Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of heart rate on flow velocity of the left atrial appendage in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Background and hypothesis: Flow velocity of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is thought to be important in thrombus formation in association with blood stasis and the development of spontaneous echo contrast. The effects of heart rate on peak flow velocity of the LAA have not been studied in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillaton.
PolyCut

PolyCubes, or orthogonal polyhedra, are useful as parameterization base-complexes for various operations in computer graphics. However, computing quality PolyCube base-complexes for general shapes, providing a good trade-off between mapping distortion and singularity counts, remains a challenge. Our work improves on the state-of-the-art in PolyCube computation by adopting a graph-cut inspired approach. We observe that, given an arbitrary input mesh, the computation of a suitable PolyCube base-complex can be formulated as associating, or labeling, each input mesh triangle with one of six signed principal axis directions. Most of the criteria for a desirable PolyCube labeling can be satisfied using a multi-label graph-cut optimization with suitable local unary and pairwise terms. However, the highly constrained nature of PolyCubes, imposed by the need to align each chart with one of the principal axes, enforces additional global constraints that the labeling must satisfy. To enforce these constraints, we develop a constrained discrete optimization technique, PolyCut, which embeds a graph-cut multi-label optimization within a hill-climbing local search framework that looks for solutions that minimize the cut energy while satisfying the global constraints. We further optimize our generated PolyCube base-complexes through a combination of distortion-minimizing deformation, followed by a labeling update and a final PolyCube parameterization step. Our PolyCut formulation captures the desired properties of a PolyCube base-complex, balancing parameterization distortion against singularity count, and produces demonstrably better PolyCube base-complexes then previous work.
Azithromycin attenuates acute radiation-induced lung injury in mice

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common and major obstacle in thoracic cancer radiotherapy, resulting in considerable morbidity and limiting the dose of radiation. However, an effective treatment option remains to be established. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of azithromycin (AZM) in acute RILI with a mouse model. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were given a single thoracic irradiation of 16 Gy and administered orally with AZM. The lung histopathological findings, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA; an indicator of oxidative damage) and the concentration of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines in plasma were assessed on 28 day following irradiation. In addition, the total cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine gene expression in lung tissue were evaluated on day 7, 14 and 28 following irradiation. Administration with AZM markedly alleviated acute RILI as indicated by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The levels of MDA and total cell counts in BALF significantly reduced in AZM treated mice. AZM also down-regulated the concentration and mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β1. In addition, AZM attenuated the irradiation-induced increases in the mRNA expression of fibrotic markers (α-smooth muscle actin and α-1 type I collagen). AZM treatment mitigated the radiation-induced acute lung injury possibly by its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects.
Aging Families and the Demographics of Family Financial Support of Adults With Disabilities

Using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS), the study estimated the degree of family financial support for adult members with disabilities living at home. Using the Internal Revenue Service definition of a “qualifying dependent,” need for financial support was defined in terms ability to financially contribute to one’s own support. Estimates indicated that 32.3% of the family-based population of adults with disabilities needed financial support. Among those meeting the support test, approximately 4 in 10 lived in households where the primary income earner was 60 years or older. Results are discussed in terms of greater attention to the impact of emerging family demographics for policy and assumption of a family perspective in policy making.
THE ACQUISITION OF RESPONDING WITH CONDITIONED REINFORCEMENT: EFFECTS OF COCAINE, (+)‐AMPHETAMINE AND PIPRADROL

1 A procedure for examining the acquisition of a lever‐pressing operant with conditioned reinforcement was used to compare the effects of three psychomotor stimulants 2 Hungry rats were trained to associate an auditory tone (i.e., conditioned reinforcer) with food. Preference for the tone was then measured after treatment with pipradol (5, 10, 15 mg/kg), cocaine (1, 5, 10mg/kg)or(+)‐amphetamine(0.5, 1.5, 5.0 mg/kg) 3 In agreement with previous data, 10 mg/kg of pipradrol enhanced the effect of conditioned reinforcement whereas animals treated with any of the doses of (+)‐amphetamine showed no effect 4 Rats treated with cocaine (1 or 5 mg/kg) showed an effect of conditioned reinforcement but the effect was not significantly greater than in controls 5 The present data suggest important differences in enhancement of responding for conditioned reinforcement by various drugs in the psychomotor stimulant class. These differences in turn may be related to the pharmacological actions of these compounds on release of catecholamines from different storage pools.
The effects of online reviews on purchasing intention: The moderating role of need for cognition

The Internet has provided a competitive platform for online marketing, and online shopping has become an important part of daily life for consumers who view online reviews as an effective channel of acquiring product information before making purchase decisions. Based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM; Petty & Cacioppo, 1981, 1986), in the present study the effects of online reviews on purchasing intention are explored using need for cognition as a moderator. Findings that emerge from the results are: Firstly, when online reviews are high quality this has a positive effect on the purchasing intention of online shoppers. Secondly, when there are a high number of online reviews this positively affects the purchasing intention of online shoppers. Finally, shoppers with a high need for cognition take the central route in attitude change, but shoppers with a low need for cognition tend to adopt the peripheral route in forming attitude. Marketing implications are suggested.
Spironolactone prevents alterations associated with cardiac hypertrophy produced by isoproterenol in rats: involvement of serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase type 1

Persistent β‐adrenergic receptor stimulation with isoproterenol is associated with cardiac hypertrophy as well as cardiac synthesis of angiotensin II. Serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase type 1 (SGK‐1) is a key mediator in structural, functional and molecular cardiac effects of aldosterone in rats. This study was designed to investigate the cardiac effects of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone on the response to isoproterenol treatment in rats, as well as the involvement of the main mediator of cellular aldosterone action, SGK‐1, in the heart. Male Wistar rats received isoproterenol (3 mg kg−1 day−1) or vehicle for 15 days. Half of the animals in each group were simultaneously treated with spironolactone (200 mg kg−1 day−1). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were not significantly different among groups. Treatment with spironolactone normalized the increased left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure observed in isoproterenol‐treated rats. Isoproterenol treatment induced cardiac hypertrophy and increased collagen content, both of which were normalized by spironolactone treatment. The mRNA levels of transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, matrix metalloprotease 2, matrix metalloprotease inhibitor 2, tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, p22phox and xanthine dehydrogenase were increased (P < 0.05) in isoproterenol‐treated rats, and this effect was prevented by spironolactone (P < 0.05). Spironolactone also reduced the elevated SGK‐1 expression in isoproterenol‐treated rats. The observed reduction of the principal mediator of aldosterone cellular actions, SGK‐1, by spironolactone in hearts from isoproterenol‐treated rats suggests a role of mineralocorticoids in the cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation, oxidation and diastolic dysfunction induced by isoproterenol treatment in rats.
Online Learner Satisfaction and Collaborative Learning: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Despite the considerable potential for e-learning to improve learning outcomes, particularly for female students and students who need to rely on distance learning, feedback from current users of e-learning systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) suggests a relatively low level of satisfaction. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach in investigating the underlying reasons for this situation. Results indicate that students are not unhappy with the information technology infrastructure or with other technical aspects. However, many students report a low level of interaction between them and their fellow students. When interactions do occur, students indicate overwhelmingly that they find such interactions useful. Together, these findings suggest that greater student interaction, which could be fostered through the use of collaborative learning, is likely to be both popular with students and beneficial to their learning outcomes.
Mortality Patterns of Cardinals (Sixteenth - Twentieth Centuries)

This article investigates the characteristics and mortality patterns of cardinals in the Catholic Church between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. Cardinals are high prelates who perform an essential role in the functioning of Catholic Church, and whose main duties are to elect and assist the Pope in office. Thanks to a database containing remarkably accurate and continuous biographical data on cardinals since the fifth century, some of their specific demographic characteristics can be analysed. During the study period (1586-1958), the Sacred College of Cardinals, with a maximum of 70 members, formed a fairly homogeneous group. Nearly all cardinals came from the economic elite, the majority were Italian-born and held residence in Rome. Their life expectancy levels during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are not dissimilar to those of "ordinary" European villagers. However, a striking observation is the subsequent absence of significant improvements in these levels from the 1830s onward; a pattern which is notably out of keeping with most of the rest of Europe. This may be due to the risks associated with the cardinals' behaviours and lifestyles. The periods in which lower life expectancies are observed coincide with the most turbulent political times for the Church. Cardinals were nonetheless penalized throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and it was not until the 1930s that their life expectancy started to catch up with that of the general population.
Social psychological factors of post-mortem organ donation: a theoretical review of determinants and promotion strategies

A recurrent observation in the field of organ donation is that organ demand exceeds supply. Organ donation promotion is therefore required in order to diminish this gap. In this article, we focus on post-mortem organ donation and review psychosocial literature contributing to identify firstly, the determinants of donation, and secondly, the factors likely to increase the efficiency of donation promotion campaigns. Finally, we discuss the theoretical implications of our review and advance promising avenues for future research.
The Role of Culture Strength in Shaping Sales Force Outcomes

Although a strong culture has been widely acknowledged as a defining characteristic of successful firms, past research has failed to examine the influence it exerts on the attitudes and behavior of salespeople. In a two-sample study, we measure culture strength and explore its relationship to value congruity and to three sales force outcomes that define the sales management research tradition: role stress, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction. Within the contexts of the sales subculture of a Fortune 500 firm (Study 1) and specialized sales organizations (Study 2), the results reveal a compelling portrait of the forces that shape salesperson–culture fit. Specifically, the results of both studies indicate that a strong culture leads to higher levels of value congruity, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment, and lower levels of role stress. Key implications are highlighted for sales managers and for researchers.
Hypoxia induces peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) and lipid metabolism peroxisomal enzymes in human glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the most severe type of glioma, the most common brain tumor. Their malignancy shows a relationship with an increased proliferation and a poorly organized tumor vascularization, an event that leads to inadequate blood supply, hypoxic areas and at last to the formation of necrotic areas, a feature of glioblastoma. Hypoxic/necrotic tumors are more resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapies, thus it is crucial to formulate new therapeutic approaches that can render these tumors more sensitive to the action of conventional therapies. It has been demonstrated that under hypoxia, gliomas accumulate lipid droplets and that this event is positively correlated with the degree of malignancy, glioblastoma being the most endowed with lipid droplets. We have previously demonstrated in ex vivo glioma specimens a grade‐dependent lipid metabolism perturbation. Here we studied the lipid pathways and the presence of stemness markers in glioma primary cultures, obtained from surgical specimens of patients affected by glioma at different grade of malignancy, GBM primary cultures cultured under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions, as well as normal human astrocytes. The results obtained demonstrate that hypoxia plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of lipid metabolism peroxisomal enzymes, the lipid droplets accumulation as well as the transcription factor PPARα. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3891–3901, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth Impairment and Dental Caries in Thalassemia Major Patients

Background: The aim of present study was to determine whether beta-thalassemia major is associated with an increased risk of growth retardation and dental caries. Methods: Anthropometric measurement were used to study the physical growth of 50 thalassemic patients and compared with 50 agematched healthy controls from Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. DMFT and DMFS scores were also measured and compared with agematched controls. Results: Both thalassemic diseases of male and female patients were shown to have statistically significant lower height, weight, body mass index, mid arm circumference, chest circumference and head circumference (but not height and head circumference in age group 2-10years) as compared to normal patients with comparable sex and ages. A highly significant difference was observed when all anthropometric parameters of thalassemic males and healthy males were compared but a non-significant difference was seen between thalassemic females and healthy females of control group. Dental caries were significantly higher in thalassemics. Conclusion: Thalassemia is associated with growth retardation and higher higher rates of dental caries.
Role of intracellular calcium and metabolites in low-frequency fatigue of mouse skeletal muscle.

We have examined the extent to which prolonged reductions in low-frequency force (i.e., low-frequency fatigue) result from increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and alterations in muscle metabolites. Force and [Ca2+]i were measured in mammalian single muscle fibers in response to short, intermediate, and long series of tetani that elevated the [Ca2+]i-time integral to 5, 17, and 29 microM x s, respectively. Only the intermediate and long series resulted in prolonged (>60 x min) reductions in Ca2+ release and low-frequency fatigue. When fibers recovered from the long series of tetani without glucose, Ca2+ release was reduced to a greater extent and force was reduced at high and low frequencies. These findings indicate that the decrease in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release associated with fatigue has at least two components: 1) a metabolic component, which, in the presence of glucose, recovers within 1 h, and 2) a component dependent on the elevation of the [Ca2+]i-time integral, which recovers more slowly. It is this Ca2+-dependent component that is primarily responsible for low-frequency fatigue.
Are interpersonal relationships necessary for developing trust in online group projects?

Trust between group members has been suggested as an important part of small group work in online classrooms. Developing interpersonal relationships with group members may promote a sense of trust among them; however, research shows mixed results. The current study explored how students’ perceptions of the importance of interpersonal relationships in online groups affected their perceptions of trust and experiences within the group. Students enrolled in online classes that incorporated a group project were surveyed about their experiences with online group projects. Participants did not find interpersonal relationships as necessary in trust development. However, student gender and type (i.e., distance versus on-campus) were important factors in determining the type of experiences students had within their online groups. Males reported more negative experiences than females, and distance education students desired relationships with group members more than on-campus students.
Understanding the psychology of gang violence: Implications for designing effective violence interventions

Focusing on the psychology of gang violence, this research report presents findings from interviews with 44 male gang-affiliated prisoners convicted of violent offences. The research was framed around five key areas of enquiry: what is a gang? ; what factors motivate individuals to join a street gang? ; what factors maintain gang membership in prison and the community? ; what factors are associated with desistance from gang involvement/membership? ; and how does gang membership influence an individual’s use of violence? The rich findings emanating from this report highlight the importance of offender focused research to assist with understanding criminal behaviour. Exploring personal motivations for joining and staying with street gangs might help to identify ways of engaging offenders in intervention, and motivating them towards pro-social change. The participants held different views about the nature of gangs and there was a lack of consensus about what constituted a gang. This is important for interventionist strategies as it reaffirms the need to explore an offender’s own sense of their involvement in collective offending and avoid simplistic gang-related labels and assumptions. Although there were several motivating factors towards gang affiliation, these could broadly be categorized into: the need and/or desire to acquire money, seeking protection, and as is often reported with criminal associates, to feel a sense of belonging or connectedness with others through which they could achieve status and respect. The research claims that criminal activity reinforced gang affiliation and identity in a number of different ways. There were often rewards apparent for criminality such as heightened status, greater inclusion and financial gain. The importance of criminality was further compounded by the potential negative consequences of non participation, such as rejection from the gang or victimization by others. Ongoing territorial disputes served to enhance gang cohesion and justified the need to group together to protect the gang’s territory. The Journal of Community and Criminal Justice
Successful steroid treatment of coma induced by severe spontaneous intracranial hypotension

ABSTRACT Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a syndrome characterized by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and postural headaches. It is a rare condition which may sometimes present with severe symptoms such as stupor or coma. The standard treatment protocol includes conservative measures such as bed rest, hydration, and steroids. However, severe cases may require invasive measures such as epidural blood patch (EBP), continuous epidural saline infusion, epidural fibrin glue, or surgical repair of the dural defect. In this report, we describe a case of severe SIH resulting in coma that exhibited dramatic improvement on intravenous administration of steroids. This is the first report of severe SIH causing coma that was treated non-invasively by steroids only.
Copyright 2009 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Inc. All rights reserved. 10.1518/107118109X12524441081785

Communication plays a critical role in team cognition along with other limited cognitive resources, such as attention, memory, and decision-making speed. Both mood and stress are known to have many interrelated effects upon cognition at the individual level, but there has been relatively little exploration of these two highly-related factors in the domain of team cognition in critical command and control environments. This paper presents research on the effects of mood and stress states on within-team communication behaviors in a simulated crisis management environment. Results show that the effects of mood and stress associated with individual cognitive functions also demonstrate analogous impacts upon team perspective and information sharing.
Let's get personal: making sustainability tangible to students

Purpose – Most students report giving little thought to their consumption and waste, and when confronted with issues of sustainability still find them either distant and impersonal or overwhelming. One area that has been relatively unexplored is the concept of a self‐audit and self‐reflection in the development of intrinsic motivation for living sustainably. The aim of this paper is to describe the results of a case study that addresses this issue.Design/methodology/approach – As part of an integrated course, Introduction to Sustainable Design, undergraduate students participate in the creation and use of a personal Resource Consumption and Waste Audit that makes tangible their resource consumption and waste generation and that forms the basis for self‐reflection throughout the course. The instructions to the students for the three‐day audit are provided along with the results as self‐reported by the students.Findings – Students generally express surprise and dismay at their levels of consumption and wast.