Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linear and nonlinear characteristics of oxygen uptake kinetics during heavy exercise.

We assessed the linearity of oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics for several work intensities in four trained cyclists. VO2 was measured breath by breath during transitions from 33 W (baseline) to work rates requiring 38, 54, 85, and 100% of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). Each subject repeated each work rate four times over 8 test days. In every case, three phases (phases 1, 2, and 3) of the VO2 response could be identified. VO2 during phase 2 was fit by one of two models: model 1, a double exponential where both terms begin together close to the start of phase 2, and model 2, a double exponential where each of the exponential terms begins independently with separate time delays. VO2 rose linearly for the two lower work rates (slope 11 ml.min-1 W-1) but increased to a greater asymptote for the two heavier work rates. In all four subjects, for the two lighter work rates the double-exponential regression reduced to a single value for the time constant (average across subjects 16.1 +/- 7.7 s), indicating a truly monoexponential response. In addition, one of the responses to the heaviest work rate was monoexponential. For the remaining seven biexponential responses to the two heaviest work rates, model 2 produced a significantly better fit to the responses (P less than 0.05), with a mean time delay for the slow component of 105 +/- 46 s. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of Long-Term Voluntary Exercise Wheel Running on Susceptibility to Bacterial Pulmonary Infections in a Mouse Model

Regular moderate exercise has been suggested to exert anti-inflammatory effects and improve immune effector functions, resulting in reduced disease incidence and viral infection susceptibility. Whether regular exercise also affects bacterial infection susceptibility is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether regular voluntary exercise wheel running prior to a pulmonary infection with bacteria (P. aeruginosa) affects lung bacteriology, sickness severity and phagocyte immune function in mice. Balb/c mice were randomly placed in a cage with or without a running wheel. After 28 days, mice were intranasally infected with P. aeruginosa. Our study showed that regular exercise resulted in a higher sickness severity score and bacterial (P. aeruginosa) loads in the lungs. The phagocytic capacity of monocytes and neutrophils from spleen and lungs was not affected. Although regular moderate exercise has many health benefits, healthy mice showed increased bacterial (P. aeruginosa) load and symptoms, after regular voluntary exercise, with perseverance of the phagocytic capacity of monocytes and neutrophils. Whether patients, suffering from bacterial infectious diseases, should be encouraged to engage in exercise and physical activities with caution requires further research.
Effect of Submaximal Aerobic Exercise at the Altitude of 3250 m on levels of Serum Cortisol, Testosterone and Testosterone to Cortisol Ratio in Active Young Men

To date, relatively few studies have been conducted concerning the function of endocrine glands in hypoxic conditions. The purpose of this study was thus to determine the response of serum cortisol, testosterone and testosterone to cortisol ratio to aerobic exercises at the altitude of 3250 m. In this study, 9 young men with an average age of 23.33±1.56 years old performed two sessions of aerobic activities including 30-min running at an intensity level of 70% of maximum heart rate in both normoxic (1200 m) and hypoxic (simulated altitude of 3250 m) conditions. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and one hour after physical activity and, for each sample, the levels of cortisol, testosterone and their ratios were determined. In order to compare the variables at the aforementioned altitudes, the T-student test for dependent groups was used and Analysis of Variance with repeated measurement was run for investigating the variation of each variable per session. The results of this study indicated that testosterone level decreased significantly at the altitude of 3250 m (P=0.000). No significant change was observed in either of the testosterone level at the altitude of 1200 m (P=0.212), cortisol levels at both altitudes (P=0.413 and P=0.057 for 1200 and 3250 m, respectively) and testosterone to cortisol ratios at both altitudes (P=0.262 and P=0.296 for 1200 and 3250 m, respectively). Immediately and 1 hour after physical activity, testosterone level at the altitude of 3250 m was observed to be significantly lower than its corresponding level at the altitude of 1200 m (P=0.032 and P=0.010, respectively). There was also no significant difference between the levels of cortisol (P=0.651 and P=0.514 for immediately and one hour after physical activity, respectively) and testosterone to cortisol ratio (P=0.054 and P=0.116 for immediately and one hour after physical activity, respectively) of the two altitudes. It seems that, for a given duration and intensity of aerobic exercise, testosterone response in hypoxic conditions differs from that in normoxic conditions.
Rapid Computerized Assessment of Neurocognitive Deficits in Bipolar Disorder

The purpose of this study is to illustrate the clinical usefulness of a computerized neuropsychological battery for identifying neurocognitive deficits in adults with bipolar disorder. Participants were 47 outpatients with bipolar disorder who were individually matched on age, education, sex, and ethnicity to 47 control subjects from the Central Nervous System (CNS) Vital Signs normative database. CNS Vital Signs is comprised of seven common neuropsychological measures, and it generates 15 primary scores that are used to calculate five domain scores (Memory, Psychomotor Speed, Reaction Time, Cognitive Flexibility, and Complex Attention). There was a significant multivariate effect and statistically significantly worse scores for those in the bipolar group on all five domain scores (medium to large effect sizes). When using two or more scores below the fifth percentile as a cutoff for neurocognitive impairment, 42.6% of the bipolar sample and only 6.4% of the control sample scored in this range. A subset of outpatients with bipolar disorder has frank neurocognitive impairments identifiable with this 30–40-minute computerized assessment battery.
What We Learned about Mentoring Research Assistants Employed in a Complex, Mixed-Methods Health Study

Abstract We investigated the experiences of research assistants in their dual role as both employees and trainees, when they were employed in a complex, mixedmethods, Canadian study on the everyday experience of living with and managing a chronic condition. A total of 13 research assistants participated in one or more components of this study: a survey (n = 11), focus group interview (n = 7), and/or individual interview (n = 13). Thematic analysis identified two key themes: what faculty mentors should provide to research assistants before they begin their work, and what faculty mentors need to know in order to effectively offer ongoing support to research assistants. Our results provide valuable insights for new and experienced faculty members who employ research assistants and for research assistants employed in funded research projects. Our results can inform the development of regulations to ensure that research assistants have greater protection as both trainees and employees. Resume Lors d’une recherche canadienne complexe a methodologie mixte portant sur le quotidien des gens qui vivent avec une condition chronique ou qui doivent en gerer les aspects, nous avons explore le double role des adjoints a la recherche, a la fois comme employes et comme stagiaires. Au total, 13 adjoints a la recherche ont participe a au moins une composante de cette etude : un sondage (n = 11), une entrevue de groupe (n = 7), une entrevue individuelle (n = 13). Une analyse thematique a pu reperer deux themes principaux : ce que les mentors du corps professoral doivent savoir afin d’aider efficacement et de facon soutenue les adjoints a la recherche, et ce qu’ils doivent leur fournir avant le debut des travaux. Nos resultats fournissent de precieux eclaircissements pour de nouveaux membres et des membres chevronnes du corps professoral qui emploient des adjoints a la recherche, ainsi que pour des adjoints a la recherche qui travaillent a des projets subventionnes. Nos resultats informent les responsables de l’elaboration des reglements afin de s’assurer que les adjoints a la recherche disposent d’une protection elargie en tant que stagiaires et employes.
Spent Brewer's Yeast Autolysates as a New and Valuable Component of Functional Food and Dietary Supplements

The aim of the work was to obtain autolysates derived from spent brewer's yeast and demonstrate their potential capabilities as a natural and valuable ingredients intended for functional food and dietary supplements production. The research material consisted of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which was the remains after the beer production process. In these autolysates the following analyses were performed - protein, dry matter and amino acids content, determination of molecular weight of proteins, antioxidant properties and sensory quality. It was found that the tested autolysates were characterised by a high content of essential amino acids, exciding the amount present in the reference protein developed by FAO/WHO. The sensory quality of the tested autolysates was dependent on the degree of autolysis process of the yeast protein which further determined their usage in a food production. Precise time control of the autolysis process allows obtaining a product with the designed functional properties, characterised by the desired content of free amino acids, peptides with a specific molecular weight and high antioxidant properties. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that the post-fermentation yeast may be a valuable raw material for the preparation of yeast autolysates which may be new and valuable component in functional food and dietary supplements production.
Mathematical Model and Calibration Procedure of a PSD Sensor Used in Local Positioning Systems

Here, we propose a mathematical model and a calibration procedure for a PSD (position sensitive device) sensor equipped with an optical system, to enable accurate measurement of the angle of arrival of one or more beams of light emitted by infrared (IR) transmitters located at distances of between 4 and 6 m. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to characterize the intrinsic parameters that model the system and obtain their values. This first approach was based on a pin-hole model, to which system nonlinearities were added, and this was used to model the points obtained with the nA currents provided by the PSD. In addition, we analyzed the main sources of error, including PSD sensor signal noise, gain factor imbalances and PSD sensor distortion. The results indicated that the proposed model and method provided satisfactory calibration and yielded precise parameter values, enabling accurate measurement of the angle of arrival with a low degree of error, as evidenced by the experimental results.
Inactive Hepatitis B Carrier and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta–analysis

Background: We aimed to explore whether maternal asymptomatic hepatitis B (HB) infection effects on pre-term rupture of membranous (PROM), stillbirth, preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational hypertension, or antepartum hemorrhage. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and ISI web of science from 1990 to Feb 2015. In addition, electronic literature searches supplemented by searching the gray literature (e.g., conference abstracts thesis and the result of technical reports) and scanning the reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews. We explored statistical heterogeneity using the, I2 and tau-squared (Tau2) statistical tests. Results: Eighteen studies were included. Preterm rupture of membranous (PROM), stillbirth, preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational hypertension and antepartum hemorrhage were considerable outcomes in this survey. The results showed no significant association between inactive HB and these complications in pregnancy. The small amounts of P-value and chi-square and large amount of I2 suggested the probable heterogeneity in this part, which we tried to modify with statistical methods such as subgroup analysis. Conclusion: Inactive HB infection did not increase the risk of adversely mentioned outcomes in this study. Further, well-designed studies should be performed to confirm the results.
Local amygdala structural differences with 3T MRI in patients with Alzheimer disease

Objective: Histologic studies show that the amygdala is affected by Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology, and its medial aspect is the most involved. We aimed to assess in vivo local structural differences in the amygdala of patients with AD using high-field MRI. Methods: A total of 19 patients with AD (mean age 76, SD 6 years, mean Mini-Mental State Examination score [MMSE] 13, SD 4) and 19 healthy elderly controls (age 74, SD 5, MMSE 29, SD 1) were enrolled. The radial atrophy mapping technique was used to reconstruct the 3-dimensional surface of the amygdala. Maps of surface tissue loss in patients with AD vs controls were computed and statistically tested with permutation tests thresholded at p < 0.05, to correct for multiple comparisons. A digital atlas of the amygdalar nuclei was used to infer which nuclei were involved. Results: Both amygdalar volumes were significantly smaller in patients with AD (right 1,508 mm3, SD 418; left 1,646, SD 419) than controls (right 2,129 mm3, SD 316; left 2,077, SD 376; p < 0.002). In the dorsomedial part, significant local tissue loss (20%–30%) was mapped in the medial and central nuclei. Ventrally, the lateral nucleus (La) and the basolateral ventral medial nucleus (BLVM) were also involved (20%–30% loss). Conclusions: We found in vivo local structural differences in the amygdala of patients with AD. The nuclei involved have known connections to the hippocampus (BLVM, La) and olfactory system (medial nucleus) and with cholinergic pathways (central nucleus). This pattern is consistent with the known pathophysiology of neural systems affected by AD.
How Did Leading Indicator Forecasts Perform during the 2001 Recession?

The 2001 recession differed from other recent recessions in its cause, severity, and scope. Professional forecasters found this recession difficult to forecast. A few leading indicators (stock prices, term spreads, unemployment claims) predicted that growth would slow, but none predicted the sharp economic slowdown. Several previously reliable leading indicators (housing starts, orders for new capital equipment, consumer sentiment) provided no early warning signals. When combined, the leading indicator forecasts performed somewhat better than a benchmark autoregressive forecasting model.
Mobile learning and integration of advanced technologies in education

Basic problems of advanced forms of education are insufficient flexibility, mobility and adaptability to learners needs of information and education whenever and wherever it is necessary. Some of the problems find their solution in capabilities of mobile education. Basic characteristics, advantages and existing challenges to that new and most flexible form of learning are presented in the paper. Issues of integration and combination of collaborative learning characteristics and functionalities of mobile technologies are overviewed. Strategic solutions for learning types development and integration of advanced technologies in different forms of education are presented.
inuences on judgement and choice

Most theories of affective inuences on judgement and choice take a valence- based approach, contrasting the effects of positive versus negative feeling states. These approaches have not speci® ed if and when distinct emotions of the same valence have different effects on judgement. In this article, we propose a model of emotion-speci® c inuences on judgement and choice. We posit that each emotion is de® ned by a tendency to perceive new events and objects in ways that are consistent with the original cognitive-appraisal dimensions of the emotion. To pit the valence and appraisal-tendency approaches against one another, we present a study that addresses whether two emotions of the same valence but differing appraisals- anger and fear- relate in different ways to risk perception. Consistent with the appraisal- tendency hypothesis, fearful people made pessimistic judgements of future events whereas angry people made optimistic judgements. In the Discussion we expand the proposed model and review evidence supporting two social moderators of appraisal-tendency processes.
The illness beliefs, perceptions, and practices of Filipino Americans with hypertension

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the illness beliefs, perceptions, and practices of Filipino Americans (FAs) with hypertension (HTN) to reveal their explanatory models (EMs) of the illness. Data sources: Audiotapes and transcripts of focus group interviews and observational notes were subjected to content analysis. Medical records and related empirical studies provided supporting data. Conclusions: In general, the EMs of FAs with HTN correspond to the biomedical model in relation to causes, consequences, and treatment of HTN. However, in spite of this biomedical knowledge, FAs with HTN have difficulty maintaining the required lifestyle changes and adhering to the medication regimen to control their illness. Implications for practice: It is important for NPs to assess the EMs of FAs with HTN, including their use of traditional folk remedies and practitioners of folk medicine. The challenge is to provide cardiovascular health promotion and education in a culturally sensitive, congruent, and tailored manner to FAs with HTN to help them control their illness.
In Search of Social Capital in State-Activist Capitalism: Elite Networks in France and Korea

This paper argues that the absence of high trust social capital has not prevented firms from performing well in economies with the dirigiste tradition. Despite low general trust, France and Korea have recorded sound growth rates and innovation performance, thus contradicting the central argument of social capital theory. Drawing on the dirigiste tradition, we suggest that elite networks of France and Korea are an idiosyncratic form of social capital, nurtured through their institutional arrangements such as low trust, concentrated power relations and state-run elite education. The elite networks enhance the coordination efficiency of economic relations through state activism, constituting an alternative to high trust social capital.
Corticosteroids for preventing relapse following acute exacerbations of asthma.

BACKGROUND Acute asthma is responsible for many emergency department (ED) visits annually. Between 12 to 16% will relapse to require additional interventions within two weeks of ED discharge. Treatment of acute asthma is based on rapid reversal of bronchospasm and reducing airway inflammation. OBJECTIVES To determine the benefit of corticosteroids (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous) for the treatment of asthmatic patients discharged from an acute care setting (i.e. usually the emergency department) after assessment and treatment of an acute asthmatic exacerbation. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register and reference lists of articles. In addition, authors of all included studies were contacted to locate unpublished studies. The most recent search was run in October 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing two types of corticosteroids (oral, intra-muscular, or inhaled) with placebo for outpatient treatment of asthmatic exacerbations in adults or children. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS Six trials involving 374 people were included. One study used intramuscular corticosteroids, five studies used oral corticosteroids. The review was split into two reviews and although the latest search yielded no additional placebo controlled trials an additional IM study was included. Significantly fewer patients in the corticosteroid group relapsed to receive additional care in the first week (Relative risk (RR) 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 0.74). This favourable effect was maintained over the first 21 days (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.89) and there were fewer subsequent hospitalizations (RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.95). Patients receiving corticosteroids had less need for beta(2)-agonists (mean difference (MD) -3.3 activations/day; 95% CI -5.6 to -1.0). Changes in pulmonary function tests (SMD 0.045; 95% CI -0.47 to 0.56) and side effects (SMD 0.03; 95% CI -0.38 to 0.44) in the first 7 to 10 days, while rarely reported, showed no significant differences between the treatment groups. Statistically significant heterogeneity was identified for the side effect results; all other outcomes were homogeneous. From these results, as few as ten patients need to be treated to prevent relapse to additional care after an exacerbation of asthma. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS A short course of corticosteroids following assessment for an asthma exacerbation significantly reduces the number of relapses to additional care, hospitalizations and use of short-acting beta(2)-agonist without an apparent increase in side effects. Intramuscular and oral corticosteroids are both effective.
Transcriptional Regulation in Hepatic Stellate Cells

Modulation of gene expression through altered transcription regulates stellate cell behavior in normal liver and following hepatic injury. Transcription factors are generally classified according to conserved motifs within either the activation- or DNA- binding domains of the molecules. Transcriptional activity in stellate cells represents a delicate fine tuning of multiple inputs. Activities of these transcription factors are modified by their intracellular localization, rate and pathway of degradation, oligomerization, and interactions with heterologous factors and chromatin, as well as by posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, and acetylation. General paradigms of transcriptional control are increasingly being validated in hepatic stellate cells, particularly involving the transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins, c-myb, CREB, nuclear factor kappaB, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, and Kruppel-like zinc finger factors. Although there are no simple rules that govern mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in stellate cells, continued advances will yield new insights into their role in normal liver homeostasis and in the response to injury.