Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Gastroesophageal Reflux and the Risk of Barrett’s Esophagus in a Population-Based Case-Control Study

Background Gastroesophageal reflux is overrepresented in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and it has been suggested that OSA worsens gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Aggravated reflux might lead to an increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus. Aim To assess the association between sleep apnea symptoms and Barrett’s esophagus. Methods Included in a case-control study in Brisbane, Australia were 237 patients with histologically confirmed Barrett’s esophagus and 247 population controls. The controls were randomly selected from the electoral roll and frequency-matched to the cases by age and sex. Information on OSA symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep related apnea symptoms), gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and anthropometric measures were collected through interviews and written questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression provided odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for potential confounding by BMI and gastroesophageal reflux. Results The prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus was higher among people with excessive daytime sleepiness than those without (24% vs. 18%; p-value 0.1142) and in participants with sleep-related apnea symptoms (20% vs. 13%; p-value 0.1730). However, there were non-significantly increased ORs of Barrett’s esophagus among people with excessive daytime sleepiness (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.90–2.34) and sleep related apnea symptoms (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.74–2.36) when adjusting for age, sex and BMI. After further adjustment for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, the point ORs were no longer increased (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.61–1.70 for daytime sleepiness and OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.38–1.38 for sleep related apnea symptoms). Conclusions Symptoms of OSA are possibly associated with an increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus, an association that appears to be mediated entirely by gastroesophageal reflux.
Stromal Fibroblasts Mediate Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Invasion of Scirrhous Gastric Carcinoma Cells

Scirrhous gastric carcinoma (SGC) has the worst prognosis of all gastric cancers, owing to its rapid expansion by invasion and frequent peritoneal dissemination. Due to the increased proliferation of stromal fibroblasts (SFs) that occurs within SGC lesions and the peritoneal metastatic sites, SFs have been proposed to support the progression of this disease. However, the biological and molecular basis and the pathological role of the intercellular interaction between SGC cells and SFs remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of SFs in the invasion of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by SGC cells. When SGC cells were cocultured with SFs derived from SGC tissue on three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel, they were attracted together to form large cellular aggregates that invaded within the Matrigel. Time-lapse imaging revealed that this process was associated with extensive contraction and remodeling of the ECM. Immunofluorescence and biochemical analysis showed that SGC cells stimulate phosphorylation of myosin light chain and actomyosin-mediated mechanical remodeling of the ECM by SFs. By utilizing this assay system for inhibitor library screening, we have identified several inhibitors that potently suppress the cooperation between SGC cells and SFs to form the invasive structures. Among them, a Src inhibitor dasatinib impaired the interaction between SGC cells and SFs both in vitro and in vivo and effectively blocked peritoneal dissemination of SGC cells. These results indicate that SFs mediate mechanical remodeling of the ECM by SGC cells, thereby promoting invasion and peritoneal dissemination of SGC.
Organizational constraints and performance: an indirect effects model

PurposeSurprisingly, most studies have failed to demonstrate a strong correlation between organizational constraints (conditions at work that make doing a job difficult) and job performance. The purpose of this paper is to challenge the view that constraints are a direct barrier on performance and take an alternative approach whereby constraints have an indirect effect via decreased motivation and increased workload. Further, differential effects of various constraints are examined.Design/methodology/approachQualitative and quantitative data were collected from 660 engineers licensed in the state of Florida using a single online survey.FindingsQualitative results showed that the most commonly experienced constraints were from coworkers and organizational rules and procedures. Constraints identified as having a greater detrimental effect on motivation are from the supervisor, and organizational rules and procedures. Quantitative results supported an indirect effects model that includes an indirect path via motivation, and a path via workload, which had a curvilinear component.Originality/valueThis is one of few studies to explain the relationship between constraints and performance, rather than simply estimate it. The use of mixed methods allows us to gain an in-depth understanding of constraints, and the convergence of findings across the methods increases confidence in this study’s results.
Consensus Building: How to Persuade a Group

The paper explores strategies that the sponsor of a proposal may employ to convince a qualified majority of members in a group to approve the proposal. Adopting a mechanism design approach to communication, it emphasizes the need to distill information selectively to key group members and to engineer persuasion cascades in which members who are brought on board sway the opinion of others. The paper shows that higher congruence among group members benefits the sponsor. The extent of congruence between the group and the sponsor, and the size and the governance of the group, are also shown to condition the sponsor's ability to get his project approved.
Screening Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Pediatric Primary Care

Background: Two strategies have been proposed for early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD): (1) using a general screening tool followed by an ASD-specific screening tool for those who screen positive on the former or (2) using an ASD-specific tool for all children. The relative yield of these two strategies has not been examined. Objectives: This study compared the number of children identified at risk for ASD at their well child visits between the ages of 18 and 30 months using a general developmental screening tool and an autism-specific screening tool. Methods: The Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) was used as the general developmental screening tool and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) was used as the autism-specific tool. These tools were administered concurrently to 152 children. Results: Cross tabulations and &khgr;2 tests were used to determine the utility of the PEDS as the first step of a two-part screen for ASD. Of those who screened positive for developmental concerns on the PEDS (n = 38), 16% screened positive for ASD on the M-CHAT; of those who did not screen positive for developmental concerns on the PEDS (n = 114), 14% screened positive for ASD on the M-CHAT (p = .79). Conclusion: The PEDS missed the majority of children who screened positive for ASD on the M-CHAT, suggesting that these two tools tap into very different domains of developmental concerns. The findings support the use of an ASD-specific tool for all children in conjunction with regular standardized developmental screening.
Use of E-Learning Functionalities and Standards: The Spanish Case

This paper shows the results of a survey performed in Spain on the different functionalities of e-learning platforms. This survey was filled in by a group of teachers, experts in engineering education from across Spain, within the scope of the Spanish Chapter of the IEEE Education Society. This paper presents their opinions on several aspects of e-learning functionalities, such as knowledge levels, levels of use, and usefulness, as well as describing the most commonly used platforms. One of the objectives of this work is to create a debate in the international community about the use of e-learning platforms and their main functionalities, the most frequently used standards, the implications for and the levels of support by institutions in their use of e-learning platforms, and in general, their advantages and disadvantages.
Variation in delegation size in multilateral diplomacy

Why do some countries send big delegations to multilateral negotiations, whereas others send very small ones? This article looks at both the causes of variation in state delegations to multilateral conferences but also at the consequences of such variation at both micro- and macro-level. It tests the arguments derived from liberal theory of international regimes, using the case of the NPT Review Process. The results suggest that economic and security interests drive states’ participation in the multilateral settings; normative concerns about global public goods matter less. The article also argues that while countries which are more abundantly present in the negotiations do not tend to get more from international organisations; countries which have been less present during the negotiations tended to be more interested in alternative forum shopping in the form of ‘nuclear ban treaty’ negotiations.
Psychological and psychosexual aspects of vulvar vestibulitis.

AIMS: To objectively assess the psychological and psychosexual morbidity of patients with vulvar vestibulitis. METHODS: 30 patients with variable degrees of vulvar vestibulitis were recruited from a vulval clinic. Each patient underwent a detailed history and clinical examination. Friedrich's criteria were used for the diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis. Standardised questionnaires to assess psychological and psychosexual function were completed by the patient before review. These questionnaires were the STAI and a modified psychosexual questionnaire introduced by Campion. RESULTS: Patients experienced considerable psychological dysfunction compared with controls. All aspects of psychosexual dysfunction were affected. CONCLUSIONS: When managing patients, psychosexual and psychological issues must be considered in addition to other conventional types of therapy. Vulvar vestibulitis may be a risk factor for developing psychosexual complications including vaginismus, low libido, and orgasmic dysfunction. Consideration of these factors must be an integral part of the management of patients with all chronic vulval conditions.
A Parallel Multi-objective Local Search for AEDB Protocol Tuning

Mobile ad hoc networks are infrastructure less communication networks that are spontaneously created by a number of mobile devices. Due to the highly fluctuating topology of such networks, finding the optimal configuration of communication protocols is a complex and crucial task. Additionally, different objectives must be usually considered. Small changes in the values of the parameters directly affects the performance of the protocol, promoting one objective while reducing another. Therefore, multi-objective optimisation is needed for fine tuning the protocol. In this work, we propose a novel parallel multi-objective local search that optimises an energy efficient broadcasting algorithm in terms of coverage, energy used, broadcasting time, and network resources. The proposed method looks for appropriate values for a set of 5 variables that markedly influence the behavior of the protocol to provide accurate tradeoff configurations in a reasonable short execution time. The new proposed algorithm is validated versus two efficient multi-objective evolutionary algorithms from the state of the art, offering comparable quality results in much shorter times.
Photoreceptor Specificity in the Light-Induced and COP1-Mediated Rapid Degradation of the Repressor of Photomorphogenesis SPA2 in Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis COP1/SPA E3 ubiquitin ligase is a key negative regulator that represses light signaling in darkness by targeting transcription factors involved in the light response for degradation. The COP1/SPA complex consists of COP1 and members of the four-member SPA protein family (SPA1-SPA4). Genetic analysis indicated that COP1/SPA2 function is particularly strongly repressed by light when compared to complexes carrying the other three SPAs, thereby promoting a light response after exposure of plants to extremely low light. Here, we show that the SPA2 protein is degraded within 5-15 min after exposure of dark-grown seedlings to a pulse of light. Phytochrome photoreceptors are required for the rapid degradation of SPA2 in red, far-red and also in blue light, whereas cryptochromes are not involved in the rapid, blue light-induced reduction in SPA2 protein levels. These results uncover a photoreceptor-specific mechanism of light-induced inhibition of COP1/SPA2 function. Phytochrome A (phyA) is required for the severe blue light responsiveness of spa triple mutants expressing only SPA2, thus confirming the important role of phyA in downregulating SPA2 function in blue light. In blue light, SPA2 forms a complex with cryptochrome 1 (cry1), but not with cryptochrome 2 (cry2) in vivo, indicating that the lack of a rapid blue light response of the SPA2 protein is only in part caused by a failure to interact with cryptochromes. Since SPA1 interacts with both cry1 and cry2, these results provide first molecular evidence that the light-regulation of different SPA proteins diverged during evolution. SPA2 degradation in the light requires COP1 and the COP1-interacting coiled-coil domain of SPA2, supporting that SPA2 is ubiquitinated by COP1. We propose that light perceived by phytochromes causes a switch in the ubiquitination activity of COP1/SPA2 from ubiquitinating downstream substrates to ubiquitinating SPA2, which subsequently causes a repression of COP1/SPA2 function.
Benefits and Feasibility of the Flexible Airspace Management Concept: A Human-in-the-loop Evaluation of Roles, Procedures, and Tools

A human-in-the-loop simulation was conducted to assess potential user and system benefits of the Flexible Airspace Management (FAM) concept, as well as designing role definitions, procedures, and tools to support the FAM operations in the mid- term en route environment. The study evaluated the benefits and feasibility of flexible airspace reconfiguration in response to traffic overload caused by weather deviations versus a baseline condition with no airspace reconfiguration. The test airspace consisted of either four sectors in one Area of Specialization or seven sectors across two Areas. The test airspace was assumed to be at or above FL340 and required all aircraft to be fully equipped with data communications, automated transfer-of-communication, and advanced conflict detection and resolution capabilities on the controller stations. Overall, results showed that FAM operations with multiple Traffic Management Coordinators, Area Supervisors, and radar controllers worked remarkably well. The results showed both user and system benefits, including decreased flight distance, fewer reroutes, and increased airspace utilization. Also, the roles, procedures, airspace designs, and tools were well received by the participants. Airspace configuration options that resulted from a combination of algorithm-generated airspace configurations with manual modifications were well accepted during the airspace reconfiguration process. The results suggest a positive impact of the FAM operations in an en route environment with low traffic complexities and when aircraft are fully equipped with data communications. Further investigation needs to evaluate whether the benefits and feasibility of FAM extend to other environments such as those with mixed equipage and/or higher traffic complexities.
Pill –Induced Erosive Esophagitis in Children

Aims Pill-induced esophagitis has been recognized in adults, but rarely in children. The aim of this article is to discuss endoscopic features, drugs implicated, prevention and treatment in pill-induced esophagitis in children. Patients and methods Over a period of 4 years, 26 patients presented at our clinic with drug-induced esophageal ulcerations. All patients were diagnosed by means of endoscopy and treated with proton-pump inhibitors and prokinetics. The mean age of the children was 10.76 years. Results The ulcers were frequently located at the mid-esophagus. Odynophagea, retrosternal pain and dysphagia were the most common presenting symptoms. All children took pills (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics – Doxycycline and ferrous sulfate) with little water and at bed time. The mean elapse between the drug intake and endoscopy was 4.96 days. The symptoms resolved within a maximum of one week of antireflux therapy. Conclusions In pediatric cases treated by tablets or capsules, the possibility of medication-induced esophagitis should always be considered. The drug-induced esophagitis should be suspected in all patients presenting with chest pain and dysphagia. Physicians must warn the patients to take the pills and capsules with enough water and in the upright position.
Autotaxin, a Secreted Lysophospholipase D, Is Essential for Blood Vessel Formation during Development

ABSTRACT Autotaxin (ATX), or nucleotide pyrophosphatase-phosphodiesterase 2, is a secreted lysophospholipase D that promotes cell migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis. ATX generates lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid mitogen and motility factor that acts on several G protein-coupled receptors. Here we report that ATX-deficient mice die at embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) with profound vascular defects in yolk sac and embryo resembling the Gα13 knockout phenotype. Furthermore, at E8.5, ATX-deficient embryos showed allantois malformation, neural tube defects, and asymmetric headfolds. The onset of these abnormalities coincided with increased expression of ATX and LPA receptors in normal embryos. ATX heterozygous mice appear healthy but show half-normal ATX activity and plasma LPA levels. Our results reveal a critical role for ATX in vascular development, indicate that ATX is the major LPA-producing enzyme in vivo, and suggest that the vascular defects in ATX-deficient embryos may be explained by loss of LPA signaling through Gα13.
Expectations, Endogenous Money, and the Business Cycle: An Exercise in Open Systems Modeling

Many empirical phenomena are not covered wen by either the theoretical or the empirical analyses based on linear stochastic systems, sometimes not by either. The presence and persistence of cyclical fluctuations in the economy as a whole of irregular timing and amplitude are not consistent with a view that an economy returns to equilibrium states after any disturbance. Instead of stochastic steady states, we observe that volatility tends to vary greatly over time, quiescent periods. alternating with eras of rapid fluctuation . These empirical results have given impetus to the closer study of dynamic models and . have also given rise to criticisms of the models themselves, and this tradition goes far back; it suffices to mention the alternative theories of I.M. Keynes. (Arrow, 1989, p.278)
Effects of Inhaled Rosemary Oil on Subjective Feelings and Activities of the Nervous System

Rosemary oil is one of the more famous essential oils widely used in aroma-therapy. However, the effects of rosemary oil on the human body, in particular the nervous system, have not been sufficiently studied. This study investigates the effects of the inhalation of rosemary oil on test subjects’ feelings, as well as its effects on various physiological parameters of the nervous system. Twenty healthy volunteers participated in the experiment. All subjects underwent autonomic nervous system (ANS) recording. This consisted of measurements of skin temperature; heart rate; respiratory rate; blood pressure; evaluations of the subjects’ mood states; and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in the pre-, during treatment, and post-rosemary inhalation periods as compared with control conditions. Our results showed significant increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate after rosemary oil inhalation. After the inhalation treatments, subjects were found to have become more active and stated that they felt “fresher”. The analysis of EEGs showed a reduction in the power of alpha1 (8–10.99 Hz) and alpha2 (11–12.99 Hz) waves. Moreover, an increment in the beta wave (13–30 Hz) power was observed in the anterior region of the brain. These results confirm the stimulatory effects of rosemary oil and provide supporting evidence that brain wave activity, autonomic nervous system activity, as well as mood states are all affected by the inhalation of the rosemary oil.
Assessment of hemato-biochemical parameters on exposure to low level of deltamethrin in mouse model.

Aim: In this study, sub-acute toxicity of deltamethrin on hematological and biochemical blood parameters of male albino Swiss mice was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Generally, the maximum permissible residue level (MRL) of deltamethrin for food products lies between 0.01 to 0.5 mg/kg body weight. So the mice were exposed orally with two doses of pesticide i.e. 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight. The doses were given on a daily basis for a period of 15 days and 30 days respectively. Ground nut oil was used as control treatment. Samples of blood were collected at the end of the treatment. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated by quantitative analysis of the serum enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), total bilirubin (TBIL) and serum urea. Alterations of hematological parameters were analysed by total leukocyte, differential leukocyte count and hemoglobin levels. Results: Significant increase in the levels of hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, ALKP) were observed for both doses, but no considerable differences were found by histological analysis. The hematological parameters showed significant alterations for 0.5 mg/kg body weight dose which is indicated by leukocytosis, lymphocytosis and neutropenia in long duration study. Conclusions: The results indicated that even very low dose of deltamethrin can promote hematological and hepatic alterations. Thus it is imperative to do further studies on the detrimental effect of the low levels of pyrethroid commonly present in our food, which further necessitate the reduction of maximum permissible levels of residual synthetic pyrethroid levels in foods and feed.
Discretisation for Odd Quadratic Twists

The discretisation problem for even quadratic twists is almost understood, with the main question now being how the arithmetic Delaunay heuristic interacts with the analytic random matrix theory prediction. The situation for odd quadratic twists is much more mysterious, as the height of a point enters the picture, which does not necessarily take integral values (as does the order of the Shafarevich-Tate group). We discuss a couple of models and present data on this question.