Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The COOP/WONCA charts in an acute psychiatric ward. Validity and reliability of patients’ self-report of functioning

We wanted to examine whether persons needing acute psychiatric admittance can give us reliable information about their functional status with the COOP/WONCA charts (Dartmouth Primary Care Cooperative Information Project–World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians), and if this information parallel that of therapists and ward staff. To examine internal consistency, external reliability and test–retest reliability, all patients consecutively admitted to an acute psychiatric department were asked to fill in the COOP/WONCA, Short-Form-36® Health Survey (SF-36) and Symptom Checklist 90 – Revised (SCL-90-R) 1–2 weeks after admittance. Their therapists scored a special version of the GAF, and the ward staff scored an observer version of the COOP/WONCA. The first 59 patients repeated the COOP/WONCA scoring after a few days to estimate of test–retest reliability. Of a total of 267 persons admitted in the study period, 102 were included. Non-inclusion was largely due to early discharge. The internal consistency of the COOP/WONCA corresponded to a Cronbach's alpha=0.85. External reliability versus the SF-36 resulted in a correlation of r=−0.82 (P<0.001), and versus the observer version of COOP/WONCA we found r=0.46 (P<0.001). Correlation with GAF was low and not significant. The COOP/WONCA correlated significantly with the SCL-90-R scores (r=0.59, P<0.001). The test–retest correlation was r=0.85 (P<0.001). Correlations varied between sub-groups of patients, but all had consistently high correlations between the various self-scored measures. The COOP/WONCA gives a consistent and reliable report of acutely admitted psychiatric inpatients’ own views of their functional capacity. The therapists’ views and to some degree the ward staff's views diverge from the patients’ opinions, especially for the more seriously disturbed patients.
Physician Communication in the Operating Room: Expanding Application of Face-Negotiation Theory to the Health Communication Context

Communication variables that are associated with face-negotiation theory were examined in a sample of operating-room physicians. A survey was administered to anesthesiologists and surgeons at a teaching hospital in the southwestern United States to measure three variables commonly associated with face-negotiation theory: conflict-management style, face concern, and self-construal. The survey instrument that was administered to physicians includes items that measured these three variables in previous face-negotiation research with slight modification of item wording for relevance in the medical setting. The physician data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson's correlations, and t-tests. Results of this initial investigation showed that variables associated with face-negotiation theory were evident in the sample physician population. In addition, the correlations were similar among variables in the medical sample as those found in previous face-negotiation research. Finally, t-tests suggest variance between anesthesiologists and surgeons on specific communication variables. These findings suggest three implications that warrant further investigation with expanded sample size: (1) An intercultural communication theory and instrument can be utilized for health communication research; (2) as applied in a medical context, face-negotiation theory can be expanded beyond traditional intercultural communication boundaries; and (3) theoretically based communication structures applied in a medical context could help explain physician miscommunication in the operating room to assist future design of communication training programs for operating-room physicians.
Risk Tolerance, Time Preference and Financial Decision-Making: Differences between Self-employed People ‎and Employees

This study analyzes the differences between salaried employees and self-employed people, in terms of risk tolerance, time preference, and choice of financial investment channels. Both groups completed research questionnaires designed to elicit responses relevant to these questions. Analysis of the results shows that self-employed people have less risk aversion and a stronger future preference. These preferences are consistent with independent work, where the fruits of success can sometimes be harvested only after a long period of time; the risks are greater, and the level of uncertainty is higher. The subjects were also asked to choose investment channels for different amounts of money. Both self-employed people and employees chose less risky investment channels as the amounts increased. However, the self-employed people chose riskier investment channels than the employees. This decision-making tendency is clearly reflected in their choice of occupation, risk tolerance and time preference. This study can increase the self-employed people’s awareness of the characteristics that influence their financial decision-making. In addition, there is now a trend for investment advisors to focus on the psychological and demographic characteristics of clients when advising them regarding the composition of their investment portfolios. This study shows that the client’s occupation can be an important factor that ought to influence composition of the portfolio, potentially improving client satisfaction.
Endocrine dysfunction in Kearns‐Sayre syndrome

Kearns‐Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a form of mitochondrial myopathy in which specific clinical features, namely progressive external ophthalmoplegia, pigmentary retinal degeneration and cardiac conduction defects, occur. KSS has also been associated with a variety of endocrine and metabolic disorders, in particular short stature, gonadal failure, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, hyperaldosteronism, hypomagnesaemia, and bone, tooth and calcification abnormalities. A case is described exhibiting all of these features. A survey of the literature was conducted to determine the prevalence of these conditions among reported cases. Cases with hypoparathyroidism were considered separately to see if they constituted a distinct subgroup with multiple endocrine dysfunction.
What Is the Function of the Dendritic Cell Side of the Immunological Synapse?

The immunological synapse organizes signaling responses in dendritic cells as well as in T cells. The immune response requires the formation of a specialized interface called the immunological synapse (IS), which is formed between a mature dendritic cell (DC) and a CD4+ T cell in the lymph node. The IS consists of organized motifs formed by cell-surface and cytoplasmic molecules at both the DC side and the T cell side of the IS, herein called IS-DC and IS-T, respectively. Most studies of the IS have focused on the IS-T. In this Review, which contains two figures, one table, and 76 citations, we discuss findings that show that the IS-DC also contributes to the regulation of functions that could be important for the immune response. The adaptive immune response requires the formation of a specialized interface called the immunological synapse (IS), which is formed between a mature dendritic cell (DC) and a CD4+ T cell in the lymph node. The IS involves organized motifs formed by cell-surface and cytoplasmic molecules at both the DC side (IS-DC) and the T cell side (IS-T) of the IS. Most studies of the functions of the IS have focused on the IS-T; however, to understand the function(s) of the entire IS, it is also necessary to gain insight into the role(s) of the IS-DC. Unlike T cells, which upon their activation leave the lymph node and return to the circulation, DCs largely become apoptotic and die in the node region. This latter observation and the known stability of the IS, which may last for hours, is consistent with the hypothesis that one of the functions of the IS-DC could be the temporal inhibition of the apoptosis of DCs, which would enable the activation of clonal T cells in the lymph nodes. Here, we discuss experimental data supporting the latter hypothesis, as well as the concept that the IS-DC is a signaling region that contributes to the functions of the IS.
Public opinion surveys about xenotransplantation

Abstract: Background: Xenotransplantation may eventually provide a solution to the worldwide shortage of human organs for transplantation. Xenotransplantation is surrounded by profound ethical issues, both for the potential recipients and for the society as a whole. Concurrent with increased scientific interest, there has been an increasing number of quantitative public opinion surveys conducted about xenotransplantation in the last decade. The aim of the present study was to elucidate these surveys, and to assess some factors that may affect the outcome of them.
Alcohol intoxication at Swedish football matches: A study using biological sampling to assess blood alcohol concentration levels among spectators

Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems, including accidents, vandalism and violence, at sporting events are of increased concern in Sweden and other countries. The relationship between alcohol use and violence has been established and can be explained by the level of intoxication. Given the occurrence of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems at sporting events, research has assessed intoxication levels measured through biological sampling among spectators. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of alcohol intoxication among spectators at football matches in the Swedish Premier Football League. Spectators were randomly selected and invited to participate in the study. Alcohol intoxication was measured with a breath analyser for Blood Alcohol Concentration levels, and data on gender, age, and recent alcohol use were gathered through a face-to-face interview. Blood Alcohol Concentration samples from 4420 spectators were collected. Almost half (46.8%) had a positive Blood Alcohol Concentration level, with a mean value of 0.063%, while 8.9% had a Blood Alcohol Concentration level ≥ 0.1%, with a mean value of 0.135%. Factors that predicted a higher Blood Alcohol Concentration level included male gender (p = 0.005), lower age (p < 0.001), attending a local derby (p < 0.001), alcohol use prior to having entered the arena (p < 0.001), attending a weekend match (p < 0.001), and being a spectator at supporter sections (p < 0.001). About half of all spectators at football matches in the Swedish Premier Football League drink alcohol in conjunction with the match. Approximately one tenth have a high level of alcohol intoxication.
Ipsilateral corticocortical projections related to binaural columns in cat primary auditory cortex

Projections from the high‐frequency representations of auditory cortical fields A and P were autoradiographically labeled using anterograde transport of a mixture of tritiated proline and leucine. A single injection of isotope into either cortical field resulted in multiple regions of dense labeling within ipsilateral AI. As the result of an injection of radioactive label into field A in one experiment, densely labeled regions were found to be systematically related to the binaural map throughout the high‐frequency representation of AI. Contralateral dominant suppression responses were located in regions of dense labeling while summation responses were located in regions of less dense labeling. In contrast, it was previously found that callosal axon terminations were more densely concentrated in summation columns than in contralateral dominant suppression columns (Imig and Brugge, '78). Thus, the two classes of binaural columns differ with respect to the density of innervation they receive from these ipsilateral and contralateral populations of neurons.
Estimation of Fixed Capital Investment in SMEs: the Existing Differentiation in the Russian Federation

Abstract Background: One of the goals of Russia economy is to increase SMEs specific weight in GDP per 100% by 2030. Objectives: The purpose of this work is the assessment of the investments into fixed capital of SMEs and influence of factors such as size categories, types of economic activity and territorial placement, needed for the fulfillment of this goal. Methods/Approach: The comparative analysis of SMEs investments is based on relative indicators, which are calculated per enterprise and per worker. The research was conducted with the usage of the official statistical information obtained in the course of total observation of activity of the enterprises in 2015. Modelling of empirical data was based on functions of normal distribution. Results: We defined the values investments in SMEs which are located in 82 regions and related to three categories and six types of activity. We revealed regularities of distribution of investments calculated per enterprise and per worker, and identified the regions with the lowest investments in SMEs. Conclusions: New knowledge of the investment in the fixed capital in the Russian SMEs was achieved. Proposed information and tools are applicable for justification of the investments needed for the SMEs development. The methodical approach can be used in the future studies, as well in entrepreneurship and public management education.
Roles of cell-adhesion molecules nectin 1 and nectin 3 in ciliary body development

Nectins are Ca2+-independent immunoglobulin-like cell-cell-adhesion molecules consisting of four members. Nectins homophilically and heterophilically trans-interact to form a variety of cell-cell junctions, including cadherin-based adherens junctions in epithelial cells and fibroblasts in culture, synaptic junctions in neurons, and Sertoli cell-spermatid junctions in the testis, in cooperation with, or independently of, cadherins. To further explore the function of nectins, we generated nectin 1–/– and nectin 3–/– mice. Both nectin 1–/– and nectin 3–/– mice showed a virtually identical ocular phenotype, microphthalmia, accompanied by a separation of the apex-apex contact between the pigment and non-pigment cell layers of the ciliary epithelia. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that nectin 1 and nectin 3, but not nectin 2, localized at the apex-apex junctions between the pigment and non-pigment cell layers of the ciliary epithelia. However, nectin 1–/– and nectin 3–/– mice showed no impairment of the apicolateral junctions between the pigment epithelia where nectin 1, nectin 2 and nectin 3 localized, or of the apicolateral junctions between the non-pigment epithelia where nectin 2 and nectin 3, but not nectin 1, localized. These results indicate that the heterophilic trans-interaction between nectin 1 and nectin 3 plays a sentinel role in establishing the apex-apex adhesion between the pigment and non-pigment cell layers of the ciliary epithelia that is essential for the morphogenesis of the ciliary body.
Cases with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Fail to Benefit from Repeated Exposure to Episodic Memory Tests as Compared with Controls

Memory tests may be predictive for cognitive decline. We investigated the sensitivity and change in performance over time of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) when compared to cognitively healthy controls. Participants included elderly controls (n = 54), MCI (n = 19) and AD cases (n = 28) from OPTIMA. The MMSE and the HVLT (version 1) were administered twice to all subjects with an interval of 2–3 years. MCI and AD cases had poorer performance than controls on the HVLT and MMSE at both testing episodes (p < 0.05). The HVLT profile over time showed a learning effect in the control group (P < 0.0001), a trend to decline in the AD group (p = 0.09) and no change in the MCI group (P = 0.8). A subgroup of MCI subjects had lower HVLT scores at follow-up. The MMSE profile showed no significant change over time for all three groups (P > 0.05). The HVLT had better sensitivity and specificity compared to the MMSE for detecting MCI and AD. The HVLT is not only valuable for cross-sectional designs but has also proved to be valuable in a longitudinal design. Cognitively healthy controls showed evidence of learning strategies on the HVLT after a 2–3 year interval, with improved scores at the second testing episode. By contrast, an MCI group showed no benefits of previous exposure to this test. Lack of use of learning strategies on the HVLT may be an important marker of the likelihood of cognitive decline to MCI or dementia. We would like to thank the OPTIMA and Challenge participants for their contribution to this study, Liesbeth van Osch for help with administering the HVLT, Elizabeth King, the Nursing Administrator for OPTIMA, for organizing many aspects of this study and administering the MMSE. The study was funded by The Clore Duffield Foundation, the Norman Collisson Foundation, Research Into Ageing/Help the Aged and by Bristol Myers Squibb.
Perceived Effects on Patients' Health of Participation in the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management Study

Background: Patients' views about participation in clinical trials have been explored using end-of-study questionnaires for various disease entities. However, little is known about why individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) choose to participate in clinical trials or how they view their research experience. Understanding these perceptions should provide valuable information for future studies in developing methods to enhance enrollment, optimize adherence to therapies, and maximize patient retention. Methods: The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) Study was a randomized trial of rate-control versus rhythm-control for the management of AF. This descriptive ancillary study used a 7-item questionnaire comprising closed and open-ended items that explored: (1) perceptions of benefits from participation, (2) motivation for enrolling, and (3) satisfaction with research staff and operations. Results: A total of 741/1,032 participants (72%) at 34 of 213 participating AFFIRM sites responded, representing 18% of the 4,060 patients enrolled. The mean follow-up of these respondents was 3.8 ± 1.1 years. Most respondents (91%) felt that they received enough information about AFFIRM before enrolling and that the results would benefit themselves (88%) and others (91%). Most respondents felt study participation improved awareness about AF (90%) and facilitated coordination of their healthcare (89%). Virtually all were satisfied with information received from AFFIRM personnel (96%), and most (98%) reported that they had received "good care. " Responses were similar between randomization groups (rate-control or rhythm-control) and between those younger than 65 years and those 65 years or older. Participants in sinus rhythm at last follow-up were more likely to believe that their medical care in AFFIRM was better than what they would otherwise have received, and were more likely to perceive their treatment course as entailing fewer emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and doctor visits. Regularly scheduled appointments and ongoing availability of staff to answer questions appeared to increase participants' confidence and reduce anxiety. Conclusions: Patients enrolled in a long-term clinical trial for management of AF were overwhelmingly satisfied with participation.
US Implied Volatility as a Predictor of International Returns

This study provides evidence of the US implied volatility’s e ect on international equitymarkets’ returns. This evidence has two main implications: i) investors may find that foreign equityreturns adjusting to US implied volatility may not provide true diversification benefits, and ii) foreignequity returns may be predicted using US implied volatility. Our sample includes US volatility index(VIX) and major equity indexes in twenty countries for the period between January, 2000 throughJuly, 2017. VIX leads eighteen of the international markets and Granger causes seventeen of themarkets after controlling for the S&P-500 index returns and the 2007/2008 US financial crisis. USinvestors looking to diversify US risk may find that international equities may not provide intendeddiversification benefits. Our evidence provides support for predictability of international equity returnsbased on US volatility.
Public Expenditure Multipliers in recessions. Evidence from the Eurozone

During the sovereign debt crisis, many Euro countries have deployed \austerity packages" implementing structural reforms and cutting government spending. Such policies should have led to an initial decline in GDP followed by recovery and a reduction of the debt to gdp ratio. Key to this outcome is the size and sign of expenditure multipliers when the economy is in a recession. We estimate, for the Eurozone countries, expenditure multipliers in recession and expansion using the linear projection approach and forecast errors to identify exogenous expenditure shocks. The empirical evidence suggests that, in a recession, an increase in government spending will be e ective in boosting aggregate demand, crowding-in private consumption in the shortto- medium run, without raising the debt to gdp ratio but rather decreasing it. The opposite applies in expansions. Estimates also show that expenditure multipliers, in a recession, are larger in high debt/defict countries than in low debt/deficit countries. In a recession, fiscal consolidation based on expenditure cuts would have both short and medium run contractionary effects.
Isolation and characterization of the RNA2, RNA3, and RNA11 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Temperature-sensitive mutations in the genes RNA2 through RNA11 cause accumulation of intervening sequence containing precursor mRNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three different plasmids have been isolated which complement both the temperature-sensitive lethality and precursor mRNA accumulation when introduced into rna2, rna3, and rna11 mutant strains. The yeast sequences on these plasmids have been shown by Southern transfer hybridization and genetic mapping to be derived from the RNA2, RNA3, and RNA11 genomic loci. Part of the RNA2 gene is homologous to more than one region of the yeast genome, whereas the RNA3 and RNA11 genes are single copy. RNAs homologous to these loci have been identified by RNA transfer hybridization, and the specific RNAs which are associated with the Rna+ phenotype have been mapped. This was done by a combination of transcript mapping, subcloning, and in vitro mutagenesis. The transcripts are found to be enriched in polyadenylated RNA and are of very low abundance (0.01-0.001% polyadenylated RNA).