Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The occurrence of early impaired self-awareness after traumatic brain injury and its relationship with emotional distress and psychosocial functioning

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the occurrence of impaired self-awareness (ISA) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its association with emotional distress and psychosocial functioning following discharge. Design: Prospective cohort design with data collection at discharge and 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-up. Participants: 81 adults with TBI. Measures: Self-awareness was measured using a discrepancy score generated from the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Index (MPAI-4) Ability subscale, and significant other’s ratings of Item 20 on the MPAI-4. Other measures were the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Sydney Psychosocial and Reintegration Scale. Results: The discrepancy score method identified more cases of ISA than the single-item rating by significant others. Using discrepancy scores, the occurrence of ISA was 69.1% at discharge, and for those remaining in the study 6 months later, it was 54.3%. Better self-awareness was associated with greater anxiety at discharge, and stress at discharge, 3 and 6 months later, and better psychosocial functioning at all time points. Participants with ISA had significantly poorer relationships at 6 months post-discharge after controlling for injury severity. Conclusion: Whilst self-awareness is associated with greater stress in patients with TBI, it is also associated with better outcomes, indicating the importance of targeting ISA in rehabilitation.
Two-year outcomes of Elektra prosthesis for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a longitudinal cohort study

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of Elektra® trapeziometacarpal prostheses after 2 years. We present a longitudinal cohort study of 19 prostheses for the treatment of Eaton stage II and III osteoarthritis (mean follow-up of 29 months). QuickDASH score, pinch strength and mobility were determined, and radiographs were analysed. Isotope scans were taken in patients with persistent pain or suspected loosening. Although the QuickDASH score was 69 before and 38 after surgery, nine patients had pain at the trapeziometacarpal joint with radiographic osteolysis around the trapezium component and a positive bone scan uptake at subsequent follow-up. The implant was revised in three of these nine patients and another patient underwent surgery for periprosthetic fracture. Only ten of the 19 implants showed no sign of failure. Most problems derived from the trapezium cup. Because of these poor outcomes after only 2 years, we cannot recommend this implant.
A Study to determine the Home-Buyer's Preferences through Voice of Customer

Home-buying is a dream of every individual but the preferences may vary from one person to another. The main objective of this study is to determine the home-buyer's preferences and residential satisfaction of customers and create awareness among the builders about what buyers prefer in terms of both service and product during the construction or purchase of their residential premises. A focus interview has been conducted among the home-buyers of Chennai City in India to find out the Voice of the Customer (Feedback) on their preferences on buying a house. Based on the statements received by the present researchers during the interview, and after validating these items with the previous studies, a theoretical model linking home-buyer's preferences and customer satisfaction has been developed. This model will certainly be helpful to the construction industry in order to understand the needs/ expectations of the home-buying customer and ultimately in achieving customer satisfaction.
An analysis of a potential cluster in an energy sector of Albany, NY

Purpose – The idea of business clusters is used more and more in public policy as businesses and governments are noticing their advantages. The purpose of this study was to determine if a business cluster would be possible in an energy sector of Albany, New York, since energy is so diverse.Design/methodology/approach – The method utilized for this research was a case study approach, whereby data were accumulated through first hand knowledge in a particular study done on a potential cluster in Albany, New York. The aim of the literature review was to decipher which elements would be necessary to develop a cluster.Findings – The findings concluded that the basic elements of a cluster consist of: geography, the role of government, entrepreneurship, SME's, trust, cooperation and networking. All are necessary for a cluster to succeed. The researcher documented the birth of the cluster by attending several meetings and a trade show. Interviews were conducted with the leaders who were involved in the cluster, wh.
Recent advances in the use of Sus scrofa (pig) as a model system for proteomic studies

Of the numerous animal models available for proteomic studies only a small number have been successfully used in understanding human biology. To date, rodents have been widely employed in proteomic and genomic studies but often these models do not truly mimic the relevant human conditions. On the other hand, the pig shows similarity in size, shape and physiology to human and has been used as a major mammalian model for many studies concerning xenotransplantation, cardiovascular diseases, blood dynamics, nutrition, general metabolic functions, digestive‐related disorders, respiratory diseases, diabetes, kidney and bladder diseases, organ‐specific toxicity, dermatology and neurological sequelae. With the substantially improved knowledge of the structure and function of the pig genome in the last two decades it has been found that this animal shares a high sequence and chromosomal structure homology with humans. Nevertheless, in comparison to other available model organisms, very little work has been devoted to pig proteomics until recently. Keeping this in mind, the present review will highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of pig as a model system for proteomic studies.
Sexual problems in 18-67-year-old Norwegians

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the prevalence of sexual problems in Norway. Methods: The results are based on two samples from 2008, one of which was taken from 1671 web interviews in December among persons ranging from 18—67 years of age, and the other being a survey on sexual behaviour among a random sample of 12,000 Norwegians between the ages of 18 and 59, taken in April. Main outcome measures: The prevalence of sexual problems during the past 12 months. Results: Generalised linear model analyses showed that the highest expected prevalence of manifest problems was found in the following groups: reduced sexual desire problems in 60—67-year-old women with university education (52%); orgasm problems in 18—29-year-old women with less than university education (32%); genital pain in 18—29-year-old women with less than university education (19%); premature ejaculation problems in 18—29-year-old men with less than university education (27%); delayed ejaculation problems in men with less than university education (12%); erectile dysfunction in 60—67-year-old men (34%); and lubrication problems in 60—67-year-old women living in southeast Norway (29%). Sexual problems correlated negatively with sexual wellbeing. Conclusions: This research indicates that sexual problems represent a public health problem.
Tricyclic antidepressants block N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid‐induced lethality in mice

It has been suggested on the basis of in vitro studies that tricyclic antidepressants interact with the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA)‐receptor complex to block the action of NMDA. The present study showed that tricyclic antidepressants prevented lethality produced by a large dose of NMDA. The potency of the drugs in preventing NMDA‐induced lethality correlated with the inhibition of [3H]‐MK‐801 binding at the NMDA receptor complex, and not with effects on amine uptake. These in vivo data support the in vitro data of Reynolds & Miller (1988a, b).
A Ribonucleoprotein Supercomplex Involved in trans-Splicing of Organelle Group II Introns*

In the chloroplast of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, two discontinuous group II introns, psaA-i1 and psaA-i2, splice in trans, and thus their excision process resembles the nuclear spliceosomal splicing pathway. Here, we address the question whether fragmentation of trans-acting RNAs is accompanied by the formation of a chloroplast spliceosome-like machinery. Using a combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), size exclusion chromatography, and quantitative RT-PCR, we provide the first characterization of a high molecular weight ribonucleoprotein apparatus participating in psaA mRNA splicing. This supercomplex contains two subcomplexes (I and II) that are responsible for trans-splicing of either psaA-i1 or psaA-i2. We further demonstrate that both subcomplexes are associated with intron RNA, which is a prerequisite for the correct assembly of subcomplex I. This study contributes further to our view of how the eukaryotic nuclear spliceosome evolved after bacterial endosymbiosis through fragmentation of self-splicing group II introns into a dynamic, protein-rich RNP machinery.
Polyglutamine inclusion body toxicity

Proteinaceous inclusion bodies (IBs) are common features of neurodegenerative proteinopathies, and their roles in pathogenesis are frequently debated. This is true for Huntington disease (HD), which exhibits both intranuclear and cytoplasmic IBs composed primarily of mutant protein. The initial recognition of IBs in HD prompted speculation that they drove neurodegeneration. An alternative explanation, supported by sophisticated experimental work and correlative striatal pathologic studies, was that IBs represent protective “sinks” sequestering toxic soluble protein species. B€ auerlein and colleagues report high-resolution analysis of intracellular polyglutamine (polyQ) containing inclusion bodies. Technical advances in cryo-electron tomography allow remarkably resolute visualization of subcellular structures in situ, permitting inferences about physiologic roles or, as in this case, the pathologic effects of specific structures. B€ auerlein and colleagues visualized IBs in cells transfected with expanded polyQ exon 1 huntingtin (htt) constructs. IBs consisted of amyloid-like fibrils apparently interacting with cellular endomembranes, particularly endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes. B€ auerlein and colleagues present interesting data suggesting that cytoplasmic IBs exert deleterious effects on ER function, consistent with prior suggestions that disrupted ER function is a contributing feature to neurodegeneration in HD. There are limitations of this technically impressive and visually beautiful work. These are results from overexpression in the in vitro cell models. Although some data derived from cultured neurons, much was obtained in nonneuronal HeLa cells. The constructs used did not produce full-length htt. Further work in more realistic models will be needed to extend these observations. It is important to see this work in a broader context. There are several well-supported potential mechanisms of neurodegeneration secondary to expanded polyQ htt. Both gain of function toxicities and haploinsufficiency effects may play roles in neurodegeneration. Transcriptional dysregulation, axonal transport defects, mitochondrial dysfunction, aberrant intracellular calcium homeostasis, RNA toxicity, and excitotoxicity, among others, have credible experimental support. This suggests that expanded repeat polyQ htt has pleiotropic neurotoxic effects, including via soluble protein species. It is plausible that HD IBs act both as protective sinks and have toxic effects. Some of the data from B€ auerlein and colleagues are consistent with this last suggestion. They report that nuclear IBs were not associated with endomembranes. Prior experimental data indicates that nuclear localization of expanded polyQ htt is important in neurodegeneration. It is plausible that nuclear IBs are protective, whereas some cytoplasmic IBs cause ER dysfunction. The more we learn about the biology of expanded polyQ htt, the more complex the pathogenesis of HD seems.
The biology behind PI3K inhibition in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Phosphoinositide 3′-kinase (PI3K) is a key component of both chronic active and tonic B-cell receptor-signalling pathways. As such, PI3K inhibitors have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for diverse lymphoid malignancies, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Multiple in vitro experiments and clinical trials have shown efficacy of these agents across all prognostic subgroups with a favourable toxicity profile. Moreover, in vitro studies suggest that combinations with monoclonal antibodies and/or other immune strategies could enhance the effect of PI3K inhibition.
The company malaria keeps: how co-infection with Epstein–Barr virus leads to endemic Burkitt lymphoma

Purpose of review Co-infection with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are implicated in the cause of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL), the most prevalent pediatric cancer in equatorial Africa. Although the causal association between EBV and eBL has been established, P. falciparum malaria's role is not as clearly defined. This review focuses on how malaria may disrupt EBV persistence and immunity. Recent findings Two mutually compatible theories have been proposed. One suggests that P. falciparum malaria induces polyclonal B-cell expansion and lytic EBV reactivation, leading to the expansion of latently infected B cells and the likelihood of a c-myc translocation, a hallmark of Burkitt lymphoma tumors. The other advocates that EBV-specific T-cell immunity is impaired during P. falciparum malaria co-infection, either as a cause or consequence of enhanced EBV replication, leading to loss of viral control. Advancements in our ability to query the complexity of human responses to infectious diseases have stimulated interest in eBL pathogenesis. Summary EBV is necessary but not sufficient to cause eBL. A more dynamic model encompasses incremental contributions from both chronic and acute P. falciparum malaria leading to alterations in EBV persistence and EBV-specific immunity that culminate in eBL. A better understanding of how P. falciparum malaria modifies EBV infections in children may allow us to anticipate reductions in eBL incidence coinciding with malaria control programs.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNA expression in adult and developing rat medullary catecholamine neurons

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate numerous visceral functions via medullary catecholamine (CA) neurons found in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), and ventrolateral medulla (VLM). However, the nAChR subtypes involved are not known. We have therefore characterized expression of nine nAChR subunit mRNAs in adult and developing rat medullary CA nuclei using combined isotopic/nonisotopic in situ hybridization. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA, the CA‐synthesizing enzyme, was used as a marker for CA neurons, because these nuclei consist of heterogeneous populations of cells. Subunit mRNA expression varied within and between nuclei, along the rostrocaudal axis, between cell types, and across development. All CA neurons expressed β2 mRNA, whereas α2 mRNA was completely absent. α6 And β3 mRNA expression were restricted mainly to the VLM. α4, α5, And α7 mRNA expression was significantly greater in the rostral than in the caudal VLM. α3 And β4 mRNAs were highly expressed in the dorsal region of the NTS, whereas dense α7 mRNA expression was restricted to the DMV and ventral NTS. The remaining subunit mRNAs were detected to some degree in both DMV and NTS. Except for α4 mRNA, which peaked prenatally, expression levels of subunit transcripts in the NTS and DMV were lower during development compared with adults. In the VLM, α3, α4, and α5 mRNAs expression peaked perinatally, whereas α6 and β3 levels increased with age. These variations in nAChR subunit mRNA expression suggest that different receptor subtypes may produce function‐specific regulation of medullary CA systems. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:655–672, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corporate Governance in Transition and Developing Economies: A Case Study of Slovakia

The World Bank has published a series of reports on corporate governance as part of its project on the Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC). The corporate governance principles in its ROSC Reports are benchmarked against the OECD’s Principles of Corporate Governance (OECD 2004). The main categories of principles are discussed below. This study focuses on the main corporate governance attributes of Slovakia. The paper concludes with an extensive bibliography.
A new energy efficiency management and control strategy of grid-friendly-based intelligent electricity

With the technological development of the smart grid, the demand response technology will develop to enhance the security, stability and economy of power system. This paper proposes a new energy efficiency management system and control strategy of grid-friendly-based intelligent electricity. Air conditioning is one of the grid-friendly intelligent electricity, the peak and trough demand of power and the appropriate electricity prices can be defined according to its operation features. By using the real-time electricity prices and the characteristics of load to regulate the consumption of electricity, the purpose of peak load shifting and improving the load curve can be achieved. Under the cooperation of the smart gateway, smart socket and smart terminal, the management system could achieve the intelligent control for air conditioning, and make it a grid-friendly electrical equipment. A small monitoring experimental system has been developed as shown in the demonstration, which presents the working circumstances at the present stage.
Design of CMOS Based Differential LNA and Mixer for ZigBee Application: A Survey

Low Noise Amplifier is an electronic enhancer that opens up a low power motion without essentially debasing its flag to commotion proportion. It is designed to minimize the additional noise. The cascode is a two phase speaker made out of a transconductance enhancer took after by a present support. The characteristics of cascode LNA are higher information – yield disconnection, higher information impedance, higher yield impedance, higher pick up or higher transfer speed. Noise figure determines efficiency of particular LNA which results in better reception of signal. This paper describes a survey on differential low noise amplifier and mixer design for ZigBee applications.
Stomatal Development in Arabidopsis

Stomata consist of two guard cells that function as turgor-operated valves that regulate gas exchange in plants. In Arabidopsis, a dedicated cell lineage is initiated and undergoes a series of cell divisions and cell-state transitions to produce a stoma. A set of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors regulates the transition and differentiation events through the lineage, while the placement of stomata relative to each other is controlled by intercellular signaling via peptide ligands, transmembrane receptors, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) modules. Some genes involved in regulating stomatal differentiation or density are also involved in hormonal and environmental stress responses, which may provide a link between modulation of stomatal development or function in response to changes in the environment. Premitotic polarlylocalized proteins provide an added layer of regulation, which can be addressed more thoroughly with the identification of additional proteins in this pathway. Linking the networks that control stomatal development promises to bring advances to our understanding of signal transduction, cell polarity, and cell-fate specification in plants.
Nitrous oxide production by Escherichia coli is correlated with nitrate reductase activity

Nitrous oxide production by Escherichia coli seems to result from the reduction of NO2- by NO3- reductase. This hypothesis is consistent with previous observations and with the observation that molybdenum was required for both NO3- reduction and N2O production. Several E. coli NO3- reductase mutants were assayed for both N2O-producing and NO3--reducing activity. The hypothesized role of NO3- reductase is supported by the correlation of these two activities. Nitrate reduction to NH4+ enhanced growth, but NO2- reduction to N2O apparently did not. Therefore, this process differs significantly from respiratory denitrification.
The influence of value perceptions on luxury purchase intentions in developed and emerging markets

Purpose – Despite the growing debate about differences in consumer attitudes and behavior in emerging and developed markets, there is little research on the differences in consumer value perceptions and their influence on purchase intentions. Focusing on the theory of impression management, the purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework incorporating the social (conspicuousness and status), personal (hedonism and materialism) and functional (uniqueness and price‐quality perceptions) value perceptions using the context of luxury goods.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a structured questionnaire‐ based study of consumers in four countries, representing two leading Western developed luxury markets (the US and the UK) and two important Eastern emerging markets (India and Malaysia). Multiple‐group SEM analysis was used to analyze the data.Findings – The findings show several differences in the influence of value perceptions on consumer purchase intentions in the Wester.
Amino acid influences on seizures elicited within the inferior colliculus.

Using a model in which seizure activity was elicited electrically from the inferior colliculus, the influence of both inhibitory and excitatory putative neurotransmitter amino acids on this seizure activity was assessed by manipulating neurotransmitter amino acid function. It was found that i.c. v. administration of the inhibitory amino acids taurine (2.5 micrograms) or glycine (30 micrograms), or the gamma-aminobutyric acidA agonist, muscimol (300 ng), significantly elevated the threshold current necessary to initiate seizure activity from the inferior collicular cortex. Similarly, the microinjection of muscimol (10 or 30 ng) or racemic baclofen (20 or 60 ng), a gamma-aminobutyric acidB agonist, into the inferior collicular cortex significantly elevated the seizure threshold current, but inferior collicular microinjections of taurine (1 microgram) or glycine (1 microgram) exerted no effect on the seizure threshold current. When excitatory amino acid influences were assessed on seizure production, neither ventricular administration of glutamate or aspartate (100 micrograms) nor inferior collicular administration of glutamate (1 or 10 micrograms) or aspartate (10 micrograms) changed the seizure initiation threshold. Although the site administration of 30 or 100 ng of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid did not alter the seizure initiation threshold, 300 ng of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid significantly lowered the amount of electrical stimulation necessary to elicit the seizure activity. Conversely, blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors in the inferior colliculus with L-3-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (100 ng) or gamma-glutamylglycine (200 ng) significantly elevated the threshold current for seizure production, whereas microinjection of DL-3-amino-phosphonobutyric acid (200 ng) or glutamic acid diethyl ester (1 microgram) had no effect. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)