Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Inspiratory Neuromuscular Output during Synchronized Intermittent Mechanical Ventilation

BackgroundIn synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, it is generally accepted that the work of the inspiratory muscles is decreased by the ventilator so that their activity can be modulated by the frequency of assisted breaths. We examined the validity of this concept, which recently has been questioned. MethodsWe studied five patients receiving synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation because of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The level of machine assistance, defined as the percentage of total ventilation delivered by the ventilator, was varied from a high (≥60%) to a medium (20–50%) and to the lowest tolerated value (0% in four patients). Esophageal pressure, air flow, and the electromyograms of the diaphragm and sternocleidomastold muscles were recorded. At each level of machine assistance, distinguishing assisted from spontaneous breaths, the duration of electrical activation, the integrated electromyograms, and the work of breathing were computed. ResultsThe durations of electrical activation and the integrated electromyograms of the diaphragm and sternocleidomastoid were similar in successive spontaneous and assisted breaths. At ≥60% of machine assistance, the cumulative values per minute of the integrated electromyograms of the diaphragm and sternocleidomastoid and the work of breathing were reduced only by 38,32, and 44%, respectively, compared with the lowest tolerated level of machine assistance. The durations of electrical activation did not change with increasing level of machine assistance. ConclusionsThe degree of inspiratory muscle rest achieved by synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation is not proportional to the level of machine assistance; furthermore, the inspiratory motor output is not regulated breath by breath but rather is constant for a given level of machine assistance.
Don’t break the habit: structural stability tests of consumption asset pricing models in the UK

This paper investigates the structural stability of four alternative consumption based asset pricing models, the traditional power utility consumption based capital asset pricing model (C-CAPM), the recursive preferences model proposed by Epstein and Zin (1989, 1991), and two habit formation specifications, the form proposed by Abel (1990) and the model of Campbell and Cochrane (1999), using the tests of Hall and Sen (1999). The ability of the models to price stocks and stocks and a short-term interest rate (i.e., the equity premium) is assessed. Evidence is found supportive of both the habit formation specifications and the traditional C-CAPM. The preferred specification based on parameter estimates and structural stability is that of Campbell and Cochrane.
Sodium Influx Pathways during and after Anoxia in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

Mechanisms that contribute to Na+ influx during and immediately after 5 min anoxia were investigated in cultured rat hippocampal neurons loaded with the Na+-sensitive fluorophore sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate. During anoxia, an influx of Na+ in the face of reduced Na+,K+-ATPase activity caused a rise in [Na+]i. After the return to normoxia, Na+,K+-ATPase activity mediated the recovery of [Na+]i despite continued Na+ entry. Sodium influx during and after anoxia occurred through multiple pathways and increased the longer neurons were maintained in culture. Under the experimental conditions used, Na+ entry during anoxia did not reflect the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors, TTX- or lidocaine-sensitive Na+ channels, plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchange, Na+/H+ exchange, or \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{HC}\mathrm{O}_{3}^{-}\) \end{document}-dependent mechanisms; rather, contributions were received from a Gd3+-sensitive pathway activated by reactive oxygen species and Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport in neurons maintained for 6-10 and 11-14 d in vitro (DIV), respectively. Sodium entry immediately after anoxia was not attributable to the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors, voltage-activated Na+ channels, or Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport; rather, it occurred via Na+/Ca2+ exchange, Na+/H+ exchange, and a Gd3+-sensitive pathway similar to that observed during anoxia; 11-14 DIV neurons received an additional contribution from an \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{HC}\mathrm{O}_{3}^{-}\) \end{document}-dependent mechanism(s). The results provide insight into the intrinsic mechanisms that contribute to disturbed internal Na+ homeostasis during and immediately after anoxia in rat hippocampal neurons and, in this way, may play a role in the pathogenesis of anoxic or ischemic cell injury.
Remittances and investments at the household level in Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of the success of return migrants and their families in directing remitLances to investment and savings. Total overseas earnings of workers and their remittances behaviour were also investigated. The analysis was based on the 1986 ILO survey. Monthly earnings differed widely across different occupational groups and across the countries in which workers were employed, but duration of stay in the Middle East appeared to be the most important factor in determining level of total earnings. For example, average total earnings of unskilled workers were considerably lower than the earnings of professional workers mainly because the former had comparatively short stays.
Fibronectin and atherosclerosis.

Fibronectin is a polymorphic glycoprotein of plasma, other body fluids and connective tissue, and it occurs in an insoluble and a soluble form. Insoluble fibronectin is found associated with basement membranes and in loose connective tissue matrix as well as in the pericellular matrix formed around cultured adherent cells, such as endothelial, fibroblastic and smooth muscle cells. In these positions fibronectin apparently functions as a substrate for cell attachment and as a scaffold for cell migration and movement. Soluble fibronectin, present e.g. in the circulation (300 micronm/ml) exhibits some important interations with other proteins. It is covalently cross-linked to fibrin during thrombus formation and binds to collagen. Fibronectin is released from platelets during their aggregation and soluble fibronectin potentiates the action of plasminogen activator. We have detected fibronectin in the sub-endothelium, in the matrix of smooth muscle cells of the media and in the adventitia of arteries. By using immunohistological techniques we have further found that fibronectin is prominent in atherosclerotic lesions of the intima, especially in developing fibrous plaques. Fibronectin was also prominent in experimentally induced atherosclerotic lesions. These findings suggest that fibronectin is an indicator of connective tissue formation in atherosclerotic processes and that the protein can have a role in their pathogenesis.
A system for analyzing intraoperative B-Mode ultrasound scans of the liver

In this article, a system for automatic analysis of intraoperative B-Mode ultrasound images of the liver is presented. The system is part of an assistance system for open liver surgery. It supports 3D-ultrasound imaging and automatic segmentation of vessel structures in the intraoperative ultrasound images. With this segmentation results, an ultrasound based 3D-model of the vascular structure is extracted and manually registered to a preoperative CT- based model. Anatomical landmarks like bifurcations of vessels are automatically extracted in the ultrasound-based model and will be used for an automatic registration process in further developments.
Consumer Trust in the Online Travel Marketplace

ABSTRACT Trust has been identified as a key challenge for the rapid growth and development of online transactions. However, only a limited number of research studies have examined the key indicators of trust and their relative significance in an online, travel industry environment. These studies have typically taken place in the more advanced western economies. This study contributes to redressing this research gap, using a sample of 135 Singaporean consumers. Analysis suggests six dimensions, including order facilitation effort, website presentation and navigation, customer information exchange, customer control and collaboration, transactional security and prior knowledge of vendor, as being of critical importance in enhancing consumer trust within the online travel marketplace. The managerial and future research implications of these findings are discussed in the paper.
Effects of lower extremity and trunk muscles recruitment on serratus anterior muscle activation in healthy male adults.

BACKGROUND Poor activation of the serratus anterior (SA) muscle may result in abnormal shoulder rhythm, and secondarily contribute to impingement and rotator cuff tears. Sequential activation of the trunk, pelvis, and lower extremity (LE) muscles is required to facilitate the transfer of appropriate forces from these body segments to the upper extremity. Myofascial connections that exist in the body, and LE and trunk muscles (TM) activity may influence scapular and upper limb activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of simultaneous recruitment of the LE muscles and TM on the SA muscle activation when performing a forward punch plus (FPP) and six variations of the FPP exercise. STUDY DESIGN Experimental, within-subject repeated measures. METHODS Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the SA, latissimus dorsi, and external oblique muscles on the dominant side, bilateral gluteus maximus muscles, and contra-lateral femoral adductor muscles were analyzed in forward punch plus (FPP) movement and six variations in twenty one healthy male adults. The percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) for each muscle was compared across various exercises using a 1-way repeated -measures analysis of variance with Sidak pair wise comparison as post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS Pairwise comparisons found that the EMG activity of the serratus anterior (SA) during the FPP with contralateral closed chain leg extension (CCLE), FPP with ipsilateral closed chain leg extension (ICLE), FPP with closed chain serape effect (CS), and FPP with open chain serape effect (OS) showed significantly higher EMG activity than the FPP. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous recruitment of the lower extremity and trunk muscles increases the activation of the SA muscle during the FPP exercise. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Rehabilitation clinicians should have understanding of the kinetic chain relationships between the LE, the trunk, and the upper extremity while prescribing exercises. The results of this study may improve clinicians' ability to integrate the kinetic chain model in a shoulder rehabilitation program. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
CHI HA PAURA DEI VALORI? CAPITALE SOCIALE E DINTORNI

Introduzione In scienza politica e in sociologia è frequente in questi anni il ricorso all'espressione «capitale sociale». Essa, insieme a società civile, comunità, religione civile, fa parte di una costellazione di termini con cui si designano, con ampie aree di sovrapposizione reciproca dei rispettivi significati, aspetti della vita associata che non sono riconducibili direttamente alla sfera politico-istituzionale, ma che hanno precisi riflessi sugli assetti politici e sulla legittimità delle istituzioni in un ambito locale o nazionale. D'altra parte lo stesso lemma «capitale sociale» viene utilizzato negli studi sociologici per designare un particolare tipo di risorse immateriali cui gli individui possono accedere mediante la loro rete di rapporti sociali, utilizzandoli in vista dei loro progetti di azione. Questa latitudine di significati impone quindi una preliminare discussione, cui sono dedicati i primi tre paragrafi del saggio. Seguiranno nella parte centrale una serie di considerazioni in merito alle caratteristiche del capitale sociale. Dedico infine gli ultimi paragrafi all'illustrazione della rilevanza della nozione nel caso italiano, marcato non solo da una storica carenza di capitale sociale, ma anche dall'estrema difficoltà di colmare la carenza, per motivi strutturali e congiunturali.
A Portfolio Theory Approach to Network Program Selection

This article proposes a new approach to explaining network program selection behavior. It draws on literature in the area of finance to build a model of networks' program choice. The basis for the model is the traditional theory of portfolio selection. It will be argued that networks' management of program schedules is analogous to the management of a portfolio of investments. Networks maximize profits or returns while minimizing risk, and invest in programs to achieve this goal. Programs are, in effect, a network's assets. A network's selection of programs is motivated by its desire to maximize returns for a given level of risk. Therefore, its selection of programs and construction of a program schedule can be conceived of as an exercise in selecting financial securities in a portfolio. The network investor strives to develop a portfolio of securities that fulfills its investment objective. Earlier studies have looked at factors governing the cancellation and renewal of programs. A portfolio theory approach goes beyond these studies and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that determine the selection of programs and the resulting optimal program mix.
The Developmental Gap between the ASEAN Member Countries: The Perspective of Indonesia

This paper addresses the issue of developmental gaps in ASEAN from Indonesia's perspective by examining the extent to which industrialization in Indonesia have differed in comparison with other ASEAN countries, particularly in the last two decades. The discussion suggests that there has been an increasing gap in Indonesia's industrialization and that the country does not seem to have responded positively to the greater extent of production sharing in the Asian region. In addition to exposing gaps in industrialization, the paper also identifies the role Indonesia plays in the initiative to narrow the developmental gap between the ASEAN-6 and the CLMV countries. Evidence suggests that Indonesia's participation in projects enhancing economic development in the CLMV countries has been limited. There is certainly room for improvement, provided Indonesia is able to recover successfully from its many political and economic problems
Gene expression profiling of the endophytic fungus Neotyphodium lolii in association with its host plant perennial ryegrass

Endophytes of the Neotyphodium/Epichloë complex are filamentous fungi that typically form mutualistic associations with temperate grasses. The endophytes systemically colonise the intercellular spaces of their grass hosts and confer several biotic and abiotic attributes, but can also cause mammalian toxicoses. These symbioses are therefore of significant agricultural importance, and furthermore, the symbioses represent models to understand how such symbioses are established and maintained. To gain a greater understanding of the Neotyphodium lolii-perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) symbiosis, we have generated, sequenced and analysed four in planta expressed sequence tag libraries, enriched for genes differentially expressed during symbiosis via suppression subtractive hybridisation. Subtracted libraries were largely comprised of perennial ryegrass sequences, and comparative functional profiling of endophyte-infected ryegrass libraries with endophyte-free ryegrass libraries revealed downregulation of carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthesis during symbiosis, the latter confirming observations made in previous studies. Functional categories up regulated in the plant host in association with endophyte infection included cellular protein transport and protein synthesis and turn over.We also identified 24 N. lolii transcripts expressed during symbiosis, some of which were homologous to demonstrated pathogenicity/virulence genes, and others with proven roles in endophyte secondary metabolism. This study offers insights into biological processes underlying the N. lolii-perennial ryegrass symbiosis, and provides a list of novel candidate genes from both symbionts, which will form the basis for future investigations.
Expression and activity of COX‐1 and 2 and 5‐LOX in joint tissues from dogs with naturally occurring coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis

Understanding the neurobiology of pain in naturally occurring models of osteoarthritis (OA) may improve the understanding of human OA pain. Both COX and LOX have been associated with joint pain. This study evaluated COX‐1, COX‐2, and 5‐LOX expression and activity in a naturally occurring canine model of secondary OA. Hip joint capsule with synovial tissue (HJC) and femoral head subchondral bone (FH) was collected from normal dogs and dogs undergoing total hip replacement for coxofemoral joint OA. Tissues were analyzed for COX‐1, COX‐2, and LOX protein, and PGE2 and LTB4. Significantly more COX‐2 protein was present in OA HJC than normal joints (p = 0.0009). There was no significant difference in COX‐1 or LOX protein, although LOX protein was increased (p = 0.069). PGE2 concentration in normal and OA HJC was similar (p = 1.0). LTB4 concentration in OA HJC was significantly greater than normal HJC (p = 0.028). Significantly more COX‐1 (p = 0.0098), COX‐2 (p = 0.0028), and LOX (p = 0.0095) protein was present in OA FH tissue compared to normal FH tissue. There were no differences in PGE2 or LTB4 concentration in normal and OA FH tissue (p = 0.77 and p = 0.11). Together, these data suggest both COX‐2 and 5‐LOX are appropriate targets for the management of pain associated with naturally occurring OA. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Long- versus short-term orientation: new perspectives

Long- versus short-term orientation, a national value dimension originally found by Bond among students in 23 countries, became Hofstede's (1991) fifth dimension of national cultures. Recent analyses by Minkov (2007) of World Values Survey data, collected from representative samples of national populations, allow the calculation of a new version of this dimension, this time across 93 countries. National scores on the dimension correlate with certain family values, with school results, with business values, with environmental values and, under favorable historical conditions, with economic growth. In 1988 the dimension scores led to a prediction of China's economic success. The new scores allow new predictions for economic developments in different parts of the world.
Consumers' Environmental Concerns and Behaviors in the Lodging Industry: A Comparison between Greece and the United States

This study utilizes data collected from Greece and the United States to examine consumer attitudes and behavior intentions toward the environmentally responsible practices (ERP) of hotels. Specifically examined is the impact of ERP on consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for such hotel practices. The results indicate that consumers in both countries were more likely to patronize and demonstrate a strong WTP for hotels that provide ERP. Furthermore, the results reveal that consumers in Greece have higher environmental concerns and WTP than those in the United States, confirming that differences in culture and social structure determine a consumer's Green orientation and WTP.
The Structure of the Belgian Audit Market: The Effects of Clients' Concentration and Capital Market Activity

Most national audit markets are dominated by a few relatively equal? sized international audit firms. The likelihood of collusive behaviour in the market for audits is affected by the combined market share of the leading audit firms. This paper provides empirical evidence on the structure of the market for audits in Belgium. The main data set used in the study consists of about 10500 clients of Belgian audit firms in the year 1987. In that year only a publication containing detailed information on auditorclient relationships was published for the Belgian audit market. For more recent years, aggregated data on the Belgian audit market as a whole are included in this paper. The clients included in the data set are categorized into 62 different industry groups. For each industry the level of auditor concentration, measured by CR4, CR8 and the HirschmanHerfindahl index, is computed. The results show that a loose oligopoly is the dominant market structure for audit industry groups in Belgium. The findings also indicate that concentration is influenced by the level of concentration of the underlying client industry, and by the level of clients' capital market activity.
The effect of routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography on surgical management.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) on surgical management of patients undergoing all types of cardiac surgery. DESIGN Prospective, observational. SETTING A single-institution, clinical investigation, university-affiliated hospital. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred eighty-three consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS A comprehensive TEE examination was performed in every patient after the induction of anesthesia. An appropriate surgical plan was then developed. A focused TEE examination was also performed at the conclusion of surgery. Whether or not TEE findings represented new information and whether or not this new information altered surgical management was documented. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were 106 new TEE findings in 87 patients (31%). Half of the new findings involved the mitral valve, and a quarter involved the tricuspid valve. The new TEE information altered surgical management 77 ways in 71 patients (25%). Half of the altered surgical managements involved the mitral valve, and a third involved the tricuspid valve. In 8 patients (3%), TEE information influenced decisions regarding use/nonuse of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In 2 patients, TEE examination after the separation from CPB prompted reinitiation of CPB. In 1 patient, TEE examination after the induction of general anesthesia prompted cancellation of surgery. CONCLUSIONS The routine use of TEE during cardiac surgery revealed new cardiac pathology in 1 of every 3 patients and led to altered surgical management in 1 of every 4 patients. TEE information also influenced decisions regarding use/nonuse of CPB in 3% of patients. Thus, the authors suggest that intraoperative TEE should be used routinely in all patients undergoing cardiac surgery.