Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling magnetohydrodynamics and non-equilibrium SoHO/UVCS line emission of CME shocks

Aims. We provide a guideline to interpret the UltraViolet Coronograph Spectrometer (UVCS) emission lines (in particular O VI and Si XII) during shock wave propagation in the outer solar corona. Methods. We use a numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model performing a set of simulations of shock waves generated in the corona and from the result we compute the plasma emission for the O VI and Si XII, including the effects of Non Equilibrium Ionization (NEI). We analyze the radiative and spectral properties of our model with the support of a detailed radiation model, including Doppler dimming and an analytical model for shocks, and, finally, we synthesize the expected O VI 1032 A line profile. Results. We explain several spectral features of the observations like the absence of discontinuities in the O VI emission during the shock passage, the brightening of Si XII emission, and the width of the lines. We also use our model to give very simple and general predictions for the strength of the line wings due to the ions shock heating and on the line shape for Limb Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) or Halo CMEs. Conclusions. The emission coming from the post-shock region in the solar corona roughly agrees with the emission from a simple planar and adiabatic shock, but the effect of thermal conduction and the magnetic field may be important depending on the event parameters. Doppler dimming significantly influences the O VI emission while Si XII line brightens mainly because of the shock compression. Significant shock heating is responsible for the wide and faint component of the O VI line usually observed, which may be taken as a shock signature in the solar corona.
In Search of the Locus of Information Technology Business Value: Do measurement levels make a difference?

The locus of information technology (IT) investments continues to generate interest to identify how and where to examine the payoff. This research study examines the locus of payoff resulting from IT investment in use of a DSS to improve over 30 business processes of a hospital and compares such payoff with the firm-level payoff. We examine the process level payoff through productivity as well as profitability measures. Examination of lagged payoff periods indicates that hospitals are more likely to find appropriate payoff at the process level. Further, viewed through coordination theory’s process interdependence constructs, the results suggest that processes that have reciprocal interdependence are more likely to benefit from the IT investment. In Search of the Locus of Information Technology Business Value: Do measurement levels make a difference?
Revisiting the relationship between 6 μm and 2-10 keV continuum luminosities of AGN

SM, FJC, XB, AH-C and AA-H acknowledge funding from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under grant AYA2012-31447, which is partly funded by the FEDER programme. SM, FJC and AA-H acknowledge financial support from the ARCHES project (7th Framework of the European Union, no. 313146). AA-H acknowledges support from the Universidad de Cantabria through the Augusto G. Linares programme. AC, RDC and PS acknowledge financial support from the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (PRIN2010-2011, grant no. 2010NHBSBE) and from ASI (grant no. I/088/06/0).
Halting the Allergic March

The prevalence of childhood allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, has increased exponentially. In Singapore, the prevalence of asthma at all ages exceeds 20%, and around 50% of Singaporean children show features of an underlying allergy. The exact environmental causes for the increase of allergic diseases have not yet been identified, but most researchers agree that a decreased bacterial load in young children may be one of the reasons for the increase. However, the causes of allergy are multiple, and the development of an allergic disease is the result of complex interactions between genetic constitution and environmental factors. In this review article, different aspects of allergic sensitization are covered, including prenatal and postnatal sensitization. The phenomenon of the "allergic march" (switching from one clinical expression of allergy to another) and its underlying mechanisms are discussed. The last part of this review article is on prevention and treatment of allergic diseases, including the role of bacterial products (probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics) and the role of immunotherapy, including sublingual immunotherapy.
URBAN WET-WEATHER FLOWS: SOURCES OF FECAL CONTAMINATION IMPACTING ON RECREATIONAL WATERS AND THREATENING DRINKING-WATER SOURCES

Discharges of urban stormwater and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) contribute to fecal contamination of urban waters and need to be considered in planning the protection of recreational waters and sources of drinking water. Stormwater characterization indicates that Escherichia coli counts in stormwater typically range from 103 to 104 units per 100 ml. Higher counts (105 units/100 ml) suggest the presence of cross-connections with sanitary sewers, and such connections should be identified and corrected. Fecal contamination of stormwater may be attenuated prior to discharge into surface waters by stormwater management measures, which typically remove suspended solids and attached bacteria. Exceptionally, stormwater discharges in the vicinity of swimming beaches are disinfected. The levels of indicator bacteria in CSOs can be as high as 106 E. coli per 100 ml. Consequently, the abatement of fecal contamination of CSOs is now considered in the design of CSO control and treatment, as for example stipulated in the Ontario Procedure F-5-5. CSO abatement options comprise combin ations of storage and treatment, in which the CSO treatment generally includes disinfection by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Finally, indicator bacteria data from Sarnia (Ontario) were used to demonstrate some fecal contamination impacts of wet-weather flows. In wet weather, the microbiological quality of riverine water worsened as a result of CSO and stormwater discharges, and the recreational water guidelines for indicator organisms were exceeded most of the time. Local improvements in water quality were feasible by source controls and diversion of polluted water.
Determination of optimum oven cooking procedures for lean beef products

Abstract In order to determine optimum oven cooking procedures for lean beef, the effects of searing at 232 or 260°C for 0, 10, 20 or 30 min, and roasting at 160 or 135°C on semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles were evaluated. In addition, the optimum determined cooking method (oven‐seared for 10 min at 232°C and roasted at 135°C) was applied to SM roasts varying in weight from 0.5 to 2.5 kg. Mainly, SM muscles seared for 0 or 10 min at 232°C followed by roast at 135°C had lower cooking loss, higher external browning color, more uniform internal color, and were more tender and flavorful (P < 0.05). Roast weights ≥1 kg had lesser cooking loss, more uniform internal color and tender compared to 0.5 kg (P < 0.05). Consequently, roasting at low temperature without searing is the recommended oven cooking procedure; with best response from muscle roast weight ≥1 kg.
Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Invading the Larynx and Trachea

Larynx and trachea invasion by thyroid cancer is an uncommon but difficult problem. There is no consensus on indication for the extent of surgery, particularly when there is a requirement for airway reconstruction. In general, the surgeon must decide between a complete ablation of the tumor at the cost of large-mutilation and a less radical dissection that leaves residual tumor to be treated with radiation therapy and additional radio-iodine.
Corporate South Africa: making multicultural knowledge sharing work

Purpose – Knowledge management in South Africa is still a very new field of management and knowledge managers are experiencing difficulties with the added dimension of multiculturalism. The history of South Africa, along with its current focus on cultural equality, complicates the matter. This research seeks to look at the challenges facing knowledge managers in a multicultural South African corporate environment.Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory study, using in‐depth interviewing and a focus group as information collection methods, was launched to explore South African knowledge‐management practices in a cross‐section of companies in the economy.Findings – Results showed that companies were afraid to acknowledge cultural differences because of major cultural sensitivity and, as a result, corporate culture was seen as the great equaliser of cultural exchanges. Knowledge managers, along with top management's support, must rather create a cooperative knowledge‐sharing environment in which South A.
Effects of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 Supplementation on Intestinal Microbiota of Preterm Infants: a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study

ABSTRACT The gastrointestinal microbiota of preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit differs from that of term infants. In particular, the colonization of preterm infants by bifidobacteria is delayed. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study was performed on 69 preterm infants to investigate the role of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 supplementation in modifying the gut microbiota. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches were used to study the gut microbiota. Bifidobacterial numbers, determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization, were significantly higher in the probiotic than in the placebo group (log10 values per g of fecal wet weight: probiotic, 8.18 + 0.54 [standard error of the mean]; placebo, 4.82 + 0.51; P < 0.001). A similar trend for bifidobacterial numbers was also obtained with the culture-dependent method. The infants supplemented with Bb12 also had lower viable counts of Enterobacteriaceae (log10 values of CFU per g of fecal wet weight: probiotic, 7.80 + 0.34; placebo, 9.03 + 0.35; P = 0.015) and Clostridium spp. (probiotic, 4.89 + 0.30; placebo, 5.99 + 0.32; P = 0.014) than the infants in the placebo group. Supplementation of B. lactis Bb12 did not reduce the colonization by antibiotic-resistant organisms in the study population. However, the probiotic supplementation increased the cell counts of bifidobacteria and reduced the cell counts of enterobacteria and clostridia.
A Thickness and Enthalpy Distribution Sea-Ice Model

Abstract The theory of sea ice thickness distribution developed by Thorndike et al. has been extended to include sea ice enthalpy distribution. The extended theory conserves both ice mass and thermal energy, in the form of the heat stored in the ice, by jointly solving a thickness-distribution equation and an enthalpy-distribution equation. Both equations have been implemented in a one-dimensional dynamic thermodynamic sea-ice model with 12 ice thickness categories following the numerical procedure of Hibler. The implementation of the enthalpy-distribution equation allows the sea-ice model to account for any changes in the ice thermal energy induced by sea ice processes. As a result, the model is able to conserve not only the ice mass but also its thermal energy in the presence of ice advection, growth, melting, and ridging. Conserving ice thermal energy in a thickness-distribution sea ice model improves the prediction of ice growth, summer ice melt in particular, and therefore ice thickness. Inability to.
Perceived oral health status and treatment needs of dental auxiliaries

Objective: To determine the perceived oral health status and treatment needs of Nigerian dental therapists in training and dental technology students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of students from Federal School of Dental Therapy and Technology Enugu, Nigeria was conducted using self-administered questionnaire to obtain information on demography, self-reported oral health status, knowledge of impact of oral health on daily life activity, dental attendance and perceived dental need. Results: The perception of oral health status and treatment need of the two groups of dental auxiliaries was the same. Fewer respondents (27.3%) rated their oral health as excellent, while 50.4% rated their oral health as good. Majority (95.5%) agreed that oral health is a part of general health and 94.6% agreed that oral health has a role in daily life. Out of 81.4% that had previous dental treatment, scaling and polishing accounted for 66.1%. Presently, 48.8% think they need dental treatment ranging from scaling and polishing (33.9%), tooth restoration (10.3%), to extraction (1.2%). Conclusion: This survey revealed that most of the students are aware that oral health is a component of general health and that it has an impact on an individual's daily life. More than half of the students perceived their oral health as good, but only a few knew that there is a need for a preventive approach to oral health as evident by the percentage that perceived scaling and polishing as a treatment need.
Analysis of post-perturbation gating kinetics of single ion channels

Analysis of mean dwell-times as a function of the number of channel openings elapsed since a stepwise perturbation in ion-channel kinetics is shown to provide information concerning the topology of the underlying gating mechanism. The difference between the post-perturbation mean dwell-time and the corresponding equilibrium mean is shown to decay as the sum of Ng – 1 geometric terms in k, the number of openings since the perturbation, where Ng is the minimum number of gateway states in the channel gating mechanism. The method is illustrated by consideration of various simple gating schemes. A modification of the method accommodating the presence of channel inactivation or desensitization is described. Application of the method to a delayed-rectifier type K+ channel of NG108-15 cells reveals that Ng ≽ 2, consistent with a branched gating mechanism.
Are neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios associated with endometrial precancerous and cancerous lesions in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding?

BACKGROUND An easy, reproducible and simple marker is needed to estimate phase of endometrial pathologic lesions such as hyperplasia and endometrial cancer and distinguish from pathologically normal results. We here aimed to clarify associations among neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients (n=161) who were admitted with abnormal uterine bleeding and the presence of endometrial cells on cervical cytology or thick endometrium were investigated. The study constituted of three groups according to pathologic diagnosis. Group 1 included endometrial precancerous lesions like hyperplasia (n=63), group 2 included endometrial cancerous lesions (n=38) and group 3 was a pathologically normal group (n=60). Blood samples were obtained just before the curettage procedure and the NLR was defined as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count; similarly, PLR was defined as the absolute platelet count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count. RESULTS The white blood cell count was significantly higher in patients with cancer than in those with hyperplasia (p=0.005). The platelet count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in patients with cancer than in control patients, but there was significantly no difference between patients with hyperplasia and other groups (p=0.001 and p=0.025 respectively). PLR was significantly lower in control subjects than in other groups (p<0.001), but there was no significant difference between patients with hyperplasia and those with cancer. CONCLUSIONS PLR was significantly lower in control subjects than in other groups. Thus both hyperplasia and cancer may be differentiated from pathologically normal patients by using PLR. White blood cell count was significantly higher in patients with cancer than in those with hyperplasia and pathologically normal patients. Therefore white blood cell count may be used for discriminate hyperplasia to cancer. By using multiple inflammation parameters, discrimination may be possible among endometrial cancer, endometrial precancerous lesions and pathologically normal patients.
A low-power isolated photovoltaic (PV) system employing sine model

The challenge involved in design of isolated photovoltaic power system of small rating is to select an operating point in P-V characteristics by controlling electrical load for maximum power operation. The I-V and P-V characteristics of PV system are non-linear, therefore it becomes difficult to track the maximum-power-point under conditions of varying insolation, shading and temperature. In this paper a new model called sine model for small 50W photovoltaic panel based system is proposed and investigated for enabling realization of shading conditions. The operating characteristic of sine model is analysed in comparison with single diode model. The control of boost converter by modulating duty cycle is carried out for the maximum-power-point operation employing proposed model of PV module to validate its effectiveness. The performance analysis of PV system with proposed model is simulated and presented for Maximum Power Point (MPP) operation. The parameters of proposed sine model are estimated using PSO.
Directed Transfer Function Analysis of fMRI Data to Investigate Network Dynamics

In this work, we have adapted the directed transfer function (DTF) to fMRI for the analysis of cortical network dynamics. While modern fMRI sequences are capable of sampling at second or sub-second rates, the underlying hemodynamic response limits the true temporal resolution to the order of 6-12 seconds. Therefore, DTF analysis of fMRI is appropriate for characterizing dynamics in brain response which evolves more slowly than the fMRI response, such as those during learning, fatigue and habituation. In such cases, the response to repeated trials will change with time and a summary measure from each trial can be used as input to the DTF analysis because these summary measures are of appropriate sampling rates and are not affected by the sluggishness of the hemodynamic response. As an example, we investigated the dynamic effects of muscle fatigue on the motor network. Specifically, DTF was used as a multivariate measure of the strength and direction of information flow between the various nodes of the network. We found that the primary motor area had a causal influence on the supplementary motor area, pre-motor area and cerebellum, and this influence initially increased with time and diminished towards the end of the experiment, probably as a result of fatigue
Time Flies When You're Having Fun: Cognitive Absorption and Beliefs About Information Technology Usage

Extant explanations of why users behave in particular ways toward information technologies have tended to focus predominantly on instrumental beliefs as drivers of individual usage intentions. Prior work in individual psychology, however, suggests that holistic experiences with technology as captured in constructs such as enjoyment and flow are potentially important explanatory variables in technology acceptance theories. In this paper, we describe a multi-dimensional construct labeled cognitive absorption and defined as a state of deep involvement with software. Cognitive absorption, theorized as being exhibited through the five dimensions of temporal dissociation, focused immersion, heightened enjoyment, control, and curiosity, is posited to be a proximal antecedent of two important beliefs about technology use: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. In addition, we propose that the individual traits of playfulness and personal innovativeness are important determinants of cognitive absorption. Based on the conceptual definition of this construct, operational measures for each dimension are developed. Using the World Wide Web as the target technology, scale validation indicates that the operational measures have acceptable psychometric properties and confirmatory factor analysis supports the proposed multi-dimensional structure. Structural equation analysis provides evidence for the theorized nomological net of cognitive absorption. Theoretical and practical implications are offered
Disintegration Test of Health Food Products Containing Ginkgo Biloba L. or Vitex Agnus-Castus L. in the Japanese Market

For many years now, a number of Western herbs have been widely used in health food products in Japan and as pharmaceuticals in Europe. There are few or no mandated criteria concerning the quality of these herbal health food products, thus clarification is warranted. Here, we performed disintegration tests of 26 pharmaceutical and health food products containing the Western herbs ginkgo leaf and chaste tree fruit, in accord with the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. All eight pharmaceutical herbal products found in the European market completely disintegrated within the defined test time, and 11 of the 18 tested herbal products distributed as health foods in Japan disintegrated. Among the incompatible products identified in the Pharmacopoeia test, some products remained intact after incubation in water for 60 min. To ensure the efficacy of Western herbal products sold as health food in Japan, quality control, including disintegration, is therefore recommended, even though these products are not regulated under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.
Accelerated cognitive aging following severe traumatic brain injury: A review

ABSTRACT Objective: The primary objective of this review was to examine relevant clinical and experimental literatures for information on the long-term cognitive impact of serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) with regard to the process of cognitive aging. Method: Online journal databases were queried for studies pertaining to cognitive aging in neurologically healthy populations, as well as the late cognitive effects of serious TBI. Additional studies were identified through searching bibliographies of related publications and using Google search engine. Results and Conclusions: Problems of cognition exhibited by young adults after TBI resemble many cognitive weaknesses of attention deficit and poor working memory that are usually seen in an elderly population who have no neurological history. The current state of the literature provides support for the argument that TBI can result in diminished cognitive reserve which may accelerate the normal process of cognitive decline, leading to premature aging, potentially increasing the risk of dementia.
The Local Field Potential Reflects Surplus Spike Synchrony

While oscillations of the local field potential (LFP) are commonly attributed to the synchronization of neuronal firing rate on the same time scale, their relationship to coincident spiking in the millisecond range is unknown. Here, we present experimental evidence to reconcile the notions of synchrony at the level of spiking and at the mesoscopic scale. We demonstrate that only in time intervals of significant spike synchrony that cannot be explained on the basis of firing rates, coincident spikes are better phase locked to the LFP than predicted by the locking of the individual spikes. This effect is enhanced in periods of large LFP amplitudes. A quantitative model explains the LFP dynamics by the orchestrated spiking activity in neuronal groups that contribute the observed surplus synchrony. From the correlation analysis, we infer that neurons participate in different constellations but contribute only a fraction of their spikes to temporally precise spike configurations. This finding provides direct evidence for the hypothesized relation that precise spike synchrony constitutes a major temporally and spatially organized component of the LFP.