Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Isometric and Dynamic Postactivation Potentiation Protocols on Maximal Sprint Performance

Abstract Lim, JJH and Kong, PW. Effects of isometric and dynamic postactivation potentiation protocols on maximal sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res 27(10): 2730–2736, 2013—This study examined the effects of 3 types of postactivation potentiation (PAP) protocols (single-joint isometric, multijoint isometric, and multijoint dynamic) on subsequent 10-m, 20-m and 30-m sprint performance in 12 well-trained male track athletes (mean ± SD age = 22.4 ± 3.2 years). The subjects performed 4 protocols in a randomized order on different days as follows: control (4 minutes of passive rest), maximum voluntary isometric knee extension (3 repetitions of 3-second isometric knee extension), maximum voluntary isometric back squat (3 repetitions of 3-second isometric squat), and dynamic back squat (3 repetitions of back squats at 90% 1 repetition maximum). After each protocol, a 4-minute recovery period was incorporated before a 30-m maximal sprint assessment. Maximal sprint times at 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m were measured using timing gates to reflect sprint performance. One-way repeated measures analyses of variance revealed no differences in sprint performance among the 4 protocols at 10-m, 20-m, or 30-m intervals. There were, however, large individual variations in the response to the PAP protocols with some athletes benefiting from the PAP effect and others not. In summary, this study showed no enhancement of short-distance sprint performance after PAP protocols with a 4-minute recovery period, regardless of isometric or dynamics, single-joint or multijoint. Coaches considering the use of PAP protocols to improve sprinting performance of their athletes should exploit the effectiveness of different PAP protocols on an individual basis.
New fuzzy control model and dynamic output feedback parallel distributed compensation

A new fuzzy modeling based on fuzzy linear fractional transformations model is introduced. This new representation is shown to be a flexible tool for handling complicated nonlinear models. Particularly, the new fuzzy model provides an efficient and tractable way to handle the output feedback parallel distributed compensation problem. We demonstrate that this problem can be given a linear matrix inequality characterization and hence is immediately solvable through available semidefinite programming codes. The capabilities of the new fuzzy modeling is illustrated through numerical examples.
Shoulder function after selective and superselective neck dissections: clinical and functional outcomes

SUMMARY The aim of this work is to assess the clinical and functional outcome of patients who underwent different types of neck dissection, with special regards to the spinal accessory nerve, trapezius muscle and shoulder function. From February 2008 to July 2010, we evaluated 17 cases of neck dissection in patients affected by laryngeal carcinoma clinically staged N0. We performed selective neck dissection (IIA-IIBIII- IV) in 11 cases (group A) and superselective neck dissection in 6 cases (group B). All patients underwent clinical examination before surgery to evaluate shoulder function. They also underwent functional evaluation of the spinal accessory nerve through electromyography (study of muscular activity) and electroneurography (study of motor action potential). Patients were evaluated before surgery (T0), 8 days after surgery (T1) and 21 days after surgery (T2). In all cases, at the end of surgery it was possible to assess the integrity of the spinal accessory nerve. The average value of the MAP was 13.06 in group A and 10.98 in group B at T0. Eight days after surgery (T1) the value of MAP was reduced to 1.35 in group A and 6.15 in group B. Electromyography evaluation showed signs of denervation in 6 cases in group A and in 2 cases in group B. Voluntary activity was not detectable in 6 cases in group A, while it was present, even if reduced, in all cases in group B. At 21 days after surgery (T2), we found a value of MAP of 1.03 in group A and 6.43 in group B. Electromyography showed signs of denervation in 10 patients in group A and in 3 cases in group B. Voluntary activity was not detectable in 10 cases in group A, while it was present in all cases in group B. The arm abduction test was 2.5 in group A and 4.0 in group B. Neck dissection quality of life questionnaire showed a value of 24.17 in group A and a value of 25.5 in group B. Our data thus confirm that surgical manipulation of the nerve may be associated with severe impairment of nerve conduction when sublevel IIB is involved in the dissection.
Chylous reflux in the lungs and pleurae ' HERBERT

Lymphangiectasis of varying extent may be present in some cases of chronic pulmonary disease. Often the dilated lymphatic channels are not identified because pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema together with secondary inflammatory changes obscure the lymph vessel pathology. When chylothorax is associated with such chronic pulmonary pathology, attention may be drawn to the lymphatic system. The presence of a chylothorax is usually attributed to obstruction or injury of the thoracic duct, whereas in some cases chylous reflux into the lungs and pleurae via abnormal lymph channels in the lungs and pleurae as well as in the mediastinum may cause the chylothorax. In rare instances a patient may actually expectorate chylous fluid which seeps into the bronchi from the abnormal peribronchial lymphatics. A detailed analysis of reported cases together with some personal experience has demonstrated that pathological changes in the pulmonary and pleural lymphatic vessels are more common than is usually appreciated. The normal remarkable regenerative potential which is usually evident after experimental interruption of the lymphatics apparently is lacking in some humans due to genetic and other factors. Thus pathological changes, difficult to simulate experimentally, may be encountered. Lymphangiectasis is often found not to be limited to a single organ if complete studies of the lymphatic system are made.
Inductance vector angle based sensorless speed estimation in Switched Reluctance motor drive

Feedbacks signals of rotor speed and motor torque are essential in most of switched reluctance (SR) motor control applications. An SR motor has highly nonlinear characteristics that do not allow to be modeled by simple equations. Hence, the feedback signals can not be mathematically calculated from the model. Instead of calculation, they should be measured or estimated. In direct torque control (DTC) drive, which enables easy control of torque ripple in the SR motor, position sensor is employed to obtain the feedback signals. Position sensor causes DTC drive not only less reliable but also more expensive. Estimation of feedback signals is required in order to eliminate position sensor (or encoder). This paper concerns about sensorless speed estimation under the DTC condition and presents a simple method. The proposed method is based on inductance vector angle. The inductance vector angle is obtained by applying alpha - beta transformation to the phase inductances. A relay triggers a speed calculation circuit according to its band limits and the inductance vector angle. Inside the circuit, triggering time is kept in a memory until the next triggering. Then, rotor pole pitch is divided by the time difference between two consecutive triggerings. Finally, the estimation circuit outputs the rotor speed. Estimation method is simulated and verified experimentally to show its validity.
Depressive symptoms predict incident cognitive impairment in cognitive healthy older women.

OBJECTIVE There is an increasing evidence that depressive symptoms are associated with the development of cognitive impairment and dementia in late life. The authors sought to examine whether depression increased the risk of incident cognitive impairment in a longitudinal study of older women. METHODS Observational study, up to six examinations spanning up to 9 years. SETTING University-based Division of Geriatric Medicine. PARTICIPANTS Community-based sample of 436 older, nondemented women. MEASUREMENTS Participants were followed up with regular medical and neuropsychiatric evaluations. Cognitive assessment included episodic immediate and delayed memory, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning. Participants were characterized as having incident impairment on a cognitive test when scores fell below the 10th percentile on age-adjusted norms. Baseline depressive symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (30-item). Discrete-time Cox proportional hazards regression with generalized linear models were used to determine whether baseline risk factors predicted incident impairment on each cognitive test, defined as performance below the tenth percentile on age-adjusted norms. RESULTS Baseline GDS was highly associated with incident impairment on all cognitive tests (p <0.03). These associations were unaffected by vascular conditions except diabetes, which was associated with incident impairment in delayed recall and psychomotor speed. CONCLUSION These data suggest that depression may be the risk factors for cognitive decline, and thus a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Mediates Bronchioalveolar Stem Cell Expansion in Mouse Models of Oncogenic K-ras-Induced Lung Cancer

Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death in Western countries. Developing more effective NSCLC therapeutics will require the elucidation of the genetic and biochemical bases for this disease. Bronchioalveolar stem cells (BASCs) are a putative cancer stem cell population in mouse models of oncogenic K-ras-induced lung adenocarcinoma, an histologic subtype of NSCLC. The signals activated by oncogenic K-ras that mediate BASC expansion have not been fully defined. Methodology/Principal Findings We used genetic and pharmacologic approaches to modulate the activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), a key mediator of oncogenic K-ras, in two genetic mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma. Oncogenic K-ras-induced BASC accumulation and tumor growth were blocked by treatment with a small molecule PI3K inhibitor and enhanced by inactivation of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10, a negative regulator of PI3K. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that PI3K is a critical regulator of BASC expansion, supporting treatment strategies to target PI3K in NSCLC patients.
Quality of Life of Men and Women with Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Arthroplasty: Assessment by WOMAC Questionnaire

Jandrić S, Manojlović S: Quality of life of men and women with osteoarthritis of the hip and arthroplasty: Assessment by WOMAC questionnaire. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2009;88:328–335. Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in quality of life between men and women in preoperative and postoperative period after hip arthroplasty because of severe hip osteoarthritis. Design:This is a prospective study of 160 patients (average age, 61.7 yrs), 92 women and 68 men, with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip who underwent total hip arthroplasty. All patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires that measured health-related quality of life preoperatively, at discharge, and 6-wk postoperatively. To establish the occurrence of differences between men and women in preoperative and postoperative period after arthroplasty, Student’s t test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Results:The WOMAC global score was a significant predictor (the better the rather men) preoperatively (P < 0.01) and 6 wks after total hip arthroplasty (P < 0.001). Global WOMAC score was significantly better in men than in women preoperatively (t = 4.02; P < 0.001) and 6 wks after arthroplasty (t = 3.42; P < 0.001). Conclusions:These results suggest that men with severe osteoarthritis of the hip have better quality of life than do women preoperatively and 6 wks after hip arthroplasty. These findings would be important for improving quality of care of our patients.
A MAGE/NDN‐like gene in zebrafish

The human necdin/MAGE gene family has over 50 members, but most of the proteins encoded by these genes are of unknown function. We have now identified a single locus in Danio rerio that encodes a putative protein with significant coding sequence similarity to the mammalian NDN/MAGE genes. Analysis of the complete Fugu ribripes genome sequence also suggests that there is only a single MAGE‐like gene in teleost fish. mage is expressed in the larval and adult brain, specifically the retina, the medial region of the telencephalon, periventricular gray zone of the optic tectum, and most highly in the cerebellar corpus. The discovery of a zebrafish NDN/MAGE gene expressed the developing brain facilitates studies of the MAGE homology domain in vertebrate development. Developmental Dynamics, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energy Efficient Wireless Communication using Genetic Algorithm Guided Faster Light Weight Digital Signature Algorithm (GADSA)

In this paper GA based light weight faster version of Digital Signature Algorithm (GADSA) in wireless communication has been proposed. Various genetic operators like crossover and mutation are used to optimizing amount of modular multiplication. Roulette Wheel selection mechanism helps to select best chromosome which in turn helps in faster computation and minimizes the time requirements for DSA. Minimization of number of modular multiplication itself a NP-hard problem that means there is no polynomial time deterministic algorithm for this purpose. This paper deals with this problem using GA based optimization algorithm for minimization of the modular multiplication. Proposed GADSA initiates with an initial population comprises of set of valid and complete set of individuals. Some operators are used to generate feasible valid offspring from the existing one. Among several exponents the best solution reached by GADSA is compared with some of the existing techniques. Extensive simulations shows competitive results for the proposed GADSA.
Data Warehousing Supports Corporate Strategy At First American Corporation

From 1990 through 1998, First American Corporation (FAC) changed its corporate strategy from a traditional banking approach to a customer relationship-oriented strategy that placed FAC.s customers at the center of all aspects of the company's operations. The transformation made FAC's an innovative leader in the financial services industry. This case study describes FAC's transformation and the way in which a data warehouse called VISION helped make it happen. FAC's experiences suggest lessons for managers who plan to use technology to support changes that are designed to significantly improve organizational performance. In addition, they raise interesting questions about the means by which information technology can be used to gain competitive advantage.
Effect of the of Zeolite Containing Silver-Zinc Nanoparticles on the Push out Bond Strength of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in Simulated Furcation Perforation

Statement of the Problem: Recently, zeolite has been regarded to improve the properties of dental materials such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating zeolite/silver/zinc (Ze/Ag/Zn) composite at 2 wt% to MTA powder on the push-out bond strength in simulated furcation perforations. Materials and Method: Furcal perforations, measuring 1.3 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height, were simulated in 40 human mandibular first molars. The samples were allocated to two groups (n=20) based on the material used for the repair of perforations. In the group 1, MTA and in the group 2, MTA plus Ze/Ag/Zn (2%) was used. The samples were incubated at 37°C for 1 week. Then the universal testing machine was employed to measure bond strength. The resistance of materials to dislodgment was recorded in MPa. Data were analyzed using t-test. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: The push-out bond strength in the group 1 (6.40±1.98 MPa) was significantly higher than that in the group 2 (2.1±0.6 MPa) with p= 0.001. Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that incorporation of Ze/Ag/Zn at 2 wt% to MTA powder had a negative effect on the push-out bond strength.
Advanced Stepped-Impedance Dual-Band Filters With Wide Second Stopbands

Advanced dual-band stepped-impedance resonator filters are prototyped and their performances verified. The main advantages compared to traditional designs consist in two controllable passbands at desired frequencies, which is achieved by utilizing all-electric coupling, wide stopband regions towards higher frequencies and relatively small circuitry. Measurements over a wide frequency range verify the suitability of the resonator arrangements for advanced dual-band filter applications.
PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR: A CLINICOMYCOLOGICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a mild, chronic, usually asymptomatic superficial fungal infection of the stratum corneum, caused by Malassezia yeasts. The purpose of the present study is to assess the clinical profile of a group of patients with pityriasis versicolor and to find out the epidemiological characteristics in this part of India as well as any association, if any, with other diseases. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 110 consecutive patients of pityriasis versicolor were evaluated clinically and diagnosis was confirmed mycologically at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. All data were recorded in a predesigned, pretested semi-structured schedule. The total duration of study period was 12 months. Results: Majority of the patients were young adults. Most of the patients were asymptomatic. There is prominent seasonal variation of the patients with a peak in August and September months. Most of the lesions were hypopigmented scaly macules and were KOH positive. Most commonly involved sites were chest, face and back. Seborrheic dermatitis sometimes coexisted with pityriasis versicolor and a number of patients also had diabetes mellitus and immunosuppressive conditions. Conclusions: Overall, the clinicomycological and epidemiological profile of pityriasis versicolor infection as observed in a tertiary care setting in eastern India does not differ significantly from those observed by previous workers elsewhere.
Evidence of surfactant protein A and D expression decrement and their localizations in human prostate adenocarcinomas

Abstract Aim: Surfactant proteins (SP-A and SP-D) were originally described in the lung; however, they are also present in the prostate. Purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine how surfactant proteins are altered in prostate adenocarcinomas (PCa) and find out any connection exists between their expressions and their staining patterns, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values, Gleason score, age, tumor volume and tumor, node, metastases (TNM) clinical stage. Methods: Thirty-five tissue samples were obtained during radical prostatectomy. All specimens were classified to three groups based on the Gleason score <7, 7 and Gleason score >7. Surfactant proteins’ expressions were tested by immunohistochemical and Western blotting methods. Results: Immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm from both basal cells and secretory epithelial cells in malignant and non-malignant areas. About 80% of the malignant basal cells were characterized as either weak or strong while non-malignant epithelial cells demonstrated strong immunoreactivity for SP-A. Also malignant (81.8%) and non-malignant cells (90.6%) were characterized as either weak or strong for SP-D. Decrement of SP-A and SP-D immunostaining tended to associate with an increasing Gleason score (p > 0.05, p < 0.05), tumor volume (p < 0.05, p > 0.05) and age (p > 0.05, p > 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between Gleason score and tumor volume (p < 0.01). Also, either none or weak SP-A and SP-D immunoreactivity was observed specimens with Gleason score 7 or higher. SP-A and SP-D reacted with 34 kDa (SP-A) and 43 kDa (SP-D) immunoreactive single bands were decreased in tumor tissues. Conclusions: The development of prostate cancer may be related to decreased level of surfactant protein A and D.
The Development of Peat and Wood-Based Thermal Insulation Material Production Technology

Abstract The article presents research results on a thermal insulation material made of low-moor peat. A model based on three components, including peat binder, frame component (wooden aggregate) and additives, was developed in the framework of this study. The conducted research showed that by grinding low-moor peat in water until the particle size is 2–5 mkm increased peat cohesion strength with wooden aggregate 2.5 to 2.7 times as well as increased the compressive strength of peat binder 5.0 to 5.5 times. Optimal parameters of strength and density in the wood peat composition with discontinuous granulometry wooden aggregate were achieved by using two fraction wood filler with fractions 2.5 mm . 1.25 mm and 0.63 mm . 0.315 mm in the proportion 50:50 and 60:40. Introducing anionic surfactants and foam forming non-ionic surfactants with neutral reaction against the surface of the peat and wood filler allows to reduce the average density up to 210–220 kg/m3, thus maintaining the required strength, and to reduce the coefficient of thermal conduction to 0.046 W/mK.
Facing the facts about image type in recognition-based graphical passwords

Graphical passwords are a novel method of knowledge-based authentication that shows promise for improved usability and memorability. This paper presents two studies that examined the effect of image type in cognometric, recognition-based graphical passwords. Specifically, the usability of such authentication schemes was explored at security levels equivalent to those acceptable for text passwords. Related psychological theory was drawn upon to consider the relative strength of visual memory, to distinguish recognition from recall, and for face recognition by humans. With image type as the independent variable, login success and login time were observed as the dependent variables. Results from both studies showed that participants in the object images condition performed equal to or better than those in the face images condition. Importantly, there was no evidence to support the claim that the use of face images in the authentication scheme would result in superior user performance.
Playing Violent Video Games Increases Intergroup Bias

Previous research has shown how, why, and for whom violent video game play is related to aggression and aggression-related variables. In contrast, less is known about whether some individuals are more likely than others to be the target of increased aggression after violent video game play. The present research examined the idea that the effects of violent video game play are stronger when the target is a member of an outgroup rather than an ingroup. In fact, a correlational study revealed that violent video game exposure was positively related to ethnocentrism. This relation remained significant when controlling for trait aggression. Providing causal evidence, an experimental study showed that playing a violent video game increased aggressive behavior, and that this effect was more pronounced when the target was an outgroup rather than an ingroup member. Possible mediating mechanisms are discussed.