Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Static Postural Stability in Chronic Ankle Instability, an Ankle Sprain and Healthy Ankles

Abstract To identify the single leg balance (SLB) test that discriminates among healthy, coper, and chronic ankle instability (CAI) groups and to determine effects of ankle muscles on the balance error scoring system (BESS) among the three populations. 60 subjects (20 per group) performed the SLB test with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Normalized mean amplitude (NMA) of the tibia anterior (TA), fibularis longus (FL), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles and BESS were measured while performing the SLB test. The coper group had a lower error score than the CAI group in the EC. NMA was greater in the CAI group compared to in the healthy and coper groups regardless of muscle type. NMA of the TA was less than the PL and MG regardless of the group in the EO. The CAI group demonstrated greater NMAs of the PL and MG than the healthy and coper groups in the EC. The CAI group demonstrated greater NMA of the PL and MG by compensating their ankle muscles in the EO and EC. BESS suggests that the coper group may have coping mechanisms to stabilize static postural control compared to the CAI group. The EC may be better to detect static postural instability in the CAI or coper group.
Domestic actors and agendas in Chinese aid policy

Abstract As China's aid has increased, so has scrutiny by the international development and foreign policy community. Despite recognition that foreign aid policy is a result of domestic political contests, the existing literature tends to overlook Chinese debates about the purpose of aid, and how that purpose should be achieved. This paper argues that examining these debates shows that Chinese aid is not a well-considered element of an overarching strategy. Rather, where foreign aid is considered relevant vis-à-vis China's goals, its use is hotly contested. Competing actors' varying agendas, rather than any coherent strategy, underpin inchoate aid projects.
Right Colon Resection for Colon Cancer: Does Surgical Approach Matter?

BACKGROUND Surgical resection with curative intent remains the standard of care for colon cancer. This study aims to compare the 30-day outcomes and oncologic results following open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted right colon resection for colon cancer using the Targeted Colectomy American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients undergoing elective, right colon resection with primary anastomosis were identified within the targeted colectomy ACS-NSQIP database. Only patients with stage I, II, or III colon cancer were included. The association of surgical approach with oncologic results and 30-day morbidity and mortality outcomes was investigated using a variety of statistical tests. RESULTS A total of 3518 patients met inclusion criteria; 1024 (29.1%) underwent open surgery (OS), 2405 (63.4%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 89 (2.5%) underwent robotic surgery. Patients undergoing OS were significantly more likely to have positive resection margins (P < .001). Patients undergoing OS were significantly more likely to experience prolonged intubation (P = .02), deep wound infections (P = .001), wound dehiscence (P = .005), deep venous thrombosis (P = .04), bleeding requiring a blood transfusion (P < .001), a prolonged postoperative ileus (P < .001), and longer length of hospital stay (P < .001), and were more likely to die (P = .02). CONCLUSION The laparoscopic approach to colon resection for colon cancer has lower 30-day morbidity compared to OS. The robotic approach is equivalent to the laparoscopic approach, and its utilization may increase in the future.
The puzzling phylogeography of the haplochromine cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni

Abstract Astatotilapia burtoni is a member of the “modern haplochromines,” the most species‐rich lineage within the family of cichlid fishes. Although the species has been in use as research model in various fields of research since almost seven decades, including developmental biology, neurobiology, genetics and genomics, and behavioral biology, little is known about its spatial distribution and phylogeography. Here, we examine the population structure and phylogeographic history of A. burtoni throughout its entire distribution range in the Lake Tanganyika basin. In addition, we include several A. burtoni laboratory strains to trace back their origin from wild populations. To this end, we reconstruct phylogenetic relationships based on sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (d‐loop) as well as thousands of genomewide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from restriction‐associated DNA sequencing. Our analyses reveal high population structure and deep divergence among several lineages, however, with discordant nuclear and mtDNA phylogenetic inferences. Whereas the SNP‐based phylogenetic hypothesis uncovers an unexpectedly deep split in A. burtoni, separating the populations in the southern part of the Lake Tanganyika basin from those in the northern part, analyses of the mtDNA control region suggest deep divergence between populations from the southwestern shoreline and populations from the northern and southeastern shorelines of Lake Tanganyika. This phylogeographic pattern and mitochondrial haplotype sharing between populations from the very North and the very South of Lake Tanganyika can only partly be explained by introgression linked to lake‐level fluctuations leading to past contact zones between otherwise isolated populations and large‐scale migration events.
Biosynthesis of Different Sizes of Silver Nanoparticles by Bacteria Screened from Cultivated Soil

: Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) is an emerging area in the field of nano-biotechnology due to their unique properties and potential applications. Bacteria which produce extracellular stable metallic silver NPs were successfully enriched from cultivated soil, Kingdom of Bahrain, in the presence of AgNO 3 (100 mM). The toxic Ag + ion was reduced to non-toxic Ag 0 NPs through bacterial nitrate reductase. When examined by UV-vis spectrophotometer, the silver NPs showed maximum peak at 421 nm which remained stable for several months. The presence of those highly stable silver NPs were confirmed by XRD analysis, optical microscope, SEM and EDS. The bacterial activity was followed for 25 days in the presence of different concentrations of silver nitrate (1-256 mM). Different sizes of silver NPs ranging between 5 to 30 nm were obtained. It was found that the size of the NPs can be controlled by changing the concentration of AgNO 3 .
Empathy in Internal Medicine Residents at Community-based Hospitals: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Many research reports revealed declining empathy in medical schools that continues in postgraduate years of training. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the self-reported empathy levels of internal medicine (IM) residents in 3 community-based teaching hospitals. Methods: The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, Health Professionals version, is an online, self-administered, questionnaire that was offered to 129 current and incoming residents at 1 osteopathic and 2 allopathic, IM training programs in Flint, Michigan. Results: Forty-five residents responded (35% response rate). Our residents’ cumulative mean empathy score was 112.5 with a SD of 12.72, which is comparable with the cumulative empathy scores for IM residents at university hospitals. There was an increase in empathy score from the beginning level of training, postgraduate year 0 (PGY0), to the PGY1 level, and a noticeable, although statistically non-significant, decrease in empathy score for both PGY2 and PGY3 residents. The graduating residents’ scores were higher compared with incoming residents. Conclusions: The cumulative mean empathy score in community-based IM residents showed an increase in the beginning of residents’ training and decrease in empathy score by the end of training. There were significant differences in empathy scores by level of training at individual hospitals. This might be related to different targeted curricula.
TEMPORAL AND PARAMETRIC STUDY OF TRAVELLER PREFERENCE HETEROGENEITY USING RANDOM PARAMETER LOGIT MODEL

In travel demand models, traditional objective attributes (TOAs) are very commonly used as explanatory variables. Nowadays, it is understood that latent variables (LVs) also significantly influence travellers' behaviour. A hybrid choice modelling approach allows LVs in mode choice utility functions to be addressed. Specifically, a hybrid random parameter logit (HRPL) model has been developed to explore these influences. In this study, a traditional RPL (TRPL) model is compared with an HRPL model. For the later model, a two-step approach (also known as sequential approach) is implemented to incorporate LVs in choice models. Step 1 is the estimation of a MIMIC (multiple indicators and multiple causes) model; a type of regression model with a latent dependent variable(s). Step 2 is the estimation of a choice model with random parameters; information from the first step is incorporated in the second step. The paper analyses and compares the results of applying these models to a real urban case study using two datasets: 2008/09 and 2010/11 household travel survey (HTS) of Sydney Statistical Division (SSD), and also evaluates the predicted changes of mode choice probabilities based on hypothetical scenarios. Our results show that the HRPL model is superior to TRPL models that ignore the effect of LVs on traveller choice. The minimal changes in the parameter coefficients between the two datasets for each model suggest that the changes in traveller choice behaviour are gradual. Three hypothetical scenarios are simulated to forecast the changes that would be relevant to transport policy responses.
Optimality of the Friedman Rule Under Ambiguity

This article reexamines optimality of the Friedman rule in an economy, wherein (i) spatial separation and limited communication create a transactions role for money (ii) banks arise to provide liquidity, and (iii) agents are nonsmooth ambiguity aversion. It is shown that the structure of the set of “second-best” monetary policies crucially depends on the relation between the set of beliefs and the marginal productivity of capital. Especially, in order for the Friedman rule to be suboptimal, it is necessary for the maximum of subjective probabilities of realizing liquidity events to be sufficiently small.
The glycolipid GM1 reshapes asymmetric biomembranes and giant vesicles by curvature generation

Significance The multifaceted involvement of GM1 as a ligand in many cellular functions has been well recognized. We find that GM1 readily desorbs from the membrane of cell-sized model biomimetic systems (giant unilamellar vesicles). The desorption is unbalanced, creating an asymmetry between the bilayer leaflets. This results in reshaping weakly curved membranes into nanotubular invaginations stabilized by the membrane spontaneous curvature, which we quantify experimentally. Computer simulations confirm the experimental results. Uncovering the role of GM1 as a fine regulator of membrane curvature broadens our perspective on its important function in reshaping neuronal membranes and emphasizes that GM1 desorption can strongly affect the cell membrane morphology. The ganglioside GM1 is present in neuronal membranes at elevated concentrations with an asymmetric spatial distribution. It is known to generate curvature and can be expected to strongly influence the neuron morphology. To elucidate these effects, we prepared giant vesicles with GM1 predominantly present in one leaflet of the membrane, mimicking the asymmetric GM1 distribution in neuronal membranes. Based on pulling inward and outward tubes, we developed a technique that allowed the direct measurement of the membrane spontaneous curvature. Using vesicle electroporation and fluorescence intensity analysis, we were able to quantify the GM1 asymmetry across the membrane and to subsequently estimate the local curvature generated by the molecule in the bilayer. Molecular-dynamics simulations confirm the experimentally determined dependence of the membrane spontaneous curvature as a function of GM1 asymmetry. GM1 plays a crucial role in connection with receptor proteins. Our results on curvature generation of GM1 point to an additional important role of this ganglioside, namely in shaping neuronal membranes.
Correlation between coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and analysis of risk factors

The correlation between coronary artery disease (CAD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was investigated to analyze its risk factors. A total of 84 patients with suspected CAD due to chest tightness and pain or nocturnal angina, were selected. They were admitted and received coronary angiography in The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University from March, 2016 to June, 2017. The vital signs were monitored, and the sleep monitoring was performed before and after coronary angiography. Before angiography, the fasting blood was drawn for blood biochemical detection, followed by routine electrocardiogram and echocardiographic examination. In addition, the body mass index was calculated and whether patients suffered from hypertension and diabetes mellitus was observed. The patients were divided into the control group (patients with a negative coronary angiography) and the CAD group (patients with a positive coronary angiography). There were 34 cases in the control group, including 21 cases of OSAS (61.76%), and 50 in the CAD group, including 40 cases of OSAS (80.00%). Statistical analysis revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest oxygen saturation, degree of coronary stenosis (Gensini score) and triglyceride level between the two groups (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the cholesterol level and prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes mellitus between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking and AHI >20 were the risk factors of CAD (OR=7.036 and 5.377). Thus, CAD is closely correlated with OSAS and AHI >20 is one of the risk factors of CAD.
Collective Bargaining and Wage Formation - Performance and Challenges

This volume considers the development of the wage formation and wage bargaining institutions as a response to changes in the bargaining environment. These changes include a lower level of inflation and the growth in intraindustrial trade as firms have become more specialised. The response to these changes will depend on the current institutions and on the characteristics of the bargaining system. Generally there has been some move towards decentralisation; the question is what should be bargained centrally and which issues should be transferred to lower levels. Some of the contributions pay special attention to Nordic regimes using survey results gathered from the Finnish labour market partners.
Dependence of the tunneling quasiparticle charge determined via shot noise measurements on the tunneling barrier and energetics

Charged excitations in the fractional quantum Hall effect are known to carry fractional charges, as theoretically predicted and experimentally verified. Here we report on the dependence of the tunneling quasiparticle charge, as determined via highly sensitive shot noise measurements, on the measurement conditions, in the odd denominators states v=1/3 and v=7/3 and in the even denominator state v=5/2. In particular, for very weak backscattering probability and sufficiently small excitation energies (temperature and applied voltage), tunneling charges across a constriction were found to be significantly higher than the theoretically predicted fundamental quasiparticle charges.
Basic Education in Ivory Coast: From Education for All to Compulsory Education, Challenges and Perspectives

Ivorian authorities, for years, are employing various strategies as part of reforms to ensure universal education in Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire). In this regard, great efforts are done each year through public funding and partnership development support to face the challenge of Education for All whose term of the implementation was 2015. The objective of this paper is to investigate the various facets of Education for All in Ivory Coast and the implications of the implementation of compulsory education, which is the new challenge of Ivorian education system. How to bridge the gap of schooling? What measures would be effective to ensure 100% enrolment as multiple factors constitution obstacle to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Using qualitative methods based on relevant data from books, articles and others secondary sources from reports as well as other information from the World Wide Web, this study examined the current issues of Education for All in the post-crisis context. Although immense sacrifices have been done to Education for All, persistent factors unlikely still limit its implementation. The success of the compulsory education is possible whether the State invests more resources in Education and creates well conditions for access to education in all areas of the country, paying more attention to marginalized groups such as children with disadvantaged social backgrounds and girls. In conclusion part of this study possible solutions and recommendations that can overcome the persistent issues of Education for All are provided for higher educational policy prospects.
Dopamine D1-Like Receptors Suppress the Proliferation of Macrophages Induced by Ox-LDL

Background/Aims: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) induces macrophage proliferation, a key physiological process which leads to atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dopamine D1-like receptors on macrophage proliferation induced by Ox-LDL. Methods: The expression of dopamine D1-like receptors was determined by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting. The effect of D1-like receptors on macrophage proliferation induced by Ox-LDL was measured by 3[H]-thymidine incorporation and cell number count. Results: Dopamine D1-like receptors were present in macrophages as determined by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and immunoblotting. A D1-like receptor agonist, fenoldopam, which by itself had no effect on macrophage proliferation, inhibited the stimulatory effect of Ox-LDL on macrophage proliferation. This was further confirmed by the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH 23390 blocking the effect of fenoldopam, thereby indicating that the fenoldopam action was receptor specific. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K/Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways were also involved in the proliferative effect of Ox-LDL because in the presence of PI3K/Akt or MAPK/ERK inhibitors, LY294002 or PD98059, the stimulatory effects of Ox-LDL were blocked. Moreover, the stimulatory effect of Ox-LDL on the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt was significantly reduced by fenoldopam in macrophages. Additional experiments found that both D1 and D5 receptor expression was lower in the peritoneal macrophages from Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice compared to the control C57Bl/6J mice. Conclusions: Macrophages express D1-like receptors. The activation of the D1-like receptors significantly inhibits Ox-LDL-induced macrophage proliferation, possibly through the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways.
Determinants of return at work of breast cancer patients: results from the OPTISOINS01 French prospective study

Introduction Return to work (RTW) after breast cancer (BC) is still a new field of research. The factors determining shorter sick leave duration of patients with BC have not been clearly identified. The aim of this study was to describe work during BC treatment and to identify factors associated with sick leave duration. Materials and methods An observational, prospective, multicentre study was conducted among women with operable BC. A logbook was given to all working patients to record sociodemographic and work-related data over a 1-year period. Results Work-related data after BC were available for 178 patients (60%). The median age at diagnosis was 50 years (27–77), 87.9% of patients had an invasive form of BC and 25.3% a lymph node involvement. 25.9% had a radical surgery and 24.2% had an axillary dissection. Radiotherapy was performed in 90.9% of patients and chemotherapy in 48.1%. Sick leave was prescribed for 165 patients (92.7%) for a median of 155 days. On univariate analysis, invasive BC (p=0.025), lymph node involvement (p=0.005), radical surgery (p=0.025), axillary dissection (p=0.004), chemotherapy (p<0.001), personal income <€1900/month (p=0.03) and not having received the patient information booklet on RTW (p=0.047) were found to be associated with a longer duration of sick leave. On multivariate analysis, chemotherapy was found to be associated with longer sick leave (OR: 3.5; 95% CI 1.6 to 7.9; p=0.002). The cost of sick leave to French National Health Insurance was fourfold higher in the case of chemotherapy (p<0.001). Conclusion Advanced disease and chemotherapy are major factors that influence sick leave duration during the management of BC. Trial registration number NCT02813317.
Memory performance and mild cognitive impairment in Black and White community elders.

BACKGROUND Deficits in memory performance are often nonspecific predictors of cognitive decline and may portend a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). OBJECTIVE We examined age, depression, education, gender, memory complaints, and race as related to memory performance because memory is a fundamental criterion from which MCI is evaluated. METHODS The study recruited Black and White adults, > or = 70 years of age, who lived in the community, spoke English, and were screened for no cognitive impairment. Bivariate analyses (t tests and Pearson correlations) and multiple regressions were performed. RESULTS The sample consisted of 89 African Americans and 83 Caucasian Americans. Compared to their White counterparts, Blacks had lower educational attainment, had lower baseline cognition and memory performance, were more likely to report symptoms of depression, and were more likely to have impaired memory performance. In the overall sample 52% were classified as having a poor memory, and 25% of the Caucasians and 44% of the Blacks were classified as moderately or severely memory impaired; however no difference in memory complaints was observed between the groups. Sixteen percent of the sample reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Age and race were the statistically significant predictors of memory performance in the multiple regression analysis, even accounting for education, depression, gender, and memory complaints. CONCLUSIONS Why race remains a unique predictor is an unresolved issue in need of future research. Finally, using the three criteria available in this data set, 44% of the Blacks and 35% of the Caucasians in this sample would qualify for a diagnosis of MCI.
The Definition of Leisure

An analysis of the definition of leisure seems to be needed at the present time for at least three reasons: First, significant changes have occurred in the nature of "the job" over the past century. Second, there has been a rising secular trend in per capita incomes. And third, leisure is a concept common to many disciplines. The first two of these factors result from the dynamics of our economic system and the third follows from the multi-disciplinary character of the concept itself.