Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factor Profile in Parkinson's Disease Subtype with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.

BACKGROUND Numerous large-scale studies have found diverse risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD), including caffeine non-use, non-smoking, head injury, pesticide exposure, and family history. These studies assessed risk factors for PD overall; however, PD is a heterogeneous condition. One of the strongest identifiers of prognosis and disease subtype is the co-occurrence of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD). In previous studies, idiopathic RBD was associated with a different risk factor profile from PD and dementia with Lewy bodies, suggesting that the PD-RBD subtype may also have a different risk factor profile. OBJECTIVE To define risk factors for PD in patients with or without associated RBD. METHODS In a questionnaire, we assessed risk factors for PD, including demographic, medical, environmental, and lifestyle variables of 189 PD patients with or without associated polysomnography-confirmed RBD. The risk profile of patients with vs. without RBD was assessed with logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, and disease duration. RESULTS PD-RBD patients were more likely to have been a welder (OR = 3.11 (1.05-9.223), and to have been regular smokers (OR = 1.96 (1.04-3.68)). There were no differences in use of caffeine or alcohol, other occupations, pesticide exposure, rural living, or well water use. Patients with RBD had a higher prevalence of the combined family history of both dementia and parkinsonism (13.3% vs. 5.5% , OR = 3.28 (1.07-10.0). CONCLUSION The RBD-specific subtype of PD may also have a different risk factor profile.
Exploring the Effect of Store Characteristics and Interpersonal Trust on Purchase Intention in the Context of Online Social Media Marketing

ABSTRACT This article explores the effect of store characteristics and interpersonal trust on formation of attitude and intention to purchase from online stores in the context of online social media marketing. Store Brand Knowledge, Store Reputation, Perceived Store Size, and Perceived Store Risk have been considered as antecedents of trust. Based on existing literature, a conceptual model is proposed and empirically tested with a sample (n = 424) of online social media users with the help of partial least square path modeling. This study is among the very few empirical investigations done in the context of trust in online social media marketing and focuses only on consumer-perceived store-controlled factors as antecedents of trust.
Theoretical Estimation of Electromagnetic Loss From the Movement of Superconducting Coil in the W7-X Stellarator

We investigated the dissipation, occurring when a superconducting coil experiences a transient in the magnetic field generated by other coil. Such mechanism could be relevant during energizing the main magnetic field in the W7-X machine, when the mutual forces between superconducting coils could lead to their deformations or movements. Significant paths for current loops have been identified, and the formulas allowing the estimation of dissipated heat derived. All contributions to the heat generation due to eddy currents, coupling and hysteresis losses could be included into the calculations. Finite element simulations have been used to determine the typical transient of magnetic field that could be expected inside the W7-X coil due to mechanical movement. We found that one can foresee magnetic field changes of about 20 mT occurring during 40 milliseconds. Applying the formulas derived for transient loss for the case of such field change, the maximum dissipation connected with one event was estimated to be less than 0.16 mJ/cm3, which is tolerable for the magnet design of W7-X
Acute response of peripheral CCr5 chemoreceptor and NK cells in individuals submitted to a single session of low‐intensity strength exercise with blood flow restriction

The purpose of this study was to compare the peripheral expression of natural killers and CCR5 in a session of low‐intensity strength training with vascular occlusion and in high‐intensity training. Young males were randomized into session groups of a high‐intensity strength training (HI) and a session group of low‐intensity strength training with vascular occlusion (LI‐BFR). The exercise session consisted in knee extension and bicep curl in 80% 1RM (HI) and 30% 1RM (LI‐BFR) with equalized volumes. Blood collection was made before, immediately after and 24 h after each training session. Immunophenotyping was carried out through CD195+ (CCR5) e CD3‐CD16+CD56+ (NK) in peripheral blood and analysed by flow cytometry and presented in frequency (%). Peripheral frequency of NK cells showed no significant difference in LI‐BFR group in time effect, while a gradual reduction of NK cells was identified in HI group in before‐24 h postexercise and after‐24 h postexercise comparison. However, significant differences have been found in relative change of NK cells immediately after exercise between sessions. In addition, HI and LI‐BFR groups showed a significant reduction in the cells expressed CCR5 during 24 h postsession compared to the postsession, but CCR5 also differed when comparing before‐24 h after session in the HI group. No differences were observed amongst the groups. LIO induced CCR5 response similar to the HI session, while the NK cells remained in similar frequency during the studied moments in LI‐BFR, but not in HI group, suggesting that local hypoxia created by the blood flow restriction was able to prevent a change in the frequency of peripheral cells and a possible immunosuppression.
Negative regulation of endogenous protein kinase Cα on the dynamic change of carbachol‐induced intracellular calcium response in different melanoma cells

Regulations of intracellular protein kinase C (PKC) on carbachol (CCh)‐induced intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) responses were investigated in different stages of melanoma cells. We found that CCh (1 mM) significantly increased [Ca2+]i with 6‐, 4‐, 4‐, and 25‐folds intensities in WM793B, 451Lu, SK‐MEL‐5, and A2058 melanoma cells, respectively. Pretreatment of phorbol 12, 13‐dibutyrate (PDBu, 2 µM), an activator of intracellular PKC, significantly suppressed CCh‐induced peak reactions in WM793B, SK‐MEL‐5, and A2058 cells. RT‐PCR data showed that mRNA levels of PKCα were 12‐, 4‐, 6‐, and 0.9‐folds higher in above four melanoma cells. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting to PKCα in WM793B cells enhanced CCh‐induced peak calcium reactions. Present data indicated that CCh‐induced [Ca2+]i responses were dynamically changed in different stages of melanoma progression. Moreover, intracellular PKCα activated by exogenous agonist and expressed through endogenous gene transcription negatively regulated CCh‐induced calcium responses. The functional analysis on the relationship between CCh‐induced calcium response and endogenous PKCα expression might be helpful to predict the development of melanoma. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 276–282, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of Campylobacter jejuniPromoter Sequences

ABSTRACT A promoterless lacZ shuttle vector, which allowed screening of promoters by β-galactosidase activity inCampylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli, was developed. Chromosomal DNA fragments from C. jejuniwere cloned into this vector; 125 of 1,824 clones displayed promoter activity in C. jejuni. Eleven clones with strong promoter activity in C. jejuni were further characterized. Their nucleotide sequences were determined, and the transcriptional start sites of the putative promoters in C. jejuni were determined by primer extension. Only 6 of these 11 promoters were functional in E. coli. The 11 newly characterized and 10 previously characterized C. jejuni promoters were used to establish a consensus sequence for C. jejuni promoters. The 21 promoters were found to be very similar. They contain three conserved regions, located approximately 10, 16, and 35 bp upstream of the transcriptional start point. The −10 region resembles that of a typical ς70E. colipromoter, but the −35 region is completely different. In addition a −16 region typical for gram-positive bacteria was identified.
The effects of endosulfan on the growth and erythrocyte immune function of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

To investigate the effects of endosulfan on erythrocyte immune functions in Mongolian gerbils, 50 Mongolian gerbils were randomly divided into five groups. They were administered endosulfan by gavage at dosages of 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 6.4 mg/(kg/d). After 21 days, the daily weight gain and organ weight index were determined, and blood was collected to examine the erythrocyte immune functions. The results indicated that the effect of endosulfan dosage on daily weight gain was not significant. The liver index in the 6.4 mg/(kg/d) endosulfan group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The rosetting ratios of the erythrocyte C3b receptor (E-C3bR) significantly decreased with increasing endosulfan dosage to 9.94%, 8.59%, 8.13%, 7.84%, and 7.40%, respectively, with respect to the control group. The rosetting ratios of erythrocyte immune complexes (E-ICs) also decreased to 5.13%, 5.09%, 4.38%, 4.34% and 3.83%, respectively, with respect to the control group. There was no significant difference in the natural killer cell (NK) activity regulated by erythrocytes among the five groups. The erythrocyte innate immune inhibitory factor activity in the 1.6 mg/(kg/d) endosulfan group significantly increased, as compared with the activity in the control group. These results suggested that endosulfan can inhibit the erythrocyte immune adherent function, promote the activity of inhibitory factor, and increase the liver weight index; however, there were no significant effects on daily weight gain or the activity of the enhancing factor in Mongolian gerbils.
Market efficiency and information content of Indian commodity futures markets

This article examines the efficiency of pricing of eight commodity futures traded at Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and National Commodity % Derivative Exchange (NCDEX) of India. We find that the current futures prices and the expiration-day spot prices are generally cointegrated, and exhibit market efficiency. We also find evidence of predictive content in the futures prices for the future spot prices. This content varies among different commodities, and is more significant for the natural gas and agricultural commodities, which have higher storage and transportation costs. The risk premium is absent in the futures prices of most of our commodities, excepting two agricultural commodities and nickel.
A Synthetic Codon-Optimized Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural 5A DNA Vaccine Primes Polyfunctional CD8+ T Cell Responses in Wild-Type and NS5A-Transgenic Mice

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural (NS) 5A protein has been shown to promote viral persistence by interfering with both innate and adaptive immunity. At the same time, the HCV NS5A protein has been suggested as a target for antiviral therapy. In this study, we performed a detailed characterization of HCV NS5A immunogenicity in wild-type (wt) and immune tolerant HCV NS5A-transgenic (Tg) C57BL/6J mice. We evaluated how efficiently HCV NS5A-based genetic vaccines could activate strong T cell responses. Truncated and full-length wt and synthetic codon-optimized NS5A genotype 1b genes were cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmids, and the immunogenicity was determined after i.m. immunization in combination with in vivo electroporation. The NS5A-based genetic vaccines primed high Ab levels, with IgG titers of >104 postimmunization. With respect to CD8+ T cell responses, the coNS5A gene primed more potent IFN-γ–producing and lytic cytotoxic T cells in wt mice compared with NS5A-Tg mice. In addition, high frequencies of NS5A-specific CD8+ T cells were found in wt mice after a single immunization. To test the functionality of the CTL responses, the ability to inhibit growth of NS5A-expressing tumor cells in vivo was analyzed after immunization. A single dose of coNS5A primed tumor-inhibiting responses in both wt and NS5A-Tg mice. Finally, immunization with the coNS5A gene primed polyfunctional NS5A-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Thus, the coNS5A gene is a promising therapeutic vaccine candidate for chronic HCV infections.
Fluoride Deposition in the Aged Human Pineal Gland

The purpose was to discover whether fluoride (F) accumulates in the aged human pineal gland. The aims were to determine (a) F–concentrations of the pineal gland (wet), corresponding muscle (wet) and bone (ash); (b) calcium–concentration of the pineal. Pineal, muscle and bone were dissected from 11 aged cadavers and assayed for F using the HMDS–facilitated diffusion, F–ion–specific electrode method. Pineal calcium was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Pineal and muscle contained 297±257 and 0.5±0.4 mg F/kg wet weight, respectively; bone contained 2,037±1,095 mg F/kg ash weight. The pineal contained 16,000±11,070 mg Ca/kg wet weight. There was a positive correlation between pineal F and pineal Ca (r = 0.73, p<0.02) but no correlation between pineal F and bone F. By old age, the pineal gland has readily accumulated F and its F/Ca ratio is higher than bone.
Developing Energy-based Poverty Indicators for South Africa

Energy provision and the role it plays in poverty alleviation is well documented. South Africa has an ambitious poverty alleviation program of halving 2004 poverty levels by 2014, which demands an increase in the provision of energy to both urban and rural impoverished areas. Yet the country has no energy based poverty indicators to guide such policy. This paper attempts to fill that gap by developing reliable, theoretically rigorous energy based indicators from extant data gathered in the 2005 South African household survey. An end-use and access-adjusted energy based poverty indicator compares favourably with other poverty variables using correlation analysis. We find that such indicators can assist government policy in meeting poverty targets such as that outlined by the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA).
A self-adaptive protocol stack for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper we propose the adoption of a self-adaptable cross-layer and modular Software Defined Communication Stack (SDCS) for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks. The SDCS is a modular stack solution which is capable to run different protocols at each layer of the network stack; a new component, named policy engine, autonomously and adaptively, as the operational conditions vary, selects the protocol of each layer so as to optimize application scenario metrics of interest, e.g., packet delivery ratio, end-to-end packet latency and energy consumption. As a proof of concept, the paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a policy engine to dynamically and autonomously change the MAC protocol adopted in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks. The best MAC protocol is chosen according to network conditions and application requirements, without any a priori knowledge. We consider three different MAC protocols running in the SDCS: CSMA, T-Lohi and DACAP that represent the class of simple, intermediate and fully negotiated MAC protocols, respectively. The performance of the three protocols are first compared via simulations considering different network conditions, such as traffic load and packet size. Then, we evaluate the ability of our policy engine to dynamically estimate the network changes and then to select accordingly the best MAC protocol without any a priori knowledge. Results show the effectiveness of our solution in that it is always able to quickly find and choose the MAC protocol that optimizes a given metric in a particular scenario by introducing a really limited overhead in the network.
Domestic Mergers and Acquisitions in BRICS Countries: Acquirers and Targets

We study the firm value determinants for domestic acquisitions within BRICS countries considering both acquirer and target shareholders. Targets earn significant positive announcement returns of 1.45% on average. Acquirers lose slightly. We employ a comprehensive set of explanatory variables and test for cross-sectional return drivers. Target returns are negatively related to pre-announcement returns and firm size, while they are positively related to GDP growth. Our results are consistent with insider trading capturing some of the target excess returns, which are highest for small targets based in countries with high recent GPD growth.
Communication evaluation and measurement: Skills, practices and utilization in European organizations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the status quo of communication evaluation and measurement practices in communication departments of companies, non-profits, and other organizations across Europe. Design/methodology/approach The study argues that the challenge to conduct reliable measurement is threefold: first, communication professionals have to understand and develop skills how to conduct evaluation; second, they have to evaluate whether communication activities have reached those goals in practice; and finally, they have to use those insights to advance and manage their future activities. These aspects are elaborated in the literature review. A quantitative survey of 1,601 professionals from 40 European countries was conducted to research prerequisites, implementation and benefits of communication measurement and compare practices across types of organizations. Findings Although robust knowledge of empirical research methods and their application for measuring communication effects is indispensable, many practitioners lack the necessary expertise to conduct reliable evaluation and measurement. Communication departments seldom measure communication effects on stakeholders and organizational goals. Many remain focused on media and channels. Last but not least, organizations do not fully exploit the potential of measurement data for strategically planning future communication activities. Practical implications The findings highlight the need to reconsider current education and training in communication research methods and their application in corporate practice. Knowledge about conducting applied research is as important as asking meaningful questions and using insights for management decisions in a corporate environment. Evaluation methods are often discussed, but individual skills and the organizational use of insights are important as well. This might be tackled through additional training in social science research techniques, sophisticated valuation methods, and decision making. Originality/value The large-scale study shows that communication measurement practices are still in a nascent stage. Joint efforts of academics and professional associations have not really changed the situation until now. The three dimensions used in this research (skills, practices, and utilization) can be used to assess the measurement readiness of individual organizations, to conduct further research in other regions, and to identify future challenges for advancing the field.
Modeling and forecasting realized volatility in German–Austrian continuous intraday electricity prices

This paper uses high-frequency continuous intraday electricity price data from the EPEX market to estimate and forecast realized volatility. Three different jump tests are used to break down the variation into jump and continuous components using quadratic variation theory. Several heterogeneous autoregressive models are then estimated for the logarithmic and standard deviation transformations. Generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) structures are included in the error terms of the models when evidence of conditional heteroskedasticity is found. Model selection is based on various out-of-sample criteria. Results show that decomposition of realized volatility is important for forecasting and that the decision whether to include GARCH-type innovations might depend on the transformation selected. Finally, results are sensitive to the jump test used in the case of the standard deviation transformation.
The utility of a portable recording device for screening of obstructive sleep apnea in obese adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The ApneaLink Plus is a portable recording device that measures air flow, respiratory effort, heart rate, and pulse oximetry. In the current study, we asked whether this device could be used to screen for obstructive sleep apnea in the pediatric population. METHODS Sleep-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) was performed simultaneously with measurements using the portable device on obese pediatric patients referred for snoring. The obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) was calculated automatically by the device (autoscore) and manually by the investigators. Sensitivity, specificity, correlation, and receiver operating curves (ROC) were used to compare the portable device to PSG. RESULTS Twenty-five subjects (60% male, mean age 13.6 ± 3.0 years, OAHI on PSG 11.8 ± 27.1) were studied. We identified a significant correlation between the OAHI of the ApneaLink autoscore and PSG (Spearman Rho = 0.886 [p < 0.001]). Using the PSG results as standard, ROC curves comparing the ApneaLink OAHI with the PSG OAHI demonstrated high congruence. The autoscore agreement was very good at PSG OAHI > 1.5 (area under the receiver operating curve [AUC] 0.965, OAHI > 5 [AUC 0.937], and OAHI > 10 [AUC 1.00]). The agreement of the manual score and autoscore were essentially equivalent. The device's autoscore demonstrated high sensitivity at all cutoffs examined (100% at OAHI > 1.5, 85.7% at OAHI > 5, and 100% at OAHI > 10). The specificity increased with increasing cutoffs (46.2% at OAHI > 1.5, 83.3% at OAHI > 5, and 90.0% at OAHI > 10). CONCLUSION he ApneaLink Plus is a sensitive screening tool for evaluation of suspected OSAS in obese pediatric patients aged 9-18 years. The specificity improves with increasing OAHI cutoffs. The device detects OSAS when tested in a sleep laboratory on obese adolescents referred for symptoms of sleep related breathing disorder.
The development of an instrument to match individuals with disabilities and service animals

Purpose : There has been an increase in the use of service animals assisting persons with disabilities in the past decade. However many of the service dog agencies do not utilize an assessment that is designed to match the person to the animal in the rehabilitation and psycho-social domains. The purpose of this study was to develop the Service Animal Adaptive Intervention Assessment (SAAIA) and to measure the content validity, inter-rater reliability and clinical utility of the assessment. Method : Two subject groups were used. Subject group one had 43 subjects who measured the content validity and clinical utility of the SAAIA Survey. Subject group two had 12 subjects who measured the inter-rater reliability by completing the SAAIA using information obtained through a video-taped client case scenario. Results : Content validity results indicated a good to high percentage of agreement and a fair percentage of agreement for clinical utility. Inter-rater reliability results indicate good to high agreement on six of the eight variables of the SAAIA. However, the Kappa score indicates low inter-rater reliability. Conclusion : Results indicate the SAAIA has good content validity and inter-rater reliability and fair clinical utility based on percent agreement. However, further research is needed on the reliability of the SAAIA.