Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Memory Failures Appraisal in Younger and Older Adults: Role of Individual Difference and Event Outcome Variables

The authors examined the role of individual difference and event outcome variables in younger and older adults' memory failures appraisal. Participants read vignettes that described fictitious younger characters (in their 20s-30s) or older characters (in their 60s-70s) who had experienced a minor or severe consequence of their forgetfulness. The authors solicited attribution ratings on the potential causes of the forget-fulness and memory opinion ratings. Younger and older adults' ratings were largely similar, although age differences occurred on the effort and luck attribution scales. The consequences of the forgetting had a sizable impact on both the attribution and memory opinion ratings. Individual differences in self-reported memory had a relatively small impact on causal attribution and memory opinion ratings. These results suggested that people weigh their judgments of fictitious forgetful characters against event outcomes more so than ageist beliefs that portray a negative image of cognitive competence in later life.
Children with corrected or palliated congenital heart disease on home mechanical ventilation

Infants and children with surgically corrected or palliated congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for chronic respiratory failure, necessitating home mechanical ventilation (HMV) via tracheostomy. However, very little data exists on this population or their outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all children with CHD enrolled in the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles HMV program between 1994 and 2009. Data were collected on type of heart lesion, surgeries performed, number of failed extubations, timing of tracheostomy, mortality, length of time on HMV, weaning status, associated co‐morbidities, and Risk Adjusted classification for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS‐1) category. Thirty‐five children were identified; six with single ventricle anatomy, who received palliative procedures. Twenty‐three (66%) patients are alive; 8 (23%) living patients have been weaned off HMV. Twelve (34%) patients are deceased. The incidence of mortality for single ventricle patients was 50%, and only one of the surviving children has received final palliation and weaned off HMV. Eight of nine patients (89%) with a RACHS score ≥4 died, and none have been weaned off of HMV. The 5‐year survival for all CHD HMV patients was 68%; 90% for patients with RACHS ≤3; and 12% for patients with score ≥4. Children with more complex lesions, as demonstrated by single ventricle physiology or greater RACHS scores, had higher mortality rates and less success weaning off HMV. This case series suggests that caregivers should give serious consideration to the type of heart defect as they advise families considering HMV in children with CHD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:645–649. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organisational Strategic Human Resource Management – The Case of Lehman Brothers

The emergence of the subprime mortgage crisis – an ongoing economic problem of contracted liquidity in the global credit markets and banking system, in the U.S. has wracked the operations of Lehman Brothers tremendously as their finances were dealt with a huge blow. Continuous hardcore influence of the external environment has further pressurised the human resource aspect of Lehman Brothers. Indefinite effects such as layoff backfire, workers’ dissatisfaction, and employment law issues were faced by the once high-flying investment bank. This paper looks at the influence of the external business environment on the human resource management activities using Lehman Brothers as a short case study. The organisational strategic human resource management application is explored and recommendations are presented on how organisations can address human resource challenges from the business environment.
Hemodynamics in the leech: blood flow in two hearts switching between two constriction patterns

SUMMARY Two tubular, segmented hearts propel blood through the closed circulatory system of the medicinal leech and switch every 20–40 beats between two constriction patterns. We showed recently that within one heartbeat cycle, heart segments on one side constrict peristaltically rear-to-front (`peristaltic heart'), followed by nearly synchronous front-to-rear constrictions in the contralateral heart segments (`synchronous heart'). Using optical recordings from intact leeches, we now characterize the hemodynamic properties of the cardiac cycle of individual heart segments in different regions to ask whether the reversal of constrictions affects flow into, out of, and along the hearts. We measured total vessel capacity in corrosion casts and blood volume in individual heart segments of dissected leeches. We show that the peristaltic heart provides the propulsive force for forward and rearward flow and supplies the peripheral circulation through segmental efferent vessels. In comparison, the synchronous heart pumps less blood, most of which enters the segmental circulation. The heart sphincter, located in the posterior section of each heart segment, directs blood flow differently in the two modes. In the peristaltic heart, the sphincter prevents backflow and promotes longitudinal, forward flow while in the synchronous heart the sphincter restricts longitudinal, rearward flow and instead promotes flow into the segmental circulation. Blood is shunted via the contractile latero-dorsal arches from the dorsal intestinal vessel into the peristaltic heart in posterior segments 14 to 18. Switching between the two constriction patterns provides nutrient-rich blood to the vascular beds on both sides.
Solvent effects on the conformational transition of a model polyalanine peptide

We have investigated the folding of polyalanine by combining discontinuous molecular dynamics simulation with our newly developed off‐lattice intermediate‐resolution protein model. The thermodynamics of a system containing a single Ac‐KA14K‐NH2 molecule has been explored by using the replica exchange simulation method to map out the conformational transitions as a function of temperature. We have also explored the influence of solvent type on the folding process by varying the relative strength of the side‐chain's hydrophobic interactions and backbone hydrogen bonding interactions. The peptide in our simulations tends to mimic real polyalanine in that it can exist in three distinct structural states: α‐helix, β‐structures (including β‐hairpin and β‐sheet–like structures), and random coil, depending upon the solvent conditions. At low values of the hydrophobic interaction strength between nonpolar side‐chains, the polyalanine peptide undergoes a relatively sharp transition between an α‐helical conformation at low temperatures and a random‐coil conformation at high temperatures. As the hydrophobic interaction strength increases, this transition shifts to higher temperatures. Increasing the hydrophobic interaction strength even further induces a second transition to a β‐hairpin, resulting in an α‐helical conformation at low temperatures, a β‐hairpin at intermediate temperatures, and a random coil at high temperatures. At very high values of the hydrophobic interaction strength, polyalanines become β‐hairpins and β‐sheet–like structures at low temperatures and random coils at high temperatures. This study of the folding of a single polyalanine‐based peptide sets the stage for a study of polyalanine aggregation in a forthcoming paper.
Mining Change Histories for Unknown Systematic Edits

Software developers often need to repeat similar modifications in multiple different locations of a system's source code. These repeated similar modifications, or systematic edits, can be both tedious and error-prone to perform manually. While there are tools that can be used to assist in automating systematic edits, it is not straightforward to find out where the occurrences of a systematic edit are located in an existing system. This knowledge is valuable to help decide whether refactoring is needed, or whether future occurrences of an existing systematic edit should be automated. In this paper, we tackle the problem of finding unknown systematic edits using a closed frequent itemset mining algorithm, operating on sets of distilled source code changes. This approach has been implemented for Java programs in a tool called SysEdMiner. To evaluate the tool's precision and scalability, we have applied it to an industrial use case.
Hedging, liquidity, and the competitive firm under price uncertainty

In this paper, the behavior of the competitive firm under price uncertainty when the firm has access to an intertemporally unbiased futures market is examined. Futures contracts are marked‐to‐market and thus require interim cash settlement of gains and losses. The firm is subject to a liquidity constraint in that it is forced to prematurely close its futures position on which the interim loss incurred exceeds a threshold level. It is shown that the liquidity constrained firm optimally opts for an under‐hedge should it be prudent. Furthermore, the prudent firm cuts down its optimal level of output in response to the presence of the liquidity constraint. As such, the liquidity risk created by the interim funding requirement of a futures hedge adversely affects the hedging and production decisions of the competitive firm under price uncertainty. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 24:697–706, 2004
Oculodentodigital Dysplasia-causing Connexin43 Mutants Are Non-functional and Exhibit Dominant Effects on Wild-type Connexin43*

Oculodentodigital dysplasia, a rare condition displaying congenital craniofacial deformities and limb abnormalities, has been associated with over 20 known human connexin43 (Cx43) mutations. The localization of two of these mutants, G21R and G138R, was examined in Cx43-positive normal rat kidney cells (NRK) and Cx43-negative gap junctional intercellular communication-deficient HeLa cells. Green fluorescent protein-tagged and untagged Cx43 G21R and G138R mutants were transported to the plasma membrane and formed punctate structures reminiscent of gap junction plaques in both NRK and HeLa cells. Further localization studies revealed no significant trafficking defects as subpopulations of Cx43 mutants were found in both the Golgi apparatus and lysosomes, not unlike wild-type Cx43. Dual patch clamp functional analysis of the mutants expressed in gap junctional intercellular communication-deficient N2A cells revealed that neither G21R nor G138R formed functional gap junction channels, although they successfully reached cell-cell interfaces between cell pairs. Importantly, when either mutant was expressed in NRK cells, dye coupling experiments revealed that both mutants inhibited endogenous Cx43 function. These studies suggest that, although patients suffering from oculodentodigital dysplasia possess one wild-type Cx43 allele, it is likely that Cx43-mediated gap junctional intercellular communication is reduced below 50% because of a dominant-negative effect of mutant Cx43 on wild-type Cx43.
Outcome of low level lasers versus ultrasonic therapy in de Quervain's tenosynovitis

Background de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an inflammation of abductor pollicis longus(APL)and extensor pollicis brevis(EPB) muscle tendon sheaths at the level of radial styloid process. Its conservative management includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, wrist and thumb immobilization, ultrasonic therapy (US Th.) and low level laser therapy (LLLT). Literature is scanty on comparative efficacy of US Th. and LLLT for its management. This prospective study evaluates outcome of US Th. versus LLLT in de Quervain’s disease. Materials and Methods Thirty patients clinically diagnosed de Quervains tenosynovitis were included in the study and randomly assigned to two groups. The average age was 36 years (range: 21-45 years). One group was given LLLT and the other US Th. for a total of 7 exposures on alternate days. The clinical criteria used were Finkelstein’s test, tenderness over radial styloid (Ritchie’s tenderness scale), grip strength, pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and radiological criteria was ultrasonographic assessment of change in thickness of APL and EPB tendon sheath. They were measured before commencement and at the end of seven sessions of therapy, as per standard procedure. Results Significant improvement was seen within both groups in the following outcome measures assessed: Ritchie’s tenderness scale, grip strength and VAS. Finkelstein’s test was not significantly improved in either groups. Ultrasonographic measurement of tendon sheath diameters, the mediolateral (ML), and anteroposterior (AP) diameters was not found to be significantly different in the USTh. group and the laser therapy group after treatment. On comparing both the groups, no statistically significant difference was found. However, looking at the mean values, the grip strength and VAS showed better improvement in the US Th. group as compared to the laser therapy group.
Image formation methods in quantitative acoustic microscopy

Quantitative acoustic microscopy (QAM) is an imaging modality which uses very-high-frequency ultrasound (i.e., >200 MHz) to form two-dimensional (2D) quantitative images of acoustical and mechanical properties of soft tissues with microscopic resolution (i.e., better than 8 µm). The key component of a QAM system is the ultrasound transducer which must be broadband, have a very small F-number (i.e., < 1.2), and good sensitivity. In this study, two QAM systems based on a 250-MHz and a 500-MHz transducer are presented, yielding 2D quantitative images at spatial resolution of 7 µm and 4 µm respectively. Thin tissue sections obtained using a microtome or cryotome are raster scanned with precise motors and pulse-echo RF signals are digitized. Inverse models are then used to process each RF signal individually to estimate acoustic impedance, speed of sound, and acoustic attenuation as well as derived parameters such as bulk modulus, mass density, and compressibility. To illustrate the QAM technology and signal processing algorithms, images from cancerous human lymph nodes and ophthalmologic samples are presented and coregistered with histology photomicrographs.
Clinical Features Associated with Early Hospital Arrival after Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Challenges for New Trials

Background: Early hospital admission followed by correct diagnosis with minimum delay is a prerequisite for successful new interventions in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical features associated with early hospital arrival in ICH patients and their influence on the outcome. Methods: Data from all patients arriving within 24 h of the ICH onset were prospectively collected at 2 stroke centers in São Paulo, Brazil. The cutoff of 3 h was chosen to select 2 groups: 0–3 h (early) and >3–24 h (late). Results: We identified 91 ICH patients (mean age 57.9 years, 62% men, 63% white) admitted within the first 24 h of symptom onset between March 2004 and April 2005. Systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure were significantly higher in patients arriving within 3 h. Patients that arrived early also had a higher NIHSS score (p = 0.003), a lower Glasgow Coma Score (p = 0.001) and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.02). Lower ICH scores were more frequent in those that arrived late. Fourteen patients showed hematoma enlargement and the majority of them (n = 13) were admitted within the first 3 h from symptom onset (p = 0.01). Patients who arrived within the 3-hour window had a higher 30-day mortality (p = 0.0008) and a worse Rankin score after 6 months (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Treatment decisions in acute ICH may need to establish new combined approaches to maximize the number of eligible patients for early therapy considering the interactions between independent outcome predictors presented at early onset.
High School Types, Academic Performance and Early Labour Market Outcomes

Using micro data on the 1995 cohort of Italian high school graduates this paper studies the relationship between the type of high school attended (general versus technical; private versus public) and indicators of subsequent performance. Simultaneity issues that potentially bias this exercise are tackled by instrumental variables. Results indicate that the type of high school attended greatly depends upon the family of origin and prior school performance. General high schools are found to increase the probability of transition to university and to reduce labour market participation. On the other hand, private high schools appear to reduce academic performance. Technical schools improve the quality of the school-to-work transition, both in terms of participation and employment probabilities.
Identification of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Amino Acids Crucial for Binding to the Murine p75 TNF Receptor and Construction of Receptor-selective Mutants*

The bioactivity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is mediated by two TNF receptors (TNF-Rs), more particularly TNF-RI and TNF-RII. Although human TNF (hTNF) and murine TNF (mTNF) are very homologous, hTNF binds only to mTNF-RI. By measuring the binding of a panel of mTNF/hTNF chimeras to both mTNF-R, we pinpointed the TNF region that mediates the interaction with mTNF-RII. Using site-specific mutagenesis, we identified amino acids 71–73 and 89 as the main interacting residues. Mutein hTNF-S71D/T72Y/H73Δ/T89E interacts with both types of mTNF-R and is active in CT6 cell proliferation assays mediated by mTNF-RII. Mutein mTNF-D71S/Y72T/Δ73H/E89T binds to mTNF-RI only and is no longer active on CT6 cells. However, the L929s cytotoxicity of this mutein (an effect mediated by mTNF-RI triggering) was also 100-fold lower than that of wild-type mTNF due to enhanced dissociation during incubation at subnanomolar concentrations. The additional mutation of amino acid 102, resulting in the mutein mTNF-D71S/Y72T/Δ73H/E89T/P102Q, restored the trimer stability, which led to an enhanced specific activity on L929s cells. Hence the specific activity of a TNF species is governed not only by its receptor binding characteristics but also by its trimer stability after incubation at subnanomolar concentrations. In conclusion, the mutation of TNF amino acids 71–73, 89, and 102 is sufficient to obtain a mTNF mutein selective for mTNF-RI and a hTNF mutein that, unlike wild-type hTNF, also acts on mTNF-RII.
The business strategy/corporate social responsibility “mash‐up”

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the “mash‐up” of business strategy and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In popular music, a mash‐up is a file of digitally combined musical sources. Song A is played simultaneously with Song B, and in various other combinations. There are often elements of dissonance, and even cacophony, to the form – but the sum of the parts often surpasses the originals. CSR is a management innovation like the idea of business strategy itself. Each is also a metaphor representing alternative visions and approaches to corporate value creation. Business strategists are talking, writing, and meeting about CSR, and CSR is increasingly intersecting, integrating, converging, with business strategy. The trend is described within as a “mash‐up”. But what is the significance of this trend? How serious should companies be about it? Is CSR going to become a part of standard business theory and practice? How long will it take? What should organizations do to respond and partic.
Determinants of Undernutrition in Rural India

Using a new data set constructed by converting NSS household consumption figures (rural sector) for the 43rd round (1987-88), 50th round (1993-94) and 55th round (1999- 2000) into their nutritional equivalents, this paper presents new evidence of the extent of undernourishment in terms of calories and proteins. Results are presented for evidence of undernourishment in terms of calories for sedentary, moderate and heavy work, in terms of protein and jointly in terms of protein and calories. The results are presented at the national, state and NSS regional levels. Undernourishment declined between 1987-88 and 1993-94 almost everywhere and more spectacularly between 1993-94 and 1999-2000; however the 55th round data is not strictly comparable with the earlier rounds. We also analyse logit models of determinants of undernutrition.
Factors affecting Chinese enterprises' hedging decision making

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to find factors that explain why some enterprises hedge but others do not. The authors' analysis relies on Heckman model (a probit and Tobit model) with the data obtained from questionnaires collected from Chinese enterprises. Given the fact that only a small portion of Chinese agribusinesses hedge, this paper provides some initial academic evidence to help the agricultural sector devise useful programs to assist participations of hedging. Design/methodology/approach - A Heckman selection model was developed to analyze questionnaire information obtained using face-to-face interviews with 218 Chinese agribusinesses. This paper presents summary statistics, Heckman estimation results, and interpretations of the results. Findings - Survey results show that a majority of surveyed firms believe that futures market cannot reduce risks or increase income. According to the study, factors affecting enterprises hedging decisions include: to what degree that Chinese enterprises believe hedging leads to business stability; whether these enterprises had attended a hedge training or seminar; perceived price volatility in the market; and have alternative strategies to reduce price risks. Practical implications - Agribusiness assistance programs can use this paper's findings to plan effective hedge training to help improve participation of futures hedging. Originality/value - This study analyzes Chinese agribusiness firms' hedging behaviour, using a new set of questionnaire data collected from main agribusinesses. Chinese agribusiness firms' hedging behavior has not been fully examined. This study fills this gap.
Parallel pairwise statistical significance estimation of local sequence alignment using Message Passing Interface library

Homology detection is a fundamental step in sequence analysis. In the recent years, pairwise statistical significance has emerged as a promising alternative to database statistical significance for homology detection. Although more accurate, currently it is much time consuming because it involves generating tens of hundreds of alignment scores to construct the empirical score distribution. This paper presents a parallel algorithm for pairwise statistical significance estimation, called MPIPairwiseStatSig, implemented in C using MPI library. We further apply the parallelization technique to estimate non‐conservative pairwise statistical significance using standard, sequence‐specific, and position‐specific substitution matrices, which has earlier demonstrated superior sequence comparison accuracy than original pairwise statistical significance. Distributing the most compute‐intensive portions of the pairwise statistical significance estimation procedure across multiple processors has been shown to result in near‐linear speed‐ups for the application. The MPIPairwiseStatSig program for pairwise statistical significance estimation is available for free academic use at www.cs. iastate.edu~ankitag/MPIPairwiseStatSig.html. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do we pay with euro notes? Empirical evidence from Monopoly® experiments

In contrast to abundant theoretical literature, there are almost no empirical studies on how individuals actually deal with cash. In this paper we analyze euro transactions, made during various games of Monopoly® (European edition), where in some games we deliberately left out one of the notes. We find that not having access to 100-euro or 10-euo notes is not as problematic for payment behavior as it is for not having 200-euro and 20-euro notes. We also find that the 50-euro note plays a crucial role in actual payments.