survival in this population was 91% at 1 month, 81% at 1 year, and 73% at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS Heart transplantation in the young infant can be performed with acceptable short-term and midterm results. Causes of death or graft loss and survival are similar to adult data. No pretransplant risk factors were identified. The experience level of the transplant team members affects survival. The diagnosis and management of rejection remain a major challenge.
Pharmaceutical fraud and abuse in the United States, 1996-2010.

This result is important considering the potential progressive expansion of preemptive therapy use in routine practice. Bacterial infections are the most frequent cause of infectious complications in cases of AML. In our survey, the ratio of gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria approached one. Strikingly, more than 25% of proven bacterial infections were polymicrobial and 9% were mixed infections, of which most were fungal and bacterial. The incidence of IFDs observed confirmed a trend of increased frequency of mold infections relative to yeast infections; the ratio in our study was 5:1. Considering the high number of observed FUO episodes, we cannot exclude that the incidence of IFDs might be higher. The AMR due to IFDs is decreasing, confirming recent data that report a similar trend. The incidence of FUO is still high and remains one of the most challenging issues faced by hematologists. Whether viral infections in AMLs are really rare or underestimated is yet to be verified. Hema e-Chart allows the prospective collection and analysis of targeted high-quality data derived from clinical experience and provides information on the epidemiologic patterns of infectious complications in AMLs, which are rarely studied in prospective multicenter observational trials. Our registry appears to be very useful particularly in the early phases of AML, when infectious complications are more frequent and thus affect the schedule of chemotherapy.
Evaluation of Wood Surface Quality after 3D Molding of Wood by Pressing

The goal of this study was to develop and test an appropriate method for the evaluation of surface quality and to identify and quantify the quality of a surface modified by 3D molding. New software was developed to evaluate the surface quality based on the identification of macroscopic defects such as cracks within a scanned area. The influence of specific factors that affect the development of cracks during the uneven pressing process was assessed. Based on the measured and evaluated results, a process combination of factors was designed which yielded an embossed surface that was formed with the lowest proportion of cracks and with sufficient shape stability. In this work, 432 groups of test pieces were monitored, with each piece exposed to different combination of factors. Based on the measured and evaluated results, we found a combination that provided the lowest crack ratio. This innovative method will contribute to the knowledge of embossed surface quality and to the improvement of the uneven pressing process for wood surfaces.
The influence of transformational leadership characteristics on succession planning programs in the Malaysian public sector

Grooming successful leaders is more important now than ever for the public sector. Thus, to groom potential future leaders, the organization not only needs a succession planning program, but also commitment from the leaders. This paper analyzes the influence of leadership style characteristics on preparing future leaders through succession planning programs in Malaysia’s public sector. Four dimensions of transformational leadership styles were used which included idealized influence, inspirational motivation, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation. This study employed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and the effective Succession Planning and Management Questionnaire which were administered to 394 public servants from Malaysia’s public sector. Data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results of the multiple regression analysis demonstrated that individualized influence was the main predictor of succession planning programs. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to continue observing and modifying their leadership style(s) and behavior to be effective leaders.
ISOTOPE ANOMALIES IN THE FE-GROUP ELEMENTS IN METEORITES AND CONNECTIONS TO NUCLEOSYNTHESIS IN AGB STARS

We study the effects of neutron captures in AGB stars on “Fe-group” elements, with an emphasis on Cr, Fe, and Ni. These elements show anomalies in 54Cr, 58Fe, and 64Ni in solar system materials, which are commonly attributed to supernovae (SNe). However, as large fractions of the interstellar medium (ISM) were reprocessed in AGB stars, these elements were reprocessed, too. We calculate the effects of such reprocessing on Cr, Fe, and Ni through 1.5 M ⊙ ? > and 3 M ⊙ ? > AGB models, adopting solar and 1/3 solar metallicities. All cases produce excesses of 54Cr, 58Fe, and 64Ni, while the other isotopes are little altered; hence, the observations may be explained by AGB processing. The results are robust and not dependent on the detailed initial isotopic composition. Consequences for other “Fe group” elements are then explored. They include 50Ti excesses and some production of 46,47,49 ? > Ti. In many circumstellar condensates, Ti quantitatively reflects these effects of AGB neutron captures. Scatter in the data results from small variations (granularity) in the isotopic composition of the local ISM. For Si, the main effects are instead due to variations in the local ISM from different SN sources. The problem of Ca is discussed, particularly with regard to 48Ca. The measured data are usually represented assuming terrestrial values for 42Ca/44Ca. Materials processed in AGB stars or sources with variable initial 42Ca/44Ca ratios can give apparent 48Ca excesses/deficiencies, attributed to SNe. The broader issue of galactic chemical evolution is also discussed in view of the isotopic granularity in the ISM.
Prosodic Licensing and the development of phonological and morphological representations

One of the challenges for understanding the processes underlying the acquisition of phonology has been the variability found in early speech productions. Our recent research suggests that much of this is due to the phonological (or prosodic) context in which words (and their segments) appear. This paper explores some of the recent findings on children’s acquisition of phonological/prosodic units as a function of syllable and word structure, showing how acoustic analysis provides evidence of children’s developing phonological representations from their first words. It then shows that similar processes can account for the variable emergence of early grammatical morphemes, suggesting that these are also Prosodically Licensed . These findings are discussed in terms of a developmental model of language planning and production.
Rib-Sparing Internal Mammary Vessel Harvest for Microvascular Breast Reconstruction in 100 Consecutive Cases

Background: Using the internal mammary vessels as recipient vessels in free-flap autologous breast reconstruction has become a common practice. However, these vessels are typically accessed by removing a costochondral segment. The purpose of this study was to describe the authors’ rib-sparing technique for accessing the internal mammary vessels that is efficient and reliable and limits chest wall morbidity. Methods: The authors analyzed 100 consecutive free-tissue transfers for breast reconstruction in which the internal mammary vessels were accessed using a rib-sparing technique. The data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database and medical records. Results: Of the 100 free-flap reconstructions, 47 used deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps, 45 used muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, six used superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps, and two used superior gluteal artery perforator flaps. No rib cartilage was removed in 66, but a segment of rib cartilage was removed in 34 procedures to optimize the exposure and facilitate anastomosis. After the initial learning curve, however, the internal mammary vessels were used in approximately 90 percent of cases without removal of any rib cartilage. The third intercostal space was used to access the internal mammary vessels two-thirds of the time, and the second intercostal space was used one-third of the time. There were no incidences of complications or morbidity associated with the rib-sparing approach to internal mammary vessel harvest. Conclusion: For most patients, the rib-sparing technique is an efficient and safe approach for exposing the internal mammary vasculature for microvascular breast reconstruction while minimizing chest wall morbidity.
Effects of variation in detoxification rate on dose monitoring through adducts

1 Föst et al. ( Human & Experimental Toxicology 1991; 10: 25) have shown that ethylene oxide (EO) added to human blood gave rise to a higher level of adducts to haemoglobin (Hb) when the donors were deficient in an erythrocytic glutathione S-transferase (GST, later found to be GST-theta) than in blood from persons pos sessing this enzyme, and drew the conclusion that this polymorphism in detoxification rendered Hb adducts less suitable for biological monitoring. 2 By fitting a kinetic model to the data, the present study shows that the Hb adduct level gives a correct measure of the dose (concentration integrated over time) rele vant to risk estimation. 3 It does illustrate, however, the importance of knowing an individual's detoxification efficiency, when Hb adduct measurements are used to assess environmen tal exposure, for example in occupational surveillance.