Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Altered Swallowing Physiology and Aspiration in COPD.

cortisol deficiency associated with low-dose corticosteroid therapy for asthma. Pediatrics 1996; 97:921–923 7 Tabachnik E, Zadik Z. Diurnal cortisol secretion during therapy with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate in children with asthma. We thank Doctors Caballero-Fonseca and Sanchez-Borges for their interest in our abstract (October 2001 supplement). 1 We reported on a large case series of patients who had experienced acute adrenal crisis due to inhaled steroids, nearly all due to fluticasone (Ͼ 94%). Acute adrenal crisis was an extremely rare phenomenon before the introduction of fluticasone in the United Kingdom in 1994. We believe that our study highlighted important differences among the inhaled corticosteroid agents, and it specifically opposes the view that the most recently introduced inhaled steroid, fluticasone, has the best benefit/risk ratio. However, we would like to emphasize that all the authors of our article are very enthusiastic prescribers of inhaled steroids as a first-line treatment for patients with all but the mildest forms of asthma. Inflammatory processes are absolutely fundamental to the pathogenesis of asthma, and inhaled steroids are by far the most effective drugs at reducing inflammation in asthma patients. They are also the most effective drugs at reducing the burden of asthma (ie, improving exercise tolerance, reducing days lost from school, preventing acute exacerbations, preventing hospital admissions , and decreasing the risk of death from asthma). In the vast majority of patients, the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. For example, in a long-term study (mean study duration, 9.92 years) of budesonide treatment (patient age range, 3 to 13 years) with a mean daily dose of 412 ␮g/d (dose range, 110 to 887 ␮g/d), there was no effect on final adult height and no evidence of any other significant side effects. 2 This is most compelling and reassuring evidence of the long-term safety at least of this particular inhaled steroid in children. We therefore believe in the early introduction of inhaled steroids in adequate dosages for the control of asthma, as is advised by all national and international guidelines, and that the safest amount of an inhaled steroid to administer to any child is the minimum amount required to control the asthma. Under these circumstances, the benefits of inhaled steroids greatly outweigh the morbidity and mortality associated with uncontrolled asthma. For example, it is important to remember that since the introduction of inhaled budesonide Ͼ 20 years ago, there have been Ͼ 10 billion patient-days of use …
On fixed and finite time stability in sliding mode control

Any finite-time convergent homogeneous sliding-mode controller can be transformed into a fixed-time convergent one, featuring an upper bound of convergence time, which does not depend on initial conditions. Output feedback controller is optional. Continuity of the convergence time functions of homogeneous differential inclusions is studied. Feasibility of fixed-time-stable systems is considered.
Deficiency in IL-1 Receptor Type 2 Aggravates K/BxN Serum Transfer-Induced Arthritis in Mice but Has No Impact on Systemic Inflammatory Responses

The biological activity of IL-1 is tightly regulated by the specific receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and the decoy receptor IL-1 receptor type 2 (IL-1R2). The role of IL-1Ra has been well demonstrated in IL-1Ra–deficient mice. In contrast, the role of endogenous IL-1R2 remains widely unknown. To define the functional role of endogenous IL-1R2 in the K/BxN serum transfer arthritis model and in IL-1β– or LPS-induced systemic inflammation in vivo, IL-1R2−/− mice were created and compared with wild type mice. IL-1R2−/− mice bred habitually and exhibited a normal phenotype. IL-1R2 deficiency aggravated arthritis severity and increased mRNA levels for key cytokines and chemokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, Cxcl-1, and Cxcl-2 significantly in ankles. There was no effect of IL-1R2 deficiency on the cell-autonomous cytokine response to IL-1β in the tested cell types, i.e., neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts, but IL-1R2 deficiency on neutrophils increased the IL-1–induced response of fibroblasts in trans. Furthermore, IL-1β induced shedding of IL-1R2 in vivo. Inflammatory responses to IL-1β and LPS-induced mortality were not different in IL-1R2−/− compared with wild type mice. Our data demonstrate that the decoy receptor IL-1R2 plays an important inhibitory role in local IL-1– and neutrophil-dependent tissue inflammation as shown in the K/BxN serum transfer arthritis model. In contrast to IL-1Ra, IL-1R2 appears to be less crucial for systemic responses to acute administration of IL-1 or LPS.
Morphological and Thermophysical Behavior of Hidroxyapatite Powders Processed by Mechanical Milling

The current research represents one section of our studies concerning the improvement of the biocompatibility related to the biocomposite materials for bone grafts application. The submicronic/nanometric hydroxyapatite stands for the progress in biocompatibility. This study highlights the wet mechanical milling process and its effects on the morphological and thermophysical properties of the hydroxyapatite powder particles (30-50µm as raw material) obtained by this method (500 nm average). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) facility point out the morphological and chemical compositional features of the processed powders during 10 hours in dry argon atmosphere. The thermal analysis (TA) in argon atmosphere, too, reveals the influence of the milling parameters on the thermal effects generated by the processed hydroxyapatite powders. The experimental results of our research validate some milling mechanisms reported by the literature for wet/dry mechanochemical process conditions.
Context Effects in Diverse-Category Brand Environments : The Influence of Target Product Positioning and Consumers' Processing Mind-Set

We investigate the apparent rarity of contrast effects in diverse-category contextual and target product settings. Three studies show that the direction of context effects depends on (a) whether target product positioning is abstract or concrete, (b) consumers' adoption of an item-specific, similarity-focused relational or dissimilarity-focused relational processing mind-set, and (c) the magnitude of resources allocated to processing. We find that contrast effects emerge when an ambiguous target product is positioned concretely, not abstractly, and consumers employ relational, not item-specific, processing. A framework clarifies how and when each of the aforementioned factors shapes context effects, often in ways never before seen. (c) 2007 by JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc.
Relationship of anaemia and hypoproteinaemia to the functional and structural changes in the small bowel in hookworm disease.

A variable proportion of patients with hookworm disease have functional and structural changes of the small bowel leading to the clinical features of malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies (Sheehy, Meroney, Cox, and Soler, 1962; Salem and Truelove, 1964; Chaudhuri and Saha, 1964; Tandon, Das, Saraya, and Deo, 1966a; Burman, 1966; Chuttani, Puri, and Misra, 1967). This observation has great significance for investigators in India and other tropical countries where hookworm infection and idiopathic tropical malabsorption are prevalent. These patients usually belong to a low socioeconomic class, are poorly nourished, and have moderate to severe anaemia. Hence three factors, namely, the parasite (Sheehy et al, 1962), severe anaemia, and hypoalbuminaemia (Layrisse, Blumenfeld, Carbonell, Desenne, and Roche, 1964) have been considered for the study of the pathogenesis of malabsorption in hookworm disease.
Improved automated perimetry performance following exposure to Mozart

Aim: To evaluate the performance on automated perimetry (AP) after listening to a Mozart sonata in normal subjects naive to AP. Methods: 60 naive normal subjects underwent AP (SITA 24-2). The study group (30 subjects) underwent AP after listening to Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major and the control group (30 subjects) underwent AP without previous exposure to the music. Results: The study group had significantly less fixation loss, false positive, and false negative rates compared to controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: Listening to Mozart seems to improve AP performance in normal naive subjects.
Neutronic calculations for the VVER-1000 LEU and MOX assembly computational benchmark using the GETERA code

Disassembling nuclear warheads require the deployment of mixed oxide fuel (UO2+PuO2) for the utilization of Plutonium from warheads. For this purpose, the Nuclear Energy Agency has proposed a computational benchmark consisting of two VVER-1000 assemblies: LEU and MOX; to study their physics and the main differences between them. GETERA code which is based on the collision probability method was used to study the neutronic characteristics of these assemblies at different reactor states. The aim of this work is to test the accuracy of the GETERA code and its nuclear data library BNAB-93 against previously obtained solutions. Burnup calculations were conducted up to 40 MWd/kgHM. Calculations of the infinite multiplication factor, average isotopic composition, several reactivity effects and the radial variation of isotopic composition in Uranium–Gadolinium (UGD) pins were performed. Comparison of our results with the benchmark mean results was performed and was shown to give a very good agreement.
Analysis of a Single-Screw Extruder with a Grooved Plasticizing Barrel – Experimental Investigation

Abstract In the field of extrusion, a very promising high performance extruder was introduced to the European plastics industry in 1999. This new type of single-screw extruder combines a grooved plasticizing barrel with a barrier screw. Compared to conventional extrusion systems, these extruders have by far a higher output and product quality among other advantages such as lower processing costs and lower energy consumption. In the past, both Newtonian and non-Newtonian models were developed to calculate and predict the melting rate along the flow channel. The aim of this paper is to present experimental investigations on the processes within the melting zone of a single-screw extruder with a grooved plasticizing barrel. To visualize the melting mechanisms, screw extraction experiments as well as dynamic pressure measurements were performed. By means of screw extraction experiments a solid bed was clearly identified only in the solid channel and a melt pool only in the melt channel. Analysis of the dynamic pressure signals also showed the same behavior and therefore allowed in-line characterization of the melting process. Thus, theoretical concepts about the melting mechanisms could be confirmed experimentally.
Current perspectives on ranibizumab

Background This review summarizes the Phase III studies addressing intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema (ME) from retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and diabetic ME (DME). Results The data from 12 major Phase III studies: six studies in patients with neovascular AMD, two studies in patients with ME from RVO, and four studies in patients with DME demonstrate significant improvement in vision in patients undergoing treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab over patients receiving no treatment or receiving only grid laser. These effects are achieved with low incidences of ocular and nonocular adverse events. Conclusion Intravitreal ranibizumab is a highly effective and safe therapy for improving vision and reducing vision loss in patients with neovascular AMD, ME from RVO, and DME. Patients generally require long-term treatment although some data show that frequency of treatment necessary to maintain visual outcomes decreases over time.
Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Ixora Coccinea Leaf Extract—A Green Approach

Green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extract is a promising alternative to traditional method of chemical synthesis. In this paper, we report the synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide particles by biological method. Highly stable and spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles are produced by using zinc acetate and Ixora coccinea leaf extract. Formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles has been confirmed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), zetapotential study and Scanning Electron Microscope with the Energy Dispersive X-ray studies (EDX). Dynamic light scattering analysis shows average particle size of 145.1 nm whereas high zeta potential value confirms the stability of formed zinc oxide nanoparticles. The Scanning Electron Microscope reveals spherical morphology of nanoparticles and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis confirms the formation of highly pure zinc oxide nanoparticles. The zinc oxide nanoparticles from Ixora coccinea leaves are expected to have applications in biomedical, cosmetic industries, biotechnology, sensors, medical, catalysis, optical device, coatings, drug delivery and water remediation, and also may be applied for electronic and magneto-electric devices. This new eco-friendly approach of synthesis is a novel, cheap, and convenient technique suitable for large scale commercial production.
Total sliding-mode controller for PM synchronous servo motor drive using recurrent fuzzy neural network

In this paper, the dynamic responses of a recurrent-fuzzy-neural-network (RFNN) sliding-mode-controlled permanent-magnet (PM) synchronous servo motor are described. First, a newly designed total sliding-mode control system, which is insensitive to uncertainties, including parameter variations and external disturbance in the whole control process, is introduced. The total sliding-mode control comprises the baseline model design and the curbing controller design. In the baseline model design, a computed torque controller is designed to cancel the nonlinearity of the nominal plant. In the curbing controller design, an additional controller is designed using a new sliding surface to ensure the sliding motion through the entire state trajectory. Therefore, in the total sliding-mode control system, the controlled system has a total sliding motion without a reaching phase. Then, to overcome the two main problems with sliding-mode control, i.e., the assumption of known uncertainty bounds and the chattering phenomena in the control effort, an RFNN sliding-mode control system is investigated to control the PM synchronous servo motor. In the RFNN sliding-mode control system, an RFNN bound observer is utilized to adjust the uncertainty bounds in real time. To guarantee the convergence of tracking error, analytical methods based on a discrete-type Lyapunov function are proposed to determine the varied learning rates of the RFNN. Simulated and experimental results due to periodic step and sinusoidal commands show that the dynamic behaviors of the proposed control systems are robust with regard to uncertainties.
Psychological Aspects of Recovery Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Recovery following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is an arduous process that requires a significant mental and physical commitment to rehabilitation. Orthopaedic research in recent years has focused on optimizing anterior cruciate ligament surgical techniques; however, despite stable anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, many athletes still never achieve their preinjury ability or even return to sport. Psychological factors associated with patient perceptions and functional outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are important to acknowledge and understand. Issues related to emotional disturbance, motivation, self-esteem, locus of control, and self-efficacy can have profound effects on patients’ compliance, athletic identity, and readiness to return to sport. The psychological aspects of recovery play a critical role in functional outcomes, and a better understanding of these concepts is essential to optimize the treatment of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, particularly those who plan to return to sport. Identifying at-risk patients, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, and providing early referral to a sports psychologist may improve patient outcomes and increase return-to-play rates among athletes.
pH-dependent dimerization and salt-dependent stabilization of the N-terminal domain of spider dragline silk--implications for fiber formation.

The formation of spider dragline silk is controlled by the relatively small Cand N-terminal domains of the spidroins. The formidable and unrivaled mechanical tensile strength of spider silk fibers is a result of the carefully matched assembly of polyalanine (polyA) or poly(glycinealanine) (polyGA) repeat sequences separated by GGX or GPGXX repeats, which are thought to confer elasticity to the thread. 5, 7] The correct alignment of polyA/polyGA sequences to form microcrystalline structures is controlled by the pH value, salt concentration, and shear-force-induced partial unfolding of the disulfide-bridged dimeric C-terminal domain. The N-terminal domain was also shown to be important for the pH-dependent assembly of fiber. Here, we use NMR spectroscopy and light-scattering techniques to show that the N-terminal domain of the major ampullate spider silk from Latrodectus hesperus (black widow spider) is mainly monomeric at neutral pH, as found in the spinning gland. The slight tendency to dimerize disappears under high salt conditions, as found in the gland. However, the Nterminal domain will dimerize at the lower pH value found in the spinning duct. Hence, acidification mainly controls the assembly of the N terminus, which is important for the formation of silk fiber, while high ionic strength stabilizes the monomeric N-terminal structure. The crystal structure of the N-terminal domain shows a homodimer with an antiparallel orientation of the subunit. In addition to this picture, our NMR data provide further evidence for the regulation and functional role of this domain in forming elongated silk threads. Spider dragline silk threads consist of two different proteins, with highly conserved N-terminal domains (see Figure 1 in the Supporting Information). We chose the N termini of the major ampullate silk proteins of Latrodectus hesperus for our structural analysis (called N1 and N2; see Table 1 in the Supporting Information). Consistent with an earlier report, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy indicates a high a-helix content and reasonable thermal stability (see Figure 2 in the Supporting Information) for both constructs. N1 showed a slightly higher stability than N2. Therefore, an NMR spectroscopic characterization was conducted on N1. By using a set of triple resonance experiments, 97% (128 out of 132) of all the amino acid residues could be assigned (Figure 1a) and, furthermore, an almost complete assignment of the amino acid side chains could be achieved. An evaluation of the secondary structure content in N1 clearly confirmed the presence of five a helices within the protein (Figure 1b). The previously reported dimeric structure of an N-terminal domain from the major ampullate spidroin from Euprosthenops australis (pdb code: 3lr2) was first used to
Object-Based Image Analysis of Downed Logs in Disturbed Forested Landscapes Using Lidar

Downed logs on the forest floor provide habitat for species, fuel for forest fires, and function as a key component of forest nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Ground-based field surveying is a conventional method for mapping and characterizing downed logs but is limited. In addition, optical remote sensing methods have not been able to map these ground targets due to the lack of optical sensor penetrability into the forest canopy and limited sensor spectral and spatial resolutions. Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensors have become a more viable and common data source in forest science for detailed mapping of forest structure. This study evaluates the utility of discrete, multiple return airborne lidar-derived data for image object segmentation and classification of downed logs in a disturbed forested landscape and the efficiency of rule-based object-based image analysis (OBIA) and classification algorithms. Downed log objects were successfully delineated and classified from lidar derived metrics using an OBIA framework. 73% of digitized downed logs were completely or partially classified correctly. Over classification occurred in areas with large numbers of logs clustered in close proximity to one another and in areas with vegetation and tree canopy. The OBIA methods were found to be effective but inefficient in terms of automation and analyst's time in the delineation and classification of downed logs in the lidar data.
The tryptophan metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid lowers plasma lipids and decreases atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolaemic mice.

AIMS Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in the world and atherosclerosis, an inflammatory process in the vessel wall, accounts for the majority of these deaths. The tryptophan metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) has been shown to inhibit inflammation in different experimental autoimmune disease models. However, the effect of 3-HAA in atherosclerosis has never been explored. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we used the atherosclerosis prone Ldlr-/- mice, and cell culture experiments to evaluate the role of 3-HAA in atherosclerosis. Eight weeks treatment with 3-HAA significantly reduced the lesion size in the aorta, and modulated local and systemic inflammatory responses. 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid inhibited the uptake of oxLDL by macrophages, an initiating event in the formation of foam cells, a major cellular component of atherosclerotic lesions. Surprisingly, 3-HAA significantly affected plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Ldlr-/- mice, likely due to modulation of signalling through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. CONCLUSION 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid inhibits atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation, two major components of this disease.
Substitution errors in the production of word-initial and word-final consonant clusters.

PURPOSE This study provides a comprehensive examination of substitutions that occur at Greenlee's 3rd stage of cluster development (M. Greenlee, 1974). At this stage of cluster acquisition, children are able to produce the correct number of consonants but with 1 or more of these consonants being substituted for another. METHOD Participants were 11 typically developing children ages 1;5-2;7 (years;months) who were from monolingual English-speaking homes. Consonant clusters in both word-initial and word-final position were elicited using a picture identification task. RESULTS Although previous studies have suggested that most cluster substitutions can be predicted from the errors children make on the corresponding singletons, our findings indicate that almost one third of substitutions in clusters are not predictable in this way. Furthermore, the majority of unpredictable substitutions produced by the children in this study resulted in clusters in which both consonants in the cluster shared the same place and/or manner of articulation. Thus, almost 70% of unpredictable substitutions appear to be motivated by assimilation within the cluster. CONCLUSION Ease of articulation provides the most convincing explanation for within-cluster assimilation.