Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Onset and persistence of depression in older people--results from a 2-year community follow-up study.

BACKGROUND baseline physical health, disability and social support have been shown to predict depression onset, but findings for persistence are inconsistent. For onset and persistence of depression, the effect of changes in these risk factors over time is unclear. OBJECTIVE to use baseline factors and change in factors over time to predict onset and persistence of depression over a 2-year period. METHODS a prospective cohort study with index assessment and 2-year follow-up of patients initially aged > or =65 years registered with two South London practices (n = 1,164). Depression was defined by a score >5/15 on the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Associations between risk factors and onset and persistence of depression were analysed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS the incidence of depression was 8.4%, while depression persisted amongst 61.2% of those depressed at baseline. Comparing onset and persistence suggested some common predictors: greater baseline depression score; and follow-up measures of poor general health and compromised social support. There was some evidence that pain and worsening disability were more important for depression onset. In contrast, low baseline belief in powerful others (health locus of control measure) predicted persistence only. CONCLUSION focusing on older people with increasing disability, pain, physical ill-health and compromised social support should help in both the prevention and recognition of onset of later-life depression. In older people with depression, those with the highest symptom scores and low belief in powerful others at baseline were more likely to develop chronic symptoms and could be targeted for more intensive treatment and support.
Teaching Probability to Pre-Service Teachers with Argumentation Based Science Learning Approach

The aim of this study is to explore the effects of the argumentation based science learning (ABSL) approach on the teaching probability to pre-service teachers. The sample of the study included 41 students studying at the Department of Elementary School Mathematics Education in a public university during the 2014-2015 academic years. The study is a quasi-experimental study. The experimental group consisted of 20 students, and the control group consisted of 21 pre-service teachers. While the teaching probability argumentation based science learning approach was applied to the teacher candidates in the experimental group, traditional methods were applied to the control group. As a data collection tool, the Probability Achievement Test with 15 open-ended questions, which was prepared by the researcher himself, was used. As a result of the application, statistical significant differences were found between the probability successes of the experimental group and control group in favor of the experimental group. Keywords: probability, argumentation based science learning
Quantifying light exposure patterns in young adult students

Exposure to bright light appears to be protective against myopia in both animals (chicks, monkeys) and children, but quantitative data on human light exposure are limited. In this study, we report on a technique for quantifying light exposure using wearable sensors. Twenty-seven young adult subjects wore a light sensor continuously for two weeks during one of three seasons, and also completed questionnaires about their visual activities. Light data were analyzed with respect to refractive error and season, and the objective sensor data were compared with subjects’ estimates of time spent indoors and outdoors. Subjects’ estimates of time spent indoors and outdoors were in poor agreement with durations reported by the sensor data. The results of questionnaire-based studies of light exposure should thus be interpreted with caution. The role of light in refractive error development should be investigated using multiple methods such as sensors to complement questionnaires.
Increased ion transport in cultured nasal polyp epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE To measure transepithelial bioelectric properties of cultured human nasal polyp and turbinate epithelial cells to test the hypothesis that nasal polyps have increased rates of ion transport. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Private referral center. PATIENTS Individuals undergoing surgery for symptomatic nasal obstruction due to polyps caused by cystic fibrosis, nonatopic rhinosinusitis, or allergic rhinosinusitis. METHODS Epithelial cells were removed from separated polyp and turbinate samples by protease disaggregation and cultured on permeable collagen matrix supports. Transepithelial potential difference and resistance were measured daily. At the time of maximal transepithelial potential difference, the cultures were mounted in modified Ussing chambers and exposed to a sodium-positive channel blocker (amiloride hydrochloride) and to selected chloride-negative channel agonists (isoproterenol bitartrate, adenosine triphosphate). OUTCOME MEASURES Maximal transepithelial potential difference, resistance, and equivalent short-circuit current. Bioelectric responses to amiloride, isoproterenol, and adenosine triphosphate. RESULTS Polyp cultures had higher transepithelial potential difference and equivalent short-circuit current than turbinate cultures. The mediator responses were greater for polyp than for turbinate cultures. CONCLUSIONS Polyp epithelia have increased Na+ absorption and Cl- permeability relative to turbinate epithelia. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that increased epithelial fluid absorption contributes to the development of nasal polyps.
Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761®, donepezil or both combined in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with neuropsychiatric features: A randomised, double-blind, exploratory trial

Objective: This randomised, double-blind exploratory trial was undertaken to compare treatment effects and tolerability of EGb 761®, donepezil and combined treatment in patients with AD and neuropsychiatric features. Method: We enrolled 96 outpatients, aged 50 years or above, who met the NINCDS/ADRDA criteria for probable AD, scored below 36 on the TE4D, a screening test for dementia, below 6 on the Clock-Drawing Test (CDT) and between 9 and 23 on the SKT, a cross-culturally validated cognitive test battery. They scored at least five on the 12-item Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). EGb 761® (240 mg per day), donepezil (initially 5 mg, after 4 weeks 10 mg per day) or EGb 761® and donepezil combined (same doses) were administered for 22 weeks. Results: Changes from baseline to week 22 and response rates were similar for all three treatment groups with respect to all outcome measures (SKT, NPI, total score and activities-of-daily-living sub-score of the Gottfries–Bråne–Steen Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, CDT and Verbal Fluency Test). An apparent tendency in favour of combination treatment warrants further scrutiny. Compared to donepezil mono-therapy, the adverse event rate was lower under EGb 761® treatment and even under the combination treatment. Conclusion: These exploratory findings helped to develop three hypotheses that will have to be proven in further studies: (1) there is no significant difference in the efficiency between EGb 761® and donepezil, (2) a combination therapy will be superior to a mono-therapy with one of both substances and (3) there will be less side effects under a combination therapy than under mono-therapy with donepezil.
The Conserved PHD1-PHD2 Domain of ZFP-1/AF10 Is a Discrete Functional Module Essential for Viability in Caenorhabditis elegans

ABSTRACT Plant homeodomain (PHD)-type zinc fingers play an important role in recognizing chromatin modifications and recruiting regulatory proteins to specific genes. A specific module containing a conventional PHD finger followed by an extended PHD finger exists in the mammalian AF10 protein, among a few others. AF10 has mostly been studied in the context of the leukemic MLL-AF10 fusion protein, which lacks the N-terminal PHD fingers of AF10. Although this domain of AF10 is the most conserved region of the protein, its biological significance has not been elucidated. In this study, we used genetic and biochemical approaches to examine the PHD1-PHD2 region of the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of AF10, zinc finger protein 1 (ZFP-1). We demonstrate that the PHD1-PHD2 region is essential for viability and that the first PHD finger contributes to the preferred binding of PHD1-PHD2 to lysine 4-methylated histone H3 tails. Moreover, we show that ZFP-1 localization peaks overlap with H3K4 methylation-enriched promoters of actively expressed genes genomewide and that H3K4 methylation is important for ZFP-1 localization to promoters in the embryo. We predict that the essential biological role of the PHD1-PHD2 module of ZFP-1/AF10 is connected to the regulation of actively expressed genes during early development.
Structural basis for the nucleotide-dependent dimerization of the large G protein atlastin-1/SPG3A

The large GTPase atlastin belongs to the dynamin superfamily that has been widely implicated in facilitating membrane tubulation, fission, and in select cases, fusion. Mutations spread across atlastin isoform 1 (atlastin-1) have been identified in patients suffering from hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neuron function in the lower extremities. On a molecular level, atlastin-1 associates with high membrane curvature and fusion events at the endoplasmic reticulum and cis-Golgi. Here we report crystal structures of atlastin-1 comprising the G and middle domains in two different conformations. Although the orientation of the middle domain relative to the G domain is different in the two structures, both reveal dimeric assemblies with a common, GDP-bound G domain dimer. In contrast, dimer formation in solution is observed only in the presence of GTP and transition state analogs, similar to other G proteins that are activated by nucleotide-dependent dimerization. Analyses of solution scattering data suggest that upon nucleotide binding, the protein adopts a somewhat extended, dimeric conformation that is reminiscent of one of the two crystal structures. These structural studies suggest a model for nucleotide-dependent regulation of atlastin with implications for membrane fusion. This mechanism is affected in several mutants associated with HSP, providing insights into disease pathogenesis.
Nonregular Designs With Desirable Projection Properties

In many industrial applications, the experimenter is interested in estimating some of the main effects and two-factor interactions. In this article we rank two-level orthogonal designs based on the number of estimable models containing a subset of main effects and their associated two-factor interactions. By ranking designs in this way, the experimenter can directly assess the usefulness of the experimental plan for the purpose in mind. We apply the new ranking criterion to the class of all non isomorphic two-level orthogonal designs with 16 and 20 runs and introduce a computationally efficient algorithm, based on two theoretical results, which will aid in finding designs with larger run sizes. Catalogs of useful designs with 16, 20, 24, and 28 runs are presented.
The K = 2 conundrum

Assessments of population genetic structure have become an increasing focus as they can provide valuable insight into patterns of migration and gene flow. structure, the most highly cited of several clustering‐based methods, was developed to provide robust estimates without the need for populations to be determined a priori. structure introduces the problem of selecting the optimal number of clusters, and as a result, the ΔK method was proposed to assist in the identification of the “true” number of clusters. In our review of 1,264 studies using structure to explore population subdivision, studies that used ΔK were more likely to identify K = 2 (54%, 443/822) than studies that did not use ΔK (21%, 82/386). A troubling finding was that very few studies performed the hierarchical analysis recommended by the authors of both ΔK and structure to fully explore population subdivision. Furthermore, extensions of earlier simulations indicate that, with a representative number of markers, ΔK frequently identifies K = 2 as the top level of hierarchical structure, even when more subpopulations are present. This review suggests that many studies may have been over‐ or underestimating population genetic structure; both scenarios have serious consequences, particularly with respect to conservation and management. We recommend publication standards for population structure results so that readers can assess the implications of the results given their own understanding of the species biology.
Public health and clinical importance of amoebiasis in Malaysia : A review

Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of human amoebiasis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and is responsible for up to 100,000 deaths worldwide each year. Entamoeba dispar, morphologically indistinguishable from E. histolytica is more common in humans in many parts of the world. Similarly Entamoeba moshkovskii, which was long considered to be a free-living amoeba is also morphologically identical to E. histolytica and E. dispar, and is highly prevalent in some E. histolytica endemic countries. Humans are the host of infection and there would not appear to be other meaningful animal reservoirs of E. histolytica. Entamoeba. histolytica can be present in sewage and contaminated water. The infection is mainly transmitted via ingestion of water or food contaminated by faeces containing E. histolytica cysts. Clinical features of amoebiasis range from asymptomatic colonization to amoebic dysentery and invasive extraintestinal amoebiasis, which is manifested most commonly in the form of abscesses in liver and lungs. The epidemiology of amoebiasis has dramatically changed since the separation of E. histolytica and E. dispar species and the worldwide prevalence of these species has not been estimated until recently. Morever, E. moshkovskii, another morphologically indistinguishable human parasitic Entamoeba was not mentioned or considered as a contributor to the prevalence figures in endemic areas. Amoebiasis is still a major health problem especially in aboriginal settlements and amongst people living in remote area in Malaysia. However, until now there is only one data currently available to indicate the true prevalence and incidence of E. histolytica and E. dispar. Further studies are needed to determine the burden of E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections in Malaysia. In the present review, we briefly summarize all methods use in diagnosing Entamoeba species, ranging from microscopic identification to molecular detection such as culture and isoenzyme analysis, antibody detection tests, antigen detection tests, immunochromatographic assays, conventional PCR, real-time PCR and loopmediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
ABCA1 and ABCG1 expressions are regulated by statins and ezetimibe in Caco-2 cells

Abstract Background: Enterocytes play a crucial role in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) biogenesis. Statins and ezetimibe are potent lowering-cholesterol drugs, which can also influence HDL plasma concentrations. We hypothesized that these drugs could modulate the expression of intestinal ABCA1and ABCG1, two genes involved in HDL metabolism. Methods: Caco-2 cells were used as a model of the human intestinal cells and were treated with statins (0.01–1 μmol/L) and/or ezetimibe (0.5–5.0 μmol/L) for 12 h or 24 h. Gene expression was examined using real-time PCR. Results: ABCA1 level was more abundant than ABCG1 in Caco-2 cells. ABCA1 was downregulated after 12-h and 24-h treatment with atorvastatin (0.1 and 1.0 μmol/L) or simvastatin (0.01, 0.1 and 1 μmol/L) (p<0.05). In statin-treated cells, ABCG1 levels remained unaltered. Ezetimibe alone did not induce change of ABCA1 or ABCG1 mRNA levels (p>0.05) but 24-h ezetimibe (2.5 or 5.0 μmol/L) plus simvastatin (1 μmol/L) treatment decreased the transcription of ABCA1 and ABCG1 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings reveal that, at the concentrations studied, statins isolated or combined with ezetimibe, but not ezetimibe alone, downregulate ABCA1 mRNA expression in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, simvastatin combined with ezetimibe treatment also decrease the ABCG1 levels in these cells.
Mice Lacking MSK1 and MSK2 Show Reduced Skin Tumor Development in a Two-Stage Chemical Carcinogenesis Model

Mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK)1/2 are two kinases involved in inflammation as well as in cell transformation. Purpose: To examine the role of MSK1/2 in skin tumor development. Results: MSK1/2 knockout mice developed significantly fewer skin tumors compared with wild-type mice. The myeloperoxidase activity in TPA-treated skin from MSK1/2 knockout mice was significantly elevated compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β as well as the mRNA expression of TNF-α were significantly increased in MSK1/2 knockout mice. Conclusion: These data provide in vivo evidence that MSK1/2 signaling represents a novel tumor-promoting axis in skin carcinogenesis.
Self efficacy and critical thinking dispositions as predictor of success in school practicum

Article History: Received 02.12. 2011 Received in revised form 20.03. 2012 Accepted 30.03. 2012 Available online 02.04. 2012 A growing body of literature supports the relation between students’ sense of self-efficacy and their academic performance. Similarly, there are studies indicating a relationship between critical thinking dispositions and academic performance. The purpose of the present study is to examine in what degree the teacher candidates’ sense of self-efficacy and critical thinking dispositions predict their success in school practicum course. A total of 104 subjects (23 male, 81 female) participated in the study. Data related to teacher candidates’ sense self-efficacy was collected using Teachers’ Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale (Çapa, Çakıroğlu & Sarıkaya, 2005). Teacher candidates’ critical thinking dispositions were collected using the Turkish version of California Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory (CCTDI) which was adapted into Turkish by Kökdemir (2003). As for the success in school practicum course, teacher candidates’ grades awarded by their school practicum supervisors were used. Statistically significant correlation was found between the self-efficacy and critical dispositions scores, and between critical thinking disposition scores and school practicum grades of the participants. The results of the regression analysis showed that teacher candidates’ critical thinking dispositions scores predict their success in school practicum course. However, contrary to the expectations, their senses of self-efficacy scores do not predict their success in the same course. © 2012 IOJES. All rights reserved
Diversity climate impact on employee of color outcomes: does justice matter?

Purpose – The purposes of this paper are three-fold: first, to examine the effect of diversity climate on professional employee of color outcomes, organizational commitment and turnover intentions; second, to investigate the moderating and mediating roles of interactional and procedural justice on the relationships between diversity climate and the outcomes; and third, to explore the interactive effect of racial awareness and diversity climate on reported psychological contract violation. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a survey of 182 professionals of color. Correlation, factor analysis, and regression were employed to test the hypotheses. Findings – Results indicate that diversity climate affects organizational commitment and turnover intentions. Interactional and procedural justice played mediating roles between diversity climate and employee outcomes. Moderated mediation analysis indicated that for turnover intentions, there was moderated mediation under both low and high procedural justice conditions. When a diversity climate was perceived to be fair, racially aware respondents reported lower levels of psychological contract violation. Research limitations/implications – Professionals of color from one US industry completed the survey, so conclusions about generalizability should be drawn with caution. Data were cross-sectional and single-source. However, the findings were consistent with past research, lending credibility to the results. Originality/value – Recent research on workforce diversity has highlighted the importance of effectively managing all organizational members. The paper shows that the diversity climate and organizational justice impact employee of color outcomes. Thus, for managers, creating and maintaining a positive, fair diversity climate will be important for attracting and retaining high-quality professionals of color in US organizations.
Institutional Prerequisites of Financial Fragility within Minsky’s Financial Instability Hypothesis: A Proposal in Terms of 'Institutional Fragility'

The relevancy of Minsky's Financial Instability Hypothesis (FIH) in the current (and still unfolding) crisis has been clearly acknowledged by both economists and regulators. While most papers focus on discussing to what extent the FIH or Minsky's Big Bank/Big Government interpretation is appropriate to explain and sort out the crisis, some authors have also emphasized the need to consider the institutional foundations of Minsky's work (Whalen 2007, Wray 2008, Dimsky 2010). The importance of institutions within the FIH was strongly emphasized by Minsky himself, who assigned them the function of constraining the development of financial fragility. Yet only limited literature has focused on the institutional aspects on Minsky's FIH. The reason for this may be that they were mainly dealt with by Minsky in his latest papers, and they have remained, to some extent, incomplete, unclear, and even ambiguous. In our view, a synthesis of Minsky's proposals, along with a clarification and theoretical justification, remains to be done. Our objective in this paper is to contribute to this theoretical project. It leads us to propose that the notion of "institutional fragility" can constitute a useful perspective to complement and justify the endogenous development of financial fragility within the FIH. Eventually, this view may contribute to the debate about international financial governance.
Cultural Differences in Allocation of Attention in Visual Information Processing

Previous research has shown that when processing visual scenes, Westerners attend to salient objects and East Asians attend to the relationships between focal objects and background elements. It is possible that cross-cultural differences in attentional allocation contribute to these earlier findings. In this article, the authors investigate cultural differences in attentional allocation in two experiments, using a visual change detection paradigm. They demonstrate that East Asians are better than Americans at detecting color changes when a layout of a set of colored blocks is expanded to cover a wider region and worse when it is shrunk. East Asians are also slower than Americans are at detecting changes in the center of the screen. The data suggest that East Asians allocate their attention more broadly than Americans. The authors consider potential factors that may contribute to the development of such attention allocation differences.
Bilateral renal artery variation

Each kidney is supplied by a single renal artery, although renal artery variations are common. Variations of the renal arteryhave become important with the increasing number of renal transplantations. Numerous studies describe variations in renalartery anatomy. Especially the left renal artery is among the most critical arterial variations, because it is the referred side forresecting the donor kidney. During routine dissection in a formalin fixed male cadaver, we have found a bilateral renal arteryvariation. The presence of multiple renal arteries increases the complexity of the transplant surgery procedures