Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Correlates of Binocular Stereo Depth without Binocular Disparities

A small region of background presented to only one eye in an otherwise binocular display may, under certain conditions, be resolved in the visual system by interpreting the region as a small gap between two similar objects placed at different depths, with the gap hidden in one eye by parallax. This has been called monocular gap stereopsis. We investigated the electrophysiological correlate of this type of stereopsis by means of sum potential recordings in 12 observers, comparing VEP's for this stimulus (“Gillam Stereo”, Author BG has strong reservations about this term) with those for similar stimuli containing disparity based depth and with no depth (flat). In addition we included several control stimuli. The results show a pronounced early negative potential at a latency of around 170 ms (N170) for all stimuli containing non- identical elements, be they a difference caused by binocular disparity or by completely unmatched monocular contours. A second negative potential with latency around 270 ms (N270), on the other hand, is present only with stimuli leading to fusion and the perception of depth. This second component is similar for disparity-based stereopsis and monocular gap, or “Gillam Stereo” although slightly more pronounced for the former. We conjecture that the first component is related to the detection of differences between the images of the two eyes that may then either be fused, leading to stereopsis and the corresponding second potential, or else to inhibition and rivalry without a later trace in the VEP. The finding that that “Gillam Stereo” leads to cortical responses at the same short latencies as disparity based stereopsis indicates that it may partly rely on quite early cortical mechanisms.
The Involvement of Supply Chain Partners in New Product Development: The Role of a Third Party

This paper examines the effect of supply chain and third party involvement on product innovation performance. The concept of supply chain network is studied as the type of external member collaboration for firm new product development. This study collected information about 208 manufacture firms from Taiwan; we investigated the contingent effect of supply chain member involvement on product innovation performance. The result indicate that external member involvement have positive impacts on a product innovation performance, and third party involvement within the supplier involvement is found to be as important a moderator for the relationship between external member involvement and product innovation performance. The relationship between customer involvement and market performance was positively moderated, but between supplier involvement and design performance was negatively moderated by third party involvement.
Transsphenoidal Approaches for the Extracapsular Resection of Midline Suprasellar and Anterior Cranial Base Lesions

OBJECTIVEThe transsphenoidal approach is an effective method for treating tumors contained within the sella or extending into the suprasellar cistern. The technique of tumor dissection is predicated on preservation of the integrity of the diaphragma, i.e., intracapsular removal. Gross total extracapsular dissection may, however, be accomplished either by using a standard approach to the pituitary fossa or by extending the exposure to include removal of a portion of the planum sphenoidale and division of the superior intercavernous sinus. METHODSIncluded in this series were 14 patients with parasellar or sellar tumors with extension into the anterior fossa and/or suprasellar cistern. For 4 of 14 patients (29%), extracapsular access was gained by broaching the tumor capsule from within the pituitary fossa. For the remaining 10 of 14 patients (71%), the dura of the floor of the sella and the planum sphenoidale was exposed, using neuronavigation to verify the limits of bony dissection; extracapsular tumor resection was performed using the operating microscope and endoscopy as indicated. The dural defect was repaired with abdominal fat, the sellar floor and planum sphenoidale were reconstructed, and in selected cases a lumbar drain was placed. RESULTSSeven of 14 tumors (50%) were craniopharyngiomas, 3 of 14 (21%) were pituitary adenomas, and 2 of 14 (14%) were meningiomas. There was one case of lymphocytic hypophysitis and one yolk sac tumor. Gross total resection was possible in 11 of 14 cases (79%). Immediate postoperative visual function worsened in 2 of 14 cases (14%), improved in 3 of 14 cases (21%), and was stable in the remainder of cases. Postoperatively, 2 of 14 patients (14%) developed bacterial meningitis. Overt postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was not observed. CONCLUSIONGross total extracapsular resection of midline suprasellar tumors via a transsphenoidal approach is possible but is associated with a higher risk of complications than is standard transsphenoidal surgery.
The effects of dietary nitrate (beetroot juice) supplementation on exercise performance: A review

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator that increases blood flow and induces various intracellular actions such as increased mitochondrial and contractile efficiency. NO bioavailability may be increased by direct consumption of dietary nitrate and its sequential reduction to nitrite, a regulator of NO-induced hypoxic signaling. Dietary nitrate consumption reduces blood pressure, protects from ischemia-reperfusion injury, and improves endothelial dysfunction. Recently, the popularity of dietary nitrate as an ergogenic aid has been increased dramatically. Most exercise studies have administered dietary nitrate in the form of beetroot juice containing 5-8 mmol of nitrate and a few studies have used sodium and potassium nitrate (8-10 mg/kg). The most prominent and consistent effects of dietary nitrate supplementation is a reduction in the oxygen cost of exercise and an increase in exhaustion time at submaximal workloads. This effect was observed after either a single bolus (2-3 h prior to exercise) or a long-term (2-15 days) supplementation. The ergogenic effects of beetroot supplementation appear to be dose-dependent and are most often observed after long-term ingestion (approximately 6 days), at high exercise intensities and in less fit individuals. The ergogenic value of beetroot supplementation in endurance athletes is not clear; many studies have documented no improvements and a few studies an enhanced performance (0.4% to 3%) in time- and distance-trials. Clearly, more research is needed to document (i) the optimal dosage of beetroot ingestion for enhancing exercise performance in athletes, (ii) the effects of dietary nitrate consumption on training adaptations, (iii) the efficacy of beetroot supplementation in increasing exercise tolerance in individuals with chronic disease, and (iv) the safety of long-term beetroot consumption.
The Acquisition of English Articles by Second Language Learners

Despite the numerous studies on English article acquisition, the acquisition sequence, differences, and difficulties by English-as-a-second language learners (ELLs) remain to be further explored. With a detailed literature review, this study investigated the acquisition sequence, differences, and difficulties of English articles by ELLs with diverse first language backgrounds. Eighteen college ELLs participated in the study. Data were collected through cloze exercises. The results, through the analysis of its database of 6,178 article used, indicated that “zero article” was the last to be acquired while article “a” is the first to be acquired; positive correspondence existed between the growth of the acquisition of article “a/an,” “the,” and “zero” between “+Art” (with article system) group and “−Art” (without article system) group. The results also revealed that (a) the most difficult article for participants in both groups to acquire was “zero article,” (b) “the” was the most difficult article for participants in “+Art” group, and (c) “a” was the easiest one acquired by both groups. These findings, in fact, challenge the commonsense belief that “+Art” ELLs acquired English articles faster than “−Art” ELLs and that when two languages were similar, positive transfer would occur.
Optimization of anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics for cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations: VI. Executive summary

Acute pulmonary exacerbations (APE) are well‐described complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) and are associated with progressive morbidity and mortality. Despite aggressive management with two or more intravenous anti‐pseudomonal agents, approximately 25% of exacerbations will result in a loss of lung function. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the classes of intravenous anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics, the findings of anti‐pseudomonal antibiotic utilization surveys, the current antibiotic dosing recommendations from the U.S. and Europe, and the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) differences between CF and non‐CF individuals. Anti‐pseudomonal antibiotic classes include beta‐lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and colistimethate sodium. Recent surveys of antibiotic utilization in CF Foundation‐accredited care centers have shown that a large number of centers are not following recommended dosing strategies despite published recommendations in the U.S. and Europe. The recommended doses for anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics may be higher than FDA‐approved doses due to PK and PD differences. As a large portion of CF patients will not regain their lung function following an APE, it seems possible that currently available anti‐pseudomonal agents are being used sub‐optimally. As new anti‐pseudomonal agents are not currently available, we suggest the need to optimize antibiotic dosing and dosing regimens used to treat pulmonary exacerbations in an effort to improve outcomes for CF patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:525–537. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Customer's loyalty and perception of ISO 9001 in online banking

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether ISO 9001 certification by banks affects customers' perceptions of e‐service quality (and hence customer satisfaction and loyalty) in online banking services. In pursuit of this objective, the study also investigates: the validity of a modified scale for measuring e‐service quality in online banking services; and the factors that might influence customer satisfaction and loyalty in the context of online banking services (and the possible mediating/moderating effects of customer satisfaction on the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty). , – An online survey is conducted among 428 customers of online banking services in Spain. Exploratory factor analyses, multi‐regression analyses, and Mann‐Whithney U‐tests are utilised to assess the proposed modification of the E‐S‐QUAL scale; the relationships among the constructs of service quality, satisfaction, and loyalty; and whether ISO 9001 certification affects customers' perceptions of e‐service quality (and hence satisfaction and loyalty). , – Three of the four dimensions of the modified E‐S‐QUAL scale are confirmed, and all have a positive impact on customer satisfaction, which, in turn, significantly influences e‐loyalty. The mediating/moderating role of satisfaction on the relationship between service quality and loyalty is confirmed. Contrary to the research hypothesis, ISO 9001 certification does not seem to influence customers' perceptions of e‐service quality. , – Managers should consider ISO 9001 certification, even if only for the internal benefits that it promises to provide. Managers must ensure superior e‐service quality (especially with regard to “efficiency”) if they wish to promote customer satisfaction and loyalty. , – This paper is one of the first to investigate the impact of ISO 9001 certification on customers' perceptions of e‐service quality. However, the study is limited to a particular sector in a particular country.
Effects of fibrate compounds on expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 by cultured endothelial cells.

The consistent positive correlation between triglyceride and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in plasma and the fact that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) induces secretion of PAI-1 from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human hepatoblastoma cells have raised the question of whether fibrate treatment, the main effect of which is a profound lowering of plasma concentrations of VLDL, might improve fibrinolytic function by reducing the plasma levels of PAI-1. However, the findings of controlled clinical trials using various fibrate compounds have been discrepant. ECs express PAI-1 under normal conditions in humans. We therefore examined the effects of several fibrate compounds on PAI-1 expression and secretion by cultured HUVECs and the HUVEC-derived cell line EA.hy926. All fibrate compounds examined had significant effects on PAI-1 gene transcription in the EA.hy926 cells. Low concentrations of clofibric acid and bezafibrate increased PAI-1 transcription and secretion, whereas Wy-14643 increased PAI-1 synthesis in a dose-dependent way. In contrast, both fenofibric acid and gemfibrozil markedly decreased PAI-1 transcription and secretion from HUVECs and EA.hy926 cells. Thus, stimulation of the transcriptional activity of the PAI-1 gene by some fibrates is linked to increased secretion of PAI-1 protein by the cells, whereas the opposite effects occur with other fibrate compounds. Whether the different effects on PAI-1 transcription and secretion by ECs in vitro also reflect differences in treatment effects on the regulation of plasma PAI-1 activity in vivo will have to be determined in larger-scale, controlled clinical trials.
The diametric theorem in Hamming spaces-optimal anticodes

For a Hamming space (/spl Xscr//sub /spl alpha///sup n/,d/sub H/), the set of n-length words over the alphabet /spl Xscr//sub /spl alpha//={0,1,. ,/spl alpha/-1} endowed with the distance d/sub H/, which for two words x/sup n/=(x/sub 1/,.,x/sup n/), y/sup n/=(y/sub 1/,.,y/sub n/)/spl isin//spl Xscr//sub /spl alpha///sup n/ counts the number of different components, we determine the maximal cardinality of subsets with a prescribed diameter d or, in another language, anticodes with distance d. We refer to the result as diametric theorem.
Growth in Stimulant-naive Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Using Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Approaches

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to investigate the growth of stimulant-naive children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 3 aspects of development: level, trend, and structure of the process. PATIENTS AND METHOD. The study sample included 53 individuals between the ages of 6 and 17 years (mean: 11.90). The average level of growth (z scores) in prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal stage of development and trend of the process were estimated on the basis of a comparison with growth charts. The prediction of adolescent growth spurt was conducted using the mathematical structural growth model of Jolioceur, Pontier, and Abidi. RESULTS. Difference between boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity and the norm was statistically significant in the prepubertal stage and for the average level of growth between the ages of 2 and 17 years. Distinct suppression of growth was found between the ages of 9 and 14. Analysis of development structure revealed an earlier onset of the adolescent growth spurt among boys (difference: 5 months) and a higher velocity of growth at this moment (difference: 0.33 cm/year) than expected values. CONCLUSIONS. The application of both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses clearly illustrated the higher level of growth of boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity in the prepubertal stage, the suppression of growth on the turn of prepubertal and pubertal periods, and earlier occurrence of the spurt onset. Observed differences in the level and trend of growth as well as in the parameters of adolescent growth spurt are linked with disorder-related factors.
Neuropathological Findings Following Temporal Lobectomy Related to Surface and Deep EEG Patterns

Summary: Interictal and ictal characteristics of preoperative EEG recordings, derived from limited surface montages and medial temporal lobe sites, were compared with the results of pathological studies done on resected lobes obtained from 44 patients with complex partial seizures. Pathological material was divided into four groups: (a) sclerosis (mesial temporal or restricted to pes hippocampi); (b) neoplasia (mainly hamartomas); (c) miscellaneous lesions; and (d) no significant lesions. Interictal EEG correlates of no pathology included bilaterally synchronous surface spikes (with or without simultaneous deep spikes) and independent surface spikes (with or without simultaneous deep spikes) on the side of lobectomy. Ictal EEG correlates of no pathology included unilateral surface or surface/deep onsets, bilaterally synchronous surface onsets, more than one onset location, and suppression at onset. Focal onsets correlated with sclerosis. Frequent interictal spike activity in the non‐lobectomized lobe and fast buildup at onset of ictus suggested neoplasia. Many of the EEG correlates of no pathology are known to correlate with poor postsurgical seizure relief, due probably in part to the fact that absence of pathology in the resected specimen is a negative prognostic sign. Patients with sclerosis could be distinguished from patients with no demonstrable pathology with 81% cross‐validation classification accuracy using a distribution‐independent, nonlinear classifier. Both interictal and ictal EEG measures were used by the classifier, and one may conclude that ictal and interictal EEG recordings contain nonredundant information for predicting the presence and type of underlying pathology.
Design of a terfenol-D based fiber-optic current transducer

The authors have developed and tested a prototype magnetostriction-based, passive optical current sensing device for high-voltage applications. The sensor contains a ferromagnetic yoke, a modulator of magnetostrictive Terfenol-D that responds to the magnetic field, and a fiber Bragg grating that converts this response into a wavelength-modulated optical signal and transmits it via an optical fiber to ground-level electronics. To linearize the output, the modulator material was subjected to both mechanical and magnetic biases. The prototype CT was found to have a useable linear range of 100-1000 A with a measured phase shift of around 30/spl deg/ for a steady-state 60-Hz excitation. Both the gain and the phase response have been found to be dependent on mechanical prestress and magnetic bias. The authors also report on materials characterization and modeling that support the actual design process.
Preoperative volume expansion improves tolerance to carotid artery cross-clamping during endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE The benefit of carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis relates to both appropriate patient selection and careful surgical technique. Critical to the latter is the ability to afford intraoperative neuroprotection during carotid cross-clamping, although the optimal strategy to assure this protection remains debated. This report describes the impact of adding preoperative colloid volume expansion to a surgical algorithm that includes electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring and barbiturate-induced burst suppression for EEG lateralization refractory to hypertension. METHODS The incidence of ischemic EEG change during carotid cross-clamping was observed. The results of an initial series of patients (n = 45) reported before incorporation of volume expansion were compared with the results of the current series (n = 155) of carotid endarterectomies, which included preoperative volume expansion with 6% hetastarch (500 or 1000 cc). RESULTS With preoperative volume expansion, there was a 40% decrease in the incidence of EEG lateralization during carotid cross-clamping (17.4 versus 28.9%, P < 0.05) and a 63% decrease in the EEG lateralization refractory to induced hypertension (5.8 versus 15.6%, P < 0.05). The combined perioperative stroke and death rate was 1.3%. CONCLUSION These results support the use of preoperative colloid volume expansion in carotid endarterectomy as a means of increasing the cerebral tolerance to carotid cross-clamping.
Autologous synovial fluid enhances migration of mesenchymal stem cells from synovium of osteoarthritis patients in tissue culture system

Synovial fluid from osteoarthritic knee contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). One of the possible reservoirs of MSCs in synovial fluid is synovial tissue, and synovial fluid may induce mobilization of MSCs into synovial fluid in osteoarthritis patients. Here, we investigated whether synovial fluid expanded synovial MSCs in a tissue culture system. Human synovium and synovial fluid were obtained from osteoarthritis patients during total knee arthroplasties. In the tissue culture system, autologous synovial fluid expanded synovial cells statistically higher than αMEM + FBS, and the addition of TGFβ3 to αMEM + FBS increased expansion to a similar level in all 11 donors. The addition of decorin or anti‐TGFβ neutralizing antibody to synovial fluid partially inhibited synovial cell expansion. In cell culture assay, synovial fluid proliferated synovial cells fewer than αMEM + FBS. The expanded synovial cells in synovial fluid retained multipotentiality and showed surface markers similar to those of MSCs. We demonstrated that autologous synovial fluid enhanced expansion of MSCs in tissue culture of synovium from osteoarthritis patients by promoting cell migration. This effect was partially affected by TGFβ. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1413–1418, 2008
Management of Far‐Field R Wave Sensing for the Avoidance of Inappropriate Mode Switch in Dual Chamber Pacemakers: Results of the FFS‐Test Study

Background and Objective: Far‐field R wave sensing (FFS) in the atrial channel of dual chamber pacemakers is a relevant source for inappropriate mode switch from the DDD mode to the DDI or VDI mode. Inappropriate loss of atrioventricular synchrony due to false positive mode switch is hemodynamically disadvantageous, may induce atrial tachyarrhythmias, can lead to pacemaker syndrome, and impairs the reliability of pacemaker Holter data. The aim of the study was to determine whether individual adjustment of the postventricular atrial blanking period (PVAB) based on an additional test is effective in avoiding inappropriate mode switch due to FFS when compared with standard programming of the PVAB.
Teaching without a blackboard and chalk: conflicting attitudes towards using ICTs in higher education teaching and learning

ABSTRACT This article, derived from a three-year ethnography of distributed medical education provision in a Canadian university, explores the ways in which information and communication technologies are used by teachers and students in their everyday work within technologically rich teaching environments. The environments being researched are two university campuses: a campus at the main university site and a satellite campus in a neighbouring province. The article seeks to contrast dominant, institutional discourses of technology use in higher education teaching with the everyday practices of staff and students. The article concludes that there is a gap between policy and practice in distributed education and that the teaching and learning experience and context of staff and students in different sites need to be analysed in depth, in terms of: whether the experience of learning across sites can be positioned as being comparable; the extent to which technology ameliorates learning and teaching; and understanding the work done by staff.