Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mild behavioral impairment and risk of dementia: a prospective cohort study of 358 patients.

BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, at least for some patients. Behavioral symptoms in MCI are associated with a higher risk of dementia, but their association with dementia risk in patients without MCI is unknown. Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) refers to a late-life syndrome with prominent psychiatric and related behavioral symptoms in the absence of prominent cognitive symptoms that may also be a dementia prodrome. This study sought to compare MCI and MBI patients and to estimate the risk of dementia development in these 2 groups. METHOD Between January 2001 and January 2006, a consecutive series of 358 elderly (>or= 65 years old) patients (239 with MCI and 119 with MBI) presenting to an outpatient general hospital specialty clinic were followed for up to 5 years until conversion to dementia or censoring. RESULTS Thirty-four percent of MCI patients and over 70% of patients with MBI developed dementia (log-rank p = .011). MBI patients without cognitive symptoms were more likely to develop dementia (log-rank p < .001). MBI patients were more likely to develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD) than dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). CONCLUSION MBI appears to be a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. MBI (specifically in those without cognitive symptoms) may confer a higher risk for dementia than MCI, and it is very likely an FTD prodrome in many cases. These findings have implications for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of patients with dementia in late life, by focusing the attention of researchers on the emergence of new behavioral symptoms.
Dissecting the Functions of Class XI Myosins in Moss and Arabidopsis

Myosin XI strides along actin tracks at rates of up to 7 μm/s, making it the fastest known processive molecular motor ([Tominaga et al., 2003][1]). Class XI myosins are unique to plants and have been implicated in plant growth, intracellular transport, and root hair elongation ([Prokhnevsky et al
The vicar, the widow, or the gentleman: who gets allocated IPO shares?

"Rock’s (1986) seminal paper derives that ‘informed’ investors will be allocated more shares in good (more underpriced) IPOs rather than bad IPOs, whereas ‘uninformed’ investors receive more shares in bad IPOs. Due to data limitations the literature typically characterizes institutional investors as ‘informed’ and retail investors as ‘uninformed’. We examine 554 IPOs in the U.K. from 1891 to 1911. We have data on the occupation and geographical location of all allocated shareholders for 141 of these IPOs. Shareholders who are both occupationally and geographically close to the firm receive larger allocations of good IPOs, and avoid bad IPOs. In contrast institutions receive smaller allocations of good IPOs. "
An empirical investigation of the demographics of Top Management Team (TMT) and its influence in forecasting organizational outcome in international architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) Firms : a fuzzy set approach

Whereas Top Management Teams (TMTs) are selected to fit a firm’s strategy, prior studies have evidenced that TMTs have significant impact on firm performance. The challenge of the two-way causality has been reflected in previous findings being ambiguous, inconsistent and sometimes conflicted. Pursing the same line of research may lead to incomplete and even error-prone conclusion. In contrast, this research suggests that inconsistency of findings among TMT demographics shown in prior work may point the possibility of studying the black-box nature of such relationships, and provide a tool to future forecast the organization outcome. More specifically, a multi-input (TMT demographics) multi-output (organization outcome) structure was used in this research to explore the future predictability power of TMT demographics for international Architects, Engineers and Construction firms (AEC firms). In order to build a reliable forecasting model, those contradictions were avoided by the utilization of artificial intelligence methods by training, testing and producing results without any prior assumptions or known structures. In particular, the Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) have been employed as a basis for constructing a set of fuzzy “if– then” rules with pre-tested input–output pairs. Three different forecasting strategies were constructed, the findings have demonstrated the learning and potential of the ANFIS model (time series based) in forecasting organization outcome, but at the same time, suggest that distinction should be established among different constructs of TMT demographics and outcome constructs. The results demonstrated that job-related demographics (i.e., TMT Educational Diversity, TMT Functional Diversity and TMT Tenure) could provide a satisfactory forecasting accuracy for the short-span (Liquidity) and medium-span (Cash Flow Stability and Capital Structure) outcome constructs. The future predictability power of other non-job demographics could not be evidenced in this research. Additionally, outcome constructs with dynamic nature could not be forecasted. Lastly, future research opportunities have been suggested for researchers. Most importantly, it includes the need to re-define diversity in the context of TMT composition (having different meaning as in: Variety, Separation and Disparity). Other methodological future opportunities are also suggested at the end of this study.
Nitric oxide synthase expression in AT2 receptor-deficient mice after DOCA-salt.

BACKGROUND Angiotensin II type 2 receptor-deficient mice (AT(2)-/y) provide an opportunity to study the relationship between the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms without concomitant AT(2) receptor-related effects. To test this relationship, the expression of renal NOS isoforms (neural, inducible, and endothelial) in AT(2)-/y and AT(2)+/y mice was examined. The mice were challenged with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt to stimulate NO generation. METHODS Gene expression analyses by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (TaqMan) were performed in kidneys to characterize neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), epithelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the AT(1) receptor. Pressure-natriuresis experiments were done to determine the physiologic background. RESULTS AT(2)-/y mice showed nNOS and iNOS up-regulation. DOCA-salt increased iNOS expression more in AT(2)-/y mice than in AT(2)+/y mice. Immunohistochemistry localized the iNOS expression with DOCA-salt mainly in the glomeruli. eNOS was not different between the groups, and was not affected by DOCA-salt. DOCA-salt increased mean arterial pressure more in AT(2)-/y mice than in AT(2)+/y mice. Concomitantly, the pressure-natriuresis relationship was shifted to the right in AT(2)-/y and AT(2)+/y mice after DOCA-salt. DOCA-salt decreased renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in both groups. iNOS blockade did not lower blood pressure. CONCLUSION We conclude that AT(2) receptor deletion and concomitant up-regulation of the AT(1) receptor is associated with up-regulation of nNOS and iNOS. Under DOCA-salt, renal iNOS expression was further increased. Because iNOS inhibition did not change blood pressure, iNOS may not be involved in the hemodynamics, but may contribute to organ damage.
Digital identity control mechanism for e-learning

A robust digital identity infrastructure will be built for our current information age. This paper contributes a new application of digital identity towards e-learning systems. E-learning digital identity classification is defined by the different roles of e-learning participants. The attributes of e-learning digital identity are designed for the e-learning systems. The new conceptual framework for e-learning systems is illustrated in six different stages among digital identity lifecycle. The adoption of digital identity technology for e-learning will open a research area for future educational institutes.
Service quality and customer’s satisfaction in Tanzania’s Islamic banks

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between service quality and customers’ satisfaction, and the effect of service quality on customers’ satisfaction in Tanzanian Islamic banking. Design/methodology/approach This study applied six service quality dimensions of CARTER model, i.e. compliance, assurance, reliability, tangible, empathy and responsiveness, to measure Tanzania Islamic banks’ service quality. The questionnaire was also used to measure the level of customers’ satisfaction to the Islamic banking services provided. A total of 384 questionnaires were randomly distributed to the customers of People’s Bank of Zanzibar Islamic banking division, whereby 255 questionnaires were returned and used for analysis. By using SPSS version 19, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis have been used to meet the research objectives. Findings The study findings indicate that customers are satisfied with the Islamic banking services provided by Tanzania banks. However, it has been found that customers are attracted by compliance, tangibility and reliability of the banks. The findings further indicate a significant relationship between service quality and customers’ satisfaction. Indeed, empathy, compliance and reliability were found to be the only significant predictors of customers’ satisfaction. Research limitations/implications Further researches should be considered to involve more banks to generalize the findings. Again, the study has focused on the influence of service quality on customer satisfaction; however, there may be other issues that have direct or indirect influence on customers’ satisfaction on Tanzania Islamic banking. It is, therefore, suggested that future researchers may broaden their scope and conduct research in these areas. Practical implications The findings of the study suggest that there is large number of Muslim and non-Muslims communities who are interested in Islamic modes of finance and banking. Banks have potential to increase customers’ base by improving the quality of their services. Essentially, banks must focus on complying with Islamic principles, improving reliability and empathy, as they statistically influence customers’ satisfaction. Social implications The study creates awareness about the nature of the quality of services provided by Islamic banks in Tanzania. Hence, the study may influence more customers to join Islamic banks for better services. Originality/value This study is important for Tanzania Islamic banks considering that the country has a large number of Muslim communities and non-Muslims who are interested in Islamic modes of finance and banking. While most of the other studies on customers’ preferences in Tanzania are based on conventional banking services, this study focuses on Islamic modes of finance and banking.
Information Transparency Matters in Relation to Consumer Trust in Food Safety

The purpose of this article is to provide an integrative conceptual model and propositions to assist in understanding whether information transparency matters under the support of traceability systems and online social networking information in relation to consumer trust in food safety. Extant literature forms the foundation for this article. A conceptual model resulting from this proposes that information on food products provided by traceability systems is proposed to stimulate consumers’ perceived knowledge of food products. Furthermore, online social networking information advances consumer trust in food product safety. The conceptual model proposes three testable propositions and provides insights into food information that consumers find useful for developing trust in food products.
HIV-1 induces renal epithelial dedifferentiation in a transgenic model of HIV-associated nephropathy.

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the most common cause of renal failure in HIV-1-seropositive patients. Recent studies using an HIV-1 transgenic mouse model have demonstrated that expression of HIV-1 in the kidney is required for the development of HIVAN. What has remained unclear, however, is the renal cell type responsible for pathogenesis and the essential pathological process. METHODS To address these issues, we used a transgenic murine model of HIVAN. We identified the cell types in kidney in which HIV transgene expression occurs using in situ hybridization. We evaluated evidence of proliferation by immunocytochemical analysis using an antibody to Ki-67 and cell type-specific markers, including WT-1, synaptopodin, Na+,K+-ATPase, adducin, and desmin. TUNEL assay was used to evaluate apoptosis. RESULTS We found that glomerular and tubular epithelial cells express the HIV-1 transgene early in the disease process when renal architecture is well preserved. Transgene expression is lost, however, in tubular epithelial cells when they lose their differentiated cuboidal phenotype. In glomerular epithelial cells, dedifferentiation occurs with reduced expression of WT-1 and synaptopodin, in association with activation of desmin expression. Tubular microcysts also form with mislocalization of Na+,K+-ATPase expression to the lateral and apical cellular membranes. CONCLUSIONS These studies support the hypothesis that the glomerular and renal epithelial cells are the primary targets of HIV-1 pathogenesis in the kidney. The essential pathologic process is dysregulation of the epithelial cell cycle with increased proliferation, apoptosis, cellular dedifferentiation, and altered cellular polarity.
Genotypic Prediction of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 CRF02-AG Tropism

ABSTRACT We assessed the performance of genotypic algorithms for predicting the tropism of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 coreceptor usage in 52 patients infected with the CRF02-AG subtype. The combined criteria of the 11/25 and net charge rules accurately detected CXCR4-using CRF02-AG viruses, whereas the Geno2pheno tool lacked sensitivity and the position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) tool WebPSSM lacked specificity.
Arthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. Results of arthrodesis.

Degenerative arthritis of the carpomet.acarpal joint of the thumb is not a commons cause of pails in the hand. In some patients, how-ever, symptoms from this disease are severe enough to require surgery. Arthropla.sty arid arthrodcsis both have advocates 3,4,6, but, during the past decade, excision of the greater mult.ansgular has beets thought by some authors to be superior to arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. In this paper, the results of twenty arthrodeses performed 111 eighteen patients are evaluated, and evidenice is presented to showthat art.hrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is an acceptable anid useful operation for treating painful arthritis of this joint. Carpometacarpal arthritis is more likely to be symptomatic miwomen thars ins mets, and the majority of patients with this condition are housewives over the age of forty-five. By the time the patient seeks treatment, pain has usually beers presenst for several years. The pain is frequently located over the base of the thumb, but the patient may complain of discomfort extending up the forearm. Pinching atid grasping aggravate the pains but so may all motions of the thumb. Rest relieves the symptoms. Oil physical examitsationi, the most informative sign is localized tenidertiess over the carpometacarpal joint. Swelling and crepitus may be presenst ins the same area. Palmar abduction, abductions-extension, and oppositiots of the thumb are somewhat limited aisd produce pain, particularly if performed agairsst resistance. St.retsgth of the hand its pinsch and grasp is reduced. Occasionally, subluxation or dislocation of the carpometacarpal joint may be palpated. H oentgenograms obtained routinely are posteroanterior, lateral, atid oblique views of the carpometacarpal joint. The usual roentgenographic changes seers ill symptomatic patients include narrow-ing of the joinit space, sclerosis of the subchotidral bone, arid osteophytes. Cysts may be seen in either the greater multatigular or the base of the first metacarpal. Radial subluxation of the metacarpal is a late manifestation. The roentgersographic fitsdirsgs do isot necessarily correlate with the
Phytochemical constituents of some Algerian medicinal plants

Some chemical compounds distribution in three plantsbelonging toLamiaceaefamilywere assessed and compared. The medicinal plants investigated were Saccocalyxsatureioides, Teucriumpolium, Salvia verbenacawhichwere found to contain flavonoids, tannins, and volatiloils. Saponins and alkaloids were found presente in Saccocalyxsatureioides, Teucriumpoliumbut absent in Salvia verbenaca.
How are functionally similar code clones syntactically different? An empirical study and a benchmark

Background. Today, redundancy in source code, so-called ‘‘clones’’ caused by copy&paste can be found reliably using clone detection tools. Redundancy can arise also independently, however, not caused by copy&paste. At present, it is not clear how only functionally similar clones (FSC) differ from clones created by copy&paste. Our aim is to understand and categorise the syntactical differences in FSCs that distinguish them from copy&paste clones in a way that helps clone detection research. Methods. We conducted an experiment using known functionally similar programs in Java and C from coding contests. We analysed syntactic similarity with traditional detection tools and explored whether concolic clone detection can go beyond syntax. We ran all tools on 2,800 programs and manually categorised the differences in a random sample of 70 program pairs. Results. We found no FSCs where complete files were syntactically similar. We could detect a syntactic similarity in a part of the files in <16% of the program pairs. Concolic detection found 1 of the FSCs. The differences between program pairs were in the categories algorithm, data structure, OO design, I/O and libraries. We selected 58 pairs for an openly accessible benchmark representing these categories. Discussion. The majority of differences between functionally similar clones are beyond the capabilities of current clone detection approaches. Yet, our benchmark can help to drive further clone detection research.
Calcium‐activated potassium channels in isolated presynaptic nerve terminals from rat brain.

86Rb efflux was examined in isolated presynaptic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) from rat brain in a study designed to assess K permeability (PK) changes sensitive to alterations in internal Ca activity. Rb efflux from 86Rb‐loaded synaptosomes into nominally Ca‐free physiological saline (PSS) containing 5 mM‐K was about 0.3‐0.4%/s. Raising extracellular K concentration [( K]o), to depolarize the synaptosomes, stimulated the 86Rb efflux. Addition of Ca to the 5 mM‐K PSS had no effect, but Ca did further stimulate 86Rb efflux into K‐rich solutions. The effect of Ca was graded, with apparent half‐maximal activation, KA approximately equal to 0.5 mM‐Ca. These data fit the view that, during depolarization, Ca enters the terminals through voltage‐regulated Ca channels, and that the rise in intracellular Ca concentration opens certain (Ca‐activated) K channels. The Ca‐dependent stimulation of 86Rb efflux was greatest during the initial seconds of incubation (component CT), and then declined to a much lower rate (component CS). Much of this change in rate could be attributed to inactivation of voltage‐regulated Ca channels and reduced entry of Ca. The Ca‐dependent increase in 86Rb efflux was completely inhibited by 100 microM‐La. In the presence of Ca, but not in its absence, the Ca ionophore A23187 stimulated 86Rb efflux both in 5 and 100 mM‐K PSS. The effect in 100 mM‐K was quantitatively greater, perhaps because of the increased outward driving force on Rb in depolarized synaptosomes. When synaptosomes were suspended in media containing the voltage‐sensitive fluorescent dye, DiS‐C3‐(5) (1,1'‐dipentyl‐2,2'‐thiocarbocyanine), the addition of Ca+ A23187 decreased the fluorescence intensity (= synaptosome hyperpolarization) when the media contained 5 mM‐K but not 100 mM‐K. This implies that in the presence of Ca + A23187, PK was increased, and the membrane potential moved closer to the K equilibrium potential, EK. Quinine sulphate, a blocker of Ca‐activated K channels, reduced the Ca‐stimulated 86Rb efflux with high affinity (apparent half‐maximal inhibition, KI approximately equal to 1 microM). Tetraethylammonium chloride, another agent known to block Ca‐activated K channels, was also a relatively potent inhibitor of Ca‐stimulated 86Rb efflux (KI approximately equal to 0.2 mM). The K‐channel blocker, 4‐aminopyridine, partially inhibited Ca‐stimulated 86Rb efflux at concentrations below 0.5 mM, but stimulated this efflux at concentrations greater than or equal to 1 mM. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Sclerostin Deficiency Is Linked to Altered Bone Composition

High bone mass in animals and humans with sclerostin deficiency is associated with increased bone strength, which is not the case for all disorders with high bone mineral density, some of which are even associated with fragility fractures owing to unfavorable bone composition. In the current study we investigated whether alterations in bone composition may contribute to the bone strength characteristics associated with lack of sclerostin. We examined cortical bone of Sost‐knockout (KO) mice (n = 9, 16 weeks old) and sclerosteosis patients (young [4 to 14 years], n = 4 and adults [24 and 43 years], n = 2) by quantitative backscattered electron imaging and Raman microspectroscopy and compared it to bone from wild‐type mice and healthy subjects, respectively. In Sost‐KO mice endocortical bone exhibited altered bone composition, whereas subperiosteal bone was unchanged. When comparing endocortical bone tissue of identical tissue age as defined by sequential dual fluorochrome labeling the average bone matrix mineralization was reduced −1.9% (p < 0.0001, younger tissue age) and −1.5% (p < 0.05, older tissue age), and the relative proteoglycan content was significantly increased. Similarly, bone matrix mineralization density distribution was also shifted toward lower matrix mineralization in surgical samples of compact bone of sclerosteosis patients. This was associated with an increase in mineralization heterogeneity in the young population. In addition, and consistently, the relative proteoglycan content was increased. In conclusion, we observed decreased matrix mineralization and increased relative proteoglycan content in bone subcompartments of Sost‐KO mice—a finding that translated into sclerosteosis patients. We hypothesize that the altered bone composition contributes to the increased bone strength of patients with sclerostin deficiency. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diabetes mellitus in an adult alpaca (Lama pacos)

SEVERAL research papers have recently evaluated glucosemetabolism in South American camelids (Araya and others2000, Cebra and others 2001a, b). Before this research, littlewas known about glucose metabolism and insulin respon-siveness in these animals. This short communicationdescribes the management of a case of type I diabetes melli-tus in an adult alpaca,which was seen by the authors in 1997.To the authors’knowledge,this is the first report of type I dia-betes mellitus in an alpaca.An eight-year-old, neutered male alpaca (