Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased Diene Conjugates in Diabetic Subjects with Microangiopathy

Free radicals are highly reactive unstable chemical species which have been implicated in the vascular damage associated with several disease states. Diene conjugates, probable products of free radical activity on lipids, were measured spectrophotometrically in 26 diabetic patients with microangiopathy, 36 uncomplicated diabetic patients, and 36 healthy controls. Total diene conjugates and diene conjugate to triglyceride ratios were signficantly elevated in diabetic patients with microangiopathy (0.57±0.08 and 0.31±0.14 OD units/ml respectively; mean ±SD) when compared with patients without complications (0.32±0.10, p<0.001, and 0.17±0.06, OD units/ml, p<0.011). There was no difference in total diene conjugation and their ratio to triglycerides between healthy controls and uncomplicated diabetic patients and the results were not influenced by the type of diabetes or level of diabetic control. Diene conjugate ratios repeated in 14 patients on two occasions, 6 weeks apart, with stable metabolic control were consistent. Increased diene conjugation suggesting increased free radical activity is associated with microangiopathy and this may have pathogenetic implications.
Heterogeneity of CD4-positive human T-cell clones which recognize the surface protein antigen of Rickettsia typhi

Immunity to the typhus group of rickettsiae is largely dependent on the effector function of several classes of T lymphocytes, including those which produce gamma interferon. Since the surface protein antigen (SPA) derived from typhus group rickettsiae has been shown to be an effective immunogen in animal models, human T-cell clones specific for the SPA of Rickettsia typhi were isolated and tested for their antigenic specificity, as well as for their ability to produce gamma interferon. Eighteen CD4-positive clones specific for the SPA of R. typhi exhibited considerable diversity in their response to the SPAs derived from two strains of Rickettsia prowazekii and from Rickettsia canada. The vast majority of clones also recognized the SPAs from R. prowazekii but not from R. canada. Two heteroclitic clones demonstrated significantly higher proliferative responses to the SPAs derived from one or both of the R. prowazekii strains than to the SPA of R. typhi, and one clone demonstrated a significantly higher response to the SPA of R. typhi than to the other SPAs. All 18 clones produced gamma interferon in response to SPA stimulation. We conclude that the SPAs from typhus group rickettsiae can elicit both a diverse T-cell response in humans and the efficient stimulation of gamma interferon-mediated immunity.
Linearity and efficiency improvement using envelope tracking power amplifier

This paper presents linearity improvement of power amplifiers (PAs) with envelope tracking (ET) modulators. ET modulators vary the supply voltage of RF power amplifiers to optimize the efficiency, but potentially degrade the linearity of the system. However, ET has shown to improve both efficiency and linearity under certain conditions. This work presents an analytical study of the PA linearity with supply voltage modulation. The theoretical considerations are supported by performance measurements using an ET hardware implementation.
Amplitude Variables of Circle on the Pedagogic Pommel Horse in Gymnastics

Baudry, L, Sforza, C, Leroy, D, Lovecchio, N, Gautier, G, and Thouvarecq, R. Amplitude variables of circle on the pedagogic pommel horse in gymnastics. J Strength Cond Res 23(3): 705-711, 2009-The movement amplitude is a key component of numerous elements in gymnastics. The purpose of the present study is to highlight the most pertinent amplitude variable of the circle performed on the pedagogic pommel horse. Twelve gymnasts (6 expert gymnasts vs. 6 nonexpert gymnasts) performed 10 circles on this event. A Vicon 512 system was used to record the 3-dimensional position of 11 markers fixed on the gymnasts. Our results revealed than 4 amplitude variables permitted us to significantly discriminate the levels of performance of the gymnasts (p < 0.05): shoulder extension in front phase, body alignment, shoulder diameter, and ankle diameter. In a training perspective, this result could help coaches focus their advice and pedagogic situations on the pertinent technical criteria. Then, a stepwise discriminant analysis performed on the 4 previously selected variables showed that 2 variables allowed us to accurately discriminate the circle amplitude: ankle diameter and body alignment. These 2 variables can be used by coaches as a specific index to objectively determine the performance levels of gymnasts and to measure improvement in movements after specific training.
THE EFFECT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE, COMPETENCE, AND SELF-EFFICACY ON ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENTS, AMBIDEXTERITY ORGANIZATIONAL AND PERFORMANCE OF VILLAGE GOVERNMENTS IN EAST NUSA TENGGARA PROVINCE

This study aims to prove and analyze the influence of transformational leadership, organizational culture, competence, and self-efficacy on organizational commitment, organizational ambidexity and performance of village governments in East Nusa Tenggara Province. The population in this study were village heads in 21 regencies in East Nusa Tenggara Province which numbered 2,952. The samples in this study were 353 village heads. The data used in this study are primary data sourced from the questionnaire. Data analysis and hypothesis testing in this study using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results showed that the transformational leadership variables had a positive but not significant effect on performance, organizational commitment, organizational ambide on village government in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Organizational culture has a negative but not significant effect on performance. Organizational culture has a positive but not significant effect on organizational commitment, culture has a positive and significant effect on the organizational ambidexity of village governments in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Competence has a positive and significant effect on performance. Competence has a positive but not significant effect on organizational commitment, organizational ambide on village government in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Self-efficacy has a positive but not significant effect on performance, self-efficacy has a positive and significant effect on organizational commitment, organizational ambide in village government in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Organizational commitment has a positive but not significant effect on the performance, organizational ambide of village government in East Nusa Tenggara Province. The ambition of organizational organizational has a positive and significant effect on the performance of village governments in East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Unaided and aided performance with a directional open-fit hearing aid

Differences in performance between unaided and aided performance (omnidirectional and directional) were measured using an open-fit behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. Twenty-six subjects without prior experience with amplification were fitted bilaterally using the manufacturer's recommended procedure. After wearing the hearing aids for one week, the fitting parameters were fine-tuned, based on subjective comments. Four weeks later, differences in performance between unaided and aided (omnidirectional and directional) were assessed by measuring reception thresholds for sentences (RTS in dB), using HINT sentences presented at 0° with R-SpaceTM restaurant noise held constant at 65dBA and presented via eight loudspeakers set 45° apart. In addition, the APHAB was administered to assess subjective impressions of the experimental aid. Results revealed that significant differences in RTS (in dB) were present between directional and omnidirectional performance, as well as directional and unaided performance. Aided omnidirectional performance, however, was not significantly different from unaided performance. These findings suggest for the hearing aids and experimental condition used in this study, a patient would require directional microphones in order to perform significantly better than unaided or aided with omnidirectional microphones, and that performance with an omnidirectional microphone would not be significantly better than unaided. Finally, the APHAB-aided scores were significantly better than unaided scores for the EC, BN, RV, and AV subscales indicating the subjects, on average, perceived the experimental aid to provide significantly better performance than unaided, and that aided performance was more aversive than unaided.
Consensus control of flexible joint robots with uncertain communication delays

Synchronization of networks composed by fully-actuated Lagrangian systems has received a lot of attention from the control theory community. Unfortunately, the case of networks composed by under-actuated systems of the same kind has not been deeply studied and the related literature is very reduced. The aim of this paper is to contribute towards the establishment of a control scheme for this class of networks by solving the particular case of a network composed by agents defined by Flexible-joint robots. The proposed schemes consider the presence of unknown delays in the communication channels. The usefulness of the controllers is validated through numerical simulations.
Effective pollination period for ‘Manzanillo’ and ‘Picual’ olive trees

Summary The effective pollination periods (EPP) for ‘Manzanillo’ and ‘Picual’ olive trees have been determined in two consecutive years in irrigated orchards in California and Spain. The duration of the EPP was variable between year and cultivar. Fruit set declined gradually in response to sequential cross-pollination. Consistent differences with respect to the maximum levels of initial fruit set occurred between 4 – 6 d after anthesis (DAA) in ‘Manzanillo’, and between 8 – 14 DAA in ‘Picual’. Fertilisation was first observed on day-2 after cross-pollination in both cultivars. Ovule longevity, determined by fluorescence microscopy, appeared to last > 14 d in both cultivars. The stigmas remained receptive for > 8 d. Estimates of the duration of the EPP, based on analyses of its components, were longer than those indicated by the declines observed in fruit set, suggesting that other factors such as the suitability of the style to support pollen tube growth may limit the duration of the EPP. These results suggest that self-incompatibility may be a more important factor than a short EPP in limiting fruit set in ‘Picual’, as well as in ‘Manzanillo’ olive trees.
Graphene Oxide to B, N Co-doped Graphene through Tris-dimethylaminoborane Complex by Hydrothermal Implantation

In this present work, we report a simple hydrothermal synthesis of B and N co-doped reduced graphene oxide through trisdimethylaminoborane complex. Maximum B and N atoms with an atomic percentage of 2.30 and 4.12 at. % respectively, were achieved onto the GO framework at the reaction temperature of 250°C. Introduction of B and N into the GO matrix was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. FT-IR measurement was conducted in order confirm the presence of different functional groups as well as the formation of different bonds such as B–C, C–N, B–O–B etc. XRD and Raman spectroscopy were employed to confirm the defects structures arisen from penetration of boron and nitrogen atoms to the GO lattice.
Molecular characterisation, pathogenesis and fungicide sensitivity of Pythium spp. from table beet (Beta vulgaris var. vulgaris) grown in the Lockyer Valley, Queensland

Table beet production in the Lockyer Valley of south-eastern Queensland is known to be adversely affected by soilborne root disease from infection by Pythium spp. However, little is known regarding the species or genotypes that are the causal agents of both pre- and post-emergence damping off. Based on RFLP analysis with HhaI, Hinfl and MboI of the PCR amplified ITS region DNA from soil and diseased plant samples, the majority of 130 Pythium isolates could be grouped into three genotypes, designated LVP A, LVP B and LVP C. These groups comprised 43, 41 and 7% of all isolates, respectively. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequence analysis of the ITS region indicated that LVP A was a strain of Pythium aphanidermatum, with greater than 99% similarity to the corresponding P. aphanidermatum sequences from the publicly accessible databases. The DNA sequences from LVP B and LVP C were most closely related to P. ultimum and P. dissotocum, respectively. Lower frequencies of other distinct isolates with unique RFLP patterns were also obtained with high levels of similarity (>97%) to P. heterothallicum, P. periplocum and genotypes of P. ultimum other than LVP B. Inoculation trials of 1- and 4-week-old beet seedlings indicated that compared with isolates of the LVP B genotype, a higher frequency of LVP A isolates caused disease. Isolates with the LVP A, LVP B and LVP C genotypes were highly sensitive to the fungicide Ridomil MZ, which suppressed radial growth on V8 agar between approximately four and thirty fold at 5 μg/mL metalaxyl and 40 μg/mL mancozeb, a concentration far lower than the recommended field application rate.
Watching, waiting and uncertainty in prostate cancer.

AIM This study explores the problems and uncertainties of older men, with prostate cancer, who have undergone watchful waiting and the strategies they use to manage their concerns. BACKGROUND With life expectancy rising, the number of older men with prostate cancer has increased. Nearly 50% of all new prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 70 years old. For many of these older men, improvements in medical care have increased the likelihood of living for years with prostate cancer. Thus, watchful waiting has been proposed as a reasonable alternative to treatment for older men with localized prostate cancer. METHODS A qualitative, descriptive design was used for this study. The results from interviews with 10 men who were undergoing watchful waiting for prostate cancer were analysed using the Mishel's Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness model. RESULTS Domains of uncertainty, appraisal of danger and appraisal of opportunity were identified and each was supported by participant's experience. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study may be used to expand the Uncertainty in Illness model and develop interventions for men undergoing watchful waiting for prostate cancer. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE These findings may be used to enhance current nursing interventions for men electing for watchful waiting as an alternative to treatment for prostate cancer, including patient teaching and support services. Future study should examine the role of nurses in managing uncertainty, especially in patient teaching and in the development, implementation and evaluation of interventions to manage uncertainty.
A randomized controlled trial in non-responders from Newcastle upon Tyne invited to return a self-sample for Human Papillomavirus testing versus repeat invitation for cervical screening

Background Non-attenders for cervical screening are at increased risk of cervical cancer. Studies offering self-sampling for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HrHPV) testing have shown greater uptake than sending another invitation for cytology. Objectives To explore whether uptake would increase in a less diverse, more stable population than the previous English study, which demonstrated a lower response rate than other studies. The primary objective was whether non-attenders were more likely to respond to a postal invitation, including kit, to collect a self-sample compared with a further invitation for cytology screening. The secondary objective was whether women with an abnormal result would attend for follow-up. Methods 6000 non-attenders for screening in this pragmatic, randomized (1:1) controlled trial in Newcastle-upon-Tyne were sent an HPV self-sample kit (intervention) or a further invitation for cytology screening (comparator). Results 411(13%) responded to the intervention, returning a self-sample (247(8%)) or attending for cytology (164(5%)), compared with 183(6%) attending for cytology, relative risk 2.25 (95% CI 1.90–2.65) (comparator arm). Of those testing hrHPV positive (32(13%)), 19(59%) subsequently attended cytology screening. Of those in the intervention group who attended for cytology screening without returning an hrHPV self-sample (n = 164), 5% (n = 8) were referred for colposcopy - all attended. In the comparator group eight of the nine referred for colposcopy attended. Conclusion Persistent non-responders to invitations for cervical screening are significantly more likely to respond to a postal invitation to return a self-collected sample for HPV testing than a further invitation for cytology screening. However, just over half followed up on this positive HPV result.
Nevirapine versus Atazanavir/Ritonavir, Each Combined with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine, in Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-1 Patients: The Arten Trial

Background Selection of first-line antiretroviral therapy requires consideration of efficacy as well as effects on lipids given the increased concern about cardiovascular risk in HIV-1 patients. Methods ARTEN is a randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial that compares nevirapine (NVP) 200 mg twice daily or 400 mg once daily to atazanavir/ritonavir (ATZ/r) 300 mg/100 mg once daily, each combined with fixed-dose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg/ emtricitabine (FTC) 200 mg once daily, in antiretroviral-naive HIV-1 patients with CD4+ T-cell counts <400 (men) and <250 cells/mm3 (women). The primary end point was plasma HIV RNA<50 copies/ml at two consecutive visits prior to week 48. Results A total of 569 patients were randomized and treated. Overall, 66.8% of NVP and 65.3% of ATZ/r patients achieved the primary end point (difference 1.9%, 95% CI -5.9–9.8%). Similar rates of serious adverse events were observed (9.6% on NVP versus 8.8% on ATZ/r), although discontinuations due to adverse events were more frequent with NVP than ATZ/r (13.6% versus 3.6%, respectively). None of the 28 patients virologically failing ATZ/r selected resistance mutations, while they were selected in 29/44 patients virologically failing NVP. NVP induced a significantly greater increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and apolipoprotein A1 from baseline than ATZ/r, whereas triglycerides increased significantly more with ATZ/r than NVP. Mean change from baseline in TC:HDL-c ratio was -0.24 for NVP and 0.13 for ATZ/r (P=0.0001). Conclusions NVP demonstrated at week 48 non-inferior antiviral efficacy compared with ATZ/r when given along with TDF/FTC, despite more drug-related discontinuations with NVP than ATZ/r. NVP was associated with a lower atherogenic lipid profile than ATZ/r although resistance mutations were more frequently selected with NVP than ATZ/r.
Ohmic Heating Behaviour and Electrical Conductivity of Tomato Paste

The ohmic heating rate of a food is highly influenced by its electrical conductivity (σ). In this study, tomato was ohmically heated by using five different voltage gradients (6–14 V/cm). Measurements were made from 26 to 96°C and showed a linear increase in σ values with increasing temperature. The voltage gradient was statistically significant on the heating time (P < 0.05). The ohmic heating system performance coefficients were in the range of 0.716-0.905. The pH varied from 4.20 to 4.51, over the voltage gradient range studied.
Clients’ Satisfaction with Primary Health Care in Muscat

Background: To measure clients’ satisfaction with primary health care in the capital of Oman, Muscat, and also to identify the factors affecting their satisfaction. Methods: Through a cross-sectional study in health centers, 400 participants during the period from November 2009 to February 2010 were interviewed about their satisfaction degree with the primary health care services and setting. Four urban primary health care clinics from Muscat were selected randomly. Six domains of satisfaction including accessibility to services, continuity of care, humaneness of staff, comprehensiveness of care, provision of health education, and effectiveness of services were calculated from selected variables. The mean score of each area were calculated and then divided by the number of items in each area. Finally satisfaction areas were ranked based on recent criteria. Results: Mean age was 29.5 years (SD = 9.37) for male and 26.01 years (SD = 7.12) for female participants. All the areas were suitable and only continuity of care had negative score. The ranked areas of satisfaction were as humanness of staff, effectiveness of services, access to services, provision of health educational materials, comprehensiveness of care, continuity of care. Conclusions: Primary health care were accepted as a suitable strategy for providing health care among clients of urban health centers of Muscat. It can be recommended to other countries to use this as a choice for health care provision.
Intimate partner violence and HIV risk factors among African-American and African-Caribbean women in clinic-based settings

Abstract Despite progress against intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV/AIDS in the past two decades, both epidemics remain major public health problems, particularly among women of color. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between recent IPV and HIV risk factors (sexual and drug risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections [STIs], condom use, and negotiation) among women of African descent. We conducted a comparative case–control study in women's health clinics in Baltimore, MD, USA and St. Thomas and St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (USVI). Women aged 18–55 years who experienced physical and/or sexual IPV in the past two years (Baltimore, n=107; USVI, n=235) were compared to women who never experienced any form of abuse (Baltimore, n=207; USVI, n=119). Logistic regression identified correlates of recent IPV by site. In both sites, having a partner with concurrent sex partners was independently associated with a history of recent IPV (Baltimore, AOR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.79–8.55 and USVI, AOR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.11–4.56). In Baltimore, factors independently associated with recent IPV were lifetime casual sex partners (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.11–3.57), exchange sex partners (AOR: 5.26, 95% CI: 1.92–14.42), infrequent condom use during vaginal sex (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08–0.72), and infrequent condom use during anal sex (AOR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.93). In contrast, in the USVI, having a concurrent sex partner (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.46–7.60), frequent condom use during vaginal sex (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.06–3.65), frequent condom use during anal sex (AOR: 6.29, 95% CI: 1.57–25.23), drug use (AOR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.00–10.06), and a past-year STI (AOR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.25–5.72) were associated with recent IPV history. The divergent results by site warrant further investigation into the potential influence of culture, norms, and intentions on the relationships examined. Nonetheless, study findings support a critical need to continue the development and implementation of culturally tailored screening for IPV within HIV prevention and treatment programs.