Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age and Capability: The Role of Forgetting and Personal Traits

We used a person perception paradigm to investigate whether ascriptions of personal traits differ for a young versus old target being interviewed for a volunteer position that will require the performance of memory-related tasks. Perceivers (52 men and 92 women, ages 18 to 75 years) read a script in which a young or old target interviewee was either forgetful or not. Afterward, perceivers rated the target on six desirable traits (e.g., responsible) and five undesirable traits (e.g., stubborn). Compared to nonforgetful targets, forgetful targets received higher ratings on undesirable traits and lower ratings on desirable traits. With regard to age, young and old targets received similar ratings on undesirable traits, but old targets were rated higher on desirable traits. This suggests a general positive bias in favor of old targets.
Can preoperative scoring systems be applied to Asian hip fracture populations? Validation of the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) and identification of preoperative risk factors in hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION Hip fractures in the elderly are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Determining which patients will benefit from hip fracture surgery is crucial to reducing mortality and morbidity. Our objectives are: 1) to define the rate of index admission, 1-month and 1-year mortality in all hip fracture patients, and 2) to apply the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) to determine validity in an Asian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of 212 patients with hip fractures above 60 years from September 2009 to April 2010 for 1-year. Sociodemographic, prefracture comorbidity and data on functional status was collected on admission, and at intervals after discharge. The main outcome measures were mortality on index admission, 1 month and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS In our study, the overall mortality at 1-month and 1-year after surgery was 7.3% and 14.6% respectively. Surgically treated hip fracture patients had lower odds ratio (OR) for mortality as compared to conservatively treated ones. The OR was 0.17 during index admission, 0.17 at 1-month, and 0.18 at 12-months after discharge. These were statistically significant. Adjustments for age, gender, and duration to surgery were taken into account. The NHFS was found to be a good predictor of 1-month mortality after surgery. CONCLUSION Surgically treated hip fracture patients have a lower OR for mortality than conservatively managed ones even up to 1-year. The NHFS has shown to predict 1-month mortality accurately for surgically treated hip fracture patients, even for our Asian population. It can be used as a tool for clinicians at the individual patient level to communicate risk with patients and help plan care for fracture patients.
The phenomenon of boredom

Boredom remains a poorly understood phenomenon despite its evident association with dysfunctional behavior and mental health problems. However, little research has been devoted to the topic, and the bulk of studies have almost exclusively been quantitative in design. For this reason, a qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study was carried out, during which ten participants were asked for their accounts of the experience of boredom. These people were sampled from the general population. The aims of the study were to find out more about the antecedents to boredom, the experience itself, any stages in its development, and methods used to deal with it. Findings indicated that boredom is an extremely unpleasant and distressing experience. Situations giving rise to the sensation varied between specific external factors, to a general propensity to boredom proneness, although, according to the participants of the study, these could change throughout their lifetime. Feelings comprising the experience of boredom were almost consistently those of restlessness combined with lethargy. No stages in the development of the experience were identified. Strategies used to overcome the problem varied greatly, but generally involved trying to find interesting things to do. These strategies tended to be unsuccessful. Traditional methods of dealing with boredom have focused on increasing stimulation and choice in the environment. The authors propose that a more effective strategy might be to focus more on internal causes of boredom, such as an inability to sustain attention, although further research is required to support this interpretation of the data.
Changes to vascular biometric system security & performance

When considering biometrics for a personal identification system, different modalities can be considered. The final selection will depend on specific application requirements. From the several modalities existing nowadays, vascular systems have appeared on the scene lately. Vein-based identification is claimed to be as reliable as fingerprint or iris identification, but with the usability of hand geometry or even the face. As with any other biometric modalities, vascular solutions have to be deeply analyzed for all relevant factors that could affect their performance or the security level achieved. This will show the analysis of the performance and security achieved by a commercial vascular biometric system, when being applied in several real-world scenarios. These scenarios will cover typical office environments to the more extreme environments, such as extreme light and temperatures, as those suffered in a banking ATM, or with high humidity such as in a gym. The results will show the strengths of this modality, as well as those points where further improvements are needed.
Demonstration of Antigenic and Genotypic Variation in Orientia tsutsugamushi Which Were Isolated in Japan, and Their Classification into Type and Subtype

A total of 40 strains of Orientia tsutsugamushi (34 isolates from patients and trombiculid mites in Japan, and 6 prototype strains of antigenic variants) were examined for classification based on the reactivities with type‐specific monoclonal antibodies in indirect immunofluorescence tests, and on the restriction fragment length polymorphism of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified 56‐kilodalton type‐specific antigenic protein gene. By these methods, several antigenic and genotypic variants were found among the strains, and these variants were classified into types and further into subtypes. These results suggest that there are many variants in O. tsutsugamushi, and the methods used here seem to be useful for the systematic classification of the numerous variants. A strain which may be a new type distinguishable from those identified previously was also found in this study. Furthermore, variety in the degree of pathogenicity in mice related to type and/or subtype classification were observed.
High Levels of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in Patients with Nephrotic Proteinuria

Summary Acquired deficiency of naturally occurring anticoagulant proteins, due to loss in the urine, has been proposed as one of the major thrombogenic alterations in nephrotic proteinuria. The aim of this study was to investigate if proteinuria may induce deficiency of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). TFPI, protein C (PC) and antithrombin (AT) were measured in 31 patients with nephrotic proteinuria, compared with 62 age- and sex-matched controls. Plasma levels of TFPI activity, total TFPI antigen and free TFPI antigen were significantly higher in patients with nephrotic proteinuria than in controls, and none of the patients had TFPI deficiency. Intravenous injection of 7500 IU unfractionated heparin induced a significant further increase of TFPI in two patients with high pre-heparin levels. Also plasma levels of PC were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Mean AT antigen levels were not significantly different between patients and controls, and AT activity was only marginally increased with borderline significance. Three out of 31 patients had substantial acquired AT deficiency. In conclusion, proteinuria is not associated with TFPI deficiency, but with a marked increase of this anticoagulant protein. The acquired thrombophilic diathesis of patients with nephrotic proteinuria can therefore not be attributed to TFPI deficiency.
Fragment complementation of calbindin D28k

Calbindin D28k is a highly conserved Ca2+‐binding protein abundant in brain and sensory neurons. The 261‐residue protein contains six EF‐hands packed into one globular domain. In this study, we have reconstituted calbindin D28k from two fragments containing three EF‐hands each (residues 1–132 and 133–261, respectively), and from other combinations of small and large fragments. Complex formation is studied by ion‐exchange and size‐exclusion chromatography, electrophoresis, surface plasmon resonance, as well as circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy. Similar chromatographic behavior to the native protein is observed for reconstituted complexes formed by mixing different sets of complementary fragments, produced by introducing a cut between EF‐hands 1, 2, 3, or 4. The C‐terminal half (residues 133–261) appears to have a lower intrinsic stability compared to the N‐terminal half (residues 1–132). In the presence of Ca2+, NMR spectroscopy reveals a high degree of structural similarity between the intact protein and the protein reconstituted from the 1–132 and 133–261 fragments. The affinity between these two fragments is 2 × 107 M−1, with association and dissociation rate constants of 2.7 × 104 M−1 s−1 and 1.4 × 10−3 s−1, respectively. The complex formed in the presence of Ca2+ is remarkably stable towards unfolding by urea and heat. Both the complex and intact protein display cold and heat denaturation, although residual α‐helical structure is seen in the urea denatured state at high temperature. In the absence of Ca2+, the fragments do not recombine to yield a complex resembling the intact apo protein. Thus, calbindin D28k is an example of a protein that can only be reconstituted in the presence of bound ligand. The α‐helical CD signal is increased by 26% after addition of Ca2+ to each half of the protein. This suggests that Ca2+‐induced folding of the fragments is important for successful reconstitution of calbindin D28k.
Toward a Mutualization of European Unemployment Insurance? On Limiting the Downsides of a Fiscal Transfer System for the Eurozone

There is a large, yet growing debate about the need to complement the European monetary union with a stronger fiscal union. This article reviews the potential trade-offs between effectiveness, moral hazard problems, and permanent redistribution. Addressing the counter-arguments against a tighter fiscal union is essential to overcome the political reluctance in some member states that are concerned about large amounts of redistribution. We discuss clawback mechanisms that have been suggested in the literature as a measure to limit redistribution, but conclude that clawbacks are undesirable, as they would essentially destroy the insurance value of a fiscal union. Instead, we propose that a clearly defined exit option as a guarantee against involuntary redistribution can make entry into a stronger fiscal union less risky and hence more attractive for member states.
Relating Random Vector and Random Finite Set Estimation in Navigation, Mapping, and Tracking

Navigation, mapping, and tracking are state estimation problems relevant to a wide range of applications. These problems have traditionally been formulated using random vectors in stochastic filtering, smoothing, or optimization-based approaches. Alternatively, the problems can be formulated using random finite sets, which offer a more robust solution in poor detection conditions (i.e., low probabilities of detection, and high clutter intensity). This paper mathematically shows that the two estimation frameworks are related, and equivalences can be determined under a set of ideal detection conditions. The findings provide important insights into some of the limitations of each approach. These are validated using simulations with varying detection statistics, along with a real experimental dataset.
Stable Virologic Suppression during Raltegravir plus Atazanavir Dual-Therapy Taken Every other Day: A Case Report

Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy can be affected by a number of factors limiting the outcome of the treatment. We report the case of a 39 year-old HIV-HCV co-infected woman in stable virologic suppression and immune recovery during a raltegravir plus unboosted atazanavir dual-therapy taken every other day. Measurement of HIV-1 RNA plasma levels (viral load), CD4+ T-cell counts and the therapeutic drug monitoring through validated high-performance liquid chromatography methods, were performed to assess the effectiveness of this regimen. Our data on raltegravir pharmacokinetics in association with atazanavir show adequate minimum effective concentrations of raltegravir throughout 36 and 48 hours despite the every other day intake of the drug. Further studies are recommended in order to identify the determinants that could enable a reduction in antiretroviral dosing frequency in case of difficult management of HIV-infected patients due to low adherence to therapy. By reporting our medical experience, we focused on the utility of performing therapeutic drug monitoring especially in cases of poor adherence, drug and/or alcohol abuse, co morbidities and co-administration of other drugs.
Reflex hamstring contraction latency in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency

Decreased dynamic stability of the knee joint associated with functional disability is a feature of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACLD). The purposes of this study were to examine the between‐limbs difference in reflex contraction latency of the hamstring muscles in patients with unilateral ACLD and to investigate its relationship with instability and function. Fifty patients with arthroscopically diagnosed unilateral ACLD were measured bilaterally for reflex hamstring contraction latency (RHCL), and 20 normal volunteers were similarly tested. The subjects were measured in a position of single‐limb full weight‐bearing with the knee flexed 30°. An anteriorly directed shear force was applied to the tibia, and surface electromyographs (EMGs) recorded the activity of the hamstrings in response to the applied force. The latency of contraction was defined as the time from initial tibial movement, identified by accelerometry, to the onset of increased hamstring EMG activity. Both legs were tested and a between‐limbs difference was computed. A significant difference in RHCL wasfound between the limb with ACLD and the control limb. The mean RHCL of the limb with ACLD was nearly double that of the unaffected limb, for a significant mean between‐limbs difference (p < 0.05). The mean between‐limbs difference for the control subjects was not statistically significant. The conclusion is that patients with ACLD have an increased RHCL of the injured leg. As the RHCL is dependent on proprioceptive activity around the joint, it can be used as a measure of proprioceptive ability. The loss of the neurophysiological protective reflex involving the anterior cruciate ligament and hamstrings in patients with ACLD is likely to be a contributory factor in the decreased joint stability experienced by these patients.
Open Channel Block by Physostigmine and Procaine in Embryonic‐like Nicotinic Receptors of Mouse Muscle

Embryonic‐like nicotinic channels were studied in mouse myotubes. Channel currents were measured by patch‐clamping outside‐out excised patches to which pulses of agonists and drugs could be applied by a liquid filament switch. The holding potential of the patches was generally around ‐40 mV. Pulses of 10‐4 M acetylcholine elicited average channel currents which reached a peak open probability, Po, peak, of 0.93 within 0.5 ms and decayed with a time constant of desensitization of 20‐80 ms. When physostigmine (10‐5 to 10‐3 M) or procaine (3 × 10‐5 to 10‐3 M) was added to the acetylcholine pulses, a fast decay component of the current appeared which shortened to a time constant of 0.5 ms for the maximal drug concentrations. The fast decay was followed by a slow one which declined in amplitude with increasing concentrations of the drugs. After the end of pulses of 10‐4 M acetylcholine plus 3 × 10‐4 M physostigmine the average current rose again, reaching a peak with ‐5 ms delay, and then decayed slowly. The amplitude of this recovery current was ‐0.4 Po, peak after 5 ms pulses and decreased with increasing pulse duration due to desensitization. The results can be quantitatively modelled based on a circular reaction scheme involving desensitization. Physostigmine and procaine bind to the open state to cause channel block. Also, the blocked channel was subject to desensitization. The rate constants of block were 6 × 10‐6 M‐1 s‐1 for physostigmine and 2 × 106 M‐1 s‐1 for procaine, and the rate of unblocking was 200 s‐1 for both blockers (at ‐40 mV and 20°C).
A cytochrome P450 regulates a domestication trait in cultivated tomato

Significance This study reports the cloning of a tomato gene, SlKLUH, that controls fruit mass by increased cell layers and delayed fruit ripening. In addition, we identified a potential regulatory SNP in the promoter of SlKLUH that is significantly associated with the fruit mass. Altogether, our study encompasses several genetic analyses, as well as association mapping, plant transformation experiments, and phenotypic evaluations to offer insights into the molecular basis of the regulation of tomato fruit mass, a critical trait in the domestication of fruit and vegetable crops. Domestication of crop plants had effects on human lifestyle and agriculture. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms accompanying the changes in fruit appearance as a consequence of selection by early farmers. We report the fine mapping and cloning of a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit mass gene encoding the ortholog of KLUH, SlKLUH, a P450 enzyme of the CYP78A subfamily. The increase in fruit mass is predominantly the result of enlarged pericarp and septum tissues caused by increased cell number in the large fruited lines. SlKLUH also modulates plant architecture by regulating number and length of the side shoots, and ripening time, and these effects are particularly strong in plants that transgenically down-regulate SlKLUH expression carrying fruits of a dramatically reduced mass. Association mapping followed by segregation analyses revealed that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter of the gene is highly associated with fruit mass. This single polymorphism may potentially underlie a regulatory mutation resulting in increased SlKLUH expression concomitant with increased fruit mass. Our findings suggest that the allele giving rise to large fruit arose in the early domesticates of tomato and becoming progressively more abundant upon further selections. We also detected association of fruit weight with CaKLUH in chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) suggesting that selection of the orthologous gene may have occurred independently in a separate domestication event. Altogether, our findings shed light on the molecular basis of fruit mass, a key domestication trait in tomato and other fruit and vegetable crops.
Scale-up Approach in CATI Surveys for Estimating the Number of Foreign Body Injuries in the Aero-digestive Tract in Children

Foreign body injuries are a well-known threat to children due to the high risk of ingestion of small objects and choking. In order to depict the epidemiological framework of such injuries, data are mostly available for hospitalizations and partially for emergency room visits. The hidden part of the phenomenon consisting of minor self-resolved injuries is still unknown. The purpose of this paper is to provide an estimate of the overall burden of such injuries in children in Italy. Our paper proposes the use of the scale up technique to overcome most of the pitfalls of classical techniques in the estimation of the number of children aged 0–14 that suffered a foreign body injury in 2004. Our results, based on a CATI survey on 1,081 women, show that the estimated number of children under 15 years that incurred in a foreign body injury was 15,829 (95% CI: 14,376–17,282), of these 12,844 were treated in hospital or in emergency department (95% CI: 11,535–14,153). The scale-up method in conjunction with a CATI survey provides a reliable estimate of the size of hard-to-count populations as those of injured children at lower costs with respect to classical sampling schemes.
Identification of molecular mechanisms related to nonthyroidal illness syndrome in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue from patients with septic shock

Objective Septic shock is one of various causes of nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). In humans, the molecular mechanisms involved in NTIS are mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate, in patients with NTIS secondary to septic shock, changes in the expression of genes involved in the actions of thyroid hormones and in the activity of deiodinase enzymes, in two tissues important for protein and energy metabolism, skeletal muscle (SM) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).
Individualist-collectivist culture, ownership concentration and earnings quality*

Abstract In this study we explore the effects of individualist-collectivist culture, an important dimension of national cultures, on the entrenchment incentives of large shareholders. Specifically, we investigate how individualist-collectivist culture affects the relationship between ownership concentration and earnings quality. We predict that the social connections among corporate insiders are stronger in collectivist societies, thus reducing corporate monitoring efficiency and exacerbating agency problems. Consistent with our prediction we find the poor earnings quality that normally goes hand-in-hand with concentrated ownership, is improved when the firm’s national culture is individualist. We further find that the poor earnings quality induced by ownership concentration is more pronounced in East Asia, where cultures are rooted in Chinese cultures and collectivism. This study sheds light on the role that individualist-collectivist culture plays in shaping corporate insiders’ ethical behavior.
Effect of thermal treatments on phytochemicals in conventionally and organically grown berries.

BACKGROUND Consumer demand for organic foods is increasing despite a lack of conclusive evidence of nutritional superiority of organically grown produce. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of thermal treatments on phytochemicals in conventionally and organically grown berries. Two cultivars of conventionally and organically grown red raspberries and blueberries were analysed for total anthocyanins, total and specific phenolic compounds and total antioxidant activity. Fresh berries were thermally processed into cans and juice/puree with and without blanching, and the changes in phytochemicals were monitored. RESULTS Total anthocyanin and phenolic contents of berries were not influenced by the agricultural production system. Total antioxidant activity of berries was also not influenced by the production system, but antioxidant activity varied significantly between cultivars. After canning, total anthocyanins decreased by up to 44%, while phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of both berries generally increased by up to 50 and 53% respectively. The level of changes in phytochemicals during berry puree/juice processing was influenced by blanching and type of berries. CONCLUSION Phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of berries increased while total anthocyanins decreased during canning. Blanching prior to puree/juice processing improved the retention of phytochemicals in blueberries.