Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Audiovisual Temporal Perception in Aging: The Role of Multisensory Integration and Age-Related Sensory Loss

Within each sensory modality, age-related deficits in temporal perception contribute to the difficulties older adults experience when performing everyday tasks. Since perceptual experience is inherently multisensory, older adults also face the added challenge of appropriately integrating or segregating the auditory and visual cues present in our dynamic environment into coherent representations of distinct objects. As such, many studies have investigated how older adults perform when integrating temporal information across audition and vision. This review covers both direct judgments about temporal information (the sound-induced flash illusion, temporal order, perceived synchrony, and temporal rate discrimination) and judgments regarding stimuli containing temporal information (the audiovisual bounce effect and speech perception). Although an age-related increase in integration has been demonstrated on a variety of tasks, research specifically investigating the ability of older adults to integrate temporal auditory and visual cues has produced disparate results. In this short review, we explore what factors could underlie these divergent findings. We conclude that both task-specific differences and age-related sensory loss play a role in the reported disparity in age-related effects on the integration of auditory and visual temporal information.
Forecasting using alternative measures of model‐free option‐implied volatility

This paper evaluates the performance of various measures of model-free implied volatility in predicting returns and realized volatility. The critical role of the out-of-the money call options is highlighted through an investigation of the relevance of different components of the model-free implied volatility. The Monte Carlo simulations show that: first, volatility forecasting performance of various measures can be enhanced by employing an interpolation-extrapolation technique; second, for most measures considered, gains in their predictive power for future returns can be obtained by implementing an interpolation procedure. An empirical application using SPX options recorded from 2003 to 2013 further illustrates these claims.
Scaling limits of stochastic processes associated with resistance forms

We establish that if a sequence of spaces equipped with resistance metrics and measures converge with respect to the Gromov-Hausdorff-vague topology, and a certain non-explosion condition is satisfied, then the associated stochastic processes also converge. This result generalises previous work on trees, fractals, and various models of random graphs. We further conjecture that it will be applicable to the random walk on the incipient infinite cluster of critical bond percolation on the high-dimensional integer lattice.
Gamma Interferon Modulates Myogenesis through the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Transactivator, CIITA

ABSTRACT Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is an inflammatory cytokine that has complex effects on myogenesis. Here, we show that the IFN-γ-induced inhibition of myogenesis is mediated by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II transactivator, CIITA, which binds to myogenin and inhibits its activity. In IFN-γ-treated myoblasts, the inhibition of muscle-specific genes includes the expression of myogenin itself, while in myotubes, myogenin expression is unaffected. Thus, CIITA appears to act by both repressing the expression and inhibiting the activity of myogenin at different stages of myogenesis. Stimulation by IFN-γ in skeletal muscle cells induces CIITA expression as well as MHC class II gene expression. The IFN-γ-mediated repression is reversible, with myogenesis proceeding normally upon removal of IFN-γ. Through overexpression studies, we confirm that the expression of CIITA, independent of IFN-γ, is sufficient to inhibit myogenesis. Through knockdown studies, we also demonstrate that CIITA is necessary for the IFN-γ-mediated inhibition of myogenesis. Finally, we show that CIITA, which lacks DNA binding activity, is recruited to muscle-specific promoters coincident with reductions in RNA polymerase II recruitment. Thus, this work reveals how IFN-γ modulates myogenesis and demonstrates a key role for CIITA in this process.
Combined therapy with amphotericin B and caspofungin in an experimental model of disseminated histoplasmosis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of amphotericin B and caspofungin, as well as their combinations in the therapy of experimental disseminated histoplasmosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with four different strains of Histoplasma capsulatum and given to antifungal treatments. The response to intraperitoneal therapy with amphotericin B (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg of body weight) or caspofungin (10 mg/kg of body weight) and their combinations, was evaluated by the quantification of yeast colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of spleen or lung, from each animal. Additionally, the pathogen was monitored histopathologically in the excised organs. Data were analyzed with the Kruskall-Wallis and Tukey tests. RESULTS Caspofungin was more effective than amphotericin B in reducing the CFU/ g. A synergistic effect was observed when caspofungin (10 mg/ kg) was combined with amphotericin B (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg). Significant differences in CFU values, H = 119.78 (P = 0.00001), were found among the treatment groups. However, statistical analyses did not reveal significant differences, H = 2.837 (P = 0.428), in the therapeutic responses with the four H. capsulatum strains tested. CONCLUSION Combined therapy with amphotericin B and caspofungin could represent an alternative treatment to be explored in severe human histoplasmosis.
The changing motivation of massage therapy students.

PURPOSE The study was conducted in order to determine whether the level of motivation related to intrinsic (people-oriented) and extrinsic (external reward) value complexes in a class of massage therapy students changed during their professional education. METHODS The research was a quasi-experimental within-subject design, in which survey data was collected from students on their first day in the massage therapy program and again towards the end of their final term. The data were collated and summarized, and the differences in motivation scores were assessed using Fisher's Least Significant Difference procedure. RESULTS The results support the hypothesis that massage therapy students are motivated more strongly by intrinsic than extrinsic rewards both at the commencement of their studies and as they approach entry to practice. Also evident from the data is the fact that the students' motivation changed during their professional studies. This change involved a significant decrease in the level of intrinsic motivation and significant increase in the level of extrinsic motivation. Thus, although intrinsic motivation reduced while extrinsic motivation increased, the former remained the more powerful influence. CONCLUSION Professional programs should consider the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic student motivation and attempt to control influences that might shift this such that the humanistic / altruistic mission of health care is undermined.
The Unsexy Future of Climate Change Litigation

This article starts the task of expanding the concept of climate change litigation. It argues that a preoccupation with high-profile cases, can divert attention from other important issues litigated within the broader climate change context. The article highlights four key and interrelated considerations that would inform a future conception of climate change litigation. First, climate litigation occurs across scales, and smaller cases at lower levels of governance are as important as more high-profile cases, for myriad reasons. Second, climate change litigation can engage all elements of a good climate response, not just emissions abatement. Third, the extent of private law’s potential contribution, tends to be overlooked. Fourth, ignoring ‘invisible’ climate change cases – or invisible issues within those cases - can result in perilous consequences for climate change policy. Illuminating the implications of all climate cases across scales is fundamental for coherent policy. In addition, this broader conception can support strategic choices.
Blood‐spinal cord barrier after spinal cord injury: Relation to revascularization and wound healing

Spinal cord injury produces prominent disruption of the blood‐spinal cord barrier. We have defined the blood‐spinal cord barrier breakdown to the protein luciferase (61 kDa) in the acutely injured murine spinal cord and during revascularization. We show that newly formed and regenerating blood vessels that have abnormal permeability exhibit differential expression of the glucose‐1 transporter (Glut‐1), and that its expression is dependent on astrocytes. There was overt extravasation of luciferase within the first hour after injury, a period that coincided with marked tissue disruption within the epicenter of the lesion. Although there was a significant reduction in the number of blood vessels relative to controls by 24 hr after injury, abnormal barrier permeability remained significantly elevated. A second peak of abnormal barrier permeability at 3–7 days postinjury coincided with prominent revascularization of the epicenter. The barrier to luciferase was restored by 21 days postinjury and vascularity was similar to that of controls. During wound‐healing process, the cord was reorganized into distinct domains. Between 14 and 21 days postinjury, each domain consisted primarily of nonneuronal cells, including macrophages. Astrocytes were limited characteristically to the perimeter of each domain. Only blood vessels affiliated closely with astrocytes in the perimeter expressed Glut‐1, whereas blood vessels within each domain of the repairing cord did not express it. Together, these data demonstrate that both injured and regenerating vessels exhibit abnormal permeability and suggest that Glut‐1 expression during revascularization is dependent on the presence of astrocytes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between glutathione S‐transferase gene M1 and T1 polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk: A meta‐analysis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a severe lung disease characterized by long‐term breathing problems. A series of studies have indicated that the glutathione S‐transferase genes M1 and T1 are associated with COPD susceptibility; however, the result still remains inconclusive. This meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in COPD risk. Eligible case‐control studies published between January 2000 and December 2017 was searched and retrieved. A total of 37 articles were screened out, including 4674 COPD patients and 5006 controls. Overall, our results found that GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes significantly increased the risk of COPD (GSTM1: odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31‐1.77, P <.00001; GSTT1: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09‐1.50, P = .003). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity suggested that there was a close association between GSTM1 null polymorphism and COPD susceptibility in each studied ethnicity, while GSTT1 null polymorphism only showed association with Asian COPD patients. Moreover, we also found that joint GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes showed a high association with increased COPD susceptibility (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.21‐1.66, P < .0001). In conclusion, our results indicated that GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and the combined GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes might be risk factors in the development of COPD. However, future case‐control studies with large‐scale participants are still required to further estimate these associations.
Factors Affecting Sheep Theft in the Free State Province of South Africa

Livestock theft has a big impact on the livestock industry of South Africa and is threatening the sustainability of the industry. In order to generate information that can be used to inform sheep farmers on how to effectively mitigate stock theft on their farms, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the factors affecting the occurrence of livestock theft are significantly different from the factors affecting the level of livestock theft experienced in the Free State Province of South Africa. The study was based on data captured in 292 structured questionnaires completed during telephonic interviews with livestock farmers in the Free State Province. The Craggs model specification was used to statistically test whether or not the same factors affect the occurrence of stock theft and the level of stock theft experienced by the respondents. The results revealed that factors affecting the occurrence of stock theft are significantly different from the factors affecting the level of livestock theft. Technologies used by farmers proved to be significantly related to the occurrence of livestock theft, while loss controlling actions taken by farmers proved to have significant relationships to the level of livestock theft experienced. Technologies used include stock theft collars and alarms. Loss controlling actions include night patrols, counting animals and access control. The results proved that the stock theft problem faced by farmers can be divided into occurrence and the level of occurrence aspects. Thus, investing in controlling actions may decrease the level of stock theft, but not necessarily stop stock theft. Other challenges faced by farmers that threaten the sustainability of their farming enterprises should be approached in a similar manner to generate information that can be used to more effectively overcome the challenge at hand.
Halothane Blocks Synaptic Excitation of Inhibitory Interneurons

Background Activation of principal hippocampal neurons is controlled by feedforward and feedback inhibition mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acidergic interneurons. The effects of halothane on glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic excitation of inhibitory interneurons have not been reported yet. Methods The effects of halothane on glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents and on spike threshold in visually identified interneurons were studied with tight-seal, whole-cell voltage- and current-clamp recordings in thin slices from adult mouse hippocampus. The excitatory postsynaptic currents were pharmacologically isolated into their N-methyl-D-aspartate and non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated components using selective antagonists. Results Halothane (0.37-2.78 mM) reversibly blocked non-N-methyl-D-aspartate and N-methyl-D-aspartate excitatory postsynaptic currents in hippocampal oriens-alveus interneurons. Half-maximal inhibition was observed at similar concentrations (0.59 mM and 0.50 mM, respectively). Halothane inhibited synaptically generated action potentials at concentrations that did not elevate the spike threshold. Conclusions Halothane blocks glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic activation of inhibitory interneurons in the mouse hippocampus.
Task related cerebral blood flow changes of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: an arterial spin labeling study

ABSTRACT Purpose: One hallmark of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is task related worsening of fatigue. Global brain hypoperfusion, abnormal regional activation, and altered functional connectivity of brain areas associated with cognition and memory have been reported but remain controversial. Methods: We enrolled 17 female participants fulfilling the CDC Criteria for ME/CFS and 16 matched healthy controls (HC). Using a 3T-Phillips Achieva MRI-scanner, pseudo-continuous arterial spin-labeling (pCASL), was used to study the dynamics of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and their relationship to mental fatigue in ME/CFS patients and HC during a demanding cognitive task, i.e. modified Paced-Auditory-Serial-Addition-Testing (PASAT). Results: ME/CFS subjects reported more fatigue than HC at baseline (p < .01). Global brain perfusion of ME/CFS and HC subjects was similar at rest. The PASAT resulted in significantly increased fatigue in ME/CFS participants and HC. Although not different between groups, overall CBF significantly increased over the first 3 min of the PASAT and then decreased thereafter. Regional CBF (rCBF) changes were significantly different between groups during the post-task recovery period. Whereas improvement of fatigue of ME/CFS subjects was associated with decreased rCBF in both superior temporal gyri (STG), precuneus, and fusiform gyrus, it was associated with increased rCBF in the same areas in HC. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ME/CFS is associated with normal global CBF at rest and during a strenuous task (PASAT); however rCBF of several brain regions associated with memory, goal-oriented attention, and visual function was differentially associated with recovery from fatigue in ME/CFS patients and HC.
Labor markets and labor mobility in the French-German border region

"This paper examines the cross-border labor market in the French-German Upper Rhine Region. Based on shortage analyses conducted for both sides of the border, a fixed effects panel regression estimates the impact of changing labor market situations on the number of French frontier workers. Although some of the anticipated effects are detected, their size is rather modest and insufficient to balance regional disparities in a way that would be expected in a fully integrated cross-border labor market. By the same token, the quantitative analysis identifies standardized certificates as a barrier to cross-border mobility and confirms a preference of frontier workers for routine tasks. In addition, insufficient public transportation and language skills, missing information about the neighboring country as well as problems with the recognition of degrees are also found among the obstacles to an integrated labor market. " (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))
What Does the Heterogeneity of the Inflation Expectations of Italian Firms Tell Us?

Quite a lot. We investigate how the cross-sectional heterogeneity of firms’ inflation expectations reflects information availability and awareness of recent macroeconomic developments, observable firm characteristics and broader macroeconomic developments using the Bank of Italy’s survey on businesses’ inflation and growth expectations. We find that: on average about half of the dispersion of expectations is traceable to a lack of information about the most recent price developments; firms incorporate new information into their expectations within a quarter; the dispersion of expectations is related in a statistically significant way to some important aggregate economic variables, and it is greater when current inflation is farther away from the ECB’s price stability goal. Since 2015 the weight attributed to prior beliefs of low inflation has steadily increased and the uncertainty surrounding them has decreased. Furthermore, since 2014 there has no longer been an empirical connection between the dispersion of expectations and the distance from the ECB price stability. These two facts suggest an increased risk of inflation expectations being de-anchored. "
Effect of a Prodrug of the Green Tea Polyphenol (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on the Growth of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer In Vivo

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major and most potent polyphenol compound of green tea that has been shown to have anticancer effects against various types of cancers. In this study, in addition to the EGCG compound, a synthetic derivative, the peracetate of EGCG (EGCG-P), was used to investigate the inhibitory effects on growth of androgen-independent prostate cancer in vivo. The advantage of EGCG-P is that it may act as a prodrug, leading to higher bioavailability than EGCG itself. The aim of our study was to compare the differences between EGCG and EGCG-P on their inhibitory effect on androgen-independent prostate cancer, CWR22R, xenograft model in nude mice. The mice were administrated daily with solvent dimethyl sulfoxide, EGCG, and EGCG-P separately through intraperitoneal injection for 20 days. Tumor volume and body weight of nude mice were recorded daily. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were also measured before and after the treatment. The effects of both EGCG and EGCG-P on tumor cell proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemical (IHC) method using antibodies against Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. The apoptotic effect was evaluated by IHC against B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma-2 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay by in situ apoptosis detection kit. Moreover, the potential suppression of angiogenesis by EGCG and EGCG-P on prostate cancer was examined by IHC against CD31. Our results revealed that treatment of EGCG and EGCG-P compounds suppressed the growth of CWR22R xenografts without causing any detectable side effects in nude mice. The suppression of growth of the tumor was correlated with the decrease of serum PSA level together with the reduction in tumor angiogenesis and an increase in apoptosis on prostate cancer cells. The results showed that treatment of EGCG and EGCG-P inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis while promoting apoptosis of the prostate cancer cells in vivo. Our results suggest that EGCG-P may be a more stable and useful compound for increasing the therapeutic anticancer effects in androgen-independent prostate cancer.
Aspects of communication in Alzheimer's disease: clinical features and treatment options

ABSTRACT Background: During the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD), cognitive processes, including language and communication, become increasingly impaired. The aim of this review was to highlight the impact of communication deficits in AD, and discuss the need for effective treatments. Method: PubMed was searched for studies relating to language and communication in AD. The publications identified were used as a basis for the commentary in this paper. Studies relating to the clinical effectiveness of pharmacological treatment for language and communication issues were identified systematically. Results: Communication deficits are common in AD. From the earliest disease stage, the patient's capacity for communication declines as problems develop with the use of language and all aspects of functional communication. There is a loss of the ability to communicate thoughts and needs, and it becomes increasingly difficult to interact socially and sustain personal relationships with caregivers, family, and friends. It is unsurprising that patients become frustrated at their loss of self-expression, and studies have demonstrated that impaired communication is strongly linked with the development of significant behavioral concerns. Overall, poor communication contributes to caregiver strain, and adds notably to the burden of disease. Clinical data and post-hoc analyses provide preliminary indications that anti-AD therapies (memantine and the cholinesterase inhibitors, ChEIs) and non-pharmacological cognitive–linguistic stimulation techniques may be helpful in addressing communication difficulties. Conclusions: The capacity to treat or slow the progression of communication deficits in AD would prolong patient independence, and have a profound impact on the quality of life of patients and caregivers. The use of pharmacological (anti-AD therapies) and non-pharmacological (cognitive–linguistic stimulation) treatments may be useful management methods and warrant further investigation.